Last night, I was at the Ripon Farmers Market. It was my last one of the season. This year, I really ramped down my art appearances. I think I went so hard after Covid, that I burned myself out. It was a lot of work. Another reason I love the Ripon Market, because the focus for me is just to paint.

I found myself talking to so many people later into the evening. They were wanting to know my story. Did I take commissions? Was on Etsy?

They talked so kindly about my style. They were so sweet. Validation that I am doing what I should be doing. Today was my day off of the day job. I enjoyed a goodbye brunch with friends. I had a social media meeting with the thirft store that supports Lodi House, a local organization I am currently on the board for. Went to the gym, thinking about the words that filled my heart just hours before. I went to visit a couple of former co-workers when on of them spoke to me about a possible opportunity in the future. I then came home, plugged in my computer and just started creating an email, updating my website and making a plan.

Being an artist can be lonely. It is being vulnerable in front of complete strangers. Explaining that watercolors for me began as a way to connect to my heritage. My mother is Mexican. My dad is white. I am mixed. I never fully felt like I was one or the other. I remember being called “Mutt” in high school. We didn’t really ever see my mom’s side of the family even though the lived only minutes down the road.

The painting Latina women who did great things. Frida. Dolores Huerta. Joan Baez. Dolores del Rio. It was a deep dive, finding so many stories, giving inspiration. Since starting this painting study, I have created my own style. Through play, building on that style. If only I had more time!

Coming from the market, heart full, I have decided to make art work. I am starting an Etsy shop. I am taking commissions for personally inspired paintings. I am going to get back to workshops. I love being with people and sharing art. It is where I belong.

So stay tuned and thank you for joining me on theis journey.

Much Love,

Jen

There are some new followers here, so let me take a moment to introduce myself to you all.

My name is Jen. I am an artist. I paint modern, delicate pieces with alcohol ink. I play with watercolors and am dabbling in acrylics. I am a photographer focused on the details and textures that make up this world.

I find inspiration in the landscape, the sky above and where the land meets the sea. It is in these moments in the wilderness, where the world falls away, and peace finds me. It is that serenity that I paint.

My emotions also play a big part of my process. They show up in the colors that I choose. Blues and greens are calming. The more vibrant yellows and pinks radiate joy and happiness. The earth tones are grounding. The dark and moody colors reflect the turmoil that lays beneath the surface.

Art is my therapy. I cannot imagine not creating. That is probably why I am always trailing everyone else when out and about. I find the ladybug hidden in the tall grasses. I take in the warmth of the sun on my skin. I am lulled by the whispers of the gentle breeze and the birds riding those gusts. For me it isn’t just the destination. It is the journey.

As I have mentioned before, I have survived traumas in my life. And while, a part of me wishes I never had to endure those heavy burdens, the other part of me looks at those scars and understands that without those, I would not be here as I am now.

Art has saved me. I think art in its many forms saves. I turn to music and the artists that create those songs that touch my more when I am happy, mad or sad. I crave the written word and the photographs in beautiful books. Artists make this world bearable. Art reminds us that we are not alone. It gives us comfort when we don’t have the words.

Beyond that, I love tacos, succulents and cacti.

Last month, I had the pleasure for kicking off the Emily Jeffords’ Mastermind with a gathering in Scottsdale, AZ. There, I had the opportunity to have my photograph taken by the amazing Tara Ashton. While I have worked with other amazing photographers, I have never felt more comfortable in front of the camera. I am usually behind the lens. And while I am not where I want to be physically, it is the first time I felt comfortable in my own skin in a really long time. I was where I was supposed to be. I was amongst talented women who were meeting in the desert with the same goal - to grow.

Photographs by Tara Ashton. Desert Botanical Garden.

Thank you Tara, for your beautiful spirit and talented eye. More photos to come.

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XOXO,

Jen