September was filled with momentous occasions and returning to familiar rhythms. We have a new driver in the house which is simultaneously very exciting and terrifying. My heart races a little every time I get a phone call when I know my teenagers are driving.

There are many different moving parts behind the scenes to running a creative business; most of which are invisible and not very glamorous. I've spent the month getting caught up on the parts of my business that I've been avoiding and neglecting. Learning new things and trying to expand the reach of my creative work. The best way for me to grow is through word of mouth. When you share my work with the people in your life who know you have great taste, I'm able to reach a wider audience. For that, I'm always so grateful.

September was filled with custom projects and commissions. Pieces that challenged my creative abilities and inspired my practice.

I had a collector reach out about creating a custom ornament this month. If you're also on top of things this season, have a special place in mind, and would like to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, I'd be happy to create a one-of-a-kind ornament for you or your loved ones. Click below for more information about the process.

Ornaments are always my quickest selling collection throughout the year, so it's a great idea to get ahead of the mad rush of the holidays.

Custom Ornament Pre-order

Gouache Sketch of Cascade Mountain Reflected in the Bow River

I'm behind on painting my mountain sketches that I hoped to release by the end of September with an accompanying calendar. I hope you'll forgive me and stay tuned for release dates. I haven't decided if I would prefer to release them all at once, or if I'd like to showcase a new mini original each week and end the release with the 2025 calendar. If you have thoughts, feelings, or opinions on this, please be sure to share them with me.

It's always difficult for me to gauge interest in new projects, so I hope this is something you're excited about and looking forward to.

If I'm being completely honest, I've experienced a bit of burn out in my creative energy over the last couple of months. It comes with terrible timing as I prepare for the busiest season of the year. I've had a hard time feeling motivated to create lately, yet I feel overwhelmed with tasks and to-do lists almost all of the time.

Burn out is a familiar visitor to a lot of artists as so much of the work we create requires thought and feeling that is rarely quieted. I've struggled with overthinking in how to share my work and I've lost the connection I used to feel through sharing my work on social media. It often feels like I'm whispering into a loud void of people vying for attention. It's hard for me to remember that there are real people who want to see my work and enjoy the process of creation.

I'm enjoying my time sharing my thoughts and feelings with you through email and blogging and I'm grateful to feel your support on this creative journey. I have so many ideas and places that I want to paint and share with you!

October’s Featured Original:

“Soaking in this Beauty”

This painting was inspired by a beautiful summer day spent canoeing on Barrier Lake in Kananaskis. The water was so calm and peaceful and I loved to watch the mountains reflect in the ripples of the turquoise water.

“Soaking in this Beauty” was created with multiple layers of watercolor paint, adding to the depth and light reflected on the peaceful lake. Somehow, this painting is even better in person.

Collect “soaking in this beauty”

October’s Featured Print

“Kananaskis”

Kananaskis art print is a true celebration of the mountains. My favourite parts are that pop of mustard yellow that almost looks like gold from a distance. The misty mountains because painting atmosphere in watercolour will always be one of my favourite things, and the turquoise reflection. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful glassy reflection in a turquoise, glacier mountain lake.

Art has a way of capturing a place in time, offering reverence to nature's beauty, and bringing nature's abundant peace and calm into your personal sanctuary.

Collect “Kananaskis”

Thank you for allowing me the space and ability to create as a career.

I wish you the best this season. Thank you for your abundant support!

xo, Rebecca