The Frog That Paints My Silence

 

A Pause in the Journey

What does one do when moving forward feels impossible?

For me, it came down to a choice: surrender to the weight of it all—or disappear. That might sound harsh, but in those moments, giving up felt easier than continuing to live in pain. Depression has a way of convincing you that no version of life is worth enduring.

I tried counseling. Slowly, I began to open myself to healing. I started to see that the weight I carried wasn’t just “in my head,” but rooted in years of unspoken trauma—much of it from a time before I even had a say in my own life. Still, I had to learn how to carry that past as an adult, and that meant facing not just what was done to me, but how I’d learned to survive it. The baggage was real—and it was heavy.

This blog began in 2009 as a quiet space to document my journey as a self-taught artist. It was never meant to be about trauma or struggle. It was meant to be about paint, color, light, and growth. I used this space to stay focused on the brighter side of creativity, while quietly managing the storms behind the scenes.

But the truth is, I didn’t start painting from a place of joy—I came to it from desperation. Art gave me an outlet, a way to process pain when words weren’t enough. Over time, I painted through the silence, using this blog as a record of creative progress, while leaving the deeper parts unsaid.

Now, I can’t keep those parts separate anymore. Life has brought me back to the source of it all—the ache that led me here in the first place. Family struggles, emotional exhaustion, and the slow unraveling of things I thought I’d buried have caught up with me. Continuing this journal without acknowledging that would feel false.

There isn’t an audience here. There never really has been. This blog has always been a space for me—to process, reflect, and document my path through art and life. And so, before I step away, I wanted to write this down as a way of honoring the truth: this pause is not failure. It’s survival.

I’m not sure if or when I’ll return. But for now, I need silence. I need space. I need time to tend to the life behind the canvas.

Maybe one day, I’ll come back with new work, shaped by what I’ve walked through. Or maybe this will simply mark the closing of a chapter.

Either way, I’ve said what I needed to say—for now. I painted my way toward something better, though not toward the perfection or excellence I once thought I had to reach. Healing doesn’t always look like triumph. Sometimes, it’s simply making it through.

The darkness is still there, waiting quietly in the shadows. And right now, that’s where I find myself—in the in-between, sitting with it, not fighting it.

That is where I am.

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Summer Storm

After the Tornado

A tornado doesn’t just tear through land—it rips through everything: homes, memories, foundations, and the quiet spaces inside us we thought were safe.

When a storm like that hits, it doesn’t ask permission. It destroys what it wants, without warning. The chaos it leaves behind feels unbearable—but strangely, it’s also where rebuilding begins. In the aftermath, there’s room to clear, to replant, to start again… even if it’s not the life we had before.

This painting brought me a brief joy in its completion—like sunlight breaking through rotating clouds. But as I sat with it, the weight returned. My own storm—the one inside me—is still spinning. And I’m still in the middle of it, trying to hold on.

Creating helped me breathe, helped me feel something steady. But the truth is, I’m not on the other side yet. The winds haven’t calmed.

Not yet.

A Storm Worth Painting

Summer storm season is in full swing, and I felt inspired to capture the energy and emotion of a dramatic skyscape. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I love breathing new life into old misfit canvases—those pieces I once considered unfinished or unsatisfying. This one was no exception.

Below, I’ve shared a few progress shots that show how the painting has evolved so far. I’m not quite finished yet—there are still a few more layers and details to add—but it’s already coming alive with movement and mood. Stay tuned for the final reveal!

The Ebb and Flow of a Painting

As I build each layer of this painting, I snap photos along the way—documenting both progress and setbacks. Sometimes a layer works beautifully; other times, it doesn’t. That’s all part of my process. In those moments of uncertainty, I try to return to the feeling that inspired the piece: a calm evening by the Mississippi River, the warm breeze brushing past, and the breathtaking glow of the setting sun. I remember the light—how it dimmed gradually, leaving the sun surrounded by a soft, golden halo.

When I began this painting, I started with vibrant colors. At first, they felt right. But when I compared it to the original photo, I realized the sky was too bright. That’s when I began adjusting—introducing deeper blues, burnt umber, and just a touch of white to soften it. I added dabs of lavender and peach to bring balance. Honestly, that’s when frustration crept in. I liked where the painting had been before adding the moodier tones, but the perfectionist in me wanted it to better reflect the photo.

This is usually the moment I know I should walk away, let it breathe for a few days. But instead, I kept pushing to finish. I could call it done, but something still feels off—something I can’t quite name.

Below is a diagram showing the different stages of the painting, with the lower right image showing where it currently stands.

Finished Painting 

Layers, Currents, and a Little Dyslexic Magic

This piece is really starting to come together as I continue building up layers in acrylic. One of the biggest challenges I'm facing is figuring out the direction of the water’s current. The reference photo shows the water shifting in multiple directions, making it tricky to translate accurately on canvas.

To help with this, I often rely on a little trick—I look at the painting in a mirror. Being a bit dyslexic, I sometimes struggle to process alignment and directional flow when staring directly at the canvas. But when I view it through my phone screen or in reverse, things suddenly click. It’s strange, but it works for me!

Can’t wait to share the finished piece soon.

Just about finished 

The beginning 

Mississippi Evening Glow: Continues

 Bringing It to Life, Layer by Layer

Each layer I add continues to breathe life into the painting. One of the biggest challenges has been capturing the river grasses — finding that balance between realism and impressionism, and creating depth. It’s a slow process: adding lighter reeds, then darker ones, stepping back, squinting, and layering again.

I don’t pre-mix my colors (though I know it’s often recommended), so I have to rely heavily on memory and feeling — recalling the warm glow of that evening and the beauty of the landscape I was lucky enough to witness. As I paint, I try to hold onto that moment. I’ve been warming up the tones to reflect that golden light, but also cooling down some of the greenery to keep the composition grounded.

I often second-guess myself as I work — it’s just part of my process.

The piece is coming along well, but there are still many hours ahead before it feels complete. Stay tuned to see how it evolves.

Mississippi Evening Glow: Acrylic Painting In Progress

There’s something magical about walking near the water at dusk—especially along the backwaters of the Mississippi River. On a recent walk down a quiet biking trail, I was struck by the warm, hazy atmosphere. The evening light had a glowing quality, thanks in part to the haze drifting down from the Canadian wildfires. The soft golden tones and the stillness of the landscape stayed with me—and that’s where the inspiration for my latest painting began.

I’m working on a 22 x 28-inch canvas in acrylic, a size that gives me enough space to play with depth and light. To start, I laid down a yellow-orange underpainting to capture the warmth I felt that evening. This base gives a gentle glow to everything that follows, almost like the light behind the memory.

Next, I blocked in the darker shapes of the trees and lower foliage. For that, I mixed blues with touches of orange—leaning on the contrast to build some early structure in the composition. The shadowy areas started to take form, grounding the piece.

The sky, of course, had to be something special. I created a blend using cerulean blue and Prussian blue with white, then added just a dash of dioxazine purple to echo the moodiness of the haze. It’s subtle, but it gives the sky a dreamy, almost surreal quality that matches the evening I remember.

This is just the beginning—there’s still much to refine, layer, and bring to life. Stay tuned as I share more progress in the coming days. I’m excited to see where this painting takes me—and I hope you’ll follow along.

Complete: Remembering Molly

Just wrapped up this little cutie! This portrait was painted on an 8x10 canvas using acrylics. The reference photo was quite dark, with limited detail, and—since it was the only photo the owner had of their beloved pet who has since passed—I had to get a bit creative.

To bring more life and warmth into the piece, I lightened the background to a soft greenish-blue and deepened the red of the blanket she was laying on. I chose to omit the white and yellow blanket in the original image to help the composition flow better and draw more focus to the pet. The owner also requested a collar with her name, which I was happy to incorporate.

Considering the challenges, I’m really pleased with how it turned out. While I usually prefer painting portraits in oils for their richness and blending qualities, time was a factor for this one. Acrylics were the better choice for a quicker turnaround, especially to avoid muddied colors while working in layers.

Now… onto my next painting project!

Photo 

Remembering Molly—A Portrait of Love and Legacy

This pet portrait, Remembering Molly, is nearly complete—just a few final touches and it will be on its way to its new home. Each time I create a portrait of a beloved pet or person who has passed on, I’m deeply reminded of how fleeting and precious life truly is. One moment we’re here, and the next we’re a memory.

As difficult as loss can be, it’s a powerful reminder of how deeply we can love. A painting has the ability to capture the spirit, warmth, and personality of a life once lived—a life that still lingers in the hearts of those left behind. It’s my hope that each portrait I create brings comfort, joy, and a lasting connection to those cherished memories.

I feel truly honored and blessed to do this work.

As a hairstylist, I’ve also had the solemn privilege of giving some of my late clients their final hairstyle for their wake. It’s a tender responsibility that I never take lightly. Whether through hair or paint, I feel called to help people honor the ones they love.

Some call it a calling. Others say it’s a God-given talent. Whatever it is, I know it’s my passion—and it gives my life purpose.

Remembering Through Art: A Portrait of a Beloved Companion

My next painting is a commissioned piece—a portrait of a client’s beloved pet who has passed away. She only had one photo to share, which makes the process more challenging. With just a single image, I lose the benefit of multiple perspectives and the chance to truly capture the pet’s personality. To make it more difficult, the photo is quite dark and lacks fine detail. Still, I’ll work with what I have and do my best to bring this cherished companion to life on canvas.

Stay tuned to see how this sweet fur baby emerges, one brushstroke at a time.

Kelp In Motion: Complete

After several attempts to incorporate something unusual into this project, I ultimately decided to stick with the fish. At first, I had planned to include a mermaid or even a sunken ship—maybe both. But after some thoughtful consideration, I realized those additions might overwhelm the painting and make it feel too busy, especially given the limited size of the canvas. In the end, simplicity won out. Perhaps in a future piece, on a larger canvas, I’ll revisit the idea and let the mermaid take center stage.

Gift Of A Portrait Continued

The painting below was initially completed, but something didn’t sit right with me—the background felt off, and the hair color wasn’t quite what I had envisioned. To bring it closer to what I wanted, I deepened the background using a mix of burnt sienna, raw umber, and medium yellow, which gave it more warmth and depth. I also darkened the hair and made subtle adjustments to the skin tone. I'm much happier with how it's coming together now. The forehead still needs a bit more blending before I apply the final varnish, but overall, the changes have brought the piece closer to my original vision.

Link of post of original painting

Portrait received 

Gift Of A Portrait

Portrait painting is always a challenge. Capturing someone’s likeness from a single photograph often comes with its own set of hurdles—colors can feel off, and lighting isn’t always ideal. I’ve yet to try painting from life, as my sketching skills are still a work in progress. For now, I rely on printing the reference photo and using tracing paper to emboss the basic outline onto the canvas. It’s a method that helps me place the eyes, nose, and mouth proportionally, giving the portrait a solid foundation.

This particular piece was painted in acrylics on an 11x14 canvas and is a graduation gift for my niece. While I see areas that could use further refinement, I made the decision to stop before I risked overworking it and dulling the vibrancy. Working under a time constraint definitely has its drawbacks, but at least this piece will be delivered—rather than joining the stack of my many “misfit” paintings waiting in the wings.

Painting Collection: Babe’s Safari

Completed

Recently, I painted four individual safari animals for my grandson’s new bedroom. Afterward, I had an idea to include my grandson in one painting, sitting along side his new safari friends.

Click link to view Safari Animal Paintings

When beginning a painting I use an inspirational photo to guide my project. Sometimes, I use a digital photo to help refine my vision, and for this, I rely on the Procreate app. It’s a great tool that allows me to combine my artwork with digital photos. I can upload images of my paintings, then manipulate and arrange them within the app to find the best perspective and composition for each piece. It’s an essential part of my creative process. Then I transfer the idea onto my canvas and paint!

Beginning 

Work in progress 

Adding finishing touches 

 

Nursery Paintings Cont

I love looking for painting projects to do. Often to try to enhance my skills as an artist. But recently I found out  that I’m going to have another grand baby. Yay! Such an exciting time to have another baby around. Which is why I decided to do these cute paintings.

They are simple, fun, fast and fantastic to create for any occasion. 

  

Adorable DIY Safari Animal Art for Your Baby’s Room

Getting ready for a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to decorating the nursery. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing project that adds a personal touch, this DIY safari animal artwork is a perfect way to de-stress and bring some cuteness into your baby’s space!

Easy DIY Safari Animal Art

These charming baby safari animals are surprisingly simple to create. Even if you’re not confident in your drawing skills, don’t worry—you can use a cute cartoon template to trace your design. Here’s how:

1. Trace Your Design: Use carbon tracing paper to transfer a template onto a canvas. This saves time and ensures a polished look.
2. Paint with Soft Colors: Use acrylic paint thinned with a bit of water to achieve soft, pastel hues. This keeps the artwork light and soothing—perfect for a nursery.
3. Outline for Definition: Once your painting is dry, use a fine-tip black marker to outline your design, adding detail and depth.

And just like that—voilà! You have an adorable, hand-painted piece of art that ties your baby’s nursery theme together.

Not Into Safari Animals? No Problem!

If safari critters aren’t your style, there are endless other adorable designs available online. Whether you prefer woodland animals, ocean creatures, or dreamy celestial themes, you can easily customize this project to match your vision.

Creating your baby’s nursery should be a joyful experience, and this simple DIY project is a wonderful way to add a personal, handmade touch. So grab your supplies, get creative, and have fun bringing your baby’s space to life!

Kelp In Motion

In this painting, I continue exploring the kelp forest, a process that has been both intriguing and rewarding. Capturing texture, movement, and light presents unique challenges, but incorporating fine details—delicate dashes and varied dots in multiple hues—brings the scene to life. These dynamic patterns create a sense of motion, making the kelp feel as if it’s swaying with the currents.  

As I refine my techniques, I find a deeper connection to the subject, allowing the painting to evolve organically. More to come as this piece progresses! To see post of last update click link Kelp cont. 

 

The Cost Of Creativity: Investing In Yourself

Just as a painting needs pigment, a passion needs investment.

How true this is.

Much like the saying “better late than never,” this speaks volumes about investing in yourself. Many struggling artists aren’t just battling finances—they’re battling hesitation. Sometimes the biggest hurdle isn’t buying materials, but believing it’s worth the effort to try.

Art has been my way of figuring things out. It’s taught me patience, discipline, and the value of showing up—even when it’s messy.

This blog is my personal journal—a space to share the real moments of my creative journey. I’m not here to sell or impress, just to be honest about what I’ve learned. If my path helps someone else feel less alone in theirs, then it’s worth sharing.

The Art of Quality: Why Materials Matter

For over 20 years, I’ve painted with student-grade off brands and Liquitex acrylics, prioritizing affordability over professional brands like Winsor & Newton, Golden, or Grumbacher. While cost was my main concern, I never really questioned whether higher-quality materials could enhance my work.  

As a dedicated artist striving to improve, I’ve experimented with various mediums—charcoal, watercolor pencils, oils, and most recently, watercolors. Learning has always been my driving force, and I’ve spent countless hours reading books and watching YouTube tutorials. One recurring theme, especially in watercolor discussions, stood out: the crucial role of quality supplies.

Curious but not ready to invest in professional-grade products, I upgraded to a mid-tier watercolor set—Koi Watercolors—along with 100% cotton paper. The difference was immediate. The colors were richer, the application smoother, and the overall experience more enjoyable. It left me wondering: Why hadn’t I upgraded my other mediums sooner?  

Does better quality really matter? Absolutely. Professional-grade paints, paper, and brushes respond more effectively, allowing for greater control and improved results. While skill develops with practice, using the right materials can elevate an artist’s potential in ways budget options simply can’t.

 

Watercolor Painting With Children

One of the joys of working with the young is their pure joy, enthusiasm and creativity. I am often fascinated with how fast the littles take to painting. My youngest grandson loved his new experience at working with watercolor. I did have to guide his hand and brush slightly. Otherwise, my dining room would begin to look like a Pollock. 

Note: My watercolor palette (Master’s Touch) is non-toxic to children. For children under age 10: recommended to having an adult overseeing craft or painting activities. 

Watercolor Greeting Cards

This year I have made several varieties of greeting cards. Recently, I have been practicing with watercolor paints. Below are several examples I have made. Instead of buying expensive store bought cards. I decided to make my grandson’s each a card based on a theme or characters they like.

Get creative and personalize each card.
*Grandma, would move icebergs for you*

This one is for my Titanic obsessed grandson 

Kelp Painting Cont

Actually, I’ve never been scuba diving in my life. I can only imagine the breathtaking beauty of the ocean coming to life beneath the surface.  

Painting a seascape is my way of immersing myself in that world—a way to explore its wonder and magic without ever leaving dry land. For now, this is as close as I plan on getting, and that’s more than enough for me.

My inspiration comes from online photos of kelp beds. I may decide to add marine life or a mythical creature such as a Mermaid. I have to figure out the kelp first. 

Painting kelp is a first for me. The colors have been a challenge. I have used several mixing formulas of violet, orange, cobalt teal, crimson red, burnt sienna, titanium white, and phthalocyanine blue. I will post more soon. 

Painting Kelp: Helps Winter Blues

 

 Beginning Phase

Adding Subject 

Since January is nearly over, I’ve found myself shifting into the mindset of warmer weather. One of my favorite ways to embrace summer is by heading to the beach. Unfortunately, living in the Midwest means the closest option is the river shoreline—far from ideal, especially after winter, with its lingering smells of chemicals and dead fish. Not exactly paradise.  

That’s why this is the perfect time to create an ocean scene on canvas. Above is the start of my newest painting, inspired by where I’d love to be right now: scuba diving through an amber forest of golden, flowing kelp beds, where fish gracefully dance in the turquoise depths. Absolute heaven! Stay tune for the finish.

Painting Winter Scenes

These snow-themed paintings showcase the variety of colors that can capture the essence of snow—ranging from blues, violets, and grays, to greens and browns—each offering a unique perspective of a snowy landscape.

As I've discussed in previous posts, painting snow is as much about patience and practice as it is about achieving the level of accuracy you find satisfying. For me, the goal is realism, though I often feel I fall short. My style leans toward a craft-like approach, but I continually refine my techniques to achieve a more realistic application.

For beginners, it can be overwhelming to follow expert tutorials focused on realism, especially when you're just looking for something fun and accessible. Personally, I find that keeping the process enjoyable makes learning much more rewarding.

What I love most about this process is how it allows me to learn by recreating, which ultimately helps me create something even better with each project. It has been invaluable in refining my skills and deepening my understanding of the medium.