May

painting, events, peonies blooming, rosie legs, recs

lots of in-progress paintings for the West Side Art Hop

Dear everyone,

I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying what’s soon to be summer. It’s a cool sunny day here in Ann Arbor, MI. The late snow this area typically sees around Mother’s Day held off this year (thank god) and I got tomatoes and peppers planted over that weekend. Ticks and mosquitoes are the local pests, and I can tell you they are here in numbers at my garden site. ( protip: lemon eucalyptus oil is VERY effective! I’ve been using this brand (no affiliate)).

My garden plot after seeding, globe alliums blooming, and everything coming in!

Anyway, I’ve been painting up a storm, hoping to have a decent amount of work for the upcoming West Side Art Hop. It’s a local event on the west side of Ann Arbor where residents host artists in their garages or lawns, and it ends up being a kind of walk-around-the-neighborhood weekend. It sounds really cute, and I thought it would be a good way to meet the locals.

I’m also lucky to have three paintings in a local juried show at the Gutman Gallery. The works are on view and for sale through June 29th. You can see everything here:

200 Exhibition | Gutman Gallery Online Shop (square.site)

I recently stumbled upon artist Sandi Hester and got super inspired to work in my sketchbook. Her YouTube channel really got me going. I love her reminder to notice your body language when you’re making art. If your shoulders are scrunched up to your ears, and you’re terrified of making a mistake, maybe it’s not so fun anymore?

recent sketchbook pages

tulip paintings for sale in the shop

These two tulip paintings are for sale in the shop. I also added a lonely cross-body bag from the textile days if anyone is interested. You’ll see that shipping is now free across the site!

In other recs, I’ve been enjoying Rachel Kroh’s substack of Heartell Press. I’m a sucker for her printed card designs and love seeing her artwork. Turns out she’s also a great writer.

I’ve been listening to a new-to-me podcast in the car: Organic Gardening for Beginners. It’s succinct, reiterates the basics, and gives some great ideas on companion planting. I’ve got episode 57 earmarked. Can’t you imagine dwarf cosmos, kale, and alyssum in a pot on your porch?!

Some recent photos from my phone. Why not.

Have a wonderful weekend. Happy June!

Sara