THE BLOG
Dear Wonderful, Creative You:
Welcome to Mindful Art Studio. I am Amy and I’m here to show you how to paint from your heart and soul and play with art again.
Our Longing For Retreat
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: It's been two years since I've been able to return to one of my most beloved places on earth - to Squam Lake for an art retreat. When I arrived, the lake was a sight for sore eyes, and I felt myself sink into its familiar embrace. Squam...
What Can I Do With My Slow Drawings?
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: Slow drawing has seeped into every part of my art practice. I love the way these nature-based patterns seem to have a connection to everything, and everyone sees them differently. It speaks to the way these patterns repeat throughout...
Do Less, Make More.
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: One of the things that has fascinated me most about art over the last few years is how powerful it is when we create space. I find the less I do, the more I make. For me, and my students, it's about creating space: Physical space in which...
Finding a Sense of Wonder in Your Art
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: I've been hosting Slow Drawing Parties since the beginning of the pandemic, and so many folks have told me how important the practice is to their lives. But when folks first start, especially if they are new to art, it can be hard to...
Join the Simplest Things Challenge!
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: Last year, during all the stress of the pandemic and lockdown, I pondered a simple question: What would happen if I created the simplest thing I could in my journal today? It's a pretty radical question, isn't it? How often do we have...
The Best Gifts for Artists 2021
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: This year, in the spirit of reducing the amount of stuff that might end up in our oceans or landfills, I'm suggesting some less tangible, but highly valuable gifts. Some of them are completely free, and others are an investment. Each of...
The Mindful Art Studio Book List 2021
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: Every fall, I compile a list of books that have made an impact on me that year. I include a broad scope of topics because our art practice is made up of bits and pieces from every part of our lives. I think about books as an important...
Is it Art Talent Or Art Work?
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: Over the last two weeks, we engaged in a simple art challenge. The idea was to create for a short period of time, on a small square, every day for 12 days. You were invited to let go of perfectionism and embrace play and...
You Don’t Need an Art Style, You Need an Art Practice
Dear Wonderful, Creative You: One of the most common questions I get from students is this: How do I develop my style as an artist? It's a logical question, but it's the wrong question. Trying to develop your artistic "style" is a bit like trying to stare at your...