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Did you know that almost every piece of art I make and sell has a secret, hidden piece on the back? It's one reason why I buy 100% cotton watercolor--it's sturdy enough I can use both sides if I'm not happy with the first one. It's also why the art I sell at shows either has to be framed or matted with a backing board--it looks much more professional and cleaner if you can't see a messy failed painting on the back! So the next time you buy a piece of my art, don't be surprised if you see another...

My goal at the beginning of 2020 was to get out and show my work at events. Well...Covid had other plans and we we all know how that year went! So 2021 was the first year I really got to participate in art shows and events. I have done 11 events over the spring and summer, and as I wind down for the year I figured I'd write up some notes here, both for myself and others who may be looking to get into the KC art scene next year! I had a goal to do on average 1 event a...

Sometimes life throws an unexpected curve ball at you, like around this time last year when my husband fell off our porch step, broke his foot, and had to be chauffeured to work for a few weeks! And when these things happen, we need to be able to give ourselves the grace that staying afloat is perfectly acceptable. Sometimes it's enough to just survive, even if we're not thriving.  Our society tells us we need to constantly hustle, that relaxing is a waste of time. After a while this messages seeps into us and we tell it to ourselves as well....

I recently offered my time, supplies, and talent to the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter's Secret Artist fundraiser. A neighbor of mine is heavily involved in the group and had asked me to participate this year. Painting pet portraits is totally out of my wheelhouse, but I decided I was up for the challenge! I was assigned two commissions: a dog and a cat. I did 3 thumbnail sketches for each one, working out what colors I wanted for the backgrounds and for their fur. Then I used the fancy LED light pad my husband got me for my birthday to...

First Fridays in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District are kind of a big deal. The neighborhood is known for having numerous art galleries, and many of them stay open late and have special events on the first Friday of the month. The city closes some streets to have pop up booths, music, and food vendors. And it's packed with people! Driving through the Crossroads (or anywhere near it) is nigh impossible on those nights. It's been a few years since I've been to a First Friday (because fighting crowds makes Jen a grumpy grump grump), but I'm familiar with the event's...