Reach for the Stars, Little Wolf

The air feels weird right now—like that quiet little pause in a song right before the bass drops.

2025/26 has been nonstop with shows, (extremely grateful!) but somehow, I’ve landed in this tiny, golden pocket of calm before the fall shows kick in again.

Instead of jumping straight into another huge canvas, I’ve been doing the complete opposite. I’m hunched over this tiny little painting that’s kicking my butt more than any six foot painting ever has. It’s a study of my youngest daughter from “Mismatch Day” years ago. She was wearing a Wonder Woman cape, the headpiece, Converse pulled up to her knees, and a whole outfit that broke every fashion rule in the book. In the original photo she was posing with her arm extended upward, but on the canvas, I turned it into her reaching for the stars!

It’s funny how the smallest pieces end up being the hardest. This little thing is taking forever, mostly because I’m doing stuff I normally never touch. I’ve never really been into painting flowers (even though I love gardening), but now it’s creeping into everything. I’ve always done more figurative or moody atmospheric work, but my brain clearly has other ideas this season.

I think the 2025 garden is still messing with me in the best way. Every time I look at the painting, I keep seeing petals and vines sneaking in around her. It’s this funny tug-of-war between what I usually do and what’s trying to come out right now.

There’s something really nice about stepping outside my comfort zone like this. Every time I do, I end up learning new things and picking up techniques I never would’ve tried otherwise. It’s a good reminder that even when I think I’m just resting, my creative brain is still quietly working in the background, getting ready for whatever comes next.

For now I’m happy staying small, finding stars in the mismatch, and just letting the flowers grow wherever they want. I need to finish this little piece so I can move on to the new Black Lipstick Army ideas I have brewing. Wishing you a creative April…