
why you should use your own reference photos
Using your own reference photos for painting is more than just practical - it’s a deeply satisfying part of the creative process. In this post, I share why using my own photos has become such a rewarding part of creating art, how it keeps me connected to my subjects, and why I find it so much more fulfilling than endlessly scrolling Pinterest. From self-portraits to family moments, using references bring my art to life.

how I stay kind to myself when I think my art sucks
This week, I wanted to rip up all of my work. I hated my artistic style, I felt like I hadn’t improved at all, and all I wanted to do was give up. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever stared at your own artwork and felt a wave of disappointment or shame, this post is for you. I’m sharing the things I’ve learned—both as a self-taught artist and a provisional psychologist—about how I stay kind to myself in those low, raw moments when I think my art sucks. If you get stuck in your head sometimes and feel disappointed with your art, you're not alone!

feeling lonely as an artist? you’re not alone
feeling lonely as an artist? you’re not alone <3 Being a part-time painter can feel beautifully freeing—and strangely lonely. Whether you paint at night after work, squeeze in studio time on weekends, or juggle art between other commitments, it’s easy to feel isolated as an artist. In this blog, I’m sharing thoughts on the quiet loneliness that sometimes comes with creating, and how to gently reconnect—with yourself, your art, and the wider world.

deciding to start a painting again – how to stay confident & inspired
Sometimes, despite all the hours, effort, and love you pour into a painting, you reach a point where it just doesn’t feel right. In this blog, I’m talking about the emotional rollercoaster of deciding to start over—from the frustration to the quiet confidence that comes from trusting your own creative instincts. Deciding to start a painting again is something I seem to face over and over - sometimes I know i'm being too perfectionistic and other times, the painting really does just need a do-over. Whether you’ve been here before or you’re facing a similar decision right now, this one’s for you.

letting go of perfectionism in your sketchbook
Do you ever avoid your sketchbook because you're scared to mess it up? You're not alone. In this post, I’m talking about how I’m learning to let go of perfectionism in my sketchbook, and why it’s one of the kindest things we can do for our art practice. This one’s for the self-taught artists, the overthinkers, and anyone trying to loosen up and enjoy the process. If you struggle with allowing perfectionism in your sketchbook, I'm here to help!