Hello, Subscriber First Name,

July is here!

This month’s photo of my calendar is the first taken in my new studio (and I’m avoiding the pull to arrange and rearrange for a better photo — I just don’t have time). We’re still getting settled into our home and much of my studio is waiting to be set up. I did unpack my books — mostly because I needed the boxes to move more things from our old house — and after the art tour I used the screws that were already in the walls to hang some of my remaining paintings (I love “storing” my paintings like this).

The dark blue walls and that grey carpet will eventually go (we have so many projects to tackle here!), but for now I’m enjoying the dramatic contrast, how the dark color makes my paintings pop.

I’ll share more of my new studio as time goes on. It will be a long process of settling in (not just in my studio, but with all aspects of our new life here) and I’m getting used to the thought that things will be messy and chaotic for a while. Nothing happens overnight. I think society encourages us to believe in immediate change. Weekend makeovers. Overnight success. But that doesn’t happen in real life. If you’re a gardener you know this. It takes time for a seed to grow. It takes even more time for a garden to develop. I learned this when I learned to paint, too. It took years for me to develop my skills as an artist. And that’s not a bad thing!

All of this is helping me to relish the slow. Relish the process. Enjoy the messy middle.

It might be messy, but oh, is it beautiful and magical, too. (For more about the move, check out this blog post*).

I love this month’s painting of purple poppies. It’s one of my all-time favorites (and has me itching to start painting again). It’s a good reminder about taking my time, too. Partway through the painting process, I nearly gave up and tucked it into a drawer. Last summer I pulled it out and finished it.

We can learn so many lessons from art and from gardening.

I had fun arranging the poppies with my current offerings at Viva Gallery in downtown Viroqua, Wisconsin.

If you’re not local but are interested in purchasing an original painting, reply to this message and we can talk about shipping options. I also offer fine art prints in my online shop.

The poppies have shown up in my (soon-to-be-former) garden, just on time. The rhythms of the seasons are both joyful and comforting to me. Being tuned into those rhythms inspires my art, but it also helps ground me in the world. I’m developing new rhythms in my life in the country and each day I remind myself to slow down and tune in. I don’t want to get swept away in the rush of all the work we need to do.

It’s the same sort of reminder I always give myself. Slow down. Be present. Notice.

Maybe you need the reminder, too. There’s so much magic in the everyday and it’s up to us to see it.

Two in-person workshops!

In August I’ll be teaching botanical watercolor at Driftless Curiosity as part of a 3-day creative retreat. Joy Miller has curated an interwoven lineup of guest artists, writers, presenters, and activities to help you escape the ordinary, connect with the land and get rooted in your creative energy.

I’d love to have you join us!

Learn more and sign up here.

And if you’re planning for next year and want to travel to somewhere a bit more exotic than Wisconsin … I’ve been invited to teach at the Sofia in Monsaraz retreat center in Portugal at the end of May/beginning of June in 2026!

Here’s a bit of the write-up: “Join us for 4 days of slow, intentional creativity nestled in the peaceful Monsaraz countryside. Anne’s gentle approach to watercolor and her deep connection to the natural world will guide you to notice beauty in the small things and reconnect with your creativity.”

Right now we’re gathering a list of anyone interested. Space is limited! Learn more about the program (and how this early access sign-up works) on their website. (And be sure to watch this video about the retreat center here).

I’d love to create something beautiful with you!

A creative prompt:

Make a list of summer intentions

The days are speeding past, but there’s still time to enjoy summer. Inspired by Lorene Edwards Forkner, I thought I’d make a list of summer intentions. Maybe you’d like to make one, too? Here’s a bit of mine:

• look for four-leaf clovers

• eat popsicles

• spread a blanket in the grass and spend the afternoon reading

• catch fireflies

• learn the names of more wildflowers, trees and mushrooms

• take a day trip

And, of course, intentions aren’t just for summertime. If it’s winter where you live, try writing a list of winter intentions. Every season has its gifts.

Some inspiration:

• This story about Floret’s Rose Ark project is beautiful and inspiring.

• Creativity truly is self-care.

• Do you have a reliable source of joy?

• What is your creative why?

• I recently read this fun book by Maira Kalman. Maybe you’d like it, too?

• I also recently discovered Eileen Garvin’s beautiful writing and hope she writes more books!

• Here are some words of encouragement if you’re on the edge of a big (and maybe scary) life change.

• I haven’t picked up any yarn projects for ages, but this shawlette pattern looks like it could be fun.

• A pep talk for sensitive creatives.

• Some thoughts about social media.

That’s all for today, my friend.

I know life is heavy right now. I hope you’ll spend some time looking for beauty and wonder.

It’s out there waiting for you to see it.

Wishing you joy,

*I’m experimenting with publishing my blog posts on my website and on Substack. I know some of my readers prefer one over the other. Now you’ll get to choose. I’m going to aim for one post a month sharing inspiration and encouragement and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my art, gardens and nature.

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