JO Blog

As I was growing up I dreamed of being an archeologist. I had a deep love of history, stories, and the idea of uncovering what was hidden. It was not until I was a working artist that I found it surprising that so many of the other artists that I admired also had this same […]

The holidays are approaching and I KNOW your hearts for family, home and gathering because you share them with me often. I know that you want attention to detail and beauty but most of all you want a home where people feel seen and loved! Women are atmosphere changers of their homes and gatherings and […]

There are those among us that travel this life with an open heart and eyes to see the beauty around them. In every way, this is my friend Aimee Irel Bishop. She has an appreciation and knowledge of the land she lives on, a confidence in her own creative process, an encouraging spirit, and the […]

In this free art lesson you will begin by creating organic ground markings on a simple piece of paper with your sharpie. These markings can be slow and controlled or chaotic mindless scribbles and doodling. Either way you end up with an amazing piece. In this easy to follow lesson Julie begins her meditative process […]

  Fourteen years ago I had a one, five and seven year old and once they were in bed each night I would create until the early hours in the morning. I look back now on those nights and know that those hours to myself to create and finding time no matter the exhaustion the […]

Have you ever wished you had a personal cheerleader to not only speak encouragement over you but to take your hand and show you what is possible? Well, that is exactly what you get in the heart and voice of Shaunna Parker of the Creative Exponent! She was made to encourage and bring joy and […]

  Fourteen years ago I had a one, five and seven year old and once they were in bed each night I would create until the early hours in the morning. I look back now on those nights and know that those hours to myself to create and finding time no matter the exhaustion the […]

The live workshops here at our home, land and studio ended a few months ago, so I have rounded up a list of live workshops here in the United States if you are deeply desiring creating with others.   There is so much magic in coming together in community! If you are able to gather […]

Want to learn to gather your own pigment, make art supplies from scratch and then create landscapes from your foraged finds? If you are lover of nature and the world around you THIS course is what you have been waiting for!   Each teacher on our creative network has been handpicked because I see something so special […]

Proof of Life Journal Entry No. 08 Welcome to the Proof of Life journal entry series. Writing more in general, and specifically with you, is something I hope to continue throughout the year. Like many of you, life has become clearer over the past year and there are many things I have dropped along the […]

In 2018 I knew that 2019 was going to be the last year I led overseas art workshops for the foreseeable future. As much as I loved gathering, teaching and traveling it was the most deep knowing that it was time and I had complete peace about my decision. Then 2020 changed all of our […]

There are those among us that travel this life with an open heart and eyes to see the beauty around them. In every way this is my friend Aimee Irel Bishop. She has an appreciation and knowledge of the land she lives on, a confidence in her own creative process, an encouraging spirit and the […]

I have been waiting to tell you some REALLY exciting news! I will be one of 6 successful females bosses to share their tips at The Vintage Round Top’s first online business workshop! They are well known for their gorgeous live events and this year it will be online for the first time! Early registration […]

I am constantly in awe of the beauty that is there if you have your eyes open to it. Sometimes it will be the little things like long phone calls with a friend, the apples in our yard almost ready to be picked, neighbors that are friends, a town that feels like a sanctuary right […]

There are so many big things going on in the world and within our country and in addition this doesn’t mean that the hurt and pain of day to day life goes away. During these times and always my only hope is Jesus. I was thinking about what I could share with you if you […]

Have you ever wished you had a personal cheerleader to not only speak encouragement over you but to take your hand and show you what is possible? Well, that is exactly what you get in the heart and voice of Shaunna Parker of the Creative Exponent! She was made to encourage and bring joy and […]

In this free art lesson you will begin by creating a floral still life sketch using three colors in a sketchy and loose format that will bring your piece to life! In this easy to follow lesson, Mary’s emphasis is to keep it simple and light for all skill types.  Her kindness flows in her […]

Want to learn to gather your own pigment, make art supplies from scratch and then create landscapes from your foraged finds? If you are lover of nature and the world around you THIS course is what you have been waiting for!   Each teacher on our creative network has been handpicked because I see something so special […]

  The team of Teachers for Wanderlust 2022 has been announced, and I am thrilled to tell you that I am one of them. Wanderlust 2022 is 57 mixed-media lessons, all downloadable and yours to keep forever. Plus handouts, creative community, and a whole bunch of bonuses which are available as soon as you sign […]

Proof of Life Journal Entry No. 07 Welcome to the Proof of Life journal entry series. Writing more in general, and specifically with you, is something I hope to continue throughout the year. Like many of you, life has become clearer over the past year and there are many things I have dropped along the […]

The first time I ever met Kate Poole I asked her what perfume she was wearing. I then became obsessed knowing she created natural skincare products and perfumes. Her spirit is gentle and kind and how she sees the world and nature invites us to see the beauty everywhere. These eyes of knowledge of nature […]

I am constantly in awe of the beauty that is there if you have your eyes open to it. Sometimes it will be the little things like helping your daughter pack up her room as she heads to college, a Facetime from our oldest wanting my help with his new apartment, our youngest sharing how […]

What does the art of a dancer and choreographer look like? When it is the art of Renee Mueller it is intentional, graceful, full of elegance, moments of unexpected beauty that take your breath away and subtle reminders that beauty is everywhere if you take the time to look. It is always the sweetest honor […]

What makes us take a second look at a work of art? So often it is the layers and textures that we didn’t see the first time but these layers beneath the surface bring us back for another look. Melissa Fink expresses her art through layers, textures, a soft palette and her interpretation of nature. […]