​ Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... September in the Midwest is that sweet spot between summer and fall - warm days, cool evenings and just a hint of color starting to show in the trees. It’s the kind of season that makes you want to slow down and grab a sweatshirt (did someone say football???). It’s also a perfect time to take your brushes outdoors for the bluest of blue skies or capture the warm tones of fall from inside your studio! Needless to say, this month brings plenty of artistic inspiration. I’m especially excited to explore ArtPrize right here in my town of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where creativity will literally fill every corner of the city. Additionally, galleries around the Midwest and across the country are opening thought-provoking exhibitions that promise fresh perspectives and new ideas - we're sharing a few below. And as always, we’re spotlighting some September hot spots. Finally (drumroll please...), in our own Atelier, we have Artful Travelers joining us from around the country, so not everyone gets the chance to experience all that Grand Rapids has to offer in person. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that our next destination will be none other than the home of the Artful Traveler, Grand Rapids, Michigan! I can’t wait to share the sights, stories and creative inspiration of this city with all of you—even if you're local, there’s so much to explore! I’m excited to take you on the journey. We'll kick off with Beyond Brushstrokes on Thursday, September 4th. If you'd like to join us, click the button below. Take me to Grand Rapids! Enjoy your Labor Day and Happy Painting!

P.S. On a personal note, I am excited to share that I completed 29 courses to earn my Certificate in World Art History from the Smithsonian! The Art History classes I took my senior year at Northwestern were two of my faves!

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Exploring Alaska Through Gouache

Lately, I've been diving into the vibrant, versatile world of gouache, experimenting with its rich, matte colors and playful layering possibilities. It's been incredibly fun to see how this medium allows for both bold, expressive strokes and delicate, detailed work. Above are some of my recent gouache paintings inspired by a trip to Alaska.

Gouache is a fascinating medium with two distinct forms—traditional watercolor gouache and acrylic gouache. I’ve been exploring the traditional version, which is essentially an opaque watercolor that can be reactivated with water even after it has dried. This sets it apart from acrylic gouache, which behaves more like acrylic paint and dries to a permanent, water-resistant finish.

Compared to regular acrylic paints, watercolor gouache offers a velvety matte finish, softer blends and the ability to rework areas long after the first layer has dried. It’s portable and forgiving, making it great for sketchbooks and travel studies. However, its reactivation can be a drawback if you need durable, layered effects—one stray water drop can disturb a finished section. Acrylics, by contrast, of course, provide lasting vibrancy and texture but lack the same quick re-workability.

I also discovered that you can purchase gouache tube paint (which I prefer), squeeze it into the small convenient pans and rehydrate it much like you do with watercolors. I like using the little pans because I prefer the paint from tubes but the pans are more convenient; I also like to take different colors depending on what I'm painting and whether I am traveling or just want portability.

After extensive research, I found ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache. It is not particularly well known, but for those who have discovered it, they love it. It also got great reviews for maintaining a creamy consistency even with rehydration. I purchased this set of 24, but they also have a smaller set. I have been very pleased with these paints (and bonus (!) they are a bit less expensive than some of the more well known brands)!!

ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache

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ArtPrize in Grand Rapids: A Feast for the Eyes

Every fall, Grand Rapids, Michigan transforms into a vibrant playground for artists and art lovers alike during ArtPrize, one of the largest international art competitions in the world. Streets, parks, museums and even unexpected public spaces come alive with thousands of entries - from painting and sculpture to interactive installations and multimedia projects. It’s a chance to see creativity in every corner and experience the city itself as a living, breathing gallery.

For visiting artists, ArtPrize offers more than just inspiration, it’s a reminder of how art can interact with everyday life. From the iconic Grand Rapids Public Museum to the charming Downtown Riverwalk, there’s always something surprising around the next corner. Whether you’re drawn to bold, large-scale installations or intimate, detail-rich works, ArtPrize is a celebration of art’s power to connect, challenge and delight.

Previous ArtPrize Works

By JaenellWoods - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57716749

Phto credit By JaenellWoods - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65413365

Photo credit: JaenellWoods - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57717013

Click here for ArtPrize Info!

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Don't Miss These Exhibitions in September

A Beautiful Experience: The Midwest Grotto Tradition John Michael Kohler Arts Center Sheboygan, Wisconsin This exhibition highlights the remarkable tradition of Midwest grottos - ornate concrete structures adorned with shells, marbles, figurines, glass and locally sourced geologic materials, reflecting personal stories, faith and place. At its heart is the first public presentation of Madeline Buol’s monumental, 13-piece grotto, rescued and conserved by the Kohler Foundation, alongside works that inspired her. Thru May 10th, 2026. Learn More

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Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit One of the largest showcases of contemporary Native American art in the Midwest in over three decades, this exhibit features nearly 90 works by more than 60 Anishinaabe artists—spanning basketry, beadwork, birchbark art, jewelry, painting, pottery, sculpture and more. It was curated in collaboration with Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi artists and features gallery labels in both English and Anishinaabemowin. September 28 thru April 5, 2026 Learn More

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John Singer Sargent The Paris Years (1874-1884) Musee d'Orsay, Paris The exhibition Sargent: The Paris Years (1874–1884) opens at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris on September 23, 2025. This exhibition brings together over 90 works, including many never before seen in France, and traces his formative rise from a Paris art student to a celebrated portraitist. John Singer Sargent is a celebrated American artist, but little known around the world; this exhibition hopes to change that. Thru January 11, 2026. ​ Learn More ​ Editorial note: Sargent is one of my favorite artists! I particularly love his later work.

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Sixties Surreal Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC This a sweeping, revisionist survey of American art from 1958 to 1972 that spotlights the surreal, fantastical and psychosexual undercurrents often overshadowed by Pop, Minimalism and Conceptualism. Featuring works by over 100 artists. It redefines our understanding of the era by exploring how artists across the U.S. used Surrealist strategies to confront the rapidly changing social and political landscape. September 24 thru January 19, 2026. Learn More

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Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750 National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), Washington, D.C. This exhibit spotlights the creativity and cultural impact of over forty Dutch and Flemish women artists. This groundbreaking showcase spans painting, lacework, prints, paper cuttings, embroidery and sculpture, re-centering women’s vital contributions within the artistic economy of the Low Countries. September 26, 2025 thru January 11, 2026. Learn More

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Capturing Autumn's Palette: Painting the Magic of Fall Foliage

As summer fades, nature begins its most dramatic performance - transforming greens into fiery shades of crimson, amber and gold. For artists, fall foliage is more than a seasonal treat; it’s an ever-changing source of inspiration, with light, texture and mood shifting daily. Capturing this fleeting beauty can challenge your eye for color and composition, making autumn the perfect time to take your sketchbook or easel outdoors.

When painting fall colors, consider building your palette with warm yellows, rich oranges, deep reds and earthy browns - but don’t forget the cool tones in shadows and distant hills. Layer transparent glazes to mimic the way light filters through leaves and mix complementary colors to create subtle variations that keep your painting lively. Observing how morning and evening light alters the landscape will also add depth and atmosphere to your work.

Below are some key color mixes I have found useful for fall paintings:

• Bright Gold Leaves: Cadmium Yellow Medium + a touch of Cadmium Orange
• Shadowed Greens (Late Autumn): Sap Green (or mix Yellow + Ultramarine Blue) + Burnt Sienna to dull it
• Warm Orange-Red Leaves: Cadmium Orange + Alizarin Crimson
• Deep Burgundy Leaves: Alizarin Crimson + Dioxazine Purple + touch of Burnt Sienna
• Earthy Brown Leaves: Burnt Sienna + Cadmium Orange + touch of Ultramarine Blue

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September's Best Destinations

Munich, Germany Oktoberfest Oktoberfest kicks off in late September (despite the name). Beer halls, Bavarian music and a lively atmosphere draw millions. Mild weather and autumn colors add to the charm. By the way, if you go, you must dress up! Lederhosen and dirndls are de rigueur!

Bali, Indonesia Spiritual Arts & Rice-Terraced Landscape September sits in Bali’s dry season, ideal for exploring Ubud’s galleries, temple ceremonies, craft classes and terraced landscapes - this is sensory inspiration at its richest

Venice, Italy Biennale & Film Festival Energy In early September, Venice pulses with creativity thanks to the Venice Film Festival (on Lido) and the Biennale Arte. Expect iconic art, cinematographic glamour and inspiring canal views—a dream for painters and art lovers alike.

Great Smoky Mountains Fall is Unfolding In September, you’ll find cool mornings, misty mountain views and the first hints of foliage color peeking through. Hiking trails like Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove offer tranquil beauty, while nearby towns with music, local festivals and mountain culture round out the experience.

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Now is the perfect time to become an Artful Traveler! Whether you're a seasoned painter or just rediscovering your creative spark, we'd love for you to join us on this journey. We believe that everyone has an inner artist just waiting to be nurtured.

Click Here to Join Us

We also have a Fall Challenge coming. If you want to be one of the first to know about it, add your name to the list:

Tell Me About the Fall Challenge

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