Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... Happy New Year! As we begin again, I want to start, where I always try to start, with gratitude: for the Artful Traveler community and the Kelly Scott Fine Art community, for the space to create and reflect and for the chance to set intentions with a little more clarity than last year. This season always invites both looking back and looking forward, and I’ve been doing a fair amount of both lately. If I’m being honest, the biggest thing that didn’t...
about 1 month ago • 8 min read
Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... First things first. Yes, I know, it’s already the middle of December. If you’ve been wondering where this newsletter wandered off to, here’s the honest answer: I returned from my bucket list (solo) trip in mid-November and somehow blinked and it was Thanksgiving and my daughter was home. Then I prepared for and participated in my first two art fairs (more on that below), then Christmas needed tending to, then I celebrated my birthday and then suddenly…...
about 2 months ago • 7 min read
Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, I want to start with gratitude. I am eternally grateful to all of you for your support and encouragement this past year. A year ago, the Artful Traveler was but a twinkle in my eye. We've come a long way, and still have a way to go, but it has been an incredible journey and I want thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank everyone who joined me for the...
3 months ago • 8 min read
Hi there Reader... Just a friendly nudge to remind you that our Académie à la Carte Year in Paint Challenge kicks off in a week and we’d love to have you with us! Yes, I want to join you! We’ll paint 12 beautiful pieces — one for each month — each inspired by a different destination. Think snowy January peaks, spring blossoms in far-off gardens, golden summer sunsets and autumn reflections on lavender fields. Every painting will be a little postcard from around the world, captured in your own...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader... You know I don't like to bombard you with emails, but I did want to quickly remind you that the Year in Paint Challenge kicks off on Monday, October 13th! I forgot! Sign me up! We’ll paint 12 pieces — one for each month — each inspired by a different destination. Think snowy January peaks, spring blossoms in far-off gardens, golden summer sunsets and autumn reflections on lavender fields. Every painting will be a little postcard from around the world, captured in your own...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... I love fall. It's my favorite season. I call it shorts and sweatshirt weather: perfect for sunny days and cool, crisp nights. And I know there's a huge contingent of people who are over the (harvest) moon now that pumpkin spice everything is available. To be honest, pumpkin spice is not really my thing, but I get it. It comes with the whole fall package: sweatshirts, pumpkin spice, football and lest we forget, fall colored peanut butter M&Ms (not...
4 months ago • 7 min read
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...
5 months ago • 7 min read
Note from the Atelier Hi There Reader... As summer begins to wind down, we wrapped up our virtual adventures in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine—and what a lovely journey it was! From coastal charm to local blueberries to their infamous loon, our time summering there was the perfect blend of art and escape. We also welcomed a wave of new Artful Travelers during our very first Académie à la Carte offering—the 30 Day Value Challenge. It was exciting to see so many of you dive in and strengthen your...
6 months ago • 5 min read
Hi there Reader... While visiting the Art Institute of Chicago earlier this week, I had the chance to stand in front of Gerhard Richter’s Townscape (PI) and I couldn’t stop thinking about how brilliantly it ties into our current focus in the Academie a la Carte 30 Day Value Challenge. Townscape (PI) by Gerhard Richter Even though it’s filled with architectural complexity, the painting reads clearly and beautifully from across the room because of one thing: strong, simplified values. Richter...
7 months ago • 1 min read