Mossy Blue Musings

12/27/2022

Winter is here and it’s been pretty cold.  Rain, snow, ice and wind!  We have been lucky and have had a very mellow, cozy December.  Had family close and lots of snuggle time. In between storms we've had Finn out and about too!

One of my favorite projects this December was being one of 10 designers selected as part of Changing the Narrative’s Anti-Ageism Campaign.  So honored to be among these amazing designers.  Here is a sneak peak at my design.  All 10 will be released in January 2023 and mine will be available on my website once the campaign launches.  If you’d like to read more about the campaign and see links to the other designers, the link is here.

The rest of December I’ll be working really hard to wrap up final to do lists for the Atlanta Market and NYNow. I’ll be showing my line in Atlanta in January and in New York in February. These will be the biggest and longest trade shows I’ve ever attended. I’m both very nervous and also very excited! I’ll be surrounded by other paper lovers and some very good friends so I know I'll be ok. Lots more to come on my travels and experience as 2023 progresses.

If you fancy even more Mossy Blue art and adventure stories head on over to Wonder and Wander, my Patreon.  It's such a great way to support artists, and learn more about their art and why they create.  I have followed a few artists over the years and it's been so fun to go along their journeys.  

Wonder and Wander is a space where you can join me on my creative journey. You'll find even more: painting videos, Patron-only peeks into work in development, & early access to all things Mossy Blue.

I truly hope as you read this you’ve had a wonderful and restful December.  May winter fill your heart with comfort as you take time to snuggle in and maybe even hibernate a little. 

10/28/2022

I always have a drawer full of greeting cards. I love going through them to find just the right card for the occasion. A few cards I tend to use a lot are thank you cards, momma or baby cards, and, of course at this time of year, Holiday cards.

I've heard so many times that my customers return to get more cards so they can make a little gift bundle to give their friends and family to have on hand. That is incredible and I am so thankful.  Here are a few of my favorite cards you might like to share.

10/15/2022

A few folks have been asking to see some behind the scenes process photos. Spooky Little Halloween Kitty is my latest creation.  

Watercolor is where all of my designs begin. I start with a drawing.  I usually draw in Procreate since it's so easy to erase and get the shapes and lines just right.  Once complete, I print out my drawing and transfer it to my watercolor block.  I use a ballpoint pen to re-trace all the lines.  It's how I learned in art school, and how I still do it today.  Love good ol' fashion transfer paper!

Then the fun begins!  Applying the watercolor is my favorite part!

I keep going and going until all the color is complete.  I haven't quite captured the rest of my process yet.  I'm working to capture more and more soon.  Once the pieces are done, I scan them to my computer and transfer them back to Procreate for all of the final edits and additions like my hand lettering.  I tend to go back and forth with the files between Procreate and PhotoShop to complete the final piece. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my creative process!  

10/10/2022

Welcome to my blog! I'm so excited to share my adventures in the Pacific Northwest, where I live and paint. 

I'm a watercolor artist with a passion for nature, travel and adventure. I love exploring new places, learning about different cultures and experiencing new things.

I've lived in this part of the world my entire life, and it's truly my home. The mossy trees and salty blue seas always inspire me to create art reflecting my surroundings.

I’ll be sharing my experiences behind the scenes in my studio as well as many of my wanderings through these beautiful forests and waterways.  I’m sure my sweet, Finn will make many appearances too.  He's definitely an adventure pup!

I hope you'll enjoy following along with me as we explore together!