Welcome all! I am an artist who works in sketchbooks and journals — and aside from writing, I work primarily in gouache though my first love was watercolor. I have also kept a written journal for over 40 years and I made a video about that recently that kind of blew up so I feel like I should cover some of those themes as well.
I am thrilled to report for duty here on Substack. What a complicated platform this is! And how packed full of potential! Some of you might know me as Wohlarts from Instagram — you may even have been part of the first round of Landscape Art Club back in 2022 (still thriving by the way though I am no longer in charge. I love how that community continues to grow!), or you might have discovered my work more recently on YouTube where I have been posting videos since last April.
While I have loved Instagram and Youtube—both have propelled me to expand my art practice and writing in new and different ways, more on that later—I have been finding them challenging for true engagement. My posts don’t land with my friends, let alone someone who follows but doesn’t know me. On Youtube, a video may perform very well but I have no ability to interact outside of comments. And then there is what I am fed when I am on those platforms. Often I log in and find a string of videos so distant from what I have actually signed up for as to make me question if I am holding my own phone. I have no intention to stop making videos (indeed I am addicted), but I have heard good things about Substack and how the content is smart and on point. So I thought I’d give it a try.
Here’s what I’ll share here:
Works in progress — progress shots and final views with commentary on how the process feels. I’ll also post short videos of my work set up, plein air excursions, and deep studio time.
Video releases — I am making lots of videos for youtube but I can’t really promise a consistent weekly release at this stage in my life. Maybe you all can relate: I am definitely in what we call the sandwich phase of life, with many family obligations. As such, time is often not my own. So I’ll send a note once a month or so with video releases in case you miss them.
Workshops — I lead workshops from time to time! Sometimes on gouache, or pattern creation or landscapes. I have been thinking about doing an online writing workshop for folks who intend to start a journal or need a little jumpstart after a break. I’ll announce when those sessions come together.
Recommendations — Books, movies, art supplies, you name it. I have no affiliate program — I’ll be doing this just because when I love something I enjoy sharing it.
Thoughts — this is a catchall for some ideas I have for future articles, think pieces, and essays relating to life, writing, making art and embracing midlife changes.
Here’s me on the Highline in NYC, by the way. It’s been a freezing winter but I really love that scarf.
Thanks so much for reading — I hope you will join the conversation and let me know what you have on your mind.
Until next time,
Amanda
p.s., here a link to that journaling video if you have any interest:
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