Notes From The Studio

My Substack sometimes feels like an influencer space, a place where I’m only telling you what I’ve recently added to my cart. I find that the things that have the most influence and impact are often the ones I bring into the studio. With summer in full swing, I thought I’d share a few favorite tools, materials, and studio essentials for anyone hoping for a creative outlet this season. A few small things that invite more making, gathering, and time spent creating. Here is a look at what’s currently finding its way into the studio: new work, favorite supplies, thoughtful objects, and a few recent arrivals inspiring the months ahead.

The ink I use for delicate details and finishing touches. The stems from my most recent ‘Tulip Magnolia’ series were painted with these.

My favorite Mandalay brush here is used for many of my collections. I have the 8” and the 10”.

When we host an Open Studio, we cover the table with a canvas-fabric covering we recently had made to give the space a more polished feel. After being folded away between events, a good steamer is a necessity. We recently upgraded to this one.

Two studio favorites. My favorite catch-all bowls here. They hold anything from paints to matches while also adding a fun layer to the studio design. Under the bowls is my favorite watercolor set. Equally used at home, in plein air, and loved by my kids. Beautiful pigments, thoughtful colors, and materials that make the process feel effortless.

Fresh fabric, familiar forms. A few studio favorites were recently recovered, and the subtle shift in color and texture has brought a welcome sense of newness to the space. We upgraded both our chair and rolling cart.

I regularly mist my paintings as I work, and I recently upgraded my spray bottle to this one. A studio essential with an unexpectedly clever design. One squeeze produces a continuous, even mist that feels far more elevated than your average spray bottle.

Large watercolor paper that I use for my ‘Magnolia Series,’ which I am currently working on. The series will release later this summer. Stay tuned!