I Did it! We Did it!
I did it!
I have been a painting machine this summer! I've completed more paintings this year than ever before, which is so exciting. It's such a great feeling. I did have to cut back on a job or two to make the time, but I'm so glad I took that leap — us Heroines, we take big scary leaps sometimes!
At the end of July, I completed two new paintings. One of them, Morning Marsh, is now hanging at the Saltwater Artists Gallery. It's a beautifully simple sunrise over a marsh that would look gorgeous in a bedroom or living room — head to my online gallery to get all the details. Or come visit me this month at the Gallery to see it in person!
The other painting is much larger, and the story behind it is even better.
For those of you who don't know, I've spent the last three years—almost four—helping my friend Susanna turn her course into a book. We worked tirelessly to get all the details right. The book is done, the editing is complete, and we are just waiting on the designs now. It’s in the final steps!
The book is called The Guide to Real-Life Heroines, a self-help book that encourages women to uncover their authentic selves and grow into their fullest potential. Especially now, when so much feels uncertain and so many rights are under threat, it matters more than ever that we take care of ourselves and learn to listen to our inner Heroine. This book is full of activities you can start right away to help you fall in love with yourself again and start making the changes that lead to your best life! I'll be sure to let you know the moment the book comes out!
Here's the most exciting part: In July, I submitted my painting to be considered for the book's front cover! My painting is called Inner Heroine. While I was working through the manuscript with Susanna, I kept picturing pieces of this painting in my mind, and the moment I passed the final edits back, I started painting it. Now it's finished, and it came out even better than I ever could have imagined. Inner Heroine truly is beautiful, and I cannot wait to share her with you! Whatever happens with the cover, this painting already did her job — she exists. Now you all get to see her either way, as the cover of a book or as yours to own. The original will be for sale, along with limited prints and cards, because she deserves to be shared with the world!
The excitement doesn't stop there — I recently met with Susanna and Karen, the weHeroines co-chair, to share the painting in person. They loved the painting! The book designer is now mocking up covers using my artwork (ahhhh so cool to say), and soon they'll decide whether to use it. Now I just wait, with a whole lot of anticipation! I will share the painting with you as soon as they have made their decision!
We did it!
My gallery was just named DOWNEAST Magazine's #1 Art Gallery of 2026! Woohoo! They'll officially announce it in the September issue. Thank you so much to everyone who voted — what an exciting way to kick off my official art career!
So keep an eye out for the September issue of DOWNEAST, and mark your calendars: I'll be "The Artist on Duty" at the gallery for the next two Tuesdays, August 18th and 25th. Swing by, say hi, and pick out a painting or print for your home! I will see you there!
