Hey friend,
So glad you're here. Pull up a chair, grab something warm to drink, and settle in. This is my little corner of the internet where I get to slow down, share what's been lighting me up, and give you a peek behind the curtain of life as an artist.
It's been a full, beautiful, messy season, and I have so much to catch you up on: a brand new way to bring my angels into your home, a new meditation offering, and new originals on the walls of one of Roanoke's most gorgeous spaces. And coming up, I'll be releasing new collections every Tuesday in November, including my 2026 Nutcrackers, ornaments, small "giftable" paintings, and curated gift boxes.
Let's get into it.
Behind the Scenes: Harmonies Blooming
All photos by Trent Currin Photography
I am so thrilled to share that I just had a show of my new collection at the private Shenandoah Club in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia.
The Shenandoah Club is a stunning, historic space, and getting to show work there feels like such a pinch-me moment. The collection features a series of colorful abstract works I created in late spring, celebrating my love of color, abstract expressionism, and the layering of juicy paint textures.
Think deep, saturated purples alongside warm earthy ochres and terracottas. Bold, expressive mark-making. Pieces that feel both grounded and alive.
This show came together during one of the most creatively full seasons I've had in years. I have been feeling really grounded and fully myself lately, and I think I've cracked something open for me in the best possible way.
If you're in the Roanoke area or planning a visit, you'll be able to see the collection at Present Thyme by mid-October, so stop by and see the work in person. There is truly nothing like seeing abstract paintings on a wall, in a room, with real light hitting them. If you can't make it in person, you can see the full collection on my website.
"In Alignment" | 24" x 30" | acrylic on canvas | 2026
See the Harmonies Blooming Collection HERE
Introducing My First Acrylic Cutout Angel:
The Celebration Angel
Meet the Celebration Angel, a vibrant, freestanding 6-inch acrylic piece designed to bring a burst of color, joy, and light into your home. Featuring expressive brushstrokes, rich turquoise and warm sunset tones, and a soft pink heart at her center, she was created to serve as a daily reminder of love, hope, and everyday blessings. Her 3/4-inch thick, crystal-clear acrylic catches the light beautifully on a mantle, desk, or windowsill.
She is available for preorder now for $65 (plus shipping and handling), and all angels will ship mid-October. Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift or a special addition to your own sacred space, I hope she brings as much warmth to your home as she did to my studio while I was making her.
The Celebration Angel ORDER HERE
A Thing I Love: The Practical Magic Soundtrack
There is something so effortlessly magical about this time of year, and nothing captures that feeling quite like stepping back into the enchanting world of Practical Magic. With the release of Practical Magic 2, I've been hit with the best wave of '90s nostalgia, taking me right back to cozy autumn evenings, crisp air, and the irresistible pull of spooky season. This soundtrack instantly puts me in the mood for fall and brings a little extra magic into the studio. Grab a warm cup of cider, press play, and let the cozy, witchy vibes wrap around you.
What's Cooking: Turkey Bang Bang Rice Bowls
If you're looking for a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, this one was a huge hit with my family! These Ground Turkey Bang Bang Rice Bowls instantly went into our regular rotation. The seasoned turkey is savory with just a touch of spice, but the real star is the homemade bang bang sauce drizzled over top. It adds the most delicious creamy kick.
I served ours over warm rice with fresh cucumbers, edamame, and shredded carrots for a bright, colorful bowl. It comes together in about 20 minutes and is super easy to customize for everyone at the table.
Artfully Minded: A Monthly Meditation
This season has me thinking a lot about slowing down. Between the painting, mom-ing, and everything life brings this time of year, I've found that sometimes the most creative thing I can do is simply breathe.
So I made something for my community. Artfully Minded is a new monthly meditation, just one minute long. This month's is called Softly, Blooming, inspired by the same feeling behind my Harmonies Blooming collection: the reminder that flowers don't hurry, and still, they bloom.
Each month's meditation goes out to my newsletter subscribers first. If you'd love one quiet minute delivered to your inbox, I'd be so glad to have you join us.
An Artist I Admire: Dominique Fortin
I want to introduce you to an artist whose work has captured my heart: French-Canadian painter Dominique Fortin. Her pieces are pure magic: dreamlike, whimsical, and deeply emotional. Working in rich mixed media, she builds layer upon layer of acrylics, collage, vintage text, and glowing gold leaf, creating textures that make you want to reach out and touch the canvas.
What I love most about Dominique's work is the sense of storytelling woven into every painting. Drawing inspiration from childhood, memory, and nature, her art feels like stepping into a gentle, storybook paradise. You'll often see delicate birds and butterflies floating through her pieces, symbolizing transformation, freedom, and the quiet beauty of the soul. Her work is a constant reminder of how art can reconnect us to wonder.
Come Gather With Me
Thank you, as always, for being part of this community. It genuinely means the world to me.
If you loved this peek into the studio, my monthly newsletter is where I share it all first: new collections, early access to launches, a monthly meditation, and a free phone wallpaper as my thank-you. I'd love to have you there.
With love, light and a little magic,
Julie