All posts by Cara

Starting Is The Hardest Part

After a restful January spent lounging at home, I emerged from hibernation with renewed creativity. I started cooking more and even baked some bread, then I began to play around with some art ideas that have been on the back-burner since November: a bandana to celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse and a simple desert scene made up of line art.

Black bandana with white lettering reading "Texas Eclipse 2024" and simple symbols of the sun and moon.
Texas Eclipse Bandana, hand-printed on cotton – grab one here before they’re gone.
A sun shines down on a saguaro cactus.
The simple desert scene depicting a saguaro cactus, which I used to make a fun, glittery sticker.

I was also honored by Tacoma-based band Prickly Paranoia when they asked me to design a T-shirt.

A woman wearing a black t-shirt with a colorful cactus logo.
Such a fun project!

In February I was suddenly inundated with opportunities to share my creations: I participated in an emergency art show / fundraiser to help Big Medium recover from a fire that broke out in their new gallery, popped-up at the Galentines Market hosted by Clover + Maven, and delivered one of my largest paintings to the Visions Unbound group show at ArtUs Co (on exhibition thru March 16, 2024).

A blue and black painting of three grackles hangs on a gallery wall.
My painting “Taco Raptors” at Big Medium’s Fire Recovery Exhibition.
A few people crowd around art at a gallery.
A group of art lovers appreciating the wall where my painting “Topographic Map Of Barton Creek Greenbelt” hangs at ArtUs Co.

It’s been great to be so busy and full of energy, but I’ve missed painting. I cleaned out my studio and made a larger space for my easel, but there always seems to be something more pressing to attend to. I wonder if I’m finding reasons not to work on my painting.

Every so often this kind of fear-based procrastination creeps in. Painting can feel SO BIG, so vulnerable, because I love it so much, and because I’m putting it out there.

But I know just how to solve this problem. All I need to do is start, after that, everything else will flow. Starting is the hardest part. And so, I begin…

Art studio with painting on easel.

COMING UP
You can find me and my art at these events and exhibitions:

February 9 – March 16, 2024
Visions Unbound Group Exhibition with work from 50+ Austin artists.
ArtUs Co, 10000 Research Blvd, FREE

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Art In ATX Babes Market with live music from DJ Dámino serving Nu Funk/ Tropical House & Ecstatic Dance Sets. Shop from local businesses and artists ranging from baked goods, to fine art paintings, jewelry & much more!
Batch, 3220 Manor Rd, 12-4pm, FREE

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Salon-style group art show with on-site artist studios to explore, a photo booth for guests to commemorate their experience, and a drink making cocktail machine debut by Mixim. Drinks are free for guests 21+. Nonalcoholic beverages provided by Liquid Death will also be available free to all guests.
Highland Collective Gallery, 6401 Airport Blvd, 6-11pm, $10

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Unofficial SXSW Party with art market, DJ, rum and chocolate tastings!
Clover + Maven, 1023 Springdale Rd, 5-7pm, FREE

April 26 – May 27, 2024
May Market with 100+ regional artists and artisans under one roof! (open weekly Friday-Sunday + Memorial Day)
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, FREE


Hope to see you there! (ask me how my painting is coming)

The Year Of Fun

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As promised, I’m going to backtrack a bit and share some of last year’s adventures.

I said “YES!” to every opportunity and ended up traveling much more than I’d expected to. I got burned-out from it all, but it was well worth it. And after getting some serious rest after the holidays, I’m feeling fulfilled and motivated – a great way to start 2024!

Here’s a quick tour of some of the new things I explored in 2023:

A sunken hiking trail beneath tall trees.
A surreal section of Old Military Road or “The Trail Of Tears” at Village Creek State Park, Arkansas.
Sandy hills and hiking trails among tall trees.
Sandy hiking trails at Warren Dunes State Park, Michigan.
The sandy beach of Lake Michigan with seagulls.
Lake Michigan at Warren Dunes State Park.
Thousands of people stand near a giant stage.
Huge crowds at Electric Forest in Michigan.
Lights in pine trees.
The beautiful, art-filled forest.
A stage among tall pine trees.
New music, performed among the trees.
A group of friends in matching mushroom hats.
A wonderful group of adventurous friends.
Hot air balloons rise above a stage.
Breathtaking art at an enormous scale.
Colorful paintings on the walls of buildings.
Colorful street art around Richmond, Virginia.
An American flag flies above blooming flowers and a green golf course.
A slower pace of life in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
A wooden, mushroom-shaped structure near a lake.
A giant mushroom at Lakes Of Fire in Michigan.
Colorful lights illuminate pine trees and a dance floor under a tent.
Illuminated dance floors.
Cube-shaped and circular floating docks with swimmers trying to climb on.
Unusual water floats that were more challenging than relaxing.
A couple sit under a flaming metal ring with metal flaming palm trees on either side.
Unforgettable metal sculptures.
Tree covered hills lead to old brick buildings decorated with colorful murals.
The charm of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rebar-covered structures and old airplanes create a bizarre structure in front of an old industrial building.
Ridiculous, climbable art at City Museum in St Louis.
Rolling, tree-covered hills.
Untouched wilderness in the Ozarks.
Tall stone buildings lit by red and green lights.
Slightly-spooky old buildings in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
A large barn decorated for a wedding.
A beautiful wedding in Vermont.
Colorful lamps light up a dance floor filled with people.
Funky, freaky, wonderful dancing at the Light Club Lamp Shop in Burlington, Vermont.
Lights from carnival games and rides light up the night sky.
Rides and games as far as the eye can see at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Cara with a large pretzel and beers.
Giant pretzels and huge beers.
A large painted man in lederhosen decorates a game booth.
Silly games.
Colorful lights and paintings decorate buildings at night.
Nightlife in Berlin, Germany.

So, it was a jam-packed year and I’m relishing these chill, post-holiday days when I can finally take stock of it all and make my plans for this year.

I’m excited about the eclipse in April and getting to spend time with my family. I’m excited about my artwork and getting back on a routine in the studio. I’m excited about the friends I made and the inspiring things I’ve seen. But mostly, right now, I’m excited to be home and have time to relax.

Here’s to a restful, relaxing, and peaceful new year for us all!

Austin Art Month

November is the biggest time of year for the Austin art scene. It’s a great time for it, the weather is finally cooler and people want to get out and enjoy it together. And there’s plenty of chances with fun activities happening throughout the month.

The Austin Studio Tour fills three weekends with free events all over the city as Artists and Galleries open their doors to the public.
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar has long been my favorite place to find unique holiday gifts.

Here’s a list of all the places where you can find me and my art:

Nov 1, 8-10pm
Austin Studio Tour Kickoff Party & Fundraiser
George Washington Carver Museum
Tickets and details

Nov 4-5, 12-6pm, Free
Visit with me at my art studio, with special guest JFR Glass
refreshments provided by Topo Chico, Desert Door, and Treaty Oak
Austin Studio Tour Stop #140

Nov 4 – Dec 2, Free
View artwork by Austin Studio Tour participants at the Group Art Show in the George Washington Carver Museum

Nov 11-12, 12-6pm, Free
Visit with me at my art studio and watch as I make a new painting
Austin Studio Tour Stop #140

Nov 17 – Dec 24, 10am-10pm, Free
Shop at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar to see hundreds of local artists under one roof!
6100 Airport Blvd

Nov 19, 2:30-5pm, Free
Watch me paint outside at Dear Diary’s popup art market with live music
1212 Chicon St #103

My latest painting “Inside Santa Elena Canyon” will be on display Nov 4- Dec 2, at the George Washington Carver Museum, as part of the Austin Studio Tour’s Group Show. You can get a sneak peek at the art and party with the artists at the Kickoff Party and Fundraiser on Nov 1, click here for tickets and details.

MORE FUN STUFF

I’m excited to add some new grackle stickers to my shop. I’m so happy to finally have a little flock of these hellions! Apparently, a group of grackles is actually called a “plague”!
I’ve partnered with The Shabby Wick to bring art prints to their Dripping Springs candle shop!
Somehow I made time to visit Munich for Oktoberfest for a friend’s birthday. After my adventurous summer, this is probably the most I’ve traveled in one year (except for that time I lived in an RV for 5 months) and I’m having trouble keeping up with blog posts about it all, but I definitely want to share some more pictures soon!
I’m loving the creative skeletons that I keep seeing all over Austin.

Have a wonderfully spooky Halloween!

Back In The Studio

I’m back in Austin after taking the summer off to road trip around the Midwest and Eastern US. I visited friends and family and crossed two big festivals off my bucket list (Electric Forest and Lakes Of Fire). It was my longest road trip to date (that wasn’t in an RV) and it was awesome and exhausting and everything in between.

I’m still debating how I’ll write about it all (too much for one blog post!), but in the meantime, I’m shifting my focus to my home, my art, and some big art events that are coming this Fall.

I’ve settled into my art studio and started experimenting with simple compositions and bold colors.

Hot Springs Trail, inspired by my trip to Big Bend National Park.
Happy to be back in the studio!
I made a new colorful Austin sticker, available at Dear Diary Coffee.

THINGS I’M LOVING

Swimming at Barton Springs Pool – finally!

Adding sautéed leeks to my mashed potatoes for more flavor and texture.

Supporting Austin Wildlife Rescue, a local nonprofit that rescues orphaned, injured, and sick wild animals. I donated my “Twilight In The Heart Of Texas” painting for their upcoming Caring For Critters Brunch silent auction – you can still grab a ticket!

Listening to this two-part series by Hidden Brain which explains how and why we’re happier when we regularly experience pain or discomfort.

…Which is one reason why I predict that A LOT of the people who were stuck at Burning Man will emerge with tons of gratitude for the experience.

Always look for the silver lining…or the rainbow in the rain storm.

Making Time

Traveling with friends and family has always been one of my favorite things. And so, amidst the chaos of packing up my home and studio and moving across town, I somehow managed to make enough time for a couple short trips – first to New Orleans to enjoy Jazz Fest with my family and then to Enchanted Rock for some camping with friends.

Exploring Bourbon Street at sunset
Catching some music after dark
Back in Texas, Enchanted Rock was absolutely bursting with wildflowers
It was revitalizing to slow down and spend some time in nature
There’s no shortage of laughter when camping with these goofballs

On top of all that, I installed my biggest art display yet at the Blue Genie May Market (you can still catch the last weekend: May 26-29).

My 8’x12′ wall of paintings and art prints!

With so much going on, I felt that my trips were too short, my home too disorganized, my body and mind exhausted, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m proud of myself for being up for tackling so many things and making it work.

I do wish I could spend more quality time with the people I love. It seems like it’s gotten harder to slow down and enjoy a conversation and that’s something I want to cultivate at my new home, where I’ll be able to host small gatherings.

I’m still working on my studio space, but it’s getting closer every day. I’d just started planning my next Big Bend painting when I had to take my studio apart to move.

Working on the outlines for a new painting

I won’t stay put for too long though, next month is going to be full of adventure. Stay tuned!

COMING UP

I’ll have a couple paintings at Art For The People Gallery as part of their Vibrance Of Summer exhibition (June 10 – Aug 11, 2023).

Stop by their sweet S. 1st Street gallery and see these babies in person!

Caprock Canyons, acrylic on three canvases, 30″x70″
Scorpion, black light reactive acrylic paint on wood panel, 12″x12″

I hope you’re finding ways to make time for the things that bring you joy!

Ocotillos

Those weird stick-like plants that spring up out of the desert floor all around Big Bend National Park.

I timed my visit to catch the plants in bloom, when they transform themselves from dry thorns to delicately leaved stalks, each topped with a flame of brilliant red flowers.

These plants are so tall and strange, they remind me of something you’d find growing underwater, perhaps on a coral reef. (Even stranger, they’re more closely related to blueberries than cacti!)

The ocotillos that inspired me to make a painting, near the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park.
Tiny leaves and bright red flowers on the Ocotillo.
Planning the painting by first drawing outlines with India ink pens.
The final painting: Ocotillos, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″

COMING UP

This weekend I’m bringing paintings, art prints, and stickers to Blue Genie in preparation for their May Market! It’s a great place to find unique treasures and gifts and the May Market tends to be less crowded than the winter one, so if you’ve never been to the Blue Genie Art Bazaar before, this is the perfect time to check it out. Find dates and times on their website.

I’m moving to a new studio in South Austin! I’ll have more space and will be closer to some of my favorite places (like Barton Springs Pool and the Greenbelt). I can’t wait to get settled in and share photos of the new setup!

Thanks for reading – I hope you’re enjoying this fabulous spring weather!

Santa Elena Canyon

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One of the most popular places to hike in Big Bend National Park, Santa Elena Canyon does not disappoint. The hike is a fun one with a water crossing and quick change in elevation that reveals wonderful views of the sweeping landscape below. Far off mountains and steep cliff walls give the feeling of flying.

One of the fun things about hiking along the Rio Grande is the temptation to cross the river and suddenly be “in Mexico,” although signs warn you not to, and there really isn’t anything over there but more canyon and miles of brutal desert, it’s a fun idea nonetheless.

The best thing about the canyon is being inside of it, listening to the warbling canyon wren songs echo off the walls, the subtle trickle of the river, and the golden sunlight breaking over the edge of the cliff. But when I decided to paint the canyon, my first thought was to capture the entire thing.

So, I’ve worked from a photo taken far away at the overlook, which shows the distinct shape of the canyon’s entrance. I used somewhat muted (for me) colors, with the purple that I saw in the far-off mountains pretty much everywhere I went in Big Bend.

Photo taken at the overlook.
Santa Elena Canyon, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Detail showing the subtle texture and brushstrokes in the painting.

COMING UP

I’ll be back at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar for their May Market and I’m excited to have more wall space this time! This means I’ll be able to bring more original paintings as well as art prints and sticker sets.

The market will be open 10am–8pm, weekends April 28 – May 29, 2023 (Fridays – Sundays only, plus Memorial Day) at 6100 Airport Blvd.

Learn more on their website.

NEW! – Framed Canvas Art Prints

I’m excited to have found the perfect solution for those who want beautiful, ready-to-hang artwork for their home, but who don’t want to purchase a large original painting. These canvas prints look fantastic, are professionally framed with wood finished in three choices of color, and are smaller and much less expensive than the original artwork. To celebrate, I’m now offering free shipping on all products on my website!

My first framed canvas print is the Cactus Love artwork, but I’m planning to add more. Please let me know in the comments if you have a favorite painting of mine that you’d like to see offered as a canvas print!

Thanks for reading!

Purple Prickly Pear

I’m excited to share the first painting from my series inspired by Big Bend National Park!

While camping in Chisos Basin, we asked a park ranger for places to stop on the way to Santa Elena Canyon; one of his suggestions was the Homer Wilson Ranch, which can be viewed from an overlook on the side of the road.

Once there, I was quickly distracted by the plants growing along the side of the cliff, especially this vibrant purple prickly pear cactus, which seemed to shimmer in the desert sun.

The original photograph I took near Homer Wilson Ranch.
Drawing the outlines of the image, in preparation for painting on canvas.
Purple Prickly Pear, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Detail, showing the looser, more painterly style I’m embracing with visible brushstrokes.

I also recently finished a painting of Santa Elena Canyon and am currently working on one of the Ocotillo (those strange, stick-like succulents that have fiery-red blooms). I’m excited to share those with you soon!

THINGS I’M LOVING

This article about Austin, which does a fantastic job at exploring the issues I wrote about in my last post. I especially relate to the idea of “double vision,” as memories of old places exist alongside their replacements in this ever-changing city.

Listening to the Human Behavioral Biology lectures by Dr Robert Sapolsky, nicely organized on this website. Before switching to Fine Art, my first declared major was Psychology, and my interest in it has stayed with me.

The birds that visit the tiny bowl of water I keep for them on my porch. I’m starting to recognize specific cardinals and goldfinches that come multiple times each day. Their presence is a nice reminder that Spring isn’t far away!

Austin

The city I call home. I grew up visiting family in Austin and moved here in 2007, planning to move on after about four years to explore life on the Pacific coast. Somehow that never happened. Later, I tried to chart a new path when I packed up my stuff in a storage unit and traveled the Western US in an RV for five months. But I came back. And stayed.

I think about moving and get antsy. Maybe it’s just wanderlust, but I have this feeling that somewhere else I could be happier. But then I leave for a bit and when I come back I feel so relieved – I think it’s because of the people.

Texas has a sort of “you do you and I’ll do me” attitude. Freedom is a virtue. And Austin has a hippie vibe that attracts creative, open-minded people. This combination of freedom-to-be and unusual bohemian spirit results in outlandish expression that takes many forms, all of which delight me.

One day I saw a man, dressed head-to-toe in a zebra onesie, riding a scooter through the neighborhood. And I didn’t blink. It was a normal day, a Tuesday afternoon; there was no apparent reason for the costume. I realized that my lack of reaction meant I’d attained true Austinite status. If this had happened in my hometown, I would have been excited to tell my friends “you’ll never guess what I saw today!,” but in Austin, this is pretty normal for a Tuesday.

But this city keeps changing. It’s unbelievable how much it has grown in the years I’ve lived here. While driving through downtown, it isn’t unusual to spot construction cranes numbering in the double digits. The traffic has become dangerous and backed up. There are lines everywhere, parking is a challenge, and reservations are required. It’s a big city now.

Like everyone else, I’ve struggled with the changes. I began to plan my day around traffic and I stopped going out as much. I stopped going downtown or to South Congress just for fun. I stopped going to Barton Springs Pool. Everything just felt harder and I was becoming bitter.

In 2022, people started going out again and the city began humming at its pre-pandemic level. And my art business picked up. I started regularly attending gallery openings and found myself having the same conversation with other artists and Austinites: “How do we deal with these changes?”

Going into this year, I was sure that the only answer is to move. But through those conversations I’ve learned that another option is possible: I can change with my city. The key is to not stop going out, you have to continue to do what you love to do. Go to Barton Springs Pool, and learn to add time for traffic and pay for parking. Go downtown for fun, but go on a weekday to avoid crowds. In the grand scheme of things, the changes are actually very small and it doesn’t take much to become accustomed to them.

Most importantly: talk to people about it. The traffic really does suck and in some ways it is harder to live here now, but there are also wonderful new things to explore popping up every day. Having conversations with others about the city can be enlightening and the commiseration can be healing (as long as you focus on solutions and stay out of negative-spirals).

One thing I’ve learned about difficult feelings is that to get unstuck you must pick one: accept, leave, or change. If you can’t change a situation, and you don’t want to leave it, then you must find ways to accept it.

My path to acceptance is found through strengthening my community and friendships, exploring what’s new and exciting, and continuing to do what I love (despite the traffic).

I hope you’re finding ways to make time for what you love in the upcoming year!

THINGS I’M LOVING

LISTENING to this episode of The Happiness Lab about the freeing power of commitment and the real meaning of “YOLO”

WATCHING the Human Playground series on Netflix, which explores the limits of the human experience through the many amazing and bizarre ways we play.

DOING some painting after a long break. This year has been super busy for me in a lot of big ways but that’s meant less time and energy for painting. Putting that brush on the canvas and moving some colors around feels so nice!

The Longest Summer

So much happened this summer.

I know I’m not alone in feeling like the past few months have been turbo-charged. Everyone seemed to be traveling and doing and going and everything all at once. It’s like we’ve all been making up for lost time.

It’s been too much for me to write about, so here’s a list (in picture form) of just some of what I’ve been up to:

A local filmmaker made a short video about my art for PlantPop, a botanical film studio. You can read the article and watch the video here.
Dear Diary Coffee hosted a closing reception for my solo art show.
I painted a blooming Spiny Star Cactus at the Almost Real Things Live art market and concert. Photo by Generally Right-Brained Art.
My work was featured in the Worth It issue of Almost Real Things Magazine. Read the article here (I’m #2).
I brought my art installation Magic Eye to the Burning Flipside arts festival! Read more about the project here.
In early June, I took a road trip to North Carolina, stopping to camp and hike along the way. This lovely trail is in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
While camping in Montgomery Bell State Park, Tennessee, I hiked through the woods to visit this old church and see the stained glass windows from inside.
After more than 20 hours of driving, I was treated to some delicious meals at restaurants around Southern Pines and a massage at Pinehurst – what a gift!
Some friends and I drove around my hometown and I fell in love with all the cute houses and tall trees. I’d been away too long and everything looked new and charming to me. I began to consider moving back to my home state, which felt so comfortable and welcoming compared to Texas during this long, dry summer.
The magnolias were in bloom and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I left feeling inspired by them.
On my trip back, I camped and hiked to see Fall Creek Falls at Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas.
I explored the trails while camping at Possum Kingdom State Park, Texas.
I painted a scorpion that glows under black light, inspired by my experiences in Far West Texas.
Some friends and I went tubing in the South Llano River while camping during the Perseid meteor shower. While looking for shooting stars, we saw a Starlink launch and it was incredible! Something like 25 satellites, all in a row.
My boyfriend and I escaped on a spontaneous, fun, relaxing, and romantic getaway to Bonaire, in the Southern Caribbean. This could be an entire blog post… It was a fantastic trip!
I finished the Crab Fish Monster black light painting and found a home for it!
I took part in a pop-up art market at the Neill-Cochran House Museum as part of Austin Museum Day.
I hosted a Meow-morial for my beloved cat, Catty Arbuckle, with a Dia de los Muertos inspired altar. I will miss him always.
I’m pleased to be starting on some large paintings inspired by my trip to Big Bend National Park. It feels healing to get back to regular days in the studio.

The summer had a somber end with losing Catty, and overall I’m feeling wiped out. But with the cooler weather and rain finally coming into Austin, I’m feeling hopeful for a restful and restorative autumn.

Hug your loved ones. Be present in and grateful for the time you have together.

THINGS I’M EXCITED ABOUT

I found a nonprofit to partner with! Great Springs Project is working to create a network of trails and greenways that connects Austin to San Antonio and protects some of the Texas Hill Country’s most beautiful spring-fed rivers. I’ll be donating 10% of profits from art sales to help protect these waterways so that our wildlife and future generations can enjoy them. Learn more at greatspringsproject.org

I learned about Great Springs Projects after watching Deep In The Heart, an important and beautifully-shot film, now available to stream online. If you love wildlife, nature, or Texas, watch this film.

I’m loving this chart from this blog post by Mr. Money Mustache, which sums up everything I’ve learned about time management and healthy living.

Coming up! I’ll be participating in Austin’s favorite holiday market: the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. I’ve dreamed of getting into this show for years and am thrilled to be part of the holiday magic! Come by to see arts and crafts from your favorite local artists and grab all the gifts you want, November 18 – December 24, 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX. Learn more at bluegenieartbazaar.com