Deep Eddy

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An Austin gem and the oldest swimming pool in Texas, Deep Eddy is filled with spring-fed water that flows up along the banks of the Colorado River.

I went on a weekday afternoon to relax by the water and was delighted when a man sat down nearby and began playing his guitar. Of course, I had to capture this moment through art.

Deep Eddy, acrylic on wood panel, 12″x12″

You can see the painting in person at the Blue Genie May Market, open on weekends through Memorial Day.

It’s already feeling like summer in Austin and I’m ready to get out on the water!

CATCHING UP

The Art04 Studio Tour was a success – we enjoyed perfect weather, a steady stream of art-lovers, and so many great artists making and showing their work.

I was busy chatting with visitors and working on my next painting, but I was able to get a few photos of the studio I was showing in.

It was a treat to get to show my paintings next door to Jared’s beautiful glass work at the new JFR Glass studio space in Thornton Road Studios – what a friendly and talented community!

Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fun weekend – I’m looking forward to next year’s Art04 Studio Tour.

COMING UP

I’m busy preparing for a solo exhibition at Zilker Brewing Co.’s taproom. We’re going with a summer theme – expect lots of cactus art and a specialty fruited sour beer to match.

Mark your calendar and join us for the opening reception on Thursday, July 10th, from 6-9pm.

THINGS I’M ENJOYING

Discovering other artists’ interpretation of Barton Springs Pool:

Fun, very detailed illustration by Regone Studios. Click here to see the full image on their website.
Beautiful sticker design by Jelly Press Co. Click here to shop the sticker and see other Texas-inspired art.
The painting I recently completed of Barton Springs Pool, which you can read about in my last blog post.

It’s so fun to see how artists focus on different aspects of the same place, to see what we chose to include and exclude, and how using different mediums changes the feel of the art.

I’m still on the lookout for more Barton Springs inspired art, so if you find something, please send it my way.

Thank you for reading!

Barton Springs

More than a pool, it is a way of life.

Barton Springs Pool is filled by natural spring water and is home to an endangered blind salamander. The grass-covered lawn and shade of pecan trees make it a wonderful slice of nature amid downtown Austin’s ever-climbing skyscrapers.

On Sundays you can find free yoga and a drum circle. On the full moon you can hear crowds strumming guitars and howling. It’s a community in the heart of the city.

After turning toward my city and painting the iconic train bridge, it was only fitting that I capture the magic of Barton Springs Pool. So, I set out on bicycle to photograph the pool mid-summer.

A pool surrounded by trees, with tall buildings in the background.

To simplify the scene, I opted to omit many of the swimmers.

A line drawing of the pool.

The final painting:

The pool scene as a painting.

Detail showing the bright colors and simplified forms:

Working on this painting was a blast and really got me in a summer state of mind.

COMING UP

You can see the Barton Springs and Austin paintings in person at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar during their May Market, where they will be available for purchase.

Flyer for Blue Genie's May Market.

And, for one weekend only, you can see my Big Bend inspired paintings at a pop-up exhibition in South Austin. The surrounding art studios will be open to the public as part of the Art04 Studio Tour, with lots to explore!

Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4, 11am-5pm
2311 Thornton Road, Austin, TX 78704
Free and Open To The Public

Flyer for Art04 Studio Tour.

Hope to see you there!

Austin, Texas

Last summer, I was honored to create an illustration for (512) Brewing’s 16th Anniversary beer (a very hazy and very tasty IPA).

We wanted to give a nod to Austin’s history and unique charm, so I hopped on my bike and photographed the graffiti-covered train bridge that sits just south of downtown.

Downtown Austin behind a bridge over the Colorado River.
One of many photos I took of Austin’s graffiti-covered train bridge.

The marks that decorate the bridge are more like messages, sending hope and playfulness out over the city. I have long loved the meditative “Focus One Point And Breathe”, and “Never Give Up” with accompanying Pac-Man being chased by ghosts.

Line art of the bridge.
Sketching the rough outlines of the photograph.

I had to simplify the messages a bit, to make everything small enough to decorate a beer can, and I kept the colors bright and lively to communicate the playful attitude.

Colorful illustration of the river and Austin in the background.
The illustration I created for (512) Brewing’s 16th Anniversary Beer.

The can design looks great and I’m so grateful to have my artwork on such a tasty beer! It won’t be around long though, since it was a one-off batch made solely for the anniversary.

But the joy I got from exploring Austin’s playfulness stayed with me and before I knew it, I’d begun painting the same scene (with a few changes and more details).

Painting of Austin's train bridge and downtown.
Austin, Texas, acrylic on canvas, 18″x36″

Working on a summer scene during the winter months has been a wonderful way to keep my spirits up.

Next up: Barton Springs Pool!

ART SHOWS

My large, gold painting of a “Spiny Star Cactus” was part of the Renew group show at The Muse Gallery and my experimental painting of a sea monster named “Nessie” is currently at ArtUs Co Gallery, on display until April 12th!

Cara standing in front of many paintings group together on a gallery wall.
Me and my painting “Spiny Star Cactus” as part of the Renew Group Show at the Muse Gallery.
A woman stand in front of a group of artworks hanging on a blue wall.
My painting “Nessie” depicting a sea monster (upper left), as part of the Mythos Group Show at ArtUs Co Gallery.

COMMISSIONS

Over the holiday season I created two small paintings commissioned for gifts. The subject matter is a little different from what I usually focus on and it was a nice way to stretch myself creatively.

Painting of a cocktail.
Old Fashioned, acrylic on wood panel, 6″x6″
Painting of an eel.
Rosa The Eel, acrylic on wood panel, 6″x6″

In working on this painting of Rosa the eel, I learned a lot about American freshwater eels. These creatures are fascinating! They spend the first part of their lives as tiny transparent creatures in the ocean before each mysteriously finds its way up rivers and dams to a spot where it will spend years, even decades, living alone. Then one day the eel transforms again and returns to the ocean, where it breeds and dies in the depths of the Sargasso Sea.

Their long lifespan and mysterious ways make breeding eels in captivity impossible, and they have been over-fished across the world (often to be served as “unagi” sushi rolls). The United States is lacking in protections for these creatures, so I’m vowing to never order unagi again and am spreading the word so that people can make informed decisions about what they’re eating.

THINGS I’M LIKING

Watching the Gamelatron sonic kinetic sculptures in action. So relaxing!

Listening to this short podcast about the artist who painted the graffiti on Austin’s train bridge.

Reading The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson

Seeing the new version of the classic film Nosferatu, out at a theater with a friend. It was delightfully scary!

I hope you’re discovering new joys and making time to meet up with your favorite people, plants, and animals.

Thank you for following my journey!

Rio Grande

Hiking along the Hot Springs Trail in Big Bend National Park, you spend some time walking beside the Rio Grande. As the trail rises and falls with the cliffs, you get to appreciate the river from different perspectives and find little surprises.

For me, the biggest surprise was finding horses grazing in the grassy river banks. This area feels so desolate, it’s hard to imagine any animal that size surviving out here. But it seems that the Rio Grande provides all that is needed, and the horses seemed quite content.

As we hiked toward the hot spring, we could almost make out the outlines of the palm trees which mark the spot where an old bathhouse was built (a hint that we were getting closer!).

One of the many gorgeous views of the river from the trail.
Drawing the outlines of what would become my sixth large painting inspired by Big Bend National Park (and my second inspired by this trail!)
Rio Grande, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Close-up showing the brushstrokes and detail of the palm trees.

Big Bend is such a large park, and I can’t wait to explore more of it…but I think I might return to this spot on my next trip. The Hot Springs Trail feels special to me.

COMING UP

You can see the Rio Grande painting as well as the Inside Santa Elena Canyon painting at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, open November 15 – December 24, 2024 (10am-10pm daily!). Blue Genie is packed with arts and crafts from hundreds of local makers and it’s my favorite place to get gifts for the holidays. Visit the market at 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 or shop online anytime!

Keep an eye out for the new 16oz can from (512) Brewing Company featuring my artwork! The can celebrates Austin with a colorful illustration of the skyline and iconic graffiti-covered train bridge.

(512) Brewing Company’s 16th Anniversary DDH Hazy IPA, available at HEB, Central Market, Wheatsville, and more!

I had so much fun working on this illustration, I’ve decided it’s time to make a few paintings of Austin. Barton Springs Pool and the view of downtown from the pedestrian bridge are already in the works!

Magnolia

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A couple summers ago, while visiting North Carolina, I became totally enamored with the huge white flowers that seemed to cover every magnolia tree.

I couldn’t help myself, and snapped about a hundred photos of the flowers, leaves, and whole trees. I knew that I would have to paint these beauties!

My favorite photo, which became the inspiration for the painting.
Creating the artwork in my studio. I almost always start with a magenta or red base.
You can see the bright pink undercoat showing through small gaps in the top colors.
The final 12″x12″ painting, “Magnolia.”

It was a joy to work on this sweet little painting and remember the fun I had on that trip. But immediately after I finished Magnolia, I started working on another painting of Big Bend. I can’t seem to get enough of the desert and its cacti.

COMING UP!

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS: This year, you can find my art prints, stickers, bandanas, and t-shirts at the Austin City Limits music festival. Look for the Clover + Maven booth in the ACL Market, where they have a wonderful selection of jewelry, art, and more by local makers.

ART GALLERY PARTY: I’m thrilled to have my painting “Inside Santa Elena Canyon” included in the Texas Top 20 juried group exhibition at Ao5 Gallery. Come celebrate with me at the reception on October 9th, 2024 from 7-9pm.

BEER ART: Look for my art on the 16th anniversary release by (512) Brewing Company! This is a dream-come-true for me, as I’m a long-time fan of their Pecan Porter. Join them as they celebrate their anniversary at the brewery on November 2nd.

Illustration for (512) Brewing Company’s 16th anniversary, toasting Austin at the iconic train bridge over the Colorado River. Cheers!

Spring in Enchanted Rock

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If you visit this Texas State Park sometime late April through early May, you can catch the cacti in bloom. The wildflowers are always beautiful, but this year was spectacular!

I’m so happy to finally be sharing my favorite photos from the camping trip (among the flowers, we also spotted some critters enjoying the beautiful weather and butterflies).

After seeing all these beautiful blooms, I feel inspired to make a new cactus painting…the only problem is picking a favorite photo to work from (so many good options!)

Inside Santa Elena Canyon

Inspired by the famous hike in Big Bend National Park, this painting is a colorful take on the epic sense of awe one gets while walking between the Rio Grande’s canyon walls.

Inside Santa Elena Canyon, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Cara hiking with the sun overhead.
Hiking into the canyon.
Steep canyon walls with the Rio Grande River flowing gently between them.
We sat and watched hikers cross the trickling river while listening to the warbling song of canyon wrens. It was so peaceful! This photo became my reference for the painting.
Line drawing of the canyon.
Tracing the photograph and simplifying the outlines.
Cara painting a bright orange color.
Painting in the outlines after they’ve been transferred to canvas.
The nearly completed painting.
Almost finished!
Close-up image of the painting.
Detail of the people crossing the river.

Before starting the final painting, I made a smaller 12″x12″ version as a way to test the bright colors before committing to them. This was a slightly different way of working for me and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed creating the same scene in different sizes and shapes. It was a challenging but also freeing, so I plan to continue this process with my next painting.

Small version of painting with award.
Inside Santa Elena Canyon, acrylic on wood panel, 12″x12″

Because the small version was finished first, I was able to exhibit it at the Austin Studio Tour’s Group Show, then the Neill-Cochran House Museum (where it won an Honorable Mention award!). Shortly afterwards, it was purchased by a collector in South Austin. I’m thrilled by the reception this painting got as it’s personally one of my favorites – the brightness of the red canyon walls makes my eyes happy!

I’m incredibly grateful for the continued support of the community and can’t wait to see what I create next! Thank you to everyone who has purchased a painting or print, come out to art openings, followed me online, and showed up at the art markets – I couldn’t do this without you!

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!

Celebrating Adventure