Hello Fellow Artist! 🌻

In my recent Zoom demo, several artists shared that they haven’t been painting much lately. Not because they don’t love to paint, draw, or do any craft, but because life is simply full right now.

The Holidays have a way of doing that.

There are lists to finish, gatherings to attend, and routines turned upside down. And for many artists—especially beginners—painting understandably takes a back seat.

That’s not a failure. It’s a season.

I’m here to remind you of something:

👉 You are still an artist, even if your paints are resting.

I give myself permission to slow down this time of year. I let my hands rest, my expectations soften, and use the time to charge up my creative energy. I’ve learned that forcing art during busy seasons rarely brings joy—and joy is what keeps us painting!

🎨 Instead, I stay connected to my creativity in simple ways.

If you’re craving a sense of being creative—but don’t have the space or energy to paint—here are a few ideas that ask very little, yet still count.

• Take random photos with your phone for future reference. Notice the light. Winter light is softer, lower, and more dramatic. The winter glow creates amazing shadows. Take a minute and take some photos of anything that catches your eye-you could use it for a future painting or just for inspiration!

I always feel good after I take creative photos. I’m not abandoning my art, just using another medium.

📸 You could snap photos of:

• long cast shadows from trees
• winter berries
• cloudy skies or a sunrise/sunset
• a cozy corner of your home that you love, how the light hits it at a certain time of day

It’s fun, de-stressing, and gives you a growing collection of future painting references. Even a few minutes feels like you’ve created something—because you have!

• Collect color inspiration. Holiday wrapping paper, ornaments, and home decor often have beautiful color combinations. Save one that catches your eye (or take a photo!) and play around with the colors when you’re back to your palette.
• Let your hands and body rest. Whenever I take a few days off, my hands always feel better. Maybe it’s not your hands that give you a little trouble, either way: Rest is part of becoming a better artist, not a detour from it.

🧘 I’ve learned to enjoy this time of year by not putting too much pressure on myself. I relax. I recharge. I trust that my creative ideas don’t disappear when I slow down—they gather.

When January arrives, I return to my paints refreshed, not resentful. If watercolor feels distant right now, that’s okay. They’ll be there when you’re ready again.

Until then, notice a little beauty. Take a photo. Let that be enough for today.

👉 I hope this helps take a little stress off you. Sometimes, it helps to hear from other artists that you're doing okay.

Happy Holidays, sending you Love and Light! 🙏

Cheers, Molly 🌻

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