One night this week, I cried and cried and cried. I cried myself to sleep. I think it was definitely a mix of hormones and still being so sick with this pregnancy and having some more complications recently, too. I woke up the next morning with that puffy feeling in my eyes and felt so much better. Sometimes, a good cry is just what you need. My mom used to say, “Let it all out.” And then the tears would just start squirting out of my eyes. Fortunately, Chris fully endorses me “letting it all out,” occasionally, too. The world looks so much brighter after those cry sessions. The next afternoon, I painted the whole thing:
For details and to purchase this painting, click here. High-quality giclee prints (in 4 different sizes) are also available here.
So many of you asked for painting tutorials and tips in our reader survey earlier this week. Maybe I’ll work on a time-lapse video of one of my paintings soon, but I am not sure there is a “tutorial” for something like this. It comes with practice and experience and patience and sometimes from a place deep inside of me. That being said, I have shared a few DIY Art projects here and would love to share more. I have been painting and studying art for 11 years and I’d be happy to share some tips, too. One that I often use for mixing dark colors with a lot of depth (implemented in this week’s painting), I shared on Instagram a couple days ago. So much more dynamic! Happy Weekend to all of you.
Psst. More weekly paintings.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
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[…] happier with the way Emerald City turned out. Sometimes I get attached to paintings. This one and Cleansing Cry have been two that are hard to let go of for me. I found it interesting that in the book, the […]
Love the painting!! And I’m glad you feel better after your “cleansing” cry. I don’t cry very often and I’m not sure that’s healthy…. I agree with you, a good cry every once in awhile would be a good thing. I hope everything hoes well for you for the remaining pregnancy.
Oh my god this is gorgeous!!
I think this is why your blog is my favorite. You and Chris use it as a vessel to showcase your talents beyond just DIY projects. It makes it personal and gives it depth that a lot of blogs (even good ones) are missing. It makes me realize I’m reading about a REAL family and not a “business” if that makes sense. Of course we don’t expect you to share everything about your personal lives, but that personal touch comes through naturally and I love it! Anyway, hope that wasn’t too creepy or anything! You guys are great!
This is beautiful Julia! I always get to the original too late and then it is sold. What do you sell the originals for? I love this new series you are doing and love hearing the inspiration behind the pieces.
Wow, this painting is my favorite one yet. It is seriously amazing.
Thank you! I think it has been my favorite, too. :)
About every 3-4 months, I know that if I haven’t had a good cry, it is coming any day, at an random moment. It just feels so refreshing to cry about stupid stuff sometimes. I love that quote from Zooey Dechanel, “Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love.”
This painting just screams emotions and I love it! and I love the landscape layout is unique.
I love your paintings and you are truly imspiring and talented. On a side note I also agree that crying does help so hang in there.
Yes, I do that too! I tell my boyfriend it’s my “quarterly cry” haha. The world looks so much brighter after. I was actually thinking yesterday night that I feel one coming soon. Sometimes when life gets to be a bit much, it really clears away the stress.
Love the painting. I was surprised to see it not sold already! :)
The others have gone really quick! But since this one is my favorite so far, I’m just fine with it sticking around until it sells.