Here I am with Baby Jewell, my 1.5 month old, getting some painting in! A kind passerby took this photo and sent it to us.
When I think of painting, I think of relaxing. It’s great to get out and just let go. However, I will say that plein air painting is an exercise in chaos management: everything is fine and dandy until the wind comes up and blows dust on the canvas, or when several bees get attracted to the paint colors, or when, suddenly, it rains.
Sometimes I run into animals, or Baby Jewell burps up on my clean shirt, or he needs an impromptu diaper change on the trail. I never know what will happen next! That goes for the artwork, and for the act of getting to a nice painting spot.
There’s so much to prepare regarding bringing the right supplies, and planning for anything and everything. If I plan well and consider tools carefully, almost any kind of chaos can be under control. If I forget a crucial paintbrush or leave behind an outfit change for Baby Jewell, I have an opportunity to learn and do better next time.
Maybe the most important thing I’ve learned in painting plein air with a newborn so far is that the messy process is just as much of a treasure as the painting is once it’s done. The outcome or the painting is (usually) cool, but simply getting outside and going on the journey is an accomplishment. Even if I get dirt in my carefully arranged paints or if I’m only walking for 5 minutes before getting rained on, everything good is in the art of the trip. Each day that I decide to get off my butt and go outside is a good day, and now I get to do this with my best buddy! <3
Like most new parents, I was a little worried about what would happen to my life once I had a baby. Would I still be able to do art? What about my career?
Luckily all of these anxieties have gone away - through taking action, careful planning, and creative thinking, we’ve been able to find harmony together.
I made several paintings I am happy with while at the lake lately, a couple are above. I’ve been using gouache in the Traveler’s Notebook and it’s been going well. While the Traveler’s Notebook paper that I am utilizing right now is meant more for writing than painting, what I do after painting is I flatten the entire book under a couple other books to get any ripples out of each page. If a piece is really good, I consider removing it from the journal to make as it’s own framed piece.
Above is my exciting Art Mom Gear!
Traveler’s Notebook from Two Hands Paperie
iulie watercolors - the best, love these
JMFT Industries mini zip pouch
Himi gouache - within reach pricewise and high quality
Melanzana skirt - get them in Leadville!
Cotopaxi backpack - best colors ever!
A cup from my grandpa’s house
Ergobaby carrier - very comfy for me and Baby Jewell
Huggies - perfecto
You might notice the Himi gouache looks a bit dried out in the photo - it still works great when rewet! And I think it works very well with the iulie watercolors.
I’m very excited about my Art Mom Gear. It’s very heavy and I haven’t put any thought into making a lightweight setup, but that’s ok, I’m used to taking things pretty slow. With Baby Jewell in his carrier and backpack, I carry an extra 25 pounds, and I’m sure this will increase as Baby Jewell gets bigger or if I get some heavier paints or a big sketchbook.
After lifting Baby Jewell all over the place and carrying him across the countryside, I feel very strong. It’s hard to measure exactly how I’ve changed strengthwise before and after giving birth, but I will say that I feel strong, maybe because it has been like I have effectively carried a watermelon around for several months, up and down various stairs and trails. I’m just getting back into running and am taking it slow, running 1.5 miles or so at a time.
More painting on the way! I can’t wait to show what I’ve been up to lately on the trail.
