Lately, I've been redefining what mixed media means to me. Usually, it involves layers of acrylic paint and neocolor crayons and stencils and colored pencils and stamps. Usually, I start with a base layer and follow steps that have lead me true over the past handful of years.

But lately, I've been drawn to different supplies, and they work differently. If you love watercolors, then you're familiar with preserving the whiteness of the paper -- transparent media doesn't work over layers of acrylics all that well, and most require you to think light to dark. Which is the opposite from how I work with acrylics. Because of how thick and opaque acrylics are, you can paint any color over any, depending on the pigment. So you aren't restricted all that much, and that makes it a forgiving medium for beginners.

It is an endlessly thrilling time to be an artist. All the time new supplies are being invented for us to play with, and with new media comes the chance for reinvention and freedom. All the techniques we know and love were pioneered by someone, and all artists are called to use their dreams and passion to push out of our comfort zones.

That's what this journal is for me. A way for me to re-engage. I've worn a rut with my usual toolbox, so I've switched things up so I have to think different. New media (or art supplies that have been in a box for years) means new ideas.

Last month's daily art journal practice has spilled over into a daily decompression in bed each night, so I have to use things that don't make a big mess or require a desk/workspace. Give me Netflix and I'm a happy camper (this month I'm re-watching The West Wing).

Does this mean I don't struggle with the blank page, or hit that gap between what I CAN do and what I STRIVE to do? Nope. But I have a desire to keep pushing & drawing & coloring, and it's just dang fun.

One thing I have noticed is that I look for techniques or ideas online whenever I get stuck. But there aren't many for what I have in my head. So I'm taking a social media break this week. I may post to IG if I really feel the need, but I'm turning off notifications, putting the phone down, & spending some time making pretty things. I'll report back on Saturday.

(If you need or want to get in contact with me during this time, send an email. I'll be checking once a day.)

It's finally fall here in the desert. The temperatures have fallen below 100F and rain visits every so often. It's so nice to be able to open the windows and feel the fresh air, or go outside and be able to stay out there for longer than the time it takes to walk to your car.

I'm in love with Pony Gold. Her artwork speaks my language of desert-dweller, but much more fluently. She makes me want to go up into the mountains and just draw and draw where no one's in sight (but I'm too afraid to ever since seeing 137 Hours....take a buddy!).

Random observations and notes are getting thrown in. Quotes I want to practice lettering with and ideas. And surprises from my own self, like realizing I'm a Sunday School teacher (for adults, but still!).

I'm getting the hang of markers and layering colors. I feel like I'm preparing for something, or stretching in a new direction. Everything we learn is applicable somewhere else. Promise.

I love how many outlets I've been able to play with over the years, but feel like I've finally figured out what my visual language is and what it is I want to paint.

For example, I love my thick, layered, textured acrylic paintings. They take me out of my very body, and I dance with my feet as well with my hands. These pieces continue to surprise me and fuel my curiosity, introduce me to colors and how they work together.

But then, there's markers. They layer beautifully like oil paint, layers and layers of thin applications of color that take a different type of layering knowledge, but I can fuse the two together somehow.

I also really like to have color with me everywhere, no matter where I go. And I'm feeling less than stellar about my drawing skills lately, so I'm hitting them hard and moving through it all.

Beloved pen pal through the wires, these are my thoughts tonight, and the spread I couldn't wait to share. I'll write more tomorrow, when I'm not knee deep in orders and emails.

Xoxo, S.