Listening to My Inner Kid (i.e., try splashing some paint around on a page and see what happens)

I have a new collection of pieces that I just listed online, and I am absolutely obsessed with them.

Over the past few months, I have been exploring my approach to art-making and style – loosening up, playing with mixed media, and trying some new techniques. After I had finished my last series (“A Beautiful Resistance”), which required some very close attention to detail - and was digitally drawn - I wanted to relax a little and have some time to play. 

A few years ago, I splashed some watercolor across a large page and started drawing. I saw some flowers in the paint shapes, and I leaned into it. I loved the end result (and the process!), but I didn’t know what to do with the piece, so I shelved it.

When I was thinking about what I wanted to create next, I went back to that process. I splashed some watercolor across a bunch of paper, let it dry, and went to town. I tried out different drawing implements, different colors, and different styles. Eventually I settled on a color palette and started drawing with my trusty Prismacolor in the shade of Mulberry (I’ve used up several of these since I started!).

As I spent time drawing and layering and playing, I started to see some threads coming through - floral, loose and sketchy linework, and pops of fluorescent color. I loved seeing a new style and color palette emerge.

And then? I ran with it. I custom-painted frames, cast new tiny frames, and just couldn’t stop making new pieces. I learned so much about color and trusting the “messy middle,” and I found a new way to express myself and my values and beliefs.

In my head, I’ve been calling it the “Watercolor Splash” series, but it is now listed online as “Tiny Originals.” Here are a few of my favorites – and I hope you’ll head over to check out the whole collection (and maybe buy a piece?!), and let me know which one is your favorite in the comments!