This Week’s Creative Adventures: From Whipped Cream to Oils

What a week it’s been! From finding inspiration in the simplest of things (hello, whipped cream!) to experimenting with oils and cold wax, my studio time has been full of surprises. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve been up to—and a sneak peek at what’s coming next!

Sweet Inspiration: A Whipped Cream Watercolor

Did you know January 5th was National Whipped Cream Day? There’s something so fun about taking an everyday object and elevating it into art. Capturing the soft texture of whipped cream and the shine of the whisk with just three colors was a challenge I couldn’t resist. Payne’s gray did most of the heavy lifting, creating a dramatic, almost monochromatic effect.

This painting reminded me why I love watercolor so much. It’s simple, flexible, and endlessly surprising. Plus, it’s a little reminder that beauty is everywhere, even in the kitchen.

Getting My Hands Dirty: Oil and Cold Wax Experiments

Switching gears, I spent some time at Art Gym experimenting with oil paints and cold wax medium. If you’ve never tried it, cold wax is incredible—it lets you layer, scrape, and play in ways that feel so different from watercolor. I found myself leaning into textures and embracing the unpredictable.

It’s been refreshing to step outside my usual techniques. These experiments have me thinking about how I can bring some of that tactile energy into my watercolor and acrylic work. Art always surprises me like that—what starts as play can turn into something meaningful.

Upcoming Demo

I’m gearing up for a demo with the Aurora Artists Guild on Monday, where I’ll be sharing some of my favorite watercolor techniques on how to paint glass and reflections. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there! Find the info in my Events page.

Finding Joy in the Process

This week has been a beautiful reminder that creativity comes in many forms—from the softness of whipped cream to the grit of cold wax. Every experiment, every painting, every class feels like a new way to connect with the joy of making art.

What’s been sparking your creativity lately? Drop me a comment or shoot me a message—I’d love to hear what’s lighting you up right now.