3, 2, 1… fresh from the farm + sketchbook ✨
Dear Friends,
Fresh from my sketchbook and the farm, here’s a peek at what’s inspiring me.
3 new works of art I am currently working on
The mini-collection I launched this summer gave me a spark, but keeping it lit has been trickier than I expected. With so many possible subjects, I’ve decided to slow down and let my sketchbook lead the way. Right now it’s full of:
- Blue chickens — quick, sketchy drawings because the ladies don’t sit still for long.
- Blue flowers — tangled blooms with tomato caterpillars and Queen Anne’s lace woven in.
- My Grandfathers Boots — weeds reconstructed as a beautiful arrangement inside of his boots.
2 farm moments that made my sketchbook
- The Dutch Owlbeard trio — rare birds with plumage so patterned it looks painted on. Their stripes and polka dots practically demanded ink. Naturally, they already have names: Hagrid, Trelawney, and McGonagall.
- Kramer in motion — Watching him in the paddock has me doing quick ink studies to catch his movement. It’s less about detail, more about gesture, energy, and loosening up.
1 quiet moment from the farm
Not long ago, five hours of my day disappeared into commuting—driving to the barn, shuttling to school, always rushing. Now, life has shifted. My mornings start with the corgis at my feet, Kramer and Blackee in the paddock, chickens scratching nearby, and barn kittens tumbling through the straw. These quiet moments remind me that inspiration isn’t far away—it’s right here, clucking, neighing, or sprouting in the fields where my neighbors see only weeds.
Those new muses are guiding me into a fresh body of work: my fall collection, launching this October. It’s a leap—stepping away from being “the painter of boats and waves” into a whole new genre shaped by farm life. Change can be terrifying, but it’s also where the best art begins. I’m grateful you’re here, following along as I find my footing in this new chapter.
From the farm,
Vanessa
P.S. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes snapshot — my baby turkey decided the art table was the perfect place to hang out with my paints this week. 🦃🎨
