January 09, 2026 Showing Up for Your HeART ❤️

         Hello everyone and welcome. Last year at the end of the year I made a commitment to myself, to get back into my paintings. It had been since 2020 since I had painted consistently. I may have painted a few works of art in early 2020. After the move all my creative mediums were all packed away in boxes stored in a cold, damp storage garage with snow piled up to the lock on the door.  You know the old saying “if you haven’t used it in a year, you don’t need it” that is wrong! I have found in my 57 years of life once I get rid of something I need it again. I know this doesn’t work in every situation. My adult children are quick to throw things away. Perhaps they have seen their ADHD mom keep things only I can see a need for it. I understand that. 

        Once I was ready to begin again before winter arrived Bruce and I went to the storage unit. Bruce put everything on a table and I picked and chose what I wanted to take home. The paints had been stored in our basement. Cooper offered to bring them up for me. So last November I began painting again. What I have learned in a year. An extraordinary amount of teachings, knowledge and wisdom. Each experience a new aha moment. I spent most of my life painting and selling at craft shows or festivals, but with our long distance move and my two back surgeries painting had come a halt. This past year I have proved to myself all the JOY I have from painting. Learning I most happily to be in a community with like minded individuals whom understand why I kept that piece of cardboard. Just the whole atmosphere is fantastic. Leaning more art history than ever. Observing many new artists everyday. Being a maker of so many different ways and styles. This painting above was with Effy Wild on Willowing it is an inspiration from Modigliani. 

I resurrected old drawings from 2012 (this is one) I had made ATCs (artist trading cards) in a swap with this little witch. She hadn’t been painted in my sketch book. Now she is. 

This was a style I learned from Helen Wells oh my goodness you will just adore her. This was one of my favorites using only two-three markers. 

This was a class with Carla Sonheim yes you will love her too. 

This was one of my own creations. 

Her too one of my own works of art in watercolors. 

This too ( there is that cardboard I saved) 

This was in my class Elevate so much fun. 

Of course I make jewelry too 

This was one of my best paintings all year. I painted Brooks and Baker around 5 months old. 

 This was another drawing from 2012 I think this was a class I did with Tam at Willowing. I have been creating with her since 2012 for the first Life Book. I painted her this year she was only drawn in the sketchbook. In those days I wasn’t committed enough like I am today. As a mother and caregiver I always put everyone else first. Now that my life has changed painting has become what I am committed to and what I show up for everyday. Showing up is what you have to do. Days you only have 30 seconds then right a few words or doodles. It doesn’t have to be perfect just do something. I once took an in person class with Dina Wakely and her saying she taught me was done is better than perfect. So when my boys fold towels and they are not mom’s style I remind myself what Dina said. Just walk away and go paint. The towels will be taken (used) faster than it will matter in the long run. I have so much to tell you. Mostly about the books but I have a class this morning at 8:00 am and Cody is coming over with the twins. He helps Bruce with the wood. So I shall tell you more in the next post. Much love and respect to you all. Sending good vibes and positive energy for a great weekend. 

Take care, 

Dawn Gallop 🍄

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