HEY YOU! UNTO YOU A CHILD IS BORN.
Fine Art Friday #38
HEY YOU! UNTO YOU A CHILD IS BORN.
Hey, it’s me, just casually wiping my tears away as I full on WEPT through our family movie night.
Honesty hour: I know Christmas is over but it took me until Christmas Day to get into the holiday spirit, despite painting ornaments and creating magic for my family, so I’m going to enjoy it this week.
Last night, I watched *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever*—the movie adaptation of the beloved book by Barbara Robinson. I have been so looking forward to watching it (which makes me equal parts excited and nervous because let’s face it, there’s a lot riding on it.)
The movie just came out, but the story isn’t new to me. I read the book as a kid, and last year, I shared it with my children. We laughed and gasped together at the Herdmans’ antics, and when we finished, we talked about the most important message of the movie: *Jesus came for everyone.*
If you’re unfamiliar, the story centers on “the Herdmans,” a scrappy, wild group of kids who somehow end up taking over the town’s Christmas pageant. Nobody expects them to do it right, but in the end, their rough edges reveal a deeper truth: the Christmas story isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace.
There’s this scene that stuck with me as a kid and hit me even harder tonight. Imogene Herdman, cast as Mary, stands on stage holding thsw2qae baby Jesus (after burping baby Jesus because OF COURSE Mary would’ve done that, he was a baby after all).
At first, she’s stiff and awkward, unsure of herself. But then her expression softens as she gazes at the doll. It’s reverence, wonder, and the realization that love—real love—is for her, too.
As I watched tonight, tears rolled down my cheeks. I thought about all the moments this year when I’ve felt that same wonder—the kind that sneaks up on you, even in the middle of chaos. Painting a bride as she walked, teary and smiling, down the aisle, capturing a newlywed couple’s joy as they swayed together under twinkling lights, or seeing the pure delight of the couple, newly married, walking joyously down the aisle together.
2024 was full of Herdman moments for me in the most magical and beautiful way—messy, unpolished, and yet full of grace.
Our Christmas Table, lovingly designed by my daughters, captured on Kodak film (a family tradition where our kids get disposable cameras and capture the things they love for Christmas.)
A Year in Review
This year, I painted love in all its forms. Weddings, proposals, families celebrating milestones—it’s been a year of stories, and I feel deeply grateful to have captured them in watercolor. Here’s a glimpse into what this year looked like for me:
The Numbers
- Events painted: 8 incredible celebrations. It’s such a gift to limit the number of clients I work with each year so I can focus on what matters most — your experience and your art.
- Miles traveled: Thousands (with plenty of coffee stops!), and my art went to live in 6 different countries, from Italy to Liechtenstein, to here in the US, all over the world — I’m always so humbled by that!
- Guests painted: 354 🩷
- Moments Captured: Countless, each one a unique masterpiece.
- Times I cried while painting: Like, every time.
*Let’s call a spade a spade, I’m not a math person. That’s why I have an accountant.
Choyce Janeill Photography
Your Questions, Answered:
“What inspires you?”
Honestly, YOU do. Watching the way a groom looks at his bride, the joy of family members reuniting, the quiet moments between friends—it’s all endlessly inspiring. And knowing I get to preserve those fleeting moments on canvas makes it even more meaningful.
“Do you ever feel nervous painting live?”
Absolutely! But there’s a magic in the energy of a wedding day. Once I start painting, I focus on the love, the story, and the light in the room—it grounds me every time.
“How do you choose what moment to paint?”
It’s always a collaboration with the couple. I ask about what matters most to them—whether it’s their ceremony, first dance, or even a quiet hug with a loved one—and then I work to capture that in a way that feels timeless.
“What’s your favorite part of the process?”
It’s the reveal. Seeing couples’ reactions when they first lay eyes on their painting—it’s pure joy and reminds me why I do what I do.
Holly Felts Photography
Moments That Shaped My Year:
- Painting beautiful artwork for couples that are so in love, pieces they love looking at day after day.
- Watching the sweetest pup trailing after his owners during the wedding – Franks might take the reward for best dog ever.
- Capturing the bride's father looking on at his daughter and new husband, so deeply in love, and so happy they found each other (see below).
Looking Ahead to 2025
Next year is already shaping up to be full of possibility. I’m excited to continue live wedding painting, homeschooling my 4 little ones (which has been the greatest blessing for our family), and dive into a few new projects:
- Destination weddings: Traveling to new places and painting love stories around the world.
- Workshops: Teaching others how to tell their stories through art.
- Watercolor Wednesdays on Substack: I’ll be sharing bite-sized painting tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments. If you’d like to learn more about creating with watercolor, SUBSCRIBE HERE.
- New art collections: Inspired by the beauty and love I’ve witnessed this year.
But above all, I’m looking forward to more moments of grace—those Imogene Herdman moments where beauty and love sneak up on you, even in the most unexpected places.
So as 2024 comes to a close, I want to thank you—for following along, for cheering me on, and for trusting me to tell your stories. This work is a privilege, and I’ll never take it for granted.
Here’s to a joyful, grace-filled 2025.
Warmly,
Courtney
P.S. Want to start the new year with a little inspiration? Forward this email to a friend who loves stories about love, art, or grace—and tell them I tell really good stories and they should subscribe. Sharing these moments with new friends would make my year. xo
P.P.S. Don’t miss my new *Watercolor Wednesday* Substack! Tutorials, inspiration, and painting tips delivered straight to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE!