Resolutions for 2025

Fine Art Friday #39

NOTE: I’m moving EVERYTHING over to Substack in 2025! It’ll be a slow-ish process, but by the end of January I plan to have everything on this new platform. I hope you love it like I do! :)

I saw it — or better yet, I thought I saw it, something, a speck of something — a tiny edge of *something* peeking out of my book.

WHAT COULD IT BE?

I’m an avid reader but notorious for losing bookmarks, so I *gasp* dog-ear pages like it’s my job and have the receipts in each of my books to prove it.

I slowly opened the book and realized it was something I hadn’t placed there myself.

It was a *gift* from one of my kiddos.

A drawing tucked into the pages of a book.

A simple abstract sketch—markers on printer paper—but something about it that stopped me.

The lines were uneven, the colors a little chaotic, but it had this raw, unfiltered joy to it.

This piece I held in my book-holding-hands wasn’t concerned with being perfect. It was just true.

I set the book down, took a deep breath, and held it for a moment, smiling, and thought about how different children’s art is from the kind of art I create now.

Somewhere along the way, we stop being so free. Reminds me of kids running — when I watch my kids run there’s this FREEDOM I see.

Somewhere along the way, I’ve added layers of expectation to my process—layers that can be beautiful but also heavy. That little drawing felt like a reminder of what I’m always chasing in my work: joy, truth, and connection.

And as I step into 2025, I want to hold onto that reminder.

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My Artistic Resolutions for 2025

This year, I’m focusing on a few key goals—things that will help me grow, both as an artist and as a person.

1. Embrace imperfection.

The best moments in art (and life) are the unexpected ones. Whether it’s a brushstroke that takes on a life of its own or a live painting moment I didn’t plan for, I want to lean into the beauty of what is, rather than what I think should be.

2. Prioritize personal projects.

I love painting for others—it’s the heartbeat of what I do. But this year, I’m carving out time for my own creative explorations. I want to experiment, make a mess, and rediscover the joy of creating just for the sake of it.

3. Share more of my process.

This year, I’m launching Watercolor Wednesdays on Substack—a space to share bite-sized tutorials, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspiration. Teaching and connecting with others through art is something I’ve always been passionate about, and I’m excited to see where this new project takes us. (Want to join in? Subscribe here.)

4. Be present.

Live painting is about capturing a moment—being there in it, fully. But it’s easy to get caught up in logistics and miss the magic. This year, I want to stay grounded, noticing the little details and letting them guide my work.

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What About You?

As we step into 2025, I’d love to know: What are your resolutions? What goals are you chasing, and how are you planning to make space for them in your life?

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, committing to a creative project you’ve been dreaming about, or just trying to find more joy in your everyday moments, I’m cheering you on.

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A Final Thought

That little drawing I found? It’s now framed and sitting on my desk—a daily reminder to create with joy and abandon, to let the process unfold without overthinking, and to trust that the beauty will come.

Here’s to a year of messy, beautiful art and lives filled with love and connection.

Warmly,
Courtney

P.S. If you know someone who’d love Watercolor Wednesdays or this newsletter, would you share it with them? Let’s grow this little community of art and inspiration together. xo

P.P.S. If you’ve been following along for a while and read this newsletter about my son’s glasses, WE FOUND THEM! He had hidden then behind his big sister’s bed. 🤭