Something everyone should know…
FINE ART FRIDAY #29
She hands me this thing and says ok — here we go.
“Get Red Fred in the Shed.”
I must have missed that instruction because here I was trying to figure out what in the world that means…
You may wonder, so I’ll tell you. This was news to me!
Get the Red Fred in the Shed is common (how common though? Might I ask?) terminology with orienteering that means you’re moving your body slowly in a circle while keeping the compass flat to try to determine where true north is. “Shed” happens to be two lines that surround the red line when it is in true north.
Two Foot Traveller
When I feel this TUUUUUUGGGGG on my neck.
— my youngest has decided that we in fact will not be continuing our orienteering training because it IS past nap time, and he will be nursing instead.
Orien— what now?
OR 👏 IENT 👏 EER 👏 ING.
I’m sure you know what this is, but in case you’re like me a did not know, it’s learning how to use a compass — how to orient yourself. Super valuable skill? Absolutely. Did baby care? Absolutely not.
So as I’m quietly crunching my feet on the grass trying to mosey away from the group, I find a little bench I can sit on and set up shop.
This is my fourth baby, I homeschool my 4 kids (YOLO) and this little nugget? He doesn’t want to be away from me ever 🥹, and doesn’t want to stop nursing, so here we are, trying to find a semi-quiet spot so he can catch some Zzzzz’s and be a little more chill. 🙃🫠
I look down at him to get him set up and when I look up, EVERYONE has turned toward me.
Apparently in order to get the RED FRED to his SHED, everyone had to turn around the opposite way and face me.
So, that wasn’t actually on my bingo card for the day but it’s fiiiine.
The other moms and I share glances and just laugh because what else can you do?!
The irony is that I tried to separate from the group to nurse the baby, and in fact everyone ended up riiiiight up there with me.
Sometimes things don’t go according to plan — in life, in homeschooling, or in art. Here are 5 ways you can “orient” yourself to the creative process, whether you’re painting, writing, planning, or choosing what art to put in your house and where to place it.
Start with a Compass, Not a Map. Sometimes your materials (or your over exhausted brain) won’t cooperate—whether it’s paint not drying how you want or a brain that seems to resist your ideas. But instead of forcing your way through, think of your tools as a compass. Let them guide you in unexpected directions. What might feel like a detour could in fact lead to the most perfect piece.
Pause for a Reality Check. When you're knee-deep in a project and things aren’t clicking, it’s easy to feel like you’re getting nowhere. The key? Stop. Reassess. Pausing gives you time to breathe, reflect, and recalibrate your next steps. Sometimes a quick break is all you need to see things with fresh eyes.
Face Where You Least Expect. You might need to shift your perspective. Maybe your paper needs to be flipped upside down. We totally just practiced upside down drawing and it was a trip. Maybe I’ll write a newsletter about it… Maybe your color palette needs a bold, unexpected twist. Don’t be afraid to look in the opposite direction from where you thought you were going.
Laugh at the Curveballs. If you’re anything like me, life has a way of throwing curveballs—cue me trying to quietly sneak away and still end up in the center of things! Art is the same. When your project takes an unplanned turn, laugh at it. Embrace the chaos. Let it fuel your creativity. Sometimes, the mess is where the magic happens.
Trust the Process, Even When It Feels Backward. Art doesn’t always move in a straight line. Sometimes, like my orienteering experience, it feels like you’re wandering off-course, only to find that you’re exactly where you need to be. Trust that each twist and turn is leading you somewhere.
The key is to stop, reassess, and find your direction again. Orient yourself in your creative process. It might even lead you to unexpected and —dare I say it— better results.
And that’s what I’m doing currently —
Assessing and finding the right direction, and truly so stinking excited for the Christmas collection coming soon. I’ve started painting a few and can’t wait to paint more for you.
And I’m excited you’re here with me.
» I’m always honored you’re inviting me to your inbox, and I’m equally honored you support my work. Thanks for being here. 🫶🏻
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