Welcome To My Studio Space!
This is where you’ll find me with a brush or palette knife in hand, immersed in a vibrant world of colour and creativity.
It's within this cozy lake side sanctuary that I bring to life beautiful creations to decorate my life and hopefully yours.
Enjoy!
xo Jan
Do you ever paint or create things for friends as gifts, or are you too embarrassed?
October 2025
There’s a weird moment of hesitation that happens when you consider giving someone a gift you made yourself. On one hand, it’s thoughtful, personal, and arguably way cooler than a gift card. On the other hand… what if it’s cringe?
If you’re someone who draws, paints, sews, bakes, or crafts anything by hand, you’ve probably wrestled with the idea of giving your work as a gift. If you haven’t? I envy your confidence.
The vulnerability of “I made this for you”
Creating something for someone else, especially someone you care about, can feel like handing them a small piece of your soul wrapped in ribbon. You’re not just giving them a physical object you’re giving them your time, your effort, your aesthetic choices (good or questionable), and your hope that they’ll like it.
Which is terrifying.
Because what if they don’t like it? What if they’re polite but secretly wish you had just gone with a gift card? What if your painting of their dog looks more like a melted bear? What if your handmade mug collapses under the weight of their coffee?
These are the thoughts that can make even the most confident creative hesitate.
But also… it’s kind of the best!
Still, here’s the thing: when someone gives me something they made, a doodle, a playlist, a scribbled poem on a napkin, I don’t judge it by its perfection. I see the intention. The time. The way they thought of me while making it.
Chances are, your friends feel the same way.
I’ve given gifts I was insecure about and weirdly, those are often the gifts people remember. Not because they were perfect, but because they were personal.
One friend still has a painting I made for her years ago and she hung it on her wall and called it “Peaceful.” Which honestly feels like the highest compliment.
So why the embarrassment?
Embarrassment is just vulnerability. We fear that our creativity won’t be “good enough,” especially in a world that constantly tells us that value equals perfection or money spent. Gifts aren’t supposed to be perfect they’re supposed to be meaningful.
Also, no one is expecting a masterpiece. You’re not auditioning for a gallery you’re just saying, “I thought of you while making this.” That’s a beautiful message, even if it comes with some smudges.
Final thought: Do it anyway
So yes, I do sometimes create things for friends and yes, sometimes I’m embarrassed. I do it anyway.
Because those gifts often say what words can’t. They say: “I see you.” “You are important to me.” “Here’s something I made just for you.”
In a world of mass-produced everything, that kind of gift, wobbly edges and all, is pretty rare.
So, if you’ve been thinking about making something for a friend… just do it. Be a little embarrassed but do it anyway.
You might be surprised at how much it means to them!
Xo Jan
Meeting Angela Morgan:
A Burst of Colour and Connection
Summer 2025
Meeting Angela Morgan felt like stepping into one of her paintings, vivid, joyful, and full of life!
Angela, a renowned artist based in Fernie, BC, is celebrated for her whimsical, expressive works that captures the human figure in moments of delight and reflection. Her bold use of color, playful patterns, and dynamic brushwork transform everyday scenes into vibrant celebrations.
I’ve loved Angela’s art for years. Her characters, often women and children dressed in fanciful attire, radiate warmth, humor, and a kind of everyday magic that speaks directly to the heart. So, when I had the chance to meet her in person, it was like meeting the soul behind the canvas.
Angela was everything I imagined: strong, gracious, passionate, and brimming with stories. We spoke about her creative process, her love of color, and how she views the world through a lens of joy and connection. Her energy mirrored her artwork, authentic, uplifting, and deeply engaging.
What struck me most was her genuine delight in sharing her art with others. Angela doesn’t just paint scenes she paints feelings. Her brushstrokes are bold, her compositions alive, and her figures seem to beckon you into their world.
If you ever get the chance to see her work in person, or better yet, meet her at a gallery show, don’t hesitate. It’s an experience that lingers, like color on a canvas long after the brush has moved on.
Xo, Jan
Do you have a sketchbook?
March 2025
To be honest, I don't really enjoy drawing, but I do love my sketchbooks!
Probably because it is a mix of mediums. It is for my eyes only, to work out ideas or just play.
Regular sketching improves observation, hand-eye coordination, and muscle memory.
It boosts confidence, develops personal style, and improves creativity.
It acts as a personal journal to track progress, reflect on past work, and find new ideas.
It promotes growth, creativity, and skill development in a no-pressure way.
Like I said, you don’t have to
show anyone what is in your sketchbook!
I think a sketchbook practice is essential for artistic expression.
Get your pencils ready and draw (or paint) freely!
Jan xo
My Favourite Watercolour
Art Supplies
February 2025
“What paint, paper and brushes do you prefer to use?”
There are many different watercolour products available. Whether you're starting out or are more experienced, the quality of your supplies is important and greatly impacts your final work. I will share the specific products I use, why I prefer them, and a link so you can view but please,
Buy Local & Buy Canadian!
Let’s begin!
PAPER
This is the paper I use for all high-end work. It’s the best watercolour paper out there and the price reflects that. It’s super sturdy, very textured, and usually comes on a block for larger sheets. Block watercolour pads are glued on the sides so they don’t warp as you apply water and paint. Use a craft blade to remove the page once you’re done. You can also purchase in a pad and tape the paper down to a hard surface to avoid warping.
Canson Watercolour 140lb Coldpress
This is the ideal choice for beginners and experimenting. I use this for practice work only. It maintains its shape, is inexpensive, and easy to find.
I use round brushes the most. They are thick at the base and narrow at the tip. A good one to start with is synthetic sable. I use all different brands and have many different brushes I love.
PAINT
I’m very picky about paint because it greatly affects your art work.
Don’t choose inexpensive options, especially if you’re learning and want to improve. Cheap paint can lead to frustration, making you feel like your mistakes are your fault when they might just be due to the paint's low quality. The aim is to find high pigment, vibrant paints. The cheaper the paint, the more you'll notice issues like graininess, streaks, and dull colors. High quality paints can be costly but last for years so do your research to see what colour palette suits you best to start off!
Brands I love are QoR, ShinHan, Daniel Smith, G. Graham, Windsor & Newton and Prima (they have pans for specific painting like florals, ocean, landscape so if you only like to paint florals, for example, this is an inexpensive brand to get you started) listed in no particular order!
Windsor & Newton Masking Fluid
In watercolour painting, highlights usually come from the paper showing through instead of using white paint.
If you can't avoid painting over certain spots to keep the white paper visible, masking fluid is useful. It temporarily covers parts of the paper while you paint, allowing the white paper to show when you're finished. Just erase it off!
Hello 2025!
December 30, 2024
I want to thank everyone who supported my art in 2024
I really appreciate you all!
I create things I love, and during tough times in this crazy world, it brings me peace and happiness.
Please join me on my painting journey this year.
Getting older is a privilege they say, and I recently celebrated a milestone birthday!
My wonderful husband bought me the most sparkly dress and tiara to mark the occasion.
Cheers to 2025 and another year in this
beauty filled world!
Jan xo
Plein Air Painting
Summer 2024
Plein air painting is creating art outside, directly in nature, instead of from photos or in a studio.
The phrase "plein air" means "open air" in French and focuses on capturing natural light and atmosphere in real time.
You often have to work quickly to show the changing light, colours, and textures that surrounds you.
This approach fosters a strong connection with the landscape and allows for spontaneous creativity, providing an honest view of the world.
Many artists, especially Impressionists, have used plein air painting to explore the relationship between light, colour and movement in nature.
I hope you enjoy these photos and can sense the warmth of the sun and smell the salty air.
Maybe it will inspire you to try Plein Air Painting this summer!
Jan xo
Special Delivery!
Summer 2024
Packages leaving my little studio and going out to
The Peter Salmon Art Gallery
in St. Martins.
Stop by and check out their new Gallery and have a lobster roll or
seafood chowder at one of the local restaurants this summer.
Cheers!
Jan xo
I have been busy!
Spring 2024
After a much-needed break from painting,
I am back at it again.
Where can you see my work?
July 20th/Bloomin’ Artists in Hampton
July - Dec /The Peter Salmon Art Gallery in St. Martins
Sept 1st 11-4/ “Meet the Artist” Peter Salmon Art Gallery
Cheers and Sunshine!
Jan xo
What is Art?
Fall 2024
Art is subjective, existing in the eye of the beholder. It is the language that transcends boundaries, reaching directly into our hearts and souls. It’s true value isn’t measured by a price tag, but by the emotions it stirs within us. From abstract to realism, each brushstroke tells a story. Art is energy, and as humans, we naturally respond to that energy. What does art mean to you?
Happily painting away!
Jan xo
Staying Organized & Inspired
in a
Small Creative Space:
To organize a small creative space effectively, consider using vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or pegboards to keep supplies accessible without taking up floor space. Invest in multi-functional furniture, such as a drafting table with built-in storage. I use a large toolbox with a wooden countertop to store my paint supplies, less “visual clutter” and it also is a great work surface. Use containers or baskets for sorting materials by type or color. Regularly declutter and group items that you use together to streamline your workflow and keep the space feeling open and inviting.
To stay inspired in a small space, curate a rotating display of your favorite artworks or even better, artwork that YOU created that is a work in progress, or ready to sell! Your very own gallery! Put up some mood boards, or inspirational quotes to keep your creative energy fresh.
Surround yourself with items that bring you joy, like interesting green plants, antique vessels or unique pottery to hold your brushes. Don’t forget to embrace the natural light to create a warm atmosphere. Incorporate a dedicated area for brainstorming and sketching ideas and allow yourself time to explore new techniques or styles to keep your creativity flowing.
Hope this helps!
Jan xo
Make More Art!
As the year comes to an end, I'm delighted to share that I've accomplished my art goals for this year, 2023.
I had the opportunity to showcase my art in two group exhibitions at The Saint John Art Centre, one at the Old City Market at Uncorked Tours and another at Blink by Ink - The Free Artists Space.
I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me by purchasing my artwork.
Thank you all so much! xo
Handmade Holiday Ornaments
(currently sold out!)