I'm currently working on a series of little paintings entitled, "restless". It's an exploration of the ways that people like choose to deliberately slow down, refresh and recharge.
You may recall that I have an oyster piece that I painted many moons ago. This new oyster grouping is freshly shucked! I love the interplay of the warms with the cool purply blues. Things like this make great special touches for party invitations, kitchen decor, or menus. ![]() Upcoming Workshop and Weekly Open Studio I'll be leading a Nautilus shell workshop in September at Leu Gardens. Stand by for this new date as I'll be announcing it soon. On Thursday, August 15th we'll be starting back up with our weekly gatherings. I love this time slot, so I'm sticking with Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. You'll get a short art lesson and watercolor project from me and then will be free to work on whatever project of yours needs working on. I promise it doesn't just have to be watercolors : ). The class does fill up as I can only take 12 maximum. A Very Special Project ![]() For about a year I've had the honor of working along side our Oviedo Art Board to bring you an illustrated map of Oviedo! We had so many places that we wanted to include that it was hard to decide. In the end, we truly hope that the residents enjoy it and have fun finding all of their favorite locations in our city on the map! In addition to being hung in city hall, the city plans to print it on postcards and other merchandise to sell and further bring more artistic elements to our town. You'll hopefully be able to purchase it from the city soon as well as at Great Day In The Country This Fall! Wedding Contest ![]() I'm often found "live painting" at weddings these days. It's such a joy to be a part of people's big day! Two of the weddings that I have painted at have been nominated for a "Mappy's" award. It is awarded based on the best overall wedding and team of vendors. If you want some wedding inspiration, you'll find tons at the wedding venue map website. I'd love it if you'd be willing to vote for one of these weddings that I painted at: https://mappys.weddingvenuemap.com/home/entry/94 https://mappys.weddingvenuemap.com/home/entry/96 Many blessings to you as you enjoy the rest of your summer! - Caryn ![]() It's been a dozen years in the making... a dedicated place to create. If you or your children have ever taken an art class with me, you know that it's been at the dining room table of my big kitchen. We've sipped tea together, laughed, learned and experimented in this space. While it has served us well, it's been tugging at me to have a separate, bigger place to create with you. A Create Place. An attached art studio that I can hardly wait to move my giant, paint splattered desk into. We are about a week away from occupying it! We don't know all of the ways that God will use A Create Place , but we do know it will be a place to more comfortably collaborate with students and clients, explore different mediums, practice, learn, gather with community and be inspired together. Beginning September 8th, |
As the summer wraps up, I have lots of plans that I'm trying to be patient with. There seems to be so little time left just to rest and play with our kiddos. I don't recall a July ever flying by so fast. Many of you know that we've been adding a large art studio on to our home. As it's been being built, I've been dreaming of all the ways we can use it for creative pursuits... community keeps coming to mind. Can't wait to share it with you as it comes into completion and the plans crystalize. In the meantime, here is a little gift from me to you. A gentle reminder in the form of a desktop or phone wallpaper to abide in God. Give over all of your concerns, unknowns and anxious thoughts in prayer. He will produce much fruit! Click on the image and save it to your phone or desktop. |

I'm not a gadget girl. I try to stick to what I know works in terms of kitchen untensils, woodworking tools and yes paint brushes! That said, I've wondered how people make those mini paintings the size of a dime without their hands getting in the way of their view! I like to quip that I have man hands. They are not big in size, but are certainly not slender in form. It's tough to see around my chunky fingers to what I'm painting if it is in a small area. While working on this piece, I decided to purchase and try out the Princeton Velvet Touch Tight Spot angled brush. I have to say, although the brush looks a little funny, I loved using it! Here is one of those, "form follows function" moments. I could easily see what delicate areas I was working with without getting in my own way.
| Here is a little video of me working around the eye of the cardinal. Something that I usually have to use liquid mask for when I'm trying to retain a little highlight. With the Princeton Tight Spot, I didn't have to use the mask. It was so easy to see what I was doing. |
Let me know what you think if you try out the Princeton brush or if you ever want a special piece made just for your family.
Caryn Dahm
Whether I am painting custom artwork, creating a water colored logo for a client, or teaching art students, I hope to refresh and inspire others with my work. Read more ...
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