Artists who light the way

Artist in the Spotlight

Celebrating artists who inspire me, and who generously help others learn. Meet them one at a time: their story, their work, and the lessons they share so freely.

Butterflies and a flowering plant by Maria Sibylla Merian
Maria Sibylla Merian, Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 1705. Public domain.
Why I spotlight artists

Generous hands

When I came back to the easel, I didn’t learn alone. I learned from artists who took the time to share their methods, answer questions, and cheer on beginners. Their generosity made the path less lonely, and I want to pass that on.

It’s an old tradition. More than three hundred years ago, the naturalist and painter Maria Sibylla Merian taught painting to young women and published her studies of plants and insects so others could learn from them.

This page celebrates artists with that same spirit: wonderful work, and an open hand for the people still finding their way. More to come, one spotlight at a time.

Inside each spotlight

What each spotlight shares

Every spotlight is written in my own words, with care and respect for the artist and their work.

Who they are

Their story: where they paint, what they make, and how they began.

Why their work moves me

What I love about their art, and what it teaches me as a painter.

How they help others

The lessons, videos, and kindness they share with beginners.

A lesson to carry

One idea from their way of working, simplified so you can try it at home.

Coming to the wall

Saving a place for them

These frames are waiting for the first artists to join us, from every corner of the studio.

Coming soon
The Watercolor TeacherWatercolor · Beginner lessons
Coming soon
The Botanical IllustratorPlants · Field sketching
Coming soon
The Oil PainterOil · Landscapes and portraits
Coming soon
The Sacred ArtistIcons · Sacred art
More to come

Interviews and guest workshops

I’ll be inviting spotlight artists to share even more, so you can learn straight from them.

Artist interviews

Conversations about their path, their struggles, and what they wish they'd known as beginners.

Guest workshops

Hands-on lessons led by visiting artists, in person and online.

Studio visits

A peek at where and how they work: their tools, their space, their habits.

Latest spotlights

New posts are on the way.

Honoring the artist

Each spotlight credits the artist by name and points you to their own pages. Their artwork is shown only with permission, or through their own posts, so the work always stays theirs. Artists are always welcome to ask for changes.

Know an artist who helps others?

Tell me about them: a teacher, a friend, or someone whose videos helped you begin. Some of the best spotlights will come from this community.

Be the first to meet them

Get art news, and the first spotlight will arrive in your inbox, along with interviews, workshop dates, and new paintings.