"So, are you still painting?"

Some of the work that kept me busy while I was away!

It's a valid question, and one that's popped up often lately. After all, I've basically been on virtual hiatus for nearly three years. In internet time, that's an eternity.

And until recently, the short answer would have been, “I haven’t really had the time.” Seasons shifted, and between juggling multiple jobs, life circumstances, and a touch of artistic burnout, I went about a year without touching a brush. But I’m back, ready to jump in with some new ideas in store.

If you want the long answer…

I’d love to share, because I can basically bullet point the past two years with ways God provided just what I needed at just the right time.

"The Milkhouse," One of my late 2023 commissions.

If you’re new here, you should know that my “main” job is serving as office administrator at my church. It’s part time, and I know without a doubt that it’s exactly what God has called me to do in this season. I’d love to share how I got there, but for now, just know that prioritizing that job has been a priority, and doing so has given more tangible opportunities to see God provide than any other time in my life.

In late 2023 I got a sudden flush of commissions, none of which could be attributed to my subpar marketing skills. Just like every other time since starting the church job, when I got a commission, the income provided directly for some unforeseen need.

For example, I suddenly found myself in need of new brakes, rotors, and a new set of tires. The week my car went into the garage I'd (finally!) finished my largest commission yet, and the check was very graciously garnished with an unexpected tip. When I went to pick up my car and the mechanic quoted the final bill, he was grimacing, but I had to smile. The total commission check was within $20 of the bill I’d received. The poor guy was so confused by my reaction that I had to explain—God had just paid the bill.

Another 2023 commission.

As sweet as that experience was, after two years of being provided for solely through my church salary and commissions, a few other factors nudged me to pick up a second, “real” job. It also happened that the commissions on my plate were all slightly outside my comfort zone. Whether it was the subject matter, creative process required, or size, they were each creatively stretching.

For about six months, from late 2023 to June of 2024, between unfinished commissions and my now two other jobs, I found myself working well over 40 hours per week and exhausted—both physically and artistically.

A close up of a Psalm 23 concept piece.

I wrapped up my current commissions, stopped accepting any new ones, and started praying for a new direction. Even without painting, the demands of my new job competed unsustainably with my church job, and I knew something had to change.

Guess what? God did it again. The same week I started earnestly praying and looking for alternatives, I was approached with a job offer that was better in every way. I ended up working in that position until it came to a natural end this past June, and I will forever be grateful for the ways God used it to provide for and grow me.

What now?

Good question. I was wondering the same thing when my Dad asked me, "Why don't you start painting again?"

A portrait commission from 2023... but make it a double!

As much as it pains me to say, a year off left me pretty rusty. The thought of picking it up again, making it a focus, intimidated me. Plus, I started getting pretty used to the comfort of predictable 9 to 5's. But when I shared that with my dad, he reminded me of something that sounded an awful lot like my very first post—that the ability to create is a unique gift, one that God gives for the purpose of being used, and exercising it is both a form of worship to God and source of joy to me.

Fair point, Dad.

At that point, every job lead had turned up a dead end. Looking back at all the ways God provided the next thing for me, usually before I even knew to look, forced me to consider: Maybe these closed doors are also a means of provision. Maybe they're actually a means of directing me back to this “new,” old opportunity.

So that’s the story behind the radio silence. That’s why I disappeared, and now, why I’m back. And I have to say, I’m really excited to be back. Seasons have a tendency to cycle around, and I’m ready to dig into the chance to glorify the Creator through His good gift of creativity.

Things might look a little different this time around—I have some specific things I want to focus on. Posts will probably be shorter, and you’ll see more practice pieces while I target some holes in my technique. Hopefully it’ll end in one (or two!) cohesive painting series and new ways to enjoy them. In the meantime, I’m glad you’re here, grateful to share what God has done, and looking forward to uncovering what’s next. Thanks for coming along for the ride!