Studio Newsletter | December 2024

When December hits, why does it always seem impossible that the year is coming to a close but while you were living all the other months, it seemed endless?

One of my favorite 2024 adventures was our trip to Caprock Canyons State Park. Lollygaging in the small canyon washes admiring amazing rocks with my little fam is an experience I won’t forget. The little bouquets of broomweed scattered throughout the canyons inspired the painting below.

My two favorite people in one of my favorite places.

Broomweed of Caprock.

“It was thought that her skyward reach was for the sun but it was the moon she had been leaning into all along.” | Broomweed at Caprock, 24”x36”, Flashe on wood panel

NEW STUDIES

"Dusk brought stillness." | Dusk River, 5.5”x5.5”, paint marker and Flashe on matboard

"The little beetle only slowed it’s pace in the shadows of the desert scrub." | Ochre Shadows, 5.5”x5.5”, paint marker on matboard

“The dim light of the crescent moon was just bright enough to illuminate the trail ahead." | Crescent Moon, 5.5”x5.5”, paint marker on paper

"Noone was there to witness the blooms open under the night sky." | Night Blooming Cactus, 5”x6”, paint marker on paper

"Heavy clouds rolled in and changed the landscape for a day." | Night Rain, 5”x7”, Flashe and paint marker on matboard

NEW ALTARS

The sixteen latest altars aka Wayfinder Guides, are on view during the month of December at Practical Art in Phoenix. Leopold the Lightning Bug (named after Aldo Leopold) and Lasso the Ladybug are the last of the series and may have inspired a future all-bug series of altars.

For the name and story of the Wayfinder Guides, click here! (To adopt a Guide, contact Practical Art.)

"Believe in magic." | Leopold the Lightning Bug

“You can’t count on luck, but believing that it exists just might be magic enough.” | Lasso the Ladybug

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It’s a known fact that people love to receive original artwork and super cool printed goods as holiday gifts. Need an animal talisman to stuff in a stocking? Gotcha covered. How about a small painting for your pal’s wall? Check. Looking for a long sleeve tee or hoodie so soft it feels like a dang hug? Look no further. These and lots of other awesome stuff are available in the Studio Shop!

Neighborhood Critters | Clay Talismans

Our most common neighborhood critters are squirrels, cats, raccoons, and possums. (These were made during winter migration season, so birds didn’t make the list.) Keep one in your pocket to be reminded of home.

$50.00

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Crescent Moon | Original Painting

Crescent Moon, 5.5”x6”, paint marker on paper, 2024

*unframed

$225.00

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Dove Adult Long Sleeve T-shirt (Unisex)

Top five activities to do while wearing this mega soft long sleeve tee:
1. Sittin' round a campfire.
2. Fossil collecting.
3. Reading a book.
4. Bird watching.
5. Holding down the couch while binging on garbage tv and eating stuffed crust pizza.

$40.00

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Owl Adult Hoodie (Unisex)

Dewd. I'd like to officially introduce you to my new favorite winter gear. Sure, the bird is cool (owls are completely ah-mazing) but it's the mega softness of this hoodie style that makes it my go-to.

$50.00

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Documenting my landscape through paintings and storytelling.

Hi, I’m Layla! I am an exhibiting painter with a focus on southwestern landscapes and the author/illustrator of a children’s story series called The Lolly Stories. The exploration of home, nature, and storytelling are the major components of both my painting practice and illustrations.