Creative Living in April | My Current Inspiration List
Every month, I find myself collecting little moments, ideas, and pieces of beauty that spark something new. Some come from my sketchbook, some from my home, some from travels… and some just from paying a little more attention to the everyday.
This is a small gathering of what's inspiring me right now.
Creative Project
In the Studio: From Paris
A beautiful Saturday morning in my studio…and a last-minute change of plans.
When the FedEx driver arrived with the last box from the Paris flea markets on Friday morning, I decided to keep the brocante and let go of the rest, a simple Saturday morning. Kind of like we had in Paris.
I wasn't sure it would make it in time, so opening it felt like a surprise even to me. Inside were layers of art, transferware, and a few forgotten finds from the flea markets.
I began unpacking and setting the scene…
A tray of my favorite Henri Maire toasting glasses for champagne with just a splash of orange juice. Croissants, strawberries, and cheeses… just like our slow mornings in Paris.
I wanted it to feel like more than shopping.
A little piece of Paris, right here in the studio.
Collected & Curated
I came across the most beautiful portrait of a man, washed in the softest mauve tones… the kind of piece that feels like it's been quietly waiting for the exact right spot. It's joining a growing collection of portraits and art in there, slowly turning the space into my own little gallery.
I found it at the Foire de Chatou, where one vendor had piles and piles of paintings. Truly the kind you have to flip through one by one.
One of my clients and I stood there creating our own stacks… pulling out the ones that spoke to us, adding antique painter's palettes along the way.
We passed by again later with another client… and at that point, we decided we might as well ship a box home. We had created quite a collection that needed a place to go.
And now, this one painting has found its place.
Wander & Gather
We took a quick trip to the Bahamas this month with friends, and it was such a good reset.
A tiny island, only reachable by boat. Our house ran on solar panels, with a quiet lagoon on one side and the Atlantic stretching out on the other.
I went for walks every day, just wandering the beach and finding little trails through the palm trees. I forgot to bring a bag, so I ended up stuffing shells, sea sponges, and driftwood in my pockets.
I love doing this… even though I already have more sea treasures than I know what to do with.
I found one piece of sea glass and several sea urchin shells that were actually intact, which is rare.
In the Studio
I've been continuing my 100 Day Project, and I can feel the finish line just ahead.
More than anything, it's the preparation that's carried me through. I cut and taped each 6×6 watercolor piece to the wall in a grid and gave myself a dedicated space for my supplies. That simple setup became my rhythm.
Watching the wall slowly fill, piece by piece, has been the most inspiring part.
I'm also finalizing plans to show the collection in a local home décor store, which feels like such a meaningful way to bring it all full circle. I can't wait to share more soon.
Little Joys
Read the Good Grit Guide to an Antiquing Road Trip featuring me! 🛻
Playing Mahjong with my friends every Thursday. Do you play?
I'm finally getting a courtyard outside of my studio. Dream coming true!
What's Coming Up
Summer is starting to fill up in the best way.
I'm heading to New York next week to see Emma… I love a long weekend with just the two of us. Then I'm off to Florence for a workshop with Jeanne Oliver. It'll be my first international trip with her, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Connor will be in Ireland playing golf, and then we're meeting up in Lake Como with friends. And of course, Lucy… I already have two flea markets on my radar.
Fingers crossed, I can make one or both.
