After months of home renovations and studio up-do's, finding pretty little things to hang hither and yon and the perfect paint to splash about on walls and bookcases, I suddenly find I've finished my BIG MOVING CHECKLIST. Do I have free time, or did I just forget everything? Do you have a list you keep, perhaps on a little piece of paper taped to the front of your mirror? Or maybe you have a memory that still actually works? (I remember those days, oh wait, I don't...!)

There is something pretty fabulous that happens when every morning begins with mountain views. Worries seem to fly away the moment I step out my front door and see snow sparkling in the distance on Pike's Peak. I take a deep breath, feel peace in my soul, and give thanks. Finding a new studio home where I can cart my brush and easel outdoors is an incredible gift, and I feel like I've finally arrived at the place where I was always meant to bloom and grow. To be able to share this celebration of nature, flowers and light with you, in the "City of Sunlight" is like extra butter creme icing on a super frosted cupcake!

If you've been following along with me on this wild journey to a new home base that began last fall, it's likely you've heard me mention I don't have a lick of sense when it comes to decorating! We had two big moves, one to move the household, and another entirely separate move just to relocate the studio and the art. Thank goodness the hubby is a great organizer, and lifter (and chef, and friend, to say the least!).

Once we got settled and got the boxes out of the way, it was time to pick out new furniture and choose facades and furnishings and cute baubles and frilly things to hang on walls. I've fallen in love with farmhouse style, it's kind of a step up from the old days of shabby chic, and it's uplifting, light and fun. While I am pretty darn good at painting daisies, organizing rooms is not my strong suit, but so far I'm pretty happy with the new digs.

So here's what happened in the last 2 months, from landing in The Springs with three rowdy pug puppies in late December, to what it all looks like this week. (The painters left yesterday!).

Soon I'll share my complete studio renovation, too, so stay tuned for more exciting color to come!

My new 2020 Colorado Springs workshops are filling fast, but I've still got a spot for you, flower friend! We're going to paint aspens and flowers until the elk come home (you thought I was going to say cows, didn't you?) For the first time ever, you can choose between oil or acrylic workshops! In all of my 3-day workshops, you get tons of teacher TLC, because these are very small groups. We're planning all sorts of beautiful things for you, plus you get to meet the pugs! You'll paint florals and landscapes and we'll also paint some big and bold creations you're going to love hanging up in your home studio.

There are dozens of new lessons blooming in my monthly online class, The Joyful Brush, and weekly events live in your Facebook groups! Cultivate your creativity brilliantly all year long, through every season of your art journey, from the comfort of your home studio.

With full-length painting lessons and oodles of exciting color, you get the time and space to grow your skills at your own pace, with lessons that never expire as long as your membership is current. Get florals, landscapes, and all the superpower color tips you can shake a brush at. Treat yourself to flowers that bloom all year round, and fill your home with paintings you'll treasure for years to come.

"Well, I want to recommend Nancy's workshops to my friends, but I am afraid I will have to warn them it may change their lives! Going to France and watching Nancy paint was one of the best experiences of my life. The conversations I had with everyone prompted me to do some serious soul searching. While we were at the Abbey, I got a text asking me if I would be interested in a job. It would be working for a small county and would be a salary cut. Normally, I would have said no, but I realized on this trip that I wanted to paint more and my present job was too emotionally draining. So I accepted the job and this morning I felt energized enough to paint before work. You have really changed my life for the better!"

~ Cindy Zuniga ~ France 2019 Alumni

Seven years ago, I quit my corporate job as the director of a national magazine to become a full time artist and art teacher. One morning I had an epiphany: Life is too short not to follow your bliss. I never dreamed that painting would someday allow me to travel around the world.

In the past year, I've worked with Disney and painted on national TV! Every day I wake up and my heart surges with happiness. Yes I am an artist. Yes, this is what I do for a living. Yes, I am a lucky girl. Thank you to each of you who have walked with me on this path. Whatever your tomorrow brings, may it be filled with color!

"I just want you to know I have absolutely LOVED the online class, Painting Brilliant Colors. I was able to finish all of the paintings, and then rewatched a lot of the lessons and took notes, writing down color combinations I didn't want to forget. I LOVE the brilliant colors! and so many of your words are ringing in my ears - "don't get married to the underpainting..." "walk those colors around your canvas..." "Don't forget to step back and look at your painting"! Thank you so much for every moment!
~ Jeanne H

"Nancy, many thanks to both you and Carlos who made this an extraordinary weekend! I enjoyed your lessons and delving into painting Monet's gardens immensely. Your encouragement and assistance were so very appreciated. I am pleased that I have two paintings that I am willing to hang, and the challenge of another with detailed notes and photographs. You are both so gracious and welcoming us into your studio, preparing delicious meals and snacks, and making sure we were comfortable in every way. The pugs added another layer of welcome!"
~ Janice Schlotzhauer