Sips of Inspiration: an Interview with Dana Barbieri

You know when you have a secret and you can’t wait to share it? That’s how I’ve been feeling about today’s Sips of Inspiration conversation. I’ve been giddily anticipating posting it and I’m so happy to finally be able to announce this month’s guest: Dana Barbieri.

I’ve mentioned Dana before on my blog and in my Joy Letters (and you might have noticed her comments on my posts). If you’ve been following me for a while you may remember the collaborative Sketchbook Project she and I did a few years ago.

A spread from the 2x2 Sketchbook Collaboration between Anne Butera (right) and Dana Barbieri (left)

It was featured in UPPERCASE Magazine Issue 29 (sadly out of print).

Dana’s and my 2x2 Sketchbook Collaboration was featured in UPPERCASE Magazine Issue 29

Dana and I met in an online acrylic painting class taught by Mati Rose McDonough and Lisa Congdon in February of 2011 (I think that’s where we met — correct me if I’m wrong here, Dana). I was still new to art and discovering Dana’s blog and getting to know her through her posts was inspiring and encouraging.

Dana lives in upstate New York. She’s a multi-passionate creative. A painter who is constantly trying new things.

Our creative journeys have twisted and turned over the years, but we’ve continued to keep in touch. Dana’s blog, where she posted our sketchbook project, doesn’t exist anymore, but after a break, she started blogging again at Little Butterfly Studio.

Her art and photography and writing are thoughtful and filled with joy.

Lettering by Dana Barbieri

Dana helped me to overcome my fear of sketchbooks (now one of my favorite ways to create!). She’s been an enthusiastic cheerleader.

a collection of paintings on Dana Barbieri’s easel

Over the years she’s put up with so many questions from me about using different media (anything she loves I want to try, too).

Dana Barbieri sketching landscapes in Pastel

She’s recommended books and classes, websites and YouTube videos. We’ve exchanged more emails than I could ever count.

I’m grateful to count her as one of my dear friends.

a bird sketch by Dana Barbieri

Dana and I have never met in real life and before preparing for this conversation, we had only communicated through the written word.

Autumn trees in watercolor by Dana Barbieri

To be able to chat face to face (if only through computer screens) was a delight and I’m so happy to be sharing our conversation with you today.

It’s fitting Dana is my guest this month during my 10 Year Painting Celebration, don’t you think? She had the brilliant idea to turn the tables and interview me while I interviewed her. So, grab a mug of your favorite beverage and enjoy the inspiration:

You can connect with Dana at Little Butterfly Studio and on Instagram. Be sure not to miss her recent Sunday Sketches video series.

Now for this week’s giveaways!

To help inspire you on your creative journey, I’ve opened up 10 free spots in my Skillshare Class Defeat the Blank Page (as with the last two weeks, just follow the link and if you’re one of the first 10 people, you’re in. You can always try Skillshare free for two weeks if you need more inspiration).

I’m also giving away a collection of some of my favorite sketchbook supplies: a Canson XL Mix Media Sketchbook, a mechanical pencil, a Tombow Brush Pen and a No. 8 Princeton Velvetouch Long Round brush. Simply leave a comment below sharing your favorite source of inspiration for a chance to win.

Thank you to everyone who shared lessons from your own creative journeys last week. So much good advice. The winner of the calendar is:

Nichole W.

Congratulations, Nichole. Please email me with your address and I’ll send along your calendar.

photos in this post, except for the 2nd, 3rd and last 2 ©Dana Barbieri