Pursuing Curiosity: Using Art Books for Inspiration and Self-Care

When I was 16, a newly-minted driver’s license in my wallet, where did I go on my first solo drive?

books, inspiration, lifeAnne ButeraFebruary 19, 2021books, inspiration, Inspiration Deck, Skillshare classes, self-care, self care, joy, about me Comments

Why I Love Valentine's Day Plus an Invitation to Creative Self-Care

I love Valentine’s Day. It’s probably not cool to admit this, but I do.

Are You an Artist? Writing an Artist's Manifesto

The shop was a jumble of art, jewelry and funky secondhand furniture. Although the town’s population was tiny, it was crowded with people attending the local art festival. I browsed, more curious about what was for sale than because I wanted to purchase anything.

Winter Joy: How to Choose and Order Seeds for a Successful Garden

The wind shrieks a puff of snow off the roof and as I step outside the storm door shatters an icicle onto the stairs.

gardenAnne ButeraJanuary 29, 2021gardening, garden planning, ordering seeds, how to choose and order seeds, growing a successful garden, seed sowing plan, seeds, garden plans, deciding what to grow, seed companies, favorite mail order seed companies, favorite online seed companies, favorite seed catalogs Comments

Looking Back and Connecting the Dots of our Journeys

Back in December Abby Glassenberg interviewed me for the Craft Industry Alliance Podcast. Our conversation aired this week.

art, creativity, lifeAnne ButeraJanuary 22, 2021about me, podcasts, Abby Glassenberg, Craft Industry Alliance, creative journeys, looking back, looking forward, creativity, childhood Comments

Simplifying: Goals, Intentions and Planning My Year

I sit at my table with a steaming mug of earl grey beside me. The table is strewn with notebooks and lists and calendars. My pen is poised to write, but I’m having trouble adding anything to the page.

creativity, lifeAnne ButeraJanuary 15, 2021planning, planning for the year, tips for goal setting, setting intentions, January, January 2021 Comments

Choosing a Word for the New Year

I just got back from my long morning walk with Clara. It feels good. To be out in the winter mornings. To notice the changing landscape.

life, seasonsAnne ButeraJanuary 8, 2021word of the year, planning for the year, new year, welcoming the new year, overcoming anxiety, dealing with anxiety, anxiety, winter, embracing winter, loving winter, beauty Comments

Sips of Inspiration: an Interview with Karen Lowry Reed

Today’s Sips of Inspiration conversation is with my long-time blogging friend Karen Lowry Reed.

Shift Your Perspective and Recommit to Your Heart

I stumbled into my shoes, pulling on my hat and coat before rushing two wagging dogs out the door.

I was still wearing my nightshirt.

I wasn’t wearing any socks.

I hadn’t even put on my glasses.

Art by Other Artists in My Studio: a Partial Studio Tour

I’ve been wanting to show you around my studio but instead of giving a full tour, today I’m sharing one corner where I’ve collected art from other artists.

Finishing My 10 Year Painting Celebration with Gratitude

Bright sunshine and warm breezes. Clear blue skies and crisp snow. Cold, dark, wet days. This month I’ve tried to be present for it all.

November has been a gift. A strange month, but a gift, too.

Sips of Inspiration: an Interview with Dana Barbieri

I’ve been giddily anticipating posting it and I’m so happy to finally be able to announce this month’s guest: Dana Barbieri.

art, inspiration, life, Sips of InspirationAnne ButeraNovember 20, 202010 years of learning to paint, 10 Year Painting Celebration, 10 year painting celebration, 10 years of learning watercolor, 10 years of watercolor painting, 10 Years of Learning How to Paint Comments

10 Lessons from 10 Years of Learning How to Paint

You’ve quieted your mind and listened to the whispers. Your heart longs to learn something new, to be creative, to craft a different life.

Now what?

art, creativity, inspirationAnne ButeraNovember 13, 2020advice for artists, creative advice, 10 years of learning to paint, 10 years of watercolor painting, 10 years of learning watercolor, creativity, creative doubts, creative inspiration, Creativebug, skillshare, developing a creative habit, Elizabeth Gilbert, Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh, joy, enjoy the process, being a beginner, give yourself time to be a beginner, advice for creatives, Let creativity take over your life, have fun, enjoy yourself, enjoy creativity, enjoy creating, creative challenges, creative classes, creative community, focus, Lilla Rogers, development as an artist, developing as an artist, creative dreams, creative development, 10 Year Painting Celebration, 10 Years of Learning How to Paint, How to take your art to the next level, 10 year painting celebration, popular posts Comments

10 Year Painting Celebration: Nudging You Toward Your Dreams

My heart raced and I held my breath. I felt a flutter in my stomach as I sat down with a set of watercolors, some paper and a brush to paint for the first time.

Why I Don't Clean Up the Garden in the Autumn

Colorful leaves crunching underfoot. Pumpkins arranged on the front steps. Gently falling snow.

Embracing Stillness: Lessons Learned Waiting at the Vet

This year I’ve gone to more vet appointments than I can count. I guess I could count them, flip back through calendar pages and tally up appointments for tests and surgery and treatments and more tests.