Venture Here and There 
Today was quite rough and I don’t want to fully get into it…but being an adult is really hard sometimes and when I am reduced to a blubbering pile of myself crying on my bed it doesn’t seem like I’ve come all that far from adolescence… but I have… maybe not tonight… a dear childhood friend @simsduke sent me this picture and it was taken in a life changing moment… I won ‘Best of Show’ at the league art show and it seriously changed the course of my life… sometimes we crave the validation that we are on the right track and sometimes it comes in the form of a giant blue ribbon and sometimes it comes in the form of a perfect mentor at the exact right time… or red cowboy boots or a big commission order… look at this little girl… so unsure of herself and so proud to be noticed… . . . #artist #artistsoninstagram #bestofshow #1999 #throwback #lifechanging #oilpastel #reallife #emo #coloradoartists #validation #howdarling #chasingdreams #loveyouself #heartbreak
Posted on September 9, 2019 Leave a Comment
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Part of adulthood is to think of those who came before, what their hopes and dreams were, what made them happy, or sad and compare them to who we knew of them. We get just a sliver of life to share with other generations and who they were as children will remain a mystery. This is my grandma Mern on the back of a horse, she was 10 or 11. Of course I took some creative liberties but I am certain she would approve. . . . . #westernart #horse #horsebackriding #trickriding #1940s #howdarling #artistsoninstagram #coloradoartist #rurallife #country #countrygirl #grandma #redshoes #polkadot #whitehorse
Posted on August 1, 2019 Leave a Comment
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More map abstract… I was once told my pallet is way too saturated by someone I respect and it hurt. Feeling like I can’t choose the colors I am drawn to is defeating. But here is this piece that I love and it is all things bright and rich and deeply personal. Everyone has an opinion, choose carefully of the ones you will listen to. . . . #abstractart #abstract #howdarling #color #coloradoartist #acrylic #mountainfair #rurallife #farm #homestead #individual #yellow #red #pink #buyart
Posted on July 16, 2019 Leave a Comment
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When I create #abstract work I like to base it on something very real to me. @andersonranchartscenter learning from the incredible @beckysuss I spent my time reflecting on my grandma’s life. This piece is based on the map of my grandparent’s farm. I spent an enormous amount of time on this farm as a child. I am thrilled my cousin and his family will be raising their wild boys here. @westerncouture @nik.benton . . . . #abstractart #thatsdarling #rurallife #grandparents #farm #abstractart #coloradoartist #patterndesign #howdarling #artlicensing #mountainfair @beckysuss
Posted on July 13, 2019 Leave a Comment
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My time @andersonranchartscenter this summer was incredible. @beckysuss was my instructor and I learned so much. I challenged myself on a whole new level, and gained confidence in broken spots. I am excited to share pieces of my work with you! #artretreat #westernart #artistofinsgagram #coloradoartist #acrylic #buyart
Posted on June 17, 2019 Leave a Comment
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My grandma Mern had a blouse with this print on it. It was an airy summer shirt that went from a nicer “go to town shirt” to a “everyday” shirt in my lifetime. I can still feel the cool fabric and her rough hands embracing me. She passed when I was 16 so unexpectedly I am still trying to catch my breath. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on her life this week @andersonranchartscenter and wishing that her life had been easier and we had had her for longer. I hope to live my life so deep and wide that it will somehow be enough for both of us. #grandparents #acrylicpaint #vintageprint #country #wildwest #farmgirl #artistofinstagram #coloradoartist #artretreat #grief
Posted on June 12, 2019 Leave a Comment
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