What brings you joy?
For me, the color yellow, my sweet little rescue dog/studio buddy, stacks of books, a walk around Radnor Lake, a day at Cheekwood, the coffee my daughter/barista makes me every morning, tacos with my family, beach time. In every painting, I’m trying to capture these joyful moments. This doesn’t mean that every day is rainbows and buttercups, but my intention, my choice, is to focus on the things that lift my spirits.
And I’m gathering that joy and spreading it around this summer in the following ways:
First up, my solo exhibition at the Williamson County Exhibition Center from June 7-August 12. 
I am so excited to represent the arts and culture in my own home county. I painted huge, happy blooms especially for this show. The exhibition building, located right next to the Williamson County Public Library, is part of the gorgeous new Academy Park campus in Williamson County and hosts events and classes for young and old all year long. My hope is that visitors of all ages will leave the exhibition with a smile and a desire to support local artists! All work will be available for sale through me, so contact me directly at emily@littleestudio.com if you visit the exhibition anytime this summer and wish to purchase.
This year, I am all about simplifying. I am focusing on the ways that I present and sell my art that maximize my joy and time. To that end, I am finally getting that online store up and running! I’ve been dangling that carrot for a long time, but it is getting very real. For those outside of the southeast, buying my original work has been labor intensive for everyone. It involved seeing a post on social media, sending a DM or email, going back and forth about size, price, shipping/payment options, sending more pictures etc. Whew. Yet even with all the to and fro, I still sent paintings all over the country…California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Maine, Vermont, Iowa, Washington State, Oregon, Utah, Illinois, Texas. I’ve spent a lot of time at Fed Ex the last few years!
So in order to streamline the process and make original artwork available to a wider audience, I have been working hard at overcoming a big learning curve when it comes to all things tech and all things logistical/time management related. I have relied on some very talented and techy people to help with setting up the shop, an email newsletter, all things web. Not my wheelhouse. We have finally worked through most of the kinks (fingers crossed) and are merely days away from taking it live.
As the launch gets closer, I am accepting that there will be mistakes, glitches, a general lack of perfection. Hopefully you will all give me grace…and I will do the same for myself. My intentions are to make it easy and efficient for you to purchase original art. The release will be comprised of ten very happy and coordinating original 12 x 12 works on cradled wooden panels specifically painted for the launch. They embody my theme of intentional joy and their sole purpose is to add a touch of happy to your home.
For now, sign up for the newsletter (on the home page) to get first news on specific dates, coupon codes, special surprises, etc.
And, finally, my latest licensed collection with Creative Co-op came out this summer at market and I cannot wait to see where all the new products end up. I am always thankful to the retailers who pick up my lines and I get super giddy every time I stumble across a product in a store or online or a friend sends me a picture. It never gets old to see where the images I paint in my basement studio end up out in the world.
Thank you all for your patience and encouragement as I take on new opportunities and steady growth in my art business while embracing my imperfections and being a full-time mama as well. I love what I do and I love that you love it as well!
With JOY!
Emily