March Studio Update: Photography, New Work, and Building Momentum as an Artist

March felt like a month of behind-the-scenes progress.

Not everything was visible or finished. But a lot moved forward.

Investing in the Process

One of the biggest shifts this month was finally upgrading some of my tools.

I added an L-bracket to my camera setup, which has already made shooting vertically so much easier. It’s a small change, but one that removes friction, and I’m starting to realize how much small barriers were slowing me down.

The bigger investment was a new MacBook Pro.

It’s been over a decade—closer to fifteen years—since I last upgraded my laptop. Over time, I had just adapted to things being slow: Lightroom lagging, Wix struggling to load, constant delays in editing and uploading.

And while I told myself it was manageable, it was costing me something more valuable: time and creative energy.

Now there is less waiting, less frustration, and more space to create.

Returning to Photography

I also spent one Sunday revisiting my sketchbooks by photographing recent work and even pieces from the past year.

This is part of a broader commitment I’m making: using weekends not just to paint, but to document and practice photography. 

Right now, my indoor settings are starting to feel consistent:

• Aperture around f/5.6

• ISO between 200–400 (320 feels like a sweet spot)

• Slower shutter speeds (often between 1/15–1/30)

  
  

There’s still more to refine, especially around lighting, but I’m beginning to trust my eye.

Work in Progress (Everywhere)

Like nature, but in the studio, March was about seeding. 

• A commission for a friend is underway

• Three new paper pieces are in progress, with a developing theme I’m still feeling into

• And a completely new direction: a sculptural piece

  
  

The sculptural work is especially different for me. I started it experimentally using leftover gesso and layering spray paint in cerulean blue. It began to resemble waves, and now I’m exploring what it wants to become.

Do the waves face the shore? Or stretch toward the horizon?

Right now, I’m leaning toward the horizon.

I’m also questioning color and whether to keep the bold blue or move toward something more neutral. Either way, it’s a departure from my usual work, and that feels novel. 

Expanding the Foundation

This month also included some meaningful milestones:

• Launching my Chakra Fine Art Print Series

• Framing Bloom Under Pressure and establishing a relationship with a new local framer

• Updating listings and continuing to build out my shop

Looking Ahead

I will be on vacation for part of April, driving Route 66 with my family from Oklahoma City to Santa Monica. It’s my first chance to disconnect in a long time, and my first chance outside of work and the daily grind to practice presence with myself, Tristan and my girls. 

When I return, I will continue to:

• Paint more consistently

• Document more of the process

  
  

The goal is to create monthly recaps that feel progressive and relatable, something that captures beauty in imperfection, movement, texture, and energy.