Shhhh! Don’t tell the others…

As each collection of new paintings develops and unfolds, the story behind the collection reveals itself – and the Up Close Collection is no different. The Up Close Collection hit the scene at the end of November 2022, and I’m excited to share a more in-depth look at the inspiration and process that helped shape the pieces.

PAINTING THE SCENE

I spent much of September, October sketching, painting and refining the pieces – when the sun was still bright, and the outdoors (here in Syracuse) was still inviting. I set my mind to soaking up that radiant fall sunlight with my spouse and kids, doing my best to minimize distractions and really engage with my family, observing my kids as they played and explored. I’d also put my annual professional development set-aside funds (a must for solopreneurs!) into a time management and productivity course called Time Genius, which helped me get to the root of planning joyfully productive days. The course presented some super-helpful strategies on how to squeeze the most of what really matters to me (time with my family and time to create art!) out of my days, and even leave some time for rest and gathering new inspiration.

THE MESSAGE

As we find ourselves at the beginning of another year, I think it’s important to acknowledge that no matter what hopes and desires we have for our new year, a year is a relatively long time – and a mixed bag! The optimism we feel about our shiny new goals is exciting and empowering, but that focus on achievement doesn’t speak to every aspect of the year. 2022 was one of my best years yet, as I’ve finally gotten to where I’ve wanted to be for a long time – an artist with plenty to work on, and nobody but me calling the shots! But 2022 also brought loss, grief, and closed chapters. There were bittersweet reminders that time – to spend with our loved ones and soak in the joys of the present – is by far our greatest gift. And that’s really what The Up Close Collection is about: capturing the beauty, in all its rich detail, of the present moment. 

With that thought in mind, I applied it to the landscape, focusing “up close” on the details that are easy to overlook – the way sunlight is filtered through fall leaves, or the way a tree trunk presents a rainbow of colors with the help of highlights and shadows. And as is true with any piece of art, each painting in the Up Close Collection represents a snapshot in time. The leaves will fall, the sun will go down, the season will change – but we know that life keeps moving. And that even if it looks a little different next time around, the warmth, light and beauty will be back.

WHERE TO FIND

I invite you to view the Up Close Collection here on my website! The pieces are all for sale via my online shop, and I welcome any questions at jenna@jennapaulsen.com. Also, be sure to sign up for monthly studio updates email so you can stay looped in to my new works in real time, plus early access to the pieces, and of course the occasional freebie!