Dun dun da da! Here it is, my manuscript in it’s entirety. After five years of working on and off on this project I have finally complied all of my thoughts.

I have to admit something to you though, this last week has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. As excited as I am about having completed my first book, it’s also a little scary. One of the first reactions I had when I picked up the 244 pages of my own writing was fear. My inner critic was having a field day yelling all sorts of self defeating thoughts in my head.

I wondered why all of a sudden these fears were being voiced when just moments before I was completely elated to hit the print button. Then my dear friend, Melissa (who accompanied me on the writing trip to Weymouth), sent me an e-mail with one of my favorite quotes attached as a reminder.

Continue reading “Choosing Love & Light” »

When I applied to the writers in Residency program at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities I didn’t know a whole lot about it. All I knew was it was place to get away and focus on writing for a few days.

Turns out my experience at Weymouth could be a book in itself. It not only was a place to get away from my day to day experiences, but it felt like a get away from this era. From the manor house itself, to the immaculate gardens I was immersed in another century. The large manor house was the home of James Boyd. Boyd was a popular and well-known author. He was friends with other notable writers, as Thomas Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sherwood Anderson, Ernest Hemingway, and Paul Green many of whom had stayed in this very house. What an incredible place full of such rich history (and a few historical Spirits lurking about.)

Continue reading “A Trip to Remember” »

In just three more days I will be here.

This is Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines, NC. I have been accepted into their writers in residency program! For five days my talented writer friend, Melissa Collins, and I will be immersing ourselves in the creative act of writing. We are packing our laptops, our journals, some comfortable clothes, and inviting along our creative muses. (I’m sure they will be quite happy in this beautiful setting.)

I have a feeling I am going to leave not only with a lot of writing completed, but also with inspiration for new paintings! Updates when we return.

Love & Blessings,
Jeniffer

We have started yet another new project in the Hutchins’ household. This castle mural in Noah’s room is a complete team effort! I just love that the three of us are getting to work together on this one.  

Obviously we are still in the beginning stages, but I thought I would share the process with you a little bit here. It is a reminder that all creative endeavors are not completed in a flash. Rather they are ideas in the mind which are cultivated, planned out and implemented.

Continue reading “Go ahead, paint on your walls!” »

“Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed.” -Sydney Smith

Obviously I love inspirational quotes. (See sidebar.) Aside from sharing them with you here, I also have little quotes all over my desk and on my walls. They help to keep me centered and focused on my creative journey.

However, I know there are times when these well intended lines can feel less than sincere. Maybe it is in their over use – plastered on Facebook walls or sent in mass e-mailings. Or perhaps it has to do with our own emotional state of mind when it crosses our path. Let’s face it we don’t always feel the bubbly light of hope that these messages have to offer us. There are days when we read a positive quote and our inner critic screams “What a bunch of hooey!”

Continue reading “What nature intended” »

Please click on the image below to see a larger version.

Bliss

This painting is available for sale.

Cost: $75.00 (USD)

This is a shortened version of one of my all time favorite quotes by Joseph Campbell. “Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”

Please click on the image below to see a larger version.

Together Through it All

This painting is available for sale.

Please contact me for purchase information. jhutchins@joyfulartsstudio.com

Bright, bold, and full of textural depth, these little birdies are pure delight. This painting has taken twists, turns and probably about 10 tubes of paint as layer upon layer has been added. It has been a fun, playful and joyful process. I am so excited to finally be able to share this piece with you.

Please click on the image below to see a larger version.

Bird on a Wire

This painting is available for sale.

Cost: $75.00 (USD)

Perched on a tight wire, this bird is ready to sing a joyful song. This image is a bright and textural painting created with layers of specialty paper, molding paste, and brushed paint.

Please click on the image below to see a larger version.

Believe

This painting is available for sale.

Cost: $75.00 (USD)

Playful image with a powerful reminder to believe. Layers of paint were created with stamps, hand painted designs, drips and splatters.

Please click on the image below to see a larger version.

Growing Light

This painting is available for sale.

Cost: $75.00 (USD)

Layers of paint and thick textures bloomed into this radiating floral image.