From the Hollow

A portrait is never just a likeness. At its best, portraiture is a conversation—between artist and subject, subject and viewer, past and present. Long before photography promised accuracy, painters understood something deeper: a portrait could reveal inner life, social power, vulnerability, devotion, grief, or defiance. To read a portrait well is to learn its quiet language. That language speaks most clearly through three elements: gaze, light, and compassion. The Gaze: Where

January always asks us to slow down. The noise of the holidays fades, the days stay short, and what the body really wants is warmth—real warmth. Not just heat, but nourishment. This soup is exactly that: grounding, comforting, and deeply winter-appropriate. Root vegetables have long been associated with stability and endurance during the cold months, and this recipe leans into that tradition. It’s hearty without being heavy, simple without being boring, and perfect for a quie

Twelfth Night, observed on January 5th, marks the final evening of the Christmas season. It is the threshold between celebration and return, between revelry and routine; a night traditionally filled with misrule, ritual, and the quiet understanding that the old magic must be put to rest. If Christmas is about light returning, Twelfth Night is about closure. Twelfth Night falls twelve days after Christmas Day and historically signified the official end of Christmastide. In man

Welcome back my faithful Paint fund subscribers! This week we have another installment of my Art History 101 project. As we move up the...

February is no stranger to some of the most unique and sometimes bizarre holidays. For those that may not have read any of my previous...

Welcome back to this week’s Recipe Share! As we step into the heart of the season, there’s something truly special about baking with...

Here we are with only a few days left in the month! February is going to be filled with lots of thrills and chills. Kicking off on the...

The creative journey is not for the weak at heart, but can be as thrilling as it is challenging. Whether you're an artist, writer,...

This hearty, gluten-free skillet is perfect for a cozy meal, whether it’s a quick dinner or a filling weekend brunch. Sweet potatoes and...

For years, I’ve been a person of extremes. When I focus on one goal, whether it’s writing or painting, I pour all my energy into it—often...

Setting goals is a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. They give us direction, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment when...

Gigi Griffis’ We Are the Beasts  offers a chilling look into the dark, oppressive world of 18th-century rural France, blending historical...

Continuing with my series...Here is the next installment of my Art History 101 . Previously published on Amazon's Kindle Vella . Here's...

Welcome back to another Wednesday Recipe Share exclusively for our wonderful subscribers! This week, we’re embracing fresh, vibrant...

Hello, lovely readers! Things have been wonderfully busy on my end, and I wanted to pop in with a quick update on what I’ve been working...

The Feast of the Ass, or Festum Asinorum, was an unusual and lively celebration rooted in medieval Europe rather than ancient Rome....

Journaling is often seen as a simple pastime, a place to jot down fleeting thoughts or catalog daily events. But for writers and artists,...

Continuing with my series...Here is the next installment of my Art History 101 . Previously published on Amazon's Kindle Vella . Here's...

Winter is here, and there's nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to keep the chill at bay. This Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup is...

In today’s app-saturated digital landscape, distractions are just a notification away. From social media pings to work-related updates,...