Hello my artist family!

It’s Jen here, and today I’m so excited to introduce you to someone who brings an extra dose of joy, energy, and enthusiasm to our DabblePaints™ community — the fabulous Brenda DeJesus.

Brenda’s creative journey actually began in the world of ceramics — she spent years shaping beauty with her hands long before ever picking up a paintbrush. But a few years back, she stumbled upon one of my Facebook videos (hi, Brenda!), and something inside her said, “Hmm… I think I might give this a go.” And, as she so perfectly put it, “Am I ever GLAD I DID!”

I just love that kind of bravery — the kind that whispers “why not?” and ends up opening a whole new world of color and texture. Honestly, that “why not” moment is where all the best adventures begin, isn’t it?

What inspires Brenda most

This one completely melted my heart — she said, “Jen inspires me. Every time I see her, I WANT to paint!”

Cue me blushing like a tube of magenta. But truly, the feeling is mutual. Seeing Brenda’s excitement, growth, and passion reminds me why I do what I do. Inspiration flows both ways in this artist family.

What she loves about DabblePaints™

Brenda’s words made me laugh out loud — and nod in agreement:

“Oh my goodness!! They are SOOOOOOO CREAMY!!! I can’t believe the difference! I have a few jars left of the old paints, and OH BOY! I hate using them… so I use them in the backgrounds. I save the Dabble Paints for the foregrounds and details!”

Now that’s what I call prioritizing the good stuff! I’m so glad you can feel the difference, Brenda — that creamy, buttery texture is exactly what I dreamed of creating.

What she enjoys most about painting

Brenda says she usually loves whatever her latest piece is (relatable, right?). The painting she shared is one she just finished — and she chose it because it uses almost all of our favorite DabblePaints™ colors. I can practically see the joy in every swipe of her palette knife.

Her advice to beginners

Brenda’s words are gold, so I’ll let her speak for herself:
“OH GOSH!! Just hang in there!!! It gets easier, and at first it can seem overwhelming, but honestly, you will AMAZE yourself!!! Just look at the videos from the retreats — everyone is painting the same picture, but they ALL look different!! Somewhere along the line, YOUR style will show through!!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. She even quoted me (which made me grin ear to ear):
“Jen says, ‘If you can ice a cake, you can paint with a palette knife!’ I didn’t believe her, until I actually started painting! I AMAZED MYSELF!!!!”

And that right there is what it’s all about — discovering that joy, that confidence, and realizing that you can create something beautiful with your own two hands.

Brenda, thank you for sharing your light, your story, and your contagious excitement with us. You remind us all that it’s never too late to try something new — and to amaze yourself in the process.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.

XO,
Jen

Hello my Dabble family!

It’s Jen here, and I cannot wait for you to meet today’s featured artist — the wonderfully creative and endlessly inspiring Colette Lee.

Colette has been an artist her whole life. Her creative journey began at just three years old when her mom let her start sewing right alongside her. (Can we pause to appreciate that level of trust? I was barely allowed near the glue stick at that age!) That early love of sewing blossomed into a full-fledged career later in life, proving that creativity really does weave its way into every corner of who we are.

All through school, Colette was “the art person” — the one everyone called on when banners or class projects needed a special touch. Eventually, she brought her artistic spark into the classroom, teaching art to K–8 students in a small Catholic school for ten years. “To teach is to learn,” she says — and isn’t that the truth?

Beyond the classroom, Colette’s creativity spills over into everything she touches — including her 135-year-old farmhouse, which she decorates for Halloween and Christmas with such flair that I’m convinced it could star in its own Hallmark movie. (Colette, I’m ready for the invitation to your holiday tour!)

What inspires Colette most

“Life!” she says. She finds inspiration everywhere — in the colors, textures, and moments that surround her. And when she can’t make art, she admits she feels a little sad, because the world is just too full of beauty not to paint it.

Here’s one of Colette’s stunning paintings

This one holds a special place in her heart. She shared that she loved mastering the details — the reflections, the gate, and all those little touches that make a painting come alive. When she stepped back and saw it finished, her reaction was pure joy: “Wow! I did this!” And honestly, that’s one of the best feelings we artists get, isn’t it?

What she loves about DabblePaints™

 “I love the smooth creaminess of the paints. They blend so well and the colors are so vibrant.”

Oh yes, Colette — you’re speaking my love language. That buttery texture and vibrancy are exactly what make DabblePaints so joyful to work with.

What she enjoys most about painting

 “The thing I enjoy the most is seeing a painting come to life. There is definitely an ugly stage and at some point you step back and it’s, ‘Wow! I did this!’”

I couldn’t agree more. Every painting has that awkward “what is even happening here?” phase — and then, suddenly, it clicks. It’s like magic… or maybe just a little patience and a palette knife.

Her advice for new painters

 “Don’t sweat the small stuff! Don’t worry about what someone may think or say about your art. Art contests are won because of a few personal opinions, and not everyone’s opinions are the same.”

Can we get an amen? That’s wisdom worth pinning to every studio wall. Art is your expression — and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Colette, thank you for sharing your story, your art, and your heart with all of us. Your journey reminds us that creativity is a lifelong adventure, and confidence grows every time we pick up the brush.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.

XO,
Jen

Hello my Dabble family!

It’s Jen here, and I’m so excited for you to meet one of the kindest, most dedicated artists in our community — Nancy Greening from beautiful Live Oak, California.

Nancy is an artist whose creative spark began long before she hit double digits. She loved gifting her family and friends those nostalgic paint-by-number creations (you know, the ones with the tiny little numbers that taught us patience and the joy of “coloring inside the lines”… mostly). Even then, her heart was in every brushstroke.

Like many of us, life led her through other creative paths — knitting, crocheting, and sewing — but that whisper to paint never faded. Then one Christmas, her daughter gave her the nudge every artist dreams of: an oil painting class! Her very first painting? The iconic Mt. Hood in Oregon — talk about starting strong.

From there, Nancy dove into the world of William Alexander and Bob Ross (because really, who doesn’t want to paint a “happy little tree”?). But her true artistic rebirth came decades later. In 2019, she revisited painting through online classes, discovered her love for acrylics, and in early 2025, fate stepped in again.

She saw one of my Facebook ads and realized she had once taken a small aspen tree class with me years ago. She jumped right into our Let’s Dabble Group, and since then, she’s been one of our shining stars. Nancy loves the encouragement, the friendships, and the no-fear feedback that helps everyone grow. “I love looking forward each month to new tutorials or the privilege of going to the library to pick something I want to try,” she shared.

What inspires Nancy’s creativity the most:

 “The beauty of ALL God’s creation. I especially like landscapes, birds, and butterflies.”
You can feel that love for nature in every stroke of her palette knife.

Here’s one of Nancy’s stunning paintings — her very first palette knife piece, Young Love, created in February 2025. It tells a story of courage, discovery, and the kind of artistic joy that only comes from following your heart. When I first saw it, I practically did a happy dance in my studio. You can feel her excitement and confidence bursting from the canvas — proof that when passion meets practice, magic happens.

What Nancy loves about DabblePaints™:

She laughed that the better question would be, “What don’t I like about DabblePaints?”
“I love the creaminess, easy spreadability, and wonderful mixability — there really is nothing I don’t like.”
Nancy, I think you just described exactly why I created these paints!

What she enjoys most about painting:

“The thing I enjoy most is that it takes me away — away from worry, stress, aches, and pains. It puts me into another sphere of mental and physical peace.”
I felt that deep in my artist soul. Painting truly does bring a peace that can’t be explained — it’s like exhaling after a long day and realizing you’ve created something beautiful in the process.

Nancy’s advice for beginners:

“If you have the desire — DO NOT QUIT. Practice makes perfect. You can fix anything you don’t like with this type of painting. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t like something you’ve done — hang it up, and soon you’ll see the beauty in it. Just don’t quit.”
If there were ever words to paint by, those are it.

Nancy, thank you for sharing your story, your heart, and your incredible journey with us. You’re an inspiration to all of us who believe art has the power to bring peace, purpose, and joy.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.

XO,
Jen

Hello my Dabble family!

It’s Jen here, and I’m over-the-moon excited to introduce you to Karen Turner, a professional artist from beautiful Morehead City, North Carolina. Karen’s story is one of pure heart, courage, and a little dash of divine timing — the kind that reminds us how creativity always finds a way to bloom.

Karen’s Journey with Art

Karen’s art journey began just a couple of years ago, back in 2023, when she started painting for fun. She decided to show her very first piece to her neighbor — and that neighbor immediately asked her to paint a beach scene with turtles!

Now, if you’ve ever had someone request a painting when you’re just starting out, you’ll understand Karen’s mix of shock and delight. “What, you want me to paint something for your home?!” she remembers thinking. But she went for it — and nailed it. Her neighbor was thrilled and encouraged her to keep painting.

That moment lit a spark that hasn’t stopped glowing since. Soon after, a well-known artist recognized Karen’s talent and offered her a 12-week course in painting techniques — a gift that came right when she needed it most. “It was a huge blessing,” Karen said, especially during a tough financial time.

Then came her serendipitous encounter with DabblePaints™ — she saw a little snowman I was painting on an ad for the Dabble Cards, and something in her heart said, yes, that’s for me. That $7 Christmas card kit became her first step into our creative world, and she’s been painting right alongside us ever since.

What Inspires Karen Most

When I asked what fuels her creativity, Karen’s answer was simple and profound:

“Just seeing a blank canvas turn into a creation.”

Isn’t that the essence of why we paint? The quiet magic of taking nothing — and turning it into something beautiful

Karen’s Featured Artwork

The piece Karen shared with us bursts with color and joy — a floral celebration that’s as vibrant as her story. She told me she chose it “because of all the beautiful flowers and colors,” and honestly, it’s impossible not to smile looking at it.

I have to admit — when I first saw her painting, I leaned in like I was trying to smell those flowers through the screen. That’s how alive her colors are

What She Loves About DabblePaints™

Karen told me,

“How creamy they are and how smooth they go on! Then when you want 3D texture, these paints and colors are the best ever.”

I couldn’t agree more, Karen. That buttery texture is exactly why I fell in love with these paints in the first place. They’re made for artists who love to feel their work.

What She Enjoys Most About Painting

For Karen, it’s all about the joy of creation and watching a piece come to life. Every brushstroke feels like a blessing — and you can see that gratitude shining right through her work. 

Her Advice for Beginners

Karen shared such beautiful wisdom:

“Relax and enjoy yourself each time you paint. Don’t overthink it. Just give yourself the space to learn and to practice. Go at your own pace — no one is chasing you to finish the task.”

Can we just pause and soak that in? That’s advice every artist — beginner or seasoned — needs to hear from time to time.

Karen, thank you for sharing your story, your faith, and your vibrant art with us. You are a reminder that creativity truly blossoms when we follow our hearts and trust the journey.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.

XO,
Jen

It’s Jen here, and I am so excited to introduce you to today’s featured artist, Karen Andres — a talented professional artist whose story truly touched my heart.

Karen’s journey into palette knife painting began with a moment of serendipity. While visiting a gallery in Aspen, she came across my paintings on display, and that experience lit a creative spark that would soon grow into something remarkable.

When she returned home, Karen began following me on Facebook. Later, during a heartbreaking season in her life — after the sudden loss of her husband — she turned to art as a way to find healing and direction. That’s when she discovered palette knife painting, and after just one class, she was completely hooked.

Karen shared, “This art technique was easy and forgiving, and I could develop my own style. Someone once told me, ‘Don’t strive for perfection. Strive for excellence.’ That’s what I feel I can accomplish with palette knife painting under Jen’s tutorage.”

That statement captures the very heart of why I love this art form — it’s not about perfection, it’s about the freedom to create and grow.

What inspires Karen most?

Nature. She loves using photos as reference material, but it’s when she’s painting the beauty of nature that she feels most connected and inspired. She describes it as becoming “a part of creation” — and you can truly feel that connection in her work.

What she loves about DabblePaints™

Karen says, “The paints are amazing. I never would have thought paint could make so much difference in a painting. The creamy texture, the vibrant colors, the way it clings to the canvas actually transform a painting.”

I couldn’t agree more, and hearing her describe it in her own words is exactly why Matt and I created DabblePaints™ in the first place.

What she enjoys most about painting

Karen’s favorite part of painting is the escape — that feeling of being completely absorbed in the creative process and leaving behind the worries of the day. The painting she chose to share isn’t necessarily the one she considers her “best,” but it’s the one that brought her the most joy.

She told me about a lesson where we used cardboard to scrape the background with paint, and she said it was just “so freeing and fun.” That’s exactly what I love to hear — because painting should feel joyful and alive. (And let’s be honest, any day that involves flinging paint with cardboard sounds like a good time!)

Karen’s advice for beginners

1. The more you paint, the more you’ll improve.

2. Enjoy the process — your painting is yours alone, and no one else can replicate it. Be proud of it.

Karen, thank you for sharing your story and your art with all of us. Your courage, creativity, and heart are such an inspiration to the Dabble family.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.

Happy Dabbling!

Jen

Hello my Dabble family!

It’s Jen here, and today I have the absolute joy of introducing you to a professional artist whose story is both inspiring and deeply relatable: Trish Herasme from the beautiful Beech Mountain, North Carolina.

Like many of us, Trish discovered her love for art as a child. She was inspired by the mountains, rivers, and the beauty of nature all around her — the kind of beauty that begs to be captured in color. But then, as she put it, “life happened.” Trish stepped away from painting for about 20 years (can you imagine the patience of those paints just waiting for her to return?). In 2017, she picked up her brushes again, and not long after, she discovered Let’s Dabble. Since then, her creative journey has been nothing short of amazing.

What inspires Trish most?

“Definitely God’s wonderful creation,” she told me. And honestly, you can feel that reverence for creation in her work — every stroke carries that sense of awe.

Let’s look at her art!

Here’s two of Trish’s beautiful pieces that she chose to share with us:

When I first saw this, I could almost hear the breeze rushing through the scene. The colors and textures have such vibrancy that you feel like you’re standing right there, soaking it in. I half expected a bird to flutter across my screen while looking at it — that’s how alive it feels.

What she loves about DabblePaints™:

“They are super smooth and thick. I love the richness of the colors as well.”

Yes, yes, and yes! That buttery texture and richness is exactly why I created these paints — so every artist can feel joy in every swipe of color.

What she enjoys most about painting:

“I enjoy how people react to what I paint. The colors and the texture really stand out to them.”

Isn’t that the best? Art becomes a shared experience, and I love that Trish finds joy in those moments of connection.

Her advice for beginners:

“Don’t try to be perfect right out of the gate. The more you paint, the better you will get. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but that will steal your joy.”

Oh, how true is that? Comparison is such a thief, but Trish reminds us that joy belongs to the process — to painting again and again until your voice shines through.

Trish, thank you for sharing your journey, your wisdom, and your heart with us. You are a gift to the DabblePaints™ community, and I know your story will encourage so many artists to keep going.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.

XO,

Jen

Hello my Dabble family!

It’s Jen here, and I cannot wait for you to meet today’s featured artist, the wonderful Kathy Davig from Belgrade, Montana. Kathy describes herself as an artist, but after hearing her story and seeing her art, I think we can all agree she’s an artist with a capital A.

The Artist's Journey?

Kathy’s art journey is such a beautiful example of how creativity can show up at just the right time. She had only done one watercolor painting (with her mom’s help) about 25 years ago, and after a short-lived experiment with plastic palette knives (her words: “bad!”), she thought maybe art wasn’t for her. But then—cue the fireworks—she saw my invitation in her Facebook feed in July of 2020. With a little trepidation, she joined the online painting course.

Now, she’ll be the first to tell you, her first three paintings weren’t exactly masterpieces… but by the fourth one, she could see her progress, and she was hooked. And when I say hooked, I mean she dove in headfirst: over 300 paintings, countless post-palette pieces, and even 100 jewelry sets made from dried paint skins. Talk about turning leftovers into treasures—move over, last night’s dinner, Kathy’s leftovers are gallery-worthy.

Retired as of 2022, Kathy now paints every single day. Her former home office has transformed into her Happy Place studio, and she falls asleep dreaming about her next painting. I just love that.

Inspiration

When I asked Kathy what inspires her creativity, she had the most thoughtful answer. Since joining Let’s Dabble, she says she sees the world differently—she notices the play of light and shadow, tree trunks, branches, and those Montana clouds that stretch forever. She finds inspiration in God’s creation, the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, our classes, and even the posts from fellow artists in the Club. That’s the magic of art—it makes us notice the extraordinary in what we used to take for granted.

Here’s the painting Kathy chose to share: “Amalfi’s Allure.”

The Amalfi Coast is one of her favorite places in the world, and this painting was both a huge challenge and one of her proudest achievements. And you can feel it when you look at it. I swear, I can almost hear the waves crashing against the cliffs and smell the lemon trees drifting in on the breeze. It’s such a breathtaking piece, and I love that Kathy poured her heart into it.

What She Loves About DabblePaints™

In Kathy’s words: “They’re creamy—oh so creamy. And such great coverage. The Lemon Yellow especially is such an upgrade from what we used previously… My leftover dried paint even makes beautiful skins.”

How fun is that? Turning dried paint into jewelry and church art projects. Kathy, you’re officially the queen of upcycling in the most creative way possible.

What She Enjoys Most About Painting

Kathy told me what she loves most is the sense of accomplishment—going from staring at that intimidating white canvas to stepping back and seeing a finished piece. Even when a painting doesn’t turn out as expected, she views it as a “learning piece.” She also loves trying new techniques, like painting palm trees, waves, and lavender fields, and weaving them into future creations. That’s exactly the adventurous spirit that keeps an artist growing.

Her Advice to Beginners

 Kathy gave us a whole treasure chest of wisdom here:

1. Baby steps—it won’t come overnight.

2. Don’t be hard on yourself.

3. Celebrate your successes (even the little ones).

4. Follow Jen’s instruction—it’s all fixable.

5. Watch, paint, rewind… as many times as you need.

6. Share your art and engage with fellow artists.

7. Keep your first paintings so you can see your progress.

8. Never give up.

9. Most importantly—enjoy the fabulous ride.

Honestly, can we just print this list and tape it above every easel? Such great advice!

Kathy, thank you for sharing your story, your art, and your heart with us. Your generosity, joy, and persistence are such an inspiration to our Dabble Family. You remind us all that it’s never too late to discover the artist inside—and once that spark is lit, there’s no turning back.

Hello my Dabble family! It’s Jen here, and I’m beyond thrilled to introduce you to one of the inspiring artists in our community, Joan Hitchcock.

Joan is a professional artist who, like many of us, began her journey with something as simple and magical as a box of crayons and a set of Prang watercolors in grade school. One of her early teachers recognized her talent and encouraged her parents to invest in better supplies — and thankfully, they did! That little spark grew into a lifelong exploration of creativity.

Over the years, Joan has experimented with many different mediums, teaching herself along the way. Thanks to the internet, she’s been able to connect with inspiring artists worldwide and take classes that once would have been out of reach.

What inspires Joan most?

Nature! The beauty of the seasons, the trees, and the outdoors guide her creativity.

Here’s one of Joan’s stunning pieces from her Birch Tree Series:

Birch Tree Series III

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I first saw this painting, I actually tilted my head back like I was really standing under those birch trees. You almost expect a crunchy leaf to float down and land on your shoulder. That’s how much life and perspective Joan brings to her work.

What she loves about DabblePaints™:

“Their creamy, glossy, highly pigmented nature. I love that they are in a limited palette, so I know that when I mix colors, my painting will be cohesive.”

What she enjoys most about painting:

“I enjoy the process of bringing my ideas to life and love the texture! I’m a sculptor at heart, and palette knife painting fulfills my need for dimension.”

(And can we just pause here? A sculptor’s heart plus a painter’s palette = hello, texture magic! It’s like peanut butter meeting jelly, but with paint.)

And when I asked Joan what advice she’d give someone just starting their painting journey, she shared a piece of wisdom that I absolutely love:

“We all started as beginners. The more you paint, the better you’ll get, and YOUR style will start showing through.”

Joan, thank you for sharing your story, your art, and your heart with us. You’re such an inspiration to the DabblePaints™ community, and I know so many of our artists will be encouraged by your words and your work.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world. 

XO,

Jen