August 2025

Dear First name / friend,

 

Well, it's certainly been a minute! No sooner did I get back from a very special adventure in Spain where I completed a 500 km (300 mi) walking trek on the historic Camino de Santiago, did I need to get ready for the next adventure. While the trip was a physical challenge, it was a rest from work and a re-set for my brain after some busy and challenging years.

 

The Camino was mostly rural, sprinkled with villages, rich in ancient history and full of surprises. I loved the cultural immersion and architectural wonders as much as the pastoral charm. To walk along this incredible centuries old route and connect with many others from around the globe was a privilege to cherish. The best part is that the sabbatical continues - albeit in a new form.

 

Now on a West Coast summer road trip, I am enjoying a season of inspiration gathering!

Victoria, British Columbia is known as “The Garden City”. Lucky me! I've been exploring them all because, you know - color! I have so many photos of botanicals from formal gardens, wild spaces, and floral bouquets. I look forward to using them as inspiration for more art and patterns.

My home studio has temporarily become mobile and minimalist. I've been visiting galleries and gardens, talking to other artists and generally filling my cup with the things I love. To keep the creative muscles fit, I'm doing some Skillshare classes along with reading arty books and magazines. I've also submitted to a few art calls in between outdoor activities that surround me with natural beauty.

 

Conveniently I came upon a very relevant exhibit about Indian Chintz. It was a pleasure to see these beautiful works of art and fashion while learning in depth details about the process and historical significance. I felt connected to the artisans of the past in a very real way.

Lastly, I'm really happy to share that Stupell Industries has licensed my artwork! A selection of my watercolor and mixed media paintings are now available as wall art in numerous sizes and formats from many of your favorite online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Michaels, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe's, The Home Depot, Overstock, Wayfair).

 

To celebrate, you can get 30% off my work at Stupell.com this month with code AugustFielden30off. They offer free shipping in the US.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with artist and Skillshare teacher Lucie Duclos in Victoria, British Columbia. She has inspired me for years as I've followed her art journey. Of course, she was as delightful in person as she is in her many mixed media and collage classes.

 

I like to learn from other artists and try new approaches to art-making just for fun. Lucie's classes are certainly fun, as well as approachable by all skill levels. Her most recent class is a 5-day Collage Sketchbook Challenge, which was ideal to try while I was away from most of my supplies. It's very accessible, requiring just a few inexpensive, readily available and found materials. If you prefer book learning, you're in luck! She recently published one. It's full of gorgeous projects and inspiration.

“Collage Du Jour” Book by Artist Lucie Duclos (available on Amazon)

I can't wait to dive into my copy when I have a chance. You can learn more about Lucie on Instagram @lucieduclos.

I'll be announcing the next fat quarter recipient in September so check this section for your name in the next funletter.

Giveaway Fat Quarters

Until next time, happy creating!

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you know someone who might enjoy this funletter, please pass it along.

 

View past funletters here.

Subscribe to future funletters here.

Lately on Instagram…