first painting...

 ...of 2026

North Star, 30x40, Kari Maxwell, 2026
AVAILABLE

I picked up my paintbrush early this morning (January 22).
It’s been quite. a. while.
This is what “happened”

I think it’s ALSO worth noting that I usually go into a new year of painting with a subject of focus  I went in blind this year  

I knew deer symbolized gentleness
but after digging a bit deeper
I read,
“urging kindness”
“a guide for compassion”
“calm amidst life’s challenges”
“a balance between vulnerability and resilience”

YOU are these.
THIS is YOU.

I am here in this, with this, for THIS.

Related or unrelated.  Not sure.  Taking THIS into this new year though.  After previewing all my work from last year, I noticed HOW MANY paintings I lost because they were overworked.