Good Fire

Good Fire, 2026. Acrylic and Oil on Canvas. Available now.

This past weekend we had a lot of rain and unfortunately the Fire in the Pines Festival was canceled. I was very sad. Hopefully they can get the festival rescheduled.

I am excited to share with you the full version of “Good Fire” a prescribed burn painting I finished for the festival. It is based on a photo I took when we lived in Florida. I was able to attend the burn with the Florida Forest Service. 

YES, I was at this fire. I watched this fire burn. It was a really meaningful and enlightening experience.

And it happened 10 years ago! While I was a new mom and trying to balance art and life, I am thankful for the support I had to make this dream a reality. And even though it took me until this year to make one of my photographs into a painting, I am still elated that this piece is finished and ready to share.

I started this piece with gold gesso and built up the smoke layers before adding the pine trees. I really loved painting this scene because it had a softer vibe than my typical wildfire paintings with vibrant colors and bold contrast. This piece is warm and gentle with the small fire, the good kind of fire for the ecosystem in Florida. 

This painting feels sacred to me—a gentle ground fire, cleaning the forest.

The gold foundation and transparent layers of thin smoke feel like a veil. With resilience, the trees experience the heat and smoke. In this view, we focus more on the vertical movement of the smoke and the trees aiming towards the sky than the actual flames. “Good Fire” brings what is happening on the earth and gently lifts our eyes upwards, reminding us of the relationship we have with our world. 

This piece demonstrates a beautiful relationship between humans and nature. Humans being proactive in helping the ecosystem with a prescribed burn be its healthiest version, which in turn protects local cities and homes. 

It is a thought provoking story we often do not celebrate or notice in nature— the need for destruction in order for new beginnings to occur. While a messy process, there is beauty in it too. 

Sometimes we experience a challenge in life that helps us grow in a new way. And I believe those situations—both small and large— makes each of us the person we are today. 

While we may not need a daily reminder of loss, struggle or pain we have experienced, having one of my paintings gives you a daily reminder to have a mindset of resilience and growth. While an abstract concept behind my work, my collectors know that beauty and peace is meaningless without their opposites.

They bravely face fears and uncertainty with hope, resilience, and determination. 

If you would like this meaningful painting to be part of your story, it is now available for purchase at $2,765. 

If you would like to discuss this piece or a space you would like a painting for but not sure on size or color palette please reach out to me at hello@annastasha.com. We can discuss over email or set up a call. 

Thank you for being here, and “seeing through the smoke” to the story nature has to teach us. 

Artfully,

If you’d like this painting as phone wallpaper make sure to jump into my newsletter and it will be in the first email!

P.S. I have relearned a lot I have forgotten over the years through this awesome book I found at the library. 

While its target audience may be older children, it is written at a much higher level of understanding with a lot of great information. I also loved all the visuals included by the amazing photographer Mark Thiessen. I highly recommend it if you are not familiar with fire’s place in the ecosystem, especially in the western United States. There are places all over the world that experience wildfires and practice prescribed burns too. 

I especially loved learning more about the terminology and services the Wildland Firefighters bring to fight fires. 

Painting at Havasupai Falls

It was an unexpected opportunity when my friend Marie reached out to me in January about the hike. She had been wanting to go for years but the timing did not work out for her until this year. She wanted a companion to join her and she thought “who would be up for such an adventure?” 

Mooney Falls. My favorite.

Friendship

Marie and I have been friends for over 14 years. We met in Alabama when our husbands went through helicopter training with the military. We created an art show that was displayed in the local town we lived near.

She saw me in my difficult times going through my thyroid cancer diagnosis, surgeries, and treatment. She was a life raft in an ocean of uncertainty. Her presence in my life during that time was truly what I needed. Our paths have continued to cross over the years, which I am always grateful for. 

She and her family also lived in Japan while we did too —Kyoto, we were in the Tokyo area—and we were able to visit each other a few times and travel together. She even came up to see my Cherry Blossom collection for the one night I had it on display. 

Kindred spirits in making art and adventuring. 

I was thrilled when she asked if I would be interested in hiking Havasupai Falls with her in May. It was an instant “yes” from me and only a matter of logistics with family life for both of us. We miraculously were able to get the highly coveted permits for the golden month of May. 

Connection

Since childhood, my heart truly feels at home in two places: near the ocean and the western United States. I have core memories of roadtrips across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah for vacations and to visit family. In third grade I learned about Georgia O’Keefe and knew then I wanted to be like her, an artist immersed in and painting the western landscape. Subconsciously, I have been following that path.

It was amazing to see the Grand Canyon on my flight into Las Vegas. I could not believe I was going to be down there in a few days, immersed in another world.

I have never prepared so thoroughly for a trip as I did this one, this was a backpacking trip. We would have to pack everything in and out, all our food, tents, and gear for over 9 miles into and out of the campground.

Every ounce mattered.

Standing at the Confluence, where the Colorado River and Havasu Creek meet. The Colorado was much colder!

Hike

We hiked over 40 miles in four days. We had one day to hike in and one to hike out, and two full days down there. We hiked to the Confluence which was a 16 mile roundtrip day, to see where the Havasupai waters met with the Colorado River and miles back and forth to the other waterfalls.

I was not fully prepared for how breathtaking it would be at Havasupai, Mooney, and Beaver Falls. The falls are on a reservation, and every second I was down there I was grateful to be there. And grateful that this slice of heaven has been protected and cared for over the many years it has been accessible to the public. 

I have never been so in tune and in touch with nature as I was then. Completely off grid, no cell service, just myself and my friend and her friend. We were surrounded of course with many other people too but everyone was so friendly and happy to be there, they felt the magic of that place and it showed in every interaction with someone. 

Painting the Falls

I knew I wanted to paint while I was down in the canyon and I did not want to add much weight to my pack.

Painting Set up:

-a clip board with heavy weighted papers, six to be exact 

-a small paper palette with tear off pages 

-a few blue shop towels 

-a small foldable water cup 

-half used acrylic colors, selecting a limited palette of seven colors

-a few small brushes

It all fit in a gallon sized ziplock minus the clip board. And it worked great! I was able to paint three days and made six paintings, making one more at Marie’s house on the day I flew out for a total of seven pieces. 

People were so kind as they walked past me to get a look at what I was making. I would love to go back and paint a lot more. I am obsessed with the waterfalls and the greenery next to the red rocks and teal waters. It was incredible, other worldly. 

I probably will never sell these paintings. It took a lot of strength and determination to experience and paint these scenes. The smaller piece of Mooney Falls is my favorite and extra special to me because I made it at the end of our long hike to the Confluence while sitting next to Marie as she sketched the scene in her sketchbook. These original paintings are the most important thing I have that documents my time at Havasupai Falls. I really do not think I could put a price on that. 

Havasupai Falls. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

This was the first painting I made after we hiked into and set up camp. I was sore and tired but loved that I made this even through the exhaustion.

Dusk in the Canyon. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

Sitting on top of Mooney Falls this was our campsite view the last day and night we were there. The million dollar view and prime spot we got lucky to have it even for a short time.

Sunrise at Mooney Falls. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

Havasu Creek just above Mooney Falls. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

The roaring waters was incredibly loud.

Sunset on top of Mooney Falls. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

My Favorite painting of the collection. Mooney Falls at Sunset. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

Confluence at the Grand Canyon— Colorado River and Havasu Creek. Acrylic on paper. May 2026.

I painted this piece based on a photo I took. It’s a lot tighter because I had more time to work on it and working from a photograph is so much different than on site painting.

Since I was a teenager, I have dreamed of traveling and painting all over the world and these pieces are making that dream a reality.

I joke that I have never painted water so much as I have this year. Between this trip, one I took to Florida —I will share later— and the few beach paintings I have made here in NC, its been a lot for me. 

And I really love the challenge of painting different parts of nature. 

We were incredibly sore, no matter how hard we physically trained, but we did it through the stories, laughs, pains, and jump scares from lizards darting in front of us. 

WE DID IT! We did something hard, one step at a time. 

Thanks for reading this today. I hope you feel inspired to have a moment in nature this week. I hope you know you can do hard things, one step at a time. You are stronger and braver than you give yourself credit for. 

Artfully,

P.S. If you are interested in prints of these pieces please let me know. If I know there is a demand for it I may make a limited edition print of these. Tell me which one is your favorite, email me at: HELLO@ANNASTASHA.COM

Painting at Havasupai Falls. May 2026.

Here for Growth

Like many of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings depicting close views of floral centers, this piece is inspired by the close views I enjoyed when viewing the cherry blossoms. I loved observing the blooms and noticing the subtile changes they went through. 

This grouping of blossoms were growing in the nook of the lower trunk, an usual spot for most flowering trees. It creates a stark contrast of rough bark and soft flowers. I love that the blossoms ooze beautifully from all over the cherry blossom trees, not just the branches. What a beautiful symbol of growth.

I wanted to portray the delicate details of a cherry blossom and rich colors of the tree bark in a larger format to make a bold statement of such an intimate observation in nature. This piece is a lovely balance of grounding, earthy tones with refreshing, lively whites and pops of pink that is often seen before the blossoms start to lose their petals. 

When I moved to Japan, it was a fresh start as we had recently outgrew organized religion that year. It was an intense but slow season of growth, sometimes rough and dark like those tree trunks. But through all that I could not help but focus on the beauty of life. When I learned that cherry blossoms were symbols of new beginnings I immediately connected with them. 

“Here for Growth” reminds us to be open for change and fresh starts. This painting reminds us that even in rough and dark places, growth and beauty can happen unexpectedly. 

This piece will be a confident and peaceful statement for your home or office. And a beautiful celebration of your own new beginnings.

Artfully,

Sarnoski Avenue Interlude

Sarnoski Avenue is a popular street on Yokota Air Base for photos of all kinds during the Cherry Blossom season. The busy elementary school is also right next to where I painted this on site. You can imagine this street is well walked, driven, and biked down. 

Yet, the morning I got out to start this painting — the first one I painted of Cherry Blossoms— it was very quiet on this street. Trees playing their own beautiful and soft melody to me while I painted. Singing and chirping birds filling the same cool breeze that would brush my cheek. Soft petals gently falling off the branches through my painting session. Some of the petals even landed on my palette. It was a heavenly experience as an artist who likes to paint on site. I will never forget it. 

Postcard pack available in the shop.

“Sarnoski Avenue’s Interlude” echoes the idea of a short pause, both on the busy street and of the season. While the blossoms are many and create a dramatic scene, they are soft and ephemeral. 

This scene delicately portrays the magical moment and days when the Cherry Blossom petals start to fall like light pink snow, blowing in the wind.

A second back story

has emerged from this piece though. The final spring we lived at Yokota Air Base, this beautiful and large cypress or cedar —at least I think that is what it is—was cut down right before the Cherry Blossom season in 2024. 

Now, I am sure they had their reasons. They have expert gardeners and tree care teams, but it was still sad to see this beautiful scene change. Change is the main reason for the Cherry Blossom season in Japan—to appreciate fleeting moments and views because they will never be the same. I like to think there is not many paintings out there that captured this large and amazing tree’s presence among the family of Cherry trees. I am sure the surrounding trees felt that cypress leaving.

And while many people probably have forgotten that tree or new people living there never knowing what was there—I still remember and this painting does too.

It is my favorite part of this piece. The cypress itself was the interlude to the painting and Sarnoski Avenue.

Artfully,

P.S. This original piece is available in the shop. It is also part of the postcard pack.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Today’s featured cherry blossom piece is “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”

This piece is 10x16 inches, oil on panel. 

It depicts tall cherry blossom trees and a home across the street from where we lived on Yokota Air Base, Japan. While I normally do not paint buildings I wanted to include a part of one in this collection to give a reference for how tall these trees were.

The tall, close trees in “Welcome to the Neighborhood” reminds us of the tight knit community we lived in. It was special to experience, especially during COVID. 

Before we moved to Japan in September 2020, we lived in a coastal town here in North Carolina not far from where we live now. We were in a country neighborhood, living on 2 acres and no immediate neighbors within a few acres of us. We did not know any neighbors when we lived there. 

It was inspiring to have a closer relationship with nature and really made me fall in love with this area. But it also felt isolating at times, especially when the COVID shut downs happened.

It was a massive change when we moved to Japan and suddenly had a whole bustling community of people all around us, seeing the same people at work, school, parks, parties, base events, and grocery store trips.

We loved it. 

Yokota Air Base neighborhood.

Under these trees was a gathering place for our immediate neighbors where we would have bon fires on weekend nights. Laughing, joking, storytelling, crying, relaxing, and venting. It became a place where people opened up and connected. 

The Japanese phrase “Ichi-go Ichi-e” translates to 

“one time, one meeting” and means we should try to savor the small moments we have with people because these moments are fleeting and once in a lifetime.

While this Sakura Collection—Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms—is about savoring the small moments and new beginnings inspired by this phrase, “Welcome to the Neighborhood” reminds us to appreciate our community, wherever that may be. 

In the spirit of community, I would love to hear from you.

I want to know about the community you live in or connect with most! Tell me a few things about your community. It does not have to be your neighborhood, just where you feel the most connection with others.

Send me a quick message at — hello@annastasha.com

Artfully,

Rest in Quiet Harmony

Rest in Quiet Harmony, Oil, 16x20, 2023.

Rest in Quiet Harmony—

A Cherry Blossom Painting

One of my favorite parts of Sakura season (Cherry Blossom) in Japan is the petals falling. The magical atmosphere that falling petals off these old, gnarled, and moss covered trees create is truly something out of a story book. It is heavenly. 

“Rest in Quiet Harmony” attempts to capture this ethereal event while also placing emphasis on the beauty of stillness. The stillness of the petals on the ground create a sense of peace. 

This painting speaks of balance between dark and light, delicate petals and a strong trunk. The brick wall is the symbol of humans cultivating and caring for this tree for many decades as they trimmed the tree over time to create it’s height. The tree lives through every season, including snow storms, in humble grandeur. Located on a busy street of Yokota Air Force Base, this tree is passed by people every day becoming an ordinary background to their busy lives. Yet, when we are still and observe this aged tree we learn and we see more.

Rest in Quiet Harmony—

This piece reminds us that rest is sometimes a new beginning in itself. After a busy season of life, a restful season is needed for one to be at harmony with yourself. In stillness we learn, grow and admire.

Viewing and cherishing the Sakura season—Cherry Blossoms— with family and friends, is a highlight in Japan. Sakura blooms symbolize the very idea of embracing the present, the fragility of life, and marking new beginnings.

This piece is part of the Sakura Collection, which shares and honors this remarkable event—Sakura season—and beautiful blooms as a reminder to savor our gatherings and celebrate new beginnings.

Artfully,

This piece is available.

Please contact me at hello@annastasha.com if you are interested. I would love to connect with you personally to get this beautiful piece into your special space.

28 Wildfire Paintings in 28 Days

4/28 February Fires, 9× 12 inches, oil on panel. 2025.

Hello!

It has been a few months since I last posted on here. I am now living in North Carolina and feeling fully adjusted after the big move from Japan. 

Over the winter break I visited my family in Southern California. That is where I was born and raised and it had been 2 years since I last visited. 

While I was there, I reconnected to the landscape I grew up around which inspires my wildfire artwork. I gathered photos and videos of locations to use for future paintings. It was clear to see how dry the land was. I thought I might see wildfires while I was there, knowing it is a dangerously dry time of year. 

Less than a week after we left to come back to North Carolina, the Eaton and Palisades fires broke out and leveled entire lives and communities. Seeing the photos and videos of the fires throughout January put a damper on wanting to paint wildfires. My heart hurts for everyone affected from the many homes and lives lost. And for the damage these fires have created in the local air, water and land that affects more than we currently understand.

Before the fires occurred I was planning to create a series of wildfire paintings in February to mark 10 years since the 28 Birthday Paintings series. But it was not inspiring when I knew those fires destroyed so much.

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After I had some time to process the fires, I realized I still felt pulled to paint these wildfire landscape scenes. I felt that minimally sharing on social media and my website was the appropriate thing to do in this situation until more time passed. It also allowed my focus to stay in the creative process rather than sharing and feedback. 

These wildfire paintings are valuable to understanding nature, reality, and change. They add to the dialogue about forest management, climate change, and development in fire prone regions to name a few. These paintings portray part of the story of the Western landscape. While stunning and beautiful at times, the Western landscape is also rugged, dangerous, and powerful. 

28 Birthday Paintings, 2015. Acrylic on primed paper. BLOG POST HERE.

The Past + Present —

10 years ago in February of 2015, I decided to paint 28 wildfire landscapes  for my 28th birthday. The pieces averaged 5x7 inches on primed paper with acrylic paint. 

I was pregnant with my oldest son at the time and I wanted to create as much as I could before his birth. It was a tiring day, starting before 6 am and finishing at 11 pm. However, it felt good to create a body of work in a short time.

Fast forward to January of this year when I realized it has been 10 years since that series. I wanted to do something like that again to get back into painting wildfire landscapes. It has been 3 years since I last painted and finished a wildfire artwork. 

I knew I needed a little “bootcamp” to find my rhythm and approach to wildfire landscape paintings. I also wanted to let this be a record of my development and focus of wildfires. I thought of it as a gift to my past, present, and future self.

5×7 inches, oil on primed paper. 6 of these were painted just before the February Fires project started. 8 were painted during February as studies to pieces I was working on.

Since life is busy with a young family, I came up with making 28 paintings during the 28 days of February. I decided to make them 9x12 inches on panel with oil paints. I wanted more space to explore light, color and composition. 

The two weeks before February I started choosing and altering the images I wanted to use, then created composition and value sketches. The last week of January I warmed up with putting color on 6 value sketches to give me some confidence going into that first week.

The Project—

The first week of February was a wild one. I had a medical appointment every day for some routine labs and scans. I definitely was playing a bit of catch up that first weekend. 

For the most part I was able to complete a painting in a day to stay on schedule and keep from over working pieces. I averaged about four hours on each piece, logging in more than 120 hours of painting for the month of February.

The hardest part about all of this was balancing family life. 

My youngest (4) had lots of time drawing next to me while I painted when he was not at school. My older two (6+9) also spent time on the weekends drawing next to me at the kitchen table. Those were some special moments I hope I remember for a long time. 

It was a mental struggle at the halfway mark. I was tired, overwhelmed, and had some pieces that required more focus and details. I knew they would look good if I could buckle down and do them. It was rewarding to see the final results of the more detailed pieces.

In the last week, I had to change up some of the reference photos because I was not feeling excited about them when it was time to make them. That took extra time to figure out, but I am glad I listened to my gut. I wanted each piece I made to be one I was excited to paint and finish. That was a key to staying motivated through the project. 

The last few days flew by. It was hard to focus at the end because I was excited to be done and family was coming into town February 28. 

I enjoyed painting more scenes with the viewpoint being closer to the flames. I loved studying the light and warmth of the flames and the colors it creates in the trees and foliage around it. It was fun being bolder in my color palette too. This series is vibrant and eye catching. 

So here they are in all their drama and beauty.

I have not made full plans to release this collection for sale yet as I only decided a month before making them that I was doing it. I plan to enter a few into juried shows and apply for local exhibitions. I need to digitize and varnish them as well. If you have one you have your heart set on let me know and we can figure something out. 

Until next time!

Artfully,

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The Sakura Collection -- Opening Event

Hello!

It has been a month since my opening event. There has been a lot going on in my life with travels and preparing for our move back to the U.S., but I have a little pocket of time to share about it.

The night of the show—the Spring Equinox— started out like a nice calm spring day then turned windy and cold that night. Typical spring! The Sakura trees in the neighborhood had not bloomed yet. There were a few small sakura to be seen but they were not ready to be fully bloomed.

It was a lovely time with everyone who was able to come and those who sent messages thinking of the show but were not able to make it. There was a lot of love and support from everyone. THANK YOU.

As much as I prepared ahead there were some last minute things that I needed help with. I want to thank my friend Sarah H. and Francois P. for reaching out to me and helping. THANK YOU.

Here are a few pictures of my lovely guest. I definitely did not get a chance to get a photo with each person that came. These people have inspired my work indirectly and some helped encourage me to put the show together. THANK YOU.

I had a best friend/artist/fellow military spouse come from Kyoto with her friend who wanted to come and see the show herself. I was honored to have them both be present for the special night. THANK YOU Marie and Shizuka for traveling to be there. *Pictured above*

Marie and I met 13 years ago in Alabama. We had an art show together in the local town and that happened almost exactly 12 years ago! Marie had just had her own book launch with her artwork the week before my show in Kyoto. Neither of us had collaborated on the timing of our projects but what a beautiful full circle moment for us to share our art here in Japan, and get together 12 years after our show together in Alabama. So much more to share on that story another time.

Last year, I created a book in Kyoto with Marie and another best friend+artist, Mercedes. We were instructed by a master bookmaker and created a little journal, wrapped in a piece of vintage kimono cloth.

In that class we also got to emboss the book. I decided on “Ichi-go Ichi-e” and my name ANNASTASHA in Hiragana. Mercedes and I just had a lovely tea ceremony experience earlier that day where we learned about the phrase. It was a perfect way to finish our Kyoto trip then and perfect for the Sakura collection opening event.

At the time I made the book I had no idea how I would use it. I took a book binding class in college with another best friend and I still have not brought myself to use those books —15 years later. I did not want the same thing to happen with this book.

A few months ago I remembered about the guest/visitor book I had at my BFA show in college. It is a place for people to write about what they think of your work, favorite pieces, connections and so on. I wanted to have something like that for this collection since I knew the people coming would have a connection to Sakuras.

It was not until the day of the show that I pulled the book down from my studio shelf when I realized the embossed phrase: ICHI-GO ICHI-E, meaning—once in a lifetime. The very phrase that I used to describe the sakura viewing and collection in my artist statement.

A full circle moment I had not planned. This demonstrates the thread of thoughts and themes in this collection have been long in the making and have been all encompassing of my experiences in Japan.

It was a joyful night shared by all ages, new and old friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. I am grateful for all those that came to see the artwork and be part of this event. I truly love the community and support I have here at Yokota. THANK YOU.

A special THANK YOU to my husband and sons for their patience over the last few months while I prepared for the show in so many ways. And for their help and patience while I took over the kitchen table and living room to turn our main living space —where couch jumping and ball throwing ensues almost daily—into an art gallery.

THANK YOU again for viewing my collection, your feedback and patience as I move. I am excited to continue talking about the different pieces individually and the upcoming prints. I am eager to set up my next studio space and paint again.

Artfully,

The Sakura Collection

Hello!

I have been working on a new collection of paintings for the last 3 years. It started with a few plain air paintings in 2021 and has slowly grown since then, with a greater focus in 2022—2024.

Sakura trees have been of cultural significance to Japan for hundreds of years. Viewing and cherishing the Sakura season—Cherry Blossoms— with family and friends, is a highlight in Japan. Sakura blooms symbolize the idea of embracing the present, the fragility of life, and marking new beginnings.

These trees captured my attention when we first arrived—October 2020.

The thick, textured trunks and mosses— full of warm, earthy colors—were inspiring to me. I had not been around Sakura trees before. Once spring hit in 2021, I jumped back to the easel and the painting commenced.

I have loved these trees in the cool spring rain. I have been captivated by the delicate blooms against the thick, moss-covered trunks.

I remember the hot, humid summer days. They are filled with lush green leaves, birds and cicadas. And I am ever grateful for their shade.

I have embraced them in the grey autumn days with orange and yellow leaves, and with crows talking overhead.

And I have cherished them on the snowy days of winter, admiring the shapes and angles of the branches I know will soon be filled.

Passing under these young and old trees thousands of times in the last 3.5 years, have made me realize how they have been the background to routine, memories, and feelings. They have marked the passing of time.

And during the seasons when I notice these changes, it helps me to pause, and breathe just a little slower. They remind me to enjoy the present moment.

I am embracing the saying from the tea ceremony, “Ichi-go Ichi-e” which means, “One time, One meeting” and is a reminder to focus on our present moment with gratitude, for it cannot be repeated.

Living here in Japan I have had many “one time, one meeting” experiences with family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. All have inspired me.

This collection will be displayed in my home for one special night, the Spring Equinox—the day when light and dark are equal—to gather my community and share this collection, celebrating this season of growth and beginnings before we move.

While I have a personal connection to each of these paintings, I am more interested in your story of connection with Sakura season.

What do Sakura mean to you?

Ideally, I imagine us sitting down with a cup of your favorite drink, under the blooming trees and listening to your view point, your memories, your stories, and photos with the Sakura. I would be delighted to hear your connections if you have a moment.

So go ahead, comment below or send me an email. If you come to the opening night, I will have a sketchbook for people to add their stories and connections.

I’ll go ahead and share a quick one of mine— walking my senior dog down the street under the blooms. It was a memory, and still a daily ritual, I enjoy. I had to capture a picture last year. I have walked him many times without taking a photo, contemplating life with him. I savor these moments with him under the changing seasons with gratitude. Time feels slow when the blooms are out. And I really love that.

Your turn!

Artfully,

Wildfires in Utah Art, Homes and Lands

Three years ago, January 2021, I participated in an invitational group art show at Bountiful Davis Art Center in northern Utah.

I was contacted just three weeks before our home was to be boxed up for our move to Japan about the show. I am still amazed at the crazy timing. I just had a baby and I was going to put all my inventory—except two pieces—into long term storage.

With the lucky timing of being contacted and promised help from family and my dear artist friend in Utah, Emily C. Fuller, I was able to put aside 10 pieces the curator—Dr. Alexandra Karl— wanted for the show: Wildfires in Utah Art, Homes and Lands.

There are two wonderful videos up on the Bountiful Davis Art Center website. You can listen to a discussion on wildfires in Utah with a professor and the curator and see a tour with the curator. You can see most of the pieces I had on display at these time stamps.

7:25 — three mini gold wildfire paintings from the 2018 collection.

10:30 —2 medium tile pieces, a 9 piece and a 4 piece.

27:55 — Triptych from 2018, It was one of the opening pieces but was last to be talked about in the tour.

https://www.bdac.org/wildfires-in-utah

I was honored to be one of the 18 artists selected for that show. There was a lot of talent and concepts shared by everyone. It was a really special experience and I only wish I could have seen it in person, but due to life circumstances, the video tour and photos was what I held onto in appreciation.

I am grateful for another fellow artist, whom I’ve never met, Nancy Andruk Olson that referred my work to the curator of the show. The art community never ceases to lift one another, cheer each other on, and stay connected. It is one of my favorite parts of being an artist—meeting and making friends with other creatives.

Wildfires in Utah Art, Homes and Lands. Exhibit at BDAC, Bountiful Utah. 2021.

The Way of Holiness, 24x 66 inches, 2018. Oil on Canvas.

The Way of Holiness—created in 2018, depicts before, during, and after a wildfire. It was chosen as one of the opening pieces to that show. I had several ceramic wildfire paintings and a few mini gold paintings that were also part of the show. I was happy that several pieces found a permanent home after that.

A few months after the show was over I was contacted by Ann Bernstein of the Salt Lake County Art Selection Committee about acquiring a piece for the Salt Lake county art collection. A video chat interview from Japan to Utah, several emails and a selection meeting later, the triptych was chosen over one of my ceramic pieces. It is hung at Salt Lake Government Center, South Building—4th Floor— 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84190.

I have not been able to visit it yet and take pictures at its location but I hope to next time I visit Utah. If you’re in Utah and come across it I would love to hear about it!

Artfully,

5 years later-- I'm back!!!

Hello!

It’s been almost 5 years since I wrote a blog post, sent my last email, and shared my process and collections.

I really can’t believe it’s been this long but at the same time I can.

I had a third son in 2020 before our move to Japan. I created work throughout the last three years at what felt like a snails pace. But since April 2023, all our kids have been in school and I’ve been able to jump back into my projects more consistently. I’m excited to finally share my work with you again.

We are preparing to move back to the east coast this summer. With that, I’ve been working extra hard on finishing a collection of Cherry Blossom paintings, or as I’ll be referring to it as The Sakura Collection.

I know this is a different subject from my wildfire landscapes but please don’t worry or run away just yet. I have been working on ceramic pieces with wildfire themes and will share that when I complete the collection.

Creating work that relates to my time in Japan is a natural step in my creative journey that will impact how I approach wildfire landscapes. To share what I have experienced and through my view point is something that has driven a lot of my favorite projects. I hope you will stick around to view this collection and see how it will influence my future artwork.

I keep creating with a fire inside of me that’s racing against time. There is so much inside of me that I want to create and try to make a reality. I hope I have decades ahead of me, but what these last few years have reminded me is that life is so precious, fleeting, and fragile— like a sakura blossom in the spring.

Thank you for being patient, trusting, excited, and supporting my creative work. I’m incredibly grateful for you, and grateful for being able to share something that’s dear to me and part of who I am.

Artfully,

If you’re here for the new collection, please click the button below to update your information or be a new sign-up for the newsletter.

April 2022, visiting the oldest Sakura tree in Japan.— Jindai Zakura. It is on the grounds of the Jissoji Temple in Yamanashi prefecture. It is believed to be over 2,000 years old.

CLOSING the SHOP

I’m closing my shop May 1, 2019.

It’s something I’ve been contemplating for months. Taking a break from the business side of selling my art will allow me to focus on things that matter most.

FAMILY—I’ve accepted the season of life I am in. I have a family, with a wonderful spouse and two young, sweet, amazing boys. And that takes a lot of time, focus, and energy. Running a business in this season of my life is incompatible with my values. I will continue to paint and create ceramics of wildfires, but at a slower pace.

SPACE—I need more space to create. My closet is full of inventory waiting for a new home. Being surrounded with too much in my creative space dampers my creativity and motivation to create. 

I want all inventory gone so I can start new, larger, better, more refined work. I want to keep improving and create my best works yet, but I don't have the space.

MOVING— We are moving near the end of the year. And it’s looking like an international move. That means it can’t go with me. I don’t want it to sit in storage for 3-4 years, and I don’t want it lost, or damaged. And it will take a lot of energy and time to go through the process of moving overseas. 

Letting go of my expectations and pride to give more of myself to help my family and others is my mission in this season of my life. And I’m okay with that. I’ve felt happier as I keep life simple and focus on things that matter most.

It will probably be 4 years before it opens again. It could be longer. But I’ll tell you this, I won’t stop painting wildfires, and they’re only going to get better as time goes on!

Thank you for your support and following my art. My website will still remain just my shop will be off the site.

Stay in touch and keep sending those wildfire photos!

Artfully,

ANNASTASHA

2018 Year in Review

The end of 2018 is here! And with the end of the year comes time to reflect on the wonderful and challenging projects, events, and life experiences.

I’d like to share a review of my art and life from this year. I hope you find it insightful and that it inspires you to look back on 2018 with celebration of all the good you’ve accomplished in whatever way that might be. I look forward to reviewing these over the years to compare and appreciate the small things that add up to the big things.

1. Private 2-day lessons with J. Kirk Richards— Back in January I finally went to Utah to cash in on a lesson I had purchased a few years ago—thanks to baby boy #1 it got postpone until this year, but it finally happened and it was awesome! I learned great techniques to refine my work and confidence that I’m on the right track. Thanks to those one-on-one days we had, it gave me the courage to try gold leaf in my paintings.

2. Blue Print Model— I started and completed an amazing 12 week business course this year. It’s the most I’ve invested into my business ever. It was scary to take that jump but I am so glad I did! It was worth every penny and every minute of working on the homework. I consider this one of my biggest victories this year!

3. Mini GOLD Fire paintings— In the spring I created 12 mini gold leaf paintings. These were a great testing ground to get feedback from my collectors and fans about this type of work in the future. It also brought greater depth and symbolism to my work that I love. Can’t wait to make larger gold fire paintings! Stay tuned!

4. Triptych piece— I created my first triptych painting this year. I’ve been wanting to do one for a while and finally had the push to do it for a juried art show. It did not get accepted but that’s okay! It still felt good to experiment with this idea and think about it for the future.

5. Morning Light—Pioneer Fire 2016— Completing this piece was one of my first victories for the year. This is the largest one I’ve created in a while and one that’s got me really excited to share. It’s rare for me to come across images of a wildfire in the morning light. This one just took my breath away and I had to paint it, with permission of the photographer/firefighter. I am excited to finally be releasing this in my next series of paintings, and will be a new addition to the print shop in the spring!

6. Birthed my baby boy #2— enough said! An easy going and successful VBAC birth. Mr. T is the happiest baby and brings our family JOY beyond measure! He pretty much has convinced me that babies are the best and that I just need to stop making art for a little while. So I’ll be resting up and enjoying more fully his wonderful smile and chunky thighs the next few months.

7. Gold Fire Mugs— 11 Unique Handcrafted and painted mugs. These mugs came to be through little miracles. I wanted to visit Mercedes back in the spring to work on some type of collaboration, but I was pregnant at the time so the collaboration was delayed. Well, fast forward to August, just a few weeks after our son was born and I found out I’d be able to accompany my husband on a work trip to Florida—right where Mercedes lives! Just a few weeks before leaving in September for the trip I had a dream I was painting on Mercedes mugs. I was painting wildfires! This was the first work I dived into after having baby boy #2. I didn’t intend to start back into creating art so soon, but the opportunity presented itself so, with an 8 weeks old baby and a 3 year old I was trying to glaze any small moments I could get. And the rest is history!

8. Inktober 2018— 31 ink painted sketches with gold leaf. These were fun to create. I haven’t worked on my wildfire paintings without color and there are definitely some challenges but also great learning that came from such a simple exercise. I would love to do this challenge again in the future. I also gifted all these away to my fans and collectors. I wanted to share more of my work with the world and it was an exercise in “letting go” of what I create and “giving value” to other people’s lives. It was a way for me to show my supporters my gratitude for having them following this creative journey.

9. Commission of the Bear Fire—Also unexpected, I received an awesome opportunity to create this custom painting just before leaving for our Florida trip. I started it after we got back from the Hurricane Florence evacuation. What a line of events the second half of the year has brought!

10. Growing a garden— This is not a simple task! But I had fun in my spring/summer garden this year. I can’t tell you how fulfilling it was to grow vegetables. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

It amazes me how I got this all done. All during nap times, getting up early, or staying up a little late.

But really it comes down to loving what I do, and finding the time to do it. I’m a mom of two little boys. Time is the most valuable thing I have. Time with them. Time with my husband. Time visiting family and friends. And time creating, because this is how I express the feelings and thoughts of my heart and soul.

Know that whatever I do produce, comes from my heart, mind, and soul, and that I’m giving the most valuable thing I have—time—to create. I paint these wildfire scenes hoping to better other’s lives, by giving them a reminder of courage and hope in their challenges. And I know for a few people I did just that. That is my greatest art success this year.

THANK YOU for a wonderful year. However you supported me, I thank you. Every little bit from my wonderful little tribe helps better my work—sharing my work with friends, reading my posts or newsletter, purchasing, commenting, or critiquing, it all adds up. Thank you.

Here’s to a new year!

Artfully,

INKTOBER 2018

It’s been a busy few months with the GOLD FIRE MUGS and now the holidays are upon us! Here are a few of my favorite INKTOBER 2018 sketches. You can see the rest of them here.

This challenge was started a few years back by an artist on Instagram. The challenge is to make a sketch with ink once a day during the month of October. There are usually descriptive prompts each day, but I decided to do my own sketches of wildfires and include gold leaf on them!

I really enjoyed creating these. It was great to practice tones, contrast, and composition. Some work better than others. I started to learn which reference photos would make for better ink sketches. Overall, I may be using some of these for future paintings.

Inktober 3

Inktober 15

Inktober 17

Inktober 21

Inktober 28

Inktober 29

Artfully,

GOLD FIRE MUGS--The Collection

We are excited to finally share our entire collection of Gold Fire Mugs with you. These have been a labor of love, dreams, and excitement. It has been wonderful to work together as artists and friends on this collaboration. We can’t thank you enough for your support and excitement over these mugs.

Mercedes LOVES to make mugs. She loves creating functional artwork that is used everyday and part of a well-crafted life. She believes in a slow, nature and earth-inspired lifestyle and strives to share that through her ceramic artwork. 

I love to paint scenes of wildfires, inspired by nature’s process of destruction and renewal. The transformation and power of the landscape is what I love to share in my artwork. My wildfire landscape scenes are symbols of facing our fears and challenges with faith and hope. 

Combining both our love of working with ceramics—taking mud and firing it to create a beautiful and functional piece of art—and the love of what nature offers us in life lessons, we present our first series of Gold Fire Mugs. 

M E R C E D E S

+

GOLD FIRE MUGS-- The Process

Hello! We’d like to share the process for our collection of 11 unique Gold Fire Mugs that will be available to my newsletter first on November 15.

Each image has a caption of our process.

These mugs are lovingly created in Mercedes’ studio in NW Florida.

The clay is thrown on the wheel by Mercedes and made into vessels.

Working together while kids are asleep is a treat!

Then handles are made and attached. The mugs are air-dried before going into the kiln for the bisque firing.

Then I get to glaze the bisque ware!

Glazed bisque ware ready for the second firing.

Boudicca likes to hop around and visit us while we’re working in Mercedes’ studio.

Glaze firing is finished! Time to see the glazes. Our favorite part of the process!

Mugs ready for the gold glaze and the third, and final firing!

Complete!

Artfully,

M E R C E D E S + A N N A S T A S H A

Meet MERCEDES + ANNASTASHA

MERCEDES—

I'd like you to meet my friend and collaborative partner, Mercedes! She's the creator of the mugs that will be available Nov. 15 to my newsletter crowd.

When you sit down to talk with Mercedes, you’ll notice her striking blue eyes, cheerful smile, and something unique about what she’s wearing. She might have a pair of handcrafted earrings, or her “Peaceful Warrior” t-shirt. She’ll have a drink—usually cold brew coffee—and offer you a drink in a unique cup.  

If you listen closely, she often talks about recycling, helping our environment, and her love of nature’s beauties. She’s proud to tell you about the solar panels powering her house and kiln. And she loves to be a participant in her local community.

When you walk into Mercedes’ studio you’ll see her studio mate Boudiccca—a free roaming rabbit—and her creations. Mercedes loves to create fantasy inspired images for her ceramic artwork but they always relate to nature. From snails and birds, to fairies, mermaids, and moons, each series has a personal story and a connection to nature. She loves to experiment with a variety of mediums. And she’s always learning a new craft or technique to add to her creative tool box.

When not in the studio you’ll find her working in her garden or walking on the beach and stopping to do yoga. Mercedes is a free-spirit, kind, and giving. 

Mercedes loves to go on adventures with her son. She loves to get together with friends and share good food served on handcrafted dishes. Mercedes loves feeling connected to people and cares deeply about her relationships with others.

Lastly, I'd like to tell you she was the first one that came up with wanting to collaborate with me--over 18 months ago. She wanted to have a way to stay connected when I moved to NC. It was something to look forward to when we visited each other. I am so THANKFUL we created this small series of mugs. We had so much fun creating them, they truly bring us joy. 

ANNASTASHA—

When you go on a walk with me I’ll open up my introvert heart and introspective mind to share what I truly believe. I might be walking a dog while pushing a stroller with one of my boys in it. I like to stay active.

When not on a walk, I’ll either be wearing a vintage dress or a simple T-shirt and jean combo and have a few rings on my fingers. You’ll notice I'm tall and have sandy blonde hair.

I love to talk about ideas I have or help you solve a problem. I am a great listener and kind-hearted.

If you ask a genuine question I’ll answer, but I don’t share much about my personal life unless with close friends. I have a big smile and am genuine. I’ll ask you thoughtful questions to get to know you better. 

My two boys keep me hopping but I make time to paint. As you know, I create wildfire landscape paintings. Inspired by my childhood in southern California, wildfires were a common event in the summertime. When you walk into my studio, you’ll see a big easel and a few paintings on the walls. Having my studio simple and clean aids in my creativity. 

I'm dedicated to my faith and family. And I am dedicated to the subject of wildfires; I've been painting them for 10 years. 

Traveling--especially road trips--is my jam. I'm always dreaming of the next adventure. I love to be outside and enjoy nature’s beauty, especially landscape scene

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the creators behind the GOLD FIRE MUGS. We can’t wait to share more mugs with you in the coming weeks!

Artfully,

Friendship In A Cup-- GOLD FIRE MUGS

GOLD FIRE MUGS—Available NOV. 15 to Newsletter Subscribers first, Nov. 16 to public.

Our friendship started when Mercedes’ reached out to me and asked if we could meet up and talk about our pregnancy losses. She learned that I had recently lost a pregnancy and she was still processing her own same heartbreaks.

——-Our daughters Daisy and Poppy + Mercedes and James’ son Conrad.——

We first met through Mercedes’ art gallery. Over the next few months we continued to connect through creating art and working at the gallery together. 

It was a miracle when we each became pregnant in the same month and had our baby boys only four days apart. It was a blessing to have each other during those months of uncertainty, fear, and hope. Once our boys were both born we were able to experience the joys of parenting alongside each other.

As artists and best friends, we wanted to create a collaborative project together. 18 months ago we tried platters with wildfires painted on them, but they cracked in the kiln’s fire. Shortly after starting the platters my husband got reassigned and we had to move to North Carolina. At this point we decided to put a hold on the platters.

Fast forward to August 2018, when I found out I’d be visiting Florida and could work on art with Mercedes. Originally I just planned to go work on tile paintings, but one night I had a dream about painting on Mercedes’ mugs. I messaged her the next morning to tell her the idea. We were both overjoyed to try a project like this. 

Mercedes LOVES to make mugs. She loves creating functional artwork that is used everyday and part of a well-crafted life. She believes in a slow, nature and earth-inspired lifestyle and strives to share that through her ceramic artwork. 

I love to paint scenes of wildfires, inspired by nature’s process of destruction and renewal. The transformation and power of the landscape is what I love to share in my artwork. My wildfire landscape scenes are symbols of facing our fears and challenges with faith and hope. 

Combining both our love of working with ceramics—taking mud and firing it to create a beautiful and functional piece of art—and the love of what nature offers us in life lessons, we present our first series of Gold Fire Mugs. 

These mugs are an allegory of our own life experiences. We start as malleable clay, are formed into a shape by the push and pull of life. We then undergo intense heat—life challenges—and come out of the fire a strong form to be used to nourish and serve others.  

These cups went through transformation just like Mercedes and I have each gone through. We are on the other side of some of our worst days. We see the gold in life. We are stronger and more resilient than before. 

These cups are a culmination of our friendship, our life experiences, and creating art with the elements of nature we each find inspiring. 

We hope they are an inspiration to your everyday; a reminder that transformation can happen each day. 

MERCEDES + ANNASTASHA

The Way of Holiness

Sketches for "The Way of Holiness" 2018.

Hello! I want to share with you my first triptych painting. I created it for a specific religious art competition, it did not get accepted but that’s okay. I have other plans for displaying this piece.

I conceptualized and created this piece while I was pregnant with our second son, now here in our arms, Baby True. So this piece has a special place in my heart for that reason.

The idea of this piece is the before, during, and after scenes of a wildfire. The last image, has gold leaf spots to represent the new life coming up through the ashes. The left image represents the new spring and life after winter. The center image represents the summer, of the landscape, and the right image being the next growing season.  

The Way of Holiness. 24X66 inches, 2018. Oil on canvas. 

Artist Statement—

“The Way of Holiness”

Our earth is a beautiful gift God has given to humankind. In this gift we enjoy everyday, processes and changes are continuous. It is in the changes of nature that we can further see eternal principles.  

Wildfires have been part of my life growing up in southern California. Over the last decade of painting wildfires I have meditated on the symbolism and importance of this devastating yet natural process of nature.  

Wildfires are a symbol of our earthly challenges. It takes faith and hope to look beyond the fire and imagine the new life and change that needs to occur in the landscape. 

Many species of plants and animals cannot thrive without fires burning the landscape. Just like we cannot thrive, prove, and become Christlike without adversity. Our journey through life is filled with beauty and challenges. And it is in the challenges were we learn and grow the most.  

The journey we are each on is sanctifying us—it is the way of holiness. And after all the trials we experience it is our faith that will shine through the ashes, beaming with light, promise, and blessings—promise of resurrection and eternal life. 

The eternal principle of faith and hope conquering the darkest moments are evident in nature’s process of destruction and renewal through wildfires. 

“I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” 

Ether 12:6 

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it…” 

Isaiah 35:8

10 Reasons to buy ORIGINAL ART

Maybe you don’t own original art yet, and don’t understand what makes it special or worth including in your life. Here’s a short list of the beautiful reasons original art is worth purchasing!

Defining original art—

ORIGINAL: created directly and personally by a particular artist; not a copy or imitation.

1. UNIQUE—Original art is one-of-a-kind. As humans, I think we are all fascinated by unique things. From gemstones, animals, plants, locations, planets, stars, it goes on. I think deep down we each understand, love, and seek the truly unique in our world and life. Even if someone attempts to copy a famous work of art, it will never fully replicate the original.

2. COLORS—In at least painting, the colors are more vibrant and have more depth than a print can ever replicate. Some painters use techniques called glazing, where thin layers of paint mixed with mediums are applied. These layers create incredible depth of colors that can’t be reproduced with archival ink applied in one layer.

3. TEXTURE—Brush strokes, imperfect shapes or part of ceramic work are all beautiful marks an artist makes that creates a work of art. I find observing the texture alone in a piece of art is an experience in itself more than just what the image is or trying to portray. Only original art displays these beautiful details.

4. PERSONAL—An original work of art is made with the artist’s hands, heart, and mind. The human element in the process of creating art cannot be denied and is the reason we as humans enjoy art in our lives. Art is a special look into the artist’s thoughts, beliefs, struggles, experiences, and emotions. Do we really stop to think about this? I believe this is what makes original art fascinating, beautiful, and priceless.

5. TIME—When viewing a work of art, in any form, I think we rarely think about how many years of practice and experience it took to get the product the artist is producing currently. And think about the time it took to create the work from conception of sketches or an idea to the final piece. Extensive time and research usually takes place and all that gets wrapped up into one work of art or a series.

6. SKILL—Every artist has their own skills and techniques. Each artist has their own voice and vision. Talent or skill can be developed through formal education or through being self taught. Every artist perceives colors and shapes differently and application of their medium—paint, clay, other materials. Artists can teach each other their techniques but in the end artists rarely will create the same exact works. This all comes through in original artwork.

7. STORY—When you purchase an original piece of art, you often can get the story behind the process of how the piece was made or the thoughts the artist had while creating it. Not every piece has a special story, but some do. It’s always worth asking about. And this makes owning original art even more joyful because who doesn’t love a good story? Also, when people ask about the art in your home or office you then have a background story to give in addition to your own of why you chose it. I love each piece of art in my home because of the stories behind them.

8. RELATIONSHIP—Owning original art creates a special relationship between you and the artist. The artist physically handled and worked on the piece of art with deep thoughts and intentions. Purchasing original art fuels artist’s creativity and validates them in a way, to know their piece is meaningful and helping someone else. And that, when purchased directly from an artist, can create a special bond to know where their work is going and for you to know more about the artist and their work.

9. INVESTMENT—Quality original art can be resold if needed and, depending on the circumstances, can increase in value over time. Most reproductions do not have a resell value. Limited edition reproductions have a better chance of being resold if needed, depending on the need/want for that artist’s work.

10. SUPPORT—When buying art you are supporting small business over big. Do we feel good when purchasing from a big company or a small one? The impact of purchasing original art cannot be understated. Your purchase of original art helps the artist pay bills, buy food, and other parts of living, business conducting, and creating more and better art.

As you can see original art has many great benefits and is worth investing in. One of my mantras is “only buy it if you absolutely love it!” We don’t have time or space for things in our lives that don’t bring beauty, meaning, or purpose. 

We live in an amazing time when an endless amount of beautiful and inspiring artwork is at our fingertips. Purchasing original art is one of the pinnacles of a successful and thriving economy and culture. If you look over the history of the world and other cultures you will learn just that, that art comes last when a people have learned how to live well. They then want to beautify their lives and homes with ART! 

If you haven’t taken the jump to buy original art, what is stopping you? What do you need help figuring out about art that you might not understand? Comment below or email me! Contact@Annastasha.com

Deciding and understanding quality art is another article I will write about later. Stay tuned!