The Art of Building Slowly

When I first picked up a paintbrush again a few years ago, I wasn't trying to build a business.

My home studio workspace

I wasn't dreaming about art shows, websites, studio spaces, or social media. I had a full-time career that I genuinely enjoyed, and painting was simply a way to reconnect with something I had loved years before. It was supposed to be my escape—a quiet place where my busy mind could slow down for a few hours each weekend.

If you've ever met me, you probably know that "slowing down" doesn't come naturally.

My brain has a hard time turning off. I like to stay busy, solve problems, and always have a project in the works. I hoped painting would become a way to quiet all of that.

There was just one problem.

I'm also a perfectionist.

It turns out that painting isn't nearly as relaxing when you're frustrated with every brushstroke and wondering why the picture in your head doesn't match what's appearing on the canvas.

So I did what many people do when they want to get better at something—I started taking lessons.

At first, it wasn't because I wanted to become an artist. I simply wanted my weekends to feel more rewarding. I wanted to enjoy the process while also creating work that made me proud.

Somewhere along the way, something unexpected happened.

I started painting...a lot.

More than I ever imagined I would.

As my confidence slowly grew, my mentor encouraged me to participate in my very first art walk. I was hesitant, but I decided to say yes. At the time, I didn't have grand ambitions. I thought it might become a fun retirement hobby someday. Maybe I'd sell a few paintings, earn a little extra income along the way, and find some validation that all those hours in front of the easel had been worth it.

I never expected to fall in love with building the business behind the art.

These days, I find myself just as excited about the possibilities as I do about the paintings themselves. I love imagining new collections, improving my website, writing these weekly blogs, photographing my work, learning about marketing, dreaming about a YouTube channel, creating merchandise, reaching out to galleries and local shops, and finding new ways to connect with people who love art.

The list of ideas in my notebook seems to grow faster than I can ever check them off.

And that's where I find myself today.

Balancing two careers that I genuinely love.

My full-time career continues to challenge me in all the best ways, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it has given me. At the same time, this little art business has become something I care deeply about. It pushes me creatively, stretches me in entirely new ways, and reminds me that it's never too late to build something from the ground up.

The difficult part isn't coming up with ideas anymore.

Jimi is a big fan of my art! Especially since my workspace is right next to the kitchen.

The difficult part is accepting that I can't pursue all of them at once.

Some weeks, painting gets my attention.

Other weeks, it's preparing for an art show, updating my website, or writing a blog like this one.

And sometimes, life reminds me that the most important place for my time isn't work at all. It's spending an evening with my husband, enjoying a quiet dinner together, or curling up with our senior cats, knowing these moments are every bit as meaningful as crossing another task off my list.

For a long time, I thought success meant doing more.

• More paintings.

• More social media.

• More videos.

• More products.

• More opportunities.

Lately, I'm beginning to wonder if success is really about doing the right things at the right time instead. I'm learning that building slowly isn't the same as standing still. Every painting teaches me something. Every art show introduces me to someone new. Every blog helps me reflect on this journey. Every small step builds on the one before it.

Of course, I still daydream.

I imagine mornings spent in a studio filled with natural light, creating paintings, filming videos, experimenting with new techniques, and getting to know other artists. I hope that someday I'll have the time to pursue every idea that's currently scribbled across the pages of my notebook.

Maybe I will.

But for now, I'm choosing to appreciate the season I'm in.

One where I get to build this dream thoughtfully, one painting, one conversation, one blog post, and one small step at a time.

After all, the paintings I'm most proud of were never rushed.

Maybe building a meaningful life isn't meant to be rushed either.

There are a few exciting things on the horizon that I can't wait to share, but for now I'm trying to enjoy the season I'm in instead of always looking ahead.

Thanks for following along on this journey.

If you'd like to see what I'm working on between blog posts, you can find me on Instagram at @jodiwatkinsart, or browse my latest paintings in the gallery here on the website.

Until next week,

Jodi