Creating In Him

In this personal art blog post, mixed media artist Stacy Spangler reflects on signing a lease for her caboose art studio, discovering that running an art retail space wasn’t aligned with her creative goals, and embracing a slower, more intentional season of life. As she steps away from striving for a full-time art business, she chooses to focus on painting for pleasure, teaching art classes when inspired, and enjoying time with her grandson in what she calls her “Grandma Era.” This post explores creative entrepreneurship, shifting dreams, art studio life, and finding freedom in redefining success as an artist.

I’ve taken a step back from social media to be more present, pursue peace, and guard what shapes my heart. As an artist and follower of Jesus, I’m learning that what I consume affects what I create—and I want to reflect God’s love, not the world’s chaos.

Why I collect art and why collecting art matters. A personal reflection on joy, self-expression, and connection through art collecting and original artwork.

Reading is one of my many favorite hobbies, and I love a good book about art, creativity and entrepreneurship. Here's my top ten art related books that you will find on my art studio shelf.

As a full-time artist, I’ve learned that the 4th quarter isn’t just busy—it’s one of the biggest opportunities of the year. Holiday shoppers are actively looking for unique, meaningful gifts, and art or handmade products are perfect for that. But if you’re not prepared, it can feel overwhelming fast.

If you’re a little earlier in your art business journey, here are five things you can do right now to set yourself up for a smoother and more successful holiday season:

When I first started painting, I picked oil paints as my medium of choice because I was captivated by the rich color and texture. But like many beginner artists, I found myself trying to mimic others or paint just like a photo, unsure of what my style actually looked like, so I got frustrated and actually gave up painting for awhile...

While drawing is still not my favorite creative things to do, and I still don't consider myself skilled at drawing, there are some applicable actions I've taken that have helped me conquer the fear of drawing, and improved my skilled enough to be able to confidently sketch out my ideas for a painting. 

Art journaling is more than just sketching in a notebook. It’s a safe space for experimentation, emotional release, creative play, learning and personal storytelling. When I feel blocked in my studio practice or just want to create without a plan, my journal becomes the perfect playground. There are no rules here—only layers of exploration.

I'm passionate about how we are all Created to Create, and this concept is further solidified by the benefits creating. I've experienced so many in my life, and so of many of them are backed by science. 

I started off learning to paint in oils and quickly found out, especially once I had children, that the mess and long drying time didn't fix my lifestyle. With the development of heavy body acrylic and acrylic mediums, I discovered I could get some of the same looks that I loved from oils by using acrylics.