What I’m Most Grateful For as an Artist This Year

As the air gets colder and the days slow down just a little, I’ve been thinking about how much this year has changed me and how deeply grateful I am for the people, moments, and small pieces of magic that filled it. 

Art has a way of making me pause, breathe, and notice everything a little more intimately. And as we move into this season of gratitude, I wanted to take a moment to share a few things I’m truly thankful for as an artist this year. 

Cayla, standing behind her painting table.

The people who let me paint their most meaningful moments 

One of the biggest gifts this year has given me is the chance to paint real people their faces, their emotions, their loved ones, and the stories behind them. Whether it’s a couple, a family, a memory, or someone’s favorite moment frozen in time, it means so much to be welcomed into those personal chapters. 

Every portrait and every figure I paint reminds me how powerful art can be in capturing connection. It’s an honor I feel every time I pick up my brush. 

Cayla holding a painting of a dog, in front of some pumpkins.

  The little moments that spark inspiration 

The warm cuddles I get from my pets in the morning. 
My first sip of tea before a long painting day. 
All colors of fall shifting outside my window. 
The conversations I overhear at markets. 
How someone smiles when they see their painting for the first time. 

These tiny moments refill my creativity more than anything else. 

The couples, clients, and friends I’ve met along the way 

This year brought me some of the sweetest humans — brides who shared their stories, families who welcomed me in, and creatives who made me feel part of something bigger. 

Whether we crossed paths at an event, a market, a wedding, or even on Instagram. I’m grateful for every one of you. 

Late night photo of the bride & groom's portrait.

 The chaos and the calm 

Some days I’m painting in total peace or other days I’m juggling twelve things at once. Including days the studio is quiet, or it’s full of canvases, tea cups, and chaos. 

Somehow, I’m grateful for all of it. Every version of this job teaches me something. 

Fall painting of two dogs, surrounded by leaves.

 Growing, learning, and the people who cheer me on 

Every brushstroke, challenge, mistake, and breakthrough has pushed me forward this year. I can feel myself getting braver, more confident, and more in love with this craft as time goes on and a huge part of that growth comes from the people who support me quietly and consistently. 

The ones who like every post. 
Who sends the sweetest messages. 
That stop by my booth just to say hi. 
Also, who share my work with their friends. 

Your encouragement has been the backbone of my growth, and you keep me going more than you know. 

If you’re here reading this… thank you. 

For supporting my work, for being part of my year, and for choosing to be on this journey with me. 
I hope your season is full of softness, warmth and I hope you know how thankful I am for you. 🤍