Blog: Romancing Today

Round sunflower painting 'The Shape of Joy' in gold, orange and teal, by Oregon artist Becky Potter
Are There Contemporary Artists Influenced by Romanticism?
Romanticism didn't end in the 1800s. Here's where its ideas still show up in art today, and how they shape the paintings in my Oregon studio. Read more...
What Does an Original Painting Really Cost?
What Does an Original Painting Really Cost?
So, how much does an original painting cost? The honest answer: it depends. The price of an original painting is subjective to the artist, the size, and the subject, and... Read more...
Why Join a Card Club? Real Mail and Everyday Romance
Why Join a Card Club? Real Mail and Everyday Romance
A text is lovely, but real mail is different. Here's why I started a monthly card club, what a chat with our insurance agent taught me about what romance really... Read more...
Painting in Oregon Wine Country: Flowers, Pinot Noir & the Dundee Hills
Painting in Oregon Wine Country: Flowers, Pinot Noir & the Dundee Hills
Late-September light in the Dundee Hills, nine acres of Pinot Noir, and the wine country paintings that grew out of life at Meraviglioso Winery. Read more...
A Little Painting I brought home from Italy
The artist, Filomena Garonna, painted on thin pieces of cement that she had mounted. She told us she had developed that style because, to her, the surface recalled paintings on Italian walls and stucco.  Read more...
SO FUN! wet sandy clothes, resulted in tired crabby girls! #Beauty
What Contemporary Romanticism Means...
Contemporary Romanticism, to me, is the practice of noticing the emotional weight and beauty inside an ordinary life—not after we’ve cleaned it up, but while we’re still in it. It... Read more...
Growing an Art Account Without Losing Yourself Along the Way
Growing an Art Account Without Losing Yourself Along the Way
I paint, of course. Painting is a huge part of who I am. But there is also my faith, my darling husband, my kids, grandkids, my dog and coffee in... Read more...
A Little Tour of What All Happens Around Here...
A Little Tour of What All Happens Around Here...
Behind the paintings and gardens is a whole world: weld shops, vineyards, ceramic parts, and the beautiful chaos of small-business life. Join me for a tour of the place where... Read more...
Contemporary Romanticism: And Why I Paint Flowers
Contemporary Romanticism: And Why I Paint Flowers
Perhaps that's what Contemporary Romanticism means to me: not escaping reality, but discovering that reality is already more beautiful than we often realize.   Read more...
Taking a Minute....
Taking a Minute....
This morning my daughter had a hair appointment, which translated into something even better—Nana time. My grandson decided to spend a little time this morning in the machine shop with... Read more...
Romancing the Day to Day: A Little About Me
A story of finding the courage to become an artist, learning to slow down and notice beauty, and discovering that even an ordinary Tuesday can hold wonder. Welcome to a life of art, flowers, faith, and romancing the day to day. Read more...