Hello my artist family!
It’s Jen here, and I am so excited to introduce you to a wonderful artist from my home state of Texas, Malu Garza, joining us from Houston.
Malu’s art journey is one of those stories that reminds me there is absolutely no such thing as being “late” to creativity. Her path began about 20 years ago when she started drawing and oil painting lessons with an artist named Frumin from Russia. And here’s the part that made me smile — as a child, she wasn’t interested in art at all and would actually ask a friend to draw a doll for her. Isn’t it funny how art sometimes waits patiently until we’re ready to hear it calling?
As an adult, that calling came through loud and clear. Malu felt a deep desire to learn painting, which led her to earn a scholarship to Italy, where she immersed herself in art history and painting. From there, she continued exploring all types of painting, building skills and confidence along the way. And then — cue my happy dance — she discovered my aspen tree paintings and felt inspired to learn the palette knife technique. She’s been exploring and learning ever since, and I truly love that kind of fearless curiosity.
When I asked Malu what inspires her creativity the most, her answer was beautifully humble. She shared that she doesn’t even think of herself as creative — she simply sees other artists doing amazing work and wants to learn from them. And let me tell you, that openness and willingness to learn is creativity in its purest form.
The painting Malu chose to share is especially meaningful to her. It’s inspired by one of the aspen tree paintings she first saw in my ads — the very moment she discovered my work. She had dreamed of painting a large aspen tree canvas, and now that painting lives as the central focal point in her living room. I mean, how amazing is that? Art that starts as inspiration and ends up becoming part of your everyday life.
She’s still waiting on her very first shipment of DabblePaints, but she already knows they’re going to be perfect for palette knife painting — and I have a feeling those paints are about to get very busy.
When it comes to advice for someone just starting out, Malu shared something we all need to hear more often:
“That you will learn if you don’t dismay. Keep trying, redoing until you like what you see.”
Simple. Honest. Powerful. That’s the kind of wisdom that carries you forward on the days when the painting — and the confidence — feels a little wobbly.
Malu, thank you for sharing your journey, your perseverance, and your heart with us. Your story is a beautiful reminder that art meets us exactly where we are and grows with us when we stay curious and committed. I know you’re inspiring so many artists in our community to keep going and keep believing in themselves.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen