Hello my artist family!

Oh, I am so excited to introduce you to today’s featured artist, Rita Stern from Loveland, Colorado. Her story is one of those that just grabs your heart, because it reminds us exactly why art matters so much.

Rita’s journey began in 2020, right in the middle of COVID, while she was working full-time as a healthcare provider. Just imagine the weight of that season—and in the midst of it, she found her way to painting as a much-needed outlet. She started with no prior experience, simply jumping into my classes and learning step by step.

And I absolutely love this—she said she was surprised she could even create something recognizable. That moment of “wait… I made this?” is something so many of us remember. It’s like flipping on a light you didn’t even know was there.

What started as a way to stay grounded quickly became something much deeper. Rita fell in love with the vibrant color, the juicy texture, and the sense of connection that painting gave her. She described it as feeling like having people around, even when she was alone—and that just speaks so beautifully to what art can do for us.

Living in the Colorado mountains, it’s no surprise that Rita finds her inspiration in the world around her. The light, the textures, the vastness of the landscape—it all fuels her creativity in such a powerful way. You can just feel how that environment invites her to see and create more deeply.

The piece she chose to share has a story that I think so many artists will connect with. This was her very first painting of people—and it challenged her in a big way. Without step-by-step guidance, she had to rely on everything she had learned and really trust herself. She pushed through, added rich texture, and created something that turned out even better than she expected.

And can we just take a second to appreciate this? Choosing to share the piece that challenged you the most instead of the one that felt easiest—that’s bravery. That’s growth. That’s an artist stepping fully into who they’re becoming.

When Rita shared what she loves about DabblePaints™, I found myself nodding right along. She described the paints as thick, creamy, and juicy—perfect for creating incredible texture and vibrant color. And she mentioned the silver having the best shimmer, which honestly made me smile because… she’s not wrong. That shimmer has a way of stealing the show.

What she enjoys most about painting really shines through in her experience with this piece—the process of pushing through, experimenting, and bringing something to life that once felt out of reach. Those are the moments that shape us as artists.

And her advice for beginners is something I hope you really take to heart:

“Just start—and don’t wait until you feel ready or ‘good enough.’ Let yourself be messy, experiment, and learn as you go, because the joy and growth come from doing, not from getting it perfect. JUST START.”

There is so much freedom in those words. No waiting, no perfection—just showing up and creating.

Rita, thank you for sharing your journey, your courage, and your beautiful work with all of us. Your story is such a powerful reminder that art can meet us in the hardest seasons and grow into something truly meaningful. You are an inspiration to this entire artist family.

Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world. 

XO,
 Jen