Hello my artist family!
It’s Jen here, and today I have the absolute joy of introducing you to someone who has been with me since nearly the beginning of this whole wild, wonderful journey — the incredibly dedicated and heartfelt Robin DeGroff from Florence, Kentucky.
I can’t wait for you to read her story. It’s one of those journeys that quietly unfolds over a lifetime, and before you know it, you’re sitting there thinking, Of course she became the artist she is today.
Robin’s Artistic Journey
Robin fell in love with art as a child, continued studying it in high school, and even majored in art in college. The funny twist? She never actually took painting classes back then. Life carried her in a different direction — teaching first grade and kindergarten — where she spent her days encouraging little ones to explore their creativity.
After she retired, though, her own creativity came calling again. She began attending quick two-hour painting classes at her local library, then joined a painting group at the senior center. And then came COVID — a strange, difficult season for so many of us — but also the moment she stumbled across my webinar.
That’s when Robin discovered textured painting, and she was in. She became one of the earliest people in our community, a lifetime Let’s Dabble member, and someone who has been with me through reunions, retreats, and so much growth. Truly, she’s been part of the heartbeat of this artist family from the beginning.
Over time, she has used the techniques she’s learned to paint from her own photos and from photographers she admires. She has displayed her work in small galleries, sold pieces, and continues to share her love of God’s creation through her art. And honestly? When she told me her teacher encouraged her talent early on, I thought: that teacher deserves a big gold star.
What Inspires Robin
Robin is deeply inspired by beautiful landscapes — the kind that make you pause, breathe, and really take in the world around you. It’s easy to see that this love of creation is woven right into her work.
Artwork Showcase: “Autumn Splendor”
Robin chose to share her latest painting, Autumn Splendor, inspired by one of my own projects. As soon as she saw me paint it, she knew she wanted to bring her version to life too.
She especially loves painting water and reflections, and this piece is full of both. The glowing fall colors, the calm surface of the water, the mirror-like reflections — it all comes together in such a peaceful, grounded way. When I looked at it the first time, I actually leaned closer to my screen like I might catch my own reflection in that water. That’s how real it feels.
She also shared a second photo of herself at a craft fair, surrounded by her creations — palette knife hearts, small paintings, magnets, mugs, and hand-painted cards. Her booth looks like the kind of place where you stop “just to browse” and walk away with arms full of treasures.
What She Loves About DabblePaints™
Robin loves texture — and I mean loves it. She told me that DabblePaints™ are creamy, blend beautifully, and make it easy to create the kind of textured surfaces she enjoys most. Hearing this from someone who’s been with me since the early days means more than I can say.
What She Enjoys Most About Painting
Painting, for Robin, is both creative expression and meditation. She gets so absorbed in the process that she sometimes forgets to eat — which, let’s be honest, might be the most relatable artist moment of all time. She uses a mix of brushes and palette knives now, choosing whatever technique feels right for the painting.
Robin’s Advice for Beginners
Her advice is full of the kind of gentle wisdom I wish every new painter could hear:
“When you are first starting to paint give yourself some grace. Everyone needs practice when doing something new. Also the key ideas I always share with others when they are doing a landscape is top to bottom, back to front, cool in back and warmer in front. Just enjoy the process of placing paint on canvas.”
Simple. Encouraging. Honest. Exactly what a beginner needs.
Robin, thank you for sharing your journey, your artwork, and so much of your heart with us. You continue to inspire this community with your dedication, your faith, your creativity, and your willingness to grow. We are so grateful to have you in our artist family.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen
