Hello Reader,

You may have noticed that I’ve been a little quiet over the past month.

We’ve had a few medical emergencies in my family that needed my time and attention, and as sometimes happens in life, a few things simply had to be set aside for a while. Family needed to come first.

But even while my focus has been pulled in other directions, some pretty exciting things have been happening in my art world—and I’ve been looking forward to finally sharing them with you.

Apparently, I’m going to Fort Worth twice this fall!

First up, I am thrilled to have been invited back to the Fort Worth Stockyards for Fashion Week as one of just 12 Modern Masters of the West.

I had such a wonderful experience there last year, and I’m especially excited to once again partner with the American Paint Horse Association and PH Barn Door. I’ll be returning to PH Barn Door to demonstrate my watercolor process in the store, surrounded by all the energy, horses, western fashion, and history of the Stockyards.

And . . . we have another fun collaboration in the works!

I can’t share all the details quite yet, but we’ll be unveiling it during Fashion Week. I’ve been working behind the scenes on this one for a while, and I am so excited to finally see it coming together. Stay tuned!

Then I'm Heading Back to Fort Worth!

Just a few weeks later, I’ll be returning November 13–15 for the Cowgirl Gathering—and this trip comes with some news that still feels a little surreal.

My watercolor painting Tougher Than the Rest was selected as one of the Top 15 finalists for the Artist Shootout, sponsored by Cowgirl Artists of America and the Cowgirl Gathering.

There were 252 works of art submitted, and somehow this painting of mine made it into the final 15.

And when I saw the other finalists, my first thought was: Wow.

These are incredible works of art by incredibly talented artists. This is a winner-takes-all competition, but truly, being included in this particular group already feels like something worth celebrating.

While I’m at the Cowgirl Gathering, I’ll also be demonstrating during the equestrian events in Fort Worth November 13–15. I can't think of a much better place for a western artist to spend a few days—with horses, cowgirls, art, and plenty of inspiration all around me.

And One More Surprise…

As if all of that weren't enough, I recently learned that I have been nominated, along with just a handful of other artists, for Cowgirl Artist of the Year.

This one genuinely surprised me.

There are so many talented, hardworking women creating western art today, and I never expected to see my name among those being considered for this recognition. I am deeply grateful simply to have been thought of and nominated alongside women whose work I respect so much.

After a month that has held some difficult moments for my family, these bits of good news have felt especially meaningful.

Life has a funny way of holding hard things and wonderful things at the same time.

So while I may have been a little quieter than usual, I haven't disappeared. I've been painting, teaching, working behind the scenes—and getting ready for what looks like a very exciting fall.

And apparently, packing my bags for Fort Worth.

Twice.

Thank you, as always, for following along, encouraging my work, and being part of this journey. I’m looking forward to sharing much more with you as these adventures unfold.

Go forth and paint!

Leslie