Julia Moran

Wings, legs, and antennae practice with nassybah. ( )

In April I started a fun online class taught by nassybah and we painted some bug parts to practice the anatomy details. The next piece in the course is putting all the lessons together to paint a full insect.

I love learning from other artists. It helps me to approach subjects from a different angle, use new techniques, and appreciate different details.

It's been an insane week of nonstop paperwork, research, and planning! But now I can announce there will be a new shop in downtown lebanon this summer. I can't wait to work with so many inspirational artist friends to fill the space with handmade magic, offer classes, and build community. I literally can't wait to see you in the shop.

Everything is moving so fast that I don't even have a logo yet! But I am excited to share my logo idea. And the shop is going to be whimsical, weird, and cozy. This weekend we will be tearing our flooring, looking at paint, and visiting a ceramic market.

But don't worry about my art account because I'm not abandoning my art. This year will look very different while I set up the shop and figure out my schedule. But I still have pet commissions, personal painting projects, and one art market in May. 💜

I'm taking an online watercolor course with nassybah ( ) and it's been fun to
A. Paint things like it's an assignment. I don't have to think about what to paint.
B. Learn from Nassybah because it is an absolute joy.
C. Sit at my desk to enjoy personal art time.

Nassybah also has an art book out and you can find it just about everywhere. And yes I also have her book.

Above is a picture of some wings I painted with watercolor following one of the tutorials in the class.

About a week ago I found black morels in my garden. Today I found three golden mrrels less than 5 feet from where I found the black morels! What is going on in my garden this spring!? All three of the morels I found today were growing out of this Irish moss in a garden bed with part sun and viburnum flowers falling everywhere. They're growing out of alder chips from my neighbors tree and there are old roots from a dead spruce tree underground. Here's hoping for more morels in the coming years. 🪄

You can see the first motel has been snacked on by a slug or squirrel?

A photo dump of our trip to Mexico. I got to see a lot of new animals and plants I've never seen before. So that was a huge 10/10. And we had a solid week of hanging out with family. Also a 10/10.

1. Me and my love at sunset in Tulum.
2. My two favorite people going on a scooter ride.
3. Another of me and my love at sunset.
4. Visiting Coba. mayan ruins.
5. Coati getting snacks from the chefs.
6. Video of coati eating more snacks.
7. A scorpion we found in the house.
8. Enjoying a drink made by my neice.
9. Some of the family swimming at Isla contoy
10. Getting drunk with family by the pool.
11. Airplane ride home.

February's bookmark class is up! We will be painting a patchwork quilt in pinks and purples. Learn how to mix watercolor paints, build layers, and have a chill time! Spots are limited. RSVP through the website link on Monarch Bookstore home page.

Snail earrings with mini original hand painted pieces of art. That's right. Both snails are painted by my hands using the teeniest tiniest brushes. Then assembled into earrings using frames and hardware from . I love having amazing small business friends close by. 💜🐌

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We’re thrilled to invite you to join us at the Calapooia Brewing Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 12-4 PM! Hosted in Calapooia’s cozy atrium, enjoy a festive day filled with art, craft brews, and holiday cheer.

✨ What to Expect:

Local Artisans and Makers: Discover a variety of handmade goods and unique creations from talented local artisans like us.

Sip and Shop: Savor Calapooia Brewing’s finest craft beers and Vivacity Spirits’ small batch spirits, along with delightful hand-crafted cocktails.

Delicious Food: Treat yourself to a comforting meal from the brewpub kitchen.

Family and Pet-Friendly: Bring your loved ones, including your furry friends, as the event welcomes all ages with indoor and heated outdoor seating.

📍 Location: Calapooia Brewing, 140 Hill St. NE, Albany, Oregon

Join us for an unforgettable day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating the holiday season. We can’t wait to see you there!

The final ornaments of 2025. Hand painted original artwork on wood.

This year's ornament collection was inspired by the forest floor and the handful of hikes I enjoyed in western Oregon this year.

1. Moonlit mushroom.
2. Chanterelle midnight meeting
3. Space snail dreamer.

I'll have hand painted ornaments at the calapooia brewery holiday market this Saturday!

You can find more ornaments in Boise, Idaho shops
and

I painted a small collection of ornaments this season. The solo slug might be my favorite and I know some of you won't be surprised by that.

I'll have these and a few more at the calapooia brewing holiday market on December 13th.

1. A slug ornament.
2. A slug and mushroom ornament.
3. A gathering of mushrooms in the moonlight ornament