Arden Ward Upton

Spring is starting to whisper again… and I can feel it.

The light is changing.
The air feels softer.
And my creativity always wakes up this time of year.

Lately, I’ve been toying with an idea I can’t quite shake —
a small, simple way to bring a little art into everyday life.

I’m thinking about creating a monthly art club.

Nothing overwhelming.
Nothing intimidating. Just an easy way to collect littles.

Something joyful.

For less than a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru each month, you’d receive a signed artist print delivered to your mailbox with a note.

Small. Beautiful. Collectible.
A little moment of color and calm in the mail. Sized to pop in a frame and enjoy with ease. I’m all about stress free 🍋🍊

If I do this… the first 6-part series would be called:

🍋 Citrus Joy

Think fresh lemons, oranges, and all the light-filled happiness that comes with spring — the kind of art that feels like sunshine on the kitchen counter.

Before I bring this idea fully to life, I’d love to know…

Would something like this feel fun to you?
Something simple, beautiful, and consistent showing up each month?

Just thinking out loud here 🌿
Curious what you think

What is wealth? It’s a good question. Health is wealth! Family to love is wealth! A clear mind and a purpose? You tell me. What would you define it as? My thoughts…A full calendar isn’t a status symbol.
I used to think busy meant successful—
booked, running, always on to the next thing.

Now I know better.

The real luxury is a slow morning, nowhere to rush, and time with the people you love.
Quiet days. Family dinners.
A thoughtful pace that’s good for the soul.

Living on your own schedule.
That’s wealth and the great news the price is free all you have to do is slow down with gratitude. More paintings but not until March 💜

Earlier this year, William, Wills, and I planted 16 blackberry bushes at the farm.
We learned their rhythms together, cared for them through summer and fall,
and I quietly held onto the picture forming in my mind.

Now that vision is turning into a special painting—
a way to keep summer blackberries close, even as the season moves on.

They’re being immortalized through my mind’s eye in a beautiful oil-on-board commission.
From my garden to their kitchen… a new kind of farm to table.

Art, like gardening, asks for patience—
and faith in what’s coming

This Thanksgiving, I let myself step away — to be a mom, to breathe, to watch Wills find joy in the simplest things. There’s something sacred about slowing down enough to truly see your own life.
Citrus has always carried meaning for me: light, hospitality, simple abundance. Being still with my family reminded me how much of that already surrounds me.
Thank you for supporting me, my art, and this journey. I don’t take any of it for granted. 🍋✨

Holiday Release #4 🎄
My limited-edition Christmas ornaments are ready — and they’re even sweeter in person. Just 12 ornaments this year!

Available tomorrow at Diamonds Direct from 11–2
Online only if any remain afterward ✨

Perfect for gifting, collecting, or adding a little art to your holiday tree.

Holiday Release ✨ #3 of 4
These tiny originals are the sweetest little treasures — hand-painted citrus minis set inside chic acrylic blocks. Oranges to honor the classic holiday tradition… and of course, my favorite lemons 🍋🤍

They’re bright, joyful, and perfect for gifting — a pop of color for a nightstand, desk, or shelf. These minis celebrate everything I love about the season: oranges for holiday tradition… lemons for everyday joy 🍋✨
Small in size, big in charm ✨

Holiday Release ✨ #2 of 4
My Provence-inspired candle is here — a bright blend of lemon verbena + basil, captured from a memory of the French countryside.

And there are only 25 candles available for the entire season.

✨ $54 in person on Nov 22 at Diamonds Direct (or local pickup)
✨ $62 online with free shipping

A beautiful little luxury for gifting… or for you 🤍

Your first Holiday Release✨ 1 of 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️A tiny luxury for the holidays 🎁
My folded notecards (4.25 x 5.5, packs of 6) are small-batch and oh-so-sweet — only 6 sets of each design. Use them for gifting, stocking stuffers, holiday notes, or to tuck inside a wrapped present.

Launching Nov 22 at the Diamonds Direct Holiday Party
— online afterward if any remain!