Melanie Vugich’s Lovely Still Life Paintings

November 11, 2025November 9, 2025 ~ jama ~ 5 Comments

A longtime fan of beautiful tablescapes, I was happy to stumble upon Australian artist Melanie Vugich’s still life paintings recently. Her oil on canvas pieces are a pleasure to behold with their interesting objects, inventive compositions, and rich, bold colors.

I do enjoy seeing what others have collected and how they create a visual story to reflect their mood of the moment. This, in turn, gives the viewer a chance to pause, reflect, and appreciate the familiar in new ways. Melanie’s still lifes are characterized by their sense of intimacy, personal history and cherished memories.

*photo of Melanie Vugich in her studio by Jordan Wheatley via Cornerstore Gallery.*

Melanie grew up in the remote outback town of Broken Hill in New South Wales, and has been painting since childhood. Even though she didn’t know any female artists or had never visited any major art galleries, she always knew she would be an artist.

Living in such a remote part of the country without many external influences allowed my imagination to run wild, and all of the early childhood paintings my Mum stashed away are a bright and happy reflection of this.

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nine cool things on a tuesday

November 4, 2025November 1, 2025 ~ jama ~ 8 Comments

“Fear not November’s challenge bold. We’ve books and friends, and hearths that never can grow cold. These make amends.” — Alexander L. Fraser

1. Hello, November! We need a nice big bowl of homemade soup to warm us up. Do you think our badger friend will share some of his? I definitely think so. 🙂

When all feels chaotic and unsettling, escape to the English countryside with Emily Duffin’s charming watercolors. Based in Northamptonshire, England, Emily enjoys depicting the everyday lives of animals. Since she grew up on a small farm and currently lives in a village that has Shetland ponies (and a donkey!), it’s no surprise she’s endlessly inspired by the wildlife in her area.

After graduating with a Fine Arts degree from Northampton University, Emily worked as an estate agent for about a decade. She then met her husband who encouraged her to start drawing again. They moved into a beautiful old cottage with apple trees in the garden and a family of bunnies under the hedge — quite an idyllic setting for creative work.

They had a daughter, Molly, commissions were starting to come in, and she even received an invitation to illustrate a book. But after tragedy struck with the death of her partner, Emily’s life was upended for about a year.

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Paige Spearin: of bunnies, bars and beds

September 23, 2025September 20, 2025 ~ jama ~ 12 Comments

Basket of apples, please. Or maybe a baguette from the local bakery. Then we can settle in for a relaxing game of backgammon, cozy up with a book, or putter in the garden.

(I like your long ears and whiskers, btw.) 🐰🐰🐰

Fun, whimsical, playful: when you step into a Paige Spearin painting, you know you’re going to have a good time. Inspired by things she truly enjoys (travel, tennis, skiing, interior design, parties, flowers, bike riding), Paige works her magic with India ink, watercolor, gouache, and sometimes acrylic and oil.

An artist and surface designer based in Winnetka, Illinois, Paige specializes in creating fine art, illustration, textile design and custom stationery. After earning a BFA in Fibers from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2008, she began working with Lilly Pulitzer, where she was a print designer for over 16 years. She’s now self-employed, having established Paige Spearin Studio in 2019.

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nine cool things on a tuesday

September 2, 2025August 27, 2025 ~ jama ~ 17 Comments

“Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

1. Happy September! We’re happy to be back in anticipation of a beautiful Fall, and what better way to celebrate than to bask in UK artist Jenny Jones’s gorgeous art! 🙂

Are you up for a little apple picking, cuddling with comely farm animals, sipping tea in the garden? I was drawn to Jenny’s work immediately for her loving depictions of British rural life and simpler, gentler times.

She’s currently based in Bishop’s Castle, a small market town in SW Shropshire, England, known for its thriving artist community. She studied painting in Florence and at Shrewsbury and Farm Art Schools, has won prizes for her work, and has participated in many group and solo exhibitions. She’s also illustrated a number of children’s books. 🙂

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nine cool things on a tuesday

May 6, 2025August 22, 2025 ~ jama ~ 6 Comments

1. It’s May . . . and everything’s abloom! Take a seat and relax in Olivia Gibbs’s back garden. Help yourself to tea and treats; listen to birdsong and your cat’s purr. So cozy and peaceful.

We featured some of Olivia’s work a couple of years back, and thought it was time to share more. After all, we need as much joy and color in our lives as possible, right?

Born and raised in Spain, Olivia is self taught and currently resides in Augusta, Georgia. She’s been smitten with drawing since childhood, when she’d spend hours creating stories in her sketchbook.

Since art didn’t seem like a viable career option, she studied Business Administration in college and then worked in banking for many years. But when her second daughter was born, she was able to stay at home and renew her interest in art, her true passion.

In addition to drawing and painting, Olivia loves traveling and exploring new places and cultures. She’s also keen on hiking, baking, dancing, finding the beauty in everyday life, and spending time with loved ones.