October Studio Notes: Paintings, Color Shapers, and a Dash of Key West
October has been one of those months that feels like the end of one chapter and the sparkly start of another. My solo show Curiosity and Chaos wrapped up at the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, and I said goodbye to my Art Machine Gallery wall at Sawyer Yards. The walls are bare, the boxes are full, and my studio looks like a tornado made of bubble wrap blew through — but the excitement? Still buzzing.
Bulletproof Mood Heads to Key West
Bulletproof Mood is packing his bags for a winter getaway — he’s been accepted into the Small Works 2025 Exhibition at JAG Gallery in Key West, Florida, which runs November 29 through January 4. It’s a national juried show filled with art that proves great things really do come in small packages. I can’t wait to see him holding his own among the sunshine, chickens, and key lime pie.
Featured Artist at Lost Pines Art Center
I just learned I’ll be the Featured Artist at the Lost Pines Art Center in Bastrop, Texas, from December through February.
Bastrop’s an artsy, historic town just outside Austin — the kind of place where the past and the present have coffee together. I can’t wait to share my work there and meet new collectors in their beautiful gallery space.
Art at Gino’s Pizza Joint
If you find yourself in downtown Richmond, Texas, swing by Gino’s Pizza Joint this December and January. It’s wall-to-wall color and creativity paired with the best New York-style pizza this side of the Brazos. Grab a slice, check out the art, and call it dinner with a side of inspiration.
Tools I Love: Color Shapers
One tool I can’t live without? Color shapers. They’re silicone-tipped wonders that let me move paint around with control—or absolutely none at all, depending on the mood. They’re magic for smearing, scraping, nudging, or pulling paint in unexpected ways. I use them for texture or fine lines without overthinking it. You can grab a set like mine on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases — but trust me, I’d rave about these even if I didn’t.
Hatitude & Deadeye Darling Ride Off
Both of my pop-art paintings, Hatitude and Deadeye Darling, have officially ridden off to new homes. Sending them out into the world feels a little like watching kids leave for college — proud, joyful, and maybe just a touch sentimental.
But mostly? I’m thrilled. They’re exactly where they’re meant to be — out there making someone’s wall a whole lot sassier.
Wrapping It Up
Meanwhile, the studio is humming again. A few new pieces are already in progress, and I’m shifting my focus toward upcoming projects — including my next 85 Things book, a sprinkle of cowgirls and cowboys, a few moody abstracts, and maybe a surprise or two for collectors. (Let’s just say my imagination has refused to clock out.)
If you’ve followed along this far, thank you. Every kind word, every comment, every share — it all keeps this colorful train rolling. The best way to stay in the loop? Visit kayhand.com and sign up for my newsletter. That’s where all the good stuff lands first — new art, new shows, and the occasional dog cameo from Bella, who insists she’s my studio manager.
Thanks, as always, for following along on this creative tangent. More paint, more stories, more sparkle to come.
Until next time —
Kay 💕