Full Circle: A Summer of Bloom, Belonging, & Creative Return Celebrating 40 Years of Art

A Full Circle Moment

“Sometimes bloom isn’t loud or showy. Sometimes it’s quiet, earned, and years in the making.” - Karen Armstrong

The Warmth of a Season

This summer marks a full circle moment in my creative journey. Recently, as I signed a new art print for my upcoming shop launch, I felt the same quiet thrill I experienced forty years ago when I signed my very first print.

Back then, I was full of spark and possibility. Now, with decades of living and creating behind me, that spark has deepened into gratitude. My art carries not only the freshness of bloom, but also the richness of reflection.

The People Who Shaped My Path

When I began my career as co-founder of the greeting card company Creative Collection, I had the incredible fortune of working alongside my dear friend Lisa Foster. Her creative eye, honest feedback, and steadfast encouragement shaped me in ways I still carry today.

In this new season, I continue to learn and grow - exploring monoprinting, digital design, and new collaborations. My creative community has held me through both loss and renewal, reminding me that art is always a place to return.

New Prints for a Season of Bloom

Two new art prints will be part of next month’s shop launch, each inspired by the beauty of California’s San Joaquin Valley:

• Spring Orchard Blossoms - sketchbook in hand, I return each year to the orchard rows, where drifting petals fall like snow.

• Golden Summer Sunflowers - a reminder to turn toward the light, to keep choosing joy.

Created with monoprint textures, hand-drawn linework, and digital layers, these pieces honor the rhythm of the seasons and the beauty gathered along the way.

Gentle Offerings

Alongside these prints, I’ll be sharing coordinating notecards, stickers, and tea towels, with more surprises ahead. Each piece carries the same spirit of seasonal inspiration and quiet joy.

A Gift for You

To celebrate this season of bloom and creative return, I’ve begun a new tradition: The Seasonal Library - a collection of free, downloadable gifts created from my artwork. This month’s offering features the Golden Summer Sunflowers, a small reminder of warmth and light.

"Bloom" This Month's Gift in the Seasonal Library

All subscribers to my monthly newsletter, The Artful Season, have access to the library. If you aren't already a member you can sign up here

An Invitation

Whether you are just beginning your creative path or standing in a season of reflection, may this summer remind you that becoming is always possible.

What season do you feel most inspired in - and why? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments or by message.

Thank you for being here. Your presence is a gift.

With heart,

Karen

Karen Armstrong Studio For the seasonally inspired heart