OpenTube

I Don't Want to Waste the Time I Have: An Art Studio Story

Winter Woods Studio

11,384 views

In this reflective art studio vlog, I talk about why I left art school, stopped oil painting for nearly 20 years, and what finally changed this past winter that made me stop running from the life I truly wanted. Join me for a quiet spring week in the studio filled with oil painting, soft pastel painting, still life setup, studio cleaning, and reflections on creativity, courage, chronic illness, and learning how fragile and beautiful life really is. 🌲✨

✨ Join my Patreon community, The Wild Brush Circle:
Patreon: Patreon: winterwoodsstudio

Inside Patreon, I share longer studio videos, behind the scenes process work, creative challenges, monthly themes, deeper reflections on art and creativity, and a cozy creative community centered around making meaningful work together. 💛

🌿 Join my email list and receive my free ebook:
https://www.winterwoodsstudio.com/sub...

This video became something deeper than I expected while filming it. As I painted, cleaned my studio, set up still lifes, and watched spring slowly arrive here in the Northwoods, I found myself talking honestly about the things that shifted inside me this past winter. My health, my family, and several difficult seasons of life forced me to confront how short and precious life really is.

I share the deeper story behind returning to oil painting, applying to Oil Painters of America, preparing to enter shows again for the first time in decades, and learning that life is not meant to be waited through. It is meant to be lived. 🌿

If you have ever felt lost, creatively disconnected, afraid to begin again, or unsure whether it is too late to become who you were meant to be, I hope this video feels like a gentle encouragement to keep going.

🎨"Running from who I was meant to be: Starting over in 2026" video: Running From Who I Was Meant To Be; An Art...

🎨 Art Supplies Used Today
Utrecht Artist Oils: https://tidd.ly/49sWZ49
Michael Harding Oil Paint: https://tidd.ly/4hXVcHW
Gamblin Oil Paint: https://tidd.ly/49NaSLC
Blick Premier Canvases: https://tidd.ly/4o2a21J
Liquitex Liquid Gesso: https://tidd.ly/49V5ZRh
Posh New Wave Glass Palette: https://tidd.ly/49QcraI
Large Masterson’s Sta-Wet Palette: https://tidd.ly/3WK4VrG
Blick Economy Bristle Brushes: https://tidd.ly/4i9Swaw
Blick Masterstroke Flats: https://tidd.ly/3XiWcx7
Rembrandt Oil Paint: https://tidd.ly/49JtMlt
Master’s Brush Cleaner: https://tidd.ly/3JBqHuZ
✨ Soft Pastels & Surfaces
Rembrandt Soft Pastels: https://tidd.ly/4wEHXmK
Sennelier Soft Pastels: https://tidd.ly/4nxaYfL
Unison Soft Pastels: https://tidd.ly/4dbcjFC
UART Sanded Paper: https://tidd.ly/43c3bdT
Pastel Storage Drawers: https://amzn.to/4nDESPI

🌲 Stay Connected With Me
Instagram:
Instagram: winterwoodsstudio
Winter Woods Studio Shop & Website:
https://www.winterwoodsstudio.com
Buy Me a Coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/winterwoods

🎨 Thank you so much for being here and spending part of your day with me. Your kindness and support truly mean more than you know.

Some links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel and my artwork. 💛

Music in this video is from Epidemic Sound.
https://www.epidemicsound.com

20 Comments

@melodiekoher6076 4 months ago

I am a 77 year old shadow artist. That means that I've also been afraid of really stepping out there so instead I work behind the scenes as a gallery director. Your story has encouraged me to step out there and live the life God meant for me to live as a creative. Thank you so much!!!

@smilesoftexas 4 months ago

Amy, there are hundreds of YouTube channels out there that are based around art. Yours is unique because of you and part of that is because of your story…ALL OF IT. You never need apologize about sharing whatever you choose to share because you never know who your story will resound with and inspire. I very much identify with you because of your health journey and your openness in sharing whatever is on your heart. My journey sounds similar to yours. I am just 20 years further down the road. I got my BFA in Commercial Art with an emphasis in design. I worked in advertising for a year and decided it was not for me and I started down the path of entering shows and working on my fine art. Along the way, my art flowed with my stages of life. There were “seasons” of my life where I wasn’t creating at all and I told myself that there was always later. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2003. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010. My body has a mind of its own and by 2013, i became disabled to the point where all i could do is stay home. In 2018 I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis. But being forced to stay home is when my art practice took off, because i realized that the only time is now! I live in Texas along the Gulf Coast and the heat and humidity are fierce. Lupus and Dermatomyositis keep me out of the sun. 🎉 So i paint. And paint. And somewhere in between, life happens. Thank you for your bravery and honesty. I really appreciated what you said about the divisiveness in our world right now. We all need more kindness, empathy , understanding and compassion. Hugs to you Amy.

@alaska2490 3 months ago

Я пишу Вам с другого конца света: я живу на Дальнем Востоке России, это рядом с Китаем.
Как прекрасно, что у Ютуба есть функция синхронного перевода, и я могу смотреть Ваши прекрасные видео, которые отвечают на многие мои вопросы, как художника.
Я думаю, все художники этого мира говорят на одном языке - языке искусства.
После долгой паузы в моем творчестве каждое Ваше слово важно и нужно мне. Спасибо большое, что поделились!
Я желаю Вам здоровья и вдохновения🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

@EliseFarmer-g8i 4 months ago

Today and yesterday I’m watching this video from a hospital bed. I will be 69 in a few days and had a cardiac scare and extreme hypertension. I was a graphic artist for 30 years and then shoved it all away to become a counselor. I’ve been a counselor for 12 years now but ya couldn’t keep the paintbrush outta my hands so in 2023 I started to paint in mixed media and then oils. Last year 2025 I had my forest solo show and sold 8 paintings and since then have sold around 20 more. So 65 yrs old was not too far gone to remember who I am as an artist. I can’t wait to get outta this hospital (hopefully tomorrow) and back into my studio! I found out that without my paints and brushes I’m bored and not me!

@sues_creative_journey 4 months ago

Gee I needed this video today. My husband has just been diagnosed with untreatable terminal cancer and I needed to know it's OK if I do what is right for me too in all of this devastation. Thank you.

@loca4crafts 4 months ago

I grew my grey out when I was about 45 and I love it! I went grey early and had been dying my hair for years. It's such a relief to not have to worry about roots or keeping up with hair dye.

@seannadoxsee4365 4 months ago

I turned 60 in December. I have autoimmune diseases, lupus, Sjogren’s and Raynard’s syndrome. In 2024 I had a flare and was put on general illness. When I returned to work, I was in a car accident. I have been on long-term disability since November 2024, and will not be able to return to work. I’ve just had hand surgery and will have a parotid gland biopsy next week. I’m trying to keep it together. I have been recovering and I hope to begin maintaining my health and then living. I remember when I was diagnosed, the outlook was take 10 years off ff your life expectancy. On my 36 birthday I cried in the shower because it really felt like a midlife crisis. I want to start living again and I plan to!

@KarenHurula-lp1xv 4 months ago

Amy, thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I’ve just survived breast cancer this past year and watching your videos has helped me so much. You’ve shown me that creating just for me, experimenting with different supplies, showing us both the affordable and less affordable supplies are, is all part of the joy of art. I was diagnosed right after losing my mom, the year after losing my dad and brother. Art has saved my life and you are a big part of that. My brother was the “real “ artist in our family and now my art helps me feel connected to him. I have some of his supplies, and I’ve been adding to my collection ever since.

@terrystred 4 months ago

I’m 74 and have been grey since I was 27. Cut it short, grow it out completely and be who you really are.

@jesscherry404 4 months ago

My husband, who was a hairstylist and owned his own Salon, did not think it was good for his business to stop coloring my hair. During Covid, I let it go grey (White) . I love it and get lots of compliments.😊

@tammylong111 4 months ago

Back when we all had to stay home and hair salons were closed, I grew my hair out and let it go gray. Most freeing thing ever! It's rough in the beginning, but once it's all grown out, it's so nice to go natural.

@LAonCapeCod 4 months ago

Thank you for being brave and sharing your ❤ feelings. You reminded me we should be thriving not just surviving.

@Pixieshade 4 months ago

Being 55 & lost my whole life not knowing even who I am or meant to be. You being brave & opening up about your challenges makes others like me feel like there is still hope to find my purpose & self fulfillment but also feeling the weight of time & doubt. T

@Lala-e2b8y 4 months ago

When my identical twin passed away 12-years ago, at a fairly young age, I became hyper-aware of my mortality. I understand the passage you are taking. Thank you for being so vulnerable with us and sharing. Yes, it is time. AND, I agree with others that you would look amazing with white hair too.

@fetchingpurls1097 4 months ago (edited)

Amy, you are beautiful in every way. Thank you for trusting yourself, being vulnerable, and saying what's weighing on your heart.

You are right! Life is all about love, being brave, becoming the best version of ourselves. Life is a journey. Spreading love, creating beautiful art, sharing your passion makes you YOU.

Thank you for sharing your story. Sending you love, peace, & harmony. Live your best life one moment at at a time. You've got this.

@JoyfulArtist21 4 months ago

A few years ago, I was introduced to the term Memento Mori. It's Latin for "remember you will die." It's meant to remind us of our mortality and that there isn't all the time in the world. So do what you can to live life to the fullest while you can. Your video goes along with that.
Memento Mori, Amy. I'm so glad you are taking the time to think about this. And I wish you and your family all the best. But as someone who's whole family deals with chronic health issues, I know your family is in a unique position that's more difficult than most. Here's hoping things look brighter for your future. But I'm so glad you are deciding to live life to the fullest in whatever way you can. Your channel has been so touching in my own life, so I thank you for that. It reminds me to take time to slow down, enjoy the little things, and that creativity is so important for our enrichment.
Sending much love to you and your family. 💜

@deblevart 4 months ago

Your video is perfect timing for me! I've been working on trying to live my life. I decided to just plan a 2 week solo road trip, a 4 day drive for me, this summer to Glacier National Park. I've been going through a spiritual awakening over the last 7 years and with that came a deep dive into myself and working through traumas and so much grief. I'm coming out of it, have shed layers of myself along with people that no longer fit for a number of reasons. Choosing myself has been a journey for me, I'm 47. Now I'm choosing to live my life instead of being in constant survival worry people pleasing unworthy mode. It's not easy! My nervous system is reacting and I do breathwork most nights to slowly release and adjust to the new version of myself. I love what you said about this world. We need to live with love and compassion not hate and division. Life is too short ❤

@cherylrugg4750 4 months ago

Amen dear sister! I had a very similar experience when I turned 45. I picked up the paint brush I had put away in my 20’s. I am now 70 years young! Eight years ago I had a double mastectomy and my mantra became “If not now, when?” I finally put my art out there in a bigger way and I so appreciate your message today. I wish you all the best with your health and art! Artists can save this world! 💕❤️

@AmandaMarsh-m2h 4 months ago

I am 54 I have an autoimmune condition related to my Thyroid gland. Your art is very beautiful. Hope this helps inspire, give you hope.

@anjea9759 3 months ago (edited)

Thank you for your vulnerability and openness! You’ve made an impact on your community including myself. I’ve been pretty down about my genetic, immune, autoimmune and many chronic conditions. At 67, my chronic stuff is kicking my butt right now. Yesterday I blacked out at my desk while working with a client on line. 50 years ago I shoved my love of creating art and writing in a dungeon deep inside of myself. I’m trying to revive those parts of myself and it’s so scary to me. I applaud you for your daily sketchbook time and for honoring yourself to figure out where you want to go with your art now. Regarding your hair. I finally let mine grow out to my silver white. It’s a challenge for the brain. We’re used to seeing ourselves a certain way. Then there’s the cultural pressures. Even if no one said anything to you about the color of your hair you see the trends and feel the pull of society. Everyone does. So, first I put in chunky highlights of several lighter colors after I’d grown my hair out to about where yours is in this video. Then I let my hair grow out even more, about 3inches. Then I put in some color in small segments that’s lighter and lighter like highlights to ease the harsh line of demarcation in the part and around my face. Not a lot, just enough to create an easier transition. It gave my brain an easier transition. Now I’m going dye free. It took me a bit of time but I loved the transition phase. I felt creative and I knew I was being true to myself and my desires and goals. Update us!! Always!! We are here for you. You’re a wonderful person and I wish you all the best for you and your family, always! 🦋🦋🙌🏻🌻