Petra Monaco

Hey there, This week was a little quieter than usual. There weren't any long hikes or big adventures, but nature still managed to stop by. Once again, a bear wandered through our property. It's becoming one of those reminders that living in rural Virginia means you never quite know what might show up outside your window. Even on the weeks when life feels ordinary, the woods always seem to have a story to tell. I think that's one of the reasons I love creating nature-inspired art so much. You...

Hey there, This week we loaded up the dogs and headed to one of our favorite fields for some off-leash time. Not long after we arrived, we spotted a field full of cows. Now, if you've ever met Milo, you know curiosity tends to get the better of him. He happily bounced along the fence line, completely convinced he needed to figure out who these enormous creatures were and whether they might be interested in becoming friends. Zina and Remi weren't quite as enthusiastic, but even they couldn't...

Hey there, This week, I went on my first big hike since my hysterectomy in March. I've been walking with the dogs every day, but this was different. Longer. Steeper. The kind of hike that asks a little more from your body and quietly reminds you of what it's capable of. It felt good to be back, and I came home tired, with muddy boots, and a camera full of wildflowers. Wildflowers growing along the edge of the trail, quietly doing what they do every spring and summer whether anyone stops to...

Hey there, If you happened to catch my posts on Instagram or Facebook this week, you know I've been sharing a little about what Wild Ridge Studio is all about. But then it occurred to me... Not everyone who reads these weekly studio notes follows me on social media, and even if you do, a newsletter feels different. So whether you're brand new or we've been walking this trail together for a while, welcome. Wild Ridge Studio is where hiking trails become art. Where tiny forest discoveries...

Hey there, This week, I found myself sketching blackberries for a new collection, planning Patreon content, thinking about future licensing opportunities, and adding new pieces to my organ donation collection. At some point, I caught myself smiling because none of this felt like pretending anymore. Pivoting isn't always easy, and just a year ago, I could only dream about what I am doing now, which is simply showing up and doing the work I want to do - not the work other people expect me to...

Hey there, This week came with a pretty incredible reminder: Sometimes the magic happens because you decide to show up again. I participated in Summer Art School hosted by Liz Kohler Brown, and I created a piece inspired by organ donation awareness. This project has is close to my heart because of my own connection to organ donation and the stories of hope, healing, and second chances woven into it. And then something amazing happened. That artwork earned me a spot in Liz’s annual membership....

Hey there, Just popping in with one more little walk through Strawberry Fields. This collection has reminded me why I love creating the way I do. It’s slow. It’s curious. It usually starts with me noticing something outside and thinking, “hmm…I wonder if I could turn that into something.” Spoiler: the answer is usually yes. And then suddenly there’s an entire collection of strawberries living in my computer. Artist life is weird. I recommend it. The Strawberry Fields collection was created...

Hey there, This week started with one of those little moments you cannot plan for. Early one morning, I spotted a hawk carrying breakfast in its claws. A fish, of all things. And apparently a pretty hefty one because this hawk was not going very far. Instead of disappearing like they usually do, it stayed close by, holding onto its catch and letting me have this rare little glimpse into its morning. I love moments like that. The ones you only catch because you happened to be paying attention....

Hey there, One of my favorite parts about creating art is seeing the journey it takes. A tiny sketch that started as an idea while sitting at my desk somehow turns into something that gets to become part of everyday life. Still slightly wild when I think about it. For Strawberry Fields, I wanted the pieces to feel nostalgic and useful. The kind of things that make ordinary moments a little sweeter: ☕ sipping coffee in the morning✏️ writing down ideas before they disappear forever (looking at...