I Hit a Rough Patch | Healing with art and self-care 🙏 

Laura, thank you for sharing your grief at losing Cooper. I'm at an age where I've lost friends, parents, even a brother but the loss of any of my pets over the years has without a doubt been the most heart wrenching. Sharing as you did allows those of us without a similar outlet to feel less alone and to share compassion in an open way. "The Answer Is In the Art" - such a beautiful sentiment, and knowing that you allowed yourself to "just be" for a period prior to returning to it gives all of us hope. Your message comes at a time when I genuinely needed to hear it - I've been dealing with depression for five months now, the type without a visible cause. Whether it's chemical, seasonal or some other form it has caused me to avoid my art. You've given me hope that I can find the answer there, to process and/or to create something that will move me beyond it. Once again thank you for sharing both your artistic self and your vulnerable self.

I'm so sorry for your loss! I lost my 16 year old pup, Maya this last February and I'm still so emotional about it. I have her ashes back in my studio with me and now I'm trying to prepare myself for the loss of her sister, Jazzie, who is sick and is 15.5 years old. It's so hard! She's with me, more so even than Maya was and goes everywhere with me. I'm not sure who has more separation anxiety, me or her. At any rate, thank you for sharing your pup with us. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Laura, I so understand. When I lost my husband I began painting because those were the only hours when I was not thinking of him. I began and I haven’t stopped. Since then I’ve lost my beloved cats, Scarlet and Lily, and again it was making art that got me through my sadness. Thank you for sharing your true feelings, and of course, thank you for all your wonderfully informative videos and online classes.

Deepest condolences for your sweet Cooper. Run free, Cooper, amongst the rainbow fields forever. I am so glad you shared, grieve on, heal on, all in your own time. I appreciate and love seeing the photos you share of Cooper!! We all know that pain well. I have lost a few of my fur babies, as well. 💔

Laura, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Seeing pictures of Cooper brought tears to my eyes as it's now just short of a year that we lost Teddy, our fourth golden retriever, 47 years of sweet, goofy, sometimes naughty goldens. I was hospitalized a couple of weeks later and my oncologist brought her golden, a therapy dog, to visit me. He's a "kisser" and, while those juicy kisses can't cure my body, they were just what my heart and soul needed. May you continue to find that healing through your art.

Hi Laura, so many of us understand the profound loss of a pet. They make a house a home in so many ways with their innocence, sweetness and devotion. They are true companions of the heart. Watching your children with Cooper, I am sure the entire family is grieving. I have had a lifetime of cats and dogs and something that comforts me is that that pet had a safe and happy life and went before me and did not experience any abandonment as they are so dear and would not understand the passage of time. Since this is the only dog you have had, I understand how unique they all are but I have found that getting another dog will bless the whole family when you are ready. There is a fantastic doggy spirit that runs through them all even with their own well defined character and being. And you have that doggie love space for another dog who would love a home with you! Bless you and Cooper!🙏🏻🌈🎨

You will never replace Cooper. But the best way to honor him is to keep the love flowing - get another dog. The energy you share with Cooper will continue. There are so many dogs that need homes. Puppies are intense, but if you adopt a dog with a couple/few years on... that hole in your heart will be stitched right up.

I’ve been grieving my dad this last month. He’s been gone 23 years but it still feels like yesterday at times. I took up woodworking to help me grieve, I spent most of my time with dad building things and I wanted to connect with that again. I haven’t done my usual art, but poems and woodworking have been a great creative relief.

Sending big hugs to you Laura. My studio buddy, Millie is now 14 and I already feel like I’m grieving her leaving. They mean so much to us. ♥️♥️♥️

I'm so sorry your loss, loosing a dog is a different kind of grief. He was a happy, beautiful boy and so obviously loved. My condolences.

I'm so sorry about Cooper, Laura. We lost our 17 yo kitty, Gabby, in November. The holidays were a distraction and helped me cope with the loss. But I missed that little face when I walked in the door and our home was too quiet. I lasted 2 months before we adopted another kitty. He is young and full of energy and brightens out home. My art is going strong too and I has found a new energy. After doing primarily collage for a bit, I went back to my original medium of watercolor too and have started a new series. Happy painting and I hope you continue to find healing in it.

Laura, you're bringing tears to my eyes. What a beautiful boy. I'm so sorry. My boy Bandicat was 14 and we lost him in November last year, I'm still grieving. He was my very close companion for all of those years. In the meantime our son admitted to an alcohol addiction, which was another extreme hit. He came with me to say goodbye to Bandicat. Our son , in spite of his ongoing challenges has helped our loss and welcomed a new guy, Max into our home. During all of this my other boy, Sneekers was undergoing chemo for a large tumor in his stomach. He has since recovered, so we ha ve two lively and energetic cats to entertain us. Our other challenge continues, but he is another sweet boy, so one day at a time we will continue. My son has even hinted that he may join me in the studio! I haven't painted in over a year, but your video has sparked a light. Thank you so much for sharing. Kat

So sorry for your loss. All our pets are friends and members of the family. I have lost 2 beautiful dogs and swore I wouldn't have any more until my daughter walked in 7 years ago with an abandoned puppy. Our 3rd dog has brought nothing but joy. We now have 2dogs and 2 cats. All rescued. Love them so much. The pain will heal but we never forget them.❤

Laura, Thank You for sharing your grief of your precious dog Cooper passing. Our sweet dog Luke passed last September a few days before his 15th birthday. It took me some time to adjust and get back to my Art and work. And our other sweet dog Leia to adjust, she got so sick after and lost her voice. It took us all time to grief and adjust. It took me awhile to get back to the studio and my facilitation. We feel Luke's presence all around us all the time. We call him our Angel Dog now. I really love your quote "The Answer is in the Art". That is such a true statement and has been for me for many years. Thank YOU for sharing so vulnerable. Much Loving, 💜💜

I am deeply sorry to hear of Cooper's passing. Losing a pet is difficult as they quickly become a family member. I will hold you & Cooper in my thoughts & prayers. may your memories of your time together bring you comfort.

This was just immaculate timing for me. I lost my cat familiar/constant companion over the weekend. Thank you for sharing this, Laura.

I'm so sorry you lost your painting pal. Pets can be both family and companions and its never easy when they are gone. I have lost many a fur baby in the past and recently and shed a tear as you shared your pictures of Cooper. Thank you for sharing your vulnerable side as well as reminding us that art helps in darker times🤍

After my parents died ,i lost interest in painting. Since then i have never touched my brushes.but switched on to clay , sculpture and pottery. I find peace in working with clay. Life is about loss and gain.we all are just puppets in the hands of God.we cant do anything but to accept his rules and move on in our lives.I know its very hard but i have no option .im still trying ....till my last breath

Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about Cooper. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. I lost my two cats over the last couple of years and it has been very hard to cope with. They were elderly and required a lot of care - each of them 17 and a half when they passed and I had them since they were kittens. After Ziggy passed in 2021, I didn't know what to do with my spare time. I decided to begin learning watercolors but struggled to get started. I didn't have any sort of art practice at that time...I didn't even think I had the desire to learn art in me. But I knew I needed something to help me move on. In early 2022, I found your classes and really started to dive into learning. I struggled to get creative in the sense of making any art on my own, but having your classes helped distract my mind and gave me some direction. Putting paint on the page helped. Later in 2022, my other cat became ill with late-stage kidney disease so caretaking took up a lot of my time once again. When Quigley passed in October, it was not a surprise either, but it was still so painful. Now they are both gone and it is hard to get used to the emptiness left behind. I also work from home and they were always nearby while working or following me around in the garden. I wish peace and comfort for you and your family. And I want to thank you because your art classes and podcast have really helped me through my grief. ❤

I am so sorry you lost your precious pup. I lost mine due to old age last year (also a golden retriever) and I still miss him and think of him all the time. Golden retrievers are just the sweetest and kindest of dogs and they take up a good part of your heart, so when they are gone it leaves a gaping hole. Tucker looked a lot like Cooper.

I feel your pain for March 31st was when I took my beautiful Quinn to the vet’s for a final trip … he spent 11 years by my side while I painted, sketched etc… I will miss him till my last breath ❤

Thank you for being real with us. Feeling the same way for different reasons. Gentle is the key word which I needed to hear. Sorry for losing your friend. He was beautiful 💛

We have 2 golden retrievers who are 11 1/2 years old. I'm so scared of losing them. Although I've had dogs my entire life, I've never been as close as I am to these two. Thank you for sharing your journey.

So sorry you lost your painting buddy. The gifts of joy he brought you will follow you through coming days and weeks. You'll become aware of them as you move along. I appreciate your easy-going style of teaching. This is a new art form to me. THANK YOU for sharing.

This video made me cried😢 I know how you feel, and I am in shock because u just jump to this video after another one in which Cooper was there 🙏🏻 looking at you through the Cristal door you have in the kitchen🙏🏻 big Hug for you Laura, Now you have an Angel who take really care of you and your family❤️

Hi Laura. I was so saddened to hear the recent passing of your beloved beautiful boy. We lost our boy Angus the Schnauzer 2 years ago, his loss was and still is an extremely difficult time for us. He was like a son so his unconditional love for us and our kitty cat was a massive loss when he left us. Our cat also went through a grieving process so that too was difficult to watch. Time does heal our heart especially with Art as therapy. We have paintings and photos of our boy everywhere. Sometimes they bring immense joy and fond memories but there are days they just make me cry which I think is ok. So enjoy the memories you have with him and if it brings sadness, allow yourself to be in that moment. Let Cooper know he can hang with our little man Angus the schnauzer in his forever days. I'm sure they will get up to all sorts of mischief😊

Dear Laura, I'm so sorry for your family's loss of beautiful Cooper 😢 Take care as life moves forward without him ❤ Sending you all warmest wishes ❤

Morning Laura, Im a newbie here and was attracted to the title of this video. Im an acrylic artist and lost my beloved cat Finnie April 14 and still have my moments of struggle. Painting has helped me through many events in my life. Thanks for sharing. Your Copper is so beautiful!

Oh dear, I had to cry along with your story , being quite old many dog friends have left this world while I still loved them. May your healing continue. Love from South Africa

So, so, sorry for your loss, Laura. He will remain in your heart forever. A dog is truly man's(womans) best friend ❤

Thank you for sharing… grieving, grievance is tough … art saves doesn’t it … it’s our true gift and blessing the Father has blessed us all with. Our 18 year Jack russle passed a few years ago…. I felt and experienced every ounce…. it took time and got better… she was my coworker for sure and helped me raise my children, even my mom cried… my hope is sharing provides you peace and comfort. May you experience the Lords nearness. Praying for you and your family as you continue walking this out.

Oh Laura, I'm so sorry about Cooper. I get it. Our beloved animals reside deep in our hearts and their loss is profound. I realize I'm coming to this video a little later but I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for sharing so authentically and vulnerably. And thank you for showing us how art can heal. I know this and yet, when things happen, it's easy to forget that solace can be only a paintbrush away.

And this is why I keep coming back to your teaching. Your heart.

Sweet boy, so sorry for your loss. It is like losing a best friend.

Hello. I just subscribed because of the title. First, I'd like to give you my condolences for the loss of your beloved pet Cooper. I am so sorry, and I know how it feels to lose our pets. We've had 5 dogs and multiple animals, and every time we have to say goodbye, our hearts break more. That is why we choose to not have any animals at this time. I agree that healing with art and self-care is a wonderful way to get stable and back on track. It is the process and delight of creating art that is so valuable in recovery or the traumas of life. I remember being in such a funk after our last beautiful pet left his body that I didn't touch my hobbies or art for almost a year. We miss them so much. Take care, and all the best to you.

Blessings Laura to you and family …it’s never easy to say good bye when we loose one of our beautiful faithful friends. Know they are always close by in Spirit. Much love ❤️🌹💕

Im so sorry for your heartache. May your lovely art heal your heart. Cooper will continue to be by your side- he's just beautiful!

I’m so sorry for your loss of Cooper and I know what it’s like to lose a beloved fur baby. Give yourself time to feel and yes, art is so therapeutic. I will share that I’ve been an avid photographer for more than 15 years now and I had to put it aside as I found out I was suffering from ptsd. I had already started watercolor painting a few months before and that is my go to along with learning how to draw. When I get overwhelmed I just pull out my sketchbook. Watching you play was also so therapeutic. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us as I think it will help so many.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved companion. Richie is correct; it's OK to be sad and take time to grieve. I need to revisit the Melting Pot class; it's such a lovely class. Art can be healing and allow you to process feelings you may not even be aware of, Take care.

Thank you for the courage to share your story of grief with your community. The bond we develop with our fur babies is like none other. Our 10-month old pup, Harmony, suddenly became very sick and passed away last September. She was my constant companion in my art room where I painted and stitched. She loved sniffing everything...lol. My room felt so empty at first, so it was difficult to start back creating. I am glad to hear you are finding some healing as you move forward. Cooper is as close as your heart at all times. ❤

Thank-you for this beautiful tribute to Cooper. I'm so sorry for your loss 💘

I'm so sorry for your loss. My cat is the first pet I've ever had, he's 11 and I cannot imagine that one day he will no longer be with me. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for being an inspiration for my own humble art practice once again. I love the look of the new series you are working on!

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Cooper. 😢 There's nothing quite as devastating. I'm glad he was so well-loved and brought your family so much joy. May his memory always be a blessing.❤

Oh my gosh, Laura. I'm so sorry for your loss. I just lost my work from home and painting buddy as well. It's so hard but teaches us that life and love are truly all about the little moments. Sending you and your family love and good energy

Thank you for sharing from the bottom of your heart Laura. Most of us have lost a pet(s) along the way and it's never easy. It's okay to give yourself lots of time to grieve and then the healing will come. Art is a wonderful healer. Hugs from British Columbia, Canada.

Good afternoon 🤗 Laura 🌹 so sorry for your loss of your puppy I know that it's a rough thing to go though as I've been a pet owner all my life fish turtles cat and dogs too I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I love your art and videos Thank you for sharing them ☺️🌹💌🖌️🎨🦄🤗

Thank you for sharing this. It's such a process. I lost my dad in May and know that he would have wanted me to enjoy being an artist and doing the things I love. Anyway, ((HUGS)) to you and all who are grieving.

Laura I'm so sorry. I did see Cooper in a number of your videos. He was adorable. The stories and photos you shared are beautiful what a wonderful tribute to Cooper!

Hello Laura, it is terrible to lose your beloved pet. I am very sorry. Lovely to see the photos of Cooper. I felt the same way a few years ago. The memory of my Nessy is beautiful, but it still hurts after so many years. It's like a child to have a dog like that. He gives so much. My daughter has a dog that I often have with me. But I don't know if I can have another one of my own. I don't comment much, but I'm glad that you can switch off with the colours and get out of your sadness a bit. I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you very much for sharing your work. Take care. Gabi

So very sorry for the loss of your beloved dog, sending so much love 🌈❣️🐾

So very sorry to hear of your sad loss ❤ I hope your memories of the precious time you had with the lovely Cooper will help to ease the sadness over time. You are absolutely right about the healing properties of art making & yours brings joy to so many. Big hugs from a Retriever Mum in England ❤

Thank you for sharing your human experience & art! I feel Art has really helped me process my grieving loss of my childhood, & trauma. Love your art. Thank you again . This helped me feel less alone. Be blessed!

Laura, thank you for sharing this and for your vulnerability. I remember commenting on that video with Cooper right outside the door. Sending you virtual hugs. ❤ Several years ago we lost both of our dogs that I grew up with within 7 months of each other and things were incredibly difficult for me for a long long time. I totally lost interest in art and I finally let myself take a long "sabbatical." I didn't even miss it much and it was helpful for me not to force myself into it too soon. Like you said, creating may not always be what you need. After quite some time I felt the desire to make art creep in again but I didn't know what to do. Honestly if it wasn't for your classes, I would have struggled to enjoy art again. I used to draw for the most part, but I didn't want to do that and it was your classes that helped me fall in love with and explore abstract painting. The way you make art and teach is exactly what I needed. Your gentle approach coaxed me in and taught me to give myself permission to work in a much more freeing way. I'm so grateful for you!

I'm sorry to hear about Cooper. I'm glad you find comfort in art on a sad period. Thank you for sharing, I think this is a very nice way to let your feelings flow and work through them ❤

Excellent to use art as therapy. Well done to recover from such loss.

I completely agree, the answer is in the art

So sorry for you loss, he was a beautiful doggie, I didn't do my art for a while too when I lost my Kitty last year, same thing she was 17.5 & I know she had health issues, but like you said it was a shock anyway. Things will get better I promise, & eventually you will find yourself looking forward to getting another fur baby, when the time is right. Hugs💗💗

So sorry you have lost such a beautiful friend and important part of your family Laura. I certainly can relate to the healing powers of Art as it has helped me in so many ways over the years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in what must have been an incredibly difficult video to produce. Cooper was a gorgeous puppy!

I love your honesty and authenticity Laura as well as your art.

Laura, thank you for sharing. I too have an aging pup named Cooper (he's going on 11/yo) We have had to put 2 previous dogs down and it is SO HARD. I understand the deep sadness and I am glad that you are feeling yourself immerging for the thick of it, howeveer slowly

Sending lots of love to you and your family. Grief is such a personal thing. Glad to hear your art is starting to bring you some joy. Hope Cooper is running free up there

Dear Laura, like you and so many others, I lost my little girl, Nini, last year. At the time, I wasn't so involved in my art yet and I slipped into a period of depression. The only thing that brought me out of it was I decided to rescue an older little miniature schnauzer ( my breed of choice), He snapped me right out of it. Now I am happily involved with classes I am taking with you on line and "life is good"!

It's tough losing a best furry friend. May his memories eventually bring a smile instead of a tear. Thank you for sharing

Dear Laura, I’m so sorry to hear you have lost your wonderful friend Cooper. Our puppies are one of the family like your children. The grief you feel is a journey, allow yourself to take the path as you need to. Make art and remember your lovely Cooper ❤

I've only just found you I watched your mixed media podcast. Clicked this one wow thank you for sharing your grief over Cooper! Bless you bought tears to my eyes. I have Storm with me she sits as I learn about art and practice she looks whilst I work. I send you love from UK Cooper is with you by your side always thank you for your inspiration ❤

I know the heartache of losing our furry children and thank you for sharing so vulnerably. About your grief. Praying for your hurting heart and that your art will be a tribute to your love for Cooper and bring your joy once again.

I am heart broken for you! They are such a big part of our families.

So sorry to hear about Cooper. Sending you hugs, dear Laura.

I dont can believed that you talk about your baby y lost my baby 1 week ago , the history my soul it is devastated but exact like you , a feel it is a message of him

That video just made me cry. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Ohhhh, I am soo sorry about the loss of your beloved dog. That is sooo hardl. Sending so many hugs your way!

Thank you for sharing. It is so hard losing a family member that is so loved. I think your videos are great and I get a lot of inspiration and calmness from them. I love your color choices and the way you use space. Thanks again and I am going to just let the paint talk today which is what I need as I've been feeling a bit off lately.

Awe! Thank you for sharing with us. Our pets are ever so dear to us. Little fur-persons🥰 Thank you for your encouragement to just be kind to ourselves but to just try and do some art. It really does make me feel better as well. Thanks and Happy May to you! Hugs, Susan in AZ🏜️❤️ P.S. Love the blue pic! Going to get my fan brush out and use it!!🥰

Thank you for sharing this. I learned so much! Sometimes we just need to slow down and enjoy the process and I forget that, usually. Looks like Cooper had a blessed life and was very loved. Bless your family during this time. ❤❤❤❤

I have only just found you - New subscriber. Good to find a fellow highly sensitive person who also adores dogs and art and house plants. Cooper looks adorable. Sending love from Bella (my two year old Labrador) ❤️

So sorry for your loss. I work from home and my dog is my constant companion so completely understand. X

Thankyou Laura, for sharing from your heart. Sending you much love. I want to create something special for a close friend who has just received a life changing diagnosis, and this video has helped me see a way into that process, so I'm very grateful.

Beautiful video about your dear Cooper and your way back to art and feeling better. Thank you vey much!

I am so sorry to hear your sad news re your beautiful Cooper, they are such a huge part of our life aren't they ♥️ Sending love and light to you all 🌻

So sorry for your loss. It is so true painting is healing. Beautiful shapes and colours in the wet technique 💕

Lovey work. I am so sorry about your fur baby, I can relate as I lost both my cats last summer within one week. I lived with them alone and they were my constant companions. I still miss them so much.

So sorry for your loss. You are right about getting back to the studio even for an hour or two, does help with the sadness. Your work is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for all you do, Laura, and I am sending you lots of healing love, cyber-hugs, and prayers. Losing our fur-babies is so hard. Make lovely art and be well!

Sorry to hear about your loss, I lost my 14 year old baby a few months ago and it was so hard. Thank you for reminding us that our art practice can be part of the healing process.

so sorry for your loss..........i know cooper is running free with our jenne, maggie, and hanna.............its never easy...........take care of yourself..............hugs

May God bless Cooper ( his soul) ,

BIG HUGS, love and prayers for your heart... and for your family's loss ❤

So sorry to hear about Cooper. Thanks for sharing this and I love your art ❤

So, so sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy Laura 💔💔our fur babies are such a huge part of our lives and such a comfort . Sending big hugs - thank you so much for sharing. What a beautiful and very inspiring person person you are. Love the art you’re making ❤ 🖼️

Hi Laura - really sorry about your boy. Sending loads of loving energy your way.

So sorry you lost your dog. I know we love our pets so so much

So sorry for your loss of your dog. Thank you for sharing your process. I believe that art can really help healing. It helped me go trought difficult events. Love your work and the way you teach with kinderness and passion. Take care Laura❤

So sorry to hear you lost Cooper and thank you for sharing your experience with the grief and what helped. My dog is a golden retriever like Cooper and such a dear friend and constant companion. I can't bear to think of losing him but it will come one day I know. Till then we enjoy every moment. Art does help us to release emotions and immerse ourselves in creativity. Thank you for your courses. I do enjoy them so much.

So very sorry, I can totally relate. Healing to you.

Thank you for sharing this

Laura, your transparency, your honesty, your rawness...sister, you are doing the right thing in working through your grief. Putting your sorrow into your art, along with sharing it really helps to dilute the pain. Thank you. Wishing you peace and comfort. May you find solace in your fond memories of Cooper.

Big hugs to your family.

Thank you, very inspiring. And I am sorry for your lost… one of the most devastating loves to lose… for those who we have furry family members and life companions. The memories stay with us. And art helps us, and heal us. I’ll check your new art course.

I’m so sorry Laura, what a beautiful testament to a special dog. The pictures of cooper were very touching and knowing your grief brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing a vulnerable part of yourself. You and Richie are very giving people and touch so many of us. Watching your beautiful videos always makes me want to go paint. Hugs…

Hello Laura. Just found your site and really enjoyed this video. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how painful it is. Our little guy is near that time and I am dreading it. But I do know once the pain fades a little we are filled with wonderful memories.