Well, Gouache Painting, Nice to see you.
Gouache Painting, Grief & Change: A Personal Creative Journey
It’s been a while since my last post, and I wanted to check in. Life has been busy, bittersweet, and creatively fulfilling in unexpected ways.
Work, Priorities, and Why I’m Not Gaming as Much
As a remote SEO content specialist, work has kept me on my toes. While I usually love unwinding with cozy and casual games, I’ve stopped buying new ones. With my husband still looking for work, I’m mindful about spending—a decision I am pretty sure many of us have had to make in “uncertain times”.
That doesn’t mean I love cozy gaming any less! I still follow upcoming cozy game releases, and when the time is right, I’ll be back with fresh recommendations.
Losing a Furry Friend and Finding Comfort in Creativity
A more challenging part last Christmas and the beginning of this year has been saying goodbye to one of my seven, now six beloved cats. Anyone who has lost a pet knows the profound emptiness their absence leaves behind. My other cats have comforted me, each offering their own fur-coated unique ways of their version of love (which sometimes is suspiciously just like their annoyance. )
Grief looks different for everyone, but I’ve found an unexpected outlet in gouache painting.
Why Gouache Painting Became My Creative Escape
I recently started using a Strathmore 8×11 watercolor sketchbook, and it’s been a game-changer for my creativity. If you’ve ever been curious about gouache but weren’t sure where to start, here’s why I love it:
- Forgiving & Beginner-Friendly. Unlike watercolor, gouache is opaque and rewettable, making mistakes easy to fix.
- Rich, Vibrant Colors. How it layers and blends makes it feel like a mix of watercolor and acrylic.
- Less Noisy Thoughts. I enjoy how, even if I am mixing and swatching or I do not finish, it can make the inside of my mind quiet.
I’ve been experimenting with soft landscapes, loose summer nighttime greenery, and even a few cat portraits. It’s been a great way to channel emotions into something creative and meditative.
Cozy Games on Hold (For Now), But Not Forgotten
Even though I haven’t been playing as much, cozy and casual games remain one of my favorite ways to unwind. Some upcoming indie titles have caught my eye, and I’m excited to dive back in when the time is right.
I’m considering revisiting old favorites still in my Steam library for now—sometimes, the best cozy game is one you already own.
Embracing the Present
Life is a constant balancing act between work, creativity, grief, and financial mindfulness. Right now, I focus on what brings peace and fulfillment in the moment while balancing everything else. How have you been doing? What are you trying to focus on?
In 2011, I lost my mother. I wrote how I felt as a means to express grief, express emotion, and to mourn. How it felt like I had a clockwork heart.