Falling into October - Laurie Mendenhall Art October 2026 Newsletter


Welcome to the October Newsletter!

I can’t believe it’s October...and even more so, into the double digits already. We just returned from a week long vacation at the most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World. If you've been around awhile you know we are Disney Fanatics. I love indulging my inner child, losing myself in imagination, and letting all my troubles fade away. It refreshes and recharges me but most importantly, it reignites my creativity.

What's happening in October

I know, I know. I've been teasing this for months, but I am REALLY preparing to launch my all new art club. I decided I needed a little bit more planning before I rolled it out. I've asked for feedback and I've tossed out some ideas but nothing seems to want to stick. Not because the ideas are meh, but they just aren't right yet. Yes, I can absolutely be a Goldie Locks and so far, it's just not right. Be sure you're following me on Instagram or Facebook because this is where you'll find out about what's next. And so you don't have to wait until the next Newsletter! Find me here on Instagram and Facebook.

I'm also working on commissions. If you've been waiting--know it's coming. If you've heard from me...delivery is pending this rain getting the heck outta here. Juggling my day job, my aging parents, and my art is like working 3 full-time jobs. My art is my escape, so know that I am always happy to create--and I'm doing so in the nooks and crannies. If you want it fast, order it in Oil Paint because I don't miss Monday nights in Connie's studio!

This month, I hope to rework some of my Candy Series. There's something a lot of people don't know about artists...if something doesn't work or isn't received well, we will take a paint brush to it and improve it or start over completely. I know it sounds weird, but the more I look at my candy, the more I feel those pieces are missing something. Stay tuned.

A side note, my beautiful niece was crowned Homecoming Queen on Friday night. We were so happy we could all be there to celebrate her.

Monday Night's at Connie's

Join me (and some other fun people) Monday nights in Greensboro in Connie Logan's Studio. We're learning and practicing our skills in oil painting! Bring your own oil paints and canvas (or buy one from her) and learn how to paint oils. I was once intimidated by oils but now, they are my favorite. I never thought I'd fall in love with them but here I am drowning in oil paintings in my home studio. The funniest part to me is that almost ALL of my oil paintings are painted on Monday nights. I've only painted three at home and I'm pretty sure it was because Connie was on vacation.

Connie is an amazing Monet-influenced oil painter. You can find her large works at several galleries, but locally at the Grandover gallery or by appointment in her studio.

My summer series is my best work yet. Some of those have sold and I am in the process of releasing the prints just this month in my Etsy Shop!

My latest work: Kepley’s BBQ sold quickly, but Corner Grill will be available soon. Pictures to come.

What's new in the Etsy Shop

Out with the old prints and in with the new. Prints of my summer series are slowly loading and available in several sizes and include the option for mats and frames. If you don't see what you need, reach out to me for more information. I have far more options than I want to load into Etsy.

All new watercolors are also hitting the shop, as well as some of my favorite watercolors not available there before. The "I'm Lovin' It" series, where I pay homage to my childhood favorite, McDonald's will be available on Etsy by the end of the month as well. These were so much fun to paint and look great as stand alone pieces or as a group. If you love color and a taste of childhood, these are perfect for you!

High Point Public Library Presents: Art Extravaganza

This weekend, October 17 is the High Point Public Library's Art Extravaganza. All of the last year's featured artists will be set up at the library at 11am. I'll be painting and sharing some of my smaller works this time. Come by and check it out! I'll have ACEOs available for $5 and a few of my High Point themed prints on hand for a quite a deal!

ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions, and Originals. These are highly collectible, pocket-sized pieces of art that must measure exactly 2.5 by 3.5 inches (64 by 89 mm)—the exact size of a standard trading or baseball card. My ACEOs were a huge hit at my HP Public Library Meet and Greet.

Upcoming Events

After a busy summer and a nice, long vacation, I’m looking forward to a slower October. I've got one event this month at the library.

  • October 17th - High Point Public Library's Art Extravaganza
    • I'll have a few watercolor pieces to show, but I will be painting for most of this event and sharing some of my processes.
    • The fun begins at 11 am!
  • August 2027 - Next Summer!!
    • Nomad Wine Works Solo Show
    • Theme to be determined, but it's time to go big (or go home) for at least some of the pieces.
    • My brain and the creativity that pours out is giving a zillion ideas, but I keep finding myself coming back to....what do you love?

Commissions Closed for the Holidays

Home and Pet Portraits as well as University Illustration commissions for the holidays are now closed! I don't spend my holidays stressed with commissions, but if you're in a pinch, let me know. If I can fit you in, I will! Just reply to my newsletter or message me on IG/FB. If we have talked already...don't sweat this email. Just follow up with me in the next couple of weeks!

A Gentle Reminder

October ushers in cooler nights. We see homecomings and fall breaks and, of course, Halloween. The sun stays around less and it starts to feel like we're slowing down. The shadows stretch and we now see dawn and dusk around 7. It's time to pull out those sweatshirts and sweaters, pull out the tea for an all day hot drink. We are on the cusp of the holidays and those affect everyone differently. Be easy on yourself. Let this month guide you to a time of hibernation and rest.

Don't forget to share this newsletter with your friends!

3891 Eagleston Ct, High Point, NC 27265-7928
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Hi! I'm Laurie

Laurie Mendenhall is a mixed-media artist and illustrator, as well as a Reiki Master, RYT-200, and Certified Life Coach. Her work lives at the intersection of creativity and energy—exploring intuition, inspiration, and what it means to create a life that feels aligned. Through her newsletter, Laurie shares new artwork, behind-the-scenes studio moments, energy insights, and invitations to connect more deeply with creativity and self-expression. Sign up and join the fun at www.lauriemendenhallart.com

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