From Chaos to Calm: How Painting Became My Quiet Space

A little behind the scenes into how I (Jade) returned to my original love, painting, after quite the hiatus...

Life has a way of keeping us busy, doesn’t it? Between the children, endless lists, and running Bitesize Bakehouse, I had more than enough to fill my days. Baking was wonderfully creative — I loved crafting edible art that tied into weddings, parties, and seasonal celebrations. But in many ways, the creativity was guided: colours, themes, and details shaped by the event and the people I was baking for.

It was joyful, but structured. And over time, I realised I was craving a space where creativity could be unbound — no plan, no theme, no brief. Just me, some colours, and the freedom to play.

Leaning into the Brush

Picking up my paintbrush again felt like coming home. At first, it was simply an hour stolen here or there, a way to carve out some time just for me. But it quickly became more than that. With music in my headphones or an audiobook playing, I’d get lost in the colours — bold splashes one day, softer washes the next. It didn’t need to be anything more than that: a chance to move paint around, follow a feeling, and see where it landed.

Painting What I Feel

My work is rarely planned in detail. I lean into intuition and paint how I feel in the moment. Some days, that means big brushstrokes and vibrant colours, full of energy and light. Other days, it’s slower, softer, and more reflective. Whether I’m painting florals, seascapes, or more abstract impressions, it’s always about capturing a feeling rather than chasing perfection.

In many ways, it’s the opposite of my baking days. Instead of following a set brief, painting gives me permission to let go — to explore, experiment, and surprise myself along the way.

Colour as Calm

The more I painted, the more I noticed the ripple effect at home too. The walls began to fill with colour, and with that came a shift in atmosphere: calmer, warmer, more us. It reminded me how much art can change not just a room, but how we feel in it.

Now, painting isn’t just something I do for myself — it’s something I love sharing. Each piece holds that same sense of play and presence, ready to bring its own mood, energy, and story into someone else’s home.

Art doesn’t have to be complicated or overthought. Sometimes it’s just about colour, mood, and the way a piece makes you feel when you walk past it every day. For me, painting is my calm. For you, I hope it’s an invitation to bring a little more joy, light, or reflection into your space!

If this post resonated, take a moment to look at the walls around you — what story are they telling? And if you’d like help finding art that feels like you, I’d love to chat. Reach out to me on almacarastudio@gmail.com and lets talk about how we can inject some more of you into your home!