September 2026

Introducing: Messy on Purpose Live Zoom Sessions (bi-monthly)

One of the biggest goals I have for the Painting with Yvette Academy is to continue bringing you more value, not just through painting lessons, but through meaningful conversations that help you grow as an artist.

That's why I'm excited to introduce my new interactive live Zoom series: Messy on Purpose

These sessions will go far beyond painting demonstrations. We'll explore topics like creative growth, specific painting techniques, art licensing, copyright protection, critiques, building a portfolio, creative business, industry insights, and so much more. I'll also be inviting an occasional special guest to share their knowledge and experiences along the way from time to time.

After six years of volunteering my time to host weekly Facebook Lives, I'm ready to create a more intentional experience for the artists who have chosen to invest in their creative journey through the Painting with Yvette Academy.

Instead of talking at you, I want to have conversations with you.

These bi-monthly Zoom sessions will be interactive, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, share your work, and connect with other artists in our community. My hope is that together we'll build a space centered around creativity, conversation, and community.

Another reason for this transition is to create a smoother, more professional experience for everyone. As many of you know, Facebook Live can sometimes come with technical hiccups that interrupt the flow of our time together. By bringing these sessions into the Academy through Zoom, I can provide a more reliable, seamless experience while also organizing every recording into an easy-to-navigate resource library. That means less time dealing with technology and more time focused on learning, creating, and connecting.

Every session will be recorded, organized by topic, and permanently housed inside the Academy. Rather than disappearing after a short time, you'll have an ever-growing library of valuable resources you can revisit whenever you need them. Whether you're looking for advice on licensing, a painting technique, copyright questions, or creative encouragement, you'll be able to quickly find the information you're looking for.

Beginning September, my weekly Facebook Lives will transition exclusively to the Painting with Yvette Academy membership. These interactive Zoom sessions are included with your membership at no additional cost. Bi-Weekly zooms will take place on Mondays at 9am Central.

If you've enjoyed joining me live over the years and want to continue learning, asking questions, and being part of these conversations, I'd love for you to join us inside the Academy.
We're not just learning to paint, we're building confident artists together. 

A Little Welcome Gift

Speaking of painting, check out this new course that I have been working on as a special gift when you join the academy! Currently exclusive to Academy members only. As a reminder if you are currently a member of Studio Unlimited, you can switch over at no cost and access this class immediately.

Join the Academy

Mythbuster

There's an old saying: 'A jack of all trades is a master of none.'

Here’s the truth. Great artists rarely stop exploring. They experiment, pivot, and let one creative pursuit enrich another. Your willingness to try different mediums isn't a distraction, it's how you discover your unique artistic voice.

If you've ever worried that you haven't "found your thing" yet, let me reassure you, you are in very good company.

Take Leonardo da Vinci, for example. Today, most of us think of him as one of the greatest painters in history. But painting wasn't the only path he explored. In fact, his curiosity took him everywhere. He studied anatomy, engineering, architecture, mathematics, botany, and flight. His notebooks overflow with sketches of flying machines, bridges, gears, weapons, and inventions centuries ahead of their time.

Over the summer, I took a little time away from my usual rhythm to focus on many things happening behind the scenes. There’s so much I’m excited to share with you in the months ahead, new developments, creative planning, and projects that have been quietly growing in the background. But for now, I want to pause all the business talk and share something that truly filled my creative cup in the most unexpected and joyful way.

Because even when I step away from the studio, I never really step away from being an artist.

This summer, while spending time in Canada, I had the absolute pleasure of diving into a brand-new medium: stained glass.

As you may already know, my world is filled with creatives. I’ve been fortunate throughout my life to meet artists working in so many different mediums and genres, and I’ve always been deeply curious about how other forms of art come to life. I love being a student just as much as I love being a teacher.

So when the opportunity came up to join a stained glass workshop with my friend and co-founder of YSAPaint, Deena Kruger, I didn’t hesitate. We gathered a group of wonderfully creative friends and family, and spent four immersive hours learning, experimenting, and creating together.

And let me tell you… it was eye-opening in the best possible way.

Stained glass is not at all what I expected. It is precise, technical, and incredibly hands-on, yet still deeply artistic and expressive. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the entire process. Watching how a design transforms from a simple idea into something structured, intentional, and beautiful.

We started with design work, then moved into the careful process of selecting and cutting glass. There is something both intimidating and thrilling about working with such a delicate yet sharp material. I learned how to properly cut glass, how to grind down the edges for safety and precision, and how important each small adjustment becomes in the final composition.

And of course, I couldn’t help but light up when the power tools came out. There’s something so satisfying about learning new tools and techniques, especially when they require both focus and creativity at the same time. We worked through soldering, assembling each piece with care, and slowly watching our designs come together into something tangible and meaningful.

Every step required patience. Every step required presence. And I loved that.
What surprised me most was how much stained glass reminded me of painting in a completely different language. You can’t simply “paint over” a mistake. You have to pause, reassess, and sometimes start again with intention.

And yes… in true Yvette St. Amant fashion, I absolutely did just that.
After completing my piece and preparing to solder, I stepped back and realized I wasn’t fully happy with one of my glass color choices. So instead of pushing forward, I went all the way back to the beginning of that section. I carefully removed the piece, selected a new color, recut the glass, and refit it into the design

It was a reminder that artistry isn’t about rushing to the finish line, it’s about honoring the work enough to refine it, even when it means starting a step over.
In the end, I created a small stained glass strawberry, complete with a beautiful little accent stripe in the flower that I absolutely adore. It’s ornate, delicate, and full of personality, and now it hangs as a reminder of that creative weekend and everything I learned through it.

More than anything, I walked away from this experience feeling deeply grateful.

Grateful to be an artist who is still curious.

Grateful to be a student who is still willing to learn.

Grateful to step into new mediums without fear of not knowing everything already.

Because that, to me, is what keeps creativity alive.

I hope you enjoy the images I share from this process with you, because words can only capture so much of the experience. But I hope what you take away from this is not just the beauty of stained glass, but the reminder that it is never too late to try something new, to get your hands messy, and to fall in love with a different form of creativity.

This summer was a pause, but also a spark.

And I can’t wait to bring that energy forward into everything that is coming next.

🧑‍🎨 Emerging Artists: Student Spotlight
Lynda Pike, Olcott, New York (originally from Canada)

"I've been painting with Yvette for just over a year. I had no painting experience before January 2025, when I made it my New Year's resolution to learn to paint.
I learn new techniques and practical tips in every class I take with Yvette. Some of the classes I've enjoyed the most are the women's portrait classes, and I find myself applying that learning in most of my artwork.

My goal was to break through the limitations of being a beginner and paint in a fun and motivating way. My early little successes encouraged me to continue in my artistic journey. Attending the retreat with Yvette in October 2025 after only a few months of starting to paint gave me a huge boost in confidence. The techniques and the extraordinary motivation from Yvette, Dee, and the participants with various styles and ability levels have been a wind to my sail. I feel part of a community, and I find the online sharing very motivating.

Every time I get encouraging comments on my posts, I feel proud and energized. I was particularly happy when Yvette asked to use one of my paintings on the YSApaint website.
I'm also enjoying collages and the use of handmade papers and textures. I like to combine techniques. It's the focus of my art now, to differentiate myself and develop my own style.
I have completed an Art Therapy Certification, and I am preparing to host my first multi-disciplinary creative retreat in early September. I look forward to sharing my passion and creating a supportive learning environment."

A Note from Me

It has been such an honor getting to know you over the past year, Lynda. From the moment we met at last October's retreat, I knew you had a beautiful heart and a genuine passion for learning. Watching you grow as an artist in such a short time has been incredibly inspiring, and I couldn't be prouder of how far you've come.

As a fellow Canadian, it's been especially meaningful to spend time with you in person, getting to know you beyond the canvas. The friendships that are built at our retreats hold such a special place in my heart, and I truly feel we are forever connected through our shared love of creativity.

When you shared that you're combining your nursing background with art by pursuing your art therapy certification, my heart was so full. That is exactly what art is all about, using creativity to bring hope, healing, and joy to others. You've stepped outside your comfort zone, embraced something completely new, and are now using it to continue serving others in such a beautiful way.

One of my greatest missions has always been to encourage artists of all levels to create, because the world truly needs more art. You are living proof of what can happen when someone says "yes" to creativity and allows it to transform not only their own life but the lives of those around them.

I am so grateful you're part of my many amazing communities, and I can't wait to see you again at our October 2026 retreat. I know this is only the beginning of your creative journey, and I look forward to watching you continue to grow for many years to come.

I'm so incredibly proud of you, Lynda. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. ❤️

Your Last Chance to Join Me This October

If you've read Linda Pike's story in this month's newsletter, you've already seen a beautiful example of what can happen when we finally give ourselves permission to slow down and create. Her experience is a reminder that these retreats are about so much more than painting, they're about reconnecting with yourself, finding joy again, and making space for the dreams you've been putting on hold.

That's exactly why I host these retreats.

For a few wonderful days, you get to step away from the endless to-do lists, busy schedules, caregiving, parenting, and everyday responsibilities. Instead, you'll be surrounded by a supportive community of women who are all there for the same reason: to refill their creative cup and spend a little time taking care of themselves for a change.

It's a weekend of painting, laughter, meaningful conversations, inspiration, and genuine connection. Long after the retreat ends, you'll carry those memories, friendships, and renewed confidence home with you.

Registration closes in just two weeks, and this is your last opportunity to join us for this October retreat.

I'd truly love to welcome you in person and share this unforgettable experience with you. If you've been thinking about coming, I hope you'll say yes to yourself.

Click the button below to learn more and reserve your spot.

 Learn More →

September Challenge: Desert Botanical

One note about the challenges

This is the last monthly challenge I'll be sharing here in the Gazette. Going forward, a brand new challenge will drop every month inside the Painting with Yvette Academy, along with everything else waiting for you in there.

If these challenges have been your favorite part of the newsletter, I'd love for you to come join us. There's a fresh one waiting every single month, and we get to work through them together.

Join the Academy →

August Challenge Showcase

Look at what you all created for the August challenge. Every single one of these makes me smile.

September Special at YSApaint

September brings new beginnings and sometimes, a new beginning simply means a fresh start. 🎨

To help you get started, YSApaint is offering 20% off our Starter Bundle all month long! It has everything you need to dive into any of Yvette’s courses and start creating with confidence.

Whether you’re brand new to painting or ready to refresh your supplies, this is the perfect time to get set up and start painting!

Explore the Deal →

Thank you for being here, and for letting me share this next chapter with you. I can't wait to see what we build together.

With love,
Yvette 🎨

All artwork featured in this newsletter is protected by copyright and remains the property of the respective artist. Artwork by ©Yvette St. Amant displayed may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, taught, traced, or used to create derivative works without the express written permission of the copyright holder. Please respect the creativity, time, and talent of every artist featured.