I’m Jonalyn, watercolor painter and author. As an artist, I am always looking for thoughtful cards that will be cherished beyond the initial read. As an author, I prefer handwritten cards, our penmanship, even my messy scrawl, says so much about who we are. So, with my watercolor training, I created a card line for my tradition of letter-writing and sending.
The Flowers, and later Bird Collection is my way to express the way beauty flares up and then is gone. My paintings are a capture of that moment of full bloom. My paintings are inspired by vintage botanicals but also by my love for the impressionists.
My personal card collection has grown into a small business. Printed on 80 pound cream card stock here in New Hampshire, the paper remains my favorite surface to write my own letters. Each card includes a paragraph (on the back), the story behind the painting. You might enjoy reading one, here’s the “Iris Story”.
My husband’s mother was Lois Ann Fincher. She was most graceful scuba-diving or piloting. In her final years, when she knew the cancer was gettin gate upper hand, she visited us and painted the irises in my California garden. She told me she couldn’t get the flower just right, yet. She would die the following year. Dale and I were married almost two years and we planted dozens of irises in a memory garden at the center of our backyard. In 2019, I painted this iris in memory of her, Lois Ann. We still miss her.
I get so much encouragement from re-reading beautifully written and carefully chosen cards. When a loved one dies and I can still read their words, written by their hand, it’s like I can better remember them. I am honored that my cards are a part of that enduring tradition of stepping across time and space to write to those we love.
Heather Mather –
These flowers remind me of refreshment from a dry, parched time in life. I think of the calming effects of water when I look at these cards. Beautifully done! Also, this is a lovely web site to browse through for nourishment of mind and soul. Thank you Jonalyn, for your valuable, wonderful artwork you contribute to my life.