July 2026 Newsletter
Hello and happy summer! I hope you’ve all been managing to stay cool; it’s been a struggle here. For those of you who subscribed to my monthly newsletter and wondered when that newsletter would finally arrive – it’s here!
It’s been just over a year since I quit my job and started my own art business. It’s been a year of learning, a year of challenges, and a year of exciting opportunities. Let’s recap the year, discuss my current projects, and learn about upcoming events!
Year in Review
In June of 2025, I decided to quit my job to focus on my personal well-being. I was pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and thought I might go into a water treatment career. In the meantime, I started my website to sell my art for side income until I could find a “real” job. I applied to any job that might present an opportunity for me to get my foot in the door as hydrology was a completely new field for me. After a few months, I realized that a career in art was a valid opportunity to pursue and decided to put my time and energy into my business. Of course, I finished the degree and also picked up teaching remote university courses part-time.
My first sale: Pacific Spoonfish, sold on June 28, 2025.
It’s been a year of “firsts”. My first art sale was Pacific Spoonfish, a fun mixed-media piece using upcycled plastic utensils to make fish. My first event was in September at the 2025 Alleycat Artwalk in El Cajon as a member of the East County Art Association. The success I had at that event encouraged me to go bigger, and in November I set up my first 10x10 booth (with help from an amazing young lady) at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair. My first international sale was The Giant Oarfish stainless steel travel mug that now resides in Cambridge, England. Additionally, the original painting of the California Halibut from the Coastal Candids collection has found a new home in Heligoland, a small German archipelago in the North Sea. Another fun first is that at the beginning of July 2026, my Coastal Candids beach towels went on sale at our local swim shop – La Jolla Swim and Sport! And this is my first (long overdue) newsletter!
Current Projects
After finding great success in hand-painted magnets, I am introducing hand-painted bookmarks to the lineup. In a world of increasing AI use, original art is a refreshing novelty. I’m finding these mini art pieces to be fun and pressure-free which is a nice break from larger, more complicated masterpieces. These smaller pieces are generally only sold in-person as most of them go quickly at events and don’t sit in inventory long enough to make a listing.
One of my most exciting projects is a coloring book that is scheduled to debut in early October. It features moderate-detail sketches of local marine life, most of who I interact with during my ocean swims. Some of them I have not, which I am more than ok with.
A few images from my coloring book, coming in October 2026.
Upcoming Events
We’re in the midst of the hot summer lull in events, which has allowed me plenty of time to create (and make this newsletter). We kick off the fall season with Artivál/AlleyCat Art Walk in September, Pacific Beachfest and Ladies of the Lake in October, and the Carlsbad and Encinitas street fairs in November. For the most up-to-date calendar information, visit https://www.carrie-bowers.com/calendar.
