There’s something special about the shift from summer to fall—the blend of endings and beginnings, warmth and forward momentum. It’s a season that often invites reflection—for me, on growth, new challenges, and the ways art continues to surprise and stretch me.

One of the most transformative experiences in recent years was being selected as one of twelve regional artists for the inaugural Mandan, North Dakota Art Alley Cohort. It marked my first public mural, and stepping out of the studio to create in a permanent outdoor space was both exhilarating and humbling. The elements—sun, wind, and time itself—became part of the process, shaping the work in ways I couldn’t have planned. My daughter even joined me on-site as my little assistant, a reminder that art, much like life, is meant to be shared.

I began the mural in August and worked through the changing season, finishing just before the late October freeze—a moment that felt like both a closing chapter and the start of something new. Below, you’ll see the mural come to life one layer at a time, capturing the process week by week.

The first layer began with my daughter by my side, assisting me—an extra set of little hands and a beautiful reminder that the creative process is even more meaningful when shared.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

– Pablo Picasso

I was given a clean, white rectangular wall to work with. But if you know me, you know I don’t like to stay inside the lines—literally or creatively. That’s where the title of this work of mine, “Coloring Outside the Lines” comes from. I’ve always been that way. As a child, I never liked coloring books—I wanted blank paper so I could create whatever I imagined. I didn’t want to be told how something should be done. That independent, expressive spirit is still at the heart of my work today.

The mural aligned beautifully with my word for that year: “reimagine.” I wanted to rethink not just what I create, but how and where I create it. I started with a clean white wall—structured and defined—but, true to form, I couldn’t help but color outside the lines. That act felt deeply honest to my work. What I’ve long explored on canvas—texture, movement, emotion—I was finally bringing into the public space.

Experimenting with how to translate my signature chunky textures to a large-scale wall pushed me in new ways. It forced me to think about scale, materials, and process differently. It was a reminder that “reimagining” often looks messy, bold, and alive—unfolding in real time, full of unexpected discoveries.

My daughter made a few marks on the wall, and I left them in the final piece. It means the world to me to share this moment with her, and my hope is always to pass along to her: never stay inside the lines, be your own person, and create what only you can give to this one precious life on earth we have.

This project holds a special place in my heart because it happened in Mandan, the city I’ve called my studio home for more than a decade. To leave a lasting mark on a community that’s been such a supportive foundation for my creative journey is something I’ll always cherish.

The inspiration behind this mural comes from the vibrant North Dakota landscape—especially the shift from summer into fall, the very season in which it was created. While often overlooked, the beauty here is anything but subtle. When you truly take it in, the colors are bold, expansive, and striking.

I began with a base of neon yellow, inspired by the canola fields that illuminate our prairies, set against the contrast of an endless blue sky. From there, I layered in deep greens and flowing black forms to represent the wild grasses and their strong, grounded roots—constantly moving, always dancing in the ever-present North Dakota wind.

That wind became part of the story itself. Whether embraced or endured, it shapes our landscape and brings it to life. I leaned into that energy, allowing it to guide the movement and rhythm of the mural. Throughout the piece, bursts of color emerge to reflect North Dakota’s wildflowers—the soft pinks of prairie roses, the blues and violets of native legumes and alfalfa, and the bold oranges and yellows of sunflower fields.

Here I am with the 12 regional artists for the inaugural Art Alley Cohort in Mandan, North Dakota, at the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the art alley.

Title: Coloring Outside the Lines

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My hope is that when you view this mural, you feel something tactile—like you could reach out and catch the flowers before they blow away. But more importantly, I hope you see what you want to see. Whether it’s a cowgirl riding across the prairie, children swimming in the Missouri River, or a golden sunset out your back door, I invite you to find your own story in this work. That’s the beauty of abstract expressionism—it’s open to your interpretation.

I hope this mural invites you to see North Dakota—and North Dakota artists—with fresh eyes. I hope it inspires you, just as this land continues to inspire me. If you make it to North Dakota I hope you can swing by this alley but if not, here are some more photos to give you a small peek into the alley art.

I almost didn’t take this project on—the timing didn’t feel right at first. But at the last minute, I decided to go for it, and I’m so glad I did. I didn’t let the fear of never having done something like this before stand in my way.

With time to reflect, I’ve realized that while I’ve painted outdoors on canvas before, creating a large-scale mural is an entirely different experience from working in the comfort of my studio. The unpredictability of the elements kept me on my toes and became part of the process itself. This project pushed me to rethink not only where I create, but how I create—and what public art can be. It stretched me in new ways and fueled my growth as an artist.

I also hope that you, as the viewer, can embrace this abstract experience of the artwork here in the alley. It offers something a little different from what we typically expect—and invites you to see it with fresh eyes.

These last few months reminded me why I create

— to connect, to share, and to leave color wherever I can. More than anything, this month has been a beautiful reminder to trust the timing of life
— it often knows what you need before you do. And if I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: color outside the lines a little more in your own life. Let go, take chances, and create your own kind of magic.

My hope, always, is that those who follow my work feel encouraged to color outside the lines in their own ways. Whether you’re a fellow artist, a creative spirit, or simply someone curious about beauty in the everyday—there’s power in reimagining what’s possible.

Art isn’t about following rules. It’s about discovering your own rhythm within them, breaking them when you need to, and trusting that growth often happens in the most unexpected spaces.

xo

J.Wachter

Coloring Outside the Lines - Canvas to Concrete