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.

This mural represents one of the most honest expressions of my artistic style—what I’ve long explored on canvas, now brought to the streets. I even had a very special assistant: my daughter! Of course she 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 to pass along to her never stay inside the lines, be your own person, create what only you can give to this one precious life on earth we have.

That 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 the mural comes from the vibrant landscape of North Dakota—particularly the colors of summer turning into fall, the very season during which I painted it. North Dakota’s beauty is often underrated, but when you really look, the colors here are incredibly bold and striking. I began with a base of neon yellow, inspired by the canola fields that light up our prairies, set against the juxtaposition of the blue sky. Those hues—along with deep greens and flowing black forms—represent the wild grasses and their strong roots, always dancing in the ever-present North Dakota wind.

That wind became part of the story too. Whether you love it or not, the wind moves our landscape and gives it life. I leaned into that energy—letting it inform the movement and rhythm of the mural. I layered in bursts of color to represent North Dakota’s wildflowers—the prairie roses in pink, the blue and violet blooms of native legumes and alfalfa, and of course, the iconic bold orange and yellow of our sunflower fields.

The inspiration behind the mural comes from the vibrant landscape of North Dakota—particularly the colors of summer turning into fall, the very season during which I painted it. North Dakota’s beauty is often underrated, but when you really look, the colors here are incredibly bold and striking. I began with a base of neon yellow, inspired by the canola fields that light up our prairies, set against the juxtaposition of the blue sky. Those hues—along with deep greens and flowing black forms—represent the wild grasses and their strong roots, always dancing in the ever-present North Dakota wind.

I am incredibly honored to have been selected as one of 12 regional artists for the inaugural Art Alley Cohort in Mandan, North Dakota here with the fellow artists at the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the art alley.

That wind became part of the story, too.

Whether you love it or not, the wind moves our landscape and gives it life. I leaned into that energy—letting it inform the movement and rhythm of the mural. I layered in bursts of color to represent North Dakota’s wildflowers—the prairie roses in pink, the blue and violet blooms of native legumes and alfalfa, and of course, the iconic bold orange and yellow of our sunflower fields.

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 as the timing didn’t feel right at first but then last minute I decided to do it. I’m so happy I did and I didn’t let fear of never having done it before get in the way. Not only is this my first-ever outdoor mural, but it’s also taking place in a city that has been my creative home for the past 12 years. That makes this opportunity even more special. Mandan holds deep personal meaning for me—my family has strong roots here, with generations of family-run ranch and businesses in the community. Being able to leave a permanent mark through public art in a place I love so much is truly humbling.

Although I’ve painted outdoors on canvas before, creating a large-scale mural is a very different experience from working in the comfort of my studio. The unpredictability of the elements definitely kept me on my toes! This project has pushed me to rethink not just where I create, but also how I create—and what public art can be. It has stretched me in new ways and fueled my growth as an artist. I also hope you, as the viewer, can embrace this abstract experience of the artists' work here in the alley, as it isn’t typically what we see.

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