welcome

To the beginning. To the possibility. To the limitless opportunity that abounds. Begin and Rise Creative houses the creative exploration of artist, potter and illustrator, April Bachman Leonard. It is a place to play without judgement and to find inspiration by pushing beyond personal limitation.

Here, you'll find a resource that supports self-discovery and encourages a daily creative practice. Become enchanted with watercolor musings, ponder the various reflections of A Beginner's Mind, and get comfortable with the unknown.

I'm so happy you're here.

Photo by Anna Zajac

Visit my shop!

Philosophy

Through my creative practice, I explore self-worth, forgiveness, impermanence, human connection and what it means to navigate life in a conscious and purposeful way.

I value adventurous exploration through openness and uniqueness. Developing a creative practice based on worthiness results in connecting deeper with authentic Self, other people, and the world.

My art flows from this place.

View Gallery

Let's
Collaborate!

Want to come play in my studio? Have a project in the works and need some help?

Get In Touch

FOLLOW ALONG

@beginandrisecreative

Raise your hand if you’ve felt like this before… Painting is such an incredible way to process. I make an effort to paint every day. Often, I sit down without an idea of what to paint. Today, this is what came out. I have felt this way. I suspect you have, too. There’s something so beautiful about the facets of being human. I love life. Even when it’s fucking crushing. ✨ - - - #beginandrisecreative #watercolor #painting #process #emotions #tucsonartist #tucson #arizona #painter #life #alive #healing

Every week for the last 9 weeks, I’ve been taking myself on an Artist Date. It is a solo time being present and discovering inspiration. Today, I went to Patagonia. I hiked around and sat with the birds while they sang sweet songs just for me. - - - #beginandrisecreative #artistdate #patagonia #arizona #artist #theartistsway #nature #patoncenterforhummingbirds

Happy first day of Pride Month!!! 🌈 Big love!!! - - - #beginandrisecreative #pride #🌈 #pattern #surfacedesign #celebrate #love #surfacepatterndesign #patterndesign #tucson #arizona #arizonaartist

Exploring seamless repeating pattern making with my watercolor work as foundation is a feeling I cannot explain. I think the word “limitless” is the closest I can get. ✨ Deep gratitude for nature and for all of you. Thanks for cheering me on and for supporting my work. This weekend, Spoonflower is having a big sale on Fabric, Wallpaper, Home Goods and Table Linens. If you need yardage or some ready made items made from my designs, hop on over to Spoonflower. Link in bio! - - - #beginandrisecreative #desert #tucson #patterndesigner #surfacedesign #pattern #arizona #arizonaartist #tucsonartist #repeatingpattern #watercolor #mothernature

I’ve been taking Cathrine Coquillette’s Skillshare class called “Hand-Painted Seamless Patterns” which is allowing my dreams of turning my watercolor work into repeating pattern madness reality! I am so excited for the potential here. It feels much more in alignment with my style than working in Illustrator. I also get to paint as the first step of creation which is such a dream come true!! Swipe through the pics to see some process shots. 🌵✨🐌 - - - #beginandrisecreative @catcoq @skillshare #watercolor #surfacedesign #desert #desertpattern #saguaro #tucson #patterndesign #cactus #interiordesign @southwestdecor #southwestart #southwest #sonorandesert #arizona #arizonaartist

Mama said there’ll be days like this… 🐌 - - - #beginandrisecreative #slow #slowdown #snail #snailspace #takeyourtime

Watercolor as medicine. Guided by color and flow. - - - #beginandrisecreative #watercolor #cactus #pricklypear #tucson #arizona #arizonaartist #🌵

On my last day of being 43, I am called to paint. It felt amazing to flow with the colors and textures this morning sitting alone in the sunshine. Four original “aprilscapes” are available for $7 each, 4+3 in honor of my age. They measure roughly 4x6” each. I painted two paintings and then cut them in half, resulting in four. So, each one has a mate, kind of like a best friend necklace… The cost includes shipping in an envelope and also a personal message from me on the back. Or, you can opt for no message and slap a stamp on it and send it to a friend with your own loving words. The first four to comment “LOVE” will claim their painting. I’ll reach out via DM with my Venmo link and also to discuss your personalized message. If there’s a theme in your life you’ve been focusing on, or something you’d like to call in for yourself, let me know. I’m so happy to be your friend, cheerleader or to simply sit quietly with you. May you know you are loved.

welcome

Photo by Anna Zajac