β From Brush to Binding β
My Story
Painting, especially watercolor, always seemed a little intimidating to me. But once I finally gave it a try, something clicked, and I was hooked. I had discovered something I enjoyed, was good at, and found a whole new way to express myself.
Iβm Monique Duran, I live in rural Northern California with my husband Alex, and our Belgian Malinois puppy Zoey. Together, we own and operate a small painting and construction business. Alex is always right there supporting me in whatever creative thing Iβm working on.
My mom, an artist, had stopped painting for a while, but when I picked up my brush, it inspired her to pick up hers too. Now we paint together whenever I visit her, where she lives, in the mountains of Mexico or through FaceTime when weβre apart. It's one of my favorite things, and Iβm so grateful we can share this passion.
During one of my visits, we stumbled upon a small used bookstore, where I source most of the antique books I use for my journals. I love discovering these old books and breathing new life into them β I love honoring their past while making them into something entirely new and unique.
Though Iβve only been painting for a few months, watercolor has completely stolen my heart, Iβm excited to keep adding new shades to my creative journey. Through Brush & Binding, Iβm able to combine my love for art with my entrepreneurial spirit. Every journal I create and every painting I do is inspired by the little moments that mean the most to me, whether itβs something from my everyday life or memories from our travels. Iβm deeply grateful for the support of my family, especially Alex and Zoey, as I continue along this journey. β³οΈ π β³οΈ