Notes from the Studio: June 2026

Pocket Paintings

We recently traveled to Antigua for our ten-year wedding anniversary. This was my son and I's first time out of the U.S.! I have to say that for now, my basic travel painting kit is the way to go. I'm using using a limited palette these days and my Sakura Koi 12-pan set has all the colors that I need. I love that I can hold it all in my lap. 

Favorite color recipes I use for a beach scene: 

• Prussian Blue + Lemon Yellow = Teal Blue Waters
• Permanent Yellow Deep + Light Red (looks like Burnt Sienna) + Prussian Blue = Palm tree fronds
• Prussian Blue + Crimson Lake + Yellow Ochre = Wet sand after the tide pulls out

I think for my advanced kit (with water cups, a larger palette, etc) to be successful, I need a table to work from. Right now, I spend a lot of time chasing my son and am rarely sitting still on vacation. I try to finish a travel paintings in under 20-30 minutes, which is also the perfect amount of time for my son to paint along with me in his own little sketchbook. 

New River Gorge Series Painting Progress

Closing in on the final steps of this painting! I'm finishing up the rock ledge, trees in the base of the gorge, and deepening areas of contrast on branches in the foreground.

Next, I'll finish the fall trees in the base of the gorge and deepen areas of contrast on the tree branches in the foreground. The final step will be to trim the edges of the painting. 

Dolly Sods Summer Panorama print, available in 11" x 7" and 11" x 17" sizes.

Print of the Month: Dolly Sods Summer Panorama

This beautiful panorama of Dolly sods was a commissioned piece from 2018. Special thanks to Andrea Ware for allowing it to be made into prints!

This print captures the expansive beauty of the area–the mountaintop silhouettes and lush green of the blueberry bushes are something to see this time of year.

Take a trip this summer if you can! I remember the blueberries start being ripe around the fourth of July. The Dolly Sods Summer Panorama print will be 20% off in my shop through July 15. 

Dolly Sods Summer Panorama reference image, provided by Andrea Ware.

In the Shop

With traveling and summer fun, I've been out of the studio for a bit. I'm still working on holiday surprises and turning the herbs into 8" x 10" individual prints. More to come soon!