Notes from the Studio: March 2026

Starting a New Series

I'm about halfway through the first large painting in my New River Gorge series. I felt most comfortable with the Beauty Mountain Overlook Sunset concept and started there. It’s the only piece in this series without a man-made structure, so I don’t have to focus on 100% technical accuracy.

I’ll revisit sketches for the other paintings (particularly, I am still working on the sketch of Thurmond) when I need a break from a larger piece.

A few notes on my progress so far...

• I need to soak my large sheets of paper for about an hour to make sure the paper is totally saturated. This provides longer working time for the first layer of paint.
• Painting the sky and lightest areas in one go on the whole paper while it’s wet made the sunset glow.
• I am loving the effect of the soft blends on the spruce cones and needles. My plan is to add in a few sharp details here and there. It’s helped that area gain some depth and not fall flat.
• Only a few steps left in this one! It will come together nicely once the tree trunks and branches get painted.
  

Left Image: My plein air painting of an overlook at Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area in Morgantown. Right Image: My painting with my son's painting (flowers). 

Opt Outside

We’re enjoying some longer hikes and sunshine as everything defrosts. I brought my sketchbook along (and a little watercolor pad for my son) on our last hike at Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. 

We rested for a brief time at one of the overlooks and I got this color study down on paper in less than ten minutes. The time constraint had me rushing but also helped me not overthink it. It was a good reminder that colors are cooler far away and warmer up close in a landscape. Clouds are smaller near the horizon line and larger with more shadow higher up in the sky.

Original reference photo used for the Audra State Park painting from April 2021.

Print of the Month:
Audra State Park, Alum Cave Trail

I want to share a bit more of the story behind my earlier works as I work towards creating new ones. The Audra State Park, Alum Cave Trail print will be 20% off now through April 15.

I remember taking the reference photo for this painting back in April 2021. Audra is about a 1.5 hour drive from Morgantown, located near Phillippi, WV. This short boardwalk trail is my favorite for seeing some interesting rock formations under the overhang. I was surprised that the water was so clear and blue even in real life. I'm used to seeing a muddy river there after Summer rain storms. 

I went all out with the tiny details in this painting—in the trees in the distance, on the rock cave overhang, and in the waves in the foreground. The lilac undertones emphasize the buds popping out on the trees for spring. I love the blends in the shadows on the boardwalk. 

This print is available in its original panoramic size of 27” x 16”, as well as in more common sizes of 11” x 17” and 11” x 7”. I also have cropped square versions in the shop. The original painting of this scene is still available as well. 

Audra State Park, Alum Cave Trail Print - March Print of the Month. 

In the Shop

As we welcome Spring, my herb garden is perking back up. I’m looking forward to using Lavender in my desserts as soon as it starts blooming again. All Herb Garden note cards are 15% off through the end of March.