When I think of Beaufort, SC, this is the image that comes to mind. I love the stunning oak trees lining Bay Street with the mystical strands of Spanish Moss flowing in the breeze and the marsh and palm trees along the Beaufort River. For me, this scene embodies the beautiful Lowcountry.
Beach Bound • 6×6 • oil on wood • $150 • purchase link
Walking down the boardwalk through the sand dunes to the beach is one of my favorite things. The view is so inviting, and I love the anticipation of feeling the warm sand beneath my feet, the wind in my hair, and the sound of the waves kissing the shore. And I also love to play in the salty ocean! For me, being near the water is simply peace on earth.
Marsh Madness • 6×6 • oil on wood • $150 • purchase link
Lowcountry Sunset • 6×6 • oil on wood • $150 • purchase link
Back in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, we’ve returned to the home my parents bought when I was 14. Being here is always a treat, especially in the ‘treehouse’ that overlooks the ever-changing marsh. It’s bittersweet though—this is my first visit without my dad, after spending so much cherished time with him here in recent years. I do feel his presence in the expansive views, in the birds that soar through the sky, and in those that visit the bird feeders. And my mom, too—she loved this place deeply, though she only had a few years to enjoy it before she passed.
The Lowcountry feels almost otherworldly—the golden marsh, towering pines, swaying palms, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss create a scene of quiet beauty and peace. There’s inspiration in every tide and shifting sky. Here are two paintings inspired by this special place—one capturing the marsh on a puffy cloud day, the other reflecting the glow of sunset over a high-tide marsh. So pretty. If you’d like to see more of this special spot, including additional photos and videos, visit our instagram feed.
There’s something magical about the first light of morning hitting the shore—it’s one of my favorite things to witness. I may not always love waking up at the crack of dawn, but watching the night give way to dawn, especially when the sky bursts into color, makes it all worthwhile. Ahhh… morning is my time.
I don’t know about you, but this extra daylight has us longing for warmer days. We’ve been daydreaming of sitting on the shore in my barefoot and watching the water lap against the rocks and tickle my toes on a still summer day. It’s so peaceful and mesmerizing. Where does your mind go when you’re daydreaming of warmer days to come?
Winter Rooftop Reverie • 6×6 • oil on wood • $150 • purchase link
Perched above the treetops and neighborhood streets I look out and admire the open winter view of the bay and a distant Spring Point Lighthouse. It’s so quiet out in the early morning and I just can’t resist the blues and lavenders. Seeing glimpses of my favorite landmarks from our home feels like a dream–pinch me. I hope you enjoy the view too.
Kettle Cove Sparkles • 6×6 • oil on wood • $150 • purchase link
Sibling Set: Clear skies, quiet snow, icy waters, rocking boats and dancing white light across the water make for a wonderful winter embrace! Even on the coldest of days there is warmth in the beauty of the coast! I just love painting winter.
It’s been a cold winter and I’ve enjoyed being snuggled in with the treetops and the critters in our new home. I love how the empty winter tree limbs have opened up the view from our deck to reveal little treasures like the Portland Observatory. It’s so pretty at twilight with the lights and snow on the ground.
Marginal Way Color Burst • 6×6 • oil on wood • $150 • purchase link
Both of these paintings were inspired by raw and windy days, although they have very different feels. The first one was a November day on Lane’s Island looking out into the sea and over to Greens Island. I love the motion of the swells and white caps against the rocky shores. And the second scene is from a very windy walk along Marginal Way in Ogunquit on a late September day. I love how it captures nature’s final burst of color in a beautiful cliffside garden. The beauty on the coast is ever-changing and it always keeps me coming back for more!
So much beauty! I have been meaning to share these pieces with you since early November, but life got in the way. I spent the month of October painting on an island off of the coast of Maine. I had an incredible time living my best island life with my furry friends … and the weather was spectacular. I was able to soak up so much coastal magic, which thankfully has helped fuel me through the past few months which have been so challenging.
My dad passed away unexpectedly on November 11th in Miraflores, Peru. I was able to travel to Peru that same day and spend 2.5 weeks with his Peruvian wife and little pug. It was a very difficult time that also included many beautiful moments. The Peruvian people are lovely, as is the climate, and the food is so fresh and delicious. My dad always joked that he followed the sun and he loved spending his winters in Peru. I am thankful that I was able to spend that time in a place that he loved so dearly and that I got travel to Peru with him on multiple occasions over the years.
my favorite photo of me and my brother with our dad
My dad was my biggest cheerleader in life and I video chatted with him almost every day and I really feel his absence. He lived a very full life and showed us how to do the same–I have so much to be grateful for and so many memories to cherish! If you are curious about his extraordinary life, you can read his obituary here. Below are some photo collages of my recent time in Peru–I included one photo of my dad with a llama at Machu Picchu.
Since returning from Peru I have been busy painting lots of special pet portraits (which is always an honor) while trying to stay healthy. Between the stress of my dad’s passing and the trip across the world, I got really sick upon my return home and have had a rough time bouncing back completely. Phew. I am hopeful that I am finally beginning to find my rhythm again. And I am looking forward to time in the studio painting all of the things that have been brewing in my head.