Lately in the Studio | No. 2

Welcome back to the studio!

I’m trying something new here on Inspired by Charm. Two weeks ago, I began this series: Lately in the Studio. Today I’m back with the second post.

In this series, I like to share some of the art I’ve been creating in the studio lately. (Hence the name.) If you enjoy this kind of thing, or if you’d like to hear more about my art, process, and behind-the-scenes thoughts, I’d love to have you join me over on my Substack.

On Paint and Paper, I share longer-form posts, and on my feed, I share more in-the-moment studio updates, works in progress, and little behind-the-scenes peeks. I also share updates on upcoming art sales, additions to my shop, and other art-related news. It’s become such a lovely community, and I’d love to have you there.

With all that being said, let’s get into some of the work I’ve been creating over the past couple of weeks, shall we?

A Market and a Pool

Back in 2024, I started a plein air painting group here in Pittsburgh. Almost every Saturday morning, we meet up somewhere around the city and paint for a couple of hours. These days, there are usually 8-10 of us. 

Two weeks ago, we went to the Bloomfield Farmers Market. This was such an interesting place to paint. There were lots of people, lots of movement, and so much color. I was able to find a little corner to tuck myself into, away from the hubbub, and I painted this sweet little booth selling live plants and flowers. I was drawn to all the colors and, of course, the booth owner’s hat!

Then last week, we painted in Troy Hill, a unique neighborhood here in the city. I usually try to arrive early so I have time to walk around and find a scene to paint. While I was wandering, I spotted this house with a pool in the front yard. The sunlight was falling across the lawn and just catching the aqua cover on the pool. I knew I had to paint it.

I struggled quite a bit with this one on site, but when I got home, I made a few small adjustments and added some details that helped finish it off nicely.

Oh, and this week at Urban Sketchers (we meet every Thursday evening) we were down by the river in Pittsburgh, and I did a scene of a bridge and the city. I struggled with it big time, but it eventually kind of came together. Let’s just say I don’t hate it.

A Trio of Foxgloves

I had a clump of foxgloves blooming in my backyard, so I decided to paint it. And then paint it again. And then one more time.

Many of my favorite artists and teachers have talked about the benefits of painting the same subject over and over again, so that’s what I did. I enjoy painting foxgloves, and they were right there blooming away, so the timing felt perfect.

Funny enough, there are things I like about each one of the foxglove paintings. None of them feels like “the one,” but each helped me see the subject a little differently, which I think is the whole point.

Which One Do You Like Best?

These are the three finished pieces. I’m curious, do you have a favorite? Is there one you’re more drawn to: left, center, or right? I ask because I’m hoping to use one for an upcoming gallery show. More on that below. The other two will likely end up in my shop.

More Collage. More Peonies.

I finally finished my latest collage painting. This one took longer than expected, and I ran into a couple of issues along the way. For a while there, it felt like a really difficult piece. However, I’m so glad I stuck with it because I love how it turned out.

The painting is based on a photo reference I took in my own garden of a row of Crinkle White peonies.

Collage has certainly become an unexpected joy in the studio. I love the unpredictable nature of it. Colors and marks appear that I could have never made with a brush or dreamed up in my imagination.

I’ve already started my next one!

And Even More Peonies

I just couldn’t help painting peonies lately. I would apologize, but I think artists should paint what’s around them, what’s inspiring them, and what brings them joy in other areas of their lives. So that’s what I’m doing.

I really love how this painting turned out. I approached it a little differently by starting with big, saturated shapes of color and then building from there. I was loving the brightness, so I just went with it. The result is a colorful, happy painting that feels full of energy.

Prepping for a Gallery Show

I was invited by the gallery in my hometown, Gallery 29, to participate in a group show. The show opens on Friday, June 26, so I’ve been busy finishing up work, selecting pieces, ordering frames, framing pieces, and all the other little tasks that come with getting ready. It’s exciting, but it has definitely been a busy season.

I was part of a show there back in August of 2024, so it’s an honor to be invited again. I think I’ll have about 14 pieces in this show. I’m also learning the value of hanging onto some paintings throughout the year, rather than listing everything right away, so I have a few pieces tucked away for opportunities like this.

That’s a Wrap

And while there were even more paintings made over the past two weeks, I think I’ll wrap things up here. As I mentioned above, if you want to see more work, process updates, and other behind-the-scenes looks, come on over to Substack. We’re having a lot of fun there.

Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you’re enjoying this series as much as I am.