"Love Letter to Provence": Works Created Spring 2025
Painted en plein air in the warmth of the Provençal sun, this work captures a charming garden shed framed by vibrant greenery and blossoms. The golden-orange walls glow against the cool blue of the door, while loose, lively brushstrokes convey the dappled light filtering through surrounding trees. Pots of red flowers spill over with color, adding to the sense of summer abundance in this peaceful garden corner.
Painted en plein air, this vibrant scene captures the colorful abundance of Caroline’s Garden in the heart of Provence. A sunlit path winds between blooming borders of irises, oleander, and spring flowers, leading the viewer deeper into the lush landscape. Loose, expressive brushstrokes and a joyful palette of pinks, purples, greens, and golds convey the warmth of the Mediterranean light and the serenity of a garden in full bloom.
A market in Aix-en-Provence shaded by a deep green scalloped awning, the stand overflows with fresh produce and flowers. Rich purple grapes, leafy greens, bright red tomatoes, and bunches of yellow blooms spill across the table. A yellow tablecloth, patterned with quick golden strokes echoes the Provençal sun. Distant trees dappled in green trees rise against a soft, airy backdrop, their loose brushstrokes conveying the movement of leaves in a gentle breeze.
Painted on location in Cassis, "Seaside Revival" captures a quiet moment along the Mediterranean coast. A fishing boat rests on a trailer in the foreground, temporarily withdrawn from the sea for repairs. Behind it, rows of lively restaurants and shops line the waterfront, buzzing with visitors who come to enjoy the color, culture, and coastal charm of Cassis. Through bold brushstrokes and rich color, the painting evokes the dynamic rhythm of everyday life in this picturesque harbor town.
The painting captures the charm of Cassis’ waterfront. Pastel-toned buildings with colorful shutters rise against blue sky. The facades of yellows and pinks are accented by red and blue awnings shading bustling cafés along the quay. A white sailboat with red and blue trim rests gently in the turquoise water, its mast draws the eye up toward the sunlit architecture. Loose brushstrokes convey the warmth and movement of a Mediterranean day, evoking the leisurely of life in this picturesque town.
Painted en plein air during a workshop in Aix-en-Provence with artist Jill Steenhuis, the work a quiet, sunlit moment at Jill’s home. Her beloved horse Danilo grazes beneath olive trees and spring blossoms. Expressive brushwork and earthy tones reflect the warmth and serenity of rural life in southern France. Danilo passed away on July 19, 2025. I feel deeply honored to have met Danilo and to have witnessed his quiet strength and grace. This work stands as a tribute to his memory.
About
Identity
I am a painter and storyteller, drawn to the subtle ways that landscapes hold memory and meaning. My work lives at the intersection of place, history, and community, exploring how the environments we move through shape our identities and the stories we carry. When I paint, whether on location or in the studio, I strive to move beyond the surface of what is seen, seeking instead to translate energy, light, and the quiet narratives that pulse beneath the visible world.
Rooted in the rolling hills and winding rivers of Lynchburg, Virginia, my practice is continually nourished by the natural beauty of this region and the layers of history embedded in its streets and waterways. The collaborative studio where I work has become a vital space of exchange and inspiration, where shared ideas and collective creative energy challenge me to grow and take risks in my art.
My travels have also left indelible marks on my work. From the radiant hills of Provence, where the legacy of Cézanne lingers in the morning haze, to the ever-shifting tides of South Carolina’s coastlines, each journey deepens my exploration of place and offers new perspectives. Painting on location allows me to gather fragments of the natural world—textures, shifting light, and fleeting moments of connection—which I carry back to the studio. There, they evolve into layered, expressive works that bridge lived experience and memory.
Each painting becomes a conversation between what is seen and felt, inviting viewers to step into the work and reflect on their own connections to the landscapes and stories that shape our shared world.
Gallery of Work
Each painting has its own story, and I’d love to share more. Reach out about specific works or commission ideas at 4handarts@gmail.com
Commission Work
Art should feel like it belongs to you. That’s why I love making original pieces that speak to your style and your story. Maybe it’s your pet’s quirky charm, a moment you want to remember forever, or just that one perfect color that makes your space come alive—I’m here to make it happen. Let’s create something that makes you smile every time you see it.
Drop me a note: 4handarts@gmail.com