Inside the Studio
Every painting begins long before the brush touches the panel.
These articles explore the quiet observation, compositional thinking, and lived experiences that shape my work—from growing the flowers I paint to studying pollinators, composing with the Harmonic Armature, and documenting animal skulls from life. Whether you're discovering my paintings for the first time or looking to deepen your own creative practice, welcome.
What is the Harmonic Armature and How I Use It to Paint Flowers from Life
The harmonic armature is the hidden structure beneath the floral oil paintings I create one stem at a time from life.
How to Draw Animal Skulls… Better
Do you struggle with proportions when drawing or painting skulls? Here are my top three methods I use to better understand animal skulls.
10 Tips for Painting Spring Flowers from Life
Do you struggle trying to paint spring flowers from life? I’ve been doing it a long time and I’ve put together ten of my best tips that help to prolong the vase life, and your sanity.
The Harmonic Armature: How I Composed this Rose Peony Painting
How I create complex floral paintings from life over a period of time using the principles of dynamic symmetry and the harmonic armature.
Painting Pink Peonies in the Hazy Glow of the Canadian Wildfire Smoke
When the Canadian wildfire smoke drifted into south central Pennsylvania, it offered an opportunity to paint these pink peonies in the filtered orange glow.
6 Artist Resources for Animal Skulls and Bones
Looking for animal skull resources for drawing and painting? Real bone to replicas, here are 6 places to buy or find skulls for artists.
Peony Painting Inspiration
Featured in Fine Art Connoisseur, this peony painting was a joy to paint. Here’s the inspirational moment behind this magical painting.
Why I Draw and Paint Skulls and Bones
Some insight on why I love to draw and paint skulls and bones.