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.
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.
Magnolia Painting | Fighting Mother Nature
Pennsylvania springs can be pretty tricky for delicate magnolia blossoms, which makes painting them a matter of timing.
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.
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.