The Moment You Know a Painting is Truly Finished
The Moment You Know
As an artist, my process always begins the same way—with an idea. I think about the feeling I want to express, the energy I want to capture. I gather my materials, prepare my space, and set out with intention. But once the painting begins, it becomes its own journey—one that can last a day, a year, or longer.
In this case, the journey started in April 2024. By July, I thought the piece was finished. But when I showed it to my mentor, he told me I was being “too careful.” That challenged me to let go. I brought out oil pastels—acid brights and metallic golds—and over the next eight months, I layered wild, bold marks across the entire canvas. And still… something wasn’t right. It was only when I picked up a brush again—this time with oil paint—and blurred the lines of what had come before, that everything changed. In just a few hours, the painting transformed.
The next morning, I renamed it: The Tea Party. And I knew, without question, it was complete.
What had once been called The Universe had found its true voice. The underpainting, the hesitation, the months of not knowing—they were all essential. And just one month later, The Tea Party sold to a collector in Texas.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a painting finds its voice—The Tea Party is one of my favorites. The journey, the shift, the knowing… it’s all there in the layers.
Style, Wit, and a Sense of Wonder
After more than 25 years as an interior designer, creating spaces with soul is second nature to me. Back at Parsons, we were taught that great design should always include a touch of wit—that spark of unexpected charm that catches the eye and keeps it moving. Whether I’m designing a room or painting a canvas, it all comes down to composition, balance, proportion—and color that hums with energy.
Magic Leaves, which hangs just outside my studio, is a perfect example. This piece, available in my Summer Studio Art Sale, brings both whimsy and sophistication. It’s bold but never overbearing, memorable but not loud. It knows how to take up space—with grace.
That’s the sweet spot I’m always looking for in art: the ability to push the envelope just enough to make it interesting, without tipping into too much.
Explore available works from the Summer Studio Art Sale:
- 20% off all small works with code SMALL20
- 30% off all portrait-oriented pieces
- 40% off all landscape-oriented works
Can’t wait to share more next week! If you know someone who might enjoy my art newsletter, please share!
LATELY, I’VE BEEN THINKING…
“Color is energy—it shifts the atmosphere of a room and the rhythm of your thoughts.”
Until next time,
The Moment You Know a Painting is Truly Finished
09/04/2025, New York City
The Moment You Know
As an artist, my process always begins the same way—with an idea. I think about the feeling I want to express, the energy I want to capture. I gather my materials, prepare my space, and set out with intention. But once the painting begins, it becomes its own journey—one that can last a day, a year, or longer.
In this case, the journey started in April 2024. By July, I thought the piece was finished. But when I showed it to my mentor, he told me I was being “too careful.” That challenged me to let go. I brought out oil pastels—acid brights and metallic golds—and over the next eight months, I layered wild, bold marks across the entire canvas. And still… something wasn’t right. It was only when I picked up a brush again—this time with oil paint—and blurred the lines of what had come before, that everything changed. In just a few hours, the painting transformed.
The next morning, I renamed it: The Tea Party. And I knew, without question, it was complete.
What had once been called The Universe had found its true voice. The underpainting, the hesitation, the months of not knowing—they were all essential. And just one month later, The Tea Party sold to a collector in Texas.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a painting finds its voice—The Tea Party is one of my favorites. The journey, the shift, the knowing… it’s all there in the layers.
Style, Wit, and a Sense of Wonder
After more than 25 years as an interior designer, creating spaces with soul is second nature to me. Back at Parsons, we were taught that great design should always include a touch of wit—that spark of unexpected charm that catches the eye and keeps it moving. Whether I’m designing a room or painting a canvas, it all comes down to composition, balance, proportion—and color that hums with energy.
Magic Leaves, which hangs just outside my studio, is a perfect example. This piece, available in my Summer Studio Art Sale, brings both whimsy and sophistication. It’s bold but never overbearing, memorable but not loud. It knows how to take up space—with grace.
That’s the sweet spot I’m always looking for in art: the ability to push the envelope just enough to make it interesting, without tipping into too much.
Explore available works from the Summer Studio Art Sale:
- 20% off all small works with code SMALL20
- 30% off all portrait-oriented pieces
- 40% off all landscape-oriented works
Can’t wait to share more next week! If you know someone who might enjoy my art newsletter, please share!
LATELY, I’VE BEEN THINKING…
“Color is energy—it shifts the atmosphere of a room and the rhythm of your thoughts.”
Until next time,
