Please welcome the fifth 4×4 painting in my 2026 collection of mini treasures. This little gem will be living at The Maker’s Mall in Veneta, Oregon, until it finds its forever home.
This piece was inspired by my larger 9×12 painting, Gently Down the Stream. I was so captivated by the original I felt compelled to explore it again—this time on a much smaller scale. There’s something magical about discovering that a scene can hold just as much presence and emotion in miniature. I’m truly delighted with how this one turned out.
The setting could be almost anywhere in western Oregon. It isn’t modeled after one specific river, but rather represents the mountain streams that wind through both the Cascade and Coastal ranges. It’s not uncommon here to stumble upon a quiet stretch of water where a family of ducks drifts peacefully beneath evergreen trees, mountains rising softly in the distance.
This painting flowed from me with surprising ease. Perhaps because this landscape feels like home. I can almost hear the water moving over stones and feel the stillness that settles in when you pause long enough to listen. I especially love how the magenta tones in the mountains echo the wildflowers near the stream, creating a gentle harmony across the canvas. The river’s subtle reflections bring the whole scene together in a way that feels calm and alive at the same time.
The most challenging—and slightly nerve-wracking—part was the ducks. I’ve committed 2026 to studying birds in nature, and every time I add them to a painting, I feel both excited and unsure. They stretch me. My hope is that by the end of the year, birds will feel as natural to paint as trees and rivers do now. This little mama duck and her ducklings feel like a sweet step forward on that journey.
My hope is that this landscape brings its new owner a deep sense of peace and tranquility. Life moves quickly. The river reminds us to slow down. Step outside. Listen. Enjoy nature while we can.
I used a 4 by 4 inch stretched canvas, and Golden Heavy Body acrylic paint for this piece. ‘Gently Down the Stream mini’ an original acrylic painting by DVD © 2026.
Price: For Sale at The Maker’s Mall, Veneta OR