This painting took time to find its way into the world. It began as just another ocean scene, but slowly transformed into something much more personal—a tribute to my mother, Laurel.

The first canvas for this idea now sits tucked away in my closet. I resisted the urge to take scissors to it, choosing instead to set it aside for another day. What you see here is canvas number two. I often talk about the painting I want to create and the painting that wants to be created. There’s a delicate balance between the two. I set out to paint a realistic ocean, but a more whimsical version insisted on emerging. What resulted is a piece that lives somewhere between those worlds—and I’m truly happy with the dance between them.

I’m especially excited about my progress with seagulls. This year, I’ve set a goal to focus on birds, working toward painting common species from memory. This piece gave me a wonderful opportunity to practice that intention.

Another new element for me is the dune grass. This is the first time I’ve included it in a beach painting, and I love the texture and movement it brings. And of course, there’s my little bunny—quietly watching the surf and the seagulls. Here in Oregon, if you’re lucky, you might spot families of wild rabbits along the coast. They’re always a delightful surprise.

This painting is also deeply rooted in memory. It was inspired by a beach my mother took me to as a child, once known as Devil’s Elbow. In 1998, it was renamed Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. It’s not only a place of childhood joy, but also where we returned her ashes to the ocean. It remains a cherished place for my family.

My mother, Laurel, loved the beach—both for its peaceful solitude and the memories made there together. It feels only fitting that this piece, Laurel’s Retreat, honors that connection.

I used an 11 by 14 inch stretched canvas, and Golden Heavy Body acrylic paint for this piece. ‘Laurel’s Retreat’ an original acrylic painting by DVD © 2026.

Price: TBA