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Laurel’s Retreat – Take 2

I often return to the same idea or image, painting it again and again. After enjoying the first version so much, I felt drawn back to reimagine my childhood beach.

This time, I began with a focus on color—specifically orange and purple. Purple has always been my favorite, while orange has long been a color I struggled to connect with. With this piece, I set out to make peace with it—and I feel like I finally have.

What emerged is a more expressive, light-filled interpretation, shaped by warm shades of orange. The waves carry greater movement, the sky glows with a deeper warmth, and the reflection of the setting sun dances across the water in a way I hadn’t quite captured before.

This painting feels like a step forward—not only in technique, but in my relationship with color.

The dune grass returns as well, adding texture and grounding the shoreline. And of course, my little bunny remains—quietly tucked into the grasses, watching the tide roll in. Along the Oregon coast, it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of wild rabbits.

This painting is deeply rooted in memory. It was inspired by a beach my mother took me to as a child, once known as Devil’s Elbow, now called Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. It is a place filled with both joy and reflection—a place where we later returned her ashes to the ocean. It remains a sacred and cherished part of my family’s story.

My mother, Laurel, loved the beach—for its quiet, its beauty, and the time we spent there together. With this second version, Laurel’s Retreat captures the numerous sunsets my family has enjoyed on this beach. Always breathtaking, and I leave in awe of our beautiful planet.

This piece is not just a painting of a place, but of connection, remembrance, and the gentle rhythm of return.

Price: TBA

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.

Price: TBA

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Laurel’s Retreat Take 2

Laurel’s Retreat

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