Tag Archives: Duck

2026, Forest, Miniature Art, Water Study

Gently Down the Stream mini

February 26, 2026 DVD's Creations Leave a comment

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.

Price: For Sale at The Maker’s Mall, Veneta OR

2026, Forest

Pacific Northwest Waterfalls

February 23, 2026 DVD's Creations Leave a comment

Please welcome the fourth 4×4 painting in my 2026 collection. This little piece will be living at The Maker’s Mall in Veneta, Oregon, until it finds its forever home.

This painting is my tribute to the many breathtaking waterfalls scattered across our beautiful state of Oregon. We are so fortunate to have places like Silver Falls State Park, where forested trails lead you from one cascade to another—including the magical experience of walking behind a waterfall. I can sit and watch falling water for hours, mesmerized by both its power and its rhythm. It’s no surprise that waterfalls continue to find their way into my work.

This piece feels especially unique to me because it holds two falls within such a small space. I’ve been focusing intentionally on composition lately, and I’m pleased with how this scene unfolded. It feels balanced and alive. Staying true to my 2026 goal of working with birds, I added a lone duck resting in the lower pool. He feels completely present—unhurried and content. If I close my eyes, I can imagine myself sitting on those sun-warmed rocks in the lower right corner, brush in hand, painting the majestic view before me.

One of the challenges in this painting was creating depth. I’m learning how color temperature and value shifts help move elements back in space. I’m especially delighted that the distant rocky mountains truly feel far away, allowing the foreground to breathe and the waterfalls to shine.

My hope is that you can get lost in this tiny landscape the way I do.

This is the fourth in a growing collection of locally inspired works I’ll be sharing at The Maker’s Mall in the coming months. Perhaps it will carry a bit of Oregon’s wild beauty into someone’s everyday life.

Price: Fore Sale at The Maker’s Mall, Veneta OR

2026, Bird Study, Garden Art, Water Study, Whimsical

Gently Down the Stream

January 21, 2026 DVD's Creations Leave a comment

In 2026, I’m shifting my focus from forms of water to birds. My second painting of the year features my second hummingbird, my first attempt at a family of ducks, and a single blue butterfly. I may even expand this exploration to creatures of flight. It feels like a natural next step.

Below are the stages this piece evolved through during the creative process. My goal was to create a sky and mountain backdrop using colors that would accent the hibiscus flowers in the foreground. This painting feels like a turning point for me, especially in how I approached the mountains. Until now, I’ve mostly painted rolling hills, but here the mountains took on a more dramatic presence.

The river also feels more developed than in previous works, with added depth and reflections that mirror the surrounding landscape. The waterfalls remain more stylized—perhaps even a bit cartoonish—but I’m embracing that. I’m drawn to the fairytale quality they bring to the piece. There’s something whimsical and serene about it, and I’m enjoying allowing that feeling to exist in the work.

Price: For Sale at the Maker’s Market in Veneta, Oregon

Exploring Creatively… One Art Piece at a Time