In May, I gathered my courage and shared my oil paintings with the world for the first time at Saluda’s vibrant art festival. Meeting people who connected with my work was a moment I’ll treasure forever. I sold 12 paintings—a joy that still leaves me speechless. Knowing someone wants my art, a piece of my heart, hanging on their wall is a gift beyond words.

The Saluda community made this day unforgettable, creating a warm, welcoming space for artists and visitors. I’m deeply grateful to the collectors who embraced my paintings, to Saluda for hosting such a wonderful festival, and to my dear friend and mentor, Jim Carson, AIS, OPA, whose guidance has shaped my path. Painting is my way of sharing hope, and this experience filled my soul with gratitude. Thank you all for making my heart soar.

Photo: Painting ankle-deep in my beloved creek in Saluda, NC, taken by my husband, Marty, June 2025. (Yes, he had a little help from me since cameras are my thing.)

Last weekend, my husband Marty captured a photo of me painting at one of my favorite spots—a quiet creek in Saluda, North Carolina, that’s been my muse for years. I played in these waters as a little girl, and now, decades later, standing ankle-deep in its cool, shimmering flow, easel set up on the bank, I felt a rush of gratitude and wholeness. This creek, with its graceful dance of light, inspires my paintings through every season, a sacred place where I pour my heart onto the canvas.

When Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters tore through our community, I feared this cherished spot was lost. Seeing it spared—its waters still dancing, its banks healing beautifully—I cried with joy. It felt like a small miracle amid the destruction upstream and down. Our Saluda community has shown incredible resilience, coming together with strength and gratitude. We’re deeply thankful to those across the country who’ve supported us since the storm.

This creek, not untouched but enduring, reminds me that nature heals, and so do our hearts. Painting here, I create in reverence for the wild’s sacred beauty, hoping to share a sense of calm and hope. I’d like to think my work might bring a bit of this creek’s peace to others, just as it does for me.

Thank you, Marty, for capturing this moment, and to our community for standing strong. We are Saluda Strong, together.

Visual Guide to Color Referencing Master Artist, Olga Kuzmina

Color Study: A Lesson in Values Referencing The Work of James Richards, AIS

A color and value study to help with using reds in painting.