West of Traverse City, on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the roadside pastures roll out under huge skies. Rather than sticking to true-to-life greens, ribbons of warm pink and energetic marks track the sunlight drifting across open meadowland in wide, moving bands. Named Just South of Candy Land, it trades realism for the feeling I had in that place—it captures the vibe of that northern drive. A quick stop on the roadside to grab a few photos was all the spark I needed to bring that energizing roadside view to life on canvas. This was a fun one to paint!
Location: Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting Room, 526 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA.
Details: 24H x 20W acrylic on canvas | 25H x 21W framed.
Frame: Handmade, custom solid maple floater frame finished with a hand-rubbed natural beeswax.
To Purchase: Available at Ironclad Inn & Bourbon Tasting Room or purchase online.
It's hard not to be inspired by nature. I'm always looking for that next scene to paint, noticing how a place makes me feel, looking at light and shadow, taking photos, and capturing that feeling on the canvas. And, of course, always seeing everything in full, vibrant color.
