Digging for landscape inspiration, I find myself sifting through my collection of vintage postcards. Each card rekindles the joy I felt in collecting them, as well as the thrill of receiving old postcards from family. My motivation was more than just remembering visits—it was rooted in my love for imagery and the emotions it stirred within me.

Nature has always fascinated me. I vividly recall the towering redwoods of California and family trips to Arnold, where my grandpa had a cabin nestled in the mountains. Surrounded by lakes and pine-lined roads, it was there that I first noticed the distinct scent of the trees. I began to understand the soothing effect of the woods and the comforting embrace of evergreens.

Although I’ve never been to Twain Harte Lake in California, I treasure a postcard from my grandparents’ visit there. The image, framed by trees with a view of the lake, resonates deeply with some of my most inspiring memories in nature. As an adult, many of those moments come from vacations in rural Maine, where renting a cabin by the lake immersed me in the quiet, the smell of pine, and a sense of being connected to something greater than myself. Perhaps someday I’ll make it to Twain Harte Lake—it looks like a truly beautiful place to explore!

This sketch was fun to create. Layering colors and allowing the brushwork to have a life in it’s application added texture to the artwork. The painting without the border is 4″ x 6.25″ and was painted on 100 lb. bristol paper and can be framed. The price includes shipping.

For more information or to buy the painting just click Contact.