Holding On to Nature: The Heart Behind My Latest Landscape
My Secret Place is a piece I created for River City Gallery’s most recent Art Walk event, Earth’s Embrace. And honestly, the way it came together was a little serendipitous.
I had this quiet nudge inside me—the kind that doesn’t go away—telling me it was time to paint another landscape. I knew I wanted it to be large—36 x 36 inches—so a few days before I even picked up a brush, I prepped the canvas with lots of texture. At the time, I didn’t have a full-color palette in mind, but I felt drawn to earthy tones: soft browns, gentle greens, and subtle hints of pink and rusty orange. I just knew those colors would show up somehow.
And wouldn’t you know it—on the very same day I was planning to begin, the gallery owner reached out and asked if I’d be interested in contributing a piece for their upcoming themed event. After hearing more about Earth’s Embrace, I didn’t even hesitate. I knew this landscape belonged to that show. It was like everything clicked into place.
Once I got started, I poured myself into it. That’s just how I work—when I begin, I’m all in until the piece feels complete. It took about a week to finish, mostly because of all the layers. I needed to let each one fully dry before continuing, but the process was worth every pause. In the end, it turned out beautifully—rich, layered, and full of heart. It captured everything I’d been feeling about my own quiet retreat, my “secret place,” and the cherished memories I’ve made there.
This painting holds the warmth of those moments for me—the stillness, the quiet beauty, the way the trees cradle you in their presence. I truly hope I’ll get to return there once the weather warms and the trees begin to wake up from their long winter sleep. But until then, this painting has become my way of holding onto that peaceful space a little longer.
And now, as it begins its next chapter out in the world, I can’t help but feel excited for the person who brings it home. My wish is that My Secret Place becomes a gentle reminder of their own special corner of the world—a quiet path through the forest, a hidden spot by the river, or simply a place in their heart where they can pause, reflect, and be still. Even if just for a few moments.
That’s what this piece gave to me—and I wanted to pass that feeling on.
If you’d like to see My Secret Place in person, it’s currently on view at River City Gallery in downtown La Crosse, WI.
