Blog Post Draft 1: The Story Behind My Favorite Painting: Sunset on the Elk River

Intro Some paintings come from imagination. Others come straight from the heart.

This one — "Sunset on the Elk River" — was born out of one of those rare moments where beauty and memory collide. It’s more than just a landscape. It’s a love letter to a place that holds a special piece of my life.

The Place Our family cabin on the Elk River in Alabama has been passed down through generations, gifted to my husband, his brothers and families by my husband’s Oma. Oma chose the land with her husband, designed the cabin, and made this a special place for the whole family. It’s a cozy, quiet spot where we fish, kayak, cook out, and simply be together. The kind of place where time slows down. Where nature takes over.

The Moment One evening, as the sun dipped low behind the trees, the sky absolutely exploded with color — streaks of gold, lavender, and deep crimson danced across the water. I just sat there, holding my husband’s hand as we sipped a beer from the patio. I was in awe, watching the whole world melt into that moment. I knew I had to paint it.

The Process Watercolor is usually my go-to, but this sunset asked for more. I needed deeper contrast, a little more drama to do the scene justice — so I reached for my India ink. The inky blacks helped anchor the glow of the sky and made the silhouettes pop. It was an intuitive process, full of feeling and flow.

The Emotion This painting holds memory, energy, peace, and power. It’s not just a pretty picture — it’s the feeling of being wrapped in golden hour, of watching the water go still, of knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

The Art I’m proud of this piece. Every brushstroke carries the weight of that evening. Every color choice is intentional. It’s now available as a giclée print, on canvas, as a tote, and as a mug — so that you can carry a little bit of that Elk River sunset into your own world.

Closing Do you have a place that feels like magic to you — like home? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Call to Action Bring a piece of this memory into your space: [Link to product/shop page]