07/13/2026
Sometimes the best souvenirs aren't the things you bring home—they're the inspiration you take with you.
Our Smoky Mountains trip was filled with miles of hiking, mountain overlooks, waterfalls, a beautiful train ride, local shops, meeting wonderful people, and even leaving a few tiny paintings behind for strangers to find.
My camera came home full of reference photos, ideas, colors, and memories that will find their way into future paintings. Every trail, every sunrise, every quiet moment reminded me why I love creating nature-inspired art.
Thank you, Great Smoky Mountains, for filling my sketchbook before I ever put paint on a canvas. 💙🌲🎨
Now it's time to turn these memories into art.