I’m so excited to share this year’s Al Fresco collection with you, my sixth! Each summer, this body of work invites me to paint with spontaneity, curiosity, and a playful hand. And this year, it feels especially fresh.
Each year I try to imagine I am creating the series from scratch and this year I knew I wanted the pieces to feel very light and airy. That led me to shift my materials, moving from the usual paper and paint to raw canvas with watered down acrylic and pencil. It’s completely transformed the process. I begin with a pencil sketch (some of those imperfect lines remain, adding depth and character), then layer on blocks of color in paint and finish with chunky pastels for added texture. The way the paint soaks in, the soft bleeds and buttery washes — it all feels more fluid, more alive.
With this shift, I decided to create a few diptychs. There is one larger and one smaller piece, meant to be framed and hung together. I love trying new things, but definitely felt a little intimidated beginning these.
Because of the raw canvas, there's less room for error. I had to be be very thoughtful with each color choice. Slowing down isn't always easy, but it has felt SO good in these pieces. I’ve loved exploring sweeping strokes, layered mediums, and bold, unexpected bursts of color.
Throughout these pieces, you’ll find bowls of citrus, seafood platters, and open chairs waiting to be filled. A celebration of everyday abundance. A reminder to savor. I feel so proud of the direction these pieces have gone, and I hope this collection brings a little slice of brightness into your home and a whole lot of joy.
