Chatty Dragonfly

08/24/2026

I have a little secret to share…

Several years ago, I painted an oyster shell that held a little piece of Fripp Island within it—quite literally. I used sand gathered from the same beach where I found the shell, working it into the paint with a palette knife to create the depth and texture I wanted. That painting eventually found a home and became part of someone else’s story.

But I never quite forgot it.

As I prepared new work for my studio at the newly named King Street Art Center, I felt drawn to revisit this special piece. This is not an exact copy, but a new interpretation—created with the perspective, confidence, and experience I have gained since painting the original.

My process remains much the same: layers of paint applied with a palette knife and real Fripp Island sand added for texture, richness, and a true connection to the place that continues to inspire me.

There is something meaningful about returning to an earlier idea and discovering it with new eyes. The original represented the beginning of my journey as an artist. This new version feels like both a homecoming and a new beginning.

Soon, it will hang in my new studio at King Street Art Center, located at 1407 King St.—a little piece of Fripp Island finding its place in downtown Beaufort.

Chatty Dragonfly Art

08/24/2026

This key is opening the door to a world of new possibilities.

With a huge leap of faith, a whole lot of courage, and a heart full of gratitude, I’m stepping into an opportunity I never could have imagined a year ago: opening my very own Chatty Dragonfly Art studio inside the King Street Art Center in downtown Beaufort!

If you had told me then that I would be doing this today, I probably would have called you crazy. But God has a beautiful way of leading us toward dreams we didn’t even know we were ready to dream.

I cannot wait to fill this space with color, creativity, conversation, and joy—and, most of all, to welcome you through the door.

Stay tuned for opening dates and more details. This new chapter is just beginning! 🩵🪷

08/19/2026

Support an incredible cause and bring home an original Chatty Dragonfly Art oil pastel painting! 🎨💙

The Fripp Island Sea Rescue Online Auction begins August 24th, with so many wonderful items up for bid—all supporting the volunteers who help keep our community safe on the water.

I’m honored to have donated one of my original pieces to this year’s auction. 💙

RedFish- Oil Pastel- Framed 10 x20

Mark your calendar, get ready to bid, and support Fripp Island Sea Rescue! 🚤🌊

08/07/2026

I think it would feel more like you if it sounded less like an explanation of the process and more like one of those little observations you make while you’re painting.

When your leftovers and trash become a work of art. 🎨🦪

I have a really hard time throwing away paint.

At the end of a day in my studio, my palette is usually a beautiful mess—little piles of colors I mixed, scraped off, changed my mind about, or simply didn’t use. Most of it is destined for the trash.

But the other day, as I was cleaning up, I started looking at all those leftover pieces of paint differently. The colors, the texture, even the imperfections were just too pretty to throw away.

So I started saving them.

And somehow, all those scraps became this little oyster.

I think that’s one of the things I love most about being an artist. I’m learning to look at things a little differently—to notice what might still be there before I toss something aside.

And maybe that’s true about more than just paint. ❤️

06/26/2025

Aug. 7 2023
I picked up a paint brush to start this snowy egret
set backs happen
Life
sometimes you have to walk away
put it in the closet for awhile
I didn’t forget about him
he’d poke his beak out occasionally and I’d add another layer
but my head and heART were not connecting
learning that’s okay
am I seeking perfection?
or leaning into the process
Another layer
Another year
June 26th 2025
Is he finished?
I’m not sure
I’m going to let him tell me
****************************
The last couple of bird pics are just to show, you just have to start somewhere, just pick up the brush and listen to your heART.

08/31/2024