Artist / Teacher / Naturalist
Where Art and Nature Meet.
Nestled in my 1885 home in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, Smiling Moon Studio is where I teach private lessons, small group classes, and seasonal workshops inspired by the natural world. Whether we're painting birds, keeping a garden journal, or exploring the beauty of gouache, every class begins with careful observation and the joy of making..
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After 28 years as a public school art educator, I traded my classroom for a garden studio tucked behind my 1885 cottage in Peace Dale, Rhode Island. Since 2019, I have created a life of painting, teaching, and helping others discover the beauty that surrounds us. Whether you're an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, you'll find patient instruction, encouragement, and plenty of laughter along the way.
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I believe that art begins long before the first brushstroke.
It begins by noticing.
The curve of a shell. The pattern on a feather. The changing colors in a shadow.
My classes are designed to help students slow down, observe carefully, and build confidence through thoughtful instruction. Technical skills matter, but curiosity is just as important.
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Every class is different, but students often explore:
• Gouache painting
• Nature journaling
• Botanical illustration
• Landscape painting
• Color mixing
• Drawing from observation
• Sketchbook techniques
• Composition and designMost importantly, you'll leave with new ways of seeing the natural world.
