From Lisa Frank to Fine Art: The Story Behind My Color-Soaked World
Why the crazy colors? Honestly, it started young.
As a child in the nineties, I was a devout Lisa Frank fan. I collected every magenta and purple notebook, binder, stapler and stationary item I could get my hands on (with parental permission of course!). (I still maintain that a case study on Lisa Frank’s blockbuster success would have been far more entertaining for my business degree than analyzing Apple Inc.!) She inspired a generation of school kids to carry unicorn-bedazzled backpacks with absolute pride. What an incredible impact for an artist to have.
That childhood love of vibrant, joyful color never faded. Instead, it evolved into my life’s work as a contemporary landscape and nature artist today.
Bringing Childhood Whimsy into Adult Spaces
I am a firm believer that bright colors shouldn’t be left behind in childhood. Keeping that sense of wonder and playfulness alive is essential, especially as adults. Who says adult homes need only be color-coordinated variations of beige to be beautiful? My own home and studio are living expressions of the colorful world I choose to create around me. The color reminds me that life is still a place to play and find cheer.
This muse follows me everywhere. If you follow my studio updates or look through my photos, you’ll see how obsessed I am with the magnificent palettes found in the great outdoors. My iPhone camera roll is overflowing with reference photos: stark pink cosmos in full bloom, electric neon mosses clinging to river rocks, and the golden-violet glow of an alpenglow sky over the mountains. We live in a stunningly vibrant world. Once you train your eyes to see it, you become a devotee, too.
In my studio, I am constantly pushing myself to explore high-vibrancy color palettes and dynamic contrast, translating those wild natural moments onto the canvas. This play with color helps me to evoke the awe that we feel when we are steeped in the great American West.
Art That Awakens Your Inner Child
At art fairs and gallery shows, my favorite moment is watching a grown adult come to a screeching halt in front of my booth. I watch their face light up as their inner child steps forward to soak in the playfulness of the piece. It’s usually an audible sound of delight from this inner child posing as an adult.
Let’s face it: we are all kids at heart, and living with vibrant artwork brings a lasting spark of joy to the soul. That is why I create, so I can bring that exact feeling into your everyday living space.
So yes, I’ll always be creating original colorful paintings and fine art prints that my six-year-old self would find unconditionally “cool.” Life is too short for basic boring walls.
If you are ready to fill your space with a dose of wild, natural color, I invite you to wander through my studio gallery and find the piece that speaks to your own inner child. Here are a few of my favorite new canvas prints that may just do the trick!
The pink and purple hued landscape of this original painting depicts the magical impression of a forgotten era. Standing above the Crystal River in Marble, Colorado, the iconic Crystal Mill holds the echoes of its industrial past, now softened by time and surrounded by wild beauty. This piece is my play on that journey to a place that feels out of this world. While history tells us of the crowded mining days, it is really the feeling of the place, the lingering energy, and the dreamlike wonder of the landscape that remain with us. Through subtle variations of pinks, purples, and evening alpenglow, this canvas captures the quiet magic of a hidden mountain gem. May this piece invite an enduring sense of awe, imagination, and backcountry adventure into your life..
Limited Edition Canvas Prints
Bring the vibrant energy of the wild into your space on one of the most prestigious printmaking papers in the world. This limited-edition run features ultra-high-resolution reproductions of my original paintings, ensuring every electric color and trailside detail pops exactly as intended.
Strictly Limited Run: Only 250 prints will ever be created for each size of this piece.
Certificate of Authenticity: Includes a physical, studio-issued certificate verifying its limited-edition status and securing its place in the permanent archive.
Museum-Grade Canvas: Printed on ultra-thick, archival 360gsm poly-cotton blend canvas with subtle semi-gloss finish that makes the colors vibrant and details sharp.
Archival & Eco-Friendly: Acid-free, pH-neutral material prevents yellowing over time. Canvas print uses state-of-the-art Giclee printing with fade-resistant inks.
Artisan Construction: Hand-stretched by skilled craftsmen over solid pine wood stretcher bars. The wood is custom-beveled and rounded to protect the canvas from warping or puncturing.
Ready to Hang: Arrives directly at your door out-of-box-ready with heavy-duty hangers pre-installed on the back.
Shipping & Delivery (What to Expect)
To bring you the highest quality artwork possible, all canvas prints are custom-made to order through our professional printing partner. This structured process ensures museum-grade quality delivered directly to your doorstep.
Production & Crafting: Please allow 3 to 5 business days for your canvas to be printed, hand-stretched over solid wood, framed (if selected), and securely packaged.
Safe-Transit Packaging: Framed canvases are shipped using a specialized suspension packaging layout. The frame is securely suspended between oversized protective padding to absorb shock and eliminate any transit pressure on the canvas surface.
Shipping & Tracking: Once crafted, your order ships via standard ground transport (FedEx/UPS). A tracking number will automatically be emailed to you the moment it leaves the production facility so you can follow its journey.
Available for shipping to all states in the United States.
Canvas prints are shipped fully stretched and with hanging hardware installed.
Shipping Rates:
12 × 12 (unframed & framed) is $17.54 per item
20 x 20 (unframed & framed) is $17.54 per item
30 x 30 (unframed) is $17.54 per item
30 x 30 (framed) is $45.00 per item
40 x 40 (unframed) is $45.00 per item
40 x 40 (framed) is $150.38 per item
Still Standing Collection
Deep in the backcountry, tucked into aspen groves or perched precariously over mountain rivers, you will find them: the weathered cabins, forgotten mills, and quiet ghost towns that time left behind. This collection is a celebration of these resilient structures that refuse to yield to the elements. By pairing the rough, historic textures of these relics with a vivid, unexpected palette of electric blues, dreamlike purples, and warm alpenglow pinks, I wanted to breathe new life into these historic spaces. These paintings are a tribute to the spirit of the backcountry, the stories built into old timber, and the quiet magic of places that are still standing.
Behind the Studio Doors: The Story & Process
Beyond the frame lies a true backcountry memory. Before this canvas was painted, it was lived. Reaching the iconic Crystal Mill meant white-knuckling a treacherous six-mile 4x4 trail in a 20-year-old 4Runner, helping pull stranded rigs out of mountain rivers, and standing in awe of a piece of Colorado history softened by wild alpenglow.
To capture the lingering magic of that remote valley, I deliberately stepped away from typical postcard realism. By pairing organic river shapes with a dreamlike palette of electric purples, heartwarming pinks, and shadow-drenched aspens, this piece brings a vibrant, living energy to a historic space. It is not just a painting of a landmark. It is a celebration of the wild journey it takes to get there, carrying the authentic provenance of real backcountry grit and artistic intention.
Every original painting carries a unique story of adventure, historical inspiration, and studio process. Read the full story here in the Beyond the Postcard: Reimagining the Crystal Mill blog..
If you have questions about the artwork, reach out to me.
If you’d like a Fine Art Paper Print of this piece, please click here. Or maybe the original of this piece, please click here.
The warm pinks, deep indigo blues, and purple landscape of this original painting depicts the quiet charm of a hidden backcountry retreat. Tucked away in solitude of nature, this secluded cabin holds the memory of simpler times, enveloped by the peaceful stillness of the wilderness. This piece is my celebration of those remote escapes that offer a refuge from the modern world. While history tells us of the rugged pioneers and loggers who built these shelters, it is really the feeling of solstice, the gentle rustle of the trees, and the warm, welcoming light of the evening sky that remain with us. Through rich layers of vibrant hues, this canvas captures the nostalgic magic of a forgotten cabin. May this piece invite an enduring sense of sanctuary, tranquility, and backcountry adventure into your life.
Limited Edition Canvas Prints
Bring the vibrant energy of the wild into your space on one of the most prestigious printmaking papers in the world. This limited-edition run features ultra-high-resolution reproductions of my original paintings, ensuring every electric color and trailside detail pops exactly as intended.
Strictly Limited Run: Only 250 prints will ever be created for each size of this piece.
Certificate of Authenticity: Includes a physical, studio-issued certificate verifying its limited-edition status and securing its place in the permanent archive.
Museum-Grade Canvas: Printed on ultra-thick, archival 360gsm poly-cotton blend canvas with subtle semi-gloss finish that makes the colors vibrant and details sharp.
Archival & Eco-Friendly: Acid-free, pH-neutral material prevents yellowing over time. Canvas print uses state-of-the-art Giclee printing with fade-resistant inks.
Artisan Construction: Hand-stretched by skilled craftsmen over solid pine wood stretcher bars. The wood is custom-beveled and rounded to protect the canvas from warping or puncturing.
Ready to Hang: Arrives directly at your door out-of-box-ready with heavy-duty hangers pre-installed on the back.
Shipping & Delivery (What to Expect)
To bring you the highest quality artwork possible, all canvas prints are custom-made to order through our professional printing partner. This structured process ensures museum-grade quality delivered directly to your doorstep.
Production & Crafting: Please allow 3 to 5 business days for your canvas to be printed, hand-stretched over solid wood, framed (if selected), and securely packaged.
Safe-Transit Packaging: Framed canvases are shipped using a specialized suspension packaging layout. The frame is securely suspended between oversized protective padding to absorb shock and eliminate any transit pressure on the canvas surface.
Shipping & Tracking: Once crafted, your order ships via standard ground transport (FedEx/UPS). A tracking number will automatically be emailed to you the moment it leaves the production facility so you can follow its journey.
Available for shipping to all states in the United States.
Canvas prints are shipped fully stretched and with hanging hardware installed.
Shipping Rates:
12 × 12 (unframed & framed) is $17.54 per item
20 x 20 (unframed & framed) is $17.54 per item
30 x 30 (unframed) is $17.54 per item
30 x 30 (framed) is $45.00 per item
40 x 40 (unframed) is $45.00 per item
40 x 40 (framed) is $150.38 per item
Still Standing Collection
Deep in the backcountry, tucked into aspen groves or perched precariously over mountain rivers, you will find them: the weathered cabins, forgotten mills, and quiet ghost towns that time left behind. This collection is a celebration of these resilient structures that refuse to yield to the elements. By pairing the rough, historic textures of these relics with a vivid, unexpected palette of electric blues, dreamlike purples, and warm alpenglow pinks, I wanted to breathe new life into these historic spaces. These paintings are a tribute to the spirit of the backcountry, the stories built into old timber, and the quiet magic of places that are still standing.
If you have questions about the artwork, reach out to me.
If you’d like a Fine Art Paper Print of this piece, please click here. Or maybe the original of this piece, please click here.
This piece is near and dear to my heart as my home rests at the feet of these two beautiful mountains, Buffalo and Red, in Silverthorne, Colorado. From my deck, I’m able to watch the changing moods, colors, textures and light over these peaks throughout the year. It was only right to include a piece capturing these two peaks in the Gore range in the snow focused collection. In the winter evenings, the sun sets between Buffalo and Red mountain often blanket the surrounding trees and snow in a pink glow. May you feel the sacred warmth of the sunset glow across the cold snow packed peaks. I know my soul feels the ache of home when I witness one of these magical evenings in our valley. While this year left me personally longing for more snow, I do believe this piece was born of my hope to see a deep snowy winter in the near future here at home.
You’ll find several “easter eggs” in this painting. Given the piece is grounded in a real life location, my home, I felt it important to tie in the coordinates for both Red and Buffalo mountains in the details of the ridgelines to bridge the dreamlike painting and the IRL location. Likewise, strokes of the brush also contain murmurs of conservation. These emerge to capture my personal longing to preserve our stunning backyard, the Gore range. Likewise, the subtle prompts to “save” play on the impulsive feeling when a view is just too good and all you want to do is save it in your heart and mind forever. Finally, there is a nod to the joy Buffalo brings to those backcountry skiing souls tackling the famous Silver Couloir. For many, this is a bucket list in our local community reserved for the most pristine snowpacks. May these conditions come again in our near futures. While we wait, this piece is sure to lift your spirits and entice you to dream of upcoming mountain adventures.
Limited Edition Canvas Prints
Bring the vibrant energy of the wild into your space on one of the most prestigious printmaking papers in the world. This limited-edition run features ultra-high-resolution reproductions of my original paintings, ensuring every electric color and trailside detail pops exactly as intended.
Strictly Limited Run: Only 250 prints will ever be created for each size of this piece.
Certificate of Authenticity: Includes a physical, studio-issued certificate verifying its limited-edition status and securing its place in the permanent archive.
Museum-Grade Canvas: Printed on ultra-thick, archival 360gsm poly-cotton blend canvas with subtle semi-gloss finish that makes the colors vibrant and details sharp.
Archival & Eco-Friendly: Acid-free, pH-neutral material prevents yellowing over time. Canvas print uses state-of-the-art Giclee printing with fade-resistant inks.
Artisan Construction: Hand-stretched by skilled craftsmen over solid pine wood stretcher bars. The wood is custom-beveled and rounded to protect the canvas from warping or puncturing.
Ready to Hang: Arrives directly at your door out-of-box-ready with heavy-duty hangers pre-installed on the back.
Shipping & Delivery (What to Expect)
To bring you the highest quality artwork possible, all canvas prints are custom-made to order through our professional printing partner. This structured process ensures museum-grade quality delivered directly to your doorstep.
Production & Crafting: Please allow 3 to 5 business days for your canvas to be printed, hand-stretched over solid wood, framed (if selected), and securely packaged.
Safe-Transit Packaging: Framed canvases are shipped using a specialized suspension packaging layout. The frame is securely suspended between oversized protective padding to absorb shock and eliminate any transit pressure on the canvas surface.
Shipping & Tracking: Once crafted, your order ships via standard ground transport (FedEx/UPS). A tracking number will automatically be emailed to you the moment it leaves the production facility so you can follow its journey.
Available for shipping to all states in the United States.
Canvas prints are shipped fully stretched and with hanging hardware installed.
Shipping Rates:
12 x 16 (unframed & framed) is $17.54 per item
30 x 40 (unframed) is $18.58 per item
30 x 40 (framed) is $45.00 per item
Chasing Winter Collection
This year, the snow didn’t show up, so I went into the studio and made my own. This collection is a heartfelt attempt to conjure the snow I couldn’t find on the peaks. From electric blues to neon whites, these pieces are how I filled the cup that the mountains left empty. It’s my way of finding the healing quiet of the powder even when the ground stayed bare. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s the only way I knew how to survive a winter that wasn’t. I hope you can feel the soul of the winter I so damn wished for in every stroke. Take a look at other pieces in this Chasing Winter Collection here.
If you have questions, please reach out to me.
If you’d like a Fine Art Paper Print of this piece, please click here. Or maybe the original of this piece, please click here.
