I have known the Miller family for MANY years. Our youngest kiddos attended Open Door School together and their first 2 years of elementary school. I adore their family am grateful for every opportunity to stay connected to them. Anne Miller of Miller House Interiors is a talented designer here in Charlotte, and along with her two lovely artistic children I knew that this was going to be an exceptionally fun experience. Based on the family’s vision they started with a background that was prepared in a dark blackish green color and texture that I prepared ahead of their canvas session.
The Miller Family came to my home studio on a rainy and chilled winter day. I always like to start out with mark making, it is relaxing and can warm up hesitant creators without any pressure of the final painting. With the dark background and texture there it was super fun and easy to dive in with bold and bright colors. We took several breaks to step back and look at the work, determining the next steps.
There were many details put into this painting by the artists that you really have to look to find, which is so special. And I imagine will make for such fun conversation for gatherings in their home.
After many thoughtful marks, meaningful drawings and considerable brush strokes…lunch was required by all. It is always helpful to step back from the canvas and be in a completely different environment for a while. All of our schedules allowed for us to take the day for this project and I really enjoyed how relaxed it all felt. After lunch and a reset of sorts the Millers finished their painting and I was able to professionally finish and get it a custom-built frame soon after. Anne messaged me soon after that she missed her painting, and I adored her for that as I feel that way about every canvas that I deliver to their forever homes to be cherished. Thank you Miller Family, I am so grateful for this experience!
I first met the Topping family at The Grove where Sophie and I bonded over sensory play. Her mom asked if I would be interested in creating a painting alongside Sophie for their home, I was so honored! From having developed a creative relationship with S, I already knew that she was quite capable as a newly 3 year old in handling materials and completely free in her work — a beautiful combination that I am still trying to create for myself as an adult.
After some conversations, we decided on bright pinks and greens with other pops of color. One of the things I loved most about this experience is that it was truly about Sophie, letting her freely explore materials and process with a bit of scaffolding in place from me around colors and tools.
Sophie and I met for two separate sessions to complete this canvas at my home studio. She was so engaged during both sessions. So curious and playful, respectful of the materials. It further solidified my belief that young children are capable of using real art materials and tools, that it cultivates pride and confidence.
Before delivering Sophie’s masterpiece to her home, I sealed and finished the canvas as well as took it to my framer for a lovely custom wooden frame. Recently when I was at Sophie’s home for a potions birthday party, I was greeted by her masterpiece in their family room. I am so grateful for this experience with Sophie, to be trusted by her and her family and to be able to share in something meaningful and impactful (for both of us).
Heather was so sweet with Sophie to let her be “in charge” but offering things/colors that would look good together. She was so good at encouraging her and making her feel comfortable and in charge. And obviously the final product is absolutely heirloom we will treasure forever
I first met the Haase family at The Grove, where Cameron and Leonnie and I connected art making and sensory play. Their mom asked if I would be interested in creating a painting alongside the girls for their new home, and I was so honored! Our time together had already shown me how capable and wonderfully free these girls were in their work — two darling, creative spirits with a natural ease in handling materials.
Something I already knew was how much the girls LOVE pink, so that was our main starting point. And our vision for the final piece was for it to feel soft and airy.
The girls and I met for two separate sessions to complete this canvas. Once at my home studio and once at The Grove. They were so delighted to have such freedom and such a big canvas to work on. The first day they immediately decided to make marks by tracing each other and their babies, I loved being able to follow their lead and provide the tools for their brilliant ideas.
The second day was about using paint and tools to make a soft, glowy feel while letting their marks stand out. I wonder how often they look at their canvas and remember what fun they had and I hope that it gives them confidence that they are highly capable.
After they finished their painting, I took it to my home studio for finishing and happily delivered to their home. It is so fun and satisfying to see the look on children’s faces when such a large piece of art that they created takes center stage in their home.
Our girls loved their canvas session with Miss Heather! Not only did the canvas turn into a beautiful piece of art in our home, the girls had a really fun time creating it. They have asked when their next canvas session will be several times ever since.
Stephanie (founder of The Grove), Sam, and their boys Bobby, Jack, and Baby Dean —joined me for their first canvas session. As my creative kindred and loudest supporter, Stephanie wanted to capture this season of life with a meaningful, forever keepsake.
Blues and the Open Process
After a quick questionnaire, we landed on blues. From there, it became all about mark-making, ink spills, and family layers.
Painting Day at The Grove
Despite Saturday bustle at The Grove, the Muhs family sank into the creative calm. We started with sweeping marks together—the quiet focus that happens when hands meet canvas. After snacks, excitement built: spilling inks, tool explorations, brushwork. Everyone contributed to this beautiful large canvas.
Thank you, Muhs Family!
Your good energy launched my canvas sessions perfectly. Grateful for this creative beginning.
