As any seasoned procrastinator knows, there's a certain magic in the scramble. The kind that forces bold decisions, spontaneous moves, and just the right amount of chaos to bring the work to life. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself, but life always seems to up the ante on its own. I don’t fight it anymore. I’ve learned to embrace it.

About a month ago, my father passed away. If you’re in that club, you know how quickly the ending can come. I thought I had more time—more conversations to have, more texts to send. Funny how often I still think I can text him. But time waits for no one, and peonies wait for no one. They bloom and fade on their own schedule. Maybe that’s why I love them more than other, more predictable flowers.

In framing, what matters most isn’t just the image, it’s the feeling behind it. The texture, the memory, the moment. One of our favorite recent projects brought that idea to life in a truly meaningful way.

In art, as in life, the idea of starting over often feels like failure. A false line. A bad decision. A misstep. Something to be hidden or corrected, preferably without anyone noticing. But what if we reframe erasure, not as a sign of weakness or regret, but as a deliberate, even powerful creative act? What if starting over is not the undoing of progress but an essential part of the process itself?

Consider this: the ancient Greeks had no word for blue. Imagine the freedom of describing the sky as a cool shade of green or a muted violet rather than defaulting to "blue." Every child instinctively reaches for the blue crayon for the sky, the green for trees—associations that linger into adulthood, subtly shaping how we interpret the world.

We’re sharing what we’re loving this spring — from the best patios for al fresco dining to stunning gardens to flower-filled escapes. Our contributors highlighted some of their faves in the DMV and perhaps you can add a few more to your own list!

There’s a concept that’s tricky to grasp, but once understood, it changes everything: You don’t truly know where you’re going—whether in life or art—until you start walking the path. Planning can only take you so far. The real direction reveals itself through action.

As time moves forward, so should your picture framing and art choices. Art and fashion trends shift, but the subjects remain timeless. Whether you’re updating your collection or incorporating inherited art, we’re here to help you stay on top of the latest trends while keeping your cherished pieces in style.

Winter is the perfect time to advance in art. The warmer months bring so many that it’s hard to focus on my work. The cold days, with their muted light, are my ideal backdrop for studio time. It also should be your busiest time as an Artist.

For painters, color is not just a visual element—it’s an emotional and psychological tool that shapes how a viewer experiences art. Color evokes feelings, creates balance, and tells stories, making it an essential part of any composition.

Artists need rest and time to recharge like anyone else. But I always get asked if I’ve been productive, as though that’s the measure of a good trip. I lounged, I read, I people-watched, I drank tequila, and I chatted with my love. And yes, I kept my art supplies close… just in case.

Every time I pick up a brush, I step into a world of quiet reflection. My studio transforms into a sanctuary where light reacts with form on the canvas. For me, painting isn’t about capturing every detail—it’s about evoking a feeling, a mood, something just out of reach. That’s why I’ve embraced Tonalism as both a method and a philosophy. 

There’s always that one individual that makes you sweat come holiday shopping time – because they have absolutely EVERYTHING. They’re on top of trends and have the “it” gadget before it's available to anyone else on planet Earth, they also have a vintage collection that museums would fight over and they’re non-expressive and unimpressed (though polite), whenever it’s time to open your present. But…maybe they don’t have one of these:

As both an artist and the owner of a framing gallery, I’ve worked with countless clients to help them transform their living spaces into personalized Art galleries. With a few thoughtful tips, you can elevate your space and create a cohesive, inspiring environment that tells your story.

Why does he always say he doesn’t need anything, and then looks sad when all the gifts under the tree are for the kids – and you! Surprise him this year with something unique and something he needs, not socks or a sweater, because you know your mother-in-law has that covered. Here’s a guide from our local experts:

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

I’m grateful to my parents for leaving their rural roots behind in pursuit of a better life in Northern Virginia. In their communities, during that time, imagining a career as an artist would have been nearly impossible. Growing up surrounded by art and artists allowed me to dream of what could be. Proximity to museums and galleries can be a powerful spark for a young mind, and it certainly was for me.

One of the hardest things for a young artist is finding your own voice. I wanted drama in my work—and life, as it happened, provided plenty. Going through a divorce was that pivotal moment, opening a well of raw emotion. During this time, I painted a series of self-portraits from a mirror, capturing a pain that pushed me deeper into myself than I’d ever been.

Last week, Maria and I set off for Maine, with a brief stop in Rhode Island. Many of you know that the majority of my landscapes are inspired by Maine, and these annual pilgrimages recharge my creative energy, offering fresh perspectives for next year's show at Artemis Gallery. Every year reveals something new, and this trip was no exception.

Normally, I use this space to talk about Art, but today I’m excited to introduce you to our framing studios and my business partner, fellow rock band member, and talented artist, Jeff Erickson. Together, we own Erickson & Ripper Framing and Del Ray Picture Framing. We also have some exciting news to share!