Studio Story No. 1
There are days when the destination matters, and then there are days when simply following the road is enough.
This painting began after my daughter, Kaelyn, and I drove north to Harbor Springs to deliver artwork. Once the paintings were safely in their new home, the rest of the day belonged to us. We had no itinerary, no reservations, and no destination in mind. We simply started driving.
I've learned over the years that some of life's best discoveries happen when you leave room for the unexpected.
As we wound our way along the Tunnel of Trees, the road curved through towering hardwoods, opening every so often to breathtaking glimpses of Lake Michigan. Around every bend, I found myself searching for that one special moment—the kind that quietly asks you to pull over and simply take it in.
I've always been that way.
I'm drawn to the things many people drive right past: the silhouette of a windswept tree, sunlight filtering through the forest, wildflowers finding a way to bloom in the sand, or the lake suddenly revealing itself through the pines. Those quiet details have a way of speaking to me, and more often than not, they become the inspiration for my paintings.
Our wandering eventually led us to the Good Hart General Store. The smell of fresh bread filled the little store the moment we walked through the door. To this day, Kaelyn still talks about that loaf of bread. It's funny how the simplest moments often become the memories we treasure most.
With no schedule to keep, we continued north through Cross Village. That's one of the things I love most about Northern Michigan—you never feel rushed. Every road invites you to slow down, and every turn seems to reveal another reason to stop.
One of those stops was Legs Inn. If you've ever been there, you know it feels like stepping into another time. We wandered the grounds, admired the unique architecture, looked out across the water, and, of course, had fun saying hello to Zoltar. It brought back a little piece of childhood and reminded me that the best adventures often include moments that make you smile for no particular reason.
From there, we continued to Sturgeon Bay, where surfers were riding the waves on Lake Michigan. Watching them embrace the wind and water, completely immersed in the moment, was a reminder that everyone seems to find peace in different ways.
For me, it's always been the shoreline.
The lake has a way of quieting the noise of everyday life. It's where my thoughts slow down, my breathing feels a little deeper, and ideas seem to arrive without being forced. Long before I ever became a professional artist, I found myself wandering beaches, climbing dunes, exploring forests, and searching for those little moments of beauty that often go unnoticed.
Painting has never been about copying a photograph.
It's about preserving a feeling.
Back in the studio, I wasn't trying to recreate one specific place from that day. I was painting the feeling of wandering without a plan, discovering beauty around every corner, and sharing a day with someone I love. The painting became a collection of those moments—the peace, the adventure, the quiet, and the joy of simply exploring.
That's why I titled it Peace of Mind Is Found at the Lake.
Because I believe peace isn't always something we search for.
Sometimes it's found while taking the scenic route.
Sometimes it's found in a quiet conversation.
Sometimes it's found watching the light dance across the water.
And sometimes...
it's simply found at the lake.
Artist's Reflection
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the freedom to wander.
Not every journey needs an itinerary. Sometimes the most meaningful memories come from saying yes to one more road, one more overlook, or one more small-town stop.
As an artist, those unplanned moments have taught me to slow down, notice the beauty around me, and remember that inspiration often appears when we aren't looking for it.
I hope this painting encourages you to do the same.
Continue the Journey
Whether you're looking for an original painting, a Lake Michigan print, or a custom piece inspired by your own favorite place, I'd love to help you find artwork that tells your story.
- View the original painting.
- Browse Lake Michigan Prints
- See How We Can Work Together