Journey to Becoming a Freelance Artist
Finding Freedom at the Confluence: Where Rivers Meet
Being a freelance artist means embracing both freedom and challenge. After years of working as a theatre teacher, where schedules and contracts often dictated my day, I now get to choose where, when, and how I create. One of my favorite moments of this journey brought me to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, to capture a place that has always filled me with peace and inspiration: the meeting of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
The Scene That Inspired Me
Where Rivers Meet is a 9x12 plein air painting on Bristol Board, created with Winsor & Newton gouache under layers of pastel and Prisma colored pencil. Ink and gel pen add extra texture and contrast. When I arrived, I searched for a view framed naturally by trees and mountains. Benches and railings were present, but I wanted to remove the barriers of the modern world—to let the river feel as free as it does when I imagine dipping my toes in its cool water.
Painting in Plein Air: Challenges and Joys
Painting outdoors with gouache is always a delicate dance. The paint dries quickly, so I continually added water to maintain the soft “melted ice cream” consistency I needed. Working in sections helped me preserve the layered details in rocks, leaves, and flowing water. Each brushstroke required patience, focus, and a love for the subtle interplay of color, light, and texture.
Moments with the Public
One of my favorite parts of painting in public is the chance encounters with people. A young boy once watched me intently from a bench until his parents encouraged him to come closer—he was fascinated by color mixing and how the paint moved on the paper. Later, an art collector stopped to chat, sharing his own love of Harpers Ferry and the river’s paths. These interactions remind me that art is both personal and communal—a way to connect, share stories, and inspire curiosity.
Sharing a Piece of My Heart
I hope Where Rivers Meet offers a glimpse into the quiet energy of this historic site and the joy I find in translating it onto paper. May it invite you to step past barriers, feel the river’s gentle flow, and take a moment to pause in the beauty of nature.
Title: Where Rivers Meet
Medium: Gouache under pastel and colored pencil
Description:
Where Rivers Meet captures the serene confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Layers of gouache, pastel, and colored pencil convey the contrast between dark slate mountains and vibrant summer greens. The river’s gentle current winds gracefully around scattered rocks, revealing nature’s quiet strength and enduring beauty.
