Morning Surprise is the kind of moment you stumble upon when the world is still waking up—quiet, fresh, and a little unexpected. This 11” by 14” watercolor captures just that feeling, frozen in soft greens and gentle shapes.
At the heart of the painting, a deer stands quietly, almost shy, peeking through the tall grass that spreads across the foreground like a whisper of nature. It’s surrounded by a cozy cluster of deep green evergreens, leading your eye to a small white structure with a slanted roof—an understated detail that hints at human presence without disturbing the peaceful scene. Behind it all, a dense forest fades into varying shades of green, carefully layered to add depth and a sense of calm.
What inspired this piece? Honestly, it was a simple bike ride. Just out of nowhere, this serene spot caught my eye—the kind of scene that stops you mid-pedal, makes you want to breathe a little slower, and take it all in. It felt like catching nature’s quiet hello on a busy day.
One fun challenge with this painting was capturing the delicate spring deer—not too bold, not too shy—just exactly how I saw it that morning. Watercolor was perfect for the soft rhythms of the grass and trees, letting everything blend and breathe with a gentle touch.
Morning Surprise is a little invitation to pause, notice, and enjoy the unexpected calm that sometimes shows up when you least expect it.