In June of 2025, I had the absolute joy of painting a mural for my friend’s nursery—a project that felt both deeply personal and creatively fulfilling.

     My friend and her husband shared a love for nature that they wanted to pass on to their little bundle of joy, Oliver (affectionately known as Ollie). From the very beginning, their vision was clear: they wanted the nursery to feel calm, grounded, and connected to the outdoors. Kelsey imagined a simplified nature scene—almost as if you were standing still and quietly looking out over rolling hills.

     After reviewing her inspiration images and mood boards together, we agreed that the artwork didn’t need heavy detail. She preferred a softer, more minimal aesthetic for Ollie’s room—something peaceful and gentle rather than busy or overstimulating. That clarity made the process feel intentional and collaborative, allowing the mural to breathe and exist as a serene backdrop rather than the focal point shouting for attention.

     Painting this mural turned into more than just a project—it became an adventure and a walk down memory lane. As I worked, I was reminded of my high school years at CHS, leading the Scribbles paint club, painting murals both inside and outside teachers’ classrooms across the school campus (with faculty approval, of course!). Those early experiences—problem-solving on the fly, working at scale, and painting for a shared space—felt very present throughout this process.

     There’s something incredibly special about creating art for a room that will hold so many first beginnings. Being trusted with that space is something I don’t take lightly. This mural reaffirmed my love for painting large-scale work. I’m already looking forward to the next big project—and wherever the next wall might take me.