Category: Musical Instruments
My Instrument Series celebrates the intricate craftsmanship of and details of musical instruments. From the delicate keys of woodwinds to the glittery power of brass, each piece highlights the unique character of these musical tools.
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Straight Soprano Saxophone in Magenta
A vibrant watercolor painting captures the sleek form of a straight soprano saxophone, painted with a palette of magenta and Indanthrone blue. This piece was painted from a photo I took at the 2025 VMEA conference. Original Artwork Medium: watercolor on 300# hot press Arches watercolor paper Dimensions: original is 13″ x 6″ Pigment Note: Painted…
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Sousaphone in Magenta
A vibrant watercolor painting of a Sousaphone, bursting with energy in shades of magenta and drawn in lavender black iron gall ink. This colorful source photo was a gift from an educator at the 2024 VMEA Conference: the original image was captured by a marching band student. It’s a celebration of music, education, and the…
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English Horn Bell in Indigo
I focused on the bell of an English horn and used deep indigo tones to emphasize depth and resonance. I love how this single area holds so much of the instrument’s character. Max in Arizona suggested I zoom in on this exact section, and I took his advice. The curve, the shine, and the weight…
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Glockenspiel
This watercolor captures the clean geometry and reflective surfaces of a glockenspiel, balancing precision with softness. I met George at American Drum while I was photographing instruments at VMEA, and he generously let me capture this glockenspiel. I tested a few color arrangements on my iPad, then committed to this one, bright gradients and all.…
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Lavender Euphonium
I painted this euphonium in lavender tones to balance strength with softness. The color feels unusual on brass, and that is exactly why I wanted to try it. I photographed the instrument at the 2025 VMEA conference in Norfolk, Virginia. I used new Daniel Smith colors, including lavender and wisteria, and I let them behave…
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Lemon Mallets
I painted these mallets in bright lemon tones to give percussion tools the spotlight they deserve. I love the balance of repetition and tiny variation across the set. I photographed the source mallets at the American Drum table during VMEA in Norfolk, Virginia. George filled his table with beautifully arranged percussion instruments, and I left…
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Bb Clarinet in Peacock | Musical Instrument Painting
30″ x 6″ original watercolor on 300 lb Arches paper, May 2025. Bold, fluid, and alive with color, Clarinet in Peacock is painted with vibrant washes and cool turquoise lines. This tall, narrow piece will be a conversation starter with its rhythmic detail and vertical presence. Part of my ongoing music series, this work makes a…
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Trumpet in gold
The trumpet is a brass instrument that has a long and storied history in music. It is played with a hand-held cup-shaped mouthpiece, and is known for its bright, brassy sound and versatility as a solo and ensemble instrument. The trumpet is used in a wide range of musical styles, from classical to jazz and…