Smoky Mountain Cascade Pass is an 18×24 oil painting I created during a Kevin Hill class in Clarksville, Tennessee. This blog takes you behind the scenes of the waterfall design, the forest lighting, and the Tennessee inspiration that shaped the piece. It blends the soft atmosphere of the Smoky Mountains with the warm, glowing light I often use in my Colorado landscapes. A peaceful, personal painting that holds two places close to my heart.

ainted from a Kevin Hill workshop reference, Tuscan Lavender brings a quiet countryside to life with soft purples, warm light, and a sense of gentle age. Hope Blakely added her own voice to the scene by shifting the buildings, softening the palette, and letting the wall crumble just a bit — creating a piece that feels personal and timeless. Original oil on a 12x16 hard panel.