Exploring Texture and Color with Acrylic Palette Knife Painting

 Why I’m Painting More with Palette Knives

 (and Loving the Challenge)

Lately, I’ve noticed a clear trend among my collectors and visitors — they’re drawn to my palette knife paintings. The texture, energy, and movement really seem to capture people’s attention, so I’ve been painting more with my knives.

It’s a fun challenge, especially as an acrylic painter, since acrylics dry so fast that I have to work quickly and decisively. In a way, it feels like I’m back to being a student again — learning, experimenting, and rediscovering the joy (and sometimes frustration) of being a painter. 🧑🏻‍🎨 

Here’s a photo of me with one of my recent pieces, a 36” x 24” acrylic on canvas inspired by the clouds I saw on my way home one evening. 

Thinking About Trying Palette Knife Painting?

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• 🎨 Be prepared to use a lot of paint. You’ll need generous amounts of color — especially white — to get that thick, textured look.

• 🖼 It’s actually easier to paint larger. Palette knife strokes need room to move and breathe.

• 🧽 It’s messy (in the best way). Keep plenty of paper towels or rags nearby.

• 🪶 Use sturdy canvases. These paintings are heavier than brush paintings, so make sure your canvas has strong stretcher bars.

Palette knife painting is bold, spontaneous, and full of energy — just the way I like it.

All for now dear friends, Maggie

A Gift from a very special friend.

Heart Life Music

 My friend Kenny Chesney surprised me with a pre-release copy of his new book Heart. Life. Music. 💙

No one loves the islands, Key West, or the spirit of Jimmy Buffett more than Kenny — and it shines through every page.
Feeling extra lucky to get an early peek at this one. 🌴📖

Thanks my friend, 😘😘😘

New! Key West Tea & Cocktail Towels - Island Style for your Kitchen and Bar

 

New! Key West Tea & Cocktail Towels

Brighten Your Kitchen with Island Charm

I’ve added something new to my shop — Key West–themed tea towels and cocktail towels! Each one is colorful, 100% cotton, and designed to bring a touch of island life into your kitchen or bar.

The tea towels are full-sized — perfect for hanging by the stove, drying dishes, or gifting to your favorite host. The cocktail towels (also called bar towels) are smaller, with full-coverage designs and a handy hanging loop. They’re ideal for entertaining or keeping close to your favorite mixer.

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Perfect for Gifts & Coastal Homes

Each design celebrates the spirit of Key West — cheerful, relaxed, and a little bit tropical.
They make thoughtful gifts for:

• Hosts and hostesses

• Friends who love coastal décor

• Office or Secret Santa exchanges

• Stocking stuffers or small thank-you gifts

• Mail carriers, dog walkers, and neighbors

Pair one with a bottle of wine for an extra-special hostess gift — or treat yourself to a new favorite kitchen accent.

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Shop the Collection

See all the designs HERE

These towels are available now, both in the studio and online.

Studio Address: Maggie Ruley-Island Inspirations, 933 Fleming Street, Key West

I hope these Key West home decor items make finding cheerful, thoughtful gifts a little easier for you this holiday season,

Cheers🥂🍸🍾,

Maggie 

About the Artist
Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her colorful, island-inspired acrylic paintings celebrate the charm, light, and character of Key West life. Maggie’s work is collected worldwide and can be found in island homes near and far.

She has been featured in The Key West Citizen, New York Daily News, and other publications.

Visit her studio and gallery, Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations, at 933b Fleming Street in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.
www.maggieruley.com

November Painting Classes – Two Fun Ways to Get Creative

 It’s class time again in the studio! November brings two special sessions — one lighthearted, one heartfelt — both designed for fun, creativity, and good company.

Looking for a creative way to relax before the holidays?

Join one of my November Key West painting classes and enjoy a few carefree hours of color, laughter, and inspiration. These workshops are perfect for anyone wanting to do something fun during a stressful season, create a handmade gift for someone special, or learn from an experienced Key West artist and teacher.

Each class includes all materials — brushes, paints, and canvas — so there’s no extra expense or shopping needed. Just show up, get creative, and leave with a painting you’ll be proud to display or give as a gift.

🧝‍♀️ Tropical Holiday Gnome – Tuesday, November 11, 1:30–4 PM
We’ll paint a sunny little gnome ready for a Key West Christmas. All materials included — just bring your holiday spirit! $55 per person.

🐾 Paint Your Pet Portrait – Saturday, November 15, 1–4:30 PM
Work from your own pet photo on a pre-traced canvas. I’ll guide you through the steps so you leave with a finished portrait that truly captures your furry friend. $95 per person.

Both classes will be held in my Key West studio, and space is limited. You can see full details and sign up on my website:
👉  SIGN UP TODAY 

Come paint, sip, and celebrate the season with me — it’s the perfect way to treat yourself before the holidays begin.

Thanks for reading — I hope to paint with you soon in the studio or see you around sunny Key West!

Have questions or want to join the next class? Message me on Instagram @maggieruley or through my website

Happy Holidays, Maggie

About the Artist
Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her colorful, island-inspired acrylic paintings celebrate the charm, light, and character of Key West life. Maggie’s work is collected worldwide and can be found in island homes near and far.

She has been featured in The Key West Citizen, New York Daily News, and other publications.

Visit her studio and gallery, Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations, at 933b Fleming Street in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.
www.maggieruley.com

Happy Valentines Day!

How the heck did it get to be February?

To the Moon and Back, Maggie Ruley
 12"x12" acrylic on canvas panel $150.00

Love Without End Amen, Maggie Ruley
12" x' 12" acrylic on canvas panel $150.00

Bursting, Maggie Ruley
12" x 12" acrylic on canvas panel $150.00

Hug Kiss Hug, Maggie Ruley
12" x 12" acrylic on canvas panel $150.00

Heartfelt, Maggie Ruley
12" x 12" acrylic on canvas panel SOLD

,

I wish you all a wonderful Valentines Day ! XXO Maggie

For purchase info call (305) 304-1013

I just love "before and afters", don't you?

I'm always sucked in by those "before and after" articles in magazines like Coastal Living. 

There's just something I love about the transformation process.

Maybe it's because that's what happens when I paint.  The canvas goes through a transformation. From nothing but white to whatever I want. "iheartmyjob

Lately I've been experimenting with what I call "complicated backgrounds".  

Sometimes they're super complicated, like this series. 

And sometimes they're just a little wild and crazy.  

I'm getting ready-to-get-ready to start a new series of Key West cottage paintings, for a show I have coming up in February. So, I've been fooling a round with the wild and crazy concept to see if I can use it to get some interesting (not your usual ho-hum) cottages. 

I've still got to tweak it some, but there are some fun aspects to painting this way.

Here's the before

What I love about this start is it's feeling of movement

And here's the after

I ended up covering up more of the original layer than I would have liked. But that's the joy of painting. Each painting is a lesson!
Corner Cottage with Cat

This painting is 16" x 20", so it's too small for the show, but like I said, I'm getting ready to get ready.

And it's always good to work out the problems on a small scale before you pull out the big canvases. #learnedthehardway

Have a great day,

hugs

Maggie

By the way? Are you getting my updates by email?
If not sign up HERE.

Have you signed up for my free class? Click the link below.

Pricing your art: a free online mini training.

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her studio and gallery, Island Inspirations, showcases her artwork and is a creative learning center for her students.

When she's not in the studio, you can find her volunteering with local non-profit arts organizations, teaching classes and workshops, or at the beach.

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen, the New York Daily News, and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

Her studio and gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

www.maggieruley.com

Wild Papaya

Papayas are growing in wild abundance in the Florida Keys

And they are PERFECT for painting!

About 4 months after Hurricane Irma, papaya plants started to spring up everywhere in my neighborhood as well as others.

They are a super interesting plant. There's a male plant and a female plant.  The male plant has the flowers and the female plant has the fruit. And there are different varieties growing.

In my yard I have lots of male plants and only two female plants. And what's interesting is the two females have different kinds of papayas on them. One has small pear shaped fruit and the other more oblong fruit.

I've been admiring them for months and finally got around to painting them, (after taking tons of photos)

This is a male plant. The flowers are starburst clusters on long stems.

However, I did not paint them from the photos. I took the leaves, the fruit and the flowers into my studio and painted directly from my observation of them.

I had so much fun painting one, that I did a second one.

Each painting started on one of my "complicated backgrounds"  where I put thin layers of multiple colors all over the canvas.

Here's the set up for the first one.

You can see what I mean about a complicated background painting.

I think it's beautiful and amazing that the interior is in the shape of a star.

Detail: you can see where I'm using paint lines to sketch in the fruit.

Detail: I'm starting to add some greens to the leaves.

Here are the finished paintings

Wild Papayas no.1

Wild Papayas no.1
 30" x 24", acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 2018
$975.00

Wild Papayas no.2

Wild Papayas no.2
24' x 18", acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 2018
$695.00 

I'm not sure I'm finished with this series yet.  I think I want to paint one with a red background.  The challenge for that would be to not make it look too Christmas-y, with the green leaves.  I like a challenge

By the way? Are you getting my updates by email?
If not sign up HERE.
All for now, have a lovely day.

Have you signed up for my free class? Click the link below.

Pricing your art: a free online mini training.

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her studio and gallery, Island Inspirations, showcases her artwork and is a creative learning center for her students.

When she's not in the studio, you can find her volunteering with local non-profit arts organizations, teaching classes and workshops, or at the beach.

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen, the New York Daily News , and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

Her studio and gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

www.maggieruley.com

They're changing the rules

But that's not a bad thing! In fact, it's good for you.

Dear Email Subscribers.

On May 25, some new data regulations are going into effect.  What's great about them is, they put you in control. You can be selective about the kind of information you receive from people you've given your email address to. (like me)

This set of regulations is called the GDPR.

Sometimes I don't mind breaking rules, not this time. These rules give you control over how your email address can be used to send you information. And they give me permission to send you the kind of information you want.  #win-win

So here's what's going to happen.

In the next day or so, you're going to be getting an email from me that asks you to update your settings.  There will be 3 categories you can check.  You can check as many as you want or none of them. It's not complicated and it's only going to take a second.

No matter what categories you choose you'll always be able to unsubscribe at any time. And if you decide to unsubscribe, we'll still be friends.

Big hugs,
Maggie


Now that all the boring stuff is over, you deserve something fun to look at.

I just finished a series of roosters using oil paint and a palette knife.  I had a request for a rooster in the same colors that I use in my sunset and cloud paintings.  I sounded like fun to me.  Here are 3 from the series.

They're so new I haven't even added them to my website yet.

Suncloud Rooster #2

20" x 16"

Oil on canvas $495

Suncloud Rooster #3

20" x 16"

oil on canvas

$495

Suncloud Rooster #1

20" x 16"

oil on canvas

$495

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. 

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen,

the New York Daily News , and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

Her studio and gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

www.maggieruley.com

Everyday? I don't think so! AKA a celebration of the Pineapple.

I love everything about the pineapple!

The way it looks; prickly bottom half, smooth and spikey top half.
The way it changes color as it gets riper.
The way it smells; like a far away tropical island.
Its incredible, indescribable taste.

It's a special occasion fruit, a holiday fruit, a family gathering fruit.

Seriously, do you drink Pina Coladas after work on a Wednesday? No! The super cute pool boy brings one to your chaise lounge in THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY on your vacation. Now that's special.

Also, consider the way it's treated with reverence.
It's always has a place of prominence in the supermarket. It's at the end of aisle, or on a raised dais.

The Queen of Fruit would not be CAUGHT DEAD in the middle seat between the potatoes and the onions, hell no! First class all the way.

Everyday fruit? Oh no it isn't! (picture my index finger wagging side to side here)

And don't forget it's the universal sign of *Welcome*.  I think they put one on Voyager 1, if they didn't, they should have.

That's why I paint the esteemed pineapple over and over.  Here are some pics of my most recent study session. These are all oil paintings. And the really cool thing is that some of these will be headed to a gallery on Cape Cod soon. I'm jazzed about that. I wonder which ones are going to be chosen to go?

Pineapple studies

both 18"x14", oil on canvas board, palette knife

$195 each

Note to artists: I intentionally took a different approach with each painting. I used limited palettes, I played warm against cools, I explored grays, I used the palette knife on some, I explored using a transparent first layer. All were done
alla prima and they all started with a transparent earthy red underpainting.

Fun fact: Pineapples have warm green and yellow-gold bottoms, and cool green and blue tops.

Aloha dear friends,

Maggie

P.S. would you like this blog delivered via email? Fill in the form in the upper right, and I'll see that it gets to you.

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Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. 

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen,

the New York Daily News , and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

Her studio and gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

www.maggieruley.com