A Still Life Inspired by Key West Happy Hour

This painting ⤵️ grew out of curiosity rather than experience.

A playful Key West–inspired still life celebrating happy hour, seafood, and the over-the-top charm of a loaded Bloody Mary. Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas by Maggie Ruley.

Update: This painting has already found a home, which confirmed for me that this direction has legs. It sparked a whole series of cocktail-and-seafood still lifes inspired by Key West’s love of good food and a good drink.

I enjoy a good Bloody Mary, 💯 but I’ve never actually ordered one of the currently trending “loaded Bloody Marys”. 

But I can’t stop looking 👀 at photos of them.   Drinks stacked with:

•  shrimp,
•  celery, 
• olives, and 
• sometimes an entire meal balanced on the rim.

I’ve been wanting to paint more still life paintings that feel right at home in Key West. 

This subject clicked. It blends happy hour culture with our love of good food and seafood. The stone crab claws were a must. They’re a treasured local delicacy, harvested by local fishermen and deeply tied to island life. 

To me, they ground the painting in place, even as the drinks themselves flirt with excess.

The result feels playful and very “Key West.” A little indulgent. A little tongue-in-cheek. And definitely celebratory.

Details:
16” x 20” x 1.5”
Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas
Painted edges with the image continuing around the sides
No frame needed

This piece is all about island flavor, visual fun, and the joy of a good happy hour—served with a sense of humor. 🍹🦀

❌⭕️ Maggie

⤵️ Scroll down to catch up on more recent posts from the studio.

First Tuesday Painting Class of the 2026 Season 🎨

 

First Tuesday Painting Class of the 2026 Season 🎨

Yesterday kicked off my first Tuesday painting class of the season, and it was such a good one.

This group did an amazing job. Two of the painters were picking up a brush for the very first time, and another student was only on her second painting ever. That’s one of my favorite mixes—experienced enough to trust the process, and new enough to be fearless.

Everyone painted a colorful parrotfish, and while we all started from the same design, no two paintings looked the same. That’s exactly how I like it.

No Rules About Color

I always encourage my students to make their own color choices if they want to. You don’t have to match my painting. You don’t have to match your neighbor’s painting. And you definitely don’t have to worry about getting it “right.”

Painting works best when you relax into it. Once people let go of comparison, the fun really starts—and it shows in the finished work. This group leaned into that, and the results were lively, confident, and full of personality.

(That group photo says it all.)

Maggie Ruley Key West Painting class, January 6, 2026

See all of the upcoming classes HERE

Mixed Media Palette Knife Beach Painting Series

 

Sea and Sand: Palette Knife Paintings from Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

This Sea and Sand series is a collection of coastal themed acrylic palette knife paintings created at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park beach in Key West. Each piece combines thick, expressive paint with real beach sand and shell fragments gathered directly from the shoreline. 

On days when I take my paints to Fort Zach, I get to combine two of my favorite things:
the beach and painting.

I set up outdoors—often at one of the picnic tables—with the water nearby and the breeze moving through. Painting there slows me down. It turns the process into something quieter and more connected to place.

Painting with Texture and Place

These paintings are built using a palette knife, layering acrylic paint to create movement and depth in the water. What makes them different is what’s embedded in the surface—actual sand and tiny shell bits collected from Fort Zach beach itself.

I’ve loved collecting seashells since I was a child. Any beach visit usually includes a little wandering and looking down. But here’s the honest truth:

Key West isn’t known for perfect beaches or an abundance of intact seashells.

Shells and coral fragments collected at Fort Zachary Taylor beach in Key West—simple beach finds that become texture and shoreline in my Sea and Sand paintings.

What Makes Fort Zach Beach Different

Our sand is made up of rough coral bits and small pebbles. The shells are often broken or tiny. What you do find are pieces of branch coral, worn shell fragments, and the occasional speck of sea glass.

It’s subtle. Textural. And very real.

Shells, coral fragments, and pebbles collected at Fort Zachary Taylor beach in Key West—materials I use to create my Sea and Sand paintings.

Instead of idealizing the shoreline, I wanted these paintings to be accurate representations of Fort Zach. The materials in the paintings reflect what the beach actually feels like under your feet. The sand and shell fragments aren’t decoration—they’re part of the story.

About the Sea and Sand Series

This series includes:

• Two large paintings at 16 x 20 inches

• Three smaller paintings at 8 x 10 inches

  

  Two Sea and Sand acrylic palette knife paintings by Maggie Ruley, inspired by Fort Zachary Taylor beach in Key West and finished with real coral sand and shell fragments.

  
  

  

  Three 8 x 10 Sea and Sand paintings by Key West artist Maggie Ruley, created with palette knife acrylic and real sand collected from Fort Zachary Taylor State Park beach.

The smaller works were started outdoors at Fort Zach on January 1, 2026, then finished later in the studio. They carry that first-day-of-the-year feeling—fresh, calm, and quietly optimistic.

These paintings aren’t about dramatic waves or postcard perfection.
They’re about texture, place, and paying attention to what’s really there.

If you’ve spent time at Fort Zachary Taylor beach, you’ll recognize the sand in the paintings immediately.

I wanted these paintings to capture the beautiful colors of the water and the distinct texture of the sand. 

The materials in the paintings reflect what the beach actually feels like under your feet. The sand and shell fragments aren’t decoration—they’re part of the story.

The First Maggie Ruley Studio Painting of 2026

 

The First Painting of 2026

The photo just below ⬇️ shows the finished oyster painting, but the real story starts earlier in the day—January 1—2026, at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Or as the Key West locals call it, “Fort Zach”.

Maggie Ruley Oyster Painting 20”x16” acrylic on canvas 

I spent the entire day at the park and brought my painting supplies with me, setting up a very unofficial outdoor studio on one of the picnic tables near the beach. Palette, water bucket, canvas, snacks, layers of clothing… everything I needed for a long, slow day outside.

Painting at Fort Zach beach, 1/1/2016 

Years ago, when I was a potter, New Year’s Day was always my one guaranteed painting day. Back then, I didn’t get many chances to paint, so January 1 became a kind of quiet promise to myself. 

NOTE: If you scroll back through the blog far enough, you’ll find posts from those days.

It’s a tradition I still like to keep when I can.

This oyster painting is my first finished painting of 2026. 🥳

Maggie Ruley Oyster Painting nestled in the sand in Key West, Florida 

The morning started out cloudy, windy, and cold by Key West standards. I was bundled up in layers, including a hooded sweatshirt, and painted through the chill.

But, by around 1:30, the clouds cleared, the sun came out, and suddenly the beach was full of tourists swimming and laying out.

I waded into the water up to my knees—about as far as I was willing to go—but even that felt good. There’s something grounding about walking the shoreline with your feet in the water, even on a cool day.

I worked on the oyster painting in the afternoon, mostly finishing it there at the park. 

I  spent time in the morning working on pieces from my beach and sand series, which I’ll share in a separate post.

Update: Here’s the Sea and Sand Series Post

I recently bought a yearly pass for Fort Zach, and I’m really looking forward to using it. Even if I only have 45 minutes after work, it’s the perfect place to walk the beach, clear my head, and reconnect with why I make this work in the first place.

Starting the year painting outdoors, surrounded by sand, water, and shifting light, felt like exactly the right way to begin 2026.

Some of my fellow beach enthusiasts ⤵️

Sunbathers on Fort Zach Beach in Key West, Florida.

 Paint & Sip Returns: A Colorful Start with Parrotfish

Paint and sip season is officially back, and we’re jumping in with color.

Next Tuesday, January 6, I’m hosting the first paint and sip of the season in my Fleming Street studio, and we’re painting one of my favorite island characters—a bright, playful parrotfish.

This class is designed to be relaxed and fun. No pressure. No experience needed. I’ll guide you step by step, and you’ll leave with a finished painting that feels extra special because you made it yourself.

Class details:
• Time: 1:30–4-ish 
• Cost: $55 per person
• Location: Maggie Ruley Studio, 933 Fleming Street, Key West
• Includes: all supplies, beer, and wine
• Level: beginners welcome

Paint and sips are a great way to slow down, be creative, and spend an afternoon doing something just for you. This parrotfish is colorful, graphic, and forgiving—perfect for getting back into the groove or trying something new.

Space is limited, and these classes tend to fill quickly.

👉 Sign up here:

Let’s start the season with color.

I’m really looking forward to painting with you this winter. I’ve selected all the subjects for our upcoming classes, and now I’m in the studio designing each one—so you’ll leave with a painting you’re proud to hang in your home, share with friends, and say, “I painted that!”

We’ll Start The Year off with this fun painting ⤵️

 

SIGN UP HERE.

Holiday DIY painting class with video instructions ❗️😊

 

New Winter & Holiday Painting Tutorials — Creative Fun for the Whole Family

If you're looking for something fun and cozy to do over the holidays, I’ve got you covered. I’ve added six new winter and holiday-themed painting tutorials to my website — each one comes with digital instructions and video access, so you can paint at your own pace, anytime.

These designs are beginner-friendly and great for:

• Family art time during winter break

• Kids who need a creative indoor activity

• A quiet afternoon of “me time”

• Virtual paint nights with friends

• Grandkids visiting for the holidays

Each tutorial includes:

• Step-by-step written instructions

• A pre-drawn tracer in two sizes

• Access to a video lesson

• Supply list

• Instant digital download — nothing ships, so you can start painting right away

  Get information and tutorials HERE
  

2026 Painting Class Schedule Is Here!

 Registration opens in late December — save your spot early

If you're ready to start the new year with creativity, color, and a laid-back Key West vibe, my 2026 paint-and-sip classes are officially on the calendar. These sessions are beginner-friendly, fun, and packed with the same painting tips I use in my own studio practice.

No stiff lectures. No pressure. Just good company, island inspiration, and simple techniques that help you make a painting you’re proud of.

What Makes These Classes Different

In every class, I sprinkle in real painting strategies—things like color mixing shortcuts, brush handling, layering tricks, and composition adjustments that make your painting stronger. These are the same approaches I use when I’m working on my own pieces.

Students tell me this is what sets these classes apart. You get the fun of paint-and-sip and you learn something you can use again.

What You Can Look Forward To

Classes run on Tuesday afternoons, 1:30 to 4-ish, January through March.
All materials are included—just show up and enjoy.

A few of the 2026 subjects include:

• Tropical parrotfish scene

• Dinghy and distant islands

• Blue Heaven Shower

• Ft. Zach beach scene

• Sunflowers with palette knife details

• Rooster painting

• Water lily pads

• Royal poinciana tree

• Plus monthly Painter’s Choice & Next Level sessions

• And a Special Pet Portrait class on January 24

Every painting is designed to be approachable for beginners, with lots of room for creativity if you want to add your own twist.

How to Register

Registration opens late December, and classes tend to fill quickly.
The best way to stay in the loop is to join my email list—subscribers always get first access to class links.

👉SIGN UP FOR CLASS AND STUDIO UPDATES 

A Creative Winter You’ll Actually Look Forward To

If you're craving a weekly dose of color, community, and new skills, these classes are a great way to ease into the winter season. You’ll leave each week with a finished painting, a couple of new techniques, and that relaxed, refreshed feeling you get when you make something with your hands.

Can’t wait to paint with you in 2026.

Holiday Gifts for your Key West loving friends.

 Holiday Gift Shopping in the Studio 🎄🌴

I’ve set up a sweet little display of all my holiday goodies in the studio — ornaments, cards, prints, tea towels, and a few extra-special pieces. If you’re doing your Key West gift shopping, this is an easy stop where you can find something fun and island-y for everyone on your list.

A quick heads-up: I’m heading out of town for Christmas, so the studio will only be open through December 18. If you’ve had your eye on something, now’s the time to swing by, say hello, and treat yourself while you’re at it.

Happy holiday shopping from my little corner of Fleming Street. 🌺✨

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

Black Friday BOGO: Two 8x8 Canvas Prints for $79

Holiday Sale on my most popular 8x8” prints on canvas 

It’s Black Friday, (almost) and I’m running a very special BOGO deal on my 8x8 canvas prints — two for $79, shipping included. Regular price is $75 each, so this is a sweet treat for collectors and anyone who loves a little Key West color in their home.

How it works

• Browse the numbered images in my website listing 

• Pick any two

• Enter your numbers at checkout

  See the listing HERE

These small prints are bright, joyful, and full of island charm. They look great on a gallery wall, work nicely as gifts, and make it easy to add a pop of Key West color to any room. Perfect for holiday gifting, stocking stuffers, or treating yourself to a little sunshine as the days get shorter.

Each print is made to order. The image wraps around the edges, they come wired on the back, and they’re ready to hang. Since they’re printed just for you, please allow  production time before they ship.

Important details

• BOGO price: Two for $79

• Shipping: Free in the continental USA

• Unframed: Canvas wrap with finished edges

• Made to order: 9–12 day production

• Estimated shipping time: 14–21 days

• Sale ends: Saturday, November 29, 2025

• Order now to receive them before Christmas

I’ve added clear numbers to each print so it’s simple to pick your favorites. These designs are some of my most loved — roosters, cottages, beach bikes, palms, and tropical views that carry that easy Key West energy.

If you’re not in Key West this season, this is a fun way to bring a little island warmth home.

Visit my website to order yours today.

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

Save the Date for Small Business Saturday in Key West!

Shop Local - Small Business Saturday at The Studio of Key West!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 29, 2025 — it’s Small Business Saturday in Key West, and The Studios of Key West will be transformed into a festive Artisan Market filled with local makers, artists, and island-inspired gifts.

If you love supporting local artists in Key West, this is your chance to shop small, find handmade holiday gifts, and feel extra good about where your dollars go. The whole building at 533 Eaton Street will be buzzing with creativity, holiday cheer, and island vibes — the perfect way to kick off the season.

I’ll be there with a table full of Key West holiday gifts including tea towels, art kits, stocking stuffers cards, and ornaments — all colorful, cheerful, and made with love and island inspired. 

✨ Can’t make it that day? Many of these same handmade items are already available in my studio on Fleming Street, so you can shop early (or later!) and still get the full local art experience.

Save the date, bring a friend, and come celebrate Key West’s creative spirit!