What a great group this week! Everyone showed up ready to try something new, and the results speak for themselves. Their pet portraits turned out fantastic — full of personality, strong color choices, and lots of love.
Two of the painters had never picked up a brush before, and you’d never guess it from their finished pieces. That kind of creative courage always inspires me.
I’m extra proud of this crew. They worked hard, supported each other, and brought so much good energy into the studio. Can’t wait to see what they paint next.
Pet portrait paintings in Key West in Maggie Ruley’s class.
There’s nothing better than mixing paint, laughter, and a touch of holiday cheer! Yesterday’s Holiday Gnome Paint & Sip class was pure fun from start to finish. Everyone did such a great job bringing their tropical gnomes to life — bright colors, palm fronds, and all.
Each student went home with a cheerful painting that makes the perfect gift or a festive addition to their holiday décor. The tropical twist on a classic Christmas theme brought plenty of Key West spirit into the studio.
This coming Saturday is our Pet Portrait Class, the last class before the holiday break. After that, we’ll take a short pause so everyone can relax and enjoy the season.
My Paint & Sip–style classes — where all materials are supplied and creativity flows freely — will resume in January with a brand-new schedule.
Interested in a private or small-group class? 📧 Email me to discuss dates and ideas — they make an extra special activity for friends, visitors, birthday parties or family get-togethers.
👉maggie.ruleykw@yahoo.com
Bringing a tropical touch to the holidays — one brushstroke at a time.
Holiday gnomes taking shape at Maggie Ruley’s Key West Paint & Sip class.
There’s something timeless about a sailboat gliding through turquoise waves under a bright sky. I painted this small piece to capture that effortless feeling of freedom that comes with a sunny day on the water.
The blue-green-white color palette is one of my favorites — cool, calm, and clean. It’s the same range of colors that makes island life so refreshing and beautiful, from the sea to the clouds overhead. A little painting like this brings that breezy Key West energy right into your home.
Island living and coastal decor in one small package.
Details: 8” x 10” acrylic on canvas panel, framed – $325
These six small paintings started as quick studies — little experiments in color, texture, and composition. My plan was to learn from them, then take what I learned into larger “real” paintings.
But now that I see them all together, I’m tempted to go back in and “fix” things — make small corrections, add more detail, or polish them up until they feel good enough.
Of course, that kind of defeats the purpose of doing quick sketches. They were meant to be loose, fast, and full of energy — not perfect. So now I’m asking myself: can I let them be what they are and move on?
At the moment, I honestly don’t know. Maybe that’s part of the lesson — learning when to stop and when to keep going.
Why quick studies matter: Doing small, fast paintings helps artists loosen up and learn faster. You discover color combinations, brush techniques, and compositional ideas without the pressure of perfection. It’s a great way to stay creative, experiment, and grow as a painter — one little canvas at a time.
At the moment, not for sale.
I’ll let you know what I decide, all for now, Maggie
There’s nothing better than seeing one of my happy paintings find the perfect home! These two lovely ladies stopped by the studio and instantly connected with this big, bright butterfly. With its sunny yellows, playful brushstrokes, and tropical pops of color, it’s sure to bring joy and energy to any room.
And how fun is this — their sneakers match the painting! Clearly, it was meant to be. 💛💙💚
Sometimes all it takes is one piece of art to lift the mood and add a burst of color to your home.
Two happy collectors and their new Key West butterfly painting, by Maggie Ruley— look how their sneakers match! 🦋💛💙💚
🎄 It’s the Most Wonderful Time for New Holiday Tea Towels!
I’ve added something festive and colorful to the studio — Christmas tea towels! These new designs bring cheerful holiday spirit to your kitchen or make easy, thoughtful gifts for just about anyone on your list.
They’re perfect for:
Hostess or housewarming gifts
Co-workers, teachers, and neighbors
Tucking into a gift basket or pairing with a bottle of wine
Adding a splash of merry color to your own kitchen
Each towel features my watercolor-style artwork in bright, tropical holiday hues — a perfect match for a Key West Christmas.
Bring home a little extra holiday joy — or treat someone special to a gift that’s both useful and beautiful!
Add a splash of Key West color to your home this holiday season!
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
Nature’s Palette: Blue Sky, Green Leaves, and the White Moon — Inspiration for Calm, Coastal Color Combinations
There’s something timeless about a painting built around shades of blue, green, and white. Maybe it’s because those colors remind us of the world outside — the sky, the sea, and the lushness of plants in sunlight. Together they create a calm, natural balance that instantly makes any space feel more peaceful.
In art, this color trio works beautifully. Blue and green sit next to each other on the color wheel, which means they naturally harmonize. Add touches of white, and the whole palette feels airy and light — perfect for coastal scenes, landscapes, or any painting that aims to bring a sense of openness and calm.
That’s also why people are drawn to these colors for their homes and offices. Blue promotes focus and calm; green symbolizes growth and renewal; white brings clarity and brightness. When used together in artwork or interior design, they evoke freshness and serenity — a gentle reminder to slow down and breathe.
If you’re a painter, spending a little time learning how to mix a variety of greens is well worth it. Greens can shift dramatically depending on what you mix them with — a touch of yellow for tropical vibrancy, a bit of blue for cool depth, or even a touch of red to quiet things down. (I think I may have written a post about mixing greens before — I’ll link it here if I find it!)
Blue, green, and white — three simple colors that connect us back to nature and make any room feel like a breath of fresh air.
All for now, wishing you a calm and lovely day, Maggie
To read other recent posts scroll to the bottom and click on older posts on the far right.
A little glimpse of beauty, worth slowing down for 😎
When you live “up the Keys,”the mile markers become part of your everyday vocabulary. I live on Lower Sugarloaf Key at MM 17, and this photo was taken just a few miles down the road atMM 13, around5:30-ish on November 2, 2025.
We had just turned the clocks back, so the sunset arrived earlier — but it was worth slowing down to enjoy. I caught it glowing in my side-view mirror, a fiery reflection of the day ending behind me as I headed home.
Sometimes a quick snapshot like this becomes the start of a new painting — a reference for color, mood, and that fleeting Keys magic that’s impossible to resist.
Lately, I’ve noticed a clear trend among my collectors and visitors — they’re drawn to mypalette 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.
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. 🌴📖
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.
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.
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
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
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