Island Love Story ❤️ 2/14/26

Let me tell you how this one came to life.

Island Love Story, 40” x 30” acrylic on canvas by Maggie Ruley

Back in January of 2025, I hosted a New Year’s party in the studio. Not the fancy kind. The fun kind. Lots of friends and a little buzz in the air, and that feeling of a fresh start.

One of the activities that night was a “word of the year” exercise. I handed out worksheets, we took it seriously for about five minutes, and then everyone chose a word that felt right for them. Hope. Freedom. Health. Courage. Joy. Whatever felt right.

Then I asked everyone to write their word directly onto a canvas.

All of them.

Layered together.

Thoughtful. Overlapping. Honest.

I told them I would turn that canvas into a finished painting. And I meant it.

Friends writing their word of the year on the canvas. 

For a year+  that word-covered canvas sat in my studio. It had energy. It had intention. 

But underneath it was something real.

Connection. Community. New beginnings.

I had a small  6” x 9” sketch on paper that I had been itching to turn into something larger.  I wanted to use that idea to transform all those layered words into something cohesive without losing the spirit of them. ⤵️ That little sketch became my roadmap.

Small abstract palm tree sketch.

Fast forward to Valentine’s Day, 2026

I spent a lovely Saturday in the studio working on what became Island Love Story.

Thirty by forty inches. Big enough to hold all those intentions.

As I painted, the original words started to dissolve into color and movement. Some are still visible if you look closely. (Especially from the back of the canvas) Some are buried under layers. Kind of like life.

It felt right that it came together on Valentine’s Day. Not in a romantic way. In a bigger way.

Love of community.
Love of fresh starts.
Love of being rooted here in Key West.

There’s something powerful about taking a shared moment and transforming it into a lasting piece of art.

Island Love Story on the easel. 

This painting isn’t just about what it looks like.

It’s about what it holds.

A room full of people at the start of a new year.
A simple exercise that turned meaningful.
A promise made casually that turned into something substantial.

That’s the part I love most. The evolution. The way a 6 x 9 inch sketch and a messy word-covered canvas became a 30” x 40” finished piece with presence.

That’s the real island love story.

If you added your “word of the year” to my canvas at that New Year’s gathering, you’ll find your word hidden somewhere inside.

And I kind of love that.

❌⭕️🩷 Maggie

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 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

Regarding yesterday’s blog post: Before and after photos.

I had to make a few small tweaks to the paintings. I think the only one I didn’t “fix” is the flamingo.

AFTER⤵️

BEFORE ⤵️

See if you can spot the difference? 

Read yesterday’s blog post HERE

Quick Sketches or Finished Paintings?

Leave them alone? Or, fuss over them?

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 

Some People Aren’t Afraid of Bright Colors. #MyKindOfPeople

  A Happy Butterfly Finds a New Home 🦋

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! 🦋💛💙💚

All for now, Maggie

Because you're special.

The 2nd Annual September Special

There's a delightful tradition in Key West where every September the local businesses thank the year-round island residents and loyal customers by offering all kinds of wonderful specials on their products. 

We look forward to it every year.  I jumped on the bandwagon last year. I mean, now that I have my own location, it's only right, right?

But I don't want to extend it to just the local customers. I think you should be included too! Many of you have been readers of this blog for years and years. And sweeties, God Bless You for that!

So with that said, (drum roll please) I want to announce my second Annual September Special. 

I'll be starting it here in Key West on Friday, but you are special, so you are getting a little sneak peek.

Click THE LINK to see all the deals.  And to see my new website if you haven't see that yet, it's pretty.

as always big hugs,
Maggie

P.S. And if you have any friends who enjoy a good discount pass this on along to them.
P.P.S. And yes, more new pottery is coming soon!

Note to Key West Artists:
I'm unveiling a new class in my studio in September.

The Art Sales Starter Kit Class: an easy 4 week class guide to help you get your artwork seen and appreciated.
The complete class description IS HERE.

If you are reading this is your inbox thank you for being a subscriber.  If you want to read it in the original blog format which can connect to other fascinating blog posts click here.

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

Olivia Street Cottage, from en plein air to commission

I encourage my painting students to paint from life as much as possible.  It really accelerates their learning speed. Painting from photos is fun and easy, but you see everything in 2D and there are a few other challenges.

To keep up my painting skills I like to go and paint en plein air (fancy French term for painting outside) occasionally. The lovely lanes and cottages that abound here in Key West make great painting subjects.

Plein air painting sessions tend to be shorter than indoor sessions. Not only is the light always changing, but wind, bugs, heat, and other elements can work your last nerve.  In order to complete, or get close to completion in a short amount of time, plein air paintings tend to be on the small size.  But not always.

Many artists use these smaller, quicker paintings as studies for larger works.  I recently turned a small 11" x 14" plein air painting into a larger work because a customer liked the painting but needed something larger to fill her space. 

A studio piece is never going to be exactly the same as the outdoor study. What I like is that it gives the painter a chance to make some changes.  I changed the light and shadow under the porch because I wanted to. (I think slashing diagonal light is more interesting)  And I changed focus to the front door and the plantings along the fence line because the customer said that was what she liked about the original painting, the color she saw in the plants.

Lovely on Olivia

SOLD

16 x 20"

Lovely on Oliva Street - Study

acrylic, 11' x 14"

$345

Painting in the works

In other exciting news.................

I have a new gallery assistant and now I am able to get into my pottery studio 2 days a week and there are new pieces ready to go into the kiln. 

It was so much fun to make the pottery, I can't wait until it's finished. 

If you are reading this is your inbox thank you for being a subscriber.  If you want to read it in the original blog format which can connect to other fascinating blog posts click here.

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

Words to Live By

She Listens
Original Sold
giclee reproductions available HERE
©Maggie
quote from The Awakening by Kate Chopin

 

 

I'm taking a short break and visiting family in North Carolina, but while I'm away my students are finishing their paintings for our group show Words to Live By that is coming in early October.

 

Remember I said I wanted to create a mini movement of inspirational themed art work?  Sure you do!

 

Well, it happened and I was really pleased to see my students stay focused on the theme for 5 weeks. That's a long time for the creative attention span.  I'm really excited to see what comes in for the show.

group show work in progress

 

The invitations have been printed and  I've given the artists a little challenge, telling them to get them out to their friends and potential customers. And as a bonus I sent them a little art marketing information I've gained over the years. 

 

 

 

Marketing seems confusing when you first start out. But it doesn't have to be.

 

I'll share the few simple, but effective techniques I gave them, with you next week.   (For you creatives out there who would like a very simple start to marketing)

 

I invite you to mark your calendar and join us at the reception if you can.

#smileyfacehere

 

 

 Anyway, while my students are working away, I'm enjoying the first hint of fall.

The September Special is going on Here

Don't forget about this really cool workshop


If you are an email subscriber to my blog and you are reading this from your inbox, 2 things.
First, you might want to CLICK HERE so you can see all the fun extras on the blog site.  You'll be glad you did and you can leave a comment.

 And Second, Thank you! Please forward it on to anyone else who might enjoy it. Thank you again.

 

 If you aren't (reading this in your inbox)and you'd like to get all the really cool things going on in my studio delivered (with love) to your inbox, CLICK HERE  and fill out that box thingy that says, "Never miss a post", in the upper right

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-gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

maggie.ruleykw@yahoo.com

Find more things to love on my website: www.maggieruley.com

Connect with me on FACEBOOK

Have you found your spirit animal?

Have you found your inner spirit animal?

 

I've got a really fun and super different workshop planned for Saturday, October 22, 2016. 10am - 4pm.

Discover, Connect to, and Paint Your

Spirit Animal

Spirit owl
©Maggie Ruley 2016

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Spirit Blue Heron
©Maggie Ruley 2016

10am - 4pm
with
Dr Renee Lanier and Maggie Ruley: your guides through this amazing day
Where?
Maggie’s Studio,
Island Inspirations, 933b Fleming St, Key West FL, 33040
Workshop fee $125
As a bonus to my friends, register before October 11, 2016
For the special price of $95 #earlybirdspecial

 Painting materials provided.

Class size is limited to 12; your payment holds your space!
*Cancellation policy at end.

Sign up here.  

Why this is going to be so cool.

You've probably heard that everyone has an inner connection with a particular spirit animal. (Sometimes referred to as your Totem)

But did you know that most likely you have more than one?
And that when you learn how to connect to your spirit animal(s) you gain influential insights into your subconscious mind and guidance in your life?
If you did, great!
If you didn't, great too!

Whatever your answer, I invite you to spend a wonderful day discovering and connecting to your own powerful spirit animals.  Renee Lanier, PhD will guide you through a morning of exercises and meditations designed to give you the power to discover the spirit animals that are within you.  They are there, waiting patiently, to help you in your everyday life. 

During her career as a transpersonal psychologist, Dr Renee has helped a multitude of people connect with spirit in order to live joyful and fulfilling lives.  She will lead you through the process of connection gently and with understanding.

In the afternoon we’ll breakout the paints. We’ll further explore the characteristics of your particular animal spirit using creativity and color.

Here's where I'll help you as you create a painting that will give you a greater connection to your morning discoveries.

For those of you who have already have a personal alliance with a spirit animal, you know the importance it plays in your life.  Give yourself a day to reconnect and see if any new ones are influencing you now.


So you may be thinking: What is a spirit animal and why does it matter to me?
Your spirit animal is a guide to help you connect to your subconscious and understand different parts of your life that need to be explored.

Your spirit animal will help you:
* Understand parts of your life you may want to develop.
* Guide you through times of strong emotion.
* open your heart to the idea of transformation.
* Help you choose your path in life.
* Gain new insights on your current relationships.
* Feel comforted through support and guidance.

Connecting with your spirit animal will allow you to form a powerful ally within yourself and help you feel a renewed energy for engaging in your life.

 

Discover, Connect to, and Paint Your Spirit Animal
Saturday, October 22, 2016

Spirit Raven
©Maggie Ruley 2016

10am - 4pm
with Dr Renee Lanier and Maggie Ruley as your guides through this amazing day.
Location,
Island Inspirations, 933b Fleming St, Key West FL, 33040
Workshop fee $125
As a bonus to my friends, register before October 11, 2016
For the special price of $95 #earlybirdspecial

Painting materials provided

Class size is limited to 12; your payment reserves your space! 
Sign up here

*Cancellation policy.

We’d hate it if something happened and you couldn't join us, but sometimes stuff happens so……
Cancel before October 13, full refund
Cancel between October 13-19, refund your payment minus $10
No refunds after October 19, but you may pass your seat on to someone else if we know ahead of time.

I look forward to seeing you in this or any of my classes and workshops,


The Super Secret September Special is still going on!!!!!

If you lost the link, here it is.  Take a look and see if the painting you love is still available.
Big hugs!

Maggie

P.S.  Thanks to everyone who took the quiz and let me know their art buying style.

 



Spirit Rabbit
© Maggie Ruley 2016

 

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-gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

maggie.ruleykw@yahoo.com

Find more things to love on my website: www.maggieruley.com

Connect with me on FACEBOOK