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In the Top 50 Contemporary Art Blogs for 2026

Purple Haze Horse © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 Purple Haze Oil on Canvas  SOLD   by Laurie Pace   The wind, the work in the studio, the quiet pull to return to the canvas — and even the unexpected recognition that reminds you others are seeing it too. This week has been one of those moments.  As I’ve been working through a series of paintings created from gathered paint — pieces once set aside, now brought forward — I was honored to learn that my blog, Texas Contemporary Fine Artist Laurie Pace , has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Contemporary Art Blogs for 2026. It feels especially meaningful now, as I return to sharing not just the finished work, but the process, the thoughts, and the stories behind each piece. What began with wind — both outside and within — has moved through these paintings in very different ways. Each one carries its own voice, its own rhythm, its own energy… yet all are co...
Recent posts
Rising to the Challenge © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 Rising  SOLD   by Laurie Pace   Layers and Layers This painting came from layered paint gathered on my palette — nothing wasted, everything blended into something new. Built with thick palette knife strokes, the ridges and texture create a dimensional surface where the horse begins to emerge through movement rather than outline. Gold was added to bring light and break the pattern, while greens, earth tones, and touches of turquoise and blue create shifting color throughout the form. There is a rhythm to the piece — almost musical — with repeated pulls and curves that guide the eye across the canvas. It reminds me that life moves the same way. Twists, turns, and unexpected changes all become part of what rises next. This piece found its voice quickly — and just as quickly, found its home. Visit my Studio blog on my website where the story ties it all tog...

Nothing Wasted in My Studio!

Nothing Wasted © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 The Colors we Carry Oil on Canvas  SOLD   by Laurie Pace   Woven Through the Wind The wind has been relentless in North Texas — carrying everything with it, just like memory and time. In the studio, I’ve been working the same way… blending leftover paint into new pieces. Nothing wasted. Everything becoming something  There is something grounding in that process — in taking what was once set aside and giving it new life. The knife moves differently when the paint already holds a history. It resists in places, blends unexpectedly in others, and those moments often lead to something I could not have planned. It reminds me to trust the process again… to let go of control just enough to allow the painting to become what it wants to be. the heart.  Sharing new works from this process — “Wind,” “Rising,” and “Purple Haze.” More on the blog.     Elle   Scrapping...

Wind, Freeze and a Quiet Morning in the Studio

Wind, Freeze, and a Quiet Morning in the Studio © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 Rewinding Time Oil on Canvas  SOLD   by Laurie Pace   North Texas surprised us with strong winds and an unexpected freeze this week. After spending time protecting roses, hydrangeas, and spring flowers from the cold, the studio is finally quiet again this morning. This week we are framing several small paintings and preparing larger works to ship to my new gallery in Santa Fe. I’m also beginning a new painting on birch panel inspired by our blooming iris. You can read more about life in the studio, the story behind the work, and what’s coming next on my artist blog.      Elle   • self-interest vs selflessness  •  New Year Christian reflection   •  f aith and relationships  •  humility in relationships   •     God’s calling to serve Shop other Available Artwork.  Follo...

Revisiting the Old and ushering in the NEW

Revisiting Old Paintings © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 Studio Life                   Rethinking My Studio Space Recently I began reviewing thousands of past paintings from my studio archives and rediscovered a favorite piece called Old Red, a horse painting created years ago in my lake studio overlooking the water. The process reminded me how many paintings have never been shared publicly. At the same time, I am feeling a shift in my current studio space and considering changes that might bring new energy to my work. Over the coming weeks I will be sharing both new paintings and previously unseen works from earlier years. You can read the full studio story and see the painting here .      Blessing for the weekend! Elle   • self-interest vs selflessness  •  New Year Christian reflection   •  f aith and relationships  •  humility in re...

When Paint Speaks

A Morning with My Palette Knife © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 A New Day Oil on Canvas for Fund Raiser  by Laurie Pace   When the Paint Speaks: A Morning with My Palette Knife A new painting emerged yesterday from my studio, inspired by the energy of palette knife techniques. Using eight vibrant colors, including blues, purples, and a touch of golden yellow, I let the paint guide me. The horse appeared naturally through the push and pull of my knife, creating a lively, representational abstract work. This 16 x 16-inch piece combines fluid composition, bold color contrasts, and intuitive design. I love how palette knife painting allows spontaneity and freedom, giving each piece a unique rhythm. This painting was created for a fund raiser for college scholarships. See this painting and more on my On My Easel  page, where every work reflects movement, color, and the joy of painting.   Elle • palette knife hors...

Quiet in the Studio

Quiet in the Studio © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 Upstairs Studio    Several large paintings are gathered in my studio this week, waiting for frames before they head to a gallery in Santa Fe. Seeing them together reminds me how much of an artwork’s life happens quietly before it ever leaves the studio. Psalm 37:5 " “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”  This morning I’m taking a moment to slow down and simply sit with the work. Painting requires a certain stillness — a pause where ideas settle and the next direction begins to reveal itself and preparing paintings for their new homes via a gallery takes prayer.  Soon these pieces will be on their way out into the world, but today the studio is quiet, the paint is ready, and new ideas are beginning to stir.  ->->  Read the entire story from my studio here on my website ,    Blessings to you, Elle quiet moments -...

Every Painting Begins with Instinct

It's all about First Instincts on the Canvas © Laurie Pace        Graphics One Design 2026 First Impression Oil on Canvas   by Laurie Pace   It's more about taking Chances Every painting begins with instinct. Are you ready to take the chance? See the original blog with the first painting evolving into this one on my studio blog. The Link is below.  This small piece, First Impression , started with loose palette knife movement and two emerging horses. But as the paint developed, the composition shifted into something stronger — a single horse with more presence and determination. Painting often mirrors life. What we see at first glance rarely tells the whole story. Whether meeting someone new or stepping into a new experience, understanding grows only when we give it time and space. That discovery is part of what makes painting so exciting. Read the full studio story and see the painting here.   Have a beautiful T...