Coming Back to lisagloria.com and a Few Thoughts on Apples

Coming Back to lisagloria.com and a Few Thoughts on Apples

Hello friends,

I’m so happy to finally say: lisagloria.com is back where it belongs.

This was my original website years ago. When the domain lapsed, it got snatched up by speculators and held for ransom. I refused to play that game, so I waited. And waited. Now it’s mine again, and it feels like coming home.

While I was without the site, I had an unexpected gift — a long, quiet stretch of reflection. A lot of that time was spent looking at this painting: Apple Bough 2, 12 × 9 inches, oil on panel.

I truly believed this was the best thing I had ever painted. The apples are juicy and luminous, the leaves have that crisp spring energy, and the technical execution felt solid. When I shared it, people were kind — they appreciated it, they said nice things. But no one fainted. No one seemed moved in the way I had hoped.

That quiet gap between what I felt while painting it and how it landed with viewers taught me something important.

I realized I had been creating paintings that were technically competent but emotionally… incomplete. They were well-executed, but they didn’t leave enough room for the viewer. I was filling every corner with finish and control, leaving very little space for imagination, longing, or that little spark of life that makes a painting breathe. Something was missing: the verve, the brushy joy, the sense that the painting is still alive and inviting the viewer to finish the thought with me.

I’m still a classical realist at heart — I love precision, light, and beauty — but I now understand that technical skill alone isn’t enough. The best work also needs heart, looseness in the right places, and room for the viewer to bring their own feelings and memories.

This little apple bough became my quiet teacher. It showed me where I had been playing it too safe and helped me find a clearer vision than I’ve ever had before. I feel lighter, more focused, and genuinely excited about the work ahead.

So here we are — new website, fresh perspective, and the same love for painting things that feel alive and beautiful. I’ll be sharing new pieces, process thoughts, and occasional longer reflections right here in Studio Notes. I’m also slowly adding my available work to the shop and planning a few new video lessons.If you’ve followed along for any length of time, thank you for your patience and support. I’m really glad to be back.

Warmly,
Lisa