The Forest Journal

Have you ever found yourself sitting in a field of wildflowers or at the edge of the woods where birdsong echoes and fills your soul? Or maybe you’re tending the garden where bees are buzzing as flowers bloom releasing their sweet fragrance. Maybe you’re sitting by the kitchen window watching raindrops kiss the earth as a storm rolls in.  Do you ever listen to rustling leaves of ancient trees or birdsong reveries on a dewy morning and immediately feel a sense of belonging?

  In these moments, we realize we are not separate from nature but an integral part of it, embraced by its beauty.  It's the moments like these that inspire me to paint the world as I experience it, deeply and intuitively. Wherever you are, I’m happy that you’ve stumbled upon The Forest Journal, a place where I’ll share my travels, nature finds, and experiences as well as my artwork, nature journals, painting processes, and what inspires me. 

Before we trek deeper into the forest, I’d like to share a little bit about myself for those that are new here. I’m Jes, and I paint the natural world in watercolor. I am inspired by the magic and beauty of Appalachia, and my work explores our connection to the natural world. My paintings are a collection of observations and memories of the place I call home. 

I started The Painter’s Nest in 2018 with the dream to travel throughout Appalachia to paint, experience nature, and teach others how to enjoy nature through watercolor. Appalachia is a beautiful place, and I want to share how I see it. I’ve dedicated my life to painting what makes this place so special and why we should care about it. I’ve always found comfort and solace in nature, and I hope my work is a reflection of such. I’m grateful for the hills and hollers that have and continue to shape me and inspire me to create. 

I can’t wait to share paintings, nature, and stories with you. Thanks for visiting my neck of the woods and joining me on this wild and creative journey.