When it comes to golf course art, every painting tells a story—a story of the golf course, the game, and the collector’s personal connection to the course. One of my most recent projects captures the breathtaking beauty of a home course perched on a hill, offering sweeping views of a winding river and the distant city skyline. This oil-on-canvas piece, measuring an impressive 4′ x 5′, is in every word an illustration of the serenity golf courses hold and the memories they create for their players.
The Inspiration: A Visit to the Course
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to visit this collector’s home course to gather reference materials. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by its natural beauty. The elevated terrain offered crisp, cool weather, and watching the fog roll off the hills below us during sunrises was an artist and golfer’s dream.
Over several days, we explored the course, capturing videos and photographs from all angles.
Creating the Composition
Back in my studio, I sorted through the collection of reference photos and videos, presenting the top options to the collectors. Together, we decided on a bird’s-eye view of the 18th hole, with the clubhouse nestled behind the green. This perspective also allowed the cityscape to shine in the background, providing a perfect balance of natural and urban beauty.
The Painting Process
First, I can’t begin to overstate how excited I was this golf art commission was a BIG canvas. It reminded me of “No. 13 at Royal Dornoch”, which measured in at 5′ x 6′. These big canvases make you feel like you can walk right into them and onto the golf course. Once the composition was finalized, I began by stretching the large canvas and sketching the design with charcoal. To establish the foundation, I applied a wash of transparent red oxide, outlining the key elements of the scene. From there, I used color blocking to simplify the composition and map out the visual flow.
Layer by layer, I brought the painting to life, starting with the background and gradually working toward the foreground. The soft palette of oil colors was carefully chosen to capture the moment when the sun’s light first touches the greens. The interplay of light and shadow—with tree shadows casting a delicate contrast—adds depth and dimension to the piece. The composition guides the viewer’s eye naturally, starting at the 18th green on the right, sweeping through the 9th green in the center, and finally leading to the 5th and 6th greens on the left before resting on the distant city skyline.
Delivering the Masterpiece
While most of my original pieces are shipped, a canvas of this size deserves special care. My husband, Steve, was my better half and delivered the painting to the collector’s framer. Seeing the collector’s vision come to life was an incredibly rewarding moment, and I’m grateful for clients who dream big and provide me with the opportunity to create pieces that celebrate the beauty of golf courses.
Interested in Your Own Golf Course Painting?
If you’re looking to commemorate your favorite course or create a stunning centerpiece for your home or office, I would love to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s your home course, a favorite golf destination, or a place tied to cherished memories, I’ll work with you to create a custom oil painting that captures its essence.
Email me at [email protected] to start the conversation or fill out the commission form. Check out the studio Instagram here.
Behind the Scenes
Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at this project, from the initial site visit to the final brushstrokes.
Thank you to my incredible collectors for trusting me with this project and for making space for golf art that celebrates the beauty of the game we love!
