2021

Recent Commissions & I'm on a Podcast!

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Along with finishing up and moving into my studio, I’ve been working on a lot of commissions for people and it has been really fun because there has been a pretty big variety in terms of subjects.

This is Dahli, a Lhasa Apso being a very good sport about her “Tibetan” costume. It was fun getting creative with the background and adding in the traditional style Tibetan clouds.

These two lush green paintings were a double commission-a childhood home in the Midwest and their screened in “summer house” which apparently is how you stay cool, but avoid the bugs in the Midwest. Squirrels in the yard were specifically requested and added a sense of whimsy.

This summer house looked so lush and inviting compared to our tan and dried out landscape this late summer and fall. I’m hoping we’ll get lots of snow this winter so next year’s fire season is better.

This was a very fun commission to do-the historic Comstock Park Pool. This was a wedding gift to a couple who met life guarding here during high school. I got to see a video of the bride as she unveiled the painting and there was little scream and definitely some strong emotion which is always a delight to me as an artist. I want my work to move people so it is so satisfying when I manage to achieve that goal. I hope it reminds them of their early love all the many years that they are married.

This is the third painting I have done for this patron and I have one more to go. We’re doing a full four seasons series of house portraits. I’ve done spring, summer, and winter, but because we got snow so early last year, we had to skip fall so that’s up next. It is always interesting to hear what she wants to emphasize or change in each season. It makes each house portrait unique in addition to the change in weather!

These final two paintings are illustrations that accompany poems from local artists in Spokane Coeur D’Alene Living Magazine. The poems are always a surprise and new to me so a good challenge and a way for me to stretch my creative muscles. See the column in full and read the poem (and the magazine) online here.

This was the poem for October which I thought seemed pretty fitting since it has a bit of a magical/witchy vibe.

Melissa and Erin of Trending Spokane and I in the recording booth at Fellow Coworking!

I had a great time talking with Melissa and Erin of Trending Spokane last week. I was honored when they asked me to come on to talk about my art and love of Spokane. The podcast is out now and you can listen to it wherever podcasts are found. If you have apple products here’s a link. And you can find it on Spotify here.

Eventually they will have the video option up on their Youtube channel so you can see the paintings I’m talking about (and my silly facial expressions!) if you want.

Little Spokane River Artist Studio Tour

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Hello everyone!

I just returned from a solo painting trip on the Oregon coast to discover that fall has arrived in force here in the Inland NW. I spent last night frantically harvest tomatoes and peppers, trying to save them from the frost alert. Most things I didn’t manage to cover last night are a little crispy but we might be able to hobble along a little longer (fingers crossed! I have so many green tomatoes!). I canned what I hope will be the last of the pickles this morning and I’m gearing up to do jalapeno jelly tomorrow. If you have recipes you love for green peppers (or veggies in general!) please send them my way! I need all the help I can get!

I checked my calendar and realized to my great surprise that the Little Spokane River Artist Studio Tour is coming up! I’ll be at my friend Collista’s house, which is a new location and a bit further north than the others but well worth the effort (Her yard is beautiful!). Come see if I remembered how to set up my booth! I’d love to see you all. Masks please and no pets.

Wishing you all a happy fall!

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Painting at La Push

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A couple weeks back I went on my annual summer camping trip with my friend Danielle. Last year we went to Mt. Rainier. This year we headed to the coast to the La Push area, which was beautiful. We laughed because she would put on a swimsuit and go swim in the ocean and I would sit on the beach in my long pants and long sleeve shirt, jacket, and big hat because I’ve acclimated to living in 90 degree temperatures. not the low 70’s and high 60’s that we experienced. I told her, “These are night time temperatures where I live!” It was so refreshing and a wonderful break from the heat over here in Eastern Washington.

First Beach was closest to our campsite so we visited it often, including watching the sun set behind these rocks one evening in an absolutely incredible gradient of color.

First Beach was closest to our campsite so we visited it often, including watching the sun set behind these rocks one evening in an absolutely incredible gradient of color.

This is First Beach facing the other way. We frequently saw surfers, especially later in the day. They wore wet suits, sometimes even with hoods over the head to help them stand the cold of the ocean.

This is First Beach facing the other way. We frequently saw surfers, especially later in the day. They wore wet suits, sometimes even with hoods over the head to help them stand the cold of the ocean.

All of the beaches had these incredible ancient trees washed up on their high tide lines. Some still had the webbing of their root balls still intact, creating fascinating shapes. People and perhaps waves put stones in their crevices and “shelves”.

All of the beaches had these incredible ancient trees washed up on their high tide lines. Some still had the webbing of their root balls still intact, creating fascinating shapes. People and perhaps waves put stones in their crevices and “shelves”.

The Washington Coast almost always has a breeze and that makes it great for kite flying. I love kites. They are magical and almost alive in a way. I especially love kites that are unusual shapes (koi, birds, fish, airplanes).

The Washington Coast almost always has a breeze and that makes it great for kite flying. I love kites. They are magical and almost alive in a way. I especially love kites that are unusual shapes (koi, birds, fish, airplanes).

We hiked the 1.5 trail down to Third Beach which had the atmosphere of a secluded cove, except for the fact that it was FULL of people camping in tents on the sands, nestled in among the driftwood logs. The tide must not come up all that high this time of year. I would definitely want a tide chart if I camped down there. It would not be fun to wake up to find the ocean coming to visit me in my tent in the middle of the night.

We hiked the 1.5 trail down to Third Beach which had the atmosphere of a secluded cove, except for the fact that it was FULL of people camping in tents on the sands, nestled in among the driftwood logs. The tide must not come up all that high this time of year. I would definitely want a tide chart if I camped down there. It would not be fun to wake up to find the ocean coming to visit me in my tent in the middle of the night.

We walked down Rialto Beach to "Hole-In-The-Wall” a literal hole, now an arch, in one of the rock outcroppings . The tide was in enough that we couldn’t walk into it so I painted this instead. It was early in the morning when the air was still full of mist with the sun just starting to break through.

We walked down Rialto Beach to "Hole-In-The-Wall” a literal hole, now an arch, in one of the rock outcroppings . The tide was in enough that we couldn’t walk into it so I painted this instead. It was early in the morning when the air was still full of mist with the sun just starting to break through.

This is the “Tree of Life” at Kalaloch Beach. It stands on the high wall that abuts the beach and the soil is eroding out from under it. It won’t be able to hold itself up for much longer. While I painted, people walked by and took selfies with the tree. Some people jumped up and hung from the roots, which made me groan in sympathy for the tree.

This is the “Tree of Life” at Kalaloch Beach. It stands on the high wall that abuts the beach and the soil is eroding out from under it. It won’t be able to hold itself up for much longer. While I painted, people walked by and took selfies with the tree. Some people jumped up and hung from the roots, which made me groan in sympathy for the tree.

We spent an entire day at Ruby Beach and I painted constantly. There was so much to see!

We spent an entire day at Ruby Beach and I painted constantly. There was so much to see!

A lighthouse in the distance.

A lighthouse in the distance.

There were many rock outcroppings and there was some drama when a teenage boy climbed to the top of one and got stuck and couldn’t get down again. Luckily a passerby who had rock climbing experience was walking by and he went up the rock and talked the kid down. It was his 18th birthday! Happy Birthday to him! (And his poor mother who was watching with her hand over her mouth the whole time.)

There were many rock outcroppings and there was some drama when a teenage boy climbed to the top of one and got stuck and couldn’t get down again. Luckily a passerby who had rock climbing experience was walking by and he went up the rock and talked the kid down. It was his 18th birthday! Happy Birthday to him! (And his poor mother who was watching with her hand over her mouth the whole time.)

The beaches were very popular and we saw out of state license plates in the parking lot, which startled both of us because we sort of think of this area as a “Washington Place” not something that people outside of the PNW know about but there were license plates from the Midwest and East Coast as well. What a long drive! I’d like to come back to the coast during a shoulder season (fall or spring) and paint because I bet the atmosphere and weather that happen during those more turbulent times would be so dramatic! I would need to pack my all weather gear though and there would be no camping for sure. I’d have to find a cabin or Airbnb. Still-a fun idea!Have you gone anywhere fun this summer? Do you have any places you think I should explore to paint in the PNW region?

The beaches were very popular and we saw out of state license plates in the parking lot, which startled both of us because we sort of think of this area as a “Washington Place” not something that people outside of the PNW know about but there were license plates from the Midwest and East Coast as well. What a long drive!

I’d like to come back to the coast during a shoulder season (fall or spring) and paint because I bet the atmosphere and weather that happen during those more turbulent times would be so dramatic! I would need to pack my all weather gear though and there would be no camping for sure. I’d have to find a cabin or Airbnb. Still-a fun idea!

Have you gone anywhere fun this summer? Do you have any places you think I should explore to paint in the PNW region?

Wonder Building Pop Up

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Good news guys! I’ve been asking to join a small group of artists, bakers, and local creators for the Saturday Wonder Building Pop Up Market this Saturday, April 10th, 12-3. There will be beignets and High Tide Lobster Rolls and my art. Check out @luckyladybread on Instagram and the Wonder Building Facebook as we get closer to learn more about who is going to be there. I’m excited to get out and show art again and a little apprehensive about how long I’m going to last before I snap and buy a bunch of carbs!

Wonder Building:


835 N. Post Street

Spokane, WA

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Take A Class With Me!

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Northwest Museum of Art and Culture

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Sketch Your Story Date(s):3/25 Time: 5:30p - 8:00p Ages Allowed: 16 - 99

Sketch Your Story

Instructor: Megan Perkins

Thursday, March 25, 2020, 5:30 - 8 pm

Limit: 15

Location: Offered most likely off campus as a live Zoom webinar, or in person at the museum if COVID - 19 restrictions are lifted.*Once you register through the Zoom link that will be provided to you via email upon your registration, Zoom will inform you how to join the program.

Cost: $20, members, $22.50, non-members. *There could well be a small amount of additional costs for art related class supplies if you do not have them available. A complete list of supplies you will need to participate will be provided to you via email at least a week before the class date.

Class Description: This program draws inspiration from two of the museum’s current WWII exhibits that focus on the men, women and children who experienced the Second World War firsthand. Led by Spokane artist Megan Perkins, you’ll begin by learning about sketching techniques and generate ideas for your own sketch of a special place, object, building, family member or heirloom that represents the WWII period for you. You’ll share your sketch and the story behind it in a follow-up virtual session - or in person at the museum if possible - on an agreed to date if you choose to participate.

Sign up HERE

Corbin Art Center

Drawing on Gratitude 4 weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins

We are surrounded by wondrous beauty in our everyday lives, but are frequently too busy to fully appreciate what we have. Use drawing and sketching to meditate on the things, places, moments, and people that you are grateful for. Beginners welcome! Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $65 6771 Tues. 4/20-5/11 5-7pm

Intro to Watercolor Painting & Beyond 4 Weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins

Come and learn the basics of watercolor, mixing colors, choosing the right paper, brushes to use, and how to transform a value sketch into a watercolor painting. If you have already taken a watercolor class before, the instructor will help you go on with what you want to accomplish. Please feel free to bring your own photos to paint from. Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $65 6775 Thu. 4/8-4/29 5-7pm

Spokane Art School

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Intermediate Watercolor Online with Megan Perkins

For high school and adult students

$80

Wednesdays, 5 – 7

May 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2021


Taken one of my classes or dabbled in watercolor before? This class will help you build on previously learned skills such as color mixing, making a wash, working wet in wet to help you capture subjects in an expressive, personal way.

Intermediate Watercolor with Megan Perkins

*Pre-registration is required for Art School classes; classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be registered ONLY on receipt of payment. Enrollment requirements: 3 students minimum, 12 students maximum (in most cases). Classes with low enrollment are cancelled 48 hours before the class is scheduled to begin.

Refunds and Cancellation Policies: If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be issued. Otherwise, no refunds will be issued.

Daily Sketchbook Online with Megan Perkins

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For high school to adult students

$80

Tuesday, 5 – 7

May 18, 25 and June 1 & 8, 2021

 Want to have more creativity in your life? Learn tips and tricks for incorporating a daily sketchbook habit into your life. We’ll learn to compose on the page; draw from everyday objects and then paint in watercolors.

Megan Perkins Daily Sketchbook Supply List

*Pre-registration is required for Art School classes; classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be registered ONLY on receipt of payment. Enrollment requirements: 3 students minimum, 12 students maximum (in most cases). Classes with low enrollment are cancelled 48 hours before the class is scheduled to begin.

Refunds and Cancellation Policies: If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be issued. Otherwise, no refunds will be issued.

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