As an Indianapolis watercolor artist, my goal has always been to capture not only what a place looks like, but what it feels like. Through watercolor, I explored the warmth, atmosphere, and nostalgic energy that arrives with the first light of day. My collection - Awaken Your City - was exhibited at the Harrison Center in downtown Indianapolis, and was my way of expressing the beauty that I see here in the city.
This collection of artwork was also highly inspired by my faith in God. There is a song called God of Revival, and a line in the song that says "come awaken your people, come awaken the city". Although the city can be beautiful, it is also filled with darkness and broken people. I chose to paint the morning light around the city as a symbol of the first light breaking into darkness, much like God is the light that pursues us and heals our brokenness.
Finding Beauty in the Morning Light
Morning light has a unique ability to soften architecture, create glowing reflections, and highlight details that often go unnoticed during the busy hours of the day, and watercolor proved to be the perfect medium for expressing these moments. Its transparency and fluidity allowed each painting to capture the changing light, subtle shadows, and vibrant colors that define an Indianapolis sunrise.
Rather than perfectly documenting the city, I wanted each painting to display its atmosphere and encourage people to pause and appreciate the beauty surrounding them every day.
Painting the iconic spots in Indianapolis
The collection featured many of Indianapolis' most recognizable locations, interpreted through the lens of warm morning light.
Among the featured scenes were:
- The Indianapolis skyline viewed from across the White River
- Monument Circle bathed in the first light of the day
- The beautiful grounds and gardens of Newfields
- Historic architecture throughout downtown Indianapolis
- Walker Theater
- Bridges across the canal
These locations are familiar to residents and visitors alike, but my goal was to present them in a way that felt intimate and newly discovered.
Capturing the Hidden Corners of the City
While iconic landmarks formed part of the exhibition, Awaken Your City also focused on neighborhoods and streets that often receive less attention.
Paintings featured quiet scenes from Woodruff Place, lived-in pockets of Fountain Square, and other overlooked corners of Indianapolis that possess their own unique character and history.
These paintings reflected the belief that every neighborhood contributes to the city's identity. Sometimes the most memorable scenes are found away from the well-known destinations, tucked beneath mature trees or illuminated by the gentle glow of sunrise.
Watercolor as a Storytelling Medium
Each watercolor painting in the collection embraced loose brushwork and expressive light rather than photographic realism. The goal was to create artwork that felt both familiar and emotional.
Watercolor allows light to become an active part of the painting itself. Layers of transparent color build atmosphere while preserving the brilliance of the paper beneath, making it an ideal medium for portraying the golden warmth of early morning across Indianapolis.
Exhibiting at the Harrison Center
Hosting Awaken Your City at the Harrison Center was especially meaningful. The gallery has long been a place that celebrates local artists and strengthens Indianapolis' creative community. I often attend their First Friday events and walk around in awe of the talent. So to be on the other side as an exhibiting artist, well that is forever a core memory.
Sharing this collection there created an opportunity to connect with viewers who recognized these locations from their own lives. Many visitors shared stories of morning walks, neighborhood memories, and favorite places that had become part of their own experience of Indianapolis.
That sense of connection was one of the most rewarding aspects of the exhibition.
An Invitation to See Indianapolis Differently
As an artist, I hope these watercolor paintings continue to remind people that Indianapolis is filled with extraordinary scenes, both in its celebrated landmarks and in its hidden neighborhoods. But most of all, my biggest goal as an artist is to put on display God's love and kindness through my paintings.
As I spent early mornings painting throughout Indianapolis, I was continually reminded that every sunrise is an expression of God's faithfulness. No matter what the previous day held, each new morning is an invitation to begin again. The warm light that fills the streets, buildings, and neighborhoods serves as a reminder that God is constantly pursuing us with His love, mercy, and grace.