Huntly, Virginia (540) 675-1117
Art Vest Studio

Paintings from the Blue Ridge Foothills

What the studio offers

Four ways to work with us, each one carried out personally and without hurry.

01

Original works

The heart of the studio is its inventory of original paintings: landscapes of the Blue Ridge foothills and still life pieces in oil, made here on Harley Lane and never duplicated. The collection changes with the seasons as new work is finished and older pieces find their homes. Visitors are welcome to view available paintings by appointment, Wednesday through Saturday, with no expectation of purchase. If a particular subject or size is on your mind, mention it when you call; there is often a work in progress that fits.

02

Commissions

Commissioned pieces follow a simple, personal process. It begins with a conversation, by phone or over coffee at the studio, about the subject, the setting, and the feeling you want the finished work to hold. Grady then prepares sketches for your review, refining direction before a single color is mixed. The painting itself proceeds in stages, and clients are invited to see it as it develops. Delivery and hanging are arranged once the work is complete and dry. Most commissions are landscapes, houses, or family places, and timelines depend on the scope of the piece.

03

Workshops

Several times each season the studio hosts small-group painting workshops, kept intentionally small so every participant receives direct guidance. Sessions focus on fundamentals such as mixing color from observation, composing a landscape, and working patiently in oils. Beginners are genuinely welcome; the atmosphere is closer to a shared working day than a classroom. Materials guidance is provided, and sessions are scheduled around the studio's regular hours. If you would like to join a future group, reach out and we will let you know when the next one is planned.

04

Framing guidance

A painting deserves to be presented well, and the right frame changes how a piece lives in a room. The studio offers framing guidance for works purchased here and for pieces you already own: choosing between float frames and traditional profiles, selecting mats and finishes that serve the image rather than compete with it, and practical advice on hanging, lighting, and care. We work with trusted local framers across Warren County and Front Royal and are glad to make introductions.

Every offering begins the same way, with a conversation. Whether you are drawn to a finished painting, curious about a commission, or hoping to spend a day learning to paint, we would be glad to hear from you.

Contact us