After another unforgettable trip to the Turtle Inn, we found ourselves wandering into the old greenhouse, newly transformed into a tea room. The tea curator, Ian Flowers, happens to be cousins with our dear friend and former photographer at the inn, which made the experience feel even more personal.

Inspired by the space, we decided it would be fun to create a painting that captured the look and feel of the tea room. I worked with the woodshop at the inn to build a custom board, frame, and easel, then got to work—honestly, my favorite way to spend time at the Turtle Inn.

Hoping that Sofia Coppola might appreciate the piece and choose to keep it in the tea room, all I could do was try to create something that truly matched the inn’s aesthetic. When we returned, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would still be there. (I was told it is!).