Welcome to my lakeside studio, where wildlife, light, and reflection come together to inspire every brushstroke. Today I want to take you behind the scenes of a deeply personal piece titled Peace Within. This duck painting was born not just from observation, but from prayer, healing, and the quiet whispers of God's presence.

Painting Ducks | Peace Within – Behind-the-Scenes Studio

My home studio sits on a peaceful peninsula surrounded by a 1,200-acre spring-fed lake in Massachusetts. Nearly every morning, I watch ducks glide across the still water, hear eagles call from above, or witness herons gently land by the reeds. Nature is never in a rush here, and neither is the creative process.

My cozy stone house is made for painting. Large windows bring in natural light, reflecting off the lake and into the studio. My cat Sheba keeps me company while I work, and the sounds of the outdoors often become the rhythm of my day. It was in this peaceful space, one morning in particular, that I felt inspired to begin the painting now titled Peace Within.

The View That Inspires the Vision

A Painting Inspired by Isaiah 40:31

The scripture says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Peace Within is a visual interpretation of this verse. The woman in the painting sits in quiet contemplation, surrounded by wildlife. She is not restless. She is not striving. She is simply present—watching the ducks move with gentle purpose across the water, embodying calm, steady trust. In that moment, she connects with the Holy Spirit. The stillness outside mirrors the stillness within.

Symbolism of the Ducks and Still Waters

In many spiritual and cultural traditions, ducks symbolize clarity, emotional balance, and adaptability. In Peace Within, they also represent spiritual trust—moving gracefully across deep waters, unshaken by the depth below.

The water reflects more than a scene; it reflects the soul. The calm lake becomes a metaphor for the mind and heart when surrendered to God's presence. The woman, though surrounded by nature, is not distracted. She is centered. She embodies the inner quiet that comes when we give our burdens to the Lord and simply wait on Him.

Layers of Abstract Realism

Peace Within is painted in a style I call "abstract realism"—a blend of natural imagery and expressive abstraction. The tones of blue, green, and soft neutrals echo the colors of morning light over the lake. Brushstrokes move gently across the canvas like ripples in water. Light plays a critical role, soft and symbolic of divine presence.

The abstract layers behind the figure suggest past emotion and spiritual depth. Her stillness is hard-won. She has journeyed through uncertainty and emerged with quiet faith. The ducks, the woman, and the water all harmonize to tell a deeper story of spiritual renewal.

Watch How This Painting Came To Be

In the video below, I invite you into my studio to watch how Peace Within came to life. you'll see how the painting evolved through my surroundings, intuition, and time in prayer... Watch a Sneak Peak Video of my Lakefront Home Studio On YouTube

View the Finished Painting

Curious to see the full piece? Read the detailed description, view close-up images, and learn how this painting can bring soulful beauty into your own space: Click here to view Peace Within

A Piece for the Heart and Home ~ Peace Within was created not just to hang on a wall, but to touch the soul. It’s ideal for lake homes, prayer rooms, cozy cabins, or any interior that craves a sense of calm, spiritual grounding. Whether you collect symbolic wildlife nature paintings, are drawn to Christian contemporary art, or simply resonate with quiet beauty, this piece is meant to speak to you.

Thank you for joining me on this behind-the-scenes journey. If you feel a connection to this work, I invite you to explore more of my paintings, sign up for my email list, or share this post with a fellow art lover. With grace,

Renee Dumont
www.reneedumontdesigns.com