The Story of Rustic | A Painting of Onion + Garlic

$275 set in a charcoal floating frame

Ah, October in Maine—crisp air, falling leaves, and the annual arrival of my garlic bulbs from Keene Garlic. For me, it’s hardneck all the way. (No offense, softneck fans, but Maine likes a bulb that can handle a bit of winter swagger.) When those bulbs land on my doorstep, I know it’s time for one of my favorite traditions: garlic planting day with Grammie.

Grammie, my mom, has become my official farm clove-separator. She sits at the table, expertly breaking the bulbs apart with the precision of someone who’s done this a time or two. Meanwhile, I handle the "scientific" part—dipping the cloves in their fungal inoculant bath like they’re checking into a garlic spa. They deserve a little pampering before they face Maine’s hard freeze.

Then comes my favorite part: tucking them in. On a sunny fall afternoon, I dig neat little furrows in the garden and carefully nestle each clove into the soil. It’s oddly satisfying, this act of putting garlic to bed, topped with a cozy blanket of straw to keep them snug through the winter. I imagine them whispering, “See you in spring!” as I pat down their covers.

And spring never disappoints. While the rest of the garden is still debating whether winter is over, garlic is already waving its green flags of triumph through the stubborn, thawing soil. It’s like they’re saying, “We’ve been here all along—what’s taking you so long?”

But the real magic, my favorite phase, arrives in early summer. By then, the garlic stalks are towering about two feet high, and something wonderful happens: they curl. Those magical spirals, called scapes, are the garden’s way of throwing a little culinary dance.

Scape season is brief but glorious, and I make the most of it. Scape pesto is the star of the show—garlic scapes blended with parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil. This green gold finds its way onto everything: pasta, eggs, dips, sandwiches. I’d spread it on toast if I could slow down long enough to toast bread.

By the time July rolls around, the scapes are gone, and the bulbs are ready to be unearthed, cured, and stored. Yet, garlic’s gifts keep giving all year—from roasted cloves in winter soups to a burst of fresh flavor in summer salads. Growing garlic is a lesson in patience, a love letter to the seasons, and a nod to the joy of sharing traditions, food, and maybe just a little dirt under your fingernails with the people you love.

So, here’s to garlic: the plant that keeps surprising me, year after year, with its resilience, deliciousness, and ability to curl my garden—and my heart—around its little green finger.

My Oil Painting Process

I love how the onion’s warm, papery layers with textured strokes have a bit of Renassaince glowy charm. The garlic bulb came to life molding the cloves with almost every color except white. Sweeps of muted blue in the background cradle the subjects, creating a rustic balance of light and shadow.

Where To Shop When Visiting Maine

When visiting Freeport for a weekend getaway, it might be tempting to stock up your Airbnb at Shaw's as you arrive in town. But if you're looking for a true taste of local flavor, here are my four favorite spots:

• Bow Street Market: A beloved local grocery offering a wide selection of fresh, local, and gourmet foods, perfect for stocking up with high-quality essentials.

• Royal River Natural Foods: This natural grocery focuses on organic and local products, making it an excellent spot for healthy and eco-friendly options.

• Freeport Farmer’s Market: Open seasonally, this market offers a variety of local produce, meats, and artisanal goods from local farmers and makers.

• Crystal Spring Farmer’s Market: Located just outside Freeport in Brunswick, this vibrant market features an array of fresh produce, flowers, and handcrafted items, connecting you to the community’s rich agricultural heritage. ( You will find me here on most given summer Saturday mornings.