MAGGIE RULEY-ISLAND INSPIRATIONS
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June 25th, 2026

6/25/2026

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Summerland has officially arrived 🎉
 #beach-bbq-vacation



What’s on your summer agenda? Are you traveling? Spending time with family? Working in the garden? Heading to the beach? I'd love to hear what your summer looks like.

I just returned from a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, where I spent time with my boys and their wonderful families.

My highlights included fun family meals, celebrating a milestone birthday for my eldest granddaughter #21, a Churchill Downs horse racing experience that included an upper level suite, a visit to the paddock where I got to stand by the famous Longines clock with a racehorse owner, watching a grandson’s tennis match, silent disco dancing (yes, it’s a real thing) and so much more. 
​

To top it off, the weather was perfect, with lower temps and no humidity — a major bonus.

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Here in Key West summer arrived around early May and now it’s HOT 🥵. 
However, there are some benefits:
  • Good fishing and snorkeling 
  • No waits in the restaurants
  • Uncrowded beaches,
  • A more relaxed pace around town
  • Summer specials at many businesses 
We still see plenty of families on vacation and visitors from around Florida, but there are fewer crowds, shorter waits at restaurants, and it's when locals get to enjoy the island a little more.
I'm taking advantage of the longer days and slower pace to work shorter days that often end with a quick visit to Fort Zach Beach for a swim or beach stroll. 
The slower summer season also gives me a chance to experiment, try new ideas, and build inventory for the busy season ahead. Currently there are several new small paintings in the works and a few larger pieces planned as well.
Whether you're spending your summer close to home or traveling somewhere special, I hope it includes time for the things you enjoy most.
I'd love to hear from you—what are you doing this summer?
​

Back in my studio, it’s fun to get back painting 

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​After a wonderful family vacation, I'm happy to be back in my Key West art studio with palette knife and oil paints in hand.
​This new tropical palm tree painting is inspired by the light, color, and coastal beauty of the Florida Keys, with bold texture and expressive brushwork that capture the feeling of island life.
SUMMER SPECIAL PRICING

Swaying Fronds

$650.00 $450.00

Swaying Fronds

tropical foliage against a blue sky with zebra winged butterflies by Maggie Ruley

acrylic on canvas

palette knife painting with heavy texture

24” x 24” x 1.5”

gallery wrap canvas, no framing required


Free shipping- continental United States

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Study for Sunset Sail

$350.00 $250.00

Study for Sunset Sail

colorful oil palette knife painting with heavy texture by Maggie Ruley

oil on canvas

14” x 11” unframed


Free shipping- continental United States

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Morning in the Mangroves

$525.00 $395.00

Morning in the Mangroves


Morning in the Mangroves captures one of those peaceful island moments. Two colorful boats rest side by side in front of a wall of green mangroves beneath a bright coastal blue sky.


Details

  • Original acrylic painting
  • 20” x 16” canvas
  • Framed in a white and black floater frame
  • Framed size: 18” x 22” x 1.5” deep
  • Ready to hang


Free shipping- Continental USA

No returns, contact: [email protected] if you have concerns.


NOTE: Colors may vary slightly from original due to different monitors and devices

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Private Painting Parties in Key West: A Fun Activity for Groups, Families, and Vacationers

6/13/2026

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​Planning a Key West Vacation? Add a Private Painting Party to Your Itinerary

​Looking for Something Fun to Do in Key West?

If you're planning a trip to Key West this fall or winter, chances are you're already dreaming about sunshine, palm trees, 🌴 good food, and a little time to relax.

But if you're traveling with a group, sooner or later someone always asks:
"What are we going to do together?" 🤔
​
That's where a private painting party comes in.
Painters are holding up their paintings in front of Maggie Ruley’s studio in Key West
Send me an email to plan your painting party □ [email protected]

For the past several years, I've hosted private painting parties for bachelorette weekends, girls' getaways, family reunions, birthday celebrations, couples' groups, corporate retreats, and vacationing friends looking for something a little different.

No experience is needed.☺️

Really.

Most of the people who walk through my studio doors haven't picked up a paintbrush since elementary school.

I'll guide everyone step-by-step through a colorful Key West-inspired painting while your group laughs, chats, and creates something memorable together. It's less about making perfect art and more about sharing an experience you'll still be talking about long after the vacation ends.

Private painting parties can be held in my Old Town Key West studio or, for many groups, at your vacation rental, resort, or event space.

All supplies are included.✅
Your group simply shows up ready to have fun.

One of my favorite things about these events is watching people surprise themselves. Someone who starts the class insisting they're "not artistic" often ends up leaving with a painting they're genuinely proud of.

And unlike another souvenir T-shirt or refrigerator magnet, you'll go home with something you created yourself. 🖼️ 

If you're planning a girls' trip, family gathering, bachelorette celebration, corporate retreat, birthday party, or simply looking for a fun activity during your Key West vacation, I'd love to help make it special.

After all, the best vacation memories aren't always the things you buy.
Sometimes they're the things you create together.
​
Warmly,
Maggie Ruley
Key West Artist and Instructor 🎨

For More Information ⤵️
[email protected]
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PAINTING PARTIES

SHOP THE PAINTINGS

About the artist:

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida.

Her colorful, island-inspired acrylic paintings celebrate the charm, light, and character of Key West life.

Maggie’s work is collected worldwide and can be found in island homes near and far.

She has been featured in The Key West Citizen, New York Daily News, and other publications.
​
Visit her studio and gallery, Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations, at 933b Fleming Street in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West. www.maggieruley.com
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World Ocean Day - June 8, 2026

6/7/2026

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Celebrate and Protect

Colorful World Ocean Day promotional graphic featuring Maggie Ruley’s painting Blue Whale Whimsy, a 36

World Ocean Day

​Two whales rise through a sea of color, surrounded by starfish, sailboats, sunlight, and the playful patterns of life beneath the waves. Blue Whale Whimsy is a celebration of the beauty, wonder, and joy our oceans bring to the world.
On World Ocean Day, it's a reminder that the sea is more than a destination—it is home to countless creatures, a source of inspiration, and a treasure worth protecting for future generations.
May we continue to appreciate, respect, and care for the blue heart of our planet. 🌎💙🐋
— Maggie Ruley, Key West Artist

SHOP THE PAINTINGS

About the artist 


Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her colorful, island-inspired acrylic paintings celebrate the charm, light, and character of Key West life. Maggie’s work is collected worldwide and can be found in island homes near and far.

She has been featured in The Key West Citizen, New York Daily News, and other publications. Visit her studio and gallery,

​Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations, at 933b Fleming Street in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West. www.maggieruley.com
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Beach House Love II

$475.00

Beach House Love II


16” x 20” x .75 Acrylic Painting on standard canvas.

Image extends around edges.

Unframed.


Shipping: We offer FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the continental US. If you are located elsewhere, please email [email protected] for shipping rates. 


Your painting is hand packaged with care and shipped from Key West, Florida via UPS or USPS. 


Please allow up to 7-10 business days for shipping.


Note: please allow for a slight variation in color from the original, due to viewing on various devices.


Maggie Ruley Key West

One-of-a-kind Original Acrylic Painting

Artist retains all copyrights ©️

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Shoreline and Surf

$575.00

Shoreline and Surf


Original Key West shoreline painting with real shells, sand, and sea glass from Fort Zach Beach. Textured coastal wall art in a 16 x 20 framed canvas.


Details

  • Original acrylic and mixed media painting
  • 16” x 20” canvas
  • Framed in a white and black floater frame
  • Framed size: 18” x 22” x 1.5” deep
  • Ready to hang


Free shipping- Continental USA

No returns, contact: [email protected] if you have concerns.


NOTE: Colors may vary slightly from original due to different monitors and devices

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Serenity

$350.00

Serenity

peace sailboat painting by Maggie Ruley

acrylic palette knife painting with texture on canvas

10” x 8”

12” x 10” with frame


Free shipping- continental United States

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Paint your pet with me in August

6/2/2026

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I’ll teach you how on beautiful Cape Cod

Join me on Saturday, August 22, from 2:00–5:00 PM at Reciprocity Artisan Market in Harwich Port for a Paint Your Pet class.

Your pet will be pre-traced on a 16x20 canvas before class, making it easy and fun for beginners. You'll arrive to find your canvas ready to paint.

Just choose a good head-and-shoulders photo of your pet and email it by August 15. I'll prepare the outline before class.

All paints, brushes, and materials are included. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks and enjoy an afternoon of painting with fellow pet lovers.
​
Space is limited to 16 painters, so early registration is recommended.

Find out more 


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Sign up today, space is limited

About the artist

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. Her colorful, island-inspired acrylic paintings celebrate the charm, light, and character of Key West life.

Maggie’s work is collected worldwide and can be found in island homes near and far.

She has been featured in The Key West Citizen, New York Daily News, and other publications.

​Visit her studio and gallery, Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations, at 933b Fleming Street in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.
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Explore the paintings 

Bonnie and Clyde

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Big Love

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Blue Whale Whimsy

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Summer on the Cape

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Room to Breathe

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Juicy

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Serenity

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Crab Claws and Frites

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Aperol Spritz

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    Maggie Ruley

    Maggie Ruley is a Key West–based artist whose contemporary paintings capture the color, light, and spirit of island living. Her work is collected by visitors and island residents who want to bring that relaxed, vibrant feeling into their spaces.

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Most frequently heard in the gallery

" I love your use of color!"
Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations
933b Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, 33040

Open 10ish to 5ish most days.
Call for today’s hours.
​(305) 304-1013

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​Island Art for Happy People
copyright 2026

  • HOME
  • PAINTINGS
    • All PAINTINGS
    • SPECIAL STUDIO PRICING
    • SMALL PAINTINGS
    • HOUSE/DOG PORTRAITS >
      • Dog Portraits
  • STUDIO NOTES
  • FUN THINGS TO EXPLORE
    • CLASSES
    • PRIVATE GROUP PAINTING PARTIES
    • ART TUTORIALS
    • COLORING PAGES
    • HOME DECOR
  • BIO | CONTACT