makenna mae studio
Welcome!
My name is Makenna Peachey
I create custom watercolor house portraits that celebrate the places people love most. Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift or a personal keepsake, my custom portraits turn your house into a work of art
gallery
Interested in commissioning a house portrait?
how my paintings come to life
MY PROCESS
1. the line work
Using one main image and multiple reference photos, I adjust the angle and refine which details to include or leave out. For example, I can remove a tree to reveal more of the home, or omit any temporary damage. I work in brown colored pencil instead of ink for soft, expressive lines, and I don't use rulers or straightedges; I prefer drawing freehand to create lines that feel lively and organic.
2. the watercolor
Once the drawing is complete, I begin bringing the house to life with watercolor. I work in rich, saturated colors and intentionally push the contrast so the details feel vivid and inviting. The painting develops through multiple layers, starting with broad washes that set the overall mood, then gradually building depth and texture.
3. final details
For the final step, I start adding all the small, satisfying details that really make the portrait come alive. This is where I focus on the little things like roof tiles, the pattern of bricks, leaves clustered in the trees, the texture of siding, and even tiny blades of grass. I also use gouache at this stage for some bright opaque highlights and deep, rich shadows that stand out against the softer watercolor underneath.