The Art of Warmer Days: What Summer Vibes Inspire—Recipes for the Kitchen and the Studio

April 25, 2025

The Season That Sparks Something New

After Easter, I’m officially on to summer! On the coast, we’re blessed to have warmer days even now, and there’s something about that shift that stirs the soul in a different way. Maybe it’s the long, golden evenings or the salty breeze that carries a sense of possibility. Or maybe it’s the simple return of color and light—after months of muted tones, everything seems to glow a little more brightly.

Here on the Island, we feel the rhythm of the season deeply. It’s in the way the waves lap a little gentler at sunrise, the way beachgoers linger just a bit longer, and the way creativity seems to breathe easier in the warmth of a summer day.

Inspired by the Island

As an artist, summer always pulls me toward the bright, happy things—shades of soft summer blues, coastal birds, florals in bloom. From watercolor to mixed media, painting summer just makes me happy. It's a season that naturally lifts the spirit and opens the door to new inspiration.

Grace in Motion - Acrylic Painting by Melissa Mitchell

It seems to have that effect on other artists as well.

“I always feel like I am able to paint faster in the summer,” one gallery artist shared. “Not rushed—but more fluid. It’s like the sun energizes me in a way I can’t explain.”

Another told me, “My best ideas come when I’m walking the beach. Something about watching the light bouncing off the water opens up the creative part of my brain.”

Let the Season Guide You

There’s a quiet clarity that comes from letting the tide set the tempo. Even if you’re not painting ocean scenes, inspiration is all around. It shows up in the textures, in the colors, and in the calm that comes from simply being present.

This season reminds us to slow down, step outside—even if just for a few moments—and reconnect with the things that bring joy. For some, that’s starting a new art project or sketching in a notebook. For others, it’s rearranging a space with intention or cooking up a simple summer recipe I find myself reaching for my grandmother’s banana pudding recipe—light, nostalgic, and perfect for warm days.

Melissa's Family Recipe for Creamy Banana Pudding

Summer Recipe for Creamy Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand® sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (3.5 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix (mix according to pudding package instructions)

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature

• 2 cups (1 pint) whipped whipping cream

• ~36 vanilla wafers

• 3 medium bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon juice

• Whipped cream (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare Pudding:

   • Mix pudding with milk according to package directions. Chill briefly if needed.

2. Cream Cheese Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.

   • Fold in the prepared pudding and half of the whipped cream until well combined.

   • Chill for 5 minutes.

3. Assemble Layers:

   • Fold in remaining whipped cream.

   • Spoon 1 cup of the pudding mixture into a 2½-quart glass serving bowl.

   • Arrange vanilla wafers and banana slices around the sides of the dish, alternating slices and cookies to form a ring.

   • Add a layer of vanilla wafers and banana slices on top.

   • Repeat layers: pudding, wafers, bananas, ending with pudding.

   • Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers and whipped cream.

     
     

4. Chill Thoroughly:

   • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

     
     

Notes

• This recipe may also be layered into individual serving dishes.

• For a delicious twist, try using a vanilla wafer pie crust for added crunch.

  
  

Optional: Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 large egg

• ¾ cup whole milk

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

2. Whisk in the egg and milk until smooth.

3. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to boil (about 5 minutes).

4. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 more minute while whisking.

5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.

6. Scrape pudding into a bowl and chill while you prepare the bananas and condensed milk mixture (no need to cover).

   
   

This dessert is always a summer favorite—light, creamy, and impossible to resist! Don’t be surprised if friends and family ask for it again and again.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to send your thoughts (and photos!) to the email below—I always enjoy seeing your creations.

If you’ve been feeling a little stuck or in need of a spark, I encourage you to take your inspiration from the season. Let the ocean remind you of flow. Let the sunshine coax you into trying something new.

Let summer be the backdrop to whatever you create next—even if it’s simply a moment of stillness.

What’s Blooming at the Gallery

At Padre Island Art Gallery, we’re already leaning into summer with planning our all-new Kids Art Camp—coming soon! So stay tuned for summer fun, fresh creativity, and ways to get inspired.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.