Winter's Peacefulness

5"x7" Oil on Board

I love the quiet stillness of new snow.  It just makes for such a lovely peacefulness.

This will be my last post until after the holidays and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for visiting my blog and sharing their comments.  I appreciate all of you.  

Warmest wishes for peace and joy during this Holiday Season and the coming year.

Moonlight Shadows

12"x9" Oil on Ray Mar Art Board
SOLD

This painting was done with a pallet knife.  It is always so freeing applying paint with a pallet knife, especially when doing my favorite winter time paintings.

Skating in Bryant Park

SOLD

12"x9" Oil on linen Ray Mar Art Board

This painting was inspired by photos I took last year from our trip to NYC after Christmas.  This was my granddaughter's first experience on ice skates as well as her first trip to NYC.  Lots of memories!

Winter's Grace

5"x7"  Oil on Gessobord

Monday was 70 degrees here and today there was snow; which is really early for Virginia.  It has been crazy weather here this fall, but still a beautiful part of the country.  I am so thankful for the beauty that surrounds us offering plenty of choices of scenes to paint.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the many blessings that surround us every day.

Autumn Reflections

8"x14" Oil on Gessobord

This painting is from one of our families favorite vacation spots, a beautiful lake in Canada where we spent many fun filled summer days.  Most of the cottages and boat houses were built many years ago as small fishing cottages, but soon became family vacations spots that provided many priceless memories.

Mirror, Mirror

SOLD

8"x8"

Oil on 300lb Watercolor Paper

This is a painting of my favorite model, my granddaughter.  She has never seen a mirror that she didn't love.  This was painted from a photo taken several years ago and I am sure when she sees it she will have a comment for me.

Monhegan Memories

SOLD

6"x6" Oil on Gessobord

This was just a quick fun painting from a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine several years ago with several artist friends.  We had such much fun on that trip and the scenery in Maine is equal to none other.  Such fond memories.

Lunch on the Fly

10"x8" Oil on Canvas

I love watching the humming birds.  They are just so fast darting from flower to flower.  When the sun catches their colorful wings it is quite a sight.

The Strut

12"x9" Oil on Canvas

                                                                                SOLD

This is one of the hens I painted sometime ago, but it was so much fun I just had to paint it again.

Hay Bales

8"x8" Oil on Gessobord
SOLD

This past week some friends and I went to Explore Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway to do some plein air painting.  It was a fun day and for the first part of the day the weather was beautiful.  It is always fun to be outside in the fall weather with a fun group of friends, but always a challenge for me to focus on a small part of the beautiful scenery.  

Teamwork

11"x14" Oil on Panel

This was painted from an old black and white snapshot I found in an old photo album.  It was a challenge,  I had to make all the color choices; but knew it had to be late fall because there were no leaves on the trees and the two were wearing flannel shirts to keep them warm.  And I definitely knew it was OLD, because that is my brother and he is even older than me!

Autumn Patchwork

20"x24" Oil on Canvas

The fall greens are a challenge for me and being a larger painting than I normally do, it was a big challenge.  I have now done this farm in three different seasons, and am calling it enough, now to move onto something else.  

Lynchburg Art Festival 2014

Thanks to everyone who chanced the weather on Sunday and came out to the festival.  It turned out to be a beautiful day and the attendance was great.  I really appreciate all who came and stopped by, a very fun but exhausting day.   Hope to see everyone again next year.

Lynchburg Art Festival Moved to Sunday the 14th

Because of the forecast of rain the Lynchburg Art Festival has been moved to Sunday the 14th.  Looks like a beautiful day on Sunday, come out and enjoy the art and the nice fall weather.

Lynchburg Art Festival

It's that time of year again when I drive myself crazy getting ready for the Lynchburg Art Festival.  If you are in the area or looking for a fun day come out and checkout all the wonderful artwork.  There are artists from all over Virginia and some from neighboring states.  It is held at EC Glass High School in Lynchburg on Saturday the 13th and is open from 10AM to 4PM, rain date is Sunday.  If you come to the show, please stop by and say hello; I'll be showing artwork on the fence at location #54.  I will be posting new some artwork after the show

Let Me Have a Look

SOLD

10" x 8" 

Oil on Canvas

Once again my favorite subjects, animals.  These two reside at the Booker T. Washington National Park just a few miles from my house.  There aren't too many animals left there that have not been the subject of one of my paintings.  However, on one of my many trips past the park, I have spotted a new horse.   I guess I need to make another visit; I'm sure that horse feels left out.

First Snow

SOLD

10"x8" Oil on Canvas

I just love painting snow, the colors cast from the shadows on the snow are so varied.  I love the quiet after a snow storm when the sun is shining on the crystal flakes.  It is just magical.

Autumn Pasture

16"x20" Oil on Canvas

 I have always been fascinated by horses, they are such a beautiful animal.  A friend of mine had this photo and I couldn't resist painting it when she offered it to me.

Summer Sunshine

5"x5" Oil on Gessobord

I just can't resist the challenge to paint these giant beauties.  The child care center across the street from our studio had planted these in the front of their building.  I'm not sure how they kept the birds from eating them, but they were an awesome sight.

Island Sunset

11"x14" Oil on Canvas

There is nothing so magical as the sunsets on Monhegan Island, Maine.  The whole earth just glows with such beautiful colors.  Painting knives are becoming my friend.  The way the colors blend and the surprises that happen with the knives are so exciting, and well then there are other times that are just so frustrating I wonder why am I doing this.

On the Prowl

11"x14" Oil on Canvas

It's roosters again, their colors are so much fun to paint, and then you add their attitude and they are really fun.

Dead of Winter

11"x14" Oil on Canvas

I know, it's not winter, but if the heat bothered you like it does me, you would understand.  This painting was the most fun I have had painting in a long time.  It is done with painting knives.  I just can't wait to start another; and maybe even add to some of my other oil paintings that I am just not quite happy with.

Rooster Strut

SOLD

12"x9" Oil on Canvas

After the challenge of "Best Friends" it was time for the fun of painting a rooster.  This one is done with a pallet knife, which is always fun and relaxing.

Pretty Woman

8"x8" Oil on Gessobord

Sold

This is another hen from my trip to the Safari Park Zoo in Natural Bridge.  I just loved the fluffy feathers on her.  They have such a great variety of animals, it is truly fun place to visit.

Best Friends

24"x30"

Oil on Canvas

This is the painting I thought I would never finish and at times I thought I would just scrap it; but I think it is finally finished.  I just love horses and thought it would be fun to do three on a large canvas, at times it really was fun.  There are so many horses in this area, I had no problem finding models.

Evening at the Lake

20" x22" 

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

This is a painting I did of Smith Mountain Lake some time ago.  I have not been able to do much painting these last two weeks because I have been having a fantastic time with my 10 year old granddaughter who was visiting us.  That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it, and I am also working on a very large (well for me it is very large) painting that hopefully I will finish and be able to post sometime in my lifetime.  Now back to more painting.

Summer at Smith Mountain Lake

24"x18" Oil on Canvas

SOLD

The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia is one of the prettiest areas of our country and then add a beautiful lake in those mountains and you couldn't ask for more.  Painting water has always been something I am drawn to, but it also one of the biggest challenges for me.

Summer Geraniums

SOLD

5"x7" Oil on Gessobord

I love to see the window boxes of summer with all the colorful flowers.  I spotted these red geraniums in Bar Harbor and just had to paint them.

Whatcha Think?

SOLD

8"x8" Oil on Gessobord

Roosters are always fun to paint, their colors are gorgeous.  These two were part of the Safari Zoo at Natural Bridge.  It is so much fun to visit and take the wagon ride through the park.

Just an Iris

12"x6" Oil on Canvas

I have seen so many iris gardens this spring and they are so beautiful.  I now have a new respect for anyone who can paint them.  For me this was the challenge of the year! and...not soon to be repeated.

Under Cover

8"x10" Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Once again, a cat!!  They are just so much fun to paint.  This one was never very congenial when disturbed, can you tell by that "Happy" look?  As typical of most family cats, life was all about her.

Lots of Pots

11"x14" Watercolor

This is a watercolor painting I did with one of the plein air painting groups that I occasionally paint with.  We were at a beautiful nursery with all the lovely spring blooms.  But not being a flower painter, the pots got my attention.

Monhegan Windows

12"x20" Watercolor

This is one of my few watercolor paintings done from a wonderful trip to Monhegan Island, Maine with a group of artist friends.  The people of Monhegan had planted flowers everywhere and were just beautiful, these window boxes were on a garage.   

Spring Fling

10"x20" Oil on Panel

It is one year ago today that I started this blog and it was with much hesitation since I know if you don't keep a blog current the followers stop following.  Not being an organized person I knew it would force me to be a little more organized and also to paint more, and that is a good thing.  Thank you to all who have followed my blog and commented.  I always enjoy the comments.

These daffodils were so pretty blooming in my yard this year, especially after the long cold winter.  Flowers are not my favorite to paint, so it was a struggle to get these done; and I'm still not sure they are done, but I think I am!

Art Critique

SOLD

10"x10" Oil on Canvas

This little girl was the "Princess" of the Centerfest festival in Bedford last fall.  She appeared to love looking at all the art and took her time in viewing all the artwork.  She was just too cute not to photo for a future painting.

Fishy Business

10"x8" Oil on Canvas

This was a fun new technique to try.  I had seen other artists adhere newspaper to a canvas and clear gesso the newspaper.  I thought I would give it a try and to my surprise I was pleasantly surprised.

Fluffy

5"x5" Oil on Canvas

Another of my favorite subjects, and cats are high up on the list of animals.  It is fascinating to see all the colors that are in a cat's eyes. 

Sunny Daze

8"x8" Oil on Canvas

Ok, I think spring is really here in Virginia.  I sure am hoping anyway and ready to do some warm weather paintings.  Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers; but always a struggle to paint; but never give up on.

Lazy Summer Day

11"x14" Watercolor on Arches paper

This is one of the few watercolors I have done from an afternoon of plein air painting with some artist friends at the Booker T. National Park.  It is always such a fun place to visit.

Early Evening Sail

16"x20" Oil on Canvas
SOLD

More of the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smith Mountain Lake.  I have always loved the water and the peacefulness of sailboats; and...I am ready for some warm weather.

The White House in the Blue Ridge

10"x20" Oil on Wood Panel

I never tire of the scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This barn has the Peaks of Otter in the background which made it really catch my eye.  The Peaks are awesome and the contrast of the white barn with it's afternoon shadows called out to me to paint it. 

La Fox at the Bird Feeder

16"x8" Oil on Canvas
SOLD

The more I paint animals, the more fun they get.  This is another of my friends' pets "LaFox" or better know as "Foxie".   I know that fuzzy tummy was not in need of food....he gets fed all too well for that, but I'm sure he's thinking a bird would be a great desert!  

Jaz

7"x5" Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

I had so much fun painting this beautiful shepard.   This is another pet of Marie's and her husband's, Steve.  I don't think he was camera shy, with this perfect pose.

Focused

8"x8" Oil on Gessobord

Back to painting one of my favorite subjects, animals.  Thanks to my very good friend, Marie and her husband I now have some wonderful photos of their animals.  They have always been blessed with many furry friends.  This one is focused on birds outside the window; I don't think anything could break the concentration.

Summer Poppies

Summer Poppies

14"x11" Oil on Canvas

SOLD

It's time to start thinking spring, I've had enough of winter.  The snow is beautiful, but I really was looking forward to snow in December.  

This painting is an experimental piece.  It started as a watercolor on rice paper (faux batik), however when I was done I still wasn't happy with it.  I mounted it on a gallery wrap canvas, covered it with a clear gesso and then fixed the portion I wasn't happy with using oil paints.  

View From Acadia

View From Acadia 

11"x14" oil on canvas

The beautiful scenery of Maine is never ending; I just can't get enough of it when visiting.   My camera always comes home filled with photos.

The Red Boat House

14"x11" Oil on Canvas

Ok, enough of winter and the cold.  My longings for some of that pretty white fluffy snow are gone....I've had enough of the cold winter!  My memories are back in Maine, sitting on a peaceful dock, sipping some nice cold beverage, and just taking it easy painting the beautiful scenery.  And...as long as I don't look at the thermometer I can have those wonderful thoughts.  I am so drawn to red boat houses and red cottages.   I've had a photo of this one for several years now waiting for the right time to paint it.  When the temperatures went to single digits here in Virginia, I decided now was the time.

Waiting for the Big One

6"x6" Oil on Gessobord

I'm thinking maybe a beach painting will help me warm up.  This cold weather is just a little over the top.  I just love watching children at the beach.  I'm not sure if these two are waiting for just the right wave, or getting up the nerve to jump into it.

Snow Bird

12" x 9" Oil on Canvas

SOLD

I love watching the birds; the cardinals are one of my favorites and in the winter they are certainly easy to spot.  They have been the subject of many of my paintings.

No. 619

5"x5" Oil on Canvas

Each year the Homestead Dairy opens one of their farms for the public to come and see where all their dairy products start and how some are made; along with other entertainment especially for children.  This peaceful cow was just lounging near the fence watching all the interested people, and probably wondering what happened to her quiet farm life.

Spring Thaw

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Spring Thaw

10"x8" Oil on Canvas

After the temperatures we have recently had one can only dream of a spring thaw.  I'm sure it is a few months away; even though the temperatures this weekend will feel like spring.  Old barns have always intrigued me, if walls could talk.  I'm sure they could fill us in on a lot of hard work as well as fun times.  As a child I knew of the fun times, jumping in the loose hay; while my parents knew the hard work of getting in enough hay for the animals over the long cold winters.

Snowy Morning

5"x7" Oil on Gessobord

This is another paintinging of the barn near our gallery/studio.  One more season left that I have not painted this neat old barn, summer.  Painting the greens of summer are a real challenge to me.  But I guess maybe this coming summer I need to give it a try.