Friday, December 30, 2011

New Home


This little painting has found a new home and I'm hopeful it will blend in with the surroundings and bring joy. In the coming year, I hope we will all give and receive hope and joy. It's truly a better way to live but those are just my thoughts. What do you think?

Friday, December 23, 2011

Ts The Season


We are way too close to Christmas not to post at least one painting. This is my holiday offering and hope you enjoy it. The painting was started at the Plein Air Washington paint in. It's a group of hearty artists who usually paint around the city and state and come up with some astounding work. This was painted during our Christmas get together, pot luck, party and small painting exchange. I finished "Tis The Season" an 8x10 oil onboard at home with just a little palette knife work and tried not to get in there and over work the poor little thing. Did I do it? I'll wait to hear from you. Meanwhile, I'm wishing you the happiest of holidays, safe travel and good cheer.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Where Have I Been?

I'm sure you think this is what I've been doing instead of posting my work but not true!
Yesterday, I was one of 110 clowns in the Seattle Macy's Parade. Another fun year and no, I haven't given up my painting.
My art was feeling a little stale is the only way I can describe it so I started to experiment with different brush strokes, more paint, and a slight difference in my palette. Much better now, at least I hope so. I shall start posting again and get back on track. Did anyone out there miss me? Anyone?

Sunday, October 2, 2011

American River

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop in the El Dorado National Forrest. It taught me many things, facing fears of height and walking over cable bridges. To get to our beautiful cabin you had to cross the bridge suspended 20' above this water, carrying all supplies in and out. While there, we were reminded to watch sunny spots to make sure snakes were not there sunning. We won't even talk about snakes. I did many sketches, learned to shoot a rifle and play black jack. Oh yes, we DID paint, here is evidence. I learned to love this area and have a series of the American River in progress, I will try to continue to share. Now that fall is here it's time to get serious again about painting indoors all those wonderful sketches and small paintings I've done out in plein air. What did you do over the this summer, care to share?

Friday, September 9, 2011

Old Boat


Sometimes, you just have to look at objects and wonder about their story. I love going to Fisherman's Wharf in Ballard and see the boats, some newer than other but I bet if they could talk, what a tale we would hear. Another artist and I painted in an area where the old boats live. As I stood there painting I wondered what hair raising things the old girl had been through and survived. She's earned her rest. So, what's your story? Drop me a line and let me know.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Favorite Cup


Here we are, it's the 31st, last day of August. Pretty soon we will be in the holiday mode. Have you noticed what creatures of habit we are? We have more than a dozen coffee mugs and I seem to return to the same one each day. How about you, have a favorite mug, spoon, dish?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

LaConner Road


I cannot let August slip into the sunset without posting something for goodness sakes. Can you believe another month is like, gone? I spent a lot of time painting this month, just not posting. I did quite a bit of plein air, (that's painting on site, outside) in and around this beautiful Northwest area. Also, I attended my first Midsummer Renaissance Faire. Paintings will surely come from this experience. Meanwhile, I've posted a painting done on location in LaConner, one of my favorite places to paint. Hope you enjoy it, I love roads and the mystery of where they go. Nothing like an adventure. What do you think?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Golden Light

As July comes to a quick close, I thought I had better get a few more posts into my blog. This little painting started as a sketch on Fir Island where a few old barns remain. There is still farm land and the area is ideal for landscape painters. When you are out painting, you loose track of time and wether or not it's too hot or cold. Hopefully the enjoyment of the time is conveyed in the painting. What do you think?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Blue Glass

This painting was done with a palette knife and I originally posted it in April of this year. After many positive comments on this work I decided this was the one I'd start my auction with. I said earlier blue was a favorite color and I love the roses. Our yard is full of flowers and I can't tell you the number of glass jars and vases I have. Could this become a series? I hope so! And by the way, wish me luck on this auction adventure. Why, thank you!


Friday, July 8, 2011

Tools of the trade


Sometimes, I think people are more curious about what you are painting with, the tools, rather than the process of what you are doing. We are a world of gadgets and it's safe to say the more the better. Children, I find are drawn to the wonderful colors. Adults, the equipment, what size brushes are you using, where did you get that container, etc. I thought I would share a little of both. My pochade box and some of the wonderful colors. Hope you enjoy.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Hidden Away Gem

Hidden Away Gem is the first painting that has gotten two very nice comments in the same day. I feel progress is being made. Sometimes you just have to let go and explore. I learned that from Jennifer Marine, whom I took a Webinar with a few days ago. She was speaking of being inquisitive and not afraid to push buttons to see what happens. Lord knows I've done that enough in real time however, she was talking about building our blogs and working on facebook. So, this also applies to life and art. Let go, let that paint fly and enjoy. Watch out, cause I'm still going after your button.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

When The Chef's Not Home

Sometimes, the chef is out and I'm left to fend for myself. Well, variety is the spice of life and I go for it. This is a small painting, 7x5 and what fun I'm having using these small formats. As a member of Daily Painters Showcase and most recently, joined Daily Painterworks, working small is needed, especially with "daily" being the key word. Painting more does make your work get better.
I just finished a Webinar, Build-A-Blog for Daily Painters taught by Jennifer Newcomb Marine. What a delightful three packed hours of information. Learned more about navigating my blog and face book than I thought possible. What's this have to do with my painting you ask? Look for updates, fresher more current look and paintings for auction. I'll be up and running soon.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

First Things First

For many of us, it's that first cup of coffee that starts our day. A few sips and all is right with the world. How do you start your morning? Add a little note in here and let me know.

Monday, June 6, 2011

House By The Lake

Warm weather is finally here. Makes you want to really to dust off those goals you set at the first of the year and get started. One of my goals was to do more painting and see how much I can improve. Follows the path of life, see how much better we can live how lives. Both are worthy in my mind. What's your take on this?

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Hey, it's me!

I was one of the many clowns in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade here in Seattle last November. Yep, that was me waving and tossing candy. It was really weird doing this portrait but fun. Children love hugging clowns and adults gave high fives. What was surprise, was to learn the number of adults are uncomfortable with, or down right afraid of clowns. Who knew? That's todays trivia. What are your thoughts?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Half Dozen

I know you're suppose to use odd numbers of things but sometimes you just feel like breaking the rules. Each pot at three tulips in them so I decided to paint them that way. I sorta like the way the knife work takes you away from counting and makes you look at the texture. Hope it works. What do you think?

Monday, May 16, 2011

April Creekbed

I think we all experienced enough rain in April. The creeks in our area, Lake Forest Park, sure had an abundance of water. It did create some havoc but made for interesting paintings. I really enjoy working with these small panels, (5x7's) and my guerrilla oil painting pochade box. Do you like it?

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Pear Portrait

This one is hot off the grill, eh, excuse me, I mean easel. I haven't been happy the last few days with my painting output so thought I would do this little painting for the daily painters challenge. Simple setup, straight forward painting and really, sometimes a little work turns out better. Love these small 5x7 sizes. I read recently a hundred small paintings outdoors will really improve your work. I plan on putting it to a test. Actually, any amount of painting will improve your work. The sun is still out, a rarity in Seattle these days, so here I go. If you see me wave!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Sense of adventure

Don't you love a sense of adventure? It's sorta like life, never know what's around the corner. Humm, that's pretty deep, what do you think?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Rose and Postcards

My goal is to post more often and improve the photo quality of the paintings shown. If anyone has an idea how to do that would you let me know? Thanks. If you've attended many workshops or just a few you'll often hear the instructor tell you it's all about brush mileage. For you non painters, it means painting more, applying yourself and you know what? Those guys are really on to something. The more I paint the more I become aware of lights and darks in a work and the importance of color. OK, I'm off to work. More later.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tea With Lime Wedge

Usually, you have tea with lemon. Why not made a little change and try a lime. Tea and life are sort of alike, sometimes you just need to get out of a rut and try something different. Since painting this little 6x6, I've added a glaze and changed the background a little. I'll post this again and see if you like it better. See? Change is, good. What do you think?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Blue Glass

Blue is one of my favorite colors. I enjoyed painting both the flower, which was a challenge and the blue glass. I'm seriously thinking of a series of glass and flowers, lord knows I have an enough of both. Our yard is full of beautiful flowers thanks to my husband Roy so I have no excuse. Do you have a favorite flower and if so, what is it? Let me know.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sitting Amid Chaos

This little 6x6 Oil was done for The Daily Painters Challenge. The challenge was to complete a painting of a white object on a colorful background that reflects color into it. Sitting amid chaos reminds me of our world right now. So much chaos going on and it reflects on us all, just without the pretty colors. What do you think?

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Simple Pleasures

I've posted this painting on Daily Paintworks to be auctioned along with many other artists for the Japanese relief fund. The sale of these paintings are being donated to a charity of choice. I choose the International Medical Corps. Please visit The Daily Paintworks Challenge and find a piece of art that will just fit into your home. It will serve a good cause. One, for the buyer and second a very good deed. One person can make a difference, two or more, well, as artists and in our own way we hope to make a small impact. Are you thinking about it?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Morning Rays

Again, the painting has more depth than it shows here. Morning rays is a painting that just seemed to come together while I was having my coffee. Start of the day. So, here I must add thanks to the wonderful Irit for inviting me to join Daily Painters Showcase and kicking my butt verbally, getting me to paint and post. Not an easy task. Also a thanks for the warm welcome I've received from other artists in the group. Starting the day with a cup of java and good things to share through painting... Doesn't get much better. What do you think?

Friday, March 11, 2011

Our Onions


Ever forget you've already brought onions home from the store and then buy a few more? Some would think in terms of soup or stock, not me! Hey, I'll just make a painting. When you're painting, it's a good day. What are your thoughts?

Monday, March 7, 2011

Natural Highlights 2


Every have a painting you like but knew something was amiss? This one is making it's second appearance because of this, the mountains were too bright, commanding lots of attention. Humm, why didn't I see this the first time? I think this is called learning from your mistakes. I'm off to look at a few other paintings and see if all is well. What's your take on this one? I'm waiting to hear...

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Ready for Soup


I'm doing a series of 6x6 oil paintings. Most are being entered in the Daily Painters Challenge organized by Carol Marine. She is a wonderful artist and I really admire her work. Working small will make me paint more often which helps become a better painter. Should also make me blog more often. Time does get away...any one else have that problem? OK, tell me about it. By the way, this challenge was using a different color with each brushstroke, sure makes you think about your values.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Winter Rose


The photo's of these paintings are not coming out as clear as they look on the computer, humm
think it's the person using the camera? Well, hopefully you can get an idea of what I'm trying to do. I love working with a brush and palette knife. This is another painting done for DPW. For those not familiar it's Daily Paintworks.com/Challenges. I shall try to enter each new challenge. Hang in there with me and let me know what you think of this work. Until next time...Ciao.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Dignity In Blue


I've stepped up and tried something new. Daily Paint Works has a challenge using a photo or description of a subject and you give it your interpretation. The first challenge is a blue Imperial. Just the back end of the car. I't's my first painting of a car, maybe I'm on to something. The color is stronger on the original work so I really have to work on better photo's. What do you think eh?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Starting anew


We're a month into the new year and I'm just catching up to my blog. Life has been busy but I kept up with my art. Think I have a better grasp on photographing paintings for the web and also working on stronger paintings. Time will tell. This is really cheating but I'm starting out the year with a picture of me! It's OK, I'm painting.