"The Passion to Fish" 8x10 oil

"The Passion to Fish"

oil, 8x10"

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"Purple Grapes" 8x10 oil

"Marigolds in Yellow" 10x8 oil

Three Potted Marigolds 8x10 oil

I have painted quite a few Marigolds during the years. I like the rich yellow colors. Just a few specs of shadows brings their shapes into focus. Since the marigolds are not in season, I painted these somewhat  from memory. My main goal anyway is to capture the light. When the light is right then everything falls into place, hopefully. Painting to me, is to capture your own creative ideas and making sure your composition is pleasing.

African Violets 7x5 oil Sold

White Mum 8x10 oil Sold

I love to portray the light on each subject but without the shadows the light becomes uniform in its surroundings, or vise versa. Using white as the highest in value will most always draw the eye if all the rest are played down. The frost has set in and the annuals are on there way out except for the mums. Again and again, thank you God for your creativity that pleases our eyes and it's all for us.

New Lives oil 8x10 Sold

Not only the sweet little baby is new to life but also the mother will experience a new life. Learning to love and care for her.

It's Cold 6x6 oil Sold

 She is testing the water, not to sure if she wants to go any further. She says, "It's cold". The sea is massive the waves are rumbling. I will just put my foot in the shallow waters then turn around and run when the waves come in again.

I'm Here 6x6 oil Sold

 Dear God, sometimes when I am afraid or feeling down, You always say "I'm Here".

Secret Recipe 8x10 oil Sold

"Yellow Mums" 10x8 oil

I set up this scene of mums thinking that I didn't have much time till the flowers were going to droop. I wanted to touch up some areas a few days later and they still looked as fresh as when I first  placed them there. I wanted to keep the colors simple using different combinations of yellows and greens. These mums were in my backyard, brought them in and plopped them in a jar, they fell in place perfectly. Love when that happens!

Photo Shoot 8x10 oil

I studied values for about a year and this painting with the black camera was a challenge not to go over board with the value range. Even though the picture in the background is lighter than the camera, the black next to the white table brings your eye to that area. My favorite way to paint is all about values, they all need to balance. How many times do I take a photo of my paintings to get at least one good one, a lot! My scanner is so great for the small paintings, just one scan and it is done!

Zeldas Restaurant on the Beach, Capitola, CA alla prima 7x5 oil

This is a Restaurant in Capitola that sits on the beach. I did this small painting alla prima as a study for a larger one that I just finished. A lot of bright colors on the building but the light is what got me to want to paint it. Capitola is in the Santa Cruz area, as I mentioned before in another blog, I grew up down the hill from Santa Cruz. A fun place to visit!

Creamy Hydrangeas 5x5 oil Sold

This is another painting I did from memory without looking at anything. Fun but challenging. My goal was as usual to capture the light. To make the back petals recede, I softened them and used some of the background color. I then painted the foreground petals with a harder edge and higher value to come forward. I remember when I first started painting flowers, I would study each petal and was in awe how God made each petal so unique. The veins, the color, the shapes, I could never match what He has done. It goes beyond my comprehension and He did it all for us.

Sunshine After the Rain, Denmark 5x7 oil Sold

Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, CA 7x5 oil Sold

This lighthouse is at the Santa Cruz Harbor in California. With the contributions of many people, including a major donation from Charles Walton, enough money was raised to construct this new lighthouse in 2001. It stand 41.5 ft. tall and is built to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy. This is a view looking out from the Crows Nest Restaurant. I grew up down the hills of Santa Cruz, in a town called Saratoga. We, (six sisters and a brother), spent many wonderful times in Santa Cruz. 

To Do List, Paint! 5x7 oil Sold

My favorite thing in painting is working with values. I studied values for about a year on what they can do throughout a painting. In fact before I started my painting career, I would visit museums and thought to myself, what is it that attracts me to certain paintings. I finally figured out that it was the intense study and configuration of values that went into a painting that pleased my eye. I don't use any chart, I go by what feels right when applying the paint.  With this painting I started out with a lighter background, didn't feel right at all, so I darkened the value and it all came together. This painting was on my to do list.

The Blue Cup 6x6 oil Sold

This is a still life that I had set up from life. I sometimes bring the value down in some areas to have it play more on the center of interest. I have done other paintings with this cup, I just love the colors and patterns on it.  









click here to view my small works gallery

Fallen Leaves 7x5 oil

Summer is over and fall is here, one more time to show off their beauty as they turn brilliant colors of reds, oranges and yellows. What a wonderful site to absorb while they hang on until they fall.

Take Notes from Times Past 6x6 oil SOLD

I set up this still life with the book, glasses and pencil, I added the paperclips as an after thought, it seemed to fit the title. I love painting old objects in a classical style. There have been many definitions on the subject of classical art. I always thought it to be a rendering that is painted to produce the subjects true form, more in a technical order. But then you have the word contemporary art, if you look that up it means now, in this time period. Different definitions for that subject also. Who knows?

Magnolia 5x7 oil Sold

    

Magnolias grow as trees or shrubs and as evergreens or deciduous plants, producing flowers that bloom in several different colors. I love the large white magnolia that grows on trees, they are messy though. At my last place of residence I could look out the window and see this magnificent grand magnolia tree.

Pansies in White 6x6 oil SOLD

I was sitting out on my deck and I looked down at these pansies, the sun was casting wonderful light and shadows. So of course I had to paint them. We are surrounded by so much beauty that God has created. Sometimes I take it for granted, or I am not paying attention or I get caught up into everyday life that will someday vanish. Dear God, let me see You and not myself.

Geraniums 2.5 x 3" oil framed Sold

This is a miniature of red geraniums. I am selling it with a frame. I have sold and won numerous awards for my mini's. They sometimes are as much work as larger paintings but very enjoyable to paint.

Apples 6x6 oil Sold

Painting fruits that have been cut, turn color really quick. Had to get it down fast, the apple in front is a tad bit more yellow in the original. I thought by adding the twigs it made the composition more interesting and brought more balance. I scan my small paintings,  makes it so much easier than photographing. I sometimes have to photoshop them to get it as close as possible to the original. What makes it nice is that these panels are smooth, if I scanned canvas, every weave would show. They are ampersand gessobord 1/8" panels.

The White Cottage, Russian River, CA, 6x6 oil

This painting is of a small cottage that is being used as an antique shop in Duncan Mills, which is in the Russian River area. I was so drawn by the light that was shinning on this quaint cottage. We travel their once a year, my grandfather built a cabin in the Monte Rio hills. As a child we would spend a lot of summers there. The river, the ocean and the redwoods all in a short driving distance. So many memories of the Russian River.

Violets 5x5 oil Sold

Painting to me is to use your creativity, not always what you see exactly but what you feel while making that decision for each brushstroke. By looking at one area of the painting only, you can see if the rest falls into place. Composition, color balance, focal point of interest, etc.. I usually set up a still life to paint from but I change the colors often and add things that aren't there. It isn't finished until that feeling takes place. You really can't explain it, but I am sure you artists know what I am talking about. I don't think Rembrandt's brushstrokes were exactly what he saw, it just made sense to him. I wanted to capture a stream of light hitting the violets, with the left and right side of the painting in shadow. That thought didn't happen until half way through the painting. Thinking beyond the beyond, is what I call it. Painting with your heart and mind will bring forth an image but you cannot go back and retrieve those same thoughts, that's why each painting is a brand new challenge.

Click here to view my small works gallery

Black-cap Basking 5x5 oil Sold

So many Black-capped Chickadees in my yard since we put up a bird feeder. Chickadees are one of the easiest birds to attract to feeders, for suet, sunflower, and peanuts. They don’t mind using tiny hanging feeders that swing in the wind, and also readily visit window feeders. Planting willow, alder, and birch trees provides future nesting habitat for chickadees.Chickadees are active, acrobatic, curious, social birds that live in flocks, often associating with woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers, vireos, and other small woodland species. They feed on insects and seeds, but seldom perch within several feet of one another while taking food or eating. Flocks have many calls with specific meanings.  

Lavender Sprigs Farm Cut 6x6 oil Sold

Took a ride out to Squim to check out the lavender festival and the lavender farms. At the farms there were rows and rows of beautiful lavenders. We cut a   beautiful bunch of sprigs. My whole house smelled of lavenders just from those cuttings. Of course I had to paint them. I not only did this painting but two other larger paintings in different poses. My studio still has that aroma of the lavender scent even though they are starting to dry. Beautiful flowers, wonderful scent, thank you God.

Friends 8x10 oil

This trowel and silver dust flower seemed to look like friends to me, they go hand in hand. The trowel will make a home for the flower to grow. Pretty much what Jesus does for us, He plants the seed and wants us so much to grow in Him. The silver dust plant was sitting to the right of the trowel, a branch of the silver dust hung down next to the trowel on the bench. The sun was coming from behind, casting the beautiful shadows.

Just A Glimpse

"Just a Glimpse"
oil, 8x10"
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This setting was in my backyard, instead of painting the whole scene of the flowers and pot, I thought it was more interesting to just paint a part of it. Also wanting it to display simple, a section of the flowers, pot and shadow did just that. Just passing by and at the corner of your eye you took a glimpse.

"Daisies" 7"x5" oil Sold

Painting flowers for so many years, I sometimes just paint from memory. Or take a peek at what the flower looks like and just go for it without looking again. Arraigning the setup in your mind  can be tricky, but rewarding if all goes well. This is how this painting came about. I just paint what feels right with each brush stroke. I started out with just the lobelia but it seemed to lack a center of interest, so I added the daisies. That seemed to make it pop and bring your eye to a focal point. Painting flowers never gets boring, there are so many different species to choose from.

Little Sneakers 6x6 oil

The little tiny feet that fit into these sneakers will someday be wearing men's shoes. It's a mystery where his life will head, only God knows. I pray that those little feet will walk with Him.   These are my grandson's first sneakers, after I had painted it for him I decided to paint another one, they are so cute.









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Geranium in Red 7x5 oil Sold

I think we all remember geraniums as children, they seemed to be in every ones garden. They are a hardy plant, don't need a lot of water etc. The downfall, they do not like the snow and low temperatures. I have to plant new ones every year because of that. Oh well, there'r beautiful and worth it.

A New Day 7x5 oil Sold

When someone is hurting, I share with them, tomorrow is a brand new day, today will be the past. Dear God what shall I do with this brand new day myself? If anything let me put a smile on your face, let me look outside of myself.

Dianthus 7x5 oil

Dianthus were gleaming in the sun that morning waiting to be captured in paint. The flowers fade away but a painting will always keep them alive. A moment in time not forgotten.

Tomato and Eggs oil 5 x 7

 I was happy with the composition, the eggs seemed to balance with the dark shadow from the tomato. I added a bit more green in various places to complement the red tomato. I also made the shadow casting from the tomato darker to balance the black table. So much to think about when creating, each brush stroke is a thought process from beginning to end.

Row Boat at Sunset 5 x 7 oil Sold

How brilliant the sky looks at sunset, so many breath taking colors. Thank you so much God for the beautiful sunsets, I could never match it with paint.

The Flower Bike 5 x 7 oil SOLD

I'll bet this old bike has a lot of memories and stories to tell. The tires are gone, dents and dings, the rust is present and the wheels might squeak, but all the marks of aging are so beautiful. A piece of art to capture!

Mixed Lobelia 7x 5 oil Sold

Lobelias are tiny little flowers but produce such brilliant color when they mass in together. There are so many beautiful varieties of flowers. God took His time to please us.











Click here to view my small works gallery

Red Lantana 5x7 oil SOLD

Lantana is part of the verbena family, native to the tropical regions of Americas and Africa. They can grow to 1-6ft tall.
This beautiful red lantana was in one of my flower pots, I took a snipping of it and  placed it into a water bottle. The lantana poised perfect for me.

Welcome 5x7 oil Sold

Years ago while feeling down, it felt like God was a million miles away. I asked, God, where are You? I know this sounds like a crazy request God, but I am asking You in desperation. I know you are here but it doesn't feel like it, could You send a bird my way? No bird that day, but the next morning there was a bird inside my house on my kitchen window sill! I cried with joy. It wasn't until after I painted this piece, He brought back that wonderful memory. I am always here.

White Hydrangeas 7x5 oil Sold

I loved how the light streamed through the window onto the hydrangeas. The hydrangeas seem to glow. Someone stated, that if you look at the sun you can not see the sun all you can see is the light. God is spirit and we can not see His spirit, but when Jesus came He was seen as the light of the world. Thank you so much Jesus for Your light, I would be in darkness without You.

Newborn Violas 6x6 oil

God formed a seed and was sown to the earth, roots formed, the plant began to sprout. Leaves appeared in rich green tones, tiny buds started to peak through. Then the buds opened and the Viola was born. Amazing!

Tomato, Salt and Pepper 6x6 oil

I used these salt and pepper shakers in a larger painting that I will be putting in a gallery. I really loved  how the reflections showed up from all its surroundings, so of course I had to do a small painting with them in it.
I usually spend about two days on a small painting, first day the initial lay in, second day the final touches to deepen colors and  to add that spark.
The food that God has made for us are so beautiful that we can't stop painting pictures of them. They come in their own wonderful packages too!

The Red Geranium 7x5 oil

I seem to be painting a lot of red geraniums lately, I think it's because of the red flowers against the green leaves that bring such intensity. I brought this geranium into my studio to paint but wanted the feel of being outside. I like to come up with my own ideas on how I want the settings. That's the fun of painting, even though sometimes you end up with a migraine. So much work can go into a painting, each stroke matters, the design matters, your thoughts matter but in the end it's what comes from your heart that matters.

Nasturtium 5x5 oil Sold

 The garden nasturtiums we grow today descend mainly from 2 species native to Peru. The first, brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the late 15th to early 16th century, was Tropaeolum minus, a semi-trailing vine bearing spurred, lightly scented orange-yellow flowers with dark red spots on the petals and shield-shaped leaves. According to Jesuit missionaries, the Incas used nasturtiums as a salad vegetable and as a medicinal herb.

Ajuga's in Morning Light 8x10

Spending time down in California with my brother and his wife I spotted the Ajuga ground cover in their garden. It was early morning, the sun was low casting a beautiful blue shadow. The light trickled down on the Ajuga's causing them to glow. The flowers bloom in the spring til early summer. Their origin is from Europe, and the flowers are about 3 to 9" tall. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to this beautiful flower.

Violas 6 Pack 5x7 oil SOLD

I love picking up flowers from the nursery and painting them just the way they are. The flowers seem to be in just the right position to paint.

Roma Tomatoes 6x6 oil

Tomatoes, red and juicy waiting to be eaten. I think I will make spaghetti or maybe soup, or maybe salad, in any case these wonderful tomatoes start out as a small flower and blossom into something so good to eat. I like to pick tomatoes right off the vine and sprinkle a little bit of salt on them. I wanted to set off the warm red orange of the tomato  by adding its complement, a cool green.