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.  









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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.

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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"
Sold

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.