Candy Heaven!

Candy Heaven

Acrylic on panel (5" x 7")
Available

A visit to an old-timey candy store provided the inspiration for this painting.  While most candy store customers were choosing their favorites flavors, I was seeking candy with the most appealing shapes and colors. It took awhile to settle on just the right candy (or perhaps it was the free samples that delayed me). I enjoyed capturing these these tasty jewels through my art. The best part is that this painting is 100% calorie and sugar-free.  Enjoy!

This Time It's Personal

Juliette and Madeleine 

Acrylic on panel (4" x 4")

In private collection

I've been creating art for over three decades, but still come across subjects that I've yet to explore. When my twin great-nieces were born, I knew that a portrait would make the perfect keepsake for their family.  However, I'd never painted a baby before, let alone two babies!  Trying new subjects is a great way to grow and learn as an artist, so I forged ahead.  Throughout the process, I fought the urge to give these little angels a set of wings. I compromised by adding the gauze fabric to give them an ethereal quality. I'm very happy with the way this painting turned out.  The parents were moved to joyful tears upon receiving the portrait.  It doesn't get much better than that!

A Win-Win for Art and Land

(Click on photo for enlarged view)
"Solitude" SOLD
"The View From Gold Oak Ranch" SOLD

Each month, I join a group of artists and photographers to visit local farms and ranches. The purpose of these visits are to both educate and inspire the attendees.  When a season of "Art Farm" visits come to an end, the artist and photographers are invited to include their work in an art show and juried exhibition. The submitted art and photos are later displayed at a gala and art auction (Art Farm Harvest Gala). The resulting art sales benefit both artist and Yolo Land Trust, which helps preserve ranch and farm lands for the future.

The artists and photographers are allowed to enter a maximum of two works. We visit so many beautiful rural areas; I'm sure I'm not the only one who has difficulty choosing between them. I finally decided on the serene pond at Oakdale Ranch and the majestic mountain view from Gold Oak Ranch.  Both pieces were created in pastel on paper. It was a pleasure revisiting these beautiful locations as I created these paintings.

Hold Your Horses!

Hold Your Horses!

Acrylic on canvas - 8" x 10"
Available

Yipee, it's opening day for our county fair and the perfect time to share my most recent painting - Hold Your Horses!  It was at last year's fair that I spotted the inspiration for this lastest work.  I was touched by the enthusiasm and genuine affection displayed by this mother and child.  Their infectious smiles exuded joy.  As I worked on this painting, I repeatedly caught myself smiling right back at them!.  When I attend the fair this evening, I'll make a point of visiting the carnival area.  I'm certain that I'll find more inspiration in such a cheerful place. 

Eggplant vs. Champagne

Bol de Fleurs

Pastel on paper - 5" x 7"

Sold

This pastel, titled Bol de Fleurs,  features some of my favorite flowers - calendulas, cosmos, nasturtiums, Shasta daisies and cup flowers.   It was a joyful experience creating this cheerful still life.  It is quite a contrast from my previous pastel, Little Boy Blew, which called for the use of a dark paper to create a moodier scene.   When applied to pastel paper, soft pastels tend to skip over the paper's recesses which allow bits of colored paper to peek through.  An eggplant-colored paper was used on "Blew." For Bol de Fleurs, I used a champagne-colored paper which resulted in flickers of light peeking through the pastel strokes.  This would have been a much different painting if a darker paper had been used. I'm happy with my paper choice.  I hope you've enjoyed this colorful bouquet.

No Artist Is an Island

Little Boy Blew

Pastel on paper - 5" x 7"

Available

Feeling that I was getting a bit more "alone time" than I should, I recently joined an art workshop that meets weekly.  Most of its members use oils or watercolors, but I bucked the trend by using soft pastels - mostly because they're easily transported.  I've enjoyed becoming reacquainted with pastels and their unique attributes. After a few visits to the workshop, I got over my "new person" jitters and completed this pastel painting.  I enjoyed painting this Portland street scene with its reflections, multi-textured architecture, and best of all -  the focused young man with the sparkling sax.  How ambitious and brave of him to compete with seasoned Portland street musicians for a slice of the pie.   Because of his youth and chosen instrument, I've decided to title this painting Little Boy Blew.

Smooth Sailing at Last

Northern Shovelers

Acrylic on panel - 8" x 10"
Available

I created this painting on a lark for an upcoming bird art show.  I was way out of my comfort zone with this subject, but I learned plenty from the experience.  This painting is of a pair of Northern Shovelers.  Their spoon-shaped bills, edged in comb-like projections, are perfect for filtering food from the water.  Interesting fact:  When flushed from the nest the female Northern Shoveler will often defecate on her eggs to deter predators.  So, this Mother's Day, do thank your mother for keeping you safe, but knowing where to draw the line.

Things are Hopping in the Studio

Cottontail

Acrylic on panel - 4" x 4"
Available

Easter greetings everyone!  I've been busy preparing for an upcoming bird art show, but found time to paint this little guy.  Don't let his scruffy appearance fool you.  This bunny had a swanky address.  I spied him at a well-manicured golf course which was also home to deer and wild turkey. I've always had a soft spot for bunnies so I thoroughly enjoyed creating this painting.  I hope you enjoy it too!

A Little Bird Told Me

Wise One

Acrylic on panel - 6" x 6"
Available

An owl was softly calling outside my studio one evening as I worked.  She must have known that I was mulling over which bird to paint for an upcoming theme show.  I feel like a traitor for choosing this European owl rather than one of our own native species. I found the Eurasian Eagle-owl's plumage to be an irresistible challenge. Imagine the excellent forest camouflage his feathers provide!  Counter to the owl's soft, earth-toned feathers were his intensely orange eyes.  I used several layers of yellow and red hues to capture the color and depth within those beautiful orbs.  I hope you enjoyed my painting of this grand creature. For a real treat, I recommend visiting a raptor center or viewing a live owl cam to learn more about these beauties.

Memories of Daffodil Hill

Daffodils

Acrylic on panel - 4" x 4"
Sold

The inspiration for this painting came from last year's visit to Daffodil Hill in Volcano, California.   This Amador County jewel was an artists' paradise! The hilly terrain was carpeted with daffodils of every variety.  When I saw this variety of daffodil, I knew I had my subject.  I enjoyed painting all the colors that appeared in the shadows of the white petals...and then enhancing them just a bit.  With this painting, I feel I made a little progress in my attempt to break away from realism and become a more painterly painter. I hope you enjoyed this little taste of spring.

Happy New Year!

It's a new year and nearly my first anniversary of working as a full-time artist.  2014 was filled with many exciting firsts and wonderful experiences.  I am ever so grateful to those who have encouraged and supported me during this last year. 

Working as an artist is a bit like riding a roller coaster.  There are gut-wrenching lows and exhilarating highs.  Some paintings practically paint themselves....then there are others! 

My 2015 New Year's resolution is to cast aside any fear and continue to move forward with my art.  I've been told that keeping a blog is a great way to document one's art and progress (or lack thereof)....even if no one reads it or comments on your posts.  Putting all fear of appearing foolish aside....here goes!