Christmas Poinsettias 30x42

I lived in central Florida for 15 years and was thrilled to learn that poinsettias are planted as shrubbery when the climate permits. I was accustomed to seeing the plant in in plastic nursery pots wrapped in shiney Christmas paper. A huge shrub covered with red or white poinsettia blooms was fascinating to me, and I never got over the wonder of that sight. Without this lovely plant, Christmas would not be  the same. This big painting is impressive because of sheer size. The poinsettia bloom is always a show-stopper.

Frosty and Rudolph 38x44 Sold

This painting always got comments before it sold. People would always smile when they saw it, and I smiled while painting it. Grandparents of a three-year-old bought it. They said the youngster would run into the room where it hung and laugh at it. It's a good feeling to know that something I painted makes people feel better. Art should make us feel better.

Santa in Blue 16x20 SOLD

I have very few traditions, but for the past few years, I have put up/out Christmas

decorations on the day after Thanksgiving. Today was no exception. In celebration of the accomplishment, I thought I would post one of the many Santas I have painted. This is one of my favorites because he is dressed in blue, a different twist for the old guy. He has long since found a home, but he will continue to be special.

Petunias 11x14 $80.00

This pot of petunias were carelessly thrown aside one summer. Despite the neglect, they bloomed profusely by the driveway. I suppose they wanted to demonstrate that beauty doesn't have to be orchestrated by humans. The most beautiful moments in our lives are often the unplanned, those moments that catch us by surprise in the midst of living.

LuAnn's Sheep 14x20

A commission piece, LuAnn's Sheep is now at her house, however, I do have a giclee which is priced at $200.00. I loved painting this peaceful old world look.  The old world probably wasn't as peaceful as we imagine. The shepherds probably had a lot of headaches.

Recycled 16x20 200.00

I keep thinking I will find the perfect old bicycle to do this way. I love the idea of flowers growing in the spokes. However, old bikes are a popular find at antique shops and flea markets-maybe someday. The bike I had and sold in a yard sale would be rusted by now. Knowing what to keep is an art form. Recycled is displayed at Marble Gate Gallery and has yet to find a home.

Cabin Getaway 40x44 Sold

This painting was purchased by a lady who was building a "cabin" in Highland, NC. She wanted something over her fireplace. I envied her for having a place in the mountains to visit. However, the thought occurred to me that I can always paint the place that I would like to visit. Painting is my personal "getaway," and I don't have the concern of an extra home to maintain.

Solitary Flight 8x10

Each of us enters the world alone and we each leave it alone. As I painted this simple painting, I thought about the future day when I cross over into that mysterious realm.  The idea of soaring solitary on the updraft of God's love is very comforting to me.  "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Dinner Time 12x18 SOLD

I painted these two on a lark, and the painting sold as quickly as anything I have painted lately. When I get home from work, I am often as hungry as these two think they are. The expression on their faces is so enthusiastic. What a shame, I often fail to show this enthusiasm for life. I have discovered that enthusiasm and its dark sister (indifference) are both contagious.

Study in Yellow 16x20 SOLD

Study in Yellow is one of  the few personal paintings displayed in my home. Preferring to display the work of acquaintances or pieces found while traveling, I have very little of my own work hung on my walls. However, the starkness of this pieces has always appealed to me. I must have a penchant for tiles, having included the design in several paintings. In addition, the color yellow attracts me, so Study in Yellow has found a home with its creator.

Iron Works 18x40 $500.00

My mother used iron cook ware during my growing up years, even during the teflon era when iron cookware was given a bad name. I inherited part of her accumulated pieces, and I wouldn't trade them for all the gormet cookware in the world. I use most of the pieces now and always think of her. Cooking and eating good food was her hobby. In her opinion, no social gathering was complete without food, and no woman was worth her salt unless she knew her way around in the kitchen. Thanks, Mom.

Tulips in Rain 10x20 SOLD

Today I came home in the wet cold and a yellow iris was blooming. All alone it stood by the drive, a tribute to warmer days. The recent warm weather caused the freak blooming spree, I suppose. Winter is upon us and weeks will pass before another bloom will be seen. In anticipation of that future day, I thought these yellow tulips would be good to post. Tulips are early spring bloomers and love the early spring coolness.  Although this painting has been sold for some time, I thought they would signal the coming day.

Big Chair in Santa Fe 30x32

The light was incredible that morning in Santa Fe. I spotted this chair out front of one of the many galleries on Santa Fe Drive. In any other setting, the chair would have been simply a big chair, but in the clear light, colors were more brilliant and ordinary objects had a life of their own. I loved the way the morning light fell on the huge chair and tipped the geraniums. There are many places in which I could live, but Santa Fe, NM is high on the list.

Lady in Red 11x14

She is most appealing neighbor I have ever had. She is interested in my comings and goings, yet not invasive. Always pleasant, she makes me a better person, a true neighbor. I have never felt the need to impress or win her approval; she simply likes me because I am. Who could ask for more?

Cheaha Sunset 8x10

I consider Cheaha State Park one of Alabama's best kept secrets. The park doesn't have the facilities of better-funded parks, but natural beauty abounds there. The trails and picnic/camping grounds are a great place to get away from it all. This summer, some friends and I spent three days plein air painting within the park. The sunset view behind the restaurant was awesome. ---what a wonderful place to paint. 

The Childes' Old Homeplace 30x32

The last time I saw the old place was years ago. The old dirt road curved through the woods, and suddenly the old house appeared like a memory from a past life. The place was bedraggled, yet spoke of happy days.  Considered a nice home in its day, the place is now only a silent memorial. The echoes of the large family who lived within the walls whispered in the breeze.Their spirits danced in light rays playing across the unmowed yard. I loved this living, holy place.

In the beginning...

Today is a red letter day; I begin a blog, something I NEVER thought I would do. However, the need for such has been brought to my attention. I will be downloading paintings. Hopefully, this exposure will be helpful. Who knows? Tomorrow, I will begin to take photos of my work. --so exciting.