Artist's Statement

A quote from Grant Wood describes a condition from which he and many of us suffer: taking too much for granted. Wood said, "...To my great joy, I discovered that in the very commonplace, in my native surroundings, were decorative adventures and that my only difficulty had been in taking them too much for granted." Woods' words ring with truth. My goal as an artist is to capture the wonder of the often overlooked ordinary, the commonplace beauty around us, those little details that make all the difference in our daily lives. The rough hue of rocks, lush blue woodlands, weathered wood grains, and distant meandering dirt roads never cease to appeal to me. I attempt to share the beauty from which routine blinds us. My work can be purchased on ebay or by contacting me personally.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Pink and Blue 8x10

I saw a magazine layout for some gallery that had these color combinations in the furnishings, and I really liked the scheme, not that I would ever have the nerve to use it in my home. I'll have to build up to that. ---just a whimsical piece. I like paintings of rooms for some screwball reason.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Interior 8x10

I have always enjoyed looking at home decor magazines. The design layouts always interest me. From time to time, I will tear out a page that interests me and file it in my photo reference box. This was one of those ripped out magazine pages. This painting sold long ago; I don't even remember to whom. In the past I didn't keep up with my paintings like I attempt to do now. Whereever this one lives, I hope she is happy and in a good spot.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Edith's View 11x14

The day began cloudy and threatening rain; however, as the morning passed, the sky cleared and the blue greens of the opposite shore were lovely in the early afternoon sun. I got to paint two studies of this place before my friend and I left Edith's lovely home. I consider myself so fortunate to have had opportunities to paint in such wonderful settings. Some of the greatest joys of my life involve time spent plein air painting. 

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Roadside Ranch 8x10

There are many places I think I could live without much adjustment. New Mexico is one of them. This view was seen from the interstate. I loved the contrast between the outbuildings and the gray green of the mountainous backdrop   -a beautiful sight. Little wonder New Mexico is referred to as the "Land of Enchantment."

Sunday, July 10, 2011

True Friends 16x20

My neighbor has cows and donkeys which provide entertainment on my walks by the pastures. I love the donkeys. I used a photo taken of these two. I guess I paint them for myself, for the demand for oil paintings of donkeys is nonexistent. But who could resist these guys??

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Rural Art 5x7

I painted this several months ago while attending a class in Alexander City. --just a little scene that caught the  mood of the moment.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Fruit and Teapot 8x10


Seldom does our Monday night art class do anything together, but one night with Judy's coercion, we did a study together. This is my contribution, which I actually LIKE.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Early Blooms 12x12

While walking early one morning in the early spring, I noticed these small, obscure lavender blooms against a drain pipe. The intricate blooms appeared so delicate swaying in the cool, morning air, yet they braved the morning when no other blooms dared. A sign of change, they aren't afraid of facing the unknown. I pray that I too might display a similiar faith in the face of a new day. --what a great lesson.