Believe Panel #3

I just don't think I'm finished with Christmas yet. I have some more Christmas paintings to go.

Midnight Ride 22x24 $350.00

Santa is well into his night's work by now, not stopping until the last delivery is made. This painting was inspired by a summer's night full moon. I had never painted plein air duri

ng night hours. The sleigh and company were an afterthought.

Loading Up 18x24 $400.00 (framed)

Santa has to pack tightly in  order to load up all the toys, so he starts two days before Christmas Eve night. Everything needs to be secure for the big lift off.

Frosty and Rudolph

If this rain had been snow today, we would have snow to the roof lines. What a wet day!

 

 

Believe

Santa's elves are in a frenzy these days trying to finish the work in time for Christmas Eve and the big lift. They have been at this job for a long time, so they know the ropes. Consider the job done.

Poinsettias 38x44

This piece sold last year to a couple in Birmingham. The wife purchased the painting for her husband, which is not the way the scenario usually operates. You got to love a man who appreciates art, right???

Reading His List 5x7

Santa Claus is coming to town...

Santa in Blue 16x20

I have always liked the Old World Santas, the tall, gaunt ones that look tired and worn. The blue Santa doesn't qualify as Old World, although I did enjoy painting him because he WAS blue, a far cry from the traditional red. I need to begin to get my thoughts together for a real Old World Santa and paint him out of season. I consider the non Christmas season the most productive time for painting holiday pieces. Not sure why...

Skiing Santa 16x20

My all time favorite Santa would be this one, old Skiing Santa. I enjoyed painting him and enjoyed looking at him. Any Santa is whimsical, but this one especially so. I paint for many reasons, but one is the pure joy of a piece like this.

Smoking Santa 16x20

When I first painted this I wondered if Santa's puffing on a pipe would be offensive to the nonsmoking world. No offense is intended, but my granddad smoked a pipe and my dad a cigar. Despite the hazards of smoking, I must admit the smell of either brings a wave of pleasant memories.

We Three Trees 16x20

I would like to see snow this winter, just to dress up the landscape for a few days.

You Better Watch Out 5x7 $75.00

Remember when you actually believed that Santa was watching to see if you were naughty or nice?  Ah, those were the days...

Santa's Night Out 22x24 $300.00

As a kid, I thought there was an vast eternity between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, the holidays run over me, and I'm left wondering what happened. Let's slow this affair and savor the moments.

Sleigh Ride With Santa.16x16 $175.00

A sleigh ride is on my bucket list and one with the big guy would be over the top. I think I hear jingling of bells in the distance...

Big Guy Enroute 3"x4"

My daughter asked me to paint a series of miniature Santas for her, and this one is my maiden attempt. The remaining ones are of another pose. Despite their similarities, Santa's face is always different in expression and character. I like that. Aren't all of us unique, yet basically the same? Santa is no exception. Here's to you, Emilee.

The Old Chlldes' Place 30x32

The last time I saw the old place was years ago. The dirt road curved through the woods, and suddenly the relic appeared, a silent memorial from a past life. The place was bedraggled, yet spoke of good times. Now, only spirits dance in the light rays playing in the tall grass.

Beachfront after Storm 16x20 $300.00

If I had money to travel as much as I think I would like,  I would prefer off-season travel. For instance, I enjoy the mountains during the off-season, after people like me usually disappear. The beach during the cooler months appeals to me. Having the beach alone is heaven. That solitude is of God. Maybe that is why I enjoyed painting this scene, I had the beach to myself.

Petunias 3x5

Petunias have an incredible graceful shape, very "artsy." They present a challenge, not the bloom so much as the foliage. I have had good luck a few times, but sometimes...

Abbey Side Porch 5x7 85.00

I think I may have been a monk in another life. I have an affinity for monasteries, abbeys, old masonry work, etc. The light is incredible as it reflects on these structures, forming all manner of shadow forms.

Washing at the River 5x7 $80.00 framed

I have always been drawn to old-world scenes, ancient structures, and bucolic landscape. I can't resist rock structures such as this old bridge. Maybe I was a monk in another life.

New England Scene 16x20 $200.00

Landscapes, I suppose, are my favorite topic to paint. Normally, I am drawn to a scene in which I would like to BE.  This is one of them.

Centennial

In 2006, the town of Ashland celebrated its 100th birthday,  the most well-attended city event I can remember. To commemorate this gala affair,  artists within Marble Gate Gallery painted a series of flags, one of which was this one I painted of the county courthouse dome and flag. Helen Pope purchased this painting. She would want me to say that.

Blooming Cup 4x6 framed 50.00

In October I always try to attend the Sarah Carlisle Art Colony on Lake Martin. The week is spent painting, listening to instruction, and networking with those of like mind. This year we worked on values and several studies were done painting ordinary kitchen items: cups, bowls, flatware, fruit, and veggies. Now I'm returning to those studies and applying color. This is one of those studies after color.

Behold, the Eggplant 4x6 $50.00

Eggplant have always appealed to me. The color is so lovely and the texture of the surface is so touchable and, well...exotic? Too bad I have never developed a taste for them. I've tried frying them like green tomatoes. - Ok, but I prefer green tomatoes. I've even gone the eggplant Parmigianino route, but anything is tasty with enough cheese piled on it. I think I'll just admire the eggplant for its aesthetic qualities.

Pulpit Rock 16x20 $125.00

I'm repeating myself: Cheaha State Park is one of Alabama's best kept secrets. One of my favorite views is from the summit of Pulpit Rock, totally awesome.  I never getting tired of Cheaha.

Shades of Pink 6x6 60.00

This small painting was done quickly in the last moments of a class session. Sometimes accidents turn out to surprise us. This "quickie" pleased me more than the painting I was focused on for the evening. ...like life.  Sometimes the best things happen when not expected.

Coastal Breeze 11x14 $70.00

As a junior high student, I was introduced to Daphene de Maurier's novels, which I LOVED. I had visions of myself as the lovely Rebecca, casting her gaze on the windswept coastal waters, the wind whipping of her long, luxuriant tresses, and pondering the mystery of the tall, mysterious stranger who has entered her life. Yeap....that was me all right. (The closest I will ever come to Rebecca or something remotely similar is this painting.)

Three of a Kind 6x10 $80.00

Another beautiful day is beginning. With coffee in hand, I surveyed the yard this morning, admiring the improvements. Satisfaction is found in working in the yard and seeing results. For the first time in months, I am beginning to feel "caught up" with the outside of my home. I'll need to remind myself of this when overwhelmed with school responsibilities later in the year. Great peace is found in the boundaries of  my yard.

Selma Riverside 16x36 $300.00

 I can count on one hand the number of times I have been to Selma, AL,  which is not to my credit.  I think I could spend some time there, more than the few minutes it took for me to take some snapshots which resulted in this painting. Perhaps some day, I can make a return trip and do justice to the interesting shops and river park.

Zinnias 6x6 $60.00

I've made an effort to plant only perennials this summer which would require less maintenance; I planted Shasta daisies near my front door. The plan was Shasta's'  bright blooms would be seen from a distance. So much for my pride. Most of the plants didn't last much less have "bright, showy blooms."  I should have planted zinnias, the old, dependable workhorse of the floral world.

Deserted Street 11x14 $80.00

I'm not sure why this scene appeals to me. Other than the drying clothes, a sign of life does not exist. Maybe the questions the scene generates are the appeal. Where is it? Where is everybody? The streets are wet, so why would the laundry be hanging on such a dreary day? Strange....

Watering Can 16x20 $125.00

This time of year always reminds me of my dad who loved yard work. I have memories of his coming home for lunch at noon, eating a quick lunch, and working in the yard until time to return to work. He didn't bother to change clothes, nor did the mid-day heat stop him. He was on a mission.

Distant Tetons 8x10 $ 60.00

Seeing the Grand Tetons in the distance is an unimaginable scene that many artists have attempted to capture, an impossible feat. Such incredible beauty is beyond human depiction. Last summer, this view treated my friends and I each morning while parked in this location. Taking this view for granted seems impossible, but I suppose there are those who do.

Laundry Window 16x20 $150.00

My mother didn't have a day specifically for laundry, just whenever the weather was agreeable, for we had no dryer during my growing- up years. The spring and summer months were no problem. However, the winter months presented a dilemma. My brothers' jeans were often frozen stiff while "drying." Despite it all, my mother

 always managed to get the job done. ...remarkable that we thought nothing of it. Our clothes line was in the back yard, always in use. Gourds hung from the end poles for birds to nest. While nesting, mother marlins would fuss and dive at us while we tried to hang out clothes, like we needed another inconvenience.

Sheep Country 16x20 125.00

The sight of sheep grazing in the distance is not one with which I am accustomed. Therefore, when I do see it, I always stop and gaze. --such a peaceful sight. I always think of Psalm 23 and the metaphor of God's being like a shepherd. Conversely, I am to be like a sheep, a metaphor of total trust, dependence, and simplicity. I struggle with the trusting dependence; however, I qualify for the simple category, stupid at times. Yes, sheep can be quite dumb, that I am more than I like to admit. These sheep are just waiting for the shepherd to make his move. I pray that I will learn to be as dependent on my "heavenly shepherd."  ----just watching, counting on Him to meet my every need.

Border Tourist 11x14 80.00

Today was my last day of work for the summer. For the past few summers, I've had the opportunity to travel, so I did. This summer however, I will be staying home. Frankly, I'm looking forward to working in the yard and getting some home projects accomplished that I've had on the backburner for quit a while. Therefore, this painting is in honor of those who will hit the road for some long awaited journey. I, on the other hand, plan to seek the pleasures of my own back yard. Dorothy was right. There is no place like home.

Sunlit Morning on Bridge 5x7 50.00

I am a sucker for scenes with an old world flair. Old structures of masonry with spirals that reach toward heaven have a sense of eternal stability that modern architecture does not possess. The American culture does not have the sense of history that European culture has. Many structures in Europe are older than our country. When I saw this scene, I knew I would try to paint it, a place I would like to visit. Do you think Walmart is down the street?

Minature Barnscene 3"x5"

In the garage I have a peg board wall which houses frames I found or bought in various places. Old and new, they await just the right painting. I painted this little study a few years back. To my surprise, it happened to fit a small frame that had been hanging on the board for years. It sold promptly, just the way I like.

Melon Trio 11x14

I'm stepping out of my comfort zone this month, attempting a business venture that involves art. On April 27, I'll be inviting those interested to paint a painting of their own with a little instruction. -Clay County's version of Sips and Strokes (without the sips, of course). I have pondered the possibilities far too long. I'll not know until I try. The first subject will be Melon Trio, a piece that would grace a kitchen or eating area, yet be simple enough for the novice.

Collie's Drive 11x14 $70.00

A quiet neighborhood drive leading to distant lakefront is the subject of this painting. I enjoy the play of light on the roof. Light is always the dancer in a painting. Clouds are a fascination to me, as well. In fact, I enjoy paintings in which sky plays a dominate role. Western artists are notorious for this simply because of the vast, open skies of western locations.

Lighthouse On PEI 11x14 65.00

Lighthouses vary in style according to location. Those on Prince Edward Island are red and white wooden structures. Originally, the structures served as homes for lighthouse keepers and their families; therefore, the structures were originally designed as dwellings. Although most have been renovated for shops, museums, and etc., they still have the appearance of a home. They stand perched on elevated sites around the red coastline of the island, quaint reminders of the past. ---lovely to see and loads of fun to paint.

Interlude 11x14 $60.00

I wish I had learn how to play a musical instrument. After three years of piano lessons as an adult, I gave up the endeavor. The harmonica has always appealed to me because of ease of use. Carried in the pocket or purse, entertainment is within reach. Maybe I need to make my way to a music store and see if a simple, inexpensive one could be found. Yes, it's never too late to learn. I'll do that. Music is good for the soul.

The Old Bike 8x10 $60.00

I never had a new bike, only a used one that was actually too little and a boy's bike at that. Being a carefree kid, I don't remember being offended by the slight. I remember cruising the sidewalks in front of the school which was next door to my home. I was cool. My imagination was a free ranger. I was anyone I wanted and anywhere my daydreams took me. Life was sweet. When do we lose that...whatever it is? Does it evaporate when we lay aside our bikes and graduate into adolescent drama?  I long for that old bike, but more so for what it represents, the happy oblivion of childhood.

Blue House on PEI $60.00 8x10

The place was so inviting in the morning sun. I had to take a photo of the blue house with all the flowers blooming out front, such a pretty home. I wonder if it's still there. Maybe I can return some day.

Canyon Walls 8x10 50.00

One has to see the Grand Canyon for himself or herself. Words, photos, even paintings can not duplicate the majesty of such a place. The Native Americans considered a holy place, little wonder.

Daylilies by the Fence 8x10

At this time of year when the sun peeks out, I get anxious for spring, despite many more days left of winter. I always think of my dad and how impatient he would get for warm weather to arrive so he could get in the yard. He was the daylily man. For several years, he maintained beds and beds of daylilies. My yard has some of his blooms. Here's to you, Dad. I miss you.