Believe OIl on Wood SOLD

For many the holidays is a time of sadness because of events associated with the past. For instance, a death, a divorce, or family tensions that occurred during the holiday season can spur one into depression or at least mild despondency. Many times this occurs without the sufferer being  consciously of the what or why of his/her feelings. To compound the problem,  the season gives the impression that supreme happiness and outright giddiness is the norm. The level of expectations is raised so high that many are simply "set up" for  disappointment. For those of us who experience these feelings, we need to believe that the holidays are centered on a reality far more weighty than gifts, decorations, and functional families. God's presence is at the core of Christmas. But in reality, God's presence is with us ALL the time, not just during a selected time slot on the calendar. That is what I choose to believe. 

Blue-eyed Santa 3x5

This close-up of Santa was repeated 10 times this Christmas. Miniature 3x5's of this pose grew into a task after the fourth painting. I became quite familiar with Santa's face. In an effort to create some variety, I would change eye color, hence, the weird title for the painting. Lo, the blue-eyed Santa,,,

Santa in Blue 16x20 SOLD

Santa is PUMPED! He sent the red suit to the cleaners, so he would be sharp later in the week. He donned that little blue number he wears around the house. In the meantime, he and the elves are sorting, organizing, and having strategy meetings. Things are coming together. Blastoff is nigh!

Santa Plate SOLD

Several Christmases ago, I was in a  plate painting mode. Small dessert plates scavenged at flea markets and garage sales were the chosen surface. They sold well, and the surplus made ideal small gifts for friends and the unexpected gifting that arises during the Christmas season. This "plate period" reminds me of the various surfaces I have used for paintings from wood to metal;

you name it. Of course, I have my limits. A gentleman wandered into Marble Gate Gallery one day and asked my painting buddy Judith if she was willing to paint the rim of a toilet seat. She turned him down, and I got supremely busy in the back storage room fearful that I would be the next on his list. No, my artistic pride will not allow me to stoop to such.

Skiing Santa 16x20 $100.00

Today was the last school day before the holidays. WHOOPEE!!!! I'm with Santa. Let's celebrate!

Santa's Songbird 3x5 SOLD

I painted 10 just like this one last Christmas for my daughter. Santa is taking a moment from his busy pre-Christmas schedule to enjoy a red bird's song. Who could blame him? We would all be better off if we would take a moment to listen to what a bird has to say. ...the wonder of the small.

Poinsettias 36x40 SOLD

    This painting was one that sold three Christmases ago- a surprise gift for one who loved Christmas and  any thing related to Christmas. When living in Florida, I was surprised to learn that poinsettias grew outside there as shrubbery. Growing rather large, they were beautiful if well-tended and protected from occasional cold snaps. This painting always garnered positive comments, and I was glad to see it adopted by Christmas lovers. I always want my paintings to be in a good home.

Santa and Rudolph 32x40 SOLD

This piece was painted several years ago, but will always remain a personal favorite simply because it captures a whimsical moment. This deer can't decide if the carrot is worth the gamble of approaching this strange figure. I would like to think that Frosty was nose-less

at the end of the day.

Christmas Blues 16x20 Sold

Christmas was indeed magical to me (sorry about the tired expression). The preceding days before the big night seemed an eternity to my pea brain. I was euphoric with anticipation. On Christmas afternoon however, the reality that Christmas was over hit home and I crashed. It was over. Life had lost meaning. I was distraught. An entire year stretched before me. NO MORE CHRISTMAS until then. Perhaps this puppy is feeling the same emotions.

Nativity 8x10 $60.00

With this piece, I tried a different approach which involves Z-gel as a finish. After painting a simple nativity with as few details as possible, I applied a layer of coating, which after drying, gives the appearance of antique crackling. My hopes were this scene would have the appearance of a stained glass window scene. --not quite there, but I do like the simplicity of this familiar Christmas scene. I like the texture which is formed,

 not apparent with a photo.

Eyes of the Big Guy 4x6 $60.00

Normally, I work on larger Christmas pieces, not so this year. This piece was duplicated twelve times for gifts. I am always amazed at how different "identical" paintings can be.  For instance, Santa's expression varies from painting to painting. Here he has a mysterious,  mischievous glint in his eyes. What IS he up to????

Dressup 12x16

I have memories of watching and listening to my granddaughters play "school." ...so serious. This painting reminds me of those days and that of my own "dressup" days. As adults we forget how to play and that is a shame.

My Motto

Central High School of Clay County offered an art elective this year. I consider myself fortunate in teaching this class. At this moment, we have very little money for supplies, but we are being resourceful. Teaching an art class is good for me as an artist. I am forced to plan for  and work with the classes. The one teaching is always the one who learns the most in any class, and an art class is no exception. I recently painted this for my classroom. I entitled it My Motto, for working with color does tend to lighten one's mood, certainly mine. I am truly thankful for the desire to paint and a love for art. Life would be so hum-drum without it.

Rocking Hollyhocks 22x28

Hollyhock blooms are beautiful, full and extravagant

in color and size. The thought just occurred to me that these would be a good bloom for the space behind my rock border in the back yard. I need to look them up, but I think they reseed themselves which is an unbeatable trait. I think I'll give them a try.

Restaurant Entrance 16x20

I suppose his painting would have to be termed "mixed media," for I used water putty as a base for the wall in the painting's foreground. The wall was given a lot of texture which made the surface look more like a plastered wall. Not for every painting, but I've used this technique on two which have turned out nicely. The worst thing that can happen when one tries something new is a flop. It's not like THAT hasn't happened before.

Sweet Buttercup 16x20

My neighbors have cows, and they are a continually visual feast for me. They have a lot to teach someone like me. Stress is not in their vocabulary; maybe I need to take lessons.

Reflections 30x40

This painting was worked up this summer during those waning days when the realization hit me that these days of bliss would be over for a while. No more time for daydreaming, profound thoughts, or flights of whimsy. I MUST RETURN TO WORK. Sweet, long, lazy summer afternoons...

Copper and Company 11x14 80.00

This study was painted at Sarah Carlisle Art Colony at Lake Martin, an annual workshop for those interested in honing painting skills. Because the visual arts tends to be a solitary activity, networking with others with "like-mind" is extremely important. Being with those who gather there is extremely encouraging and informative. I love it.

Bernard 16x20 175.00

My son-in-law is quite the amateur photographer with the ability to see good photo opps at which I never take a second glance. This painting was  from a photo taken in Jamaica, a close-up of a rooster that I simply couldn't resist. Thanks, Seth for the inspiration.

Jonquil on Wood 6"x6" $55.00

This 6"x6" solitary jonquil is painted on a 12"x12" panel which forms a frame, nice touch and handy. No worries about a frame. Such a delicate bloom makes for a dramatic effect on a dark background.

View from Pasture Gate 16x20 175.00

Today has been a tiring day and this painting depicts a place in which I want to be. Peace is what I think of when I see this painting. Home...

Grazing Time $150.00 16x20

I have had a life-long love for horses ever since my childhood friendship with a girl whose family owned, rode, and showed horses. My parents were not interested in doing the same, and I couldn't understand why. Even though they owned no appropriate place to stable a horse, I spent a great deal of time persuading them, if they truly loved me, to make that investment. I was consistently refused, so I resigned myself to drawing horses in all postures. This scene was inspired by a trip to South Dakota where these two were grazing in the morning stillness near our campsite. I still think they are beautiful animals.

Scout 11x14 80.00

For the past weeks, my painting has taken the form of flower or animal life. I plan on riding the wave until it "reaches the shore." Lately, I have been in a creative flow that I wish could last, but life/work tends to leach the urgings, draining the creative pool. Books have been written on maintaining that flow. My intentions are to take advantage of those books, etc., but life and a job seem to distract. Producing a constant flow of work is HARD WORK, but I can't help myself. I love it.

Big Red Pear 24x36 450.00

I've had this painting for some time, but she has undergone a facelift. I worked on the color and softened hard lines, and I like her better. In fact, I have this displayed in my dining room which is not something I ordinarily do. I have very few of my paintings in my home. I display the few until they sell or I replace them. There is no rhyme or reason, just a random procession of images that capture my whimsy. The Big Red Pear and companions continue to appeal to me.

Yard Man 11x14 $130.00

My son-in-law has become the family photographer and when he travels, he takes some great shots that I never fail to look at for painting opportunities. Yard Man was painted from a photo taken in Jamacia. This guy definitely has an attitude and deserved a portrait. I am working on a full bird painting at the moment.

Silver Pitcher 11x14 $60.00

Tried my hand at silver, which is NOT a color only a reflection of its surroundings.