Christmas Morning 30x42

Christmas Morning is the last of my Christmas paintings, and I saved it until today for the obvious reason. I read a short story once about an old man who wrote his wife a love letter for Christmas, for he felt the gift that he had for her was inadequate. I, too, often feel that the gifts I give are inadequate, not expressing what I truly want to say, not enough. What I truly want to say is buried in my innermost being; my words are mere babble, and the gift just a cheap trinket. Maybe that's yet another reason why art is important; it communicates those emotions that often are unexpressible. Words are merely words, so limited. Perhaps this delimma is at the core of the Christmas story. Humanity is incapable of understanding the heart of God and the words that rise from that heart, therefore, a visual was given, a work of art that says it more fully than words ever could. This morning, December 25, 2010, I quote another who struggled with expressing emotions-
                                                                  "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. " II Cor. 9:15

Big Yellow Pears 18x24 $300.00

Food was a focal part of my childhood home. My parents enjoyed entertaining, and good food (and plenty of it) was vital to their brand of hospitality. Therefore, I was an adult before I realized that some women simply do not enjoy cooking and don't. My mother considered a woman who didn't know how to cook  a genetic mutate and in opposition to law of nature. Hence, food is a popular subject for my painting. These pears were part of a set. The sister piece, red pears, are no longer with me.  I can't remember who bought them or where they live now. The yellow ones have been in my kitchen, local restaurants, and in a small gallery of which I am a part. Yellows and blues make a happy color scheme. For that reason, I have always liked this painting.

Lemons on the Slide 16x20 $65.00

Lemons on the Slide is a painting that was one of a set of two. The sister piece sold and this one is waiting for a home. I have painted several "sets," and none of those sets sold together. I suppose the moral of the story is not to paints sets. My favorite part of this painting is the brick background. I have a penchant for brick backgrounds and tile floors. Does this bent indicate some personal hidden flaw? If so, don't tell me.

Red Panda 30x30 $250.00

Someone told me that there actually was a panda considered a red panda, and I thought I was painting a surrealism piece. Oh, well...so much for being on the edge. I like him anyway.

Rawhide 10x20 $150.00

If asked why I painted this, I couldn't really answer. Something about the expanse of the horns, the gleam in his eye, and my recent return from a camping trip out West with friends must have moved me. Maybe the muse of the Old West and all those episodes of Rawhide as a kid got the best of me. (Rowdy was the man.) I must have been a cowboy in another life, for I've always been attracted by the cowboy personna. I will always grieve over the termination of Mesquite Rodeo with Donny Gay. Bullriding was the highlight of my Sunday night viewing.

You'd Better Watch Out 5x7

Another painting of the big guy before the big run. He has been putting in long hours in preparation for the big day.

Loading up 18x32 $325.00

My latest Santa painting, this is on display at a local restaurant. I liked it because his posture is a little different. Rather than sitting reading letters or looking at gifts, the old guy is loading up and heading out (a little early). I guess he wants a head start on his rounds.

Midnight Ride 22x24 $325.00

I painted this twice; the first time was on an 8x10 canvas that was a study. The second time was this larger version. Both are framed and ready to go. The larger one is on display at a local restaurant and smaller one is at Marble Gate Gallery. Both are waiting for a home. I actually went out in my back yard and was trying to paint the night sky when I was inspired to add Santa.

Believe panel #3

Number 3 was more of the same. --so much fun to paint, no pressure. The Christmas season conjurs happy memories for me. My parents enjoyed Christmas to the hilt, although we children didn't get that much in comparison to today's standards. We were rich in our eyes. Our true wealth was in the good times and laughter. I especially miss my parents this time of year. However, their spirits are with me always. I love you, Mamma and Daddy.

Believe Panel #2 Sold

This is another panel in the Believe series. There are not museum pieces, but they were fun to paint.

Believe (sold)

This wood panel was one of a set of three entitled Believe. Whimsical, yet the title says it all. Believe renders the impossible, improbable, and unthinkable in our lives possible. I enjoyed painting these panels. Meant to be sold together, they each sold separately.

Skiing Santa 16x20 sold

Skiing Santa was born while I was teaching art at school. While searching for an idea to use in class, I noticed a photo in a magazine that inspired this idea. The students loved it. Using oil pastels, Santa appeared in all different colors, but each was unique. Since then, the art class has been cut, so this painting is special to me, not because it's a work of art but because it reminds me of a happy time. You go, Santa!!

We Three Trees 16x20 Sold

We Three Trees was a result of a bartering deal made with a friend. She was participating in a Christmas Parade of Homes and asked me to paint something quick and loose for her. In return she was to create a floral arrangement for me. (She works in a florist shop.) The bargain was struck and we both were happy. ---End of story.

Smoking Santa 16x20 Sold

Yes, it's that time of year. As a child, the season was an eternity in coming. Now, Christmas seems to be more frequent. Has a year passed already??? This year, I refuse to allow the trappings of a materialized Christmas get me in a spin.  I purpose to keep my eye on the "reason for the season." The trivial gifts that Santa brings will serve as a reminder of the true gift. Someone will need to remind of this later.

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.