Apple Pitcher 5x7

For the last year, I have made an effort to declutter my home by eliminating all items that I can't live without. This pitcher is one item I chose to keep for I am emotionally attached for some reason. I can't even remember where I found it, but it's one thing from my past that I enjoy seeing on a daily basis. Our lives are so filled with unnecessary "stuff," but this is a whimsical piece that gives me happiness.

Barn in the Evening 3x5 50.00

Barns--can't get away from my rural upbringing. I once said that I would never again paint a barn because they are overdone and common, but are they? I am not sure that I will ever cease to appreciate a "good barn."

Petunias 3x5 $40.00

While walking in the summer, I always enjoy the volunteer petunias that chance up in strategic spots on the roadside. At one time someone may have planted them, and the plants have persistently endured,  a lesson for all.

Collie's Room 11x14 $60.00

While at the art colony at Lake Martin in October, the class painted an interior. Despite everyone doing the same study, all paintings looked different. Every artist has his/her individual style which means we had many "takes" on the same scene.  -interesting.

Interlude 11x14

During the few years I attempted to teach an art class at the high school, we tried various media. I was constantly carting items from my home for a subject to sketch, paint, etc. One that was always a favorite was this chair, hat, and uke. The angles of the chair were a challenge, but we had fun, so did I when I painted it lately in oils. If art is not fun to a person, she/he should find another interest.

Sierra Aspens 11x14

On a trip out West, I saw a stand of aspens in the summer sun. They appeared to be painted with whitewash. --such a beautiful sight.

Serengeti Sentry 14x20

The first time I ever saw a real giraffe was at Busch Gardens in Tampa. I was awed by the beautiful coloring and grace despite their height and gangliness. They appeared if they had been hand painted. Since then I have painted several. Always fun to depict, the pattern of their coloration is quite interesting.

Peace River 11x14

I remember crossing a river in Florida on more than one occasion called Peace River. This painting reminds me of what I saw. The water was still and deep, very lazy. --definitely a peaceful sight.

Christmas Blues 16x16

I remember returning home from a great aunt's house one Christmas Day afternoon. My parents had decided to spend time with the extended family, so we had spent a few hours at my aunt's house, crammed full of food and laughing relatives. As my dad was driving home in the darkening winter afternoon, I remember feeling a blanket of sadness descend upon my small brain. Christmas was over for a whole year. I was overwhelmed with a sense of gloom. Life was over--no more Christmas, no more gifts, no reason for celebration. As a kid, I simply didn't know the truth.  How sad life would truly be if our lives merely subsisted from one emotional high to the next, one manufactured preoccupation to another? In the midst of the baubles and glitz of the season, I am grateful that the true Christmas, namely the presence of God on earth is to be experienced all year, every moment, not just during a window of time. To not know differently would give me the same expression of the pup in the painting Christmas Gloom.

Renee's Garden Tools 6x8

No digging in the dirt for a while.This piece commemorates those long, hot days of summer. Remember???

Sleigh Ride With Santa 16x16

Do I hear sleigh bells?? Santa is on the way! One day I hope to ride in a sleigh, not necessarily with the man himself. However, I wouldn't turn him down. This was a fun piece to paint, one of the few Christmas pieces I have managed to paint this year.

Hot Day in the Outback 11x14

As I type this, I am trying to imagine the heat of such a day, the glare of the sun on roofs, the rise of heat waves from the earth, and the oppressive humidity of the atmosphere. This morning, the temp is in the low 30's, and such imagining is a stretch. One benefit of living in this area is variety of weather conditions. Variety is good for the soul.

Kymulga Mill 8x10

In the early fall, an artist friend and I spent a wonderful day at Kymulga Mill and Covered Bridge in Talladega Co. We painted the entire day, stopping only for a quick lunch. This is the second installment of that day. The first was of the bridge, and this is a rendering of the mill. These two structures have been declared historical landmarks and are open daily to the public. --a peaceful spot.

Gourde Profile 6x8

This little guy won my heart when I spied it in the trashcan. I was attracted by the curving lines and earthy appeal. I thought he would make a winsome subject, and he was taken home to my studio.  There are so many times I fail to appreciate the small revelations of beauty around me. Oh God, help me be more attentive.

Tools of the Trade 6x8

When an artist begins painting his or her tools, perhaps new subject matter is needed. Actually, the orange crock has appealed to me for a long time. I just included a few brushes. This was a fun piece.

Collie's Beach 12x16

This scene was one I painted at the art colony along with about 20 others. Of course it never fails that when people are painting the same scene, each piece looks different, like 20 different scenes. As the weather cools, I imagine what a warm day at the beach would feel like.

Yellow Teapot 8x10

I have always had a "thing" for dishes. Serving bowls, platters, and yes, teapots have always caught my eye. Perhaps the shape or the color speaks to me saying, "Take me home." Due to my recent committment to simplify my home and life, I am learning to ignore their pleas. Presently, I am learning to enjoy them, appreciate them, without buying them. This particular teapot was found at a fleamarket. I not only loved the color but the shape. I have kept it because it is particularly dear to me; hence, I have captured in on canvas.

Blue Enamelware 8x10

In an effort to simplify my life, I recently eliminated a lot of "things" from my house that I no longer use. One of which was a set of blue enamelware dishes that I bought years ago. I spied them in a hardware store, and I thought they would be lovely to use for my decor. I have long since changed my ideas about how much clutter I need around me. The blue enamelware was discarded. I still like the dishes; in fact, a friend of mine wanted the set and I gave them to her, glad that the dishes would have a good home. In tribute to the dishes that cheered up my home for a few years, I thought I would capture some pieces on canvas.

Trouble 16x20

My neighbor has donkeys scattered among his cows. Daily in my walk, I pass and watch the latest antics of these guys.  If I could afford to simply buy an animal for viewing purposes, I would have myself some donkeys. Come to think of it, there would be no point in such a purchase as long as my neighbor has his. I think he enjoys them as much as I.

Kymulga 8x10

Recently opened to the public as  historic landmarks, Kymulga Mill and Covered Bridge provide a nice afternoon of serene pleasure. We spent an entire day painting on location in this peaceful place. As a result, I thought I would post this image of a day "gone with the wind."

Blue Vase with Lemon 8x10

Blue must be my favorite color, especially paired with yellow. I'm trying to paint without giving all the details to the viewer. --Easier than it sounds. 

Crockery 5x7

Pottery of any kind has always had an appeal to me. I remember passing pottery places in the Smokey Mountains and wanting to stop. OK, maybe they are a rip-off, but the stuff is fun to look at with the myriad of colors and shapes. Naturally, I had to paint this arrangement.

Donnie's Door 8x10

An art workshop I attended used this image as subject matter for a study. I liked the scene's cool, welcoming appeal. Donnie was the instructor's name.

Venetian Canel 8x10

One of the many benefits of painting is viewing the world as one wants it be rather than how it actually is. Venetian Canel is a painting of a place I have never been, but I imagine myself visiting. Maybe, someday.....

Unclaimed Bike 8x10

This painting makes me want to return to an earlier day, the days of kiddom. I remember playing until I was too tired to bath, too tired to eat, too tired to stay awake and watch TV. I would fall into bed exhausted with the day, the wonderfully free day. What happens to us that we forget how to play, to laugh, to simply enjoy being alive?

Planter with Mrs. Appleton's Quilt 11x14

This planter (actually it's a candle holder, but I keep a plant in it) I have had for years. The quilt was gift from some special people . I have always thought of it as a Christmas quilt, although it's just red and white patterned, not a Christmas design. Anyway, I thought I would add it to this little study because it is so special. Here's to you, Mrs. Appleton.

Foggy Morning 11x14

In a recent workshop, the class did this scene together. Using a photograph we tried to capture the cool, wetness of this early morning scene. It's always amazing to see how different the same scene can appear . Every artist has his or her own special touch.

Blue House on PEI 8x10 60.00

While visiting Prince Edward Island, Canada two years ago, my friends and I drove past this house twice before I mentioned that I needed a photo of it in morning light. The next morning they were nice enough to stop and take the time for me to walk up the sidewalk, across the road, and up the sidewalk  to get just the right perspective. I wound up standing dead ahead shooting a quick shot before we left. This is the view I used on this painting. In the morning light, the flowers were so pretty. The place looked like a book out of a children's story book.

Blue Medley 8x10 $60.00

During a recent art workshop, a group of blue dishes were set up and we were told to paint them. I did as I was told and this is the result; however, if I should paint this again, I will change the color of the background drape. Other than that, I like it. Of course, I am a sucker for anything remotely kin to blue.

Traces of Leisure 8x10 60.00

Most of us have a difficult time with leisure, or I do. Why do I feel guilty when I sit for a quiet moment?? It's not a moral failing, but  necessary for maintaining sanity. This painting reminded me what I need to do more of, just relax and commune with my own spirit. I read the other day that silence is the closest thing to God. Maybe that is why silence often makes us uncomfortable. We are not at ease when confronted with our humanity and the eternal.

Little Brown Jug 8x10 $60.00

Little brown jug, I love you. That's the way the old song goes.

Silo and Barn 8x10

Barns have been painted so much that I hesitate to paint yet another barn, but I'm country and can't help it; barns always appeal to my basic nature. However, I did paint this one in an art workshop. I hate to admit it, but I like it. What can I say? I was country-barn.

Value Study 6x8

I worked this up at an art workshop, and at the time I didn't care for it. I went home, stuck it in a frame, and decided I liked it. I love black and white photos; I guess the color scheme appeals to me.

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.

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.

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. 

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."

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??

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.

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.

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.

Fence Daylilies 8x10

My Dad had a daylily nursery for a few years. He labored in his daylilies as if watching them bloom was his livlihood. Although he worked a full-time job, all his spare  time was spent in the the daylily beds. Now, everytime I see daylilies bloom, I think of him and his passion for that beautiful flower, and I understand. Each of us need a passion, something we do simply for the joy of it, something that makes the world a better place and our lives richer. Thanks, Dad, for that wonderful lesson.

Birdbath 11x14

My backyard attracts redbirds. I am thankful because they are eyecatching with their brilliant plumage and always interesting to watch. Jesus said to consider the birds. They do have lessons to teach us if we would only pay attention. My backyard looks nothing like this, but this scene is a loose (very loose) interpretation of an historic homestead I visited last year.  I combined the redbirds and the gardens, artist license at work.

Bud's Horses 8x10

My friends own a beautiful place in the country and owe horses, lots of them. While plein air painting on their place, I thought I would dedicate one study to Bud and his beautiful draft horses. They weren't actually in this scene; I just put them there. One benefit of painting is the artist is free to paint what he/she wants to see.

Morning Light 8x10

While visiting Santa Fe, NM, I was fascinated with the light on the adobe buildings. The mix of vibrant flowers and incredible light play was mesmerizing. --such a beautiful place.

Cheaha Chair 8x10

I must have Cheaha State Park on the brain. This chair caught my eye while painting in the park; I thought I would give it a try. I liked the light playing on the shadowed chair.

Cheaha at Dusk 8x10

Cheaha State Park is one of Alabama's well-kept secrets--such a beautiful, unsullied place. I hope it stays that way. Last summer at this very time, some friends and I had an art workshop with Dot Svendson and had a wonderful 4 days. This was of the  several studies I managed to get done. We stationed our easles behind the restaurant and painted until dark took the sun away. -the best worship service I have ever attended.

Looking for the Dogs 11x14

For the hunters out there---Looking for the Dogs was painted more than a year ago. I put the painting aside and have yet to frame it.  I do that often.

North Beach, PEI 8x10

Prince Edward Island must be on my mind. We walked on the beach one blustery day. The cool weather didn't stop anyone. Swimmers, sunbathers, and beachcombers were out in full force. 

Northern Point Lighthouse 11x14

My friends and I camped for a few weeks on Prince Edward Island, Canada. We enjoyed several days of plein air painting. This was painted on a windy, wet day. Although uncomfortable at times, I enjoyed every moment of this day. I tried to capture the fog and overcast atmosphere which was an interesting effort.