Santa Fe Courtyard 5x7 30.00

I could live many places, one of which is the state of New Mexico. "Land of Enchantment," the tag slogan, is an appropriate term for the state, or at least the parts I have seen. This little painting was inspired by Santa Fe street scenes, specially Santa Fe Drive, the hub of the city's art scene. I could have hung out there for the rest of my life. For two days, my friends and I combed the galleries, a visual feast. Flowers, courtyards, statuary, art in all forms--EVERYWHERE!

South of the Border 16x20 70.00

I am a personal proponent of the afternoon siesta; the world would be a safer and kinder place if we all took a nap after lunch, like we did in kindergarten or maybe in early grade school. "Everyone get your pallets out and let's rest. No talking. Eyes closed." I wouldn't have to be told more than once. No arguing here. I suppose that idea is what dominated this painting. I think I feel a nap coming on now.

Laundry Day 16x20 80.00

My mother's clothes line ran the length of the side of our back yard and was four lines in depth, a formidable affair. Regardless of the time of year, something was hanging on it. I can't remember a dryer in the house until after my brothers, sister, and I were "gone from home." I can remember being told to get the clothes and bringing them in stiff with cold. How they ever managed to get dry, I am not sure, but they were always clothes on hand, dry clothes. My dad hung gourds on one end of the line for birds, and in the spring the martins would have to be fought off in order to gain line access. ( I don't know what possessed him with that idea, not one of his better ideas.) Yes, those were the good 'ol days...

Santa Fe Dwelling 15x30 375.00

When I returned from a trip from the Santa Fe, New Mexico area, I was so taken with the place that many paintings were of subjects related to the area; hence, the Santa Fe Dwelling is with me still. People tend to purchase paintings with which they identify; no one in this area identifies with this painting unless they have been to the Santa Fe area or somewhere similar. I was attracted to the light's behavior on the stucco surfaces. That in addition to the incredible flowers was a wonderful combination creating a fairyland of color.

Pears on Yellow 15x30 $350.00

This painting was meant to hang in my kitchen originally; however, like so many that begin in my home, she was promoted to a bigger world. I have very few paintings of my own hanging in my home. I have made a habit of buying art done by friends. That is what I have in my home. There are a few pieces that I keep for nostalgic reasons, but very few. This is currently hanging in a local restaurant.

Childs' Old Homeplace 30x36 400.00

The Childs lived in the house for a lifetime, farmed, and raised a family. Like others of its kind, the old vacant house stood for years as if in denial that she was no longer necessary. Nestled in a wooded grove on a dirt road, the house always startled me with its appearance after topping the rise in the road. I admired it, felt an affinity for it, somehow a kinship. I always wanted to fill it with laughter, children, and the sounds of life, somehow remove its mournful look. Time has no doubt handled that problem, for I have been told she no longer stands.

Geraniums in the Breeze 38x40 Sold

From the archives, this large piece sold years ago, and I have no clue where she is living now. I hope she is in a good home. I always liked the relaxed feel of the painting and the lanky geraniums with late summer/s growth. No breeze like this coming through my windows in this soaring heat.

Reflections 30x40 400.00

I never forget when this painting was finished-before the school year began. My state of mind was captured in the subject matter. The summer was drawing to a close for me, and I had an idea of the hectic schedule of the future. Realizing that the long, luxurious days of summer were coming to end, I experienced a sadness that the figure seems to embody for me. Reflections was a fitting title.

The Adventurer 12x16 Sold

Each summer in those brief weeks before the onslaught of the school year, I experience a painting frenzy. The realization of the summer's close dawns, and I paint as if I will never again have the opportunity, my celebration of those long, hot afternoons in the studio, oblivious to the outside world. The Adventurer is one of the pieces that has surfaced from  the fury.

Zinnias 6x6 50.00

Many gardeners plant zinnias in close proximity to the vegetable garden. Their blooms are a natural bug repellent. Not only a splash of color, these blooms provide a practical service, a winning combination in my book. Often spurned because their commonness, they are undeterred and remain a durable and hardy bloomer. There has to be a moral there.

 

Selma Bridge 12x36 100.00

The bridge of Selma is not only an important setting in historical events, but a lovely sight. This piece was inspired by the view from  river walk that graces the river side. As a junior high student in the 60's, I remember the days when the bridge was not a peaceful place for a walk. May we never repeat those days of violence and hatred.

Highway Ranch 8x10 50.00

"Location, Location, Location," is a motto of real estate developers. This applies to this painting. In disrepair, these little outbuildings were elevated to regal status by their majestic setting.

View from the Back Porch 8x10 50.00

Beyond the rock border of my back yard is a stand of pines that provide a light show in the summer. The sun light that filters through the trees is ever changing as the sun shifts throughout the day. I enjoy watching it dance on tree trunks giving the impression of animation. Maybe I need to change the name of this little painting to Tree Dance.

Canyon Rim 8x10 50.00

Many artists spend a lifetime painting the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas...little wonder. I found the canyon a challenge, one that I certainly have not mastered. Capturing the vast space and depth of that holy place is the heart of the challenge. I felt like a foolhardy intruder the day I spent making my feeble effort to paint what was before me. God must have chuckled.

Trouble 16x20 70.00

With a mind of his own, he's not a team player. Count on him to do exactly the opposite of what you want, just like some people you know. Animals are God's way of providing life lessons, visuals from the animal world. They have much to teach us, if we're paying attention.

Pretty Lady 12x16 Sold

As a rule, I don't get emotionally attached to paintings. When they sell, I release them with gratefulness to the buyer and a sense of satisfaction that the painting is in a "good home." Pretty Lady is an exception, however. The minute she sold, I regretted letting her go. A sense of betrayal enveloped me, and I felt like she was feeling pain (not the customer, but the dog in the painting).  Why I do not know. I have thought about her with remorse since then (not the customer, but the dog). Why don't I do a repaint, just paint her again you ask? The second painting might have a similar appearance, and have the same title, but BUT IT WOULDN'T BE THE SAME!