Just Peas 5x15 60.00

...so, it's just peas, but there is a lot to be said for simplicity. Maintaining simplistic compositions while painting is difficult for an "overdoer" like myself. The more is better rule does not apply to art. I have to continually remind myself of this cardinal truth. "Keep it simple" is the rule of thumb. This 5x15 wooden panel provides the background for a simple grouping of peas, a very clean design that certainly lends itself to a kitchen or dining area, but could work in a grouping as an interesting accent. Very little of my own work  hangs in my home, but this is one which resides in my green kitchen at the moment. She knows she is a temp piece and is looking for the perfect home.

Interior 8x10 50.00

Light has an incredible imagination; she is able to turn an ordinary scene into extraordinary. I was interested here in the light on the furniture and corresponding values. Interiors of homes appeal to me, especially old paintings with elaborate settings and figures in period dress. Most of us forget that 90% of the population bore little likeness to those scenes and life was certainly not that romantic. The world has always been a brutal place to live; we tend to forget our history.

The Tack Room 14x16 125.00

My friend let me use this saddle and bridle in this study. I draped the saddle and blanket over a frame. When I picked up the saddle, the unmistakable smell of horse greeted me, such a wonderful, pungent smell. The saddle blanket had horse hair on the underside, and horse sweat was absorbed in the fabric. During those moments, I had a visitation of years ago when I would spend summer days with a friend of mine who lived "in the country." She and her sisters were horses lovers, and I learned to love the horse and all things related. Thank you Raynell (Miller) Fetner for such wonderful memories.

Updraft 16x20 100.00

One of the most beautiful metaphors used in the scriptures depicting God's relationship with his people is that of an eagle. Just as the eagle soars on the upper air currents, above the fray, those who trust in God's  grace and loving care are under-girded and restored by an unseen power. What a lovely picture of God's love and care.

Yellow Brick Road 16x20 100.00

...Just a fun piece using mixed media. The art students last year tried something like this in a smaller version, and I thought I would do something larger just for the fun of it. After pouring a stream of latax paint (the black and yellow), the remaining spaces were painted with oil paint. This is simply a celebration of color. Sometimes, celebration is just good for the soul.

Hollyhocks 20x24 400.00

I've been making a conscious effort to improve my painting of the human figure. I've had many bad moments. This piece is one of the best projects to this point. Many have the erroneous idea that artistic ability is simply a gift that is indiscriminately doled out. Not so...Artistic ability is 10% innate ability and the rest is simply hours of HARD WORK as far as I can tell. However, the work is a joy that at times is all-consuming. In the hollyhock garden is a place in which  I would like to be.

Citrus 11x14 50.00

Oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, citrus of any kind, are favorites of mine both to eat and to use as painting subjects. I never tire of the fresh zest they add to a still life.  Their colors create a sensation of crispness, even cleanliness, possibly because of the association we make with their smell and taste. One of my treasured Christmas memories from childhood  is my Dad purchasing 50 lb. bags of oranges and grapefruit. The bags would be stationed under the tree as part of the Christmas bounty.

Collie's Drive 11x14 50.00

...just an ordinary street in an ordinary place. However, every place, every street has a story, and I'm sure this one is no exception. People live here. They are living life. Each is in the midst of his or her own story.

Pig Sack 14x18 Sold

"Paper or plastic?" Same question every-time. I always say, "paper" for a number of reasons. First, I seem to be able to handle the sack better. They don't stretch with the weight. Instead, they just tear like this one. That's OK with me. I like them better anyway. Paper, uncolored paper, is good to use with compost piles. If placed on top of soil and covered with dirt, it gradually decomposes and adds to the sI like that idea. Lastly and foremost, I just 
like the pig.

Copper Arrangement 11x14 50.00

This painting has been in the archives, so I thought I would pull her out and download her. She matches my mood...feeling somewhat old myself today. A bad cold has me in its grips. For two days I have been dragging myself to work. Maybe a long Labor Day weekend will do the trick. Copper items are always good subjects with which to practice the role of reflected light. Copper does have its color, but it also "takes on" surrounding color, such as the fruit in this painting.

Collie's Room 11x14 50.00

Light has an incredible imagination, always having a unique effect. Never impacting an object in an identical way, light is an innovative dancer who has an endless repertoire.  In this painting, sunlight is casting striking shafts of light across a room.  Little wonder that light is used in the metaphorical sense in literature; the most familiar is the multitude of Biblical references. In the Old and New Testament alike, light is used to describe the impact of God's presence in the world.

Silver with Lemons 11x14 50.00

Any silver object is actually not painted by applying a silver color paint; actually, silver is a combination of the surrounding objects, a reflection of that with which it is surrounded.  For instance, this silver pitcher is a reflection of the burgundy drape and the lemons. That principle applies to human relations as well; we tend to cultivate the habits and mannerisms of friends. My mamma must have been saying that when she would say, "Birds of a feather flock together."  My mamma had many expressions like that, her own brand of wisdom.

Roopville General Store 11x14 SOLD

Dotting the landscape in the South are monuments  to a by-gone era, the community store. Once hubs of business and community life they stand as reminders of a  slower-moving society free of sprawling malls, suburban  development, and  crippling materialism. In addition to selling everything from hardware to eggs, these locally owned businesses dispensed  news and gossip and provided a location for business and social transactions; as very center of a community's existence, they were the heart-beat of community living. Today,  if preserved as this one in Roopville, GA, they possibly serve as antique stores or perhaps a local "museum." We are less without them.

Garden Stroll 11x14 50.00

This painting makes me think of the poet Emily Dickinson who lived a life of seclusion in the home of her birth. She was seldom seen in public, and in later years, she took to wearing only white. After her death, rolls of paper containing poems were found squirreled away in the cubicles of her desk. Only after her death, did the world benefit from her poetic legacy.  

Bikes for Rent 11x14 65.00

Despite not ever having a bike of my own, only a well-worn hand-me-down bike, I managed to chalk up some serious bike wrecks in my career. I still have scars from one wreck involving a steep, paved road and a lot of loose gravel.  My friend and I almost cut our young lives short. The neighborhood kids who I ran with preferred walking anyway, so we spent most of time on foot, a lot safer.

us.

Via dei Fiori 9x12 60.00

My long-lost, extremely wealthy uncle who is going to bequeath me his vast holdings happens to be Italian, which means trips and possibly a home in Italy for me in the future. Uncle Griffino, the dear soul, will enable me to paint routinely in Italy. Until then, I will simply paint scenes that have an Italian flavor in anticipation of that day.

   

Teapot and Apples 8x10 50.00

Yet another creative title for art lovers everywhere... This piece was a practice set-up which produced a nice contrast of texture and colors. My kitchen has an apple motif, and I've been tempted to display it there, but I have exhausted the apple theme. I need to let it rest. This piece is looking for a home.

Blue Bottle and Pear 8x10 50.00

"Blue Bottle and Pear"---Just how creative is that title?  Want-to-Artists are schooled to set up still lifes of random objects and paint from life. That is what this piece is, a random set-up, but since I have always likes blue and yellow as neighbors, this piece has always had a certain appeal to me. The hard surfaced cobalt bottle juxtaposed against the soft surface of the pear creates a sensation that is almost palpable.  Often opposites make a good team, as in this case.

Solitary Twosome 8x10 50.00

An early spring morning sent me outdoors. Although cool, the weather was sunny, perfect for some plein air painting. I have painted just about everything around my house that is paintable, so out of desperation I chose these two. The jonquil was a voluntary bloom, not meant to be there in the garden spot. But against the empty solitary pot, the two became a winsome pair.

Carribean Breeze 11x14 90.00

When I receive my vast inheritance from my long-lost wealthy uncle, I plan on having a beach home, one in a secluded tropical location. Nothing fancy, just a modest bungalow on a quiet beach somewhere will serve the purpose.  A good book, a little conversation with good friends, and the ocean breeze will be all I could ask for. The problem lies with the uncle; he hasn't been located. Caribbean Breeze was painted just in case he doesn't show. With a once inch blue-toned frame, this painting is ready to hang.

Peppers Galore 8x10 90.00

This collection of peppers provide a colorful display of a garden bounty. Complete with a matching 2 1/2 inch frame, it's ready to hang. The challenge of this arrangement was the various values of green and red.

Petunias 11x14 80.00

These petunias were virtually ignored, but managed to thrive the hot summer. Petunias have always seemed to be a "happy" flower. Perhaps its the open face bloom and their hardiness in bright sun, the hotter the better. Wish I could say the same thing about myself.

Front Yard View 16x20 90.00

My home and surrounding area have been the subject of many of my paintings, not because my home is exceptional, only convenient for a little plein air practice. If a road trip isn't possible, my front yard is only a few steps away. This is a view of my front yard before neighboring homes were built.

New England Villiage 16x20 150.00

The title of this painting refers to the tiny figures in the background who are carry what looks to be baskets of clothing. I imagined that these women were returning from doing laundry the hard way. Maybe the idea is to hang the clothes to dry in the warm autumn sun. ...sounds idyll but it's backbreaking work that I am grateful to avoid. The closest I get to this is when I hang items on a drying rack on my back porch which is a few steps away and certainly not heavy work. No, I enjoy being a modern-day woman, thank you.

Morning Light on Terrace 14x18 150.00

Light is a dancer who has unlimited ability. The simplest objects are morphed into fascinating studies by her presence. Little wonder that light is used in the metaphorical sense to refer to the person, presence, and power of God in this world. Light warms, reveals, restores, and heals.  Its absence is a sure signal of death. Light on the Terrace is a simple architectural arrangement with light as the main player. This piece hangs at Mrs. Anita's Restaurant on Hwy. 9 North between Ashland and Lineville.
...needs a permanent home.

 

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!

Best Buds 16x20 70.00

One of the benefits of living in a small, rural town is farm life is ever present. Although I live in the city limits, I often hear a rooster crow. The sounds of cattle lowing and donkeys doing what they do is ever present, and I do love their racket. My neighbor's donkeys have provided me with many painting opportunities and countless moments of pleasure. In my daily walks, I observe their antics, best show in town. These two were roadside under a shade and we had a staring contest. They won.

Break Out 16x20 90.00

I hope that my recent fascination with goats has no correlation with any personality traits. They are so whimsical and comical to me, a lot of fun to paint. The hyper movements of the goats at the prospect of escape was the appeal to me in this scene.  The additional stark contrast between bright light and shadow made for an interesting arrangement.

Open Window 3x5 40.00

 Miniature paintings were one of my many marketing Christmas gift ideas that never took off. One doesn't know until he/she tries, right? Maybe my timing was wrong. Seemed like a good idea at the time. This is one that I did for myself as a trial piece that I kept as a pet. I always wondered what was inside the window.

Moose at Sunrise 12x16 $80.00

A friend was recently showing photos of an Alaskan trip; in the shots was one similar to this. Needless to say, I found theme irresistible.  In the light, the blues and lavenders danced on the snow. Their silhouette was priceless.  Who could not love them? They deserved to be in a painting.

Sunrise in the Smokies 10x20 85.00

Sunrise in the Smokies is an event; actually, sunrise anywhere is an event. Sunrise and sunset are the best shows in town.

Blooms on the North Ridge 7x14 50.00

...Just finished yesterday and the wet paint glares. ( I don't know what to do about that.) Does anyone have a suggestion? Anyway, I'm posting anyway. I love the eye-level perspective and the color, of course.

The Watering Can 14x18 80.00

Watering cans have always appealed to me. The idea of leisurely wandering through a flower bed pouring water on thirsty flowers with such a artful container has a certain flair. Over time, I have accumulated some and painted several pieces containing them. In reality, however, I do not use them. They just make for a good painting subject. The bucket and hose is my equipment of choice, so practical, so plain, and so much FASTER.

Landscape with Palette Knife 8x10 50.00

A good practice for those of us who have a tendency to "detail a painting to death" is to paint a subject with a palette knife only. The exercise forces the painter to concentrate on blocks of color and values. Seeing the scene as a whole rather than in parts is difficult for someone like me. "Loosening up" and softening lines is painful for those of us who have the mistaken notion that our task is duplicating the scene. No, our task is interpreting the scene. Remember this, self.