Rose Parade. 18x24. 150.00

I have never had much success with growing roses, so I thought I would try to paint them. At least these require little upkeep after completion; however, there is no substitute for a gorgeous rose (in real life) of any color. Little wonder they hold such symbolic qualities in our culture.

Work Buddies 12x16. 95.00

What possessed me to paint a snow painting I'm not sure, but I thought these two looked festive (Christmasy even) in flurries. Maybe I was simply trying to cool off.

Spring Breakout 18x24 200.00

Some of life's most thrilling moments are the unexpected small things that crop up in our path. Lately, I've seen stray iris and jonquils show their heads in the yard, and I didn't know they existed, much less plant them. How good is that?

The Girls, Out and About. 16x20 125.00

...might as well confess. I have an unexplainable affinity for donkeys and mules. What this insinuates about my character is questionable. Their unshakable demeanor and drop-dead stare, paired with their whimsical appearance are priceless. A moral lesson for us humans has to be there.

Creekside 11x14 70.00

​Canoeing is a pastime that I was introduced to years ago, and the "sport" continues to be a pleasurable activity. Speed never has been a personal concern for me in the activity. My goal is simply to enjoy the moment, the move of water, the sensation of the canoe's movement, and quiet conversation of fellow canoers.  One's perspective is totally different from a slow-moving canoe. Personal concerns seem far-removed and insignificant. Yes, life is good in a canoe.  This painting is based on a photo taken while on a canoe ride. Actually, we weren't in the water at the time, as you can see. We stopped for a break. That's half of the fun...stopping for breaks to play in the water, throw rocks, and eat snacks. Profound thoughts often result from this works. Breaks are necessary.

Little Yard Man 15x15 150.00

​The purpose of my visiting the garden was to take shots of flowers, possible painting subjects, but when I saw the light on this little guy, I forgot flowers for the moment. He won my heart. The flowers became the backdrop for him. This painting is one of my latest favorites, and to even make him more special, no framing is necessary. He has already been framed in a lovely gold-tint frame that suits him perfectly.

Willow Teapot and Apples 8x10. 50.00

This little piece was a study of items in my home. Sometimes the keepers are the ones done on a lark. That's exactly what was happening. I was just having fun. My art matra for the day: loosen and lighten. I am to lighten up and paint in a loose manner. Enjoy.

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.