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.