Violas and Sweet Berries The world is beginning to come alive again with the birth of new growth and Springtime activities. I love seeing these little violas pop up and scatter themselves cheerfully throughout my flowerbeds in early Spring. They remind me of children at play; carefree and joyful as they dance about in nature. [...]
Special Announcement! “Blooms in Winter” is now up for bids on the Haiti Relief Auction sponsored by 140hours. It’s a great way to purchase original art at bargain prices! Come see and join in on the bidding fun. One hundred percent of the money raised is being donated to help the Haitian people! You can [...]
Christmas Wonderment The scene is set, candles lit and ornaments hung. A Christmas glow envelops all, warming hearts near and far. Christmas heightens our sense of humanity and stirs a kindness lost in the rush of life. Mere strangers’ nods and smiles are warmly acknowledged; which would otherwise be lost to a sea of preoccupation. [...]
Sending Holiday Cheer to everyone! I hope everyone is getting along well with their Christmas preparations. I’m trying to beat the clock as usual! I have lots to do yet before the 25th. This is always a very busy time of year. I am presently working on a Christmas still life I set up in [...]
One Last Bloom Early summer has begun with a symphony of dramatic blooms. For three years a small peony bush taunted one with the anticipation of expansive blooms. Finally, the day arrived and she joyfully presented an array of large bouncy blooms. Their gentle pink hue made them appear delicate as they swayed happily in [...]
This painting evolved as I went along. Initially, when I began to paint it, I was just going to do quick sketches. Then inspiration took over and I really got into more detail. I loved playing with contrasting values and trying to get the fruit to “shine”. It stayed in development mode in between other [...]
Yearning for the lushness of spring and summer, I once again took a visit to my local florist. Sometimes when I go I have a flower or color in mind that I feel like painting. This time my urge was the color purple. I love a blue-purple; it seems so regal and rich. While in [...]
Every now and then a painting takes you on some twists and turns. “With Grace” was such a painting. In the beginning these larger carnations were vibrant and bursting with life. I happily sketched them on canvas and blocked in my values and then life got in the way and I did not get back [...]
During this time of year I begin to miss nature’s vibrant vegetation and getting out on my plein air excursions. So I decided to visit our local florist to consume the vibrant colors and aliveness of their ongoing supply of flowers. In the dead of winter they seemed to energize one; leading to visions of [...]
I just finished this 5x7in painting. The tricky part in this painting was making sure my ellipse was correct and maintaining the symmetrical proportions of the egg cup. I found this little egg cup in my cupboard and have wanted to paint it for awhile. I just loved how cheerful it looked with its bright [...]
