Glow

It has been over a week since i have painted.  I find i get a bit anxious when i don't make the time to get out to my studio.  You'd be amazed at how much time artists spend working on everything other than their actual art in order to keep afloat!  Promotional stuff and marketing requires a big chunk of time and expertise in computer skills as well.  After fighting it, (the computer) as a tool to get my work out there...... i decided to embrace it.  In actuality, like the human brain i probably only use less than 10% of its capability!  SOLD

Pear Blossoms & Hood

I am getting ready for the Pear and Wine Festival happening here in Hood River at WAAAM, Sat May 21- Sun May 22.  This is a classic rendition of what the valley looks like in spring and thank goodness it finally arrived!  This painting will be available at the Festival.  SOLD

old adobe

It's been a while since i have posted anything, which is not to say i haven't been painting because i have!  The creative faucet is flowing, there is the odd dud but oh well, another reminder of humility.  I enjoyed the GAOS tour over the weekend, sold 8 paintings.  Mostly small, or as i like to describe them, introductory pieces.  This painting i was inspired by master pastel artist Albert Handel.  I love the texture of adobe walls, the irregularity of color and form.

AVAILABLE, Ryan Gallery, Lincoln City, OR

From the ground up

I am extremely busy getting ready for the up coming Gorge Artist Open Studio tour next weekend, May 14-15.  This is one of the paintings you will have an opportunity to check out at my studio while on the tour.  I, like the 40 plus artists participating this year, am very excited!  It is a wonderful opportunity to discover all of the amazing talent we have here in, and around the gorge.  AVAILABLE

Splendor

I am continuously intrigued by trees, their shapes in particular.  When painting them i feel as though i am sculpting instead of painting.  On many occasions i have found myself wandering off the road, (fortunately no accidents yet, knock on tree) because i am observing to the point of distraction!  I remember a million years ago when i was in art school.  In my very basic drawing courses i was instructed on how to render pieces of wood and drapery.  The ultimate goal was to make the subject matter appear three dimensional.  My incredible teacher, Bonnie Blau would urge me to look around the object, stretch.  I credit her to teaching me how to see.!
SOLD

Quince Blossoms

This sweet piece was a commission

Celebrating Color

With this piece i branched out a bit, not my typical composition.  I love it!!  SOLD

Not afraid of Color

Well i think the title tells it all.  This painting was very entertaining to create.  I was not intending to use every color in the rainbow or utilize both warm and cool tones in the palette but i did.  This painting is not for the faint of heart.  To me it speaks of both risk and commitment!  SOLD

Posies

I was using a view finder to check out one of my paintings, moving it around and discovered this small area and thought it would make a sweet piece and it did, very fun!

For Maryann

This painting was a commission piece for a very dear friend.

Winter Rapture

For some of us it feels like winter will never end!  So let's celebrate the beauty of it!

Late July

Over the years i have had the good fortune to travel quite a bit for both personal purposes and for art shows.  When looking at landscapes i am usually considering how i would go about capturing the moment in a painting.  This pastel was inspired by a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho to visit Nana & Opa, my in laws and The Sun Valley Art Festival.

primary colors

Almost finished with this painting, it has been a while since i "sculpted" trees. I use the that term when describing how i go about painting aspens and birches, because that is what it feels like. Working with form, values, light and dark which make some of the trees appear to march off the surface.

Inner Peace

I think I found it, inner peace that is and for that I am truly grateful!!!

patience

I started this piece back in May, not a particularly good time in my life. That being said, i shoved it under my couch in my studio, and while tidying up yesterday, (the words clean used in conjunction with studio sound like an oxymoron to me) i saw it out of the corner of my eye. I decided to take a stab at making the most of it and well, by golly i do believe i did!

Blue River Bend

I guess you could say i am on a fluid streak, as in water. I am digging this painting and continue to learn something every time i put my pastel to paper. After a certain amount of experience or "milage", a good portion of painting can be predictable. Sometimes however, it is one surprise after another. Which speaks to discovering by accident or unintentionally, (being open and willing to try something new and letting go of expectations). A dear and wise friend told me once that "expectations" were simply "planned disappointments. Hmmmmmm

Finding Peace

I have been working on this painting for a bit and am pretty closed to finished.

A Few Thoughts.......

I was reading some other blogs on art and came across some interesting information. Fact, art is good for you!! Yes, there have been studies that have proven that it actually boosts your immune system by elevating your mood. Which can be a lot cheaper than paying a visit to the doctor and/or shrink and getting on antidepressants. And no, I have absolutely nothing against medication when used properly. Art also enhances your living space, stimulates conversation and provides an opportunity for you to feel connected to something or someone outside yourself. Some may feel that buying art is a form of indulgence, but i disagree. Where would we be without it? Art is in all things.

The Eyes Have It

I painted this piece last spring and instead of me looking at it, i feel like it, or they are looking at me.

In the Gloaming

Just a wee bit of tweaking and it is finished. Wa La!!

My Palette

My palette from a bugs eye view, arranged by color and value.

No Where to Hide

I am drawn to red. I am getting it together organizational wise, i think. I came up with a plan, though i can hardly take credit for it. In order to keep track of my paintings, inventory, what sold, what gallery, who collected what, dimensions etc.........I have started taking photos of each piece, noting title, size, status etc and keeping it in a log book. This will stream line my life immensely, which in turn will allow me more time to paint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Journey

I painted this piece a few months ago. Every color imaginable, an experiment of sorts, which i believe every piece of art is.

My studio, (haven)!

My little piece of heaven. I am extremely grateful to have my own space!!

I would like to thank my dear friend and artist Cathleen Rehfeld for her inspiration and blogging tutorial!

Dreaming Blue

I actually painted this piece before "Possibilities". I continue to experiment and learn about color and am intrigued by the feelings certain colors illicit.

Interested in purchasing this painting? Please contact me at 541-490-5361 for dimensions and price.

Ode to Georgia

this image is 4 ft x 4 ft, commission

Possibilities

i worked on this piece upside down, i love the warmth and rich feeling it has.