Monday, September 29, 2008

Daily Oil Panting of Yellow Roses, 9" x 12" on Canvas

"Yellow Roses"$75.00
SOLD










Yellow roses are my favorites (I think) - no really. It changes from time to time. But I do love them and they always seems to lift my spirits a little. I don't know about you, but right now, in these times, I need all the help I can get. Chocolate helps too. I fussed with these a bit. Roses are always a challenge. See the detail shot below.


Saturday, September 27, 2008

Oil Painting of Asian Vase and Tumbling Red Roses, 14" x 18" Oil on Linen

"Tumbling Roses"$150
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This piece has been sitting on my easel demanding to be finished while other obligations got in the way. Despite my earlier struggles with this piece, I'm content with the way in which it was resolved. I think the roses came out just great and the greenery which posed such a problem at first, was handled well. I've been finding out that my skills can get rusty if I'm away from the easel for only a few days. What am I going to do when I go to Europe in two weeks?! All I'll have is a sketch book. Maybe I can bring some watercolors.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Landscape Painting of Pond and Hills, 16" x 20" Oil on canvas

"Gavillan Springs"
SOLD







Today was one of our first "fall" like days with rainy weather and cool winds. Although I prefer the warmer weather (I'm a California girl in mourning), I do like the fall. In a way it's a good excuse to rest and slow down from the summer pace that keeps me in a dizzy race to accomplish things that can't be done in the cooler wet weather. It seems that I've been off my pace a bit this year, though, and can't seem to find my rythym. It's not that I haven't been painting - I have. It's just that I'm not happy with what's been coming off my brush. I'm in a curve where I'm learning new things but having trouble integrating them into my work. I'm working on a painting of roses now but couldn't seem to get it done today and that's just as well. Perhaps it will be better for the slower pace.
Here's one from a yesteryear. Gavillan Springs is a seasonal pond that only comes to life in the winter in California. I used to go there with a dear friend to paint and this was one that came out of such an excursion. It's made me think of doing some landscapes again. I've been remiss to start new projects because my studio is under construction (we're expanding) and things are such a mess. I walk into that studio and can't seem to get started or organized. I'm hoping to get back to some landscapes in the winter once everything is done. I'm going on a trip to the Mediterranean in a couple of weeks for a month. Hopefully I'll come back with some good material and the studio will be nearly finished.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Oil Painting of White Flowers in Blue Delft Vase with Red Plums, 12" x 16", Oil on Panel

"Lightstruck Reconsidered"$125
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I actually painted this piece earlier last month but wasn't happy with it. I've kept it around the studio and finally figured out what it lacked. The blooms are more abundant now and the canvas looks integrated. I adjusted the light on the vase and the plums shadows were deepened. More loose blooms adorn the table top and the light has more of a glow. I first put a separator coat of varnish on and then painted the second layers in glazes. It really made a spectacular difference in the painting. My husband was walking past the studio and just glanced in. He did a double take and said -"Wow...is that new?" Guess I succeeded! There is, of course, generous paint on the flowers. The varnish really makes the colors brighter and things just glow! Think I'll be doing more of that. It's really hard to see the effect in a photo. You'll just have to have some faith. See the detail below. Enjoy.


Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Oil Painting of Hydrangeas and Peaches, 9" x 12", Oil on Canvas

"Hydranageas in Cool Light"
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Today was the first cloudy day we've had in two weeks. Sigh. I miss the sun already. But the light coming in my studio window was cool and called for light flowers. This was good because I had already started this painting last evening. Two of my close friends are leaving town to return to their winter home in Mexico. My husband and I will spend an evening with them tonight and I won't see them again until the spring. I'm feeling melancholy and winter feels like it's here already. The time we have on this earth is so short and the time we can spend with good friends is very precious. I'm posting this early so I can get myself over to spend more time with my friends. Enjoy your evening.

Oil Panting of a Brass Pitcher and White Roses with Nectarines; 20" x 22", Oil on Linen

"The Brass Pitcher"


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This is another painting from my show collection. For a long time my specialty was reflective objects and glass. Brass and copper are still favorites and often show up in my more recent work. I love the warm glow and the way objects both reflect the color and are reflected by the metal. In this one, the roses pick up the warmth of the brass and at the same time they add a much needed balance of coolness. The nectarines bring top the piece with yellows and reds. While I have other pieces in the show, they are awaiting some professional photography before I can show them off. I'm working on a small one for eBay for tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Oil Panting of Asian Dragon Vase with fruit and flowers, 26" x 22", Oil on Linen

"The Dragon Jar"SOLD
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This painting is the corner stone of my ongoing show this month. It's definitely my favorite and it shows. I especially love the light in this one. Sure wish I could turn one out like this in just a few hours, but it did take about three long sittings. It's partially glazed with some lovely brush work in the fruit and flowers.
I've been pretty busy with show stuff, construction and just enjoying the last breath of summer here on the peninsula. I have about a month before I leave for a 21 day cruise of the Mediterranean and a transatlantic crossing. It's been difficult to focus in my studio because my eyes keep wandering to the gorgeous sunshine and then they glaze over with visions of Italy. With the ongoing construction of the new studio, I've let things get a bit awry in the old one and it's getting more crowded by the day. I think it's a reflection of where my head is these days. Oh well. I'm cutting myself some slack because once the long winter sets in here, I'll have more studio time than ever and lots more room to create in. Hope you're all enjoying the last days of summer and the beginning of fall.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Oil Painting of Blue Hyacinth, 11" x 14", Oil on Panel

"Hyacinth and Le Creucet"
$125
SOLD







Hyacinth are very popular flowers. This was a recent commission. A reminder to you all that Commissions are reasonable and a great way to get the painting that you really want. They also make wonderful presents that last a lifetime and are handed down from generation to generation.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Floral Oil Painting of Roses, Asian Vase and Fruit, 24" x 28"

"Dynasty"

$650 - Unframed, Free Shipping
$725 - Framed, Free Shipping

Click here to purchase or view eBay Listing







My show opened today at Gallery at the Fifth in Sequim, WA. Some of you were there for support and I can't tell you how much that is appreciated. It's always so much fun to reveal new work and share the excitement with friends. I've already garnered a very large commission and have some bites on a couple of others.
I shared the space with my friend George Zien, who is a watercolor artist. George is one of my painting buddy's and his wife, Janet feels like family. We enjoyed our time together today. The weather was so beautiful I was surprised we pulled in as many folks as we did. We don't have much of a summer here in Port Angeles and the warm sunny weather was just a delicious treat. Too bad I had to be inside for most of it.
I'll be featuring paintings from the show this week on my blog and eBay. These pieces are larger than what I usually post on my blog and a lot more "polished". I'm offering them at the same prices listed in the gallery without the frames but with free shipping. If you're interested in the frame, just e-mail me and I'll be happy to send you a better photo than the one below. Just add in $75.00 for the cost of the frame for this painting. That's the wholesale price and the best I can offer.
Here's a detail shot of the painting's roses and a little shot below that of the framed piece. Sorry for the glare on this piece. This painting has two coats of varnish for protection. To see it in person is to really appreciate it. It positively glows!








Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Oil Painting of Pink Roses and Delft Vase, 9" x 12", Oil on Panel

"Roses and Pears"SOLD










Just back from a week long workshop, I'm still in workshop mode. I'm working on actually slowing down. Seems my first year I spent speeding up so I get a panting a day done. Now I want to take a bit more time to do a piece. I still take about a day, but I'm putting more hours into each piece. Right now the biggest challenge is incorporating some of the things I learned at the workshop into my stuff. Got a ways to go though. I don't think anyone will notice the difference right now because all my effort is going into how I hold my brushes and make a stroke. Mundane stuff that adds up over the long run. Thought I'd try these roses today. Enjoy.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Oil Painting of Delft Blue Tea Pot and Fruit, 12" x 16" on Panel

"The Little Blue Tea Pot"


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I spent the week at a workshop taught by David Leffel. I turned out this one during the week and put some finishing touches on it today. The workshop was incredible but intensive and exhausting. I'm happy I can offer this to you as it has the approval of the Master. Enjoy.