Monday, July 7, 2014

The Hills of Umbria


Acrylic on Panel
8" x 8"
$195.
SOLD! 
This is one of the first of a series of small abstract paintings that I have been working on for my upcoming exhibitions.  It is a bit challenging to create a pleasing image, but it has also been fun to just let loose the 'color junkie' in me.
These abstract and semi-abstract miniatures will be displayed along with my realistic paintings.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Desert Rose



Watercolor on Aquaboard
8" x 8"
$350 + shipping
SOLD
This is a new painting that is a favorite of mine right now.  It was hard to paint, but that is mostly because this specially created watercolor panel is challenging to work with.
It is a simple composition with simple elements to it.  All the objects in it are old or ancient, except for the cactus blossom, which could have been picked this morning.  The old and new--a constant that is threaded through our lives.

"Into the Deep Blue" - The lost Paddle

Acrylic on Panel
12" x 8"
$475.  
 SOLD!
I am not sure where to start describing all that I feel with this painting.  It is a continuation of a theme that I did four paintings for in 2011 and 2012.

I have always been intrigued by the Northwest Coastal tribes and their myths and superstitions.

While doing this painting I imagined these brave tribal members cutting down a huge cedar tree, hollowing it out and dragging it to the water's edge.  They would paddle out into the open ocean to hunt whales and fish, all the while truly believing that these mythical creatures lurked in the dark waters below.  Now, I know the childhood fears I had living near deep lakes in Montana.  Those were horrible enough and I didn't even have terrifying masks to go along with my visuals!

This was a very challenging painting to do.  Halfway through it I was wishing that I had never started it.  Three fourths of the way through I told myself to slow down and make careful choices because it was turning out so well.  I can safely say that I have never seen a painting created with this particular theme before.  And it may be my one and only.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Treasures from a Secret Cove



Watercolor
 7.5" x 9.5"
$325. framed + shipping
SOLD
The inspiration for this little painting came about in a reverse fashion.  I found two of these neat, worn and chipped frames and they immediately said, "beach cabin" to me.  So, I went searching through my collection of shells, stones and driftwood.  I also got out a couple of photographs of sand and sea weed (yes, I have photos of sea weed).  I hope that you will have a fun walk on the beach.


Wood Song


Watercolor
8.5" x 12"
$450.  framed + shipping
SOLD
I enjoyed a good bloom of trilliums in my grove among the trees.  I was also thankful that the two fawns have moved on and didn't treat my favorite wild flowers like a salad buffet.  The little wood violets made a nice compliment to the graceful trilliums.

In the Hills of Cortona

 
Oil on Canvas
10" x 8"
$225 framed + shipping
JUST SOLD!
 
Spring in Tuscany is a symphony of colors, sunlight, clouds and grand panoramic views.  I hope that I have conveyed a feeling of warmth and well being for you to enjoy.

Dreaming of Spring

Watercolor
10" x 8"
$325. framed + shipping
 JUST SOLD!
There is something magical about walking through an orchard in full bloom.  For me, the memories go back to early childhood when I would explore my uncle's fruit orchard, dreaming about the juicy cherries and apples that were to come.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Purple Gold

Watercolor
5" x 5"
$125 framed + shipping, if necessary.
JUST SOLD!
 
The first frost of the season has sweetened the berries to purple perfection.  Harvest day on the mountain has attracted many to join the feast, including these little bandits!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Showing Off


Watercolor
9.5" x 6.5"
$350. + shipping
Just Sold!
A few years ago I planted this cluster of miniature daffodils at the edge of my woods.  They are only seven inches tall, but they put on a bright and sunny show.  Of course, the crocus have to get in on the act! I hope that you enjoy them as I do.


A Timeless Embrace


Acrylic on canvas
8" x 10"
$350. + shipping
SOLD!
I'm inviting you to be taken away to a warm summer evening.  Enjoy the sun's grand finale of color drifting across the horizon.  Close your eyes and take in the fragrance of acres of lavender as the constant hum of the honey bees becomes your background music.

Legend Keeper

Watercolor
12"x12"
$275. + shipping
SOLD!
It is sundown on the plains as a Blackfeet medicine man begins his solitary ritual.  The legends of his tribe and his personal totems are depicted on the tipi walls.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

When the Hard Work is Done

Watercolor
12" x 15"
$600. + shipping
SOLD!
I included this old truck in the barn scene that I created last December.  It turned out well, but you couldn't see the detail because it was in a smaller scale.  While I was painting it, I kept thinking that is should have a portrait of its own.  It has seen a lot of weather and rough mountain roads, but is has character and even a bit of "country class".
I believe it was a work truck at a lumber mill in the Columbia River Gorge in the 1940's or 50's.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Dream Weaver

Watercolor
6.5" x 9.5"
$250
JUST SOLD!
This basket is from the Pomo tribe of Central California.  They were primarily given as gifts to express esteem or high prestige.
They were ornamented with feathers, mother of pearl, and clam shell beads, a tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Sadly, there are not many of the early ones left because they were usually burned after the passing of the owner.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Let it Shine

 
Watercolor
6" x 6"
$160
SOLD!
 This fine fellow is a willow ptarmigan, a type of grouse.  At the beginning of winter their feathers turn from brown and russet to pure white.  To me, that is a wonderful mystery of nature.  Their feet are covered with hair-like feathers and they will burrow into the snow for warmth.
I found this to be a fun challenge, painting white on white with only the blue shadows defining distance and shape.