STUDY OF REBECCA & ALEX

This is an unfinsihed study (didn't photo the completed piece!) from a summer commission by Rebecca's aunt. (Rebecca is the mom in the painting). Rebecca's aunt loved her so very much and shared many stories with me about Rebecca and her family.

Im honored to have had a part in bringing so much joy to her gift giving for Rebecca's 30th birthday.

Rebecca's aunt passed away, unexpectdly, August 21st, but the love she had for these two I know will live forever.

Third stage

The darks are laid in and edges given attention. Enjoyed the freedom of color expression in this painting; The paints were not inhibited by me, nor me by them! I was able to yield to the paint's nature in this work.... sometimes that happens easily and other times not!

Second stage

Negative space is painted creating a more defined form...

First stage

This began by masking all the areas you see white. Washes of yellow and rose were applied with no concern to placement - wet on wet.

RECEPTION

The local paper had a nice section with photos about our gallery opening that happened in June. It was a wonderful experience. Thanks to so many people for helping and attending and encouraging us!

"HERE IT IS"

20x27: Watercolor

Loved the way the colors just flowed in this one, and in the one below. The freedom and spontaneity of watercolor never stops delighting me.

"COME AND GET IT"

20x27" Watercolor

A trip to DC and a walk in the park!

"CAROLINA"

8x10 Waterolor

PRIVATE COLLECTION

I'm so honored to have been able to paint this little cutie! She will make her home with her owners in Richmond, Va. and hang beside her 'brother', 'George'!

"ON THE EDGE"

Watercolor (approx 20x27")

Love watching everyday folks do everyday things! And then, painting it!

"THE RIGHT WAVE"

24x24" Oil on Canvas

Another challenge from DSFDF ~ that again, was completed after the challenge!

"BLUE TIDE"

24x24" Oil on Canvas

This was a DSFDF challenge that I finally got around to doing. Karin's challenges are really wonderful!

"FRONT ROW"

20x27" Watercolor

The wonderful NC beaches ~ cant beat 'em!

"MY SPOT"

Watercolor 18x 27"

She found her spot! Emerald Isle, NC!!
Another one that was aa delight to paint.........beginning with a wash of many colors the details built up from there.

"EBBING TIDE"

18x 24" Oil on Canvas

Walking into the surf with delight. There was great joy in painting this one. The roughness of the water the unsteadiness in her stance never stopped her from reaching the calm in the horizon.

"WALKIN' ON SUNSHINE"

20x27" Watercolor

What a wonderful place - Emerald Isle NC........

Art Camp Artists!

Over this past week, I've had the pleasure to work with these budding artists! These are their final paintings, acrylic on canvas, from a still life set up on the last day. How exciting!

"SULLIVAN"

24x28" Watercolor - Private Collection

"Sullivan" is a beautiful young lady and Im honored to have done this painting of her. She graduated this year and is on her way to enter college. I wish her all the best as she moves into this stage of her life.

"SEEN AND UNSEEN"

24 x 48" Oil on Canvas

I REALLY cant believe its been so long since Ive posted. I've been getting art work ready for a show that is running thru mid August ~ with a local potter and another painter ~ and that has kept me very busy these past few months.

This piece is one in the show. It was first intended to have a sharp white boarrder all the way around. Upon taking the tape off, the 'chabby chic' look was lost! With the shabby edges the robe looked so much more comforting...so...I went back in and 'lost' some of the edges and really loved the way it then lost some of the sleeves edges! Im planning to do another along this line soon!

SORRY TO MISS YOU!!!!!!!

Ive been really busy working on pieces for an exhibit in June (at our local community college, with another painter and a potter) and I've not taken time for blogging ~ Planning of re-enter the blogosphere this week end ~ Please return for a visit!!!

"HUDDLED" ~ SOLD

8x8" Oil on Canvas

This piece was hanging at RHETTS (photo below of exhibit in resturaunt) and has now found a new home!! It brings me great joy to know others are enjoying my creations! This was fun to paint and Ill be doing another, I think of pears, to hang as its replacement!

"GINGER"

8x10" Oil on Panel

Private Collection

This piece is done for a very sweet young lady in Raleigh for her birthday. Hope her year is wonderful and brings her as much joy as her cute "Ginger"!

"FRUIT ANYONE ?"

8x10" Acrylic on Masonite Panel

I love the lines in the street and the scene at the stand! Again, I find these small paintings free me to paint quickly, then create pieces from the parts I like best!

"Nude 1"

12x16 Watercolor on Arches


A quick study done several days ago too loosen up.....
Today I've added more intense color to it and like its strength. Fun to play ~ intuition does speak doesn't it!! I once did a project whereby numerous colors of colored tissue papers were torn and adhered to the susrface, once dried contour drawings were done.

"ON THE GO"

Oil on Masonite panel

Figures from behind always seem curious! Making one wonder.......where is she going, where has she been?........ Leaving a lot to the imagination of the viewer.

Its cold and wet in NC today and a great day to stay in and do art! Along with this painting, I was also able to work on some drawings for several watercolor paintings I plan to start this week.

Reading a couple of good books on color theory also ~ COLOR, by Betty Edwards (author of Drawing on the RIght Side of the Brain) and BLUE AND YELLOW DONT MAKE GREEN (or is it YELLOW AND BLUE DONT MAKE GREEN !!!) by Michael Wilcox.

RHETTS

EXHIBITION

Wanted to post this photo today so you can see how great the walls look!!!

With Gwen Dumas and Paula Womack, I'm excited to have the opportunity to be showing work in Rhett's of Southern Pines, NC. A great place for a delicious lunch (most Tuesdays he has Shrimp and Girts that are just wonderful!) and, now, a great place to find "ART TO GO"!

"PEOPLE WE KNOW ? "

Tour Of SketchBooks

This and the two 'sketches' below are from my 64 page sketchbook completed for the tour of sketchbooks by The Art House Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia. The sketchbooks of all praticipating artist will tour to the following places from Feb thru July:

Art House Gallery, Atlanta

Museum of Contemporary Art, DC

Chris' Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia, PA

Laconia Gallery. Boston, MA

Antena Gallery, Chicago, IL

Soulard Art Market, St. Louis, MO

3rd Ward, Brooklyn, NY

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Chicago Art Source Gallery, Chicago, IL

"ALEX" ~ SOLD

11x14" Oil on streched canvas

Private Collection

Painted for his grandfather, Alex is the son of a family in New York. The light hitting his hat and the diagonal shadows were so much fun to paint! The play of lines in the shirt and shadows and railings were created on purpose and was pleased with how that turned out.

"CLARA" ~ SOLD

20x28" Watercolor on Arches

Commission Portrait

In the process of updating my blog, I've realized there are several things I've not posted. This portrait happens to be one of them! She's a 'little french girl" and it was done for her parents this past year. I'm working on a new watercolor portrait right now and when I saw this photo I was surprised at how similiar the color selections are ~ of course Im only half way thru the new one so we'll see !!

"IN THE MIX"

8x8" Oil on canvas

The negative space in this painting has to be my favorite part! I've finally determined that oil painting is more sculptural than watercolor....at least thats how I sense it!! Taking a watercolor workshop currently with Lisa Mathis and its been fun to be introduced to some new techniques; hoping to post the two Im working on next week.

"FIRST DANCE"

8X8" Oil on streched canvas

Catching a moment in time!!! Its great to get that 'just right' moment ~ usually when others are totally unaware that they're creating an 'art moment'!!

"TO GO"

8x8" Oil on streched canvas

I can NOT believe how litlle posting Ive done since Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we still have 'dial-up' so anything on our computer is unbearably slow. SO ~ enough with excuses ~ I just have to do it! Like getting in front of the canvas !

This little painting was done somewhat quickly and was so much fun ~ shadows intrigue me and these colors like alot! I 'm finding that simple subjects, or the simplicity in and of any subject, and the way light plays with it to be a strong interest ~ and challenge!

"Sweet Sarah" - SOLD

20"x24" Watercolor on Arches Paper

COMMISSION PORTRAIT

Finally finsihed!! And sent to Alabama to its new home! Sorry the photos isnt so great - I forgot to take it BEFORE the glass was on it! So there are reflections......

Thank you to all that have e-mailed asking 'where are you"...... I have been checking your sites on occasion but just have not had time to paint much and, with a lack of high speed internet have not been spending time to post. As with many of you, its been a very busy holiday season (since Thanksgiving) but Im ready to get back to painting and posting!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"AFTERNOON WALK"

9x12" Oil on Canvas

This was painted upside down ~ and enhanced once rightside up! Amazingly, the gentleman in the window was not apparent to me UNTIL I flipped it! MANY years ago, teaching art to high school students.....when finding someone 'stuck' it was fun to watch them get 'unstuck' by turning the reference upside dowm.....forcing the mind to abandon labeling we really see, and can draw, or paint, shapes rather than what we think we should see. GREAT FUN!! Check out all the other paintings of this reference on "Different Strokes From Different Folks".

"3 & COMPANY" ~ SOLD ~

~

9x12" Oil on Canvas

Never knew what fun shadows were!! They certainly create shapes that are fun to pay around with in the overall composition! Another of the weekly challenges from "Different Strokes From Different Folks".

"BOVINE QUEEN"

6x6" Oil on Canvas

This painting is this week's challenge for "Different Strokes From Different Folks". REALLY a fun way to see many styles of the same subject ~ Thanks to Karin!

"PEAR PARTY"

Collage - 8x10" Watercolor, Ink & Cut Papers

These little pears are done for this months "Virtual Sketch Date". There was a great reference photo of three pears in a white tray. As I began this project, I got carried away with creativity! Painting and cutting and playing with color! The circles, for some reason, kept reminding me of a childs birthday party ~ similiar to ballons perhaps!! Great way to spend part of a rainey day!

"SUMMER BREEZE"

8x8 Oil on Canvas

Thought about naming this one "Two Scoopes" but with the chilly temperatures we've had the last several days, warm 'summer breezes' just sounded great!!

"WALLSTREET WONDERS" ~ SOLD

Oil on 6x16 Canvas

Private Collection

Another challenge from Karin Jurick and her blog "Different Strokes From Different Folks". I, personally, would NEVER have selected the New York Stock Exchange as a topic to paint! Trying to create the movement, the hustle-bustle, that goes on in the trading floors was quite a challenge!!!

"CHICAGO CLOUDS"

Prismacolor on Paper

Another piece for Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes For Different Folks".
This is the Chicago Cloud Gate Sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park. It's also known as the "Bean". After working on this I feel as though Ive taken a trip to the windy city! I would have never selected this topic but thats an advantage of these weekly challenges ~ Thank You Karin!

"FOR YOU"

Acrylic and Oil

What a wonderful afternoon of painting! This is for the monthly references from "Virtual Sketch Date". Someone mentioned using black as their ground and, altough I dont use black, I may try using this dark background color as a ground...

"LUNCH HOUR" ~ SOLD

Acrylic on 8x10" Canvas

This is the thrid week of Karin Jurick's Different Strokes From Different Folks. She's a very inspiring artist and its wonderful that she is willing to put forth the effort for the site. The rendentions of her references are fun to see; last week there were 68 to paint her subject!

"HE'S THE GUITAR MAN"

Mixed Media ~ Acrylic and Prismacolor on Paper

Got alot of joy doing this one ~ In doing the art AND in recalling all the wonderful singing done with this guy playing!!! He's the best!! I've been experimenting a bit with flesh colors and like these ~ adding a bit more white.

"A SOUTHERN SUMMER"

Acrylic and Oil on 6x8" Canvas

This is my painting for the blogsite that artist, Karin Jurick, has created called "Different Strokes From Different Folks". Karin started this site two weeks ago and is posting a photo each Wednesday for any artist to paint or draw from. The results are very exciting as there are various mediums being used and, as you might imagine, the many styles and interpertations.

While painting this I recalled a close friend who mentioned how the heat of the southern summer causes the power lines to sag ~ we should all pay such attention to details... huh?!

"KING OF THE PIER"

5x7" Acrylic

This is yet another inspired from the lake! Amazing how many things I want to paint; so many that, in fact, it can be overwhelming. Best to jump right in and paint rather than think about it too much. These chairs were really all different colors but Ive kept two as dominate. The colors of the pier and the water may be a bit too similiar ~ any thoughts?

"WHATS IT ALL ABOUT?"

Acrylic

The purples in the water were actually accidental but I like it! Again, I feel more free to experiment when doing these smaller paintings ~ I don't worry so about details! This scene is such a typical one on the lake ~ what a great way to spend a summer afternoon!

"DOWN BY THE RIVER"

5x7" Acrylic

A wonderful lake in NC that we frequent with family and friends! Fun to paint places that have a little sentiment isnt it!

"WAITING"

5x7" Acrylic

I find it amazing that once on the blog Im better able to 'see' composition 'problems'!! Anyone else find this true? And because of this, currently, I am gaining alot from that.

"PURPLE PASSION" ~SOLD~

12x12" Watercolor

In case some of you aren't aware of the Virtual Sketch Date check it out! This watercolor is the result of the August 'assignment'! Each month a reference photo is selected and many bloggers create from it and then post their works on a given date. Its interesting to see the varoius handlings of the subject.

"SILENT PARTNERS"

8x8" Acrylic and Oil on Canvas

This little painting has been an issue!Funny how paint can humble you! Not sure that the leaves are what I want just yet ~ but I'll live with it for a few days! Im considering removing the fat little leaf at the bottle top and making the stem lighter in that area- any thoughts?

"MUSEUM MUNCHIES"

Acrylic on 6x6" Canvas

In May, two of my friends and I spent several days in NYC ~ Art, Art, Art!!! These ladies were at MOMA, enjoying lunch in the courtyard. I did a prismacolor study, and last night just jumped in with acrylic (haven't used that in a while!). I like waterbased paints for their quickness in drying and the ablility to layer the paint so readily.

"TWO FOR THE SHOW"

Prismacolor

The first drawing got tossed ~ the composition I just couldnt get like I wanted. Good to recall that ole 'rule of thirds' ~ one of those rules that really does seem to help! It will be Saturday before Im able to post again.....a few days at the South Carolina coast hopefully without Hurrican Fay's influence!

"THE LAST LOAD"

Prismacolor

Amazing how many compositions you can get out of one photo! These smaller drawings are great in order to 'play' with color and design before moving on to a larger piece.

"TIME OUT"

Prismacolor on Canson

I love blues, purples and greens! The colors seem to make the bench call out an invitation to take a 'time-out'! These prismacolor drawings have really helped me concentrate on color and composition. This is one that I'll do a painting of and when its complete Ill post it also.

"Swinging In The Breeze"

Prismacolor on Canson Paper

This drawing, and the last post, are both drawn from the same photo taken at a neighbors house last summer. In reality, a series of about 5 or 6 paintings could be done from this one photo that I almost tossed! The movement was nice but overall the photo was too busy and dull by void of color. The sheets were actually plain white ~ isn't color a wonderful thing!

"LAUNDRY DAY"

Prismacolor on Canson Paper

Not a frequent sight any longer ~ even in the south!!! So well I recall the smell of sheets that had hung in the sun all day! Should have thanked my mom! The colors just sort of came from no where on this one and as I worked I found myself balancing the coolness with warmth ~ summer sun yellow and water cool blue!!!

"BLAKE"

Prismacolor on Canson

One of my favorite and greatest inspirations ~ My son! Doing several studies of him in order to do a portrait before too long. Have several small paintings of him from his younger years but look forward to doing another of him now.

"COLE" ~ SOLD

20x24 in. Watercolor on Arches

I've had this to post for a while and just haven't done it...so....today's the day!

~ Commissoned portraits are available upon request ~

"SELF PORTRAIT"

12x12" Watercolor & Prismacolor

I added watercolor and then more prismacolor to increase the intensity of this one (see the other post below). Going to do a few other things in prismacolor and see where this creative experiment with some digital processing takes me! ~ I'll post as I go and we'll see how they turn out!

"TRIBUTE"

I'm drawn to the strong contrast of light and the gentlness of the subject matter for this drawing. The dance was powerful and emotional ~ the intention was to reflect that in the drawing! What do you thnk?

"HANGIN' OUT"

22"x 22" Oil on Canvas

This one took longer than a day or two to paint but since I've completed it this week I thought it should go into my blog!

Im taking a class under Frank Pierce and he has shared alot of his talents, including those about frame making ~ this frame is his creation and I really like it with the painting; old, time worn and friendly!

"SIDE BY SIDE"

6"x6" Oil on streched canvas

Great fun to paint on the small canvases ~ Im finding I feel a greater sense of freedom to experiment with the paint and the technique.
I caught a glare when photographing; the shadow on the right is actulaly some darker than it appears here and the green on the left is a bit more turquiose.

If anyone knows how I can make the photo image into a square (like the actual painting) I'd love your imput ~ Im still learning about all this posting ~ and thankful to be doing so!!! Thanks for your e-mails and thought!!

"CAROLINA PEACHES"

Oil on 10"x10" Gallery Canvas

Carolina Peaches are really great this time of year! The local fruit stands are filled with patrons, as they travel to the eastern shore, buying fresh peaches!

"FOR GRACE" - SOLD -

5"x7" Oil on Canvas Panel

Pears are such fun to paint! And....."Grace" is our horse who happens to love to eat pears!

"A PAIR"

This watercolor is matted in white and framed in a 11x14 black contemporary straight line frame. Ready to ship!

"GEORGE" ~ SOLD

8x10" Watercolor on Arches

Private Collection

Another cute little fellow ~ with such personality! Done for a couple in Raleigh, NC.

"DOC" ~ SOLD

16x20 Watercolor on Arches

Private Collection

What a cutie this little puppy is! Upon finishing it, I like the idea

of doing a 'blue jeans' series...we'll see!

Prints are available of this. If interested contact me below on "comments".