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" Private Collection

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