LuLa in Motion

This is my first painting of Tallulah, and my first painting done since we brought her home.  It felt so nice to get back to painting again.  I really missed it!  I painted this in our new gallery/studio at Envisions in Boones Mill, VA.  Some of my artist friends and I have been lucky enough to get a space that is perfect for us to use as our joint studio.  The best part is that we are able to paint together and enjoy the process in the company of friends.  What can be better than that!!?  I'm looking forward to lots more time there.  Happy New Year everyone! 

Merry Christmas!

The bow looked a lot better before Tallulah chewed it, but it still looks festive, doesn't it?  She wishes you a Sproodle Merry Christmas!  We'll post again after the Holiday.  Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy holiday.

Christmas Tree With Red Dye #3

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What fun this one was to do!  It took me over an hour to set up the candy.  I first tried to stack them, and naturally they wouldn't hold in position.  My next thought was a glue stick, but I couldn't get it open.  So...being creative (or crazy), I decided to lick each one.  The only trouble with that was that I hate mint, and every time I stuck one on, three came off because I was so sticky.  By the time I was done, I really wasn't in the mood to paint.  I photographed them and painted them the following day.  I must say though, I smelled very minty for quite a while.  I used this as my Christmas card this year. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Fresh Snowfall

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The barn in New Hampshire again...New perspective.  This is one of my favorite snow paintings and again was used for a Christmas card with an added wreath and red bow on the front door.  My mantra in December is "Please Snow," however, sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for! 

Tallulah - Duck Hunting

Here's Tallulah with her "Don't even think about taking this away from me!" look.  You can tell by her eyes that she means business.  She is really a fun dog.  Lots of personality...sometimes good and sometimes bad.  No Christmas tree for us this year :-)  Tonight is her first "Puppy Class."  This should be interesting!

Winter Shed

A quick watercolor done in black and white...Very simple, but I think it says just about all there is to say.  This shed is at my cousin's house in New Hampshire.  For Christmas a few years ago, I put a red and green wreath on the door in acrylics and used it as one of my Christmas cards.  I really love the simplicity and peacefulness of the scene.  Watercolor is not my "thing," but this one worked for me.

Smith Mountain Lake Christmas

This was one of my Christmas cards from a few years ago.  I had a commission to paint a tree on the end of a dock, and this is what I came up with.  I've sold a lot of these cards the last few years.  It's always fun to open cards people send me and see my own paintings.  This isn't any particular Smith Mountain Lake scene.  It's just from my imagination and could be anywhere here at the Lake.  I still like the "feel" of the cold water and winter sky.  I love Christmas!!!

Hardy Road Vista

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This painting was done in the Fall before the leaves fell from the trees.  Growing up on Long Island in New York which is extremely flat, I'm always awed by the mountains.  This particular view is really beautiful.  I painted this quite a while ago when the barn was still kept up.  Now, it has deteriorated but remains mostly intact.  I don't know how much longer that will be the case.  I'd like to paint it again, now that I have a few more years of  painting knowledge and experience.

Thanksgiving Rooster

OK...I realize that this is not a turkey, but this is as close to it as I'll come this year!  It will have to serve as a Thanksgiving Rooster, although I'm sure the rooster will have something to say about that.  It would certainly taste better than the tofu turkey I served one year.  My kids will never let me live that one down :-)   I wish you all a very happy, safe Thanksgiving. 

The Buffet

I observed this gentleman at the buffet table at an art gallery reception.  I've seen him a few times since, and always at an art reception, and always at the buffet table.  He's my type of guy!  Art and food...  Two very important aspects of life. 

Barns in Winter, Smith Mountain Lake

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As I've said, I love snow, and I did this painting for my Christmas card a few years ago.  It is one of my favorites.  Again, the barns are in Floyd which is a perfect place to get inspiration.  The rest of it is Smith Mountain Lake.  By the way, stop by Goose Creek Studio in Bedford.  They are presenting a funky Christmas tree event.  I will post the painting I submitted in the coming days, but you can see all of the artwork there soon.  As it turns out, I think I'll use the one I am putting in as my Christmas card for 2011.  I am so inspired by Goose Creek Studio and Patrick and Mitchell (the owners).  They are the most supportive guys in the world, and I'm truly honored to have my work there.  If you have time, check out Goose Creek Studio!

Trouble!!

An update on Tallulah..since she doesn't give me any time to paint yet.  She looks innocent, right?  Well, she's not!  Try reading the paper at the kitchen table.  She jumps up and grabs the edge and run away with it.
She manages to reach everything, and she's smart.  She has learned a few commands - "sit", "down", and is beginning to learn to roll over.  I think we are adjusting to each other.  I have to say, even with all the puppy energy, she is a really loving dog and she does want to please.  Actually, I keep repeating that as she's grabbing the bottom of my jeans or my shoe laces...."She really is a loving dog!"

Old Country House

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Well, if you know my work, you have seen this before.  Having a 9 week old puppy has kept me from painting recently, but I think we are beginning to have a "relationship" where Tallulah knows who is the alpha dog/human.  (Up until now, she thought it was her :-))  I love old houses with character, and this was one of them.  The yellow and red make for a happy painting!

Smith Mountain Lake Winter

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I'm thinking winter!  It was really cold this morning at 3 AM, when I took our puppy out.  Most people like Smith Mountain Lake in the summer, but I also love it here in the winter.  I'm crazy about painting snow and look for every opportunity to do so.  This painting was done from several photos of different scenes I took and then put together.  The mountains are Smith Mountain Lake and the barns are Floyd.  This is actually my favorite way of painting because it involves using a little of my imagination...something I try to do in each piece of work.

Mountain Shadows, Smith Mountain Lake

This image was painted from a photograph I took on the way up to the Smith Mountain Dam on our boat.  It was the beginning of September and the leaves were just starting to change color.  It has always been one of my favorite paintings.  The challenge was to keep the colors muted and give it a little of that hazy feel.  I used to be really organized in my studio and have the pastels divided into categories.  That has gone by the wayside... I plan to rearrange them once again.  Otherwise, the "right" pastel is not at hand when I need it, and the search never turns up what I have in mind.

Meet My New Studio Pal, LuLa

The subject of this photo is the reason I haven't posted anything new on my blog.  Tallulah is our new Sproodle puppy (springer spaniel/poodle) and she is a delight...until bedtime.  Then all bets are off, although she has only been with us and away from her litter mates for two nights. She is a welcomed addition to our family and so much fun.  Can't wait to paint her!  If you want to see more Sproodles, go to Old Mill Doodles.  They are the best!  They breed  really healthy and adorable labradoodles, goldendoodles, and sproodles.

Halloween at the General Store

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This painting was my ode to The General Store here at Smith Mountain Lake.  The owners have been so wonderful and supportive of my artwork.  If you want to see a wide selection of my work, that's the place to go!  They have originals, Giclee prints, regular prints, and cards.  If you can't make it to the store, they have a website that has a lot of my work, http://www.generalstoresml.com/.  The store has a great selection of quilting materials and gift ideas as well.

View from Bridgewater

This is Smith Mountain Lake at it's best!  I did this quite a while ago, but thought I would re-post it now.  I would like to do this one again.  This was done in the early summer.  Right now, the colors are wonderful and it would make a great new painting.  I'm adding it to my list :-)

One Large Black Dog At Rest

7 x 7 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

This Newfoundland attracted a lot of attention, and I think the owner was pleased about that.  I'm getting more and more into practicing shading and skin tone and really enjoying it.  I feel as though I'm sculpting with the pastels, using the darks and lights to create bone structure and placing that dash of color is just the right place. 

Silver Sea

11 x 5-1/2 Pastel on Wallis Paper

20 x 14 Framed

This painting shows why I keep saying that it doesn't matter what the weather is like on Monhegan Island.  Each and every day is more breathtaking than the day before.  This was one of them.  The stormy sky with just a little sun trying to get through gave the ocean a sparkle that was incredible.  That is what I tried to capture here.  That sparkle...

Day's End

16 x 20 Pastel on Colorfix Pastel Board

This was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen.  Capturing it was a challenge because nature gives us colors that are almost impossible to capture in mere paint.  Unfortunately, this image does not do the painting justice.  For some reason, the photo of the painting came out lighter than the actual painting.  The sky has many more colors and the water is not as light...but you can get the idea.  What I wanted to express in this painting was the stillness and peace one gets when observing the sky and water at dusk.  This might be one of my favorites!

Dog Toss Ballet

7 x 7 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

SOLDThis man and his Lab were having a great time playing catch.  Entire tree limbs were being thrown into the surf, and the Lab took off into the water and dragged anything thrown back to shore, and then attempted to devour it.  The man's position was so elegant.  He could have been a principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater's company.  This cried out to be painted!

Christina's View, 2011

A visit to the Olson House in Cushing, Maine, inspired this painting.  We had a wonderful tour of the home by a guide who really had the enthusiasm to bring everything to light about Andrew Wyeth's painting "Christina's World."  We were able to see Wyeth's interpretation from his actual vantage point.  I don't know about the others in the group, but I could almost feel him working there.  I'm guessing that my view in this painting is approximately where he placed Christina, but it's only a guess.  As you can see, the house and barn are closer together in reality, and in Wyeth's painting the scene is stripped to only the bare essentials.  I included in this pastel the trees that are present...A view from 2011.   The post below is an image of the actual painting.  One can never get too much of the wonderful Andrew Wyeth!!

Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World"

This is Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World."  What more can one say!

Shoulder View

7x7 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

SOLDWhat better vantage point than from your father's shoulder?!  I caught these two at Ocean Point in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.  For the quintessential Maine experience one has to stand on the rocks and look out to sea.  The light, smell of salt air, and sound of the waves hitting the rocks should not be missed.  If I close my eyes, I can still sense it all. 

Monhegan Dusk

Dusk before the rain set in the next morning.  This was the view from our room at Shining Sails Inn as the sun was setting.  What a wonderful sight!  During the night, you can hear the buoy bell and smell the salt air.  I painted this in the common room of the inn the next day while the rain poured down.  It was a great way to spend the afternoon.  We were lucky to have some really interesting, friendly people staying there.  Part of the highlight of the trip was the breakfast conversation with all the guests.  Most had visited the Island before, and we all shared stories.  John, the owner of the inn, is a lobsterman as well as inn owner, and he shared a lot of information.  Winnie, his wife, joined us for a while and told us stories about their son, Kyle, who posed for a number of Jamie Wyeth's paintings, one of which is hanging in their common room.  There are also photos of Jamie Wyeth painting Kyle.  I felt so lucky to be able to spend time there. 

Monhegan Light

6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

This is another study done on Monhegan Island. For those who don't know about Monhegan, you have to get there by ferry. There are no cars except for the fishermen's old trucks.  There is one main dirt road that weaves through the village. I can't explain the atmospheric light.  It's just wonderful.  I tried to capture it in this quick piece and am pleased with it.  I was thinking I'd do a "finished" painting, but this, for me, captures the essence of the Island - at least the village. It's like taking a step back in time.

Storm Front Coming

6x6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

We're back from Maine!  It was a wonderful trip with lots to see and paint.  I came home with over 300 photos and can't wait to get started in my studio.  This study was done the first day on Monhegan Island.  We had clouds when we arrived on the ferry, but the sun came out for most of the afternoon.  Then, a storm front moved in and it rained the entire next day.  This scene is from Fish Beach, looking out at the tip of Manana and the ocean beyond, before the rain started.  Actually, it has a few rain spots on it, but as Vera Dickerson, the wonderful artist that led the group, says...The drops just add texture :-)  More on the trip in the next few posts....

Boothbay Magic

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I'm posting this painting I did a while ago because I'm getting ready to go back to Boothbay Harbor and Monhegan Island with Vera Dickerson, a wonderful artist from Roanoke, and her group from The Studio School.  I've gone three years in a row, and still can't wait to return.  This view was from my first trip on our first day.  The next morning we took the ferry to Monhegan to begin painting there for two days.  Although the scenery never changes from year to year, there are so many astonishing sights that one never gets tired of it.  Today, I'm packing my pastels.  Maine awaits!!

Lake Jump

11 x 5-1/2" Pastel on Wallis Paper, 20 x 14" Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

We've had a whole lot of shakin' goin' on here in VA!  Yesterday, during our earthquake, some of my pastels rolled off my desk and smashed on the floor.  I didn't realize it until today when I went out to paint and stepped on one...
This is another in the series of "kid" paintings, possibly the last but one never knows.  For the next few months, I'm going to paint up a storm.  We are getting a puppy the end of October or early November, and I have a feeling that my painting sessions might be cut short.  Ah, but it's worth it...!!

Canine Art Critic

5 x 8" Pastel on Wallis Paper, 12 x 15" Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

A hot day at the Roanoke Sidewalk Art Show...I think this dog was deciding whether or not to buy the painting that was propped up.  He also was hinting that he wanted a large cold drink.  He probably had more luck with the drink than getting his "people" to buy him the painting...

Lake Snow

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I'm thinking winter!  Summer's been nice, but I'm ready for brisk, cold days and snow (that doesn't have to be shoveled...) 

Breakfast Conversation

11-1/2 x 15 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 20 x 24 Framed

$225 + s/h (Framed)

This was breakfast at the Island Inn on Monhegan Island.  The sun was pouring in through the windows of the dining room.  We were so lucky with the weather.  Our group was able to paint everyday, and the temperature couldn't have been better.  We are going again the beginning of September.  One can only hope that our luck continues :-)  If not, I will just have to paint the fog and rain.  That's OK, too!

Historic Beauty

7 x 7 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

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I love old buildings, and this structure dated back to the late 1800's.  It was part of a Shaker community building that I believe was used as a central meeting place.  I chose to paint this view because the flowering bush in front of the window really set it off, but I might paint it again from the inside looking out through the leaded glass.  It always amazes me to see how the glass distorts the view and gives objects a surreal quality.

Two Friends on a Red Bench

7 x 7 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

I love the worn look these two gentlemen have, the leather jackets, and the great body language.  I used a lot of quick dabs and dashes.  It's rough, but it works on these subjects.  They were apparently waiting for the drug and alcohol abuse session to begin.  One of them was happy :-)

Black Belt Academy

6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

All sizes, all shapes, and everyone was paying considerable attention to the person leading the group.  The little girl in the front row seemed to be the most enthralled.  This was just an exercise for me.  I wanted to establish shapes, positions, etc.  I'm happy with this piece and will do a larger one at some point.  I must say, the people running this academy were extremely nice to let me observe.

You Go First!

7 x 7 Pastel Painting on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

Summer heat!!  Another painting of the children who visited us. What fun to watch them, and even more fun to paint them.  I can't believe July is over, but I'm really ready for Fall and those wonderful colors and fresh crisp air.



Summer, The Cliffs (Smith Mountain Lake)

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This is a painting I did a while ago, but it is one of my favorites.  There was a place on the lake where you could jump off the rocks into the water.  It was quite a drop, but everyone loved it; especially kids.  A developer bought the property and it is now closed to the public.  I painted this when there were rumors about the impending sale because I knew it would be a little part of Smith Mountain Lake history.  It will always be known as "The Cliffs" to most of us.

Digging to China

4.5 x 6.5" Pastel on Wallis Paper, 11.5 x 13.5" Framed

$100 + s/h (Framed)

This is a quick study of two children playing in the sand at Emerald Isle.  I find doing this type of painting a great exercise for future reference.  I only used a few pastel sticks and was really surprised that I was able to get as much information into the sketch as I did.  This leaves me with lots of insight into what another more finished painting would need.  It's funny though.  I've said this quite a lot, but I really like these spontaneous pieces!

Where's Our Car?

7x7" Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16x16" Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

It was the gesture that caught my eye.  This couple was having an issue with the car rental company at the airport.  I've been working on making small strokes work for me.  I'm trying to say what I have to say with what I consider a few major dabs and dashes.  Surprisingly, it's not easy to focus on fewer details.  This really was an exercise in moderation.  I will probably do it again, trying different techniques, but really like this one :-)



Boys and Their Toys

7x7" Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16" Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

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I like to paint Jones Barn as often as I can.  It's days are probably numbered due to the land here at the Lake being sold off so frequently.  I was able to paint it into this scene as these two boys were waiting for "take off."  So far, it has been a really busy summer on the water, giving me lots of material for paintings.  A good thing!

Lake Couture

6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

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What fun this was to do!  It actually changed midstream.  I was painting one of the children who was visiting, but as I worked the face it became an oddball woman :-)  I loved her, so expanded on it and left it as is.  It makes me smile and that's what it's all about...

Sailboats at Rest, Smith Mountain Lake

11-1/2 x 8-1/2 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 23-1/2 x 19-1/2 Framed

$200 + s/h (Framed)

 

This is a typical scene at Smith Mountain Lake.  I painted these boats at VISA, a sail club here at the Lake.  It was a hot, steamy day, and I might add buggy....but I was able to get a painting out of it with only a few bites!

Catching a Wave

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 I caught these two surfers just as they were going out.  Painting water and waves is probably one of my most favorite things to do.  I feel like I'm sculpting when I push the pastel around, and even though I'm in my studio, I feel the rush of the water and the spray.

Emily Airborne

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6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

Watch out below!  This is Emily about to take off from the dock.  Her one toe was just lifting off as I snapped the picture.  She's the cutest little girl with lots of energy and not afraid of the water at all.  She might be an Olympian one day, possibly without the water wings :-)

A Perfect Place to Read

6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

Another painting from Emerald Isle.  I doubt if this woman would have been able to read so peacefully over the July 4th weekend.  We really lucked out with the timing of our trip there.  Cool breezes off the ocean, sun, salt air....AHHHH!

Great Dane Beach Taxi

6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

Believe it or not, this was a Great Dane PUPPY!  He filled the whole golf cart.  He was returning from the beach, and I guess he was tired from all the activity and needed a ride home.  What fun painting this quick study!

Chandler's Bees

7 x 7 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

SOLD

Our good friends, the Chandlers, have started a colony of bees on a piece of their property.  I couldn't wait until I got to see them in their "designer bee clothes."  The whole set up is impressive, and I am extremely excited about getting honey from their hives next year.  I took a lot of photos, and plan on doing another painting when I have time.  This was a quick study, and I see lots of "should have," "could have" possibilities for the next one.  We were there when the light was fading.  These studies are so helpful for me, and I hope to go and watch them smoke the bees when the time comes.  It doesn't take much to get me excited!!

Chick Magnet

6 x 6 Pastel on Wallis Paper, 16 x 16 Framed

$150 + s/h (Framed)

 

I love King Charles Spaniels!  No one can resist them.  This dog was getting lots of female attention from all the people at the Roanoke outdoor art show.  I think the gentleman walking him knew that was going to happen :-)

Dock Piling

17 1/2 x 12" Pastel on Wallis Paper, 27 1/2 x 21 1/2" Framed

SOLD

Another older painting.  I don't know why I felt the need to paint a dock piling, but I do remember how I liked the light reflecting on the walkway and the post.  I can tell I've grown artistically, because when I now look at this painting, I would like to get back in there and make the colors more vivid.  They actually were brighter on the original than they appear here, but I would still like to push the lighting effects.  I thought it would be a good example of  "then" and "now."