View From The Cape, Smith Mountain Lake

Pastel on Wallis Paper

Today we are supposed to get some snow here at Smith Mountain Lake, which probably means one or two flakes.  The schools have closed in preparation for the big event.  Actually, I think they closed because the Thanksgiving break is about to start. The News last night said the snow trucks were ready.  After living here for 13 years, I still get a kick out of how Virginians react to winter.  I did this painting a few years ago and still love it.  I thought it would be a good time to re-post it. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Talk to you after the holiday.

Studio Apt for Rent; No Utilities

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD 

Last winter, we actually had a little snow here in VA and I was able to take a photo of the snow on the bluebird house before it melted.  It looked so desolate and reminded me of a cold water flat in NYC.  When we were looking for an apartment in Manhattan, we came across some strange places, especially in the Village...  Clawfoot bathtubs in the kitchen, etc.  This place might be magnificent on the inside, like Snoopy's doghouse.  Who knows?!  

The Chef

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

This started out as a study for a larger piece, but for some reason I'm always excited about how these fast pieces turn out.  I think I like the 'rough' edges....I'm not quite sure why.  Loved this man in his chef uniform, and I must say his food was outstanding!  He tended the coffee bar as well.  My type of guy  ......

"Rabbit Run"

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

"His hands left of their own and he feels the wind on his ears even before, his heels hitting heavily on the pavement at first with an effortless gathering out of a kind of sweet panic growing lighter and quicker and quieter he runs.  Ah: runs.  Runs."  Wonderful words from one of my favorite authors, John Updike.  It fits this painting, don't you think?!  Long, thin limbs;  Long, long hair .....

Topless

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD 

YUM...A juicy, fat cheeseburger, lettuce and tomato, but with no top.  Less calories, right?!  This painting is done by a vegetarian.  I wonder what lurks behind my wanting to paint this :)  I think it's the juicy burger and the juicy paint.  They seem to go together.

Who Needs Bread and Jelly?

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This is Tallulah (when she was a puppy) with her tongue in the JIF jar.  It kept her busy for hours.  She would chase the jar around as it rolled across the floor, pushing it into anything and everything.  I've been wanting to paint this for a while and decided to give it a go.  I have a video of it somewhere and will try to upload it here, if I can find it...That's a big "if."

shhhh! It's the Library

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

You don't see too many people actually studying in the library anymore.  The computer has pretty much changed all that, which is unfortunate in some respects.  I used to have study dates in the library.  You notice I didn't say I used to study there.  At the time, it was what we all did.  I would be so vain that I wouldn't wear my glasses, so I couldn't see very well when it came to doing any school work.  That never bothered me as long as I looked good :-)  My parents were not too pleased when the grades came in, though.  The cramming at the end of the semester, i.e., Cliff's Notes, wasn't much help.  I look back now, and just shake my head....This young woman was all alone in the beautiful library on Monhegan Island.  The smell of the old books and wood brought back lovely memories.

Putting In at Low Tide

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

These two people were about to spend the day kayaking.  The tide was really low and made for some interesting shapes and colors...and smells.  You can't miss that fishy smell when the tide goes out.  This is Boothbay Harbor, Maine.  We were on our way to the Monhegan Island Ferry dock.

Neighborhood Watch

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Well, someone has to keep a watch over your stuff while you are swimming.  Why not put those pesky gulls to work :-)  I keep painting summer, don't I?!  I don't know why because it's my least favorite season.  I'm pretty happy about turning the clocks back an hour.  I'm probably the only one....It means that the cold weather is coming and that's just fine with me.  Of course I say that now.  Just wait until I start complaining about it being too cold.