Rainy Day on Monhegan Island

10 x 8  Oil on Gessobord

This was a cold and rainy day in September on Monhegan Island, Maine.  The wind and rain were coming sideways hitting you in the face, causing puddles and muddy streams, but I wouldn't have changed it for the world!  The sound of the waves crashing on the rocks and the smell of island dampness is heaven.  I painted in the dining room of the inn I was staying at with other varied artists I did not know.  There was a wonderful camaraderie.  No stress, no worries...just being in the moment. Then, out in the elements for coffee at the only place that sold espresso.  Crowded, but worth the wait :-)  I'm not going back this year, but I'm there in my mind...

End of the Summer

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Children find things to do even if it's a little too cold to go into the water.  This little girl's colorful outfit and pigtails reminded me of my daughter when she was little.  I think she probably reminds a lot of us of summers long ago.  Then, school starts...... :-(

Tallulah's 3rd Birthday Portrait

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Tallulah (Lula, as she is known when she is good) commissioned me to paint her official portrait for her third birthday on September 1st.  She posed in her favorite position in her favorite spot, and she gave me her English Monarch look.  She did not want to be seen as frivolous or flighty...No, she wanted to be taken seriously...No messing around!  She said she was pleased with the portrait, but recommended I take another photo of it because the colors did not quite match the original.  If the government wanted to make stamps, she was a little worried that her public might disapprove.  When I get a chance, I will take another photo so we don't have to hear her whining :-)

An Ahhh Moment

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

He's sitting and taking it all in.  This must be a "Life is all good" moment for him.  Just looking at him made me stop and take a deep breath.  This is a quick study which might become a larger painting at some point.  I say that a lot and never seem to get to it.  There are always new and exciting things to paint so I never to go back and re-do; but it's always an option. 

On another note, I recently watched "Tim's Vermeer."  If you haven't seen it and are interested in Vermeer, it's a must.  Totally fascinating theory of how Vermeer painted.

Well, thank you for stopping by.  Hope to see you again soon :-)

The Pastry Chef

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Some paintings seem to flow off the brush and others are real work.  This one just seemed to appear the way I had envisioned.   Creativity comes in many forms, and baking is certainly an art form.  Many do it, but not everyone creates a mouthwatering masterpiece.  Whatever this turned out to be, I'm sure the attention he gave it made it wonderful :-)

It's All About the Sky

9 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

September dusk in Maine.  Colors that were almost too beautiful.  There were lots of people with binoculars and cameras ready to capture the show which repeated itself the next night.  We get spectacular sunsets here, but there is something about a still harbor at sundown that can't be beat.

Taking Five

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

It's hard to remember what it was like to be away from all distractions and to be disconnected from everything that is going on in the world...Just to "be."  Apparently, this young man had enough of the scenery and needed that connection.  The professor teaching the course on mindfulness and meditation says that a number of his students find it impossible to disconnect from all devices for 24 hours.  I can understand that.  The first thing I do when I come home is check my email, but I do think I could avoid doing that if I had to.  I wouldn't like it, though.  Younger people would have a harder time since they grew up "plugged in."  They definitely need to be connected in all ways at all times. 

Work on Display

For the month of August, I am the Featured Artist at the Electric Company Artists Co-op in Bedford, Virginia.  The opening of the display is on Second Friday, August 8th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.  If you are in the area, please drop by and say "Hi" and see my work as well as the work of some very talented artists that display there.

July and August have been extremely busy here at Smith Mountain Lake.  We've had lots of company this summer and it has been really enjoyable.  I'm thankful that everyone will travel far and wide to see us. Now that things have quieted down, I've got to organize.  I've got to stop and think about what paintings are where and what paintings I need for upcoming shows.  I used to think that being an artist meant simply painting, but I'm finding that it is so much more than that.  There are a lot of things to consider and plan out, and some of those things are almost more important than the actual act of painting.   As the Grateful Dead said though, "What a wonderful trip this has been"...and still is :)