The Price of Beauty

Approx. 9 x 12

Oil on Gessoboard

I have been working on this painting since I began using oils.  It would have gone a lot faster if I had done it in pastel, which I still might do because I really love the subjects.  I was going to call it "The Three Graces."  I've finally decided to stop working on it, and just leave it alone.  I can hear one of my art friends saying "Stop being so picky, picky, picky!"  So, here it is, and I must say, I like it!     

Fair Food

6 x 8" Oil on Gessobord

Not an epicure's delight...Fair food, always popular, always lines for the never ending variety.  This ribbon potato vendor was very popular at the strawberry festival.  The first year we went to a festival in Virginia, the longest line was for pork rinds.  Up north, it's hot dogs.  It's amazing what we consume :-)

Lone Beach Jogger

5 x 7" Oil on Gessobord

$55, Unframed

SOLD

 One lonely seagull running along the shore.  Pretty soon all the people will take up the beach and he'll have to find another spot.  Perhaps a nearby seafood shack where he'll get the discarded french fries and fried clams and become a beach pest.  To him, I suppose we are the beach pests! 

Bird on a Wire

9 x 12" Oil on Gessoboard

If you look really closely, there are two birds on the wires, so "Bird on a Wire."  It might be a little hard to see in this post.  This was a rainy day and the cows were crowded near the barn.  I'm not sure if they were waiting to get in but if they were, they should have headed to the larger barn.  No one ever said cows were the smartest animals..or the cleanest. 

Matched Pair

5x7" Oil on Gessobord

Love this one!  I wonder who dressed whom?  (Is that the correct grammar?)  They must have gone shopping when they arrived at the beach and bought identical outfits just in case one of them got lost.  It would be easier to locate the missing partner :-)  I really love trying to figure people out.  You never get it right, but what fun, and how great to have the opportunity to paint them!!

Nonconformity

20 x 8" Oil on Board

SOLD

This is one of my favorite paintings!  It's a group of men sitting on the curb killing time.  The body language says it all, and that is what attracted me to this subject.  What absolutely makes this painting is the framing that was done by GOOSE CREEK STUDIO in Bedford, VA.  Patrick and Mitchell are a wonderful and creative team, and they come up with framing ideas that really showcase the art (or photography, or anything else people bring in).  You can see their link when you scroll down on the right column of the blog.  I'm probably going to put this in an upcoming art show.

Gutter Man

5 x 7" Oil on Gessobord

$55, Unframed

As I said in a previous post, we had a really bad hail storm about a month ago, and since then we have had a lot of workmen fixing things at the house.  How could I not paint one of them?!  Couldn't resist:-)  This man was putting up new gutters on a hot Spring day.  He already had a tan!

Portrait of Tallulah

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

NFS

This painting of our Sproodle, Tallulah, was done when she was 6 months old.  She looks a lot more "grown up" now and probably would not be pleased to have me post this since she is no longer a puppy.  Now she means business :-)  She's become a real delight, although I have to admit there were days when I wasn't sure we could do the puppy thing again.  However, it was all worth it and she has gotten into our groove. (She would probably say we have gotten into hers)...Our next project is getting her into the lake.  We had this painting framed by Goose Creek Studios, and they did a wonderful job...as usual.  I love it!

BY THE WAY,  if you like this blog, you can become a "Follower" by clicking on the link on the right.  I had blocked this section by mistake right after I started my blog.  Not sure how, but it's back on now.  You can also follow by email and get my updates right in your email inbox.  Just enter your email address in the box provided.  It's safe and easy. 

Sketcher's Pose

5 x 7" Oil on Gessobord

$55, Unframed

You usually don't see this pose.  Most "sane" people would be sitting in a more comfortable chair, but not plein air painters.  This is one of the women in our group that painted on Monhegan Island.  Her little chair was a lot like mine, and believe it or not, they are really comfortable.  Plus, they fold and are easy to carry up and down the hills and rocks on the Island.  None of us would make the pages of VOGUE, but we produce art which, in my opinion, is more important than looking beautiful :-)  I still smile when I think of her! 

Surf Fishing on Emerald Isle, NC

9 x 12 Oil on Gessoboard

Our friends were nice enough to take a lot of pictures for me when they went to Emerald Isle this year.  I got a lot of mileage out of last year's trip when we were there, so I hoped for more to work on this year.  They came through with lots of good shots.  I will probably do this one again when I have extra time and refine a few things that bother me, but I'm generally happy with it. 

Waitress in Pink

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

SOLD

Just a quick little painting of a demure pose.  Not a lot of detail here, but it works for me.  I couldn't go wrong with such a pretty model!

Sunset After the Storm

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

SOLD

Another in the series of Gills Creek paintings, except this one was done from a photo I took.  I have to learn to have my paints ready, or be able to set them up fast to capture all the wonderful things I see from my window and dock.  Yesterday, I posted some of my original small paintings on my ETSY site.  I will put more on soon, so check it out.  It's an easy way to purchase a painting and have it delivered right to your door :-)

Good Weather to Come

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

$55, Unframed

A continuation of the Gills Creek Series.  We've been having a lot of rain lately, and this was the sunset as the sky was clearing.  I did this from my studio window as fast as I could.  I will post another one that I did from a photograph taken a few days later, but this was done quickly, in one session...or "alla prima," I think the term is :-)    I'm beginning to get really comfortable using oils.  It took a while, but everything worth doing does.  I get so much enjoyment out of it all.

Cold Morning, Plein Air Painter

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

Another in my series of Poplar Forest Paintings.  I have to say, this is one of my favorites.  As you can see, the sun was out for two minutes after we got out of the car.  From then on, it was downhill as far as the weather was concerned.  I was particularly drawn to this artist's choice of clothes.  She was in layers, and it was a good thing since it went from summer to winter in a short frame of time.  She was really prepared, and with STYLE.  Plus, her scarf matched the barn in the distance.  I doubt if it was planned :-)

Storm Front Moving In

5x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

$55, Unframed

This was the calm before the storm at Poplar Forest.  We had just gotten out of the car, looked over beyond the barn and saw it coming.  The colors against the storm front moving in were really beautiful.  I do love bright, sunny days, but, as I've said, what really attracts me is the gray, atmospheric weather. It's quirky; but I guess, that's me :-)

Plein Air Artist, Poplar Forest

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

$55, Unframed

Even though the weather turned stormy, I was able to get some good little paintings out of it.  I particularly like this one.  It captures the gray haze that rolled in, and you can almost feel the temperature drop.  This painting and the one before it gave me a chance to practice mixing a variety of grays.  Wonder if this artist got any ticks after standing in the tall grass :-)

Running for Cover

SOLD

6 x 6" Oil on Board

$55, Unframed

This study was done quickly, and I really like it.  "Painting on the Lawn" turned into "Run for Cover."  The rain, thunder, and lightening came quickly and lasted for a really long time...and it was COLD!  The poor artists were trying to get their paintings done under the shelter of a building, but it was difficult for them.  It is amazing that the work completed was so good.  These were really talented people! 

The Artist

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

$55, Unframed

SOLD

 This is what it would have looked like yesterday at Poplar Forest if the weather had cooperated.  They had a "Painting on the Lawn" event that began with sunlight, and pretty soon turned into a total washout.  We got there just in time for the clouds to roll in and the temperature to drop about 20 degrees.  We headed for the tour of the building hoping for the sun to return, however, it thundered and there was a lot of lightening, so we were sort of held captive on the tour until the lightening diminished.  I kept thinking of "Hotel California".. "You can check out any time you'd like, but you can never leave."  We were chilled to the bone!  So...this is my ode to what would have been.   

Gills Creek Study #2 - Spring

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

$55, Unframed

Well, yesterday, the clouds moved in and today it's raining.  Every now and then the light would hit the background and glorious colors would appear, but they would be gone as fast as they came.  I would furiously open my tubes of paint to mix the colors, and everything would fade into gray again.  If my palette was ready to go, I could have caught the momentary beauty.  AHHH...Those "if only's." 

Gills Creek Study #1 - Spring

5 x 7" Oil on Gessoboard

$55, Unframed

SOLD

 

This is the first in a series of views from my studio.  I plan to paint this view from the perspective of the atmospheric changes that I see on a daily basis.  I'm always fascinated by how this scene changes from minute to minute.  I'm going to attempt to paint some of those changes as time permits.  I've done this view many times since we've lived here, but I've never documented  my perception of what I see on a regular basis.  I have a wonderful Guerrilla Paintbox that I won in an art competition, and I've set it  up in my studio.  The nice thing about it is that I can move it easily from place to place.  This was actually done from the kitchen window as the wind picked up and the rain clouds started to move in.

Rural Bend

16 x 10 Oil on Gessoboard

$95, Unframed

I love these rural scenes in Virginia, although they could be anywhere.  This scene in particular reminds me of the Pennsylvania Dutch country.  It was early morning and besides the beauty of the scene, the sun coming in low and just hitting the barns was so wonderful.  There was still some mist on the surrounding mountains, but it was just about burning off.  Doesn't get much prettier than this!

Spring on Gills Creek, Smith Mountain Lake

8 x 16" Oil on Gessoboard

$85, Unframed

I painted this from my studio looking out at Gills Creek.  This is a view I really love and have painted it many times.  I'm particularly proud of the fact that I used only the three primary colors, plus white to create the painting.  { I can hear seasoned oil painters snickering now.}  As I've said I'm getting the feel of mixing the paints, so this is all new to me, but what a sense of accomplishment to be able to create all the colors of the rainbow...plus more... with so few tubes of paint.  The art of pastel is a totally different ballgame, as my storage cabinet will attest to.  Totally filled up with vibrant colors...Overflowing!  Right now just sitting and waiting...

Spring Regatta, Smith Mountain Lake

8" x 16" Oil on Gessoboard

$95 Unframed

SOLD

New season of sailing for my husband, so I get to paint more sailboats.  It was a windy, spectacular, blue day for the first race.  It's unusual that the mountains appear to be the same color as the lake, but that's how I saw it.  It's an atmosphere thing, I guess.  Some days, they appear to be violet, others they are green.  An artist I like painted the same scene from his window each day of the year, and not one of them was the same.  Before I began painting, I don't think I noticed the subtle changes that occur.  So....yet again, another sailboat painting...A new day!

Self Portrait x Two

6 x 6 Oil on Gessoboard

This was an experiment, and a test to see if I could do a self portrait.  It wasn't as simple as I thought it would be.  I really tried to pump up the colors and see how close to reality I could get.  I probably could have pushed it a little more.  You know, I'm actually starting to dream about mixing oils.  My mind keeps working all night long and I'm mixing paint in my sleep.  I'm probably not getting that REM sleep I should be, but it's worth it.  I'm totally addicted!

The Competition

5 x 7 Oil on Gessoboard

$55.00 Unframed

I've seen this scene in so many cities...  especially in the parks of New York City.  You would find these men in Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, wherever there were benches and tables.  Probably in every city around the world.  Four men passing the time, heads together, focused on a small square board.  It's odd that you don't see four women playing board games in the park...I guess we would be found in a more comfortable, private setting, with cabana boys to bring our tea and coffee  :-)

Mardi Gras Mama

5 x 7 Oil on Gessoboard

SOLD

It's been a while since I posted.  We had a "sort of" tornado here in VA..or a HUGE hail storm.  The hail was the size of golf balls and left in its wake a lot of damage.  We are still picking up glass, which I have to say cuts down on my painting time.  This painting was done before the storm.  I love the person depicted and thought it was a fun piece.  We were at a Mardi Gras party and she dressed up so colorfully, I felt I had to paint her.  I might even do another, larger piece and add more detail some time in the future.  So...Here she is, my Mardi Gras Mama!

Free Spirit

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

$55.00 Unframed

 

I've done this gentleman three times now.  Twice in pastel and now in oil.  There is something about his face with all the lines, marking his years and experiences, that fascinates me.  Oil is so different from pastel, and I wasn't sure I could make it work.  I focused on just a few things, and all of a sudden it worked for me.  I'm so hooked on oils now.  I actually dream about them and what I'm going to paint next.  If I ever see this wonderful man again, I'm going to tell him what joy he has brought me!

Flower Boxes at the Ocean

SOLD
5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

Believe it or not, what I was interested in wasn't the flowers, but the angle of the house.  I wanted it to be a little "askew," as though the viewer was in the process of walking by.  It was hard for me not to straighten the lines as I was painting.  I'm glad I left it this way and am happy with it.  I kept thinking I was going to start again, but was talked out of it.  It's always good to get feedback from other artists. Whether you are the one giving the critique, or the one getting the critique, it is helpful.

Peanut Butter and Jelly on a Paper Plate

6 x 6 Oil on Board

SOLD

This is one of my favorite paintings.  Again, the colors are much more vivid than they appear here. and it truly doesn't do the painting justice, but I wanted to put it up on the blog anyway.  We're working on getting better photos of my oils.  Some turn out pretty accurately and some don't.  I've had people write in with suggestions, which I really appreciate.  This painting has sold.  I'm going to miss it.  Most of the time an artist doesn't know who buys their work, but in this case I do, and knowing art as they do, I'm honored that they liked it so much.

Wanna Play?

Oil on Gessobord

This little painting was done for an upcoming art exhibit called "The Itsy Bitsy Show."  I painted a study of LuLa in oil, which I will post soon, and decided to take part of it and paint it on a really small board.  The freedom of just getting in there and painting, without sketching first, is something I really love to do.  Somehow they turn out, and it always amazes me.  Plus, LuLa is a good model.  Unfortunately, she doesn't sit still long enough for me to actually do a "live model" painting, but perhaps when she's older, and I'm ancient, she'll pose :-)

Switching the Museum Paintings, Island Style!

SOLD

5x7 Oil on Gessobord

Where else would you see fine art moved this way, but Monhegan Island?!  I couldn't resist painting this.  The art museum on the Island is absolutely wonderful, with some of the finest artists' work hanging.  It was so special to see it.  Since cars are not allowed on the Island, other than the full time residents, I suppose this is as good a way to change out the art as any.  I'm thinking that after hauling lobster traps around, they go and pick up the priceless paintings.  Actually, I'm not totally sure that is what they were doing, but I can't imagine what else it could be, so I'll go with that :-)  As I've said a million times, if you haven't gotten to Monhegan, you're missing out on a terrific adventure.

Beach Walk

5 x 7 Oil on Masonite

SOLD

A quick study in oil.  Thought I'd never say that :-)  There's plenty more to do on this, but I'm happy with the outcome and the hazy feel.  I always hate to go back into my paintings to "fix" things, because that eliminates the freshness of the piece.  I probably will leave this alone and just varnish it, which will bring out the colors.  We are having a issue with photographing these oil pieces.  It seems to be entirely different than photographing pastels.  The latter comes out looking great, but the oils seem to look a little muddy in the photos.  If anyone out there knows the secret, email me.  Meanwhile, I'll be researching on the Web.  By the way, I want to thank everyone for all the kind words about my work.  You have no idea how grateful I am and how much it means to me!!

Dog Wash

SOLD
5x7 Oil on Hardboard

Here's Cooper getting a fast spray off after being in the ocean.  I had more fun watching Cooper play in the water, run on the beach, and even get a "warning" about being off leash by the local authorities.  Thanks to our friends, Gloria and Jim, we had a great time at Emerald Isle, and I have lots of memories to paint.

Crazy Socks

6x6 Oil on Gessoboard

$55.00 Unframed

 

Loved the arch of the foot.  That was my main focus..plus those great socks.  This was done pretty fast, very rough, and the nice thing about oils is the fact that I can go back and fix anything that bothers me at another time.  Quite unlike pastels that allow for a little fussing, but not much.  I did this last week, and when I look at it now I can actually see that I've improved quite a bit since this painting.  I'm getting used to the process of mixing colors.  How wonderful to keep learning.  See...You can teach an old dog new tricks :-)

Snow at the Lake

Oil on Masonite

What I tried to capture here is the snowy day we had last week..cold and icy.  I actually painted this from my studio looking out at the snow building up.  I think the view through the windows gives what I paint a glassy look, if that makes any sense.  It's a slightly different view from the inside looking out.  That pane of glass really does make a difference.

LiLi - Pretty in Pink

Pastel on Wallis Paper

This pretty young lady found a quite corner while we were having our Grand Opening of ArtVisions, and I couldn't resist painting her in her great outfit.  Actually, it was her socks that got me!  Her name is LiLi and she is absolutely adorable.  The painting is not totally finished, but I thought I'd post it now.  It helps me to see it from another perspective.  I've noticed a couple of things I will change, but I'm basically really happy with it. 

Down and Out

5 x 7 Oil on Board

Another oil.  I'm on a roll now. It's funny, but a number of people have told me that my oils look just like my pastels.  I guess that's what they call "a style."  Being self-taught, I really don't know any other way of painting :-)  I really like this one and thank my painting buddy, Sue Beckett, for the use of one of her photos from a European trip she took.  That's what is so great about painting with a group of friends.  They get to know what you enjoy painting and are always willing to share.  There are no egos involved, just the pure enjoyment of creating art and sharing memories.  I feel very fortunate to paint along side of these fine artists.

Enjoying Smith Mountain Lake

SOLD

Thinking Spring, even though we haven't really had winter.  This scene is like so many here at Smith Mountain Lake:  Sparking blue water, white sailboat, beautiful mountains... Life is good!!

Wood and Hay

20 x 24 Pastel on Wallis Paper (Framed)

This was a beautiful old barn I came across on my travels.  It could be any barn, anywhere.  The actual pastel painting has a lot more color in it, but for some reason a lot of the colors are muted in this photo, so you'll have to use your imagination and see sharp purples and teal along with richer wood colors.  I hope you get that "old barn feeling" though :-) 

Olson House Guide

5 x 7 Oil on Board

Second attempt!  I'm getting the hang of mixing colors, although this painting and the above were done with a portrait set with a very limited palette of colors.  The painting on my easel now is more exciting for me because of all the choices I have to mix with.  With pastels, the joy is that all the colors are at your finger tips..literally.  Oils, for me, is much more of a challenge.  I have to start from scratch and experiment with what I'll actually get on my brush and on the canvas or board.  To be honest, pastel is still my true love, but I'm so curious to see what will happen with this new obsession.  Since I'm basically self-taught in both pastel and now oils, I get a real rush when I finish a piece that I'm happy with.  

Senior Citizen

5 x 7 Oil on Board

So, this is my new passion.  I'll never get tired of pastels, but I've always wanted to get my hands into oils and thought I'd take the plunge and play.  I'm having such a great time!  I placed a LARGE order from Blick, and it arrived on Thursday.  It was like Christmas when I opened the box.  I almost hated to open the tubes.  When I was young and got a new box of crayons, I would save them so they wouldn't get worn, and use my cousin's set.  That way, mine would always look perfect.  She got wise to that pretty quickly and refused to let me touch her things.  Well, I opened the tubes and "dug in."  This may not be technically perfect, but I'm sure happy with it!  I still have a few more supplies coming...Another Christmas!

Ferry Thoughts

I've been wanting to paint this since our trip to Monhegan Island last summer.  Although it's devoid of bright color, I think it's really atmospheric and works well.  It was a cold, rainy ride back to the mainland, and we were all bundled up inside the cabin to keep warm.  Even in bad weather, it feels so good to be by the ocean.  The only drawback to being in the cabin was when the captain said over the loudspeaker: "If anyone feels sea sick, there are bags for you."  I felt fine until he made that comment...then not so much...

GRAND OPENING OF ARTVISIONS GALLERY AND STUDIOS

Come join us for the Grand Opening of ArtVisions Gallery and Studios, at 7005 Booker T. Washington Highway, Wirtz, VA, on Sunday, February 12th, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Our members are Rose Mary Atkins, Sue Beckett, Whitney Brock, Nancy Brown, Marie Campbell, Rita Carroll, Mary Lou Koons, Shelley Koopmann, Kathy Lietz, Jane Schafer, and Nancy Stellhorn.  If you are in the area, stop by and meet the artists.  There will be refreshments and Grand Opening discounts.  We are all very excited about our new venture and hope you will join us to celebrate!

Bluebird Man

SOLD

 

This is a wonderful man named Herb who is the keeper of the bluebird houses at Booker T. Washington Park.  He and his wife go around to all the houses to check on the bluebird population and status.  I met them at the park when I was there to plein air paint on a beautiful day.  At the time there were baby sheep, so I didn't get much painting in, but I did get a lot of pictures.  If you're ever at Smith Mountain Lake, check out the park.  It's well worth the visit.

Chivalry

As you can see, chivalry is not dead.  This couple owns an inn with absolutely beautiful flowers and landscaping.  He does the cooking for breakfast, and she works in the garden.  A perfect match!  We stayed there for two nights and really enjoyed the visit and the stories about the owners' lives.  My need to document the everyday occurrences in my life is what pushes me onward with my painting.  I can never wait to start the next one, even though I may not be totally finished with the one on the easel.  Life is full of paintings waiting to happen.

Smith Mountain Lake Sunset

Sky studies are the hardest, I think.  They look like they would be relatively easy to paint, but getting the cloud tones and the movement is difficult.  If painting from a photo, the colors don't show up as vibrantly as the actual scene.  If you've ever tried to take a picture as the sun was setting, you know what I mean.  I'm happy with this one, though.  I think you can feel those clouds moving.  I'm so happy to be back in the studio painting again.  Even Tallulah (my Sproodle) is content to be left in her crate for a while....

Conversation Pit

Three men sitting in a space between the rocks, probably discussing politics or the stock market :-)  However, I prefer to believe they were discussing the beauty of the landscape, which was breathtaking!!

Snowman with Shovel

Keeping ahead of the falling snow is the key, according to my husband.  That way he just has to push and not lift.  I love painting snow, and this one was no exception.  There are so many colors you can use in the white.  Actually, there isn't too much pure white in this painting at all....only at the very end of my painting process as a highlight.

View From the Cape

This might be a disappearing scene here at Smith Mountain Lake.  The land is for sale, and we are all hoping it doesn't sell too fast.  This was last winter's snow.  I know I'm not popular when I say I hope we will see more snow scenes like this during the winter of 2012.  You can't beat the beauty of a new snowfall!

AARP Rocker and His Groupie

This is really a rough preliminary painting, and I've gotten a lot of information from the process of getting it started.  I've found that this helps me quite a bit and impacts the final painting.  I thought I'd put it on the blog so that when I complete the final version, it will be fun to see how it changed.  These two men were enjoying the outdoors and gathering quite a crowd.  The man to the right was keeping time with his hand.  He looked very dapper with his red tie.