Learning From the Best

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

I painted this once before but it was just Rocky, not his father.  I really love the two of them "playing" together.  The other painting sold, so I thought I'd do a smaller version focusing more on the two of them and less on the Brooklyn brownstone.  Stoops are really important to New Yorkers.  You see and learn so much by just sitting there watching the world go by.  It's unfortunate that there aren't many left.  So, this is Jason and his son, Rocky, doing their street art in Brooklyn. 

Busy Night

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

 

Click to Bid in DPW Auction



This waiter was trying to make his way through the crowded restaurant carrying two cups of coffee without a tray.  He obviously had practiced this, however, I wondered at the time how much coffee remained in the cups.  He had this determined look on his face.  I painted this figure and was pleased with the results, but was not at all happy with the background.  After much experimenting, I found a technique (if you could call it that) that I was really happy with.  I have to admit, I love to play around and discover new and exciting things.  That's what it's all about...in everything we do.  Will it work again??  Who knows!  One can only hope :-)

March Madness Giveaway

If you become a new Follower of my blog, you will receive a free 6" x 6" Giclee print of one of my favorite paintings, "Beach Pick Up," (Shown above).  Details are on the right side panel.   

 

Image shown here framed.

Winter Fetching

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

 

Starting Bid $30, Click Here

 

Our Sproodle, Tallulah, loves the snow, but not when it's falling.  She seems to think that it will hurt her when it's coming down and she ducks every two seconds.  We have tried to get her used to it, but to no avail.  Once it stops snowing though, she can't get enough of it.  When we get ready to throw the ball, she races out into left field, but usually loses track of it after it has landed.  I think the fact that she can't hear it fall is what throws her.  She races around digging her face into the snow until she smells it and comes up with it.  Her tail goes a mile a minute.  It is such a joy to watch her hopping around!  Now everything is mush.  Not so much fun to watch her come in covered in mud....

Blowing Away Winter

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

 Click Here to Bid in DPW Auction

 



Big storm here in Virginia.  Over a foot of snow, and a real chance to use the bright red snow blower that's been sitting in the garage for a few years.  Actually this isn't our snow blower, but our wonderful neighbor's.  He came during the height of the storm and blew what was there away.  It doesn't get much better than that.  What a great friend, and a really good photo op!  60's this week.  Global Warming...

Boys of Summer

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

A little reminder that summer is coming...very slowly...but it is coming.  I took this photo years ago, and didn't think about it until I was recently asked to do a commission of the Red Socks.  This is not the commission, but it is the Red Socks during the World Series a few years ago.  My photo was very blurry, so I improvised and am really happy with the results.  I think I caught the movement, always my goal.  Can you smell the hot dogs and beer??  Meanwhile, we have 15 inches of snow on the ground from yesterday's storm.  Not baseball weather...yet.

Foiled Again

8 x 8 Oil On Gessobord

I always smile when I think of what someone from another time and place would think if they were able to see what we humans do for beauty.  Especially foils.  I make it a point to avoid looking in the mirror when I have foils on my head.  Obviously these women do, too.  As a matter of fact, they won't even look at each other :-)  Body language says it all....

Family Day at the Lake

8 x 8" Oil on Gessobord

A study of a family at a park in Singapore.  My Daughter-in-Law took the photo I painted this from.  She's taking photography classes, although I really don't think she needs them.  She has an artist's eye and gets some great shots.  I'm so lucky she lets me paint from her pix.  She and my son live in Singapore and travel all over the world.  Their next trip is to the Himalayas to run a marathon.  I told her I expect her to carry her very heavy camera around her neck during the race so she can take more photos for me.  Very uphill..  Is that a problem??  Somehow, I don't think she's going to :-)

Beekman 1802 Honey and Oatmeal

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

My new favorite breakfast!  Ive always loved oatmeal, but I just ordered Beekman 1802 Cinnamon Honey and Lemon Honey and WOW.  I love them!!  They are raw honey spreads and just a little in my oatmeal really makes a big difference.  It says on the jar "It took 648 bees one year to make the honey in this jar."  Well, they all did a wonderful job and I thank them :-)  The colors in this photo of the painting didn't come out quite right ..A little "mushy."  (Technical term)  The bee was not part of my breakfast experience...Just an ode to those 648 workers.

Bowl Full of Love

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

"Text Me" .....  Really??!  Whatever happened to "Be Mine" or "Be My Valentine"?  And "Soul Mate" reminds me of the Sanford hiking the Appalachian Trail episode.  But, it is almost Valentine's Day so here's my little painting full of sweet things and pastel colors.  A quick study of sugary bliss :-)

Street Musician with Reflections

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

I have painted this man a number of times now.  He was playing on the street in Charleston, SC, on my first visit to the city, and was there again the next time we went (which was years later.)  I'm not sure why, but I never lose interest in painting him.  My first attempt was in pastel...This time oil.  Some street performers don't allow people to take their picture unless they are paid.  This man was really interesting to talk to, a great musician, and very nice about having his photo taken.  I hope he will be there the next time I go.  He's becoming a tradition :-)

Puzzler

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

What to do on Monhegan Island, Maine, on a rainy day?  Puzzles, of course!  You can't go out to paint, there is no TV, and phone service is "iffy."  Every time I've been to the Island, the weather has been terrific, but this trip it poured all day creating huge puddles.  The rain came sideways and very few people came out of their houses and inns. It was also cold, so coffee was a necessity.  I ventured out to the little place that sells espresso and it was packed with people...No place to sit, so I went to the Monhegan House, where some of the other people in our painting group were staying.  This woman was passing the time deep in thought over a puzzle.  She had her "wishful thinking" sun visor on.  It didn't work.  The sun appeared when we were heading back on the ferry the next day.  A bummer, but even in the rain, Monhegan is a magical place.

Strings

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This is a study of three base players (not talking baseball here) during Intermission at the Roanoke Symphony.  Again, my purpose was to get the interaction between the men and body movement.  The instruments were a challenge, but I was mostly interested in the "feeling" of the scene.

A Girl and Her Companion

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Do any of you remember Woody Allen's "Sleeper?"  The whole time I was painting this I couldn't get it out of my mind, and I haven't seen it in quite a while.  The movie takes place in the future, and everything is controlled by the Leader, who is seen as the national TV signs off each night.  The scene is the back of the Leader, in a wheelchair, with his hand on his dog beside him.  At least that's how I remember it.  As I said it's been a while. This painting really reminds me of it, silly as that is.  I think it's the staring off into the future thing.  The colors did not come out too well in the photo of the painting.  Everything has a greenish hue, but you get the idea...Hopefully.

Barista with a Flair

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

OK..I really enjoyed painting this until I had to think about the stacked cups.  I really learned a lot about wiping off and repainting on this piece.  I changed the background approximately three times.  I'm pretty happy with the results.  The barista was my main focus.  Loved her matching hat and sweater against the orange background.  So here it is, a relatively small piece that took a really long time :-)

Beach Pick-Up

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

I find it really interesting that most of us, when walking along the shore, stop and pick up stuff.  Everything seems like a terrific find.  Then, we get home and wonder why we pocketed what we found.  Even shells.  I always collect them as I walk, looking for one that is perfect.  I bring it back and wonder what to do with it.  They usually wind up in the garbage.  It's like that Updike quote...actually one of my favorites ..."Possession diminishes perception of value, immediately."

Lab on Guard

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

 

This is really a study for a larger painting; therefore, it is rough around the edges, but I do like it.  Actually, it isn't as rough as it looks here.  It was very wet when I took the picture, and it came out looking blotchy.  It did dry nicely.  Also, I took the photo outside when it was 7 degrees.  That might have had something to do with the quality of this image...Or it might have been that I was so cold, I was shaking the tripod.  Yellow Labs are one of my favorite breeds and this particular Lab just blends right into the landscape.  He looks so regal sitting there protecting the empty beach chairs.

Motoring

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Don't you just hate those really slow drivers who barely move down the road?!  Usually, you can't see them over the steering wheel....only a little bluish hair.  This is Luther, a commission I was asked to do (and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it).  He looks very attentive, but I think he might be day dreaming.  You almost expect his paw to reach out the window and wave the tailgaters on.  I was smiling the whole time I was painting this :-)

Simon

Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This was one of two commissioned paintings for some very special people, and I was so honored to do them.  Apparently, Simon is always scratching and here he is in all his glory.  From his expression, you can just here him saying "AHHH."  Don't you just love those teeth?

Peonies to Start the New Year

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD 

Here is a bouquet of flowers for all of you out there to thank you for stopping by to browse my blog, website, and Facebook pages.  As I said in the Christmas post, your feedback and emails are so very much appreciated.  I love hearing from you all and especially love being a part of the World Wide Web of artists.  I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Productive New Year.

Baby Boy

SOLD

"Baby Boy" is a commission I did for the owner of CJ's Coffee and Sandwich Shop, a favorite place of mine for breakfast and lunch.  This is his mother's cat, and he gave the painting to her as a Christmas present. Actually, this is the first cat I have painted and it seemed to just flow, so I may have to do more :-)  When I asked what the cat's name is, I got several answers.  Apparently, the cat has an identity problem, but the definitive answer was "Baby Boy." "Baby Boy" gave me a chance to have fun experimenting with mixing colors.  I am told he is part Coon cat, quite large and definitely furry...I really appreciated the opportunity to do this painting, so thank you Chris :-)

A Very Serious Elf

Christmas Photograph, 2013

One has to be extremely fast to capture Tallulah, our Sproodle, in her elf get-up.  You can't even see the red top of the cap.  Her expression says it all:  "Really???"  This was the third try, and quite frankly, I gave up.  Not the best picture of her, but the ears look good...  

I want to thank you all for checking in on my blog and for the wonderful emails and feedback throughout the year.  I'm so thankful for you all :-)  I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

Christmas Tree with Red Dye #3

Pastel on Wallis Paper

SOLD

I painted this and used it for my Christmas card a few years ago, and I still love it.  Every time I see the  photo I have of it, I can taste peppermint (not a favorite of mine).  I licked each and every one of those candies to get them to stick together so I could paint them.  I wasn't feeling so great after setting it up, but being a dedicated artist, I pushed on and painted the still life.  What hardships we artists have to endure....Hope you all are finishing up on your Christmas shopping.  I'll post again before Christmas to wish you all a good one.

So Many Naughty.....

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

I am bidding this painting on my Daily Paintworks site.  If interested, go to the link on the right.  This Santa was leaving our local bank and looked neither happy nor jolly.  In fact, he looked downright grumpy.  At first I painted him just as I saw him, but decided that he looked too sinister and gave him a slight smirk.  Still not a Ho Ho Ho type of guy, but not quite a "Bah Humbug" dude either.  I hope you all are making headway shopping for the Holiday.  I'll check in before Christmas.

Blue Vase

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This was my mother's vase, and I've always loved the shape of it.  I'm not sure why I suddenly felt like painting it, but I"m glad I did.  Just a quick study and sudden memory.

Shari - Warholesque

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

All I could think of was Warhol's Marilyn's when I was painting this.  I got a new MAC AIR for my birthday, and my daughter was on the phone trying to explain some of the fundamentals to me.  Not an easy task :-)  We had some fun sending our abstract photos back and forth.  I loved this one and figured it would be a nice challenge. I'm loving my AIR.  I went to Barnes and Noble and got two good books.  They are one step below the "Dummy" series...They are called "...For Seniors."   N I C E.....

Puffed Up Bluebird

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD 

You can't miss this painting, can you?!  I went for color on this one and actually like the way it came out.  This particular bluebird (at least I think it's the same one) flies back and forth from a tree branch on the side of our house to the railing of our deck.  I guess because the weather is getting colder, it has been really puffed up...Or it has been eating too much.  When the sun hits that blue, it becomes that incredible iridescent color.

Kingfisher

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

The Kingfisher happens to be one of my favorite birds.  One of the reasons is that my friend told me that the sound they make is easily identifiable because it sounds like that old song "Wipeout."  I don't know if anyone else out there remembers it, but it really does, if you listen to the song.  We have a resident Kingfisher who sits on the top of the mast of our sailboat watching for fish.  When he sees one, he dives straight down.  It's really something to see.  Now wherever I am, if I hear that sound, I know there is a Kingfisher around, and odd as it sounds, I start humming "Wipeout."

Christmas Train

 Oil on Gessobord

I figured this was a good way to start the Christmas season.  Better than camping outside a store all night to get a bargain.  That practice still amazes me.  It was in the teens and really windy here in VA the night before Thanksgiving, and they interviewed a few people on the nightly news who had set up camp outside a electronics store.  YIKES!  Back to the painting, this little red haired boy was fascinated by the train under one of the trees at the Hotel Roanoke.  Each year, the hotel has a wonderful array of decorated trees sponsored by different organizations. It is really a Christmas wonderland.  I get a real kick out of the children (and some adults) all dressed up for the holiday.  This piece was done for Goose Creek Studio for their "O Christmas Tree" display.  What Fun!

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.

Geranium View

10 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

I really wanted to sit in the rocking chair next to that window filled with geraniums.  Unfortunately, no one offered me the chance, so I painted it pretending all the while that I WAS sitting there.  That's the great thing about painting.  The artist can place himself (or herself) in the scene without leaving the studio.  Imagination is a wonderful thing.  As Twyla Tharp said "Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."

Children on the Move

9 x 3 1/8  Oil on Gessobord

OK..So this is a piece of Gessobord that I had my husband cut from a painting I had done a few weeks ago.  When I painted the original piece, the bottom of the painting just didn't look right to me.  The only way I felt I could keep the painting was to crop it which is easy if I'm doing pastel, but not so much on a hard board.  My husband was nice enough to drag out his table saw and cut the bottom off the painting.  Rather than throw the piece away, I just "played," and this is the result.  I might go back into this and refine it, but there is something about the lack of refinement that I like.  Even though there are ghosts around the figures, I think it gives the piece movement.  At least I think so....Just a fun little experiment.

In the Spotlight, Washington Square

9 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

I painted a smaller version of this quite a while ago, but never got to take it home from the framer because it sold really fast.  So, I decided to do it again in a slightly larger format.  All of the different colored shadows from the spotlights at Washington Square Park were a challenge but I'm happy with it, and that's what attracted me to this scene.  I probably have said this before...I know I have....but there was always so much going on in the Village when we lived there, and I was glad to see that music is still a part of the experience even though most of the cafes are gone.  I still miss the old Figaro's; sitting at the outdoor tables, drinking tea or coffee, and watching the great people who made the Village home.  It was a little village inside of NYC. There was nothing like it :-)

It Is What It Is

12 x 9 Oil On Gessobord

Click to Bid in My DPW Auction

I don't normally do a still life, but I love this pottery jug and decided to set something up to paint.  I"m glad I did, because I really loved the process of painting  this.  I put down my strokes fast and didn't go back into it at all.  That's why I'm calling it "It Is What It Is"  :-)  Then, I ate one of the apples.....

Grand Central Down Time

SOLD

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

The lighting at Grand Central Station is so incredible!  Everything glows, which made this man's vest really jump out.  He tucked himself in a corner against a wall to check his cell.  What I was going for here was to paint this as though the viewer was just walking by.  I thought about straightening out all the lines, and decided to give it a little tilt as the viewer would have as he/she passed by.  I should have called it "Askew."

Chilling Out

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Just relaxing!  The one thing about the beach is that you can actually sit on the porch, rock in your rocking chair, drink coffee, and just chill.  No real distractions.  It's unfortunate that these times only happen once in a while.  Only a little detail in this painting, but I hope you get the feeling.

Bedford Centerfest

9 x 8 3/4" Oil on Gessobord

Buy Now Through ETSY

This was Bedford Centerfest at lunch time.  The streets were full of people out to have a good time, and what attracted me to paint the scene was how colorful everything was.  I was sitting at our artists' co-op booth watching people parade back and forth.  It really reminded me of NYC during my daily lunch break.  I would sit in Bryant Park and be fascinated by the people.  I still am, and I suppose that's why I paint what I do...People going about their daily lives.

Painting and Pottery

Oil on Gessobord

SOLD AT AUCTION 

This painting will be part of the Bower Center Artisan Trail Benefit Concert and Silent Auction on October 12th, at 7 PM.  It was framed by Goose Creek Studio and once again, they did a great job!  If you are in the area, please come by.  It will be fun and all for a good cause.

Red Gardening Gloves

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Things have been so hectic here that I needed to paint a quiet piece.  It doesn't get much quieter than Monhegan Island off season.  September/October is a very busy time for outdoor art shows and gallery exhibits here in Virginia.  I suppose all over, not just Virginia.  As much as I like to do them, I find them exhausting.  I also find I don't have as much time to paint and if I do, I feel a little rushed.  Monhegan is my Moment of Zen.  When I paint it, I'm there..(Strange as that seems).  I can smell it, feel it...AHHH...

Bedford Sunrise

9 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

One of the bad things about doing some outdoor art events is that you have to get up REALLY early, but it is balanced by views like this.  Driving to Bedford Centerfest, I caught this spectacular sunrise.  It's really hard to capture the splendor of sunrises and sunsets in paint, but I wanted to give this one a try, and I'm glad I did!  It always amazes me how fast it all happens.  One minute it's dark, the next you get a pinkish color, and BAM...you get the yellow of the sun.  Another day...How lucky :-)

Out to Pasture

9 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Old buses usually don't interest me, but the colors and the light here were just too great to pass up.  It looked like a piece of sculpture sitting on the lawn.  The neighbors might not have thought so.  I'm thinking there wasn't a "community association" involved :-)  If there was, I would love to be at the meeting where they discuss property maintenance....