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.

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

SOLD

 

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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

SOLD

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.