Christmas, 2016

8 x 10 Oil on Archival Board

Last year, one of our neighbors hired this horse and carriage to take their grandchildren for a ride right before Christmas.  It was a sight to see when they came down our street, and most of the neighbors came out to gawk.  Naturally it was a photo op for me, and I decided to paint it this year for my Christmas card adding a few things...Like snow...and runners on the sleigh. 

I wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!  One can only hope and pray that this coming year will bring peace to us, all over this precious planet of ours.  I want to thank you for looking at my artwork throughout the year.  I definitely feel blessed! 

Hudson with a Face Full of Snow

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

 



This is Hudson, an Australian Shepherd.  He is a northerner, so he is totally happy this winter!  A muzzle full of snow is heaven for him, I suppose.  I do hope all you people in the northeast are coping with the cold and blizzard-like conditions.  Here in Virginia, we are currently at 19 degrees and had 60 MPH winds all night long.  Two days ago, it was almost 70 degrees.  We even had a fly in the house :-)  Perhaps, he knew what was to come and decided to come inside....



Bluebird Up Close and Personal

SOLD

6 x 6 Oil On Gessobord

This poor little bird didn't fly south.  Apparently he never listened to what the other birds with more info were saying...Or he made the mistake of listening to the local weather on TV and assumed it was going to be hot and sunny.  Either way, I felt I should have given him a warm scarf and hot chocolate.  He wasn't as blue and red as I painted him, but I thought the bright red/orange might warm him a little :-)

Tree Trunk in Snow

SOLD

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

Shadows and snow...That's what this little painting is all about.  As I've said so many times before,  winter is a favorite with me.  I know many of you don't share that view.  Especially those of you who are up north right now.  I think the stark beauty of the sun on the snow and the deep dark shadows are really something to behold.  This painting is a new favorite of mine :-) 

Winter Morning View

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

The same view as the previous post, but from last year on a cold morning after some overnight snow.  I'm extremely excited that summer is over and my favorite season is beginning.  I can feel the change early in the morning.  There is a chill in the air, and everything takes on a different smell...if that makes any sense.  Today is the Fall Regatta here at Smith Mountain Lake.  My husband is getting ready to head out...sun block lotion in hand.  I hope to get some good paintings out of it.  The weather is just perfect.  Hope you all have a good day as well, and thanks again for checking in on my blog. 

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...

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?!  

Best Friends

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This is the second in the series of paintings I did of photos my parents took when I was young...way back when.  As kids, we were outside playing no matter what the weather, and I have to say it was a wonderful way to grow up.  This turned out to be one of my favorite paintings, perhaps because I actually remember that snowsuit and remember Robbie so well.  I can still feel my frozen toes :-)   I always find that when I really enjoy the painting I'm working on, the results usually work out for the best.