Beach Divas

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

I spent my entire childhood and teen years doing exactly this.  The more burned I got, the better.  My goal was to get a tan.  Never happened!  Blue eyes, blond hair...No tan...When I moved to NYC, I even got one of those tin foiled folding things and would go to Bryant Park at lunch time to get a few rays.  I didn't look too odd because there were a lot of other young women like me, in suits, heels, stocking, etc,.doing the same thing.  Men were smarter.  You would never see a man in a suit and tie sunbathing.  Anyway, the two women here were in conversation, spending a beautiful day at the beach.  Fun to paint!

Riding In!

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

I am really excited about this painting!  First of all I had such fun painting it, and secondly it came out better than I ever thought it would.  I experimented with mixing techniques and strokes, and hit on one that worked and I'm happy with.  I'd love to say that one of these people is actually me, however, you'd recognize me as the one with the Mickey Mouse tube and water wings on :-)  I'm always amazed at the balance surfers have.  I'm on a beach kick now, so I'll be posting lots more.  My wonderful daughter-in-law caught this shot for me.  She's the best, and a great photographer!

Good Way to Start the Morning

8 x 10 Oil on Linen Board

Well, Happy Mother's Day to all!  This is exactly how we started out our morning.  It's hard to find good New York bagels here at the Lake, but there is a great bagel shop if we travel into Roanoke.  If there wasn't one around, we just might have to move back up North.  When we moved from New York to New Jersey, the local bakery advertised bagels, but we discovered really fast that they were just soft rolls with a hole in the middle.  After living there for a while, real bagel places started opening up.  Then came our move to Smith Mountain Lake...Again, no bagels until we discovered Roanoke.  So now that we have almost everything here, we'd better not move again.  Check out my great new coffee mug.  It's made by my favorite potter, Dan Perkins.  I absolutely love it and use it everyday.  I make sure I switch hands when I lift it, though, because it's heavy and I don't want bulging muscles in just one arm... :-)

Beginning of Summer

12 x 24 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

OK..Technically it's not summer yet, but I just got back from a week in Florida where it most certainly is summer.   Hot and humid, and rain every day, which made me feel like painting the beach.  My favorite season is not summer, and I avoid going to the shore during June, July and August.  Love the Fall and Winter, though.  That's the best time because all the children are back in school, and you pretty much have the beach to yourself; and in the Fall the water is still warm enough to swim.  Yikes, I sound old.  I think I remember my parents saying the exact same thing.  Uh Oh.....

Outsider Artist

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This is how most of us who become artists start out. You can't get a better canvas than a Brownstone stoop.  I have painted Rocky before, and I must say he is turning into one of my favorite subjects.  I'm pretty sure his father helped him with the face, but you can see him starting one of his own.  It's so cool that they live in this part of  Brooklyn because that's where my parents and his great grandparents lived.  Probably not too many blocks from this building.  Life's all a big circle, isn't it?!

Marathon Stretches

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

This started as a study of figures in different movements and poses but turned into one of my new favorite paintings.  My son runs in marathons, and this was before one of the races as the athletes were getting ready.  The figures are simple, with little detail, but what I was going for was for the viewer to feel as though he or she was catching them in mid stretch.  It's always a surprise which paintings will actually please me, and this one was no exception.

Subway Couture

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

Well...What can you say?!  New York City is a perfect place to people watch and who could resist painting this woman?  She was dressed for Alaska and had her iPad and her iPhone, so she was totally connected to the outside world.  The socks matched the hat, so she was totally stylish :-)  The woman next to her was studying and drinking her Starbucks coffee.  It was actually an open cup, but I put a lid on it due to the fact that I couldn't stand the idea of all those germs getting into her coffee....This one was fast and fun.  Quick strokes hopefully coming together.

Painting and Pottery

10 x 8 Oil on Linen Board

I painted the two tall pots before when they were displayed at The Electric Company Artist Co-Op.  Both paintings have since sold; however, now I am the proud owner of them, as well as a small bowl and a mug by the same potter.  They are prominently displayed beside one of my paintings and I get so much pleasure looking at them.  The Potter, Dan Perkins, has become one of my favorite artisans :-)  

A Woman of Substance

6 x 8  Oil on Linen Board

I met Susie at Goose Creek Studio last year and just love her.  She is so kind and generous, and is such a pleasure to be around.  I see her at every art event, always with a smile on her face, and always ready to talk about the artwork.  I've noticed that she doesn't just look quickly at a piece.  She will stand in front of it and really take it all in.  I've tried to capture her expression here and the joy she seems to have when she looks at art.  I'm hoping I did her justice.

Finally, Spring!

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

Well, Spring has arrived for a day or two.  We seemed to go from a snowstorm to 90 degrees in a matter of days.  Totally confusing for plants and humans alike.  A little color always makes me happy, so I did enjoy  painting these flowers before the weeds take over.  Summer in Virginia is not a favorite for me, so now, even before summer has officially arrived, I'm looking forward to Fall.  As everyone tells me, I'm never satisfied :-)

Putting it Out

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

If you look back to the photograph I posted called "Forced to Leave the Building,"  I mentioned that when we were evacuated from the Shenandoah Club I spent time taking photos of the firemen while waiting to be let back into the building.  Well...this just shows you that there is always something to paint...at least for me.  I'm not sure why, but I really get pleasure from experiences that are a little out of the ordinary.  Joy is the word!  I kept thinking about "Alice's Restaurant," Arlo Guthrie's song, watching this.  There were a lot of men there for a few burning towels, and they had lots of equipment.

Breakfast at CJ's

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord
SOLD

Two of my most favorite things...cappuccino and crumb cake. As far as I'm concerned, there is no better way to start the day.  Our small coffee shop has new owners, and I'm not sure what brand of espresso they use, but I think it's even better than Starbucks.  I'm very picky about my coffee.  The baristas at Starbucks usually run for cover when I approach the counter.  Yes, I see them smirking.  My order is really involved and specific.  The person at the counter tries to keep up as he/she writes on the side of the cup, but invariably something is not quite right..."..cappuccino, Grande, dry but not too dry, mostly foam but a little milk, make that skimmed milk, double shot...unless you usually use two shots.  If so, then triple shot..."  Here at C.J.'s, they seem to know how to make a perfect cup.  Now, that's a science :-)  I really loved painting this.  Seriously, I could almost taste it as I was applying the paint.

Forced to Leave the Building

I don't usually post photographs, but this was too good to pass up.  Our ArtVisions group was asked to show our work at the Shenandoah Club, a private club in Roanoke, VA.  We all got there with our 10 paintings each and proceeded to start hanging, when we were told we had to evacuate the building.  Apparently, there was a fire and the staff had to call the fire department.  So, we did as we were told as the fire trucks pulled in.  Now if you notice, none of us thought about our paintings at all...except for our friend, Nancy.  I have decided she is the one we all should go to in an emergency.  I'm pretty sure she was saying to herself: "I'm NOT going to lose this painting after working on it for so long!"  The rest of us were all oblivious, like school kids during a fire drill.  We spent about 1/2 hour in the parking lot taking pictures of the firemen putting out the fire, (which turned out to be towels that were smoldering and burst into flames.) I snapped this picture while the firemen worked.  The only thing I can say about our group is that we all have that "artist" mentality, which makes us quirky and fun, and most of our time together is spent laughing....and every now and then painting.....

Young Man with Tattoo

8 x 6 Oil on Linen Board

My artist friend gave me this photo of her husband and said I could paint it if I would like to.  As soon as I saw his "Alfani" underwear, I was in :-)  This was a fast little painting, but a lot of fun to do once I got into it.

Finish Line, Half Marathon, NYC

8 x 10 Oil on Linen Board

Five Runners and one woman looking very official at the end of the recent NYC Half Marathon.  I enjoy painting on  linen boards, but have noticed that the photos I take of the paintings are not as clear or sharp as they are when photographing paintings on smooth gessoed boards.  So, this is close, but not as sharp as the original painting.  I hope you can feel the movement in this piece.  That was what I was going for...as well as capturing the exhaustion of the second woman from the left :-)  She seemed totally spent.  

Entertainment at the Gallery

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

Click Here To Bid

This was a scene from a recent gallery show where three of my paintings were hanging.  My main objective was to paint the man in the forefront who had a bemused expression on his face and was in the process of turning to look at me as I was taking his photograph. The Juror spoke about each piece she chose for the show, and when she got to mine I snapped the picture.  She mentioned that my subject matter was "unexpected" as she spoke about my piece called "Just Another Pretty Face."  If you scroll down, you can see it on this Blog.

A Quiet Resting Place

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

I'm sure hoping this wasn't a permanent resting place...The cat's family might object  to me painting this in such a cavalier manner.  I think the cat found a spot away from foot traffic to take a nap.  One can only hope.  I'm a dog person, so painting cats is new to me and I'm not up on their habits.  Anyway, here is my version of a perfectly healthy cat taking a nap :-)

Two Pieces Left

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

What do you do with the leftover pizza from dinner?  First paint it, and then put it away for tomorrow's lunch.  I'm not sure why I paint pizza, but I think it has to do with loading the brush and canvas with lots of paint.  There is a sense of pleasure for me when I push the paint around, much like sculpting with clay.  It doesn't always come out looking like the object I want it to, but it's satisfying nevertheless...and then there's lunch to look forward to tomorrow...

Keep Rowing!!

8 x 10 Oil on Linen Board

Summer, Maine.  Not exactly warm!  I can almost hear her saying "Oh Yes. This was a great idea, and I get to row, too..."  Her hands just might be frozen to those oars, and she better not fall in because the water temperature is really cold.  At least she was smiling...or pretending to...

An Abundance of Hot Air

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

Abingdon, VA has a balloon festival each year, or at least did in the past.  I'm not sure if it still does.  This was the first time I was able to see how they set up before flight, and it was such fun!  A lot of work goes into getting ready.  The balloon chasers really have a hard time of it.  They have to follow the balloons and reach the site that they land.  Sometimes it involves climbing over fences into fields of cattle or worse.  The course is set but it depends on the winds and if off course, the plans go by the wayside and the chasers have to run around hoping to get to the right place at the right time.

Pottery on Display

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Another painting of the pottery done by Dan Perkins that was on display in our gallery window.  The wonderful color of the pieces, plus the light hitting them through the window really made for a perfect still life.  I'm probably not done with this series because I'm enjoying the process of painting them.  Hope you all like them, too!

Village Trio

SOLD

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

When we lived in Greenwich Village in the 60's, there was always music being performed in Washington Square Park day and night and we hung out there a lot.  It apparently hasn't changed.  What has changed is the wonderful lighting around the Arch.  It's probably been there for a while, but our recent trip back to the City was the first in a long time.  The building we lived in was still there and looked the same, although now it has a doorman.  We would have turned our noses up at having a doorman then.  Now, not so much..:-).  The park was and still is a wonderful place with so much "life" going on.  I do miss it.  I enjoyed painting this.

Summer Reading

8 x 16 Oil on Linen Board

I love these two people!  We were waiting at the Monhegan Island dock for the ferry to take us back to Boothbay Harbor.  This couple made themselves comfortable on the lawn of the Island Inn on a beautiful, sunny day.  I painted this in pastel a few years ago but have always wanted to paint it in oils. This painting will be on auction at Daily Paintworks.

Up Close and Personal

16 x 8 Oil on Belgian Linen Board

SOLD

Even though museums do not let anyone touch the artwork, I really do feel that it is the ultimate compliment for a viewer to actually take the time to really look and even think about touching a piece of art. To me, it shows that he or she is thinking about the process and really appreciates the work being shown.  So, here is "a viewer" (and a fine artist) contemplating a masterful piece of work hanging at our gallery.

LBJ On Display

16 x 8 Oil on Belgian Linen Board

"LBJ" by Marisol Escobar (1967) at the MoMA.  This was certainly a show stopper!  At first, you pass by it and suddenly stop and think: "That looks a lot like LBJ."  Then you really look at it and realize he's holding his wife, Lady Bird, and two daughters in his hand.  They look quite a bit like birds...i.e. "Lady Bird."  The structure is coffin-like.  I did a little research and found out that Escobar might have used the coffin effect due to the way Johnson got the presidency, and perhaps was a statement about the Vietnam War.  All in all, I found it fascinating and a pretty strong statement.

Island Solitude

8 x 10 oil on Linen Board

I have gone to Monhegan Island four times and have never experienced rain until the last trip.  The people all headed for shelter except for a few hardy souls.  I was one of them..although I am hardly a hardy soul :-)  I was looking for coffee...Where are Starbucks when you need them?  This painting only shows the beginning of the storm.  What came later was pouring, blowing rain and lots of mud.  I wound up painting in the dining room of the Inn.  Honestly, it was a wonderful experience.  No phones, TV, interruptions.  Only a ticking clock and the sound of rain.

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.

Racing in the Wind

6 x 8 Oil on Linen Board

Click Here to Bid

SOLD

This was a scene from the 2012 Fall Regatta here at Smith Mountain Lake.  I have no idea what I paint when I do sailboats, so I always have to get my husband to check to see if what I paint makes any sense.  He crews on a friend's boat for the races and tells me when the lines I draw are totally crazy :-)  A few times during this process I called him to look and evaluate, and he would say: "What's this black thing here?"  My response would be..."It's fine.  It's on my photo."  His expression as he walked away would make me reconsider :-)  So, if there are any serious sailors out there, and you see a line or two that seems a little odd..It's fine.  It's in the photo .....

A Woman On A Mission

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Art makes sense; computers don't..At least to most artists.  Starting up an artists' co-op takes a lot of time and patience, and thankfully we have some terrific artists willing to put in the work.  This was a quick study, and I'm pretty sure everyone at TECAC will know who it is :-)  I'm actually quite honored to be part of this great group.  Life is Good!!

The Pout

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This painting was done from an old photo and it was in black and white.  I'm a little embarrassed to tell you it's me.  I learned pretty fast that I got what I wanted with that expression.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work anymore...  I've tried  :-)  I did a series of these paintings from my old photos.  I'm just glad my parents thought to take lots of pictures.

Pie a la Mode

6 x 8 Oil on Linen Board

Fruit pie and cherry vanilla ice cream...Yummm!  Not much more to say about this one :-)  This is a home-made pie, if you don't count the fact that it came in a box and all I had to do was bake it and then drizzle the caramel over the top.  That's about as close to "home-made" as I get. I didn't hear anyone in my household complaining that I technically didn't make it from scratch.  It was served as a "birthday pie" for a friend, complete with a candle in the middle. Not traditional, but it worked...

Queen Cooper

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Our friends' Boykin Spaniel thinks she's a human being and an only child as well :-)  She is such a wonderful pet and knows it.  She practically talks...They would say she DOES talk.  When she wants to go outside, she will sit in front of the door and stare at the handle waiting for someone to open it, or willing it to open on its own.  When they let her out, she lets the entire neighborhood know she's out there, giving out an ear-piercing bark or shriek.  Everyone knows her and loves her...So here she is in all her glory!

I Love Good News That Comes in the Mail

Today, I fought the cold wind to go out to the mailbox.  I always look forward to getting anything to do with art; such as magazines, etc.  However, today I got a notice that all three of my oil pieces ( "Just Another Pretty Face", "Holland Tunnel Glow", and "Looking at the World Through Psychedelic Glasses") were accepted into the 2013 Biennial Juried Exhibition at Roanoke College's Olin Hall Galleries. What an honor that is for me!  Since switching over from pastels to oils, this is the first time I have entered anything into a juried show, so today is a good day :-)  The show runs from March 15th through April 5th, 2013.  So, if you are in the area, stop in!

Window Display with Reflections

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This display is in the window of The Electric Company Artist Co-Op, a new and wonderful venture in Bedford, Virginia.  The pottery was made by Dan Perkins and is really quite beautiful, with or without the sun shining on the pieces.  I love the reflections on the glass as well as the old building across the street. I found painting this a little bit of a struggle for me...So different from what I've done previously in oil.  I think it would have been a little easier in pastel, but I'm committed to trying new things and developing my skills using oils.

Belly Rubs and Tourist Wishes

10 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

In Asia, the belly is considered one's spiritual center. When one rubs the Buddha's belly, it is believed to bring luck and well being.  This Laughing Buddha is carved out of stone and sits in Singapore. He must have heard quite a lot of stories and might actually be laughing at the many strange wishes and requests people ask for.

North Wind Huddle

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This little painting was done rather fast.  My goal wasn't to get an exact rendering, just the "feeling" of the cold wind at the beach in Maine. We had all the clothes in our suitcases on, and it still wasn't enough to keep us warm.  It's 22 degrees here this morning and if I remember correctly, it felt like 22 or less there, and that was the beginning of September, not January.  I've painted this scene before in pastel, but thought of trying it again in oil...Like I said, just a quick one..and just for the "feeling."

Monhegan Dawn

12 x 8 Oil on Arches Oil Paper

To Bid on This Painting:

On the last trip I took to Monhegan Island, Maine, I got up at dawn and walked the Island taking photos.  That had to have been the best and most inspiring time I've had in a long time.  When I started out, it was relatively dark, and on an island without street lights, dark is REALLY dark.  As the sun came up though, the colors around me were absolutely beautiful, and I'll never forget them.  Manana, which is an uninhabited island right off Monhegan, glowed an almost florescent orange.  What a sight!  If I ever win the lottery..I should say, if I ever play the lottery and win, the first thing I would do is buy one of these houses. It's like taking a step back in time.  I was just reading The Beekman 1802 Blog, and was totally blown away by a quote from Brent:  "Although we give a lot of importance to the crossroads, the U-turns, the speed bumps, and the forks in the road that mark our journeys, sometimes intersections, sleepy and quiet, are equally profound."  How beautiful!

Pose and Don't Smile!!

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

So...I said "Turn so I have your profile and don't smile!"  I wasn't expecting him to look so sinister, but I really like it.  Maybe it was my tone when I said to stop smiling, and I can almost hear what he was thinking. My main goal when I painted this was to convey that feeling.  It's all in the eyes!!

10,000 Blog Visit Milestone Giveaway

In honor of hitting the 10,000th visitor mark, I am giving away a free copy of my book to one lucky blog visitor.  All you have to do to enter is go to my Website, www.pastelpaletteartworks.com.  Go to the tab "Specials" and enter to win.  If you are among the first 10, you will receive a free small Giclee print of your favorite painting on my blog.  

Tucked Away

SOLD

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

I love this cottage that was nestled in the woods in Maine, but what really attracted me to it was the play of light in and around the trees.  I've said it before, but there is something wonderful about the light there.  I think it has to do with the atmosphere and being so close to the ocean.  If it wasn't for all the snow, I'd be living there.  That being said, I sure wish Virginia would get a little...It just doesn't feel like winter without it!  I think they said it might reach the 60's this week.  That's just plain unfair!!

Barney Two

SOLD

Here's Barney again.  I posted another version of him a few minutes ago.  Don't you just want to cuddle him?  I know I do :-)  I'm sure Tallulah (my Sproodle) would have other plans, however.  I'd love to see the two of them play together. Lula is probably the fastest dog around, and I'll bet Barney would give her some competition.   Thank you to Barney's family for letting me paint him.  As I said, I really enjoyed it.

Barney One

SOLD

This adorable Goldendoodle (Yes, it is a GOLDENdoodle) was done as a commission, and I thoroughly enjoyed painting him.  I enjoyed it so much that I painted two. I am posting the other as well.  I thought I misheard the owner when he said he was part Golden.  Apparently, the mother was a Golden Retriever and the father was a black Poodle.  You can tell who had the stronger genes :-)  Barney looks a lot like my Sproodle, (Springer/Poodle), Tallulah. You can't beat a Doodle for a pet.  They are extremely smart and sooo cute and I think Barney might win the cutest Doodle contest.

By the Slice

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

What better way to start off the New Year than with a slice of pizza?!  Actually, a better way to start the New Year is to PAINT a pizza.  I should have placed a bottle of champagne next to it, but thought of it too late :-)  I said it in my last post but it warrants saying again:  Thank you for spending time with me on my journey this past year and for providing input and encouragement.  The blog has had almost 10,000 visits!  I am going to have a special give-away when I reach the 10,000 mark, so keep checking.  I'm almost there....Happy New Year Everyone!

Art On the Go

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

I really love watching Plein Air painters at work.  They are usually so engrossed in what they are doing, they don't even focus on the crowd that is watching them.  I, on the other hand, always feel I have to talk to everyone.  (I can hear all my friends saying "Surprise, Surprise.")  I also tend to feel like I'm at an audition and people are judging every stroke I make.  My plan for 2013 is to change all that and just go out there and paint.  Bugs are another issue.  I'm the one you will see running around swatting at insects with my brush...A friend told me that Listerine keeps the bugs away.  Well, I sprayed it all over me and the bugs loved it.  Meanwhile, I smelled "Minty Fresh" for weeks, as did all my art supplies.  So, resolutions for 2013...Paint Plein Air and really enjoy it, and start talking to the bugs.  Maybe they'll get bored and go away :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  LET'S HOPE 2013 IS A SAFE, PEACEFUL ONE!!  Thank you all who have visited my blog and who encourage me to keep on 'keeping on.'  Love you All!

Merry Christmas!!

This painting was done on December 19th, 2009 during a huge snowstorm here at Smith Mountain Lake.  At least it was huge for Virginia.  That storm wound up closing roads and schools for quite a while, mostly because we are not prepared for that amount of snow.  I know it was over a foot.  Up North, a drop in the bucket...

I wish you all a safe holiday.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Let's hope 2013 brings us all peace.  (I would insert a peace sign, but there isn't one :-)

Ho! Ho! Ho! ..Or Not!

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This "Santa" man looked like he had the world on his shoulders as he walked by me at the Hotel Roanoke.  He was dressed the part, though.  He had on a red velvet jacket and, of course, the hat.  His wife was leading the way and the interesting thing is that she was not dressed "Christmasy" at all.  As a matter of fact, she looked rather plain, so I wonder what the scene was like at their house that morning as they dressed.  Whatever it was, I so enjoyed painting him!  Bah Humbug and Merry Christmas all rolled into one.

Christmas at the Pump

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

I'm thinking that this was a trial run for a Christmas trip.  This was the day after Thanksgiving.  Do you think his wife made him wear the sweater? The temperature was 70 degrees and it was Winter Park, Florida.  I liked his "cowboy" stance :-)  This is what happens when I have my camera and have time to kill.  Most people just fill up and go, but I look for photo opportunities...This is the second, and I promise the last painting done at this gas station.  You notice I didn't say "any" gas station....just "this" gas station.

This painting is being auctioned at Daily Paintworks.  If interested in bidding, click on the DPW Link on the right and go to the Auction page.

2013 Smith Mountain Lake Calendars

GOOD NEWS!  My 2013 art calendars have all sold out at The General Store here at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.
MORE GOOD NEWS!  Since they were so popular, they have ordered more and they are available now.  They can be purchased exclusively at The General Store, and they go fast so hurry in if you are in the area.  They are located at 213 Scruggs Road and their phone number is 540-721-3009.

Waiting, and More Waiting

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This was "Flu Shot Central" at the doctor's office.  It was close to closing with just a few people left to get their shots.  Aren't Smart Phones great?!  Before we had them we had to rely on magazines that were years old to keep us amused while waiting.  Quite often, you would be reading something that you found interesting only to flip to the next page and find that someone had ripped out a recipe or something.  This woman never looked up once, and we were there for quite a while.  The older woman behind her kept getting up and pacing.  No Smart Phone :-)

Still Life with Reflections

9 1/2 x 7 1/2 Pastel on Wallis Paper

This is a departure from the oils I've been doing. This is an older painting, but I really do like it and thought I'd post it again.   I usually don't paint a still life, but I was attracted to the way the light from the Venetian blinds reflected on the pottery.  I must admit, I did enjoy painting these flowers, but not as much as painting quirky people.  Not sure what a psychiatrist would have to say about that, and I probably don't want to know. 

Rolling Along

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

There is a great trail in Winter Park, Florida, made specifically for biking, running, skating, dog walking, and just plain walking.  This was the day before Thanksgiving, and the weather couldn't have been better.  It was cool and sunny.  Perfect for any outdoor activity.  As these two women passed us, I snapped a picture.  The painting is a quick study of that moment.  For me, painting these scenes takes me back to each person and place, like listening to music and remembering exactly when and where you were when you first heard it.