Painting Amongst the Flowers

Lilac Breeze

oil on panel 10"x8"

Every Wednesday our class is painting at a local nursery.  This past Wednesday it was a beautiful day, but very windy all day.  Among other things that I painted, this Lilac bush caught my eye.  As I painted I was smelling many other Lilacs all around me.  Amazing day.

Painting At Andre's

Waiting For Plants

Oil on canvas - 11"x14"

Ron Boehmer's class is being held at Andre Viette's Nursery, near Fishersville, VA.  This is from the first class, but I took it back the second class and to "fix" it .  I still think it needs a bit more in the background to make the wagon stand out.  These wagons are fun, or at least a challenge to paint.

BIG Painting at Home

BIG Painting at home

I brought the two BIG (4'x5') canvases home to finish up.  There is certainly not as much room as there is at the Beverly Street Studio School.  I'm standing as far back as I can get, although I can move over toward the door.  The light isn't ideal either, but I'll make do.  Working on the big ones is a blast.  Knowing where to store them until they go someplace else....involves creative thought patterns.  I have started working on the sky and water, haven't gotten into the bushes yet.  More to come....

Another Veggie Pastel Painting on the Easel....

Veggie Pastel Painting on the Easel

Another veggie painting in the works.  I am on a roll with these bright paintings.  I have a couple more frames ready for BIG veggie paintings.  Having fun with them!

Painting Accepted Into VMRC Show!

Barn Dance

Oil on canvas, 30"x40"

My painting, "Barn Dance" was accepted into the VMRC Art Show.  There were 532 entries, from 189 artists, representing 31 states, so I feel honored to have made it into the show.  There were 103 pieces of art chosen, from 97 artists, from 23 states!  This show, in its 8th year, has really grown!  I live fairly close, so I will get to see the whole show.  The awards reception, which will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2011, from 2:00-4:00.  Come by the show anytime between May 29 and June 30.

Veggies Galore!

Tomato Lanterns

Pastel, 18x16"

I am having a blast with these wild colors!  These tomatoes made me think of lanterns, all lit and festive. Yes, they are really bright, and ready to go!

Springtime = Planting = Veggies!

Bountiful Baskets

Pastel, 16" x 18"

$400 framed/double matted

It isn't quite time to put all those veggie seeds in the ground, but almost.  While doing a pastel commission piece, I was grabbed by my creative muse and told, in no uncertain terms, that I needed to do some colorful pastels!  Ok.  I don't argue with the muse!  So, a series of fun pastel veggie paintings are coming, several are already done, so they should be appearing daily.  Enjoy!

"Chronicle of The Horse" Cover Art This Week - Me!

"Just Me"

Oil, 8"x8"

$450 framed

This is the painting which is on the cover of The Chronicle of The Horse magazine this week.  The Chronicle has been in publication, weekly, for many years, and is one of the premiere horse publications covering primariliy horse showing in the english disciplines.  

Art In The Open - Wexford, Ireland! Yay!

I have wanted to go to Ireland for as long as I can remember.  I don't think I have any Irish ancestors, but I feel very connected to the country.  This summer, end of July to the beginning of August, I will be going to Ireland!  Yay!  Below is a video done last year of some of the things going on at the festival.  Best yet, I will be painting in a plein air festival, Art In The Open, held in Wexford, Ireland, southeast Ireland.  I have been "talking" via the site, Plein Eire with lots of people for the last year and a half, so I feel like I will be meeting friends.  So slainte! (cheers!)

Season Shifts

Purple Kale Kalidescope

Pastel, 18"x15.5"

I will be back to working on the large oil paintings as soon as I get back into the studio space where they are living at the moment.  Until then ... here is a change, some pastel veggies.  Perfect for spring and the upcoming season of growth and renewal.  This is a Purple Kale, which I think has the most gorgeous colors.  So I'm having a blast playing with these wild, wonderful and bright colors!  There are four pieces that will be in this group.

As of May, several paintings from my Artist in Residence experience last year, will be living in a wonderful gallery, Chapter One, in Corea, Maine.  Check out their website, a super place, with super owners, Rosemary and Gary Levin.