Basking in the Sun

8x10 oil on paper (paper size 9x12)
$120 + s/h
PURCHASE

An image of basking in the sun today following a full day of rain in central Texas yesterday. We have had beautiful weather and I do believe that fall is really here. I can't believe how quickly the days are going already now that school is in session.

My new goal is to work larger, and I have begun! It definitely takes longer than the small scale I've been used to. But I find that if I can move around and work in different areas, with enough interesting elements in the image, I don't get bored. I've taken some pictures during the process and perhaps I will show you those tomorrow as I wrap up my first larger scale scene.

Daily Distraction

5x7 oil on panel
$100 + s/h
PURCHASE

This is from the "archives" as was yesterday's post. After my studio clean up, I realized I have a lot of little paintings here that haven't been seen in awhile. Remember to look at ETSY for more paintings available direct from my studio.

Maid Marian

8x8 oil on paper
$125 including s/h SOLD


Sometimes, when I sit down at the easel, I hear the Monty Python blurb in my head - "And now for something completely different."
This scene, glimpsed through a shrub at the Renaissance Faire, just appealed to me. I had to try it.
The light on her shoulder and face was irresistible. Its a little confusing in its impressionism at first perhaps, being a 30-40 minute study, but I think once you make sense of it, its a pleasing scene. Maid Marian and her young Robin Hood perhaps.

Sun Goddess

6x6 oil on linen

Available at Randy Higbee Gallery 6" Squared show, Costa Mesa, CA

A Well Earned Rest

18x20 oil on linen

Available at Russell Collection Presents.... group show at Wisby-Smith Gallery, Dallas

First, a small study, then the larger work. Both available at 2 of the 4 shows in which my paintings will be exhibited this coming month! I have been busy, as you can imagine.

If you are in any of the following areas, you should take a look at all the great artwork being shown at various venues around the country. Give a gift of original art this season - it is something that will bring you and yours joy for years to come.

Dec. 1 - Tiny Treasures opening at Loretta Goodwin Gallery, Birmingham. AL
Dec. 2 - Holiday Show opening at Castle Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN
Dec. 3 - 6" Squared reception at Randy Higbee Gallery, Costa Mesa, CA
Dec. 9 - Russell Collection Presents...reception Wisby-Smith, Dallas TX

I wish I could attend them all, but will only be able to go to the Russell Collection show in Dallas. I will have 10 paintings in that show. Will post them here in the coming days!

Wash Day II

6x6 oil on linen
$100 + s/h
PURCHASE

I love painting figures outside and on the lawn. Its time to contact a model to come pose for me again. Now that our weather is tolerable, it will be lovely to be out painting again.

Wash Day

6x6 oil on linen
$100 + s/hPURCHASE

I've been doing a few small format pieces to enter the Randy Higbee Gallery 6x6 contest this year. The gallery is associated with King of Frame, makers of nicely finished ready-made frames. Loretta Goodwin Gallery is also going to have a "tiny treasures" show this holiday season. I think its a great idea... and naturally I think small paintings are a great way to start a collection, give a meaningful gift or fill in a large collection. Everyone has room for one more!

Its been interesting going back to a very small format now. Its yet another challenge. The subject has to be simple enough to be doable on a small scale, and I find that its better if its not too subtle in color. Its been good practice in seeing and putting down color notes, and not fussing too much.

Birds of a Feather

9x12 oil on linen

Gallery info to come.

This title seems quite appropos since I am going to invite you to a check out the new Artist's Way blog. I'm done with the book now but want to create a community of inspiration for artists who are, well, drawing a blank.
I'm going to have guest artists share ideas for managing their time, their business, and their creative blocks. Please feel free to start or join a discussion, comment and send me a paragraph or article of your own! Contributors are welcome and wanted!

Drop by the block - The Creative Block. Also on Facebook.

Passion Tea and Talk

12x16 oil on linen

Gallery info to come.

I really enjoyed painting all those people on the lawn and this painting is one of the larger ones I painted last week. I wanted to lighten the palette again because I didn't want the shadowy areas to get too heavy or oppressive. On a sunny day, lots of light is reflected into the shadows and I wanted a more glowing look.
I've been taking care of business lately. All those behind the scenes things like catching up with my galleries, redistributing work, bookkeeping (ugh!) and ordering supplies. Today I painted my monthly challenge painting. Check in tomorrow to see the group's project this time. It was a fun one for me.

Flockers

6x18 oil on three panels
Contact me to purchase the triptych

Today, I really wanted to loosen up. This was a great exercise because it was something so different. I just painted the large shapes and pushed the color. I didn't see the shapes as "birds" and get tied up in "what it is." I then worked into another painting with a human form to try to carry on this looseness. I will show you that tomorrow.

Now. My subject. Grackles are not terribly popular in Austin, though they are interesting birds. They are usually found in urban areas, but they've invaded my backyard recently. They are scaring my song birds away from the feeder. They are aggressive, loud, congregate in large groups, and can destroy your car if you park under their tree.

Me Time

6x6 oil on panel
$100 + $11 s/h - sold

Moving on to Central Park. A young lady taking some time out in the "Sheep Meadow". This is one of my favorite past times, as well. I often drag a blanket out in my backyard and sit with a book or magazine on a gorgeous day. We have a lot of them in central Texas... but I bet soon, Central Park will be too cold for basking like this.