Beach Baby 2

Art is a curious thing... creating art is even more so! I painted this little darling a few years ago, and was very pleased with the final product at that time. But my strong desire to continue to develop in my career has me looking back at former paintings and critiquing them. So I pulled out the brushes and paint and did it again, just to see how or if I've changed in my execution. I think I'm starting to lose my "fear of the dark" and am less afraid of strong colors and contrasts. I attribute this to the guidance of wonderful teachers, including Ken Marsden and Daniel Gerhartz, and I'm looking forward to spending a few days with Andrew Orr.

It's going to be a busy summer! Here are some of the places I'll be showing if you happen to be in the area:

Art on the Rocks, July 31-Aug 1, Marquette, MI
Oshkosh Opera House, August 7 (6-9pm), Downtown Oshkosh, WI
Milwaukee Domes Art Festival, August 20-22, Milwaukee, WI

Thank you for visiting my blog!

Beach Baby 2, 10" x 10"

Little Church on the Hill

This little country church is not too far from where I live. I've enjoyed traveling past it in all seasons, but I think it's most beautiful in the fall. Some day I'll paint it en plein air, but for now my photos will have to suffice.

Young Love

This is a another try at an earlier painting that I called "Little Spies." I really liked the composition of the first painting, but wanted to zoom in and create a stronger focal point. I also believe I'm growing in my craft, and really like the light and shadow effects in this painting. The sunlight coming through the branches of the tree needed particular attention. I enjoyed the process! The actual size of this painting is 12 x 24.

The Shadow Knows

Everyone I know has experienced life in a different way. That's what makes us unique. We all have our shadows that tell a story only we can share. I think that is part of the reason I enjoy painting people. The technical aspects of portrait and figurative painting include more than just putting paint on a canvas. The challenge to me is to capture a person's inner qualities as well as to reproduce their image. This is Linda. Her gentle shadow in the background represents the light that shines on her, and from her. She is a friend, and an inspiration.

Best Friends Forever

A friend of mine asked if I would be willing to paint a miniature portrait for her collection of postcard-sized works. After I said I'd attempt the challenge, she gave me a photo of another friend of hers and asked if I could work it in. Thank goodness for Photoshop! After cutting and pasting and playing with the composition on my computer, this is what I came up with as the final painting. It's very difficult to paint from a photo unless I have gotten to know the person! I hope I did them justice in this tiny size. The actual size is 4" x 6".

Plein Air Dreaming

The wind has been so strong this week that I can't even think about getting out to do some plein air painting. And there's snow in the forecast tonight! So I pulled out some of the photos I've been taking for reference and this scene called to me. It's so beautiful where I live (when the weather cooperates)!

Who was that masked woman?

My sister's birthday is the day after Halloween, and every year she celebrates in style! I finally took the opportunity to immortalize her in her most dramatic costume yet. Here she's hiding the fact that dozens of Swaroski (sp?) crystals are stitched into the front of her top and the costume is completely authentic, right down to the undergarments. The outfit was made for her by a local costume designer who has provided costuming for major films and plays across the country. She was absolutely breathtaking in it, but it's her inner beauty that is hard to depict in a painting!

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Here are some assorted studies from the painting groups I've been enjoying recently. It's wonderful to share time with other artists who also enjoy painting people!

Road Trip

I've been unexcusably lax in getting things posted here, and for that I apologize. It's not for lack of painting. I joined a life drawing group recently and have been doing a variety of portraits and nude studies. It's a wonderful opportunity to hone my figurative skills, but I've recently found that I really enjoy painting landscapes too. Here is one from a road trip my husband and I took about a month ago, thanks to the suggestion of a friend. (Thank you, Pam!) I'm looking forward to more opportunities to paint outdoors! Perhaps I'll begin to join people with nature in my paintings...

Warm Thoughts

February is always the most difficult month for me to tolerate here in the northwoods. Spring is so close I can almost feel it in the air. The snow began falling in early December, and those first flakes are still waiting to melt into the earth. Every so often we get a new blanket of white to brighten our spirits. We've been fortunate not to be hit by a major storm yet, and my heart goes out to those stranded on the East Coast in the aftermath of this weekend's big storm.

I haven't painted a winter landscape in a very long time. This one caught my eye and I was inspired to give it a try. I could almost hear the bigger horse saying to the small one, "Winter will be over soon. Come close, and I'll keep you warm." It's almost like a Valentine!

Faith, Hope, and Love

The Three Graces has been depicted in a variety of ways, and if you "Google" its meaning, you'll get a variety of answers. I choose to believe that they represent Faith, Hope, and Love. "...but the greatest of these is Love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)

This is the second time I've attempted the Three Graces, and it may not be my last. I'm really enjoying the process. Thank you for visiting, and to all my new followers on Networked Blogs in Facebook! I appreciate all your comments, as I am still, and hope to always be, in a learning phase.

I am taking pre-orders for this painting reproduced as a 6"x6" ceramic tile (without watermark as shown above) at a cost of $30. All orders received prior to March 1 will receive free shipping.

After the Rush

I know this Santa is "after the fact" but I couldn't let the inspiration fade. This jolly ol' elf came together quickly, and, although I am tempted to continue to play with him, I think I'll quit here. This painting evokes the mystery of who I believe Santa to be!

Proud Gramma

I finished this painting about 2-3 weeks ago, but couldn't post it until after Christmas. It was done as a gift for someone, and I didn't want to take a chance that the subject would see it! It's surprising to me how quickly it dried, considering many of my paintings in the summer months can take 6 weeks to lose their tackiness. I guess the air in my studio is pretty dry during the winter. I really like this one... I think it expresses my more "painterly" style that is continuing to develop.

Preparing for the holidays

It's been a while since I've posted here, not for lack of wanting to, but possibly for lack of focus. I hadn't painted in quite a while and now that Christmas and the New Year are upon us, I'm feeling renewed vigor toward getting back to working on some projects. This is a commission I did recently for a man who wanted an ink drawing from an old photo he provided. He wanted me to add the horse and cart and the old car, to give it more "movement" and eye appeal. I realized a few days into the project that I was feeling out of my element since I've been doing nothing but oil paintings in recent years. So I had to satisfy my curiosity and try it as a black and white painting too (he wanted black and white). I used acrylic paints as he was hoping to have it in time for Christmas. Which do you prefer?

I hope this finds you well. I think of you often, and thank you for following me here. Have a wonderful Christmas! God Bless You!

Eaton Exhibit Opens

I'm pleased to announce the opening of an exhibit of some of my works (and Chuck's!) at the Spies Public Library in Menominee, MI. The exhibit, located in the lower meeting room of the library, opened one week after the unveiling and dedication of my portrait of U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak. The library is a beautiful building. Its older section is filled with rich woodwork and stained glass, while the newer addition's huge windows overlook the waters of Green Bay. You are invited to meet the artists at a reception on Thursday, November 19 from 5:30-7:00pm. The exhibit will be in place through mid-December.

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak

I am still reeling from the exhiliration of last night's unveiling of my portrait of U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak at the Spies Public Library in Menominee, MI. The Congressman was very gracious and complimentary. I'm honored to have his portrait permanently displayed in this public place, which is located in his District. Here are a few photos from the event. My brother and his penguin family made a surprise visit while trick-or-treating!

You Are Invited

You are invited to the unveiling and dedication of my portrait of U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak. Saturday, Oct. 31, Spies Public Library, Menominee, MI - 5:30-7:00pm. Congressman Stupak is from my district. The painting was purchased by a group of philanthropists (through the support of a friend) who wanted to have it permanently installed in the local library. I am truly honored!

The Crown (with detail)

This painting has been a work in progress. It originated from a smaller study I did called Crowning Glory that was painted from the same older model. I really like the original study, and wanted to expand on it in a larger painting. The actual size of this painting is 24 x 24. I love the sweet expressions on these models' faces, and the memories that this scene invokes. I used to love to make crowns of flowers and play princess when I was young, but not everyone did. I think the close-up detail inset shows the mixed emotion on the younger model's face. What is she thinking?

The Flower Girl

My posts have come less frequently lately. I attribute it to personal priorities and a newly found focus on perfection in my work. August and September were also very hard on me this year, with asthma meds making me too woozy to paint. I think I went from one extreme (daily paintings) to another (slow, deliberate brush strokes). I'm feeling good about the quality of this piece. I'm working more "in the shadows" to really make the subject the focal point. I have several in the works at the moment and will continue to post them as I can. Thank you for visiting!

Last Semblance of Summer

The end of summer is here, and it's a bittersweet time for those of us in the beautiful northwoods. The trees are are beginning to turn beautiful colors, which creates an artist's paradise, but soon the bleak monotone days of winter will be upon us. For many who are avid outdoorspersons, the winter is not a time to stay indoors, but to frolick in the beautiful ice and snow. I'm looking forward to the opportunities to try new works!