Two Mandarin Oranges - SOLD

"Two Mandarin Oranges with Leaves"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord

sold

Can anyone tell me why this is the only fruit that merchants deem necessary to retain their leaves? I can understand why you seldom see leaves in the market, but mandarin oranges of some varieties ( these are Page Mandarins ) always appear in the market with leaves intact. Very curious and a delight as well. This painting is sooooo much more interesting with those drying leaves as they curl into sculpture-like accessories.

My still life set up is really just an old cardboard moving box, wood plank from the side of the road, and hand held light, all captured with my handy camera on a tripod. It is thrilling to create a convincing old world scene with these spare elements. I was putting my official artistic license to good use - mustn't let it lapse.

After a few inquiries into my box I thought a current pic of today's view of my "box" could give more info than words. The top piece is moved from side to side or removed as needed for desired directional light.

Collie Figurine and Starbucks Bottle - SOLD

"Lassie and Starbucks"
Dog figurine still life no. 3

6"x 6" Oil on Gessobord

sold

One more in my vintage dog series rolls off the easel. This one has been on the easel for a month in various stages of completion and it feels a great victory to finally be able to post it! Life just gets in the way toooo much these days.

The blue tin is my "distressed" tin inspired by the British artist Jullian Merrow-Smith. You can read my past post about the making of it here. I just really love this tin! The adding of the Starbucks bottle was a last minute addition and was really a joy to paint although I'm always asking myself later when painting "why the heck did I make myself paint type again!" I'll be interested if this painting is purchased by someone who love collies or rather Starbucks. Let's just hope the painting finds a good home.

Blood Orange No.2- SOLD

"Blood Orange No.2"

6"x 6" Oil on Gessobord

sold

It was about a year ago that I painted this orange and had saved several images of it in order to paint again. The angle is a little different but overall the same painting and I think improved. Click here to see last year's painting.

I haven't forgotten my "dog" paintings, but not everyone loves dogs or figurines so more food and kitchen paintings must be sprinkled in here and there. The holidays have slowed all painting temporarily, but it is worth it. My husband and I have been having the most wonderful Christmas season this year with lots of parties, music programs, time with dear friends, special church services and later time with family. It is not much about "stuff" and gifts this year but more about reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. It has been a blessed time drawing near to our heavenly father.

Best Wishes for a most Blessed Christmas and Hopeful New Year!

Dachshund - Dog Figurine Still Life No. 2 - SOLD

"Dachshund Still Life"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord.

sold

This carved figure took on a more contemporary look in style than the first painting in this dog figurine series. While painting the chiseled surface of the dog my brushstrokes became more angular and took on a more contemporary look than the first in the series. Don't you love his expression? I so enjoyed painting that face!

Terrier Dog and Persimmons - SOLD

"Terrier Dog and Persimmons"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord

sold

It has been like an early Christmas around here with packages being left on my doorstep almost everyday this week. I've gone nuts purchasing dog figurines for a series of still life paintings including the many vintage dogs that I've found on ebay. I'm not a collector of anything so it is different to see dogs everywhere in my studio. I'm getting addicted on ebay- danger, danger! I have enough dogs to keep me busy for quite a while and look forward to painting something other than fruit every now and then.

This painting, being my first was fun but I think if it sells I might make about 25 cents and hour! I reworked parts of it several times but am finally happy with it. More to come!

Black Grapes and Silver Goblet -SOLD

"Black Grapes and Silver Goblet"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord
sold

This was my second painting of grapes and the first black variety. It was quite a challenge to paint all the colors in "black" grapes. They are NOT black at all. But that was the appeal to me. I was looking forward to attempting to get those "blue bits" correct. It took lots of patience and painting many layers which can be tricky when you paint wet into wet as I did here. I like this one so much it will be sad to part with.

Two Pears on a Box -SOLD

"Two Pears on a Box"

6"x 6" Oil on Gessobord.
sold

It seems that pears are a favorite subject for both artists and collectors. The appeal for me is how unique each one is and the shape of the pear can be arranged in such interesting ways - much more interesting to me than all the round fruits. For some reason I think of the French countryside when I see pears depicted in art. I don't know why- I have pear trees all around me here in Atlanta. I'll just say that these are French pears and you'll believe me.

Pear in Cool Light - SOLD

"Pear in Cool Light"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord.

sold

I'm really enjoying the dark backgrounds with the image emerging from the shadows. For one thing I don't have to decide what color to paint - some form of black works for all.

For a long while on my painting journey I sought to loosen up with all my brushwork and paint like so many that I admire. Since coming back this year after a several months break from painting, I'm finding that the more realistic style is where I really feel at home and the paintings are just flowing with little effort. I think I'll stay at "home" for a while - loving the comfort zone. This may be what finding one's artistic voice is all about - for so long I was not listening......

Strawberries and Punch Cup - SOLD

"Strawberries and Punch Cup"

5"x 7" oil on Gessobord

sold

I once read that simple persons can be easily entertained by bright shiny objects. I wonder what this could mean for me because I love to paint shiny and reflective objects of all kinds. Hmmm..

Tomato and Mushrooms - SOLD

"Tomato and Mushrooms"

5"x 7" Oil on Gessobord
sold

The weather is turning cooler and my kitchen plans turn toward soup. Add some chicken and potatoes and, mmmm––I can smell the comforting aroma already.

I enjoyed painting this grouping––it really became a study in grays. And I love that red tomato emerging from the shadows.