Thursday, December 31, 2015

St. Michael's Daytrip


8x8 Oil on Board. SOLD

We had a great visit with family this year near Easton, MD and I am just getting around to capturing some of what I saw in the beautiful harbors in the area.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Living Large


24x36 Oil on Stretched Canvas

For the past few days I've been working on larger pieces.  Some I had started and am finishing and others, like this one, were just in the idea phase- blank canvas.  I blocked it yesterday and worked on it most of today.  Lots of paint- big brushes-palette knives- really a good stretch!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

In Process



24x36 Oil on Canvas

This is a large piece that I have been stuck on for some time now. The original foreground building was red, and as I blocked it in I just couldn't get past the color or the prominence -I wasn't comfortable with what was there in the scene.  Today, I am having some fun changing things around and I am getting much happier with what could happen.  There is a long way to go with this one, but I feel that I can move forward at last.  It is the type of work I would love to do regularly, so it became a stumbling block. Sometimes, you just have to take some chances and go ahead at risk of failing.  Here's hoping I can finish!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Tiny House


8x8Oil on Board.  NFS
It has been a very busy holiday season- not much time to paint in the past two weeks.  However, I did manage to finish this one- a gift for family of their "tiny house" a lovely little carriage house apartment in Arlington, MA.  Can't wait for the unwrapping later today!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Sunday in the 'Glades'



8x8 Oil on Panel

This is another from our weekend trip to see family staying in central Florida.  Hot light and sunny Sunday afternoons.  This is a canal that cuts through Florida near their place.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Company's Coming

  

8x8 Oil on Board. SOLD

While visiting my sister yesterday I. central Florida, we came across these two who weren't entirely happy to have visitors.  Cows are not something I see every day in Boston- couldn't resist!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Taliesin Afternoon


8x8 Oil on Board. SOLD

I got a set of Williamsburg oils for my birthday and have to agree that they are wonderful to work with.  I follow artist Mary Gilkerson who recommends using the best paints you can buy and likes this brand, so I thought I'd give them a try.  This is another scene that I captured on my recent trip to Phoenix.  There ate some short white fuzzy cacti that really caught my eye.  I'd love to spend more time in the west.  

Saturday, November 28, 2015

November's End


8x8 Oil on panel, PleinAir



One more day to paint outside.  It was over 60 degrees on the day after Thanksgiving in Boston and much too nice to be inside.  This one was primarily painted with a palette knife.  The winds were strong and dry time was shortened, but good fun and a nice way to relax after a very busy holiday with family.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Arizona Sun



11x14 Oil on Stretched Canvas
I was in Phoenix last week and had an afternoon to get out to the desert a bit.  I am always taken by thee colors-the reds and rusts and browns against golds and greens- so different from my New England home.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Taliesin west


Watercolor Sketch
Taliesin West, Scottsdale, AZ

I'm at a conference in Phonenix and so had an opportunity to tour Taliesin West yesterday, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school of architecture.  Great visit!  It is inspiring so see creative genius.  Mr. wright was always tinkering and designing things- tables, chairs, light fixtures, fabrics, landscapes, sculptures, drawings.  The guide said there were over 22000 drawings in this vault alone.  Imagine the time invested and all of the ideas that were just ideas.  An active mind at work.  The sketch captures a piece of the joy of the day.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Gratitude 2



8x8 Oil on Panel


Another in a series that reflects the Midwestern landscape.  I am particularly drawn to scenes Anytime  I manage to catch high contrasts, particularly with whites. I took a series of pics while we were on the road heading back to Boston.  Many were blurred, but the contrasts defined the space and essence.  

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Gratitude



8x8 Oil on Panel



It's the season of gratitude.  In the midst of awful worldwide news, thankfulness always seems to bring some calm to the chaos.  One thing I am very thankful for are my northwest Ohio roots.  The people and the values are solid and grounded.  I am happy to come from Oregon, Ohio and all that it has built into my sense of what is good.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Bonnet House



9x12Oil on Canvas
Dreaming of flip flops as the weather chills I. New England!

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Rock Meadow 4


8x8 Oil on Panel       SOLD

And yet one more.  This won't be the last because I took some great pics before the cool temperatures arrived and before the leaves turned to brown.  The view across the expanse caugHt the light on some hives in the distance.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Season's End Plein Air


8x10 Oil on Panel
We are having an amazingly warm week in Boston.  temperatures have been in the high 60's and low 70's.  Since it is unlikely we will see this again for six months, I decided to take the afternoon off as vacation and paint again in Rock Meadow.  The location is so close that it is easy top quickly get there, set up and paint before the sun begins to set - now by 4:35 pm.  It was a wonderful afternoon and this painting emerged from an initial disaster.  I am very happy with the result!


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Belmont Station


8x10 Oil on Panel

In the center of our little town is a train station for the commuter rail into Boston.  It is an iconic image for those who live here.  I have a desire to begin a series of hometown paintings and began with this small study of one scene that defines our historic little hometown.  

Monday, November 2, 2015

Rock Meadow 3



8x8 Oil on Panel

 

Another great Saturday painting in Rock Meadow.  Plein air has its challenges.  I find that the colors shift in the outdoor light.  But the experience of being outside painting from life is joyous.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Cape Reflections



8x8 Oil on Panel

Returning to some summery thoughts as the temperatures in New England become cool and the days become darker.  I have a series of photo references from the Craigville Beach are that are great for small studies.  This one just makes me feel warm and happy.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Pink Lady



8x8 Oil on Panel

While in Ft. lauderdale recently, I came across this beautiful fishing boat in the lineup at the dock. This is not a color one often sees on a boat of this sort, and the glow of reflection it was throwing into the water was just fabulous.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Beach Life


30x40 Oil

This is my largest piece to date, and I loved painting on a big scale.  I guess I am gaining confidence.  This one presented no risk.  I bought more paint and then gessoed a piece of cheap art we had hanging around and used that for my surface.  It's already had some interesting texture, so I went with it.  I had done this beach scene from Ft. lauderdale last year as an 8x10 and always thought it would make a great large piece.  I am happy with the result!

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Rock Meadow 2


8x8 Oil on Panel             SOLD

This is the second piece that I did on Saturday at Rock Meadow.  The colors are reaching their full autumn beauty here right now.  I love the season and will hate to see these beautiful leaves fall very soon.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Rock Meadow


8x10 Oil on Panel

Saturday was one of those perfect autumn New England days.  I took advantage to paint in a conservation land meadow in my town.  I am finding it easier to isolate a subject outdoors and work quickly on an initial sketch.  The rest is just pure concentrated joy at being out and doing what I love. If interested to purchase, visit my Dailypaintworks  site.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

White Boat in Harbor


8x8 Oil on Panel.         SOLD

This is the third in a series of boats that I found in August at Crosby's Landing on Cape Cod.  It is a great old boatyard and the gentleman in charge gave me full access early one Saturday.  I am still feeling a bit of summer as I paint these.  They are available in my DailyPaintworks site-currently at auction so great pricing for the short term.  

Monday, September 28, 2015

First Foliage



11x14 Oil on stretched Canvas, Plein Air
Occasionally on Sundays I get to take part in at 'plein air' meetup and yesterday I met a great group in Lexington Center on the historic green where the American revolution began.  The day was just the right temperature, clear skies and great sun.  There were lots of tourists in town on fall foliage bus tours and it was fun to talk with them while I painted.   I am beginning to gain some confidence painting outside in the midst of onlookers.  You meet so many interesting and nice people who are genuinely interested to watch an artist work.  Great fun!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Red Boat


8x8 Oil on Panel.        SOLD

I finally finished this little piece and I am happy with it.  It conveys what I had hoped to convey- a bright summer morning on the docks and a nice surprise of a colorful small sailboat at the end of the pier.  I had been out early and the gentleman in charge of the marina at Crosby's Landing allowed me to walk out on each leg to see the boats and enjoy the morning. It was quiet and beautiful.  All to say, this one brings back the emotion of a Saturday just a couple of weeks ago.  Fall begins tomorrow and with it a new season.  Here's to a grand summer!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Ready to Go


I am rearranging my routines and trying some new ways of approaching the day, so this morning I spent time sketching out my next piece.  We have a full weekend planned with family arriving from PA today, so this will wait a bit.  Still, the time spent was lovely and I am happily now busy at my day job.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Yellow Boat


8x8 Oil on Panel.    SOLD



I have slowed a bit while getting 'fall' in order and off to a good start but have really missed the joy that comes from painting almost daily.  This is my new one this week.  If you have followed me, you may notice that I am drawn to yellow as well as primaries at times.  This boat in Osterville's harbor just called out to me.  

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Throwing in the Towel for 30 in 30 for September

Well, time to be honest with what I can actually expect for the month.  September is one of the busiest of the year.  We launched our youngest in college last week and I am just trying to adjust to a new schedule, uptick at work, de- cluttering house, beginning to go to dance class again.... All to say the painting discipline has suffered a bit.  I hope to post twice per week.  Encouragement needed!

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

30 in 30 Day 9


8x10 Oil on Masonite  SOLD

Well, I am not hitting quite one painting per day this time, but I am painting consistently.  I am enjoying these boats and will probably stay with these for a few days.  We have been traveling after dropping our youngest at college, but ai still managed some time and space to paint- a good sign for the rest of the month!

Monday, September 7, 2015

30 in 30 Day 7


8x8 Oil on Masonite Board


What a nice quiet Labor Day morning!  I managed to finish a small piece that I had blocked in yesterday.  I think I have finally learned to see shapes instead of objects when I paint and I am enjoying a working with brush strokes.  I am happy with this result.


Saturday, September 5, 2015

30 in 30 Day 5


8x8 Oil on Masonite Panel

I have so many great reference shots of boats in the harbors near Barnstable.  This morning seemed just right to tackle this fishing boat.  

Friday, September 4, 2015

Escape



8x8 Oil on Board

This is from a photo I took some time ago in Florida-great reflections with the morning sun on the boats.  The board for this one is a 3/8" Masonite panel that has some texture.  A nice change.  Sometimes I don't like the smooth surface and the way the paint applies.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Midwest series 7



8x8 Oil on Stretched Canvas



The small storage silos you see in Ohio and elsewhere in farm country are not a familiar sight in New England.  Again, I was out in the very early morning sunshine.  Fun to paint!

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Landscape series7



11x14 Oil on Panel
This is a scene off Crosby Landing in Osterville, MA early in the morning.  The rocks were splashed in sunshine and I managed to play with some texture-working on brushstrokes this month.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Shady Lane


8x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas


I am attempting the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 Day challenge again this September.  This is day 1.  I have no illusions tHat I will get all 30 this time.  We launch our youngest off to college later this week and then travel over the Labor Day weekend. September is always a super busy month.  Still, I love participating and the accountability keeps me moving forward!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Midwest 6


8x8 Oil on Cradled Panel


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I love this barn!  I will be working on a large version of this one soon, but was really happy with the small study.  Every time I paint these rural scenes, I feel a bit of home.  This one is on 3/4" Cradled Ampersand panel, so no frame needed. 

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Cotuit Dinghys 2



6x6 Oil on Panel    SOLD


Another taken on these little rowboats.  The day I saw these the harbor was fairly flat so the reflections were eye catching.  In terms of lessons learned this summer, I am gaining confidence by doing a quick under painting in burnt sienna to set the values and the basic shapes.  

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Kathy's Place

T

8x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas.   SOLD


Lots of family means lots of fun and lots of swimsuits and towels.  I saw this lineup at a neighbor's place and the interplay of the pines and the sunshine with the clothesline said all one can say about a summer day.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Cotuit Dinghys 1



8x8 Oil on Board.         SOLD


Back to a favorite harbor- these little boats always make me smile:)

Before the Crowds


6x6 Oil on Panel

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I had a chance to go to a beach yoga class on the weekend - very peaceful with calm seas and bright sunlight.  I was not a very good student- very distracted by the light on this chair and the other nearby buildings:)

Friday, August 14, 2015

Barnstable Marsh 2




9x12 Oil on Panel

I started this one last weekend and returned to it this morning.  It is such a nice summer day today, and this is one of the places that can make the season so enjoyable.  

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Summer Studio



11x14 Oil on Stretched Canvas           NFS

I'm sharing a plein air painting that I completed two years ago with a friend on a lazy afternoon.  It is one of my first attempts to paint outside and I have it hanging in my office to remind me that I am an artist as I work on other projects.  At the time, I had converted a lawn shed into a studio for the summer and It is a favorite space-like being at summer camp in a rustic cabin.  On the lessons learned front, I am realizing what I most enjoy painting-most landscapes or seascapes with some sense of structure and great light.  

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Midwest 5



8x8 Oil on Panel  SOLD

I've realized recently that I have learned a great deal this summer through painting, experimenting, videos from favorite artists as well as some that I have stumbled upon.  I thought I might start sharing the things that have been valuable in hopes others may find them helpful as well.  Last week, I came across Paul Taggert who has made some great painting videos and shared them freely on YouTube until hacked.  I watched one of his on brushes-basic, I know.  But - - I was encouraged to try some that were different from my 'go to' flats and brights.  This week, all rounds and filberts.  A nice change with some great results.  

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Cape Marsh


8x8 Oil on Board  SOLD

It is a cloudy misty summer Sunday- very quiet.  I was a bit sluggish getting started but then decided to paint a favorite.  These little simple landscapes can be tricky, but I loved the clouds I captured and the way they reflected.  I am happy with this one.

Midwest 4


8x8 Oil on Board

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Another view of this great farm.  I experimented a bit with a palette knife for this one. Learning as I go.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Midwest 3



8x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas

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Another in this series-I am consumed by farms this week.  The morning that I took the reference photos had such white hot light that even the most common of buildings had a bit of a glow.



Thursday, July 30, 2015

Midwest 2


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8x8 Oil on Panel

Sometimes the idea of painting fills my day.  Last week's trip to Ohio was a refreshing breath of family and familiar sights, like this one.  I am enjoying thoughts of the place where I grew up.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Midwest 1


8x8 Oil on Masonite

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I'm back from a week in the Midwest- - Chicago and then across Indiana to Family in Ohio.  Lots of familiar scenery for me- relaxing, breathtaking acres of green with majestic barns and family farms.  I worked with a pallette knife a good bit on this one-always learning something new.  

Friday, July 24, 2015

Jan's Garden

16 x 20 Watercor

This is a painting I did several years ago when I worked in watercolor.  It hangs in my sister's house and was a scene from her back garden.  We are visiting this week and I thought I would share this other side of my painting life.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

On the Road


I am travelling this week so I left my studio behind - reluctantly.   I am in Chicago for a conference and have had a chance to tour the city and see some wonderful architecture.  Off to Ohio tomorrow for family.   Lots of potential paintings ahead!  Until next week...