Baby Max

Baby Max
graphite on bristol
14x11 - sold

Just in time for Christmas - a beautiful baby boy!  I finished laying in the shading, blending more on the skin, and let this one rest overnight.  With fresh eyes this morning, I added a bit of eye highlight, deepened a couple of shadows, and blended just a bit more.  This baby is ready for delivery!

New Work - Day 2

New Work - Day 2
Graphite on Bristol

Here, I have started to fill in the shading on the clothing using the side of my graphite lightly.  I will next use a pressed blending tool to smooth out the fabric.  I never touch the paper with my hands.  I lay clean paper over the area I have already worked to ensure that the oils from my hands don't get onto the paper.  If this does happen, it changes the way the paper accepts the graphite - making it very hard to get even coloration.  Though, I started out by smudging with my fingers - I haven't done that now for years.  This way is much cleaner, and the end product is much nicer.

First Day of New Work :)

Max - Day 1
Graphite on Bristol

I started this little darling last night, after the countless Christmas duties.  I worked into the wee hours - simply because I love the feel of my pencils in my hand.  It is so relaxing - like a little mini-vacation in the midst of a busy season.....So far, I have only drawn in the base lines with a mechanical pencil, and started in on the facial features with my favorite 8b graphite.  I have only started to add shading to the hands, and I will try to fill out the line work today.  This is the perfect day for it - since we are snowed in!!

Nestled in the Pine

Nestled in the Pine
Acrylic on Panel

I have several bird feeders right outside the bay window in my kitchen.  Birds constantly fly from feeder to tree and back again.  Sometimes they line up in a holding pattern on the Rose of Sharon, awaiting an opening to dine.  When it is just too cold to go out and paint, or if I simply prefer to be warmly tucked in with hot tea, I paint from life at this window.  I have always loved birds, and I have quite an assortment to choose from.  This little blue jay is a frequent visitor, along with a few others in his family.  When I paint birds, I prefer the acrylics - by far.  I can paint exact lines and feathers that I just can't get with the creamy oils.  The acrylics lend an airy quality these little creatures.  My mother also loves these bird paintings - and I always think of her when I paint them :)

View From the Terrace

View From the Terrace
Oil on panel - 14x11
Sold at "Parkville in Art Auction"

I painted this beautiful garden from the upper terrace of Frank's Italian Restaurant in Parkville.  The morning soon warmed up so much - no jackets were needed.  Wafting all around me was the delightful smell of garlic bread and italian sauces!  A few of the staff greeted me as I worked - and I was given a lovely tour of an upper room with a mural painted inside (by dear friend Cathy Kline).  Some plein air days are a magical painting adventure - and this was one of those days.  Everyone should enjoy such a day in the picturesque town of Parkville, MO.

Jacob Shoveling Snow

Jacob Shoveling Snow
Watercolor on paper

Jacob is my brother's oldest son, and they live in Florida.  Two years ago we had a beautiful snow for Christmas for them to enjoy!  He and Ethan shoveled and helped build an igloo with my youngest two children.  To commemorate the occasion, I chose this subject for a little watercolor exploration.  I seldom use watercolor, and have very little experience with it, but have been told by many artists that my painting style is well suited to it.  It is like a vacation to take on a new medium for a bit.  Art is all about pushing the boundaries and getting out of our comfort zones.  The more I explore, the more I learn, and all of that I apply to the next painting.  Each one is the sum of all that I have learned to that point.  My brother's family is coming back again this Christmas, I sure hope we have another wonderful snow for my Florida boys :)

Old Tree in the Snow

Old Tree in the Snow
Oil on panel, 6x8

Today I am posting a quick work-up on a tree study.  Its a little loose and free, just trying to get an idea of where I want to go with it.  Many times, the main painting ideas will unfold right in front of me, pushing or pulling the values and colors to a new place.  I am working small - as I have SO MUCH on my plate right now!  I think I'll let this one rest today, and see what calls to me tomorrow.  I like the value depth in the trunk of the tree, and already feel a pull to sprinkle in a few more darks in the background to the right - for balance.  Fresh eyes tomorrow will tell me more :)

Church by the Snowy Creek

Church by the Snowy Creek
Oil on panel - 6x8

This piece was inspired by the Ouachita National Forest and it's gorgeous telephone pole pines.  We drove 71 Hwy through Arkansas as we traveled to Louisiana.  Spotted throughout were all of these old buildings - untouched by time, looking as they must have decades ago.  I used a little artistic license to lay down the blanket of snow, and widened the creek a bit to reflect back the colors in the sky with a peaceful calm.  I have been using safflower oil to wash my brushes in, and sometimes to thin paint down for signing pieces.  It is very effective - and no fumes or harmful chemicals to inhale.  I will not ever go back to using turps again - just not worth the health risks.  I will use this painting as one of four for my Christmas cards this year - and yes, I am a little behind schedule.........so, back to work!

Warm Winter Morning

Warm Winter Morning
Oil on Panel

I just love the reflection of the sun off the snowy ground!  This one is another painting done from reference work on location back in the woods.  I first textured my surface a bit before sketching in the composition.  I then painted with my oils - heavy in places, and topped it all off with a little palette knife work.  As Christmas approaches - I find less and less time to paint,  which means I must now paint smaller and faster - if I am going to get my paint fix in!

January Beckons

January Beckons
Oil on panel
Private Collection

One frosty morning in January, I found myself strolling through the woods.  The light softly glistened off the snow reflecting this beautiful peachy pink glow.  Too cold to set up, I simply sketched out my composition and put down a little color reference with a few colored pencils I carry in a small kit.  I keep this in the car - just in case I find a scene that I absolutely must capture on the spot.  It is also ideal for those freezing cold days that I just can't make myself paint outdoors!  Although, this winter I will be packing heat packs for my hands and feet - it is hard to paint when my hands are shivering and I keep dropping my brushes :)