Thistle

Thistle 6x6 on canvas
Thistles have been a long time love of mine, they go through such lovely changes from bud to spent blossoms which leave a fussy nub on the stem. Many of my favorite things to paint are considered weeds, but I believe beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. You be the judge. These are some of my favorite colors to work with as well, keep checking my blog you will see many more wild flowers and weeds in my intimate landscapes.

Crabby Baby

                                                 Crabby Baby 6x8 inches pastel
This poor little guy is obviously too young to be on his own. His baby feathers are sticking out among his new feathers and it seems there is nothing that is right in his little world, but I can't help wanting to pick him up and console him.
This pastel is done on pastel board and what I call drip and run. I lay the panel flat with the sketch on it. I then use soft pastels in colors I want in the area then use a small spray bottle and spritz the pastel and tilt the panel to get it to drip and run. I call these appropriately Drip and Run pastels. The co-mingling of colors is not unlike watercolor. I then move on with pastels in the regular way.

The Golden Girls

                                          The Golden Girls 5x7 in. oil on panel
I love chickens especially fluffy ones and chicken butts. Seems they are always eating and it is  bottoms up. These girls were enjoying seeds and bugs as they roam free range

Grandma Minnie's Lilacs

Grandma Minnie's Lilacs     6 x6 in.  oil on canvas SOLD

When we moved back to my husband's home farm several years ago we were delighted that some of the shrubs and flowers were still growing and blooming, even tho many were hidden in weeds and grasses. His Mother's name was Minnie and each spring when these bloom we think of her, cut a bouquet and inhale the beautiful fragrance.

Chick and Chicklettes

            Chick and Chicklettes 6 x 6 in. oil on linen
 Ever have something just tell you that you have to paint it. Well here it is. I picked up this wooden chicken at the Goodwill store, loved her colors. She had a piece of tape around her and when I got home couldn't figure out why. I removed the tape and the base came off and out dropped the Chicklettes. Now how is that for fun?

Glorious

                                                                                                     

                    

Glorious 5 x 7 oil on linen panel

   These purple cone flowers are among my favorite garden flowers, their colors always stand out. They are alsoalong the steps and path to the Chapel at Mt. Carmel where I spend many weeks during the summer. They bloom after all the spring flowers are done in mid summer on and even after frost their centers hang on and add texture to the diminishing colors of late fall to winter.

Into the Sunshine

                           Pathway 6 x 8 in. oil on linen panel SOLD
This was done as part of the Dailypainters challenge, fun to do, I did a warm underpainting in all areas and then let that show through the upper layer. I feel it gives a richer look  to the paint surface. I can't help but wonder what is around the bend besides sunshine.

Lookin for Lunch

    

                                         Lookin for Lunch  4.5x6.5 oil on panel

Some of my favorite subjects to paint are chickens, they come in all colors and sizes and are more fun to paint than to raise.  These girls are out on the farm lookin for bugs, seeds etc. , something they seem to do anytime they are not in their nesting boxes laying eggs.  And of course we love the HEN FRUIT for breakfast.