Beauty in Purple

Beauty in Purple pastel 12x9
Seems I just can't paint enough lilacs, one of my favorite flowers. We have in our yard plants and trees that were planted by my husbands parents and have survived the sub-zero winters, neglect and now again love and care. It is very nostalgic when they bloom they remind me of my Mother-in-law,no longer with us but their beauty is always a reminder of her spirit and good nature.

Two Little Red Hens 6x8 canvas on panel
These two little hens belong to Emily, our cook at the Retreat Center in Alexandria, we have enjoyed the fruit of their labors in many a breakfast platter. I think their white tail feathers are a wonderful accent to their red/rust bodies, Here again I have tried to lose edges in the tail of the one on the right and keep all but the focal area softer rather than sharp.

Just One Little Apple

Just One Little Apple

                                                                 6x8 oil on panel
I think I finally got it. I have been working on simplifying and losing edges except on the center of  interest. I am looking for a more ethereal feeling in expressing myself in paint. This went together very well and was purchased as soon as it was finished. So-----------------maybe I will see if I can get this effect again. I start extremely loose with just a few strokes of paint and I am encouraged so will perservere.