Are You Listening?

Are You Listening?  6x6 oil on panel
All of us struggle when we paint and this was one of my challenges . Years ago I bought these two porcelain ducks and have tried to paint them several times. I found the heads and necks difficult and this is a second try. I loved their subtle colors and I have a feeling that one of them isn't listening to the other.
These challenges are what make us grow and stay in the pursuit of the next great painting.

By the Light of the Moon

By the Light of the Moon 12x20 oil on canvas  panel
These two trees stand in our front yard and I look at them daily in all the seasons. It is as though in spite of their years( they have been here long before I was) they remain proud. They have had trunks and branches amputated over the years but as the wind blows they seem to comfort one another as old friends do. They were so delicate and beautiful in the moonlight I thought it was fitting to give them a dignified presentation.

Permanent Parking

Permanent Parking 6 x8 Oil on panel
These days so many city dwellers always want to know if there is parking for their condo or rental, well it seems these two have found permanent parking and it appears no one has bothered them for quite awhile.

Prairie Racing......1-2-3 Go?

Prairie Racing......................1-2-3- Go 8x16 oil on panel
On a recent train trip out west I caught these two wonderful old pickups in the middle of the praire looking as though they were ready for a race to see who would be the winner. Unfortunately as you can see from their aged condition an impossibility! What fun to think of them in their prime and the years of hard work put in on a farm or ranch being good and faithful transportation. Perhaps in Pickup Heaven they will run this race.

The Lady in Red

The Lady in Red oil on panel 8x12
On an annual Paint-away with my art group we passed an area of dead trees except for this beautiful lady . We passed the area several days in a row and finally got to stop and snap some photos. This painting seemed to paint itself. Mother Nature just can't help but be arrayed in spectacular fashion.

Beyond the Field

                                                         Beyond the Field  5x11 pastel
This field is near our farm planted in native grasses in the season of change. We have sold the land and now it is black field that next year will have crops seeded on it. I will miss the blooming grasses and their fragile colors that seems to only disappear when I close my eyes.

Favorite Little Hen

Favorite Little Hen 6x8 canvas on panel
This little lady is one of my friend's flock, her husband seemed to favor her over the other ladies of the group. This was done for them for a Christmas gift, a small thank you for the generous photography she does for our little paint group.

Pouff!

                                                                Pouff!  12x6  oil on linen panel
A walk through the woods and around the pond on a recent PaintAway brought these in view and I just couldn't get them out of my mind. Among the reeds and grasses as fall progressed these once dull brown sausage shaped spears known as cattails had burst their seams to spread seeds for the following year. Natures way of constantly presenting us with new beauty the following year.