Prickley Sunshine

Prickley Sunshine Pastel 5 x 7 inches
Although much of the time the desert seems dull and dead of color when the  Gods smile and the desert blooms, the color is radiant and so it is with this beauty. Not having been raised in desert country but on the plains it was a large learning curve to learn more about the desert beauty. This reminds me of the yellow roses in many of the Grandma's flower gardens. Sooooooooooo take time to smell the roses, just watch so you don't get your nose poked while doing it.

Lil Farm Bunny

Lil Farm Bunny 6 x 8 oil on panel

We recently moved from my husbands home farm and one morning while walking out to the garden this little guy was sitting perfectly still in the grass hoping he wouldn't be seen. A habit I understand that is inherent in these cotton tail bunnies. I just couldn't help but go into the house quietly and get my camera and lo and behold he was still frozen in the same spot so was able to take a photo of him. Bunnies have always held a soft spot in my heart even though they do a lot of damage in the garden, I think his charm and adorablness make up for any of the veggies he might eat.

And ........the Leaves Begin to Turn

And ..........the Leaves Begin to Turn   6 x 6 in. oil on canvas panel
We usually think of either summer or fall colors but there is a time in-between that is quite lovely. Of course I have a love affair with trees and by painting them hope to share that beauty with others.  This tree is around the bend from our home and took on beautiful fall colors as well. I have been unable to get out to see it in it's blanket of snow but I know from experience beauty comes in all seasons. Perhaps beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder.
I began this painting with a very thin lay in of approximate colors using my oils with a bit of Gamsol, quite dry brush. When I was satisfied with the composition I laid in the color with a light coat of oil paint and built up the color and amount of paint as I moved to the finish.  I work from thin to thick and dark to light.

A Desert Walk

A Desert  Walk 5 x 7 inches pastel on board
A place artist friends and I walked and painted in many times  in Arizona. Because of so much non-color in the desert, a little color seems dramatic and in the neutral desert seems exaggerated . The desert has a beauty all its own as does every part of our magnificent country.

Shared Memory

Shared Memories 5x7 pastel on Art Spectrum paper
This is a place my son Paul and I enjoyed together on one of his summer trips home. I am looking forward to his visit this summer to enjoy the new area where we live. Part of this walk was in overcast and part in sunshine giving a wide variety of effects we were able to capture in photos and hopefully in paintings as well. This is truly a season to share time and memories, don't let the hustle and bustle of insanity take over.

Just Waiting.......But for Whom?

Just Waiting..........But for Whom?  pastel on board 7x5
This old rusty chair seems to be stoic and waiting for someone to come and sit or visit. .....I wonder how many stories it could tell?  I am filling my head with all kinds of thoughts and maybe even memories.  I invite you to do the same.

Morning Burn

Morning Burn 5x7 pastel on board
I love to capture the burn of light where it is so bright it goes from white to a more intense color as it hits the trees. There is an ethereal feel to the admosphere and the light that shines and illuminates the landscap as it filters through the trees.