White and Bright

White and Bright oil on panel 5 x 7 in.
When chickens have the freedom to range feed the develop in every way from muscles to healthy feathers. They will take dust baths and just because of the freedom they have to go where they like their feathers seem to be healthier and whiter, almost reflective of light. 
I used a palette knife to finish the grass and feathers. I begin with a light wash of all the colors after I have drawn  in the chickens and then build up layers of color until I get the effect I want.

No Butts About It

No Butts About It  Oil on linen panel 10 x 6 in.
This rooster, Henry is leading his harem, perhaps astray! I wanted to show early morning light when the chickens are let out of their coup and go off hunting for whatever chickens hunt for.
I wanted this painting to have  the light encouraging you to enter the picture , not just chickens but a scene that can be seen on almost any farm raising chickens.
I began with an underpainting, and then worked from dark to light. There is a delicate light violet on the edge of the bushes and in the grasses. Scumbling helped keep the delicate background gently recede.
As this rooster and his harem hustle off, all we see is BUTTS, No Butts about it!

Nature's Ballerina

Nature's Ballerina 6 x 8 oil on panel
This wild plum tree reminds me of a ballerina  in her beautiful tulle skirt making her debut on the Spring stage. There is a grace and beauty in these trees reminding us that Spring has arrived and showing off their blossoms against a few green buds just opening on the other trees.
This is an example of a "do-over". I had an unsuccessful painting, sanded it down and toned the old painting with the "soup" from the bottom of my paint thinner container, always a neutral grey, sometimes warmer, sometimes cooler. This tone was slightly warm. If you haven't tried doing this, it is a free tone from what you would wipeout and throw away.

Sunrise Peeking Through

Sunrise Peeking Through 6 x 8 oil on panel
Early in the morning driving to a small the town nearby I held my camera to the window and just clicked away. Bone chilling cold, crisp clean air . The delight in seeing this sliver of sunrise was just calling to be captured in paint. It is a quiet moody piece, very contemplative when you spend a few moments looking at it.

Wild Grapes

Wild Grapes 7 x 5 oil on panel
During my summer at Mt. Carmel I have the delight of watching a fence full of wild grapes change from green to blue/purple. the most fun is getting to pick them and make wild grape jelly which is unequaled in taste.

Drying Out

Drying Out 5 x 7 oil on panel

Drying Out, every day after swimming at Mt. Carmel, wet towels and suits are hung out to dry, they make a colorful display moving in the breeze. It is a reminder of the squeals and giggles of the children jumping and playing in the lake who have probably worked up an appetite and are wolfing down cookies and chips.

Snowy Perch

Snowy Perch oil 6 x 8 on panel
All dressed up in formal wear just waiting for the party to begin. This delightful little bird has found a perch on a snowy pine branch all dressed in his feather tuxedo. I giggle every time I see them, they seem to be hyperactive and chatter constantly. All the more fun to watch them and paint them.