Out My Window

Out My Window 9x12 oil on linen panel
This tree fascinates me and I see it every day out of my kitchen window, it has different light each time of the day and each season of the year. The birds find it a great retreat to hide in and when the wind blows it bends and bows like a ballerina. This is a do-over which now makes me happy with the mood I was trying to capture

Nature's Memorial 20x24 oil on linen panel
Commission
Here on the prairie trees this size are in the minority. This beauty sits in what is now a large field where crops are planted but as an infant it was on the homestead of a local family's ancestors. It is all that remains of the hardwork, hardships and life of one of the many pioneers that settled this praire, flat and at the time of homesteader , sparsely poplulated. The shade and beauty of trees was honored. Thanks to the owner of this property the tree stands as a memorial to the family that homesteaded it and to the many pioneers who came to this area for a better life.

Bus-ted

                                                                        Bus-ted 6x12 oil on panel
This old bus caught my attention about 40 years ago, took a photo and somehow I just never got to it. Going through my files I found it again and immediately got to painting it.   I truly hope someone gives it yet another life, who knows maybe it will have smiles and laughter again.

Softly Comes the Fall- study-final painting

 

Softly Comes the Fall   study 5x7----final painting 9x12

Looking out my studio window in late Oct. , I saw the subtle colors of fall with just a hint of light from the high overcast sky. I caught the feeling of the lovely greys and soft tones. I was pleased with the results and then completed the larger piece a week later. I am always captured by the subtle colors in the seasons rather than the bold gold and orange so frequently portrayed.  

White on White

White on White 6 x 8 oil on linen panel
I, like many artists struggle to improve or perhaps change/adapt. I want the goal of my paintings to be "less is more" I want the subject to merge with the background or if you prefer the space around it and I find working with white a challenge as well so this is yet another attempt at that. Just One Apple a previous post is also a study in losing edges and merging subject and space around it. Hmmm maybe I will make chicken for dinner. Enjoy!

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.