Back at last

The last I wrote in this blog, we were moving and we are now in our new home in  Alexandria, MN.. I haven't been at my easel for a very long time. Getting a bit settled while teaching has taken a bit longer than I would like.
The new studio had to be totally emptied so the floor could be refinished, then needs to be painted and this is where the glitch of the century comes in. I messed up badly in choosing my paint color and after two days and two coats it was as bad as it can get. Sooooooooooooooo tomorrow off the the paint store and a new batch of color or "non-Color" as it will be a neutral and will start again. In the meantime my Granddaughter , Mahlet, will have a gallon and a half of paint for her room, in her favorite color, but certainly not her Grandmas.
Drapes are ordered and then the unpacking can begin and yes...................I will be painting again soon, I hope, but first DO need a studio. Thank you for your patience.
The new home and community are wonderful. We are very blessed.

Stay Tuned

Please be patient with my non-entering of new paintings. We are moving to Alexandria, MN, selling our farm and packing. We will be in our new home after the 22nd of August. and it will take awhile to set up my fantastic new studio and gallery. So PLEASE stay tuned for more exciting news on this big move

Enjoying the Lake

Enjoying the Lake 7 x 5 oil on panel
Another quite scene at Mt. Carmel. these chairs are just calling you to sit and enjoy quite time snoozing, reading or whatever you wish.

Just Struttin

Just Struttin 12 x 12 oil on canvas

After just sittin and laying an egg our little red hen is struttin around full of pride at her accomplishment and showing off for the other hens (and maybe the rooster). I continue to try and stay loose in my work but controlled. I use a thin underpainting and in many areas that underpainting shows through in the final work, it allows for the transparency to let the white of the canvas show trough, the violet in the upper corner and at the base of the hen as well as the gold tone in the top center show that fairly well.

Just Sittin

Just Sittin 12 x 12 oil on gallery wrap canvas
This hen is just sittin minding her business of laying eggs. We raised about  200 of these laying hens and provided eggs for us, neighbors and a shelter. They required much work and although I do love fresh eggs and painting chickens I am glad I am not caring for them any more.
I do love painting chickens of all breeds and always find them interesting and each seems to have a personality. When they are in their nest  they seem to be all fluffed up, I think to protect the eggs they have laid or that eggs that are yet to be laid.

From the Garden

From the Garden 6in x 6 in. oil on panel
A litttle antique bottle and some  of the first flowers from my garden were the inspiration for this little painting. I loved the light and the simplicity of this casual little piece. They are a delight to the eye and seem to dance together beautifully.

Retreat

Retreat  oil on panel  5in x 7in
Another beautiful setting at Mt. Carmel overlooking Lake Carlos. These chairs are  located all around the hillside and grounds near the lake, a place for resting, reading, or a quiet conversation, how inviting is that.
The dappled light is always fun to work with and the odd shadows created by overhead branches.