Sweet Memories

What a treat it was to travel to the Plein Air South artists' convention recently with a talented group of plein air painters. We received inspiration and instruction from 20 invited artist/instructors and from each other.  We were offered demos both inside and outdoors in this beautiful setting of Florida's Forgotten Coast.  Even after surviving the destruction of Hurricaine Michael this past year, the community welcomed us with open arms.

Sweet Memories is my painting of a beach home in Mexico Beach in her former glory.  She hosted many fun family times and celebrations.  While the home was damaged, the memories last forever!

Auden and Langston

These dog brothers have the same parents, but came from different litters.  They live in California.    They were ring bearers in their master's wedding!

Nowhere To Be

These lovely ladies had nowhere to be today.  I snapped their photo as they were heading out to walk on the beach last summer.  This painting is available at Vignettes on Magnolia in Auburn.

Chloe

Chloe is a Bichon Frise.  The husband of her owner commissioned this painting for a gift.  He tells me there was a tearful moment of joy and surprise when his wife opened her present.  These are words to warm an artists's heart!  I so appreciate him sharing this with me.
Vetstreet describes this breed as a lapful of charm in a cotton ball cloud.  I loved painting the curly hair on her ears.

Living Coral

Each year the Pantone Color Institute declares a color of the year.  Their selection has quite an impact in the realms of design and décor.  Pantone has announced "Living Coral" as its 2019 Color of the Year.  It is described as "an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge."

I wonder how the color analysts create their descriptions, but this one well suits a painting I recently completed.  This painting is much more design oriented than my usual style, but I really loved seeing it come to  life.

Twin Sisters

These beautiful little girls are great models for their handsewn heirloom dresses.  They were photographed in their grandmother's garden.  I love how the sun highlights their pretty red and blonde hair.

Bruiser

 Bruiser is a beloved pet and life companion to his owners.  

As I paint commissions, I send progress images to my client so that they can help me by critiquing to produce the portrait they desire.  Bruiser's owners sent me a lovely thank you, along with this timeline photo collection of the individual images I sent as I was painting.  We thought you might enjoy seeing how his painting progressed in my studio.  On the left is the original photo my client provided, then the progression from drawing to completed painting.  Thank you. Jim!

Winter Invitational - Auburn Arts Association

I am honored that my painting, Family Outing, was accepted into the Winter Invitational Art Show sponsored by the Auburn Arts Association ongoing at the Jan Dempsey Arts Center until February 25.  It is a treat to be in the talented company of these 18 women artists.  I hope you will come by and join us for an opening reception Friday, February 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

I enjoyed painting this beautiful boy with his big blue eyes and gorgeous curls!  

Daisy

Daisy was the sibling or housemate to Lucky from my last post.  I love how the owner chose to let each dog have her own portrait!

Lucky

I have been busy this fall painting commissions of children and pets for Christmas.  I appreciate my clients allowing me to paint their precious family members.  I am sad to say that Lucky died recently.  I hope that this portrait will bring back loving memories for her owners.

Heavenly Angel

This painting is mixed media, a combination of pen and ink with oil paint.  I applied the paint with a palette knife for the background to achieve a dimensional quality in the atmosphere surrounding this angelic lady.  She is available at The Flower Store in Auburn.

My best wishes go out to each of you for a happy and holy holiday season!

Santa

This Santa is painted on a 6 x 6 linen canvas...just the right size for tabletop, mantel or shelf Christmas decorating.  He is available at the Flower Store in Auburn. Stop by today to purchase beautiful gifts and save with this special gift certificate offer. 

Autumn Harvest

Fall pumpkins, copper, and baskets in this painting...so many warm colors of autumn.  It is a time of bountiful harvest and thanksgiving.  I want to thank each of you for your encouragement and interest in my art.  Happy Holiday!

This painting is available at Vignettes on Magnolia in Auburn.  I hope you can come to shop and see  a beautiful collection of work by regional artists at Christmas Open House next Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Busy Bee

Honey bees have been domesticated for honey production and crop pollination.  I painted this painting for a friend who keeps bees on his farm outside of Auburn.