January Trails - Lucky Me

January Trail • 6" x 9"• oil on paper

This morning was cold but my friends and I took the dogs and went on a steep January hike. It was clear and crisp. We shared stories of our holidays and hiked up and down the hills through the bushes and the mud but the sun never showed up. Luckily we had friendship and laughter to warm us.

Next I went out to the barn and took a trail ride. The sun was out, groups of students were hiking, exploring and studying. I remember when I went on the week trip to this camp with my daughters class years ago. We did the same hikes; today I was living a dream and riding the trails on horseback. The sun was popping through and I had a beautiful view of the ocean and hills. There was a hawk above that seemed to be almost flying with me; as he circled Smokey and I galloped up a hill on our way back to the barn. As we came down the hill 3 vultures were circling, searching for prey. I went on my way. What a beautiful January day!

Brrr! Happy Polar Bear

Happy Polar Bear • 4" x 4" x 2" • oil on canvas

It was a cold morning so I went to Yoga where I could enjoy the music, stretch and strengthen. When I emerged from the gym the sun was shining so I took the dogs for a walk down to a field and soaked up the warm rays while they ran and played.

December 2009 Drifts Away

December Sea and Sky • 12" x 6" • oil on board

As 2009 drifted away and 2010 washed ashore I was putting the finishing touches on these soft waves of the cool December sea.

A memory of a stroll along the shore. The sound of the waves calms my mind and the dancing sunlight warms my face on a cold December day. I could stare at this painting forever.

I often want to be where the ocean meets the sky. In a boat just floating. I'm observing the light of the sky, birds are flying by, kelp is floating in the sea and life surrounds me. Sea lions play, otters feed and the jellyfish float. The sun dances on the water and all is quiet except the occasional splash of a bird swooping down to snatch a fish from a playful, popping school of bait.

Happy New Year! 2010

New Year Symphony 2009-2010 • 16" x 20" • oil on canvas

Happy New Year! I am quite excited for 2010. In 2009 I started this blog and it inspired me to create a second studio in my home. My poor family, I have officially taken over the kitchen table and entire breakfast nook with my paints, easel, brushes, canvas' and my dogs. It allows me to work at all times without having to drive to my studio. I can also bring paintings back and forth and view them in different light and settings. I can follow my creative heart and paint in the middle of the night. I can add little details here and there as I see them in passing or I can leave paintings at my studio to dry.

I now have a studio and a horse in the same town. Both on the water and in old hangers. My studio is in a ship hanger and the indoor arena for Smokey is in an old balloon hanger. I now live work and ride in one of the most beautiful places in the world with spectacular views, astounding wildlife, and gorgeous weather. I have friends and family close by. Today I will be celebrating with my family. Lucky me! 2010 can only be a great year!

Portrait of an Artist

Portrait of an Artist • 12" x 12" • oil on canvas

It was an amazing and fun challenge to receive a photo of an artist without being told his name or anything about him except that he looked content. He would be facing the same challenge with my photo.

Excited to get to work, I started with a pencil sketch in my sketchbook the night the photo was emailed to me. I layered on paint for two weeks, painting shadows and light with great texture, than blending it and layering it again. It was tough for me to blend all of the brushstrokes which I loved but felt it would read more as a portrait if I smoothed it. I do believe I found the happy medium. Because I don't know anything about the subject I used the cool green on the left against the warm red on the right. I also used this color concept in the colors of his skin and I used quite a bit of orange in the flesh tone to pop out his blue eyes.

I love the way this oil portrait turned out and I hope this gentleman does too!

Portrait of my Brazilian Brother

Brazilian Brother • 24" x 24" • oil on canvas

I painted this portrait and then stepped back and looked at it. I painted my Brazilian brother Ron. He lived with my family for quite a few years and coincidentally shares my birthday. I love the shadow and colors I used in this painting and the way the right side is out of focus. It has a very beautiful glowing and mysterious quiality.

Fun Persian Cat

Perri • 9" x 12" • acrylic on canvas

I love this kitty! Bright fun colorful and full of persian personality. The big, bright eyes and cute expression make me feel happy.