"Laura", WIP (Work in Progress)

16" x 20", Oil on Canvas.

Work in Progress.

Laura is one of my favorite models... she has a quiet elegance about her.. always earthy, but regal at the same time. She sat for 3 hours for this first sitting. I first sketched her out in charcoal to get the basic shapes and postions, then started in with the darkerst values in broad strokes to lay in color, and began building up the painting. In oils, I work "fat to thin", meaning I begin using thin washes of paint mixed with turpentine, and then as I build the painting, and work up to the lighter colors, I stop using the turp and use Liquin or Linseed oil and work with the paaint in a heavier, thicker way.

I'm getting back to this portrait tomorrow, and can't wait to lay in the flesh tones and paint over this underpainting.. it's like putting frosting on the cake.... pure fun! I'll try to finish it up in one more sitting.. I'll post it again when it's complete.

Click on images for larger view.

"Still Life with Roses, small"

5" x 7", Oil on Hardboard.

This is the third in the grouping. Read up above for description and details. :-)

"Stiil Life with Roses, medium"

11" x 14", Oil on Canvas

This is the medium size still life that followed the first, larger one I did. Read up above for details and description.

"Still Life with Roses, large"

16" x 20", Oil on Canvas.

One of my very favorite things to paint are still lifes. I find them a great excersize to remind me how much I love to draw, and studdy what's infront of me and try to convey it as best I can, while still allowing myself to be expressive in the use of paint, color and technique.

I enjoyed this so much(and LOVED the beautiful roses), that I had to work quickly to do it again and again, before the roses wilted! So, that I did, just to challenge myself, in two smaller sizes.... Hope you enjoy!

They are all available for purchase on ebay. Click the link of the right to take you to my eBay store.

"Schnauzer, Dog-a-Week Paintings"

6" x 6", Oil on gessoed hardboard.

One of my weekly dog offering on eBay... I saw this little cutie with his owner sitting and watching the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco last winter. It was such a sweet, quiet moment.. I had to stop and ask if I could take their picture. The dog said yes.

"Chincoteague Autumn"

16" x 20", Oil on Canvas.

I experiemented agan with the red underpainting in this landscape...it adds a richness and glow to it, that makes it come alive.

Click on the link at the right to purchase this in my eBay store.

"Yellowstone Sunset"

11" x 14" OIl on Canvas.

I love this scene of the national park at sunset. I did something a little different in underpainting before I started on this one. I painted the canvas bright red, and was careful to use it in the composition and painting process. In addition to painting in a way where I was able to leave some of the red underpainting showing, I etched into the wet paint with tool to bring out some of the red undertones. I had fun with it, and I think it adds a warm and rich perspective to this warm and rich scene!

Available for purchase on eBay. Please use the link on the right to take you to my eBay store.

"Preservation Hall"

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas.

I love this view of the live music landmark in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It's always fun to paint because it captures the colors and rustic feel of the FQ.

"Misty Morning, Chincoteague"

10" x 10" Oil on canvas.

I love painting these quiet, serene scenes of Chincoteague. They're medatative for me... not just painting them, but viewing the finished peice always gives me a moment of.. ahhhh.. calm.

If you are interested in purchasing, click the link to my eBay ssssstore on the right.

"Black & White and Green All Over"

10" x10" Oil on canvas.

We were driving through Amish country in Lancaster, Pa. this past summer and I made my hubby pull over so I could take some pics of these cute cows taking a little siesta under a tree. It occured to me as I was working on this and having so much fun with the black and white patterns that I have never painted cows before. Needless to say, it won't be the last time! I've got another larger one in the works that I'll list later in the week....

If you're interested in purchasing, you can use the link at the right to find this in my store on eBay.