resilient

5"x 13.125" mixed media on blended wood panel

"It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it does to have tried and succeeded."

- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

low tide

6" x 9 11/16" latex on blended wood panel | nfs



"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open and choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea."
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh


Her timeless words of wisdom are as relevant today as they were 50+ years ago when she wrote Gift From The Sea...a book given to me by my ever-inspiring teacher, artist and dear friend, Stephanie Wilger. As if it were yesterday.

turquoise flora

6" x 9 11/16" oil and acrylic on blended wood panel | nfs

I decided to do a series of constructs based on the golden section, that classic proportion found all around us. Here's a detail of my favorite part...

To keep the creative juices flowing when you feel all squeezed out, experience has taught me to alternate simplicity with complexity.

Recently I finished a painting in which I was especially emotionally attached. For weeks I dabbled, knowing it wasn't quite right...sanding over it...cutting it in half...at long last, complete.

sold

ducktail

12" x 36" acrylic on wood panel | sold

Ducktail was one of my paintings that sold at the Pulling Together Art Benefit last Sunday. Thanks to all who braved the cold, rainy weather to support local artists and our community's food pantry, Helping Hands. Special thanks to Chris Smartt and Irene Anderson of Sol'stice Garden Expressions who hosted the event. You guys rock!

blown away

5.25" x 17.25" oil on blended wood panel | sold

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend. A wonderful time for all of us to count our blessings.

The layout of this piece was influenced by the proportions of the golden section, a harmonious ratio found throughout nature, the human body, art, music, architecture, etc.

I included this detail shot as I have been asked about my "blended wood panels".


This piece and others will be featured at the Pulling Together Art Benefit at Sol'stice Garden Expressions, proceeds help to restock the shelves of our community food bank, Helping Hands.

amazing Grace

20" x 40" graphite, charcoal and acrylic on wood panel | nfs

Gracie Jones: matriarch of the herd, studio dog, medicine mama and confidante. She's one of my favorite models as she has a gift for holding a pose...she naps...a lot.
My preference for capturing the true character of the subject is through the sketch portrait with the graphite underlay drawing exposed as an integral part of the finished work.
* FYI Don't miss Beverly and Billy Ray Mangham's Umpteenth Home Show 27/28/29 November at Sleeping Dog Studio in San Marcos, TX. For a map and more information: http://www.zzzdog.com/

fern!

8" x 10" pastel on paper

Ava, my 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter and aspiring artist, took a look at this sketch and told me she wanted to play with the doggie's ball.

The ultimate compliment.

sold

you make me happy when skies are grey

6" x 16" x 1" oil on blended wood panel | sold

Once a tonal study from a previous post, this composition took on a life of it's own, blossoming into a 3d construct. I'll try to shoot another angle to better illustrate this in future entries.

My talented poet...my muse.

step x step

6" x 24" acrylic on blended wood

This composition was inspired by today's date, 09 09 09.

Repurposed pieces of wood painted in various shades of turquoise, the color of the universe according to the Austin Chronicle's Mr. Smarty Pants.

: )

Nina's Black Cherry

4" x 6.75" x 1" oil on blended wood panel | sold


This collage was inspired by my friend Nina.
I hope you were able to enjoy this holiday weekend.

bing!

3.5" x 11.5" oil and acrylic on blended wood panels | sold

New camera, good to be back!

I'm constructing as well as painting compositions these days. The varied fields of color have become a common thread in my work, panels affecting panels as friends inspire one another...or perhaps reflecting my day interrupted.

: )

Pieces of Pie

4" x 7.5" oil and latex on blended wood panel | sold

This painting/collage is my way of dealing the look, but don't touch bit about art that has always bothered me. 'Pieces of Pie' marks the beginning in a series of what I call handhelds.

Tru on Tru

12" x 12" mixed media on wood panel | nfs


Oil is a new medium for me. More in my comfort zone with pastel, charcoal or pencil. With the re-purposed panel above, I used a blue and green mismatched paint from the hardware store and sketched Truman in with pastel and charcoal.

Below Truman critiques.

Afternoon Nap

9" x 14" oil on wood panel | sold

Truman is the youngest in our herd.

Do you see how angelic he looks when he sleeps? I am not fooled. He's plotting his next trail of mischief...

: )

flower study

6" x 8" oil on wood panel | sold


This began as a tonal study, but the bloom of this wild flower/weed was so beautiful that I added a little color. It's amazing how they seem undaunted by the drought. A delicate, yet unwavering spirit.

Teaser

6" x 9" oil on wood panel

Thunder, lightning but only a few sprinkles...at least it cooled off.

Conspiring Lemons

6" x 6" oil on wood panel | sold

Taking a painter's workshop from Carol Marine is a life-altering experience and I thank her and our incredible class for inspiring me to blog.

The lemons spoke to me and to themselves...

: )