Quenched

quenched, study | oil on wood panel | Flanegan

howdy!

Howdy - detail of a work in progress | oil on wood panel | Flanegan

Howdy - work in progress | 16" x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan

The Nutty Brown Cafe and Amphitheater is one of my favorite places in Austin and I've wanted to paint their sign for years. It turned out to be a rainy day - which is wonderful in Texas - but not so great if you're painting outside. The piece became a partial wiper and I drained the charge in my truck's battery while trying to keep my windows from fogging up...yes, I know what you're thinking.

But the good news far outweighed the bad news! My friend, who is an awesome mechanic and owner of Todd's Automotive, was nearby and kindly charged my battery. And though I need to revisit my cowboy's boots {they look a bit like ruby slippers at this point} I actually prefer the more abstracted background.

So it's a work-in-progress, but then again - aren't we all?

: )

Red Bud Rendezvous

Rendezvous | 8" x 16" oil on cradled wood panel in floating frame | Flanegan | $475

9 Dec: Given the photo above, I felt the need to include a detail shot with a better, more accurate representation of the color. Documenting this painting was a circus - glare issues and cool/bad light sources - a 43-shot opportunity for learning - yikes.

Rendezvous | detail 

Observing the crew's practice on Lady Bird Lake while painting, many memories came flooding back to me. I didn't row in college, but took a class when I moved to Austin. My co-worker became my rowing partner for many years. We, along with our other crew mates, did quite well in competing at Masters National and FISA Masters World regattas.

Rowing to Red Bud Island was my favorite workout. Surrounded by natural beauty, practice was more like a meditation in a single scull - the majestic cliffs on the south shore, the glimpses of wildlife and the sound of the water lapping the side of the boat with each stroke.

The dynamic between coach and athlete is a very special yet curious one. This detail reminded me of the times we'd take a water break and get feedback on rowing technique from our coach in the launch. The critique wasn't always pretty, but it was what we needed to hear. I cherish those times - many, many thanks to Maureen, Dave and Charles for their wit, wisdom and patience.

'Red Bud Rendezvous' will be included in the Plein Air Austin Exhibit at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from 11 Dec - 23 Mar. The West Airside Gallery is by Book People across from Gate 11 and 12. So no gallery opening this time but if you're traveling through ABIA soon and have time between flights, enjoy!

Thank you Johnnie and Matt for making this show happen!

Clara and Dusty's Pool

Clara and Dusty's Pool | 6" x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | sold

Every now and then a painting tells you where it belongs.

oobie

Blooming and Boundless

Blooming and Boundless | 8" x 8" mixed media on blended wood panel | Flanegan | $200

Dossland

Three Buds in Dossland | 6" x 6" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | sold

This study was painted from a photo taken while hiking with friends.
We received a much needed six to nine inches of glorious rain this week in Dripping Springs. Seemingly resilient to the drought, our quenched landscape responds with a bounty of lush greens. pure joy.

: )

shy | 8" x 6"oil on wood panel in floated frame | Flanegan | $225

enjoy your independence

one of my favorite t-shirts with a quotation hand-lettered by Lisa Congdon

A few weeks ago I stumbled onto the book, Whatever You Are, Be a Good One - 100 Inspirational Quotations Hand-lettered by Lisa Congdon. This talented artist/illustrator wanted to incorporate more hand-lettering into her work and created a blog
to document her journey.

A delightful escape - peruse away!

Stormy Brew Crew

Stormy Brew | 13" x 13"on wood panel floated in angle iron frame | Flanegan | $495

Wednesday was the opening of Plein Air Austin's Annual Show which is on view at the Dougherty Arts Center through the first week of July. It was a fabulous night and I was grateful to have my friends from Round Rock, Austin, Dripping Springs and Wimberley all together and surrounded by cool art by talented local painters. Thanks so much for taking time out of your crazy busy schedules!

Here's a shot of my friend Judy gifted poet and graphic designer and me. Thank you Donna another amazing designer for taking this picture! At openings I'm usually busy having fun and forget to take photos. And happy 20th wedding anniversary to Shannon + John awesome artist + software wiz who shared their special day with us!!

: ) 

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

a divine madness | 7" x 7" blended wood panel | Flanegan | sold

Here's to true love - love of all kinds - everyday!

Peony for your thoughts...

three peonies | 6" x 6" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | $100

lol! ok - that was bad, but this painting was SO fun. This was my entry for Daily Paintworks' Stroke Challenge. Each brushstroke was to be a different mixed color. It's a wonderful way to loosening up - I may have to paint another one!

love nest

love nest | 7" x 7" blended wood panel | Flanegan | $100

Umlauf's Lilies

Lily's pad | 11" x 7" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | nfs

This was the last painting from my AMOA Plein Air class taught by Austin's own Laurel Daniel. Her work is transporting and as an instructor - a lovely, generous spirit.

That morning at Umlauf's Sculpture Garden was quite memorable. When we arrived temps were in the 30s, but it was sunny, the birds were chirping and the sculpted figures were good company.

Originally an 11x14, I ended up cutting the painting in half  - I was much happier with the composition - split happens.

; )

Happy and Well-Red

The fabulous {artist, teacher and blogger} Barbara Muir recently wrote a post entitled, "10 More Reasons to be Happy" and I wanted to spread the joy.

: )

Did someone say joy?
The above photo is my Red who was lapping up the culture in Sunday's New York Times...much to the dismay of Edgar Degas' Head of a Man. Below is a painting of
sweet Maya who jumps straight up (all fours) when she's happy, she really does!

Maya | 8" x 10" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | commission

hi guy!

Rolex | 6" x 4" oil on linen panel | Flanegan | commission

This is a study for a commission I'm working on - one of many expressions that I could not resist to paint. Rolex is a tough little guy - lost his front left leg to cancer a while back. Here he is livin' large.

Koda

Koda | 10" x 8" oil on linen panel | Flanegan | commission

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Koda.
This painting was a combination of two photos, and apparent in both was her curious expression...the look pups have moments before given a treat!
Capturing her delightfully charming eyes was key - and quite intimidating. I'm happy with how she turned out. 

Homage to Clyde Aspevig's Prairie Pond

Dixie

Dixie | 8"x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | commission

Dixie doesn't live in the Austin area so I was sent a photograph as reference. This sweet Aggie was a joy to paint!

Blessings to All in 2014!

Study of Barton Creek | 8" x 6" oil on panel | Flanegan | $100 plus t+s

And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.

Rainer Maria Rilke

A dear friend sent me a card over the holidays with this verse. It was typeset by hand, antique letterpress printing...crafted as beautifully as the words in the poem. pure joy.