BARNYARD   16 x 20

 There's something special about an old barn. The scent of hay and horses, the creak of old timbers, and the familiar nooks and crannies of the interior reminds us of an earlier era. This was our barn in Idaho, but I changed the surrounding scenery somewhat. My camera is dying and thus failed to reproduce the colors properly.

BIRCHES, NUMBER 2   12 x 24

An earlier painting of two birch trees was purchased by a friend, so I am experimenting with a slightly altered version to replace on my wall, the earlier one. Sometimes painting a picture is like trying to compose a story—the characters seems to have a 'mind of their own' and insist on going their own way despite the creator or originator of the product. Ha!

"FISHING VILLAGE"   11 x 14

 

A postcard photo captured this scene and gave opportunity to explore with brush and paint, using the contrasting effect of night and reflections.

 

"UNSETTLED"   11 x 14

Balmy skies are disappearing under fast-moving clouds and the wind is whipping the grasses in this beach scene. I like the light and shadow effect, and the simple approach to a familiar locale.

"PIANO KEYS"   8 x 10

A close-up of a familiar instrument provides the illusion of piano keys. They are not carefully rendered and appear dusty and old, which is the effect I was searching for. Hopefully it will bring memories for some pianist and possibly cause them to dig out the music and return to the keyboard to refresh the delight of resonant chords.

"TULIP GARDEN"   8 x 10

This abstract is based on an earlier one, because of the repetitive forms and shapes in relation to another. I like the color scheme and the soft edges. Its range of colors is wide enough to allow it to be in almost any room with whatever color scheme.

 

"HORSE WHISPERS"   11 x 14

Equine form is special—from the shape of the head to the curve of the crest, to the grace of its action in its gait. This horse is attentive to some small noise behind it, and poses gracefully to locate the source. The idea was to have him in his stall at night, but I feared going too dark with the shadows. Small changes may be in the offing at some future time.

'HEAT'   8 x 10

 Abstract painting can be very fluid and open to unexpected happenings. Perhaps I should have named this painting "Armageddon," for its forceful colors and suggestive implications. The viewer may see other possibilities in the shapes and relations of one color with another.

'FLOWER ARRANGEMENT'   12 x 24

 

A more stylistic approach to a common subject, this still life is dramatized by the elongated dimensions of the canvas. It was fun to do, but as always, one never feels as if a painting is completed...

 

"GOLDEN HILLS"   8 x 10

This painting began as a monochromatic exercise, but altered itself along the way. The scene is a reminder of many peaceful times spent in the quiet hills in the cool of the evening.

MOOSE SURPRISE   12 x 24

Walking in the northern forest in the Fall, a hiker must be aware of the surroundings. The risk of running into bears or moose can be a risk. This fellow appears to be waiting behind the small tree as we round the bend in the trail. The vertical canvas adds drama to the scene.

ABSTRACT "WHISPERS"   8 x 10

 The thirst for color is greatly needed in a world surrounded by white snow during the winter-time. This abstract suggests colorful scarves flowing in a warm breeze, prompted by the need for a warmer climate. Or do you see something else it represents? The skill for abstraction is greatly wanting, and needs refreshing, bolstering, a boost for energetic motion.

NIAGARA FALLS   12 x 24

 

The drama of a waterfall is accentuated by the peering over the edge, and perhaps by the vertical canvas. It was fun to do this painting. Can you hear the roar of the water as it cascades to the rocks below?

 

HOARY REDPOLL   8 x 10

The  redpoll is a petite little bird with a sweet chirp that occasionally graces our feeder. The wonderful variety of birds in the fields and forest is another gift that God brings to our lives.

RED BARNS   16 x 20

 

Contrasting colors bring a pleasing effect in this country scene, and the pathway lends to the effect of distance in its composition. Red barns are a favorite color for many of us. The small farmer, independent of corporations, struggles to sustain his livelihood despite forbidding circumstances.

 

FATHER AND SON   5 x 7

 

 The silhouette of father and son strolling along a fence-line might bring memories to some, with nostalgia for possibly days-long-ago. The style is simple, with basic blocks of color, but it creates a mood.

YOUNG WARBLER   8 x 10

 

I'm in the mood for a series of little bird paintings, so the bright yellows of this youngster appealed to me. He's barely out of his fledgling stage, but his colors are brilliant. We have a duty to preserve and protect our wildlife, for what would the world be like without the melodic songs of birds among us?

 

LITTLE RED BIRD   8 x 10

 

 An earlier painting of a little red bird sold last summer, and because it was a favorite of mine, I painted a similar one, with only a few minor changes. The expressions on animals can be endearing and birds are no exception. I hope you enjoy.

 

GOLDEN POPPIES IN FIELD   11 x 14

Open fields are alluring, particularly when there are splotches of color from random wildflowers that grow in the meadow. What attracted me to the scene is the row of green trees and brush that grace the hillside. Can you hear the cow bawling in the distance?

BIRCHES   12 x 24

 Birch trees are striking by their white bark and when contrasted against the colored leaves of Fall, it makes a pleasing scene. To emphasize their height and structure, it was fun to paint them vertically. No two trees are alike. I put extra paint on to build up the texture.

PATHWAY   11 x 14

The pathway into the forest is a repeat of an earlier and smaller one I painted in oil. Because that one sold, I thought to try it again in a larger size and using acrylics. Each medium brought its own challenges. I was tempted to have a change of seasons in this painting, but decided against it. There is just a hint of Fall color in the leaves instead.

PRIZE CALF   11 x 14

 

Animals are usually fun to paint, and this one is a commemorative of some of the 4-H projects that kids invest in. There's the joy of raising a baby to young adulthood and seeing the animal develop and increase in stature. Usually a bond is formed between the youth and his/her animal. I like the contrast of blue background against the ruddy tones of the hide; the back-light adds sparkle to the scene.

 

MOUNTAIN CANYON   16 x 20

Know what it's like to come across something you did years ago and think, "I can improve on that"? This was one of my earlier paintings that seemed too flat, with little perspective and much the same color. It was a pleasure to work with it again and put to use some of the tips I picked up this past couple of years of painting. It might still need some additional touching-up of warm colors and shading, but here's an improved version.

AURORA   12 x 16

 In the far north we often see colorful wonders in the sky, via the Aurora Borealis. Sometimes they shimmer, other times it appears as if a curtain is wafting in a breeze. The view is breathtaking when we see these Northern Lights.

FELINE HIDEOUT   8 x 10

 

 

Anyone who knows cats is aware of their love of little hide-away places. Kitties love an opportunity to snoop, and that's what this one has been doing. It was a new trial to try to capture the rough texture of the stones in the crumbling building, but it lends a nice contrast to the shadow of the window and the fur of the cat.

ARMY of GRAPES    8 x 10

 

 

Luscious flavors come to mind when we see the variety of colors and textures in a combination of fruits. This painting afforded me an opportunity to experiment with a selection of grapes in transparency and shading. But then I couldn't stop, thus came the "army." Hopefully someone will select this one to dress up their kitchen.

EQUINE TRIO   8 x 10

 The scene has changed from when we had our Quarter horses, but the beauty of equine form and grace remains in our memories. Horses love to graze in a good pasture and this trio is no different. Catching them to hit-the-trail will be something else. The colors range from sorrel to bay to chestnut.

STAIRWAY   8 x 10

 

The heat from the adobe walls seems to radiate from the canvas. This setting is a long way from snow-covered mountains and fir trees and otter ponds, but I like the abstract effect of the scene and the play of shadow and sunshine.

 

FISHERMEN   11 X 14

 

A quiet morning surrounded by fog and some good buddies should assure peaceful moments, if not some trout in the frying pan. This simple scene was a pleasure to paint.

 

EUCALYPTUS   11 x 14

Backlight effects have their special allure. Shadows and highlights were a challenge on this simple painting, and the scene reminds us of the pungent aroma of the eucalyptus tree.

MOUNTAIN STREAM   12 x 16

The cool rush of water is pleasing after a long hike up the trail. This painting was begun several years ago and then set aside, but getting it rejuvenated added a splash of pleasure to my day. I hope you enjoy.

SUMMER SKIES   8 x 10

 

 

Meadows and fields provide opportunity to appreciate the big sky country for viewing various cloud formations. This is an exercise in trying to stick to basics in painting, to keep a simplified approach.

BIRCH GROVE    16 x 24

 Birches are a popular selection for painters and many have been produced with a similar setting. Each one has its own flavor based upon lighting effects, range of tones, point of view, and so on. An earlier version of this painting appeared some time ago, but here is the completed product following suggestions by the friend who commissioned the painting. The stark white is a sharp contrast to the surrounding area, and that is why we love our birches.

SEDONA ROCKS   8 x 10

 

A friend who lives in Sedona often shares photos with me, and I envy the scenery she has right outside her window. The general public is fortunate to have viewing places where they can better appreciate the colorful rock in this area. The paintbrush wanted to make darker shadows and brighter highlights, but I toned down the contrast to avoid too much splash.

 

WARM ABSTRACT   8  10

Playing with the palette knife added fun to this painting. The warm tones are suggestive of leaves or flowers or flames. It's amazing the effect color has on our lives—to cheer or subdue, to calm or refresh.

 

VEGGIE STILL LIFE   8 x 10

A friend requested a still life for her kitchen, so I remade an earlier version of one similar to this veggie grouping. The contrast in colors and textures is appealing, and the raw product is in its best nutritional state.

ROAD TO EXPLORE   8 x 10

Taking a trip into unknown territory is fun, and an invitation to discovery. Seeing the open road before your eyes adds spice to life. This painting is a suggestion of travel into rural areas, wondering what's around the next bend. The middle ground provided a variety of possibilities on what might lay in the valley—fields, homes, forests. Let your imagination select what's around the next bend in the road.

APPLES AND BOTTLE STILL LIFE   8 x 10

 

Requests have come in for more still life fruit, and with many varieties of apples to select from, it evolved to become a medley of fruit. God gave us wonderful flavors and textures and colors in the wide range of fruit available to enjoy.

 

PIANO REFLECTIONS   8 x 10

 

A grand piano and a music stand await the performers. Maybe it's only time for a rehearsal, but this painting suggests a moment of anticipation.

 

JAPANESE GARDEN    8 x 10

A friend requested a small landscape with flowers in it, and the setting provides the main elements of an outdoor scene: rocks, water, trees, flowers. Admittedly there are no mountains or clouds, but this painting was fun to do.