"A TREASURED EQUINE FRIEND"

We watched this filly being born soon after we moved to Idaho. She was the first foal on our horse ranch and she became a reliable and gentle steed. I enjoyed painting her 'portrait' and tried to capture the trust in her eyes.

"GARDEN PATH"   11 x 14  Acrylic

 

 

This painting has been displayed already, but because I gave it to a friend, I'm rejuvenated to show it again. I liked the slope of the garden and its variety of flowering plants contrasted with shrubs and rocks. We can imagine the song of the birds as we stroll the pathway. Admittedly I am not a fan of painting flowers and this one was a challenge.

"CALF EYES the WORLD"   12 x 16   Acrylic

A Hereford calf is appealing. He's still clean and curious and has none of that doldrum look that bovines are prone to inherit. There's still a world to explore, and he's already experienced some of the trials that life will offer, since he already received the sting of the tag-in-the-ear. Painting animal faces is fun and each one is different.

"BIRCHES in the FOREST EDGE"   12 x 24   Acrylic

 

There are many variations on birch trees and this one is rather moody. The surrounding forest provides a rainbow of color. It was fun to paint and I like the stark shadows on the trunks.

 

"A PAIR OF PEARS"   8 x 10   Acrylic

 

 

For a change of pace from recent paintings, a still life was refreshing to focus on specific details. I like the golden glow of color. The pears look to be almost ripe and ready-to-eat. The lone grape could be managed in one bite.

"RURAL ROUTE"   16 x 20   Acrylic

Anyone who has grown up on a farm remembers the excitement of running to the mailbox to see what the postal carrier brought. This painting reflects the days-gone-by of an old mailbox, some sagging fence-posts, and the typical red barn of the mid-West. I painted this on a slick surface and by the time it was completed, discovered that anything touching the finished painting would easily scratch off the acrylic. Ho-hum. We live and learn.

"SPRING RUN-OFF"   14 x 18   Acrylic

Many of us are attracted to waterfalls and the painting above is no exception. The splash of water and the cooling, moist breeze is refreshing, especially when we come upon this setting during a long hike. Water is a challenge to paint because of its changing qualities—reflective, splashing, rivulets, or vaporous essence. This was not an easy painting for me and I still see areas I might just touch up.

"A TREE WITH CHARACTER"   11 x 14   Acrylic

Early growth is important for all life to succeed. If someone or something gets stunted or pressed to meet impossible odds, the likelihood of a deformity or hindrance is most likely. Yet despite some odds, life struggles on and this tree is an example of still rising to the light. Although it could have succumbed in early life, the graceful arc of its trunk speaks of the wonders of determination. The afternoon sunshine captures the contrast of 'our' tree against the upright shapes of its neighbors.

"SPRING GARDEN"   8 x 10   Acrylic

 

 

This garden has been painted through several seasons, but Springtime is my favorite. Vibrant colors and a variety of plants add to the texture and appeal of the layout. A pleasing blend of water and rock, of trees and shrubs, provide harmony to the eye and help us to appreciate Nature and the Creator.

"FEATHERED VISITOR"   8 x 10   Acrylic

Birds can be magical in their flight, but when they come to sit near your window, it can be captivating. They have to be tough to weather the storms that hit the area, and certain kinds like to find shelter near the dwellings. This young bird was perky and diminutive. It was fun to paint him.

"THE GANG'S ALL HERE"    16" x 20"   Acrylic

I've returned to painting cows again. Puttering with the watercolors was a diversion, but I find enjoyment in reflecting personalities in the animal world. These guys are youngsters from a mixed herd who graze together. It won't be long before the heat of the summer dries up the grass. I kept a warm palette to suggest the area and season.

"TRANSITIONS"   4 3/4" x 6 1/2"   Watercolor

Watercolors provide unexpected results. It is fun to experiment with a wet canvas and gently mix colors. I had no intended object to present, but made just a few brushstrokes with the primary colors. Admittedly it is not spectacular, yet the abstract can suggest several possibilities for interpretation. What think ye?

"RISING TO THE LIGHT"   4 3/4" x 6 1/2"   Watercolor

Still experimenting with watercolors, the detail of salt added to a wet canvas adds interesting and unexpected results. The small marks could represent birds in flight or small fishes at a coral reef, or perhaps maple leaves tossed in the breeze. It's a bit of abstraction that I enjoy and love the bold colors expressed.

'READY TO POUNCE"   Acrylic   11 x 14

A sculpture of a stalking cougar inspired me to try the image in acrylics. I liked the fluid lines of the big cat, revealing how feline grace can be captured in almost every pose. It's a simple painting with bare essentials, but I wanted drama with the dark and light contrast.

"LAKE AT DAWN"   Watercolor   11 x 14

Experimenting with watercolor again, this scene reminds us of quiet times in nature. It's interesting to explore various medias and use different techniques. I followed the guidance of a good teacher and she helped during several difficult points before completing this illustration. Does a painter ever feel they are "done"? Maybe we look at our work too analytically, yet we keep on trying to portray the beauty of nature or a subject in the hopes of expressing how it moves us.

"MEDITATION POINT"   30" x 15"   Acrylic

The scene depicted is a favorite spot during warm summer days. My campsite is just up the hill, and this area was a favorite during early morning and at dusk. As the sun moved to the west, the shadows would shift and create a varying drama. This is a larger painting and I spent considerable time reworking the play of shadow on rock and sand.

"ABSTRACT MUSICIANS"   11 x 14   Acrylic

Continuing on the experimental stage, I decided to try larger block figures and shapes. This is not my usual style and I wanted to make the painting reminiscent of a stained glass window. Over forty years ago I made a needlepoint wall hanging with these same images, but with more detail in the blocking and color shading. Now I'm ready to move back to "realistic" artwork.

"ABSTRACT PRIMARIES"   10 x 10   Watercolor

Experimenting with new techniques led me to explore a watercolor approach. Using wet-on-wet, the colors blended in selected areas. Sprinkling salt on the wet surface allowed some star shapes and maple-leaf shapes to add a touch of texture. This was a new experiment for me, but the tried-and-true watercolorists know all about this as only one approach. Doing this reminded me of my finger-painting days of kindergarten—fun!

"JEWEL LEAVES"   11 X 14   Acrylic

A friend had a painting similar to this, so I am trying something new. It was a quite different approach and began with a black canvas. This technique felt unfamiliar, but it was fun to try something different. The contrast is nice with darks and lights and colors.