Easy Reader

Easy Reader

8 x 8

Oil on Raymar panel
SOLD

The challenge for this week's Daily Paintworks is to paint someone reading in their favorite place.  I love to do these challenges and always look for a way to relate it to me personally.  This is my grandson.  His favorite place to read is wherever there is a book!  He does have his favorites even at his young age.  


Not only did I love painting this subject, I love that he is wearing his green striped pj's.  What could be more fun than painting stripes!  I also love the softness and barely there baby hair.  He is much bigger now...but still loves to read.

Pure Yoga

Pure Yoga

8 x 8

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is my personal trainer.  

About 10 years ago I decided to change my life...eat a healthy diet and work out.  A year ago I hired Heather Tefler to help me strengthen my core and work on balance.  Heather is amazing.  With her help I am able to do things I have not been able to do for years.  I am much stronger and my balance has improved remarkably.  Heather uses a combination of Pilates and Yoga for my program.  While doing her yoga moves I was inspired and asked her if I could take pictures as she went through her routine.  I marveled at the graceful way she transitioned from one pose to the next.  She graciously allowed me permission to paint a series depicting her routine.  This is the first study...she is stretching so far she even reached off the canvas!  

The Enforcer

"The Enforcer"

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar panel

My husband calls me "The Enforcer" I don't really know why ;).

A self-portrait seemed to be the perfect solution for an upcoming project.  It allowed me to work on a portrait...which is my first love...and play with sunglasses which turned out to be lot of fun.  

Grande Pepere - A tribute to my father

Grande Pepere
30 x 40
Oil on Canvas
NFS

I have been working on this piece for a while now.  I find that sometimes if my subject is too close to me personally it takes me much longer to finally say it is finished.  I always think I can do better.  I had to let this go and move on.  It is a tribute to my father who is an amazing man.  He was in the Navy during World War 2, then joined Air Force and went to pilot training... flew B-52's and a plethora of other aircraft.  We traveled the world together.  He has always been and continues to be a wonderful, loving and totally supportive Dad.  


I recently wrote a tribute to my mom and told you how she hates to have her picture taken...conversely...my Dad loves the attention so getting him to sit for portrait was no problem.  Now if I could just get one of the two of them together...ah well...that will be my next project...stay tuned!

Safe - in Grandpa's Arms

"Safe - in Grandpa's Arms"

20 x 24

Oil on Canvas

Of course I loved painting that shock of tangled, wild, blonde hair!  I could have worked on it forever...but it was the proud look on Grandpa's face that totally sucked me and and begged me to paint this moment.  I can just imagine the safe, comfortable feeling of being wrapped in the arms of your protector...and the joyful emotion elicited from knowing that you are the safe haven.  It looks like heaven to me.

I Believe I Can Fly...

"I believe I Can Fly..."

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Sold

There is nothing like the feeling of floating through the air...not a care in the world...just the joyous sensation of the wind on your face and the weightlessness that accompanies the ride.  Couple that with the innocence of a child and it is the recipe for bliss.  Children have no limits...they believe they can do anything.  I believe that too.  

This painting is much more than a girl on a swing...it is the the statement that the sky is the limit.  Reach for the stars and then reach higher.