Ta Daa...

"Ta Daa"

24 x 36

Oil on Canvas

$600

As a young child I remember putting on shows for my parents, grandparents and anyone else who I could con into attending.  The shows were often unrehearsed but always well received by loving relatives who encouraged me to perform.  

I recently had the honor of attending a show put on by my two little grand nieces.  The show was fabulous, of course.   After watching the two little ballerinas twirl and swirl their voluminous tutu's they took their dramatic final bow.

I love the gracefulness of this pose...the angle of the body...the position of the feet.  The scene is full of promise.  

Dream big...reach for the stars...nothing is out of the realm of possibilities.  

Stay Safe, My Sweet Son

Stay Safe, My Sweet Son

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

It has been said that I wear my heart on my brush and that was very true today.  I waxed nostalgic and started thinking about my children when they were younger.  It started when I read multiple FaceBook posts about the trials and tribulations of young ones returning to school.  It made me think about taking my boys to school...making sure they found their rooms and were safe and secure.  

I still worry...I still want my children to be safe and secure...

The Perfect Shot!

The Perfect Shot

 9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150.00

Don't you just love lining up the perfect shot?  I loved seeing this father give his daughter a boost to get the picture.  I don't even remember what they were taking a picture of...but I do remember them laughing and teasing each other as they hoisted her up on his shoulders to make sure they lined up the perfect shot.  I remember thinking of how much fun they were having.  They thought they were taking a picture...but I knew they were making a memory.  A memory that will put smiles on their faces throughout the years.  

What memories have brought you smiles???  

Awwwww...Shoot!

Awwwww....Shoot!

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

I love seeing people take pictures.  This is part of a series of pieces that show people posing for and taking pictures.  It is amazing what great lengths people will go to for the perfect shot!  This couple was just relaxing by some water and decided to take a picture of themselves.  

They were in their own little world. 

I love that..

Huzzah! Crystal Cook

Huzzah!

12 x 12

Oil on Raymar panel

A while back I started a series of paintings depicting artists I admire.  I find that artists post photos of themselves in creative, imaginative and fun ways.  So, after requesting permission to use the photo...I paint and I smile.  This is Crystal Cook a fabulous watercolor artist.  She uses rich vibrant colors and specializes in portraits of people and animals.  The portrait at the top of her blog is not to be missed!  She graciously granted me permission to paint this portrait and I cannot thank her enough...it was such fun to play with her gorgeous mane of hair and reflections on her glasses.  

Say Cheese - Demo from Second Saturday Art Walk

Say Cheese

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150.00

I had a great time at the Second Saturday Art walk at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.  I was fortunate to be able to do a painting demonstration so I chose this fun piece.  When taking source photos in downtown DC I like to take pictures of people taking pictures.  The poses and contortions of the photographers are priceless.  I loved this little girl posing for her dad.  

This is the beginning of the demo and, yes, I am wearing my "Artists Helping Artists" apron.  AHA is hosted by Leslie Saeta who offers a wealth of information for artists.  It is an invaluable resource for any artist or anyone interested in artwork.

I was so happy to see many familiar faces and meet so many new friends that walked the galleries.  Lorton Workhouse Arts Center is such a great historic site to visit.  The history is fascinating and the artwork is varied and magnificent!  And on second saturday's they serve lots of food!  

Here is a close up of my progress.  It was fun to see this little painting come to life and see the delight on everyone's face as I added colors and discussed the why's and what's of my process.  

I am nearing the end of a perfect evening...and this is where I found out I won first place in the People's Choice awards!  The painting that won is titled "Barefoot Ballerina" and can be seen if you click the link.  

It was a fabulous evening full of friends, fun, food and, of course, my demo!  I can't wait to do it again!

Regula in Singapore

En guete, Regula

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150.00

This is my entry in the Hilton Head Gang challenge for August.   Regula Scheifele was tasked with introducing this months challenge.  She had the great good fortune to be able to visit Singapore for three months and chronicled her visit in her Singapore blog.  The instructions are to visit her blog and paint any of the pictures she posted interpreting them any way we choose.  Since I love painting people and it IS Regula's challenge I decided on a picture of her dining at one of the fabulous eateries she discovered while there.   I must say she did blog a lot about food...

Kathy - Portrait with her grandchild

My Grandbaby

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

One of the most magical moments in life is when your child puts your grandchild in your arms.   This is my dear, dear friend Kathy looking lovingly at her grandchild.  These are the moments I love to paint...