Military Life Series

I have an ongoing series depicting scenes from military life.  As a military brat (which is the term lovingly used for children of military parents), military spouse and military mom I have extensive exposure to the military lifestyle…its trials and tribulations…its joys and adventures.  I have been compiling memories and stories from friends and family to capture these memories on canvas.  I paint from my heart and express emotion in my work.  I have the ideas, the memories, and the stories…what I lack are the models to depict these scenes.  Have a small group of neighbors that will pose for me setting up scenarios and portraying my memories.  Some I can paint from life and some I must photograph to work on my own.  I am always on the lookout for appropriate models to come and pose for me.  

I painted this as a representation of a family getting ready for deployment.  The father is going overseas for a number of months...up to a year.  It is not easy for families to endure these separations...but military families are tough.  

This piece shows a young child with his hand over his heart as they play taps at the end of the day.  At sundown, on a military installation, music is piped through a loudspeaker.  As soon as the music starts activity stops.  Everyone stands and either salutes or places their hand over their heart and faces the flag...if they can't see the flag they face the general direction... as a sign of respect for the lowering of the flag.  As soon as the music stops activity resumes.  

This is a fun piece.  I did that portrait of my son when he was deployed to Afghanistan.  It was shown at a local gallery. when my daughter in law visited she leaned over to give him a kiss.  I thought it was a perfect moment.  I did a painting of it that I gifted to my daughter in law.  

And now a favor!  If you have any stories of military experiences that you think will add to my series I would love to hear from you!  Please send stories and or pictures by commenting on this blog.  Of course if anyone lives nearby and would be kind enough to model...my door is always open and my schedule is flexible!  

Kimono

Kimono

20 x 30

Oil on Canvas

Painting is all about shadows and light and there is nothing more interesting (to me) than painting light.  I am always on the lookout for a white dress or white accessories...something light to challenge myself.  A few weeks ago while at a local flea market I found this fabulous white kimono.  

The conversation went something like this...
me:  May I see that kimono (which was up on a mannequin on a high shelf)
vendor:  I only want to take it down if you really think you want to buy it. (grousing)
me: (trying to contain my excitement) I am seriously considering it (game face on)
vendor...takes the kimono down
me...whipped out cash and paid him so fast his head spun!  

I called one of my favorite models to come over and decided to put my coromandel screen in the background and began painting.  What fun! 

I am sure I will use this kimono often...and I am constantly on the lookout for other props!  

Getting Ready - A mother's encouraging hand

"Getting Ready"

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar panel

$350

Pablo Picasso said "painting is just another way of keeping a diary."  Truer words were never spoken.  I love telling stories with my paintings...but it is not always my story.  This particular painting is a mother fixing her daughter's hair before a ballet performance.  The girl looks a little worried...the mother is calm and reassuring her daughter.  Who doesn't appreciate the confident, calm voice of reason telling you that everything will be all right...that you will be fabulous...and that the audience will love you.  It is a classic moment.  

Though this particular moment is not my story...it is representative of my mom's encouragement.  She would always tell me that everything would be all right...that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to...that the sky is the limit.  

Because of my family's belief in me I have always set high goals.  I aim high...I believe I can...

Pink Boots

Pink Boots

17x31

Oil on Canvas

$1200

Recently I was visited by a beautiful ballerina wearing pink cowgirl boots!  How fun is that?  Can you imagine how excited I was when she walked into my own home???  I was so excited!  I was able to get a few snapshots before she twirled off into the sunset!