We Can Do It!

"We Can Do It"

20 x 24

Oil on Canvas

$1500.

Recently I met Stormy Knowles at the National Gallery of art while I was copying 

Beatrice Townsend by John Singer Sargent.  Stormy was chaperoning a group of school kids as they toured the Gallery.  She asked if I would be willing to donate a painting to raise funds for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the year Campaign.  While I limit the number of donations I offer per year...I decided that this would be a good cause that I am proud to be a part of.  When Stormy and her daughter arrived at my studio to pick up the painting she was wearing her military uniform.  I immediately asked her if she and her daughter would be willing to sit for me as part of my military life series.  I was thrilled when she not only said she would sit...she was enthusiastic about it.  

Stormy recently wrapped up the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the year Campaign and not only met their goal but exceeded it!  She is a tireless fundraiser. 

I thought this painting was significant...it mimics the "We can do it" military campaign and depicts the determination it takes to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.  Stormy is an amazing person and I am proud to know her.  

My Mom

My Mom

18 x 24

Oil on Canvas

NFS

Last time my parents visited I was fortunate to be able to sketch and take lots of source photos.  My, usually camera shy, mother didn't just come out of her proverbial shell...she blossomed.  She allowed me to take lots of pictures...wore costumes...hats...posed...It was amazing.  I love painting portraits and to get to paint portraits of my family is a bonus.  

National Military Spouse Network Art Show - Seeing Daddy Off...

Seeing Daddy Off...

16 x 20

Oil on Canvas

$600.00

In October I am curating an exhibition for the National Military Spouses' Network.  The artwork featured will be by military spouses, veterans spouses and, retired military spouses.  I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful group.  Click HERE for the prospectus to enter paintings or photography into the show.  The theme of the show is "Together we serve".

As one of the curators I have the opportunity to contribute to the show.  I LOVE to paint portraits and figurative pieces.  For this series a story will be told starting with this one.  This is a spouse and child seeing her loved one leave on a deployment.  It is an everyday part of life for a military spouse...never easy...but a part of life.  Every military spouse serves in a very special way.  I am proud to be a military brat, military spouse and mom to two military brats.    

Say "Cheese"

Say "Cheese"

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar panel

$200

Did you ever try to take a picture of an uncooperative subject?  This mom was trying her best to get a good shot of her adorable daughter...but the little one was not having it!  A long day of sight seeing had taken its toll...

Of course their trials were my good fortune!  I love the gesture on this one...the mom leaning back a bit yet close enough to hold on to the little one who was shielding her eyes from the sun and trying to avoid yet another photo.  

He's Got the Whole World In His Hands

"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Commission  

I love painting smiles...I am the product of a military family.  Brats we are called.  Military brats.  It is a unusual community and only another brat knows what my path has been like and I understand theirs.  I know what it is like to be apart from my family...I know what it is like to count the days until you are together again...I know how joyous homecoming is.  I know how precious family is.  When I saw this reunion of a military member returning from deployment it touched my heart.  

Painting it was a joy...knowing I put a smile one someone’s face makes me happy.  So here I am...painting smiles again.  

"Ma"...A Mother's Day tribute to my mom...

Ma

22 x 28 

Oil on Canvas

NFS

I painted this a year or so ago.  I wanted to do a portrait of my mom...but she hates having her picture taken and I knew she wouldn't sit for me.  I spent a week with my parents and took lots of pictures of the family and finally pointed my camera at her...she didn't protest she just gave me the slightest "Mona Lisa" smile and I snapped while I had the chance.  There is so much about this portrait that I love.  I love the cuff bracelet she always wears.  I love it when she wears red.  I love that she smiled for me even though I knew she didn't want to.   I love that she is in her 80's and I still get to talk to her every day.  When I showed her the portrait she said "Thank you for painting me pretty."  I love my mom.  Happy Mother's day...

Of course this one is not for sale...but I could do one of YOUR mom...just a thought...;)

Wheee! Mother and Child

Wheee!

8 x 10

Oil on Board

$100.00

I love the relationship between parents and their children.  While in Paris I spotted this woman playing with her young boy...it was such a special moment...and could have occurred anywhere.  The feelings are universal.