Middle Child

Middle Child

20 x 30

Oil on Canvas

$2400.00

Middle Child, as the title would suggest, is based on how a middle child feels.  It is often written that a middle child gets lost between the older and younger siblings.  I am a middle child.   I have two older brothers and two younger brothers.  Because my siblings are all male I was never really lost in the abyss that many middle children feel.  I was the only girl in a family of men...I always felt special..always felt loved and always felt relevant.  Being the only girl in a family of men helped me in many ways.  I was brought up believing I could accomplish any thing I aspired to.  I am a problem solver, a do it yourselfer, and a self starter.  

In my 50's I decided I wanted to be a portrait artist.  Most of my family was supportive and I believe they have all had portraits painted as I practice my craft.  I constantly strive to improve through daily painting, classes and studying the works of others.  I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue this dream.  I know I have a lot to learn, a long way to go...but I am pleased with my progress so far and look forward to the future.  

Flower girl

Flower Girl

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

This little flower girl stole my heart!  She is adorable.  I love the soft wrinkles in her dress...the gentle way she is pulling at the material and her inquisitive look.

Sometimes I paint with a mission...I paint salutes, I paint military families.  When I create those pieces I want to tell a story that creates an awareness.  I want people to realize the sacrifices our military members and their families face for the love of country.  

With this piece, I still want to tell a story...it is just a story of a happy little girl at a beautiful wedding.  It is her chance to be a princess for a day.  As I said...she is adorable. 

Smoothie

Smoothie

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

Don't come between this child and his smoothie!  He was enjoying his delicious treat and was in no mood to share!  

While I am in transition...that is in the apartment before our home is ready to be moved into...I have a plein air easel in a corner so I can still work on some small works.  This is the first one to be done in my makeshift studio.  This is just for days I can't get out.  A dear friend has generously offered to let me use her studio while I am in the apartment.  Most days I travel to her place and paint.  It is not only nice to have a place to paint...but nice to have company for a change.  I am usually alone and I find having someone to bounce ideas off of is a nice change.  

Woman World War II Veteran - Honor Flight

World War II Veteran - Honor Flight

12 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$650

I am continuing my series of Honor Flight Veterans visiting the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC.  We are free because of these brave men and women.  Women WWII vets are hard to find.  As Honor Flights visit I look for women to include in my series.  I saw this woman in her group of Honor Flight vets and sought her out for a salute.  She was so surprised!  She is 94 years old and was thrilled to be included in the series.  I am thrilled to have her included...and I thank her and all the vets for their service.

Happy Fourth of July!  As we celebrate our independence I hope everyone will take a moment to honor the all veterans.

Military Salute - Rolling Thunder - Run to the Wall

Salute - Rolling Thunder 2015

14 x 11

Oil On Raymar Panel

NFS

I started this "Salute" Series featuring World War II veterans brought to the World War II memorial on Honor Flights.  Honoring World War II veterans is paramount to this series...but honoring all veterans is also important.  

During the 2015 Run to the Wall...Rolling Thunder... I decided to feature veterans participating in the ride.  Rolling Thunder rides across the United States on motorcycles culminating in a parade of motorcycles weaving through Washington DC and ending up at the Vietnam Memorial. It is an amazing sight.  My husband's cousin, Jeff, is a veteran of the US Navy and has participated in the ride for the last two years.  He is the featured veteran in this piece.  

Honor Fight Salute. World War II

Honor Flight Salute - World War II

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

Walking around the World War II memorial in Washington DC is always awe inspiring.  The thought of the war and what these courageous men and women endured is more than I can comprehend.  Honor Flights bring in veterans at no expense to the vet.  Volunteers make sure the vets can get around and see the memorial.  The ceremonies celebrating the men and women are so uplifting.  Swing Dancers join the celebration and make it feel like the 1940's again.  There are lots of smiles, lots of dancing, lots of memories.  

This veteran posed for me happily...he is so proud of his service to our country and so proud to be on this honor flight.  When I looked at the picture I noticed the words etched into the stone on the monument behind him:

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude.  American will never forget their sacrifices.            President Harry S. Truman

I thought those words were so poignant...so appropriate...and they say everything I want to say about this series.  

As our nation ages the veterans of World War II will no longer be with us.  I treasure every salute I can get from these fine men and women.  

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.