Paint Brush

Recent Work

2011-10-12T16:15:00.001-07:00

Bubbling Up, 24"x36", oil on linen, $855

Water fascinates me and the challenge of capturing a figure in the water was just irresistible. I hope to do a series of these.

Summer Breeze, Bailey Island, 24"x24", oil on canvas, $660

I spent a week painting on Bailey Island in Maine. What an inspiration! Water, rocky coast lines, ocean views and beautiful houses everywhere. It was a magnificent painting experience.

Before the Storm, 10"x20", oil on canvas, $460

After a beautiful morning painting on Bailey Island, the storm clouds began to move in. I just loved the colors the sky created and the lovely house on the island off the rocky coast.

Overlook, Bailey Island, 12"x6", oil on canvas, $230

The tip of Bailey Island in June with the spring flowers still in bloom, a house at the island's end and a lighthouse in the distance. What a day!

Splash, 12"x4", oil on canvas, $175

Gotta love that Maine coastline!

Low Tide, Early Morning, 8"x6", oil on canvas, $140

A quick gesture painting of the early Maine morning with the light just touching the rocks and the lovely morning sky.

Blue of the Eastern Shore, 18"x24", oil on canvas, $585

This scene just screamed paint me. So I did.

The Goat who Stares at Men, 10"x10", oil on canvas, $325

Goats have such expressive faces...I just had to paint this one.

Sun streams through the wood, upon a winter's morn, 20"x20", oil on canvas, $540

The light on the snow, the rocks peeking through, the babbling brook, and the winter trees all created a color harmony I really wanted to capture.

Spring's in Bloom, 12"x24", oil on canvas, $500

The tulips and ornamental Japanese maples create such a colorful, yet peaceful spring setting.

Gathering of the Clan, 20"x30", oil on canvas, $675

While taking an evening stroll, I came upon a beautiful, magenta sunset that added color to the whole scene.

Red Hot Summer, 12"x24", oil on canvas, $500

Another beautiful day along a country road in the mountains of Virginia.

Bridge Over the Basin, 14"x10", oil on canvas, $290

A lazy, hazy summer morning and the light just seemed to be dancing over the bridge, the marshes and the water.

Sun and Shadows, 12"x9", oil on canvas, $275

Back lighting creates such beautiful contrasts. The magic moment seemed perfect for quick gestures.

Red, Red, Red, 16"x48", oil on canvas, $875

Red barns against lots of green, purple mountains and a gorgeous summer day. What's not to like?

The Basin, 18"x14", oil on canvas, $385

I'm always attracted to vistas with water, land and beautiful horizons.

Chocoholic's Dream, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120

Just can't resist painting cupcakes...they are so much fun!

Lemon Delight, 6"x 6", oil on canvas, $120

Fun with Cupcakes

2009-05-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ladybug, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120 SOLD

Lately I've been having fun creating mouth watering cupcakes. It's amazing how many varieties and decorations you can create when you put your mind to it! Here are just a few.

Pretty in Pink, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120 SOLD

Peachy, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120 SOLD

Chocolate Temptation, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120 SOLD

Down to the Wire

2008-12-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

I just have another day or so to finish everything up. I will try to get the last of them up before Saturday, but I may run out of time. Hope you enjoy these.

Glorious Ginkos, 6"x12", oil on canvas, $135 SOLD

When the ginko tress change in the fall the yellow leaves seem to literally glow. Floyd Avenue in the Fan is just a vision of bright yellow, so I had to sit out there and capture these.

Camellias at Night, 12"x12", oil on canvas, $340

This was inspired by the first time I saw a camellia in bloom. It was a late at night, very cold for March, and snow started to fall...an unusual event for Richmond. Being the snow loving northerner that I am, I ran out to enjoy the snow and was overwhelmed by the camellias in bloom. I just had to paint the beautiful blossoms.

Approaching Dusk, 20"x10", oil on canvas, $430 ($475 framed in black)

The end of a beautiful day in the mountains and the colors in the trees as the sun began to set inspired me to paint this scene.

Yellow Canna, 12"x12", oil on canvas, $340

These flowers were so gorgeous in the garden, I had to try and capture their beauty.

Dusk in the Garden, 8"x16", oil on canvas, Available at Crossroads Gallery

The brilliant roses against the approaching darkness made them almost glow...it was definitely worth trying to capture that moment.

Perfect Summer Afternoon, 20"x10", oil on canvas, $430 SOLD

A gorgeous blue sky, puffy clouds, opens fields with the trees and mountains in the background...I had to fight the heat and the bugs to try to paint it!

Some of the last Paintings

2008-12-01T14:49:00.000-08:00

Here's some of the last few...I will add just a few more tomorrow. Enjoy!

Pigs Can Swim Too, 7"x5", oil on canvas board, $115 SOLD

I took a photo of this scene somewhere out on Long Island, more years ago then I care to remember. I've always wanted to paint it and I finally have at least done a small study. I was so attracted to the intensity of the piglets swimming along.

Morning Trees, 8"x6", oil on canvas board, $140

I love the way morning light completely changes the colors of the landscape. Bluish, purple trees and the yellow green of the swamp...irresistible!

Leftover Mushrooms, 17"x5", oil on canvas on wood, $190 SOLD

Okay, so the mushrooms didn't make it into the Thanksgiving gravy, but they were sure fun to paint!

Stretch, 6"x12", oil on canvas, $165 SOLD

I couldn't resist another giraffe...they are truly odd and mysterious creatures.

The Basin II, 8"x6", oil on canvas board, $135 SOLD

I did several studies of this basin in the Carolinas.

Stormy Day on the Lake, 10"x8", oil on canvas panel, $195

Another challenging day outside in the park. I just never knew what I would be painting next!

Hydrangea in a Pot, 12"x16", oil on canvas, $400

Blue Hydrangea in a pot wrapped in blue...a fun challenge.

Dad's Last Christmas, 24"x48", oil on canvas, $2500 SOLD

My Dad demanded we all come for Christmas in 2002, claiming this would be his last Christmas. We all agreed, arriving from different states across the country. Christmas afternoon the snow began to fall. When the snow finally stopped the next morning, this was the view off the back of the house. Untouched, pristine and gorgeous. As it turned out, it was Dad's last Christmas, He died the next year just before Christmas at 93 and a half...a wonderful and blessed long life.

Cows and Skies and other Surprises

2008-11-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

A few more, large and small...

Morning on the Lake II, 28"x22", oil on canvas. $750

I painted this larger version of Morning on the Lake in the studio from my small plein air painting. It's always a challenge to capture the moment i a larger painting. I used a palette knife to keep the color in the clouds fresh.

Morning Grazing, 8"x6", oil on canvas board. $140

A gorgeous morning in the mountains with the light just hitting the grass and the cows silhouetted as they grazed peacefully, oblivious to any human interruption.

Face Off, 10"x8", oil on canvas, $195 SOLD

I was obviously on their territory and their posture made that very clear!

Onion, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120

I didn't need it for Thanksgiving dinner, so I painted it instead!

A Few Larger Paintings

2008-11-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, I don't always paint small...just when I'm painting outdoors or getting ready for a small works show. Here's a few of my larger paintings.

Blue Barns, 24"x18", oil on canvas, $675 ($750 framed in black)

This painting began as a single barn and was true to the landscape in front of me. But when it was finished, I noticed that the painting had somehow ended up looking like three very boring, horizontal stripes. So I let my imagination take over and was much happier with the end result.

Four of a Kind, 30"x15", oil on canvas, $700 ($770 framed in black) SOLD

Who knew someone who has spent most of her adult life in New York City would love painting cows? There's just something about them that makes me so attracted to painting them.

Summer Harvest, 28"x22", oil on canvas, $850 ($925 framed in black)

A gorgeous summer day with the rolling hills of Bath County covered in hay bales...more than I could resist!

Three Amigos, triptych, 10"x20" each, oil on canvas (framed separately), $1160 for 3 ($430 each) SOLD

I was inspired to paint this triptych by the gorgeous, delicate flowers in the Conservatory at the botanical gardens and a room filled with the flowers and exotic butterflies. The lovely shapes created by the light coming through the glass dome made it a perfect subject.

Dance of the Coy, triptych, 80"x20", oil on canvas, $3000

I was inspired to paint this triptych by koi swimming around in a feeding frenzy at Maymont. They brought to mind such wonderful memories from childhood...the gorgeous koi that inhabited the lake behind our home that Dad would catch every summer for our large fish pond and release back into the lake in the fall. The triptych has 20"x20" panels on each side, with a center panel measuring 40"x20". It is framed as one piece.

A few more Paintings...some still wet

2008-11-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Just a few new ones before I head off to the framer and get back to my easel.

House in the Style of Hopper, 8"x8", oil on canvas, $145 SOLD
This wonderful building sits in the middle of all the construction around the museum. Every time I see pass by, it reminds me of so many of the homes that Edward Hopper painted. I just had to give it a try.

Square Barn, 12"x12", oil on canvas, $340
A lovely little square white barn, sitting in the middle of nowhere!

Garlic, 5"x7", oil on canvas, $115 SOLD
When I'm looking for new things to paint, I can always raid the refrigerator.

Garlic II, 6"x6", oil on canvas, $120 SOLD
The many colors of white...exaggerated!

Pears, 5"x7", oil on canvas, $115
Not your everyday green pear for me!

Jar of Capers, 5"x 5", oil on canvas, $90 SOLD
I saw this cute little jar of small Spanish capers in the refrigerator and couldn't resist painting them.

In the Kitchen, 14"x11", oil on canvas, $335
The things of everyday life.

Eastern Shore, 8"x10", oil on canvas, $195 SOLD
I love the combination of water, trees and swampland. It always provides great compositions.

The Basin III, 18"x14", oil on canvas, $550
Again, the combination of water, trees and swampland. This one's in the Carolinas.

Knotweed, 8"x8", oil on canvas, $145 SOLD
I saw this plant while painting at the botanical gardens. It tripled in size within a week. I wonder if it's name partly comes from the fact that it seems to grow like a weed and pop up everywhere? I was attracted by the brilliant pink color and the bamboo like stem.

Red Roses and Oranges, 12"x12", oil on canvas, $340 SOLD
One of my favorite color palettes...red and orange. What's not to like?

Rockin' Shadows, 9"x12", oil on canvas. $295 SOLD
I stepped out on the porch after breakfast and couldn't resist the wonderful shadows under the red rocker. I didn't know how hard all those shadows would be to capture!

Snow in Byrd Park, 6"x12", oil on canvas, $165
It doesn't snow as much in Virginia as it did up north. Whenever it does, I run outside. It must be the inner child in me.

More Landscapes

2008-11-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some more small landscapes. Enjoy!! I'll be adding more, so stay tuned.

Fall Sunday in Byrd Park, oil on canvas, 5"x7" $115

There's nothing like a beautiful sky on to make a fall Sunday just
perfect for painting outside.

Afternoon from the Porch, oil on canvas, 6"x6" SOLD

Rain was coming fast so I tried to just capture the moment quickly!

Just Before the Rain II, oil on canvas, 7"x5", $115

Rain is always in the picture if you spend a lot of times painting outside.
It can come up quickly, even when the day starts out perfect!

Lake Taos Mountains, oil on canvas, 5"x7", $115

I was lucky enough to spend a week painting in a workshop at Lake Taos. What a divine place to paint!

Mountain above Lake Taos, oil on canvas, 7"x5", $115

Morning in the Mountains, oil on canvas, 16"x8", $285

Mist in the morning coming down the mountains of Bath County and the first hay bales of the summer. What could be better?

Morning Shadows, oil on canvas, 20"x10", $430

Another perfect morning painting in the mountains. Driving around looking for inspiration, I spotted the long shadows from these trees with the fields and mountains in the background.

On the Lake, oil on canvas, 8"x6", $135

A day when the sky changed every 5 minutes. It made for great challenges, but some very interesting paintings.

Perfect Sunday Morning, oil on canvas panel, 8"x6", $140

Blue sky, puffy clouds and fall colors starting to pop out made painting on the lake a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning.

From the Garden

2008-11-22T11:59:00.001-08:00

I try to plant a lot of flowers in my garden so I can use them as inspiration for some small paintings. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tiger Lilies, oil on canvas, 6"x6" $120

Purple Irises, oil on canvas, 6"x6" $120

Yellow Calla Lilies, oil on canvas, 6"x6" SOLD

Red Geraniums, oil on canvas, 6"x6" $120 SOLD

Cosmos, oil on canvas, 6"x6" $120 SOLD

Red Tulip, oil on tile, 4"x4" $75 SOLD

Great for a coaster or it can be mounted and hung in a kitchen or bathroom!

Red Leaf, oil on canvas, 5"x5" $90

If I have to rake them, I'm probably going to paint them too!

First Preview of Paintings

2008-11-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Here are the first paintings that will be a part of the Holiday Celebration. Enjoy browsing through them and stay tuned for more!

Red Barns of Bath, oil on canvas, 24" x 8", $400 SOLD

This was painted on a beautiful summer morning in the mountains. The red barns screamed paint me!

Okracoke Swamp, oil on canvas, 16" x 8", $325

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are truly God's country and one of my favorite places to visit. The views are breath taking and it's hard to really do them justice. I just keep trying.

The River Bend, oil on canvas, 14" x 11", $375

This view of the James River in Richmond is where it got it's name. From the top of Church Hill, it reminded the settlers of Jamestown of the Thames River. They wasted no time naming the river and claiming it for their king, James I. The tobacco once grown by the Indians to honor the river was soon grown and transported to London for great profit.

Hay Bales, oil on canvas, 8" x 6", $135

I find hay bales a fascinating subject and a constant challenge to paint.

Last Morning at Nimrod, oil on canvas, 10" x 8", $195

I spend a week every summer at an artists' camp in Bath County called Nimrod. It used to be a girls and boys camp many moons ago, but was turned into an artists and writers retreat over 20 years ago. Great food, great company, long days and lots and lots to paint.

Morning Walk, oil on canvas, 12" x 9", $240 SOLD

There are lots of cows around Bath County and nearby Rockbridge. They are a constant source of entertainment and they're always fascinating subjects to paint.

Just Before the Rain, oil on canvas panel, 6" x 8", $135 SOLD

A beautiful fall Sunday suddenly turns dark. The dark sky made this autumn tree seem to glow. I had to work quickly before the wind and the rain threatened to ruin everything.

Cappuccino, anyone? oil on canvas panel, 8" x 6", $135

Dinner with Mom and my 3 sisters always ends with cappuccino...our version of dessert. The cappuccino is served with brown sugar rock candy sticks for a touch of sweetness. (Not to mention a plate of chocolate cookies.) I grabbed the unused sticks and brought them home to do this painting.

Storm Clouds on the Lake, oil on canvas, 9" x 12", $240

I am fascinated by skies and clouds. I'm constantly stopping the car and taking photos of beautiful skies. This often means it takes me a lot longer to get from point A to point B, but it's worth the extra time. I literally have hundreds of photos of skies to inspire my paintings.

Long Shadows, oil on canvas panel, 7" x 5" , $115 SOLD

The end of October and it's 90 degrees outside? It made for a fantastic day to paint and lots of lovely, long shadows.

Sunday at the Botanical Gardens, oil on canvas , 12" x 6", $165 SOLD

The height of fall and a perfect Sunday...what better way to spend it than painting outside with a friend? The full glory of fall surrounded the lake and the gazebo. I was inspired!

Lunchtime, oil on canvas, 8" x 8" , $145 SOLD

I have always found giraffes unusual creatures. In Niger, this endangered species lives right among the villagers, and not in protected sanctuaries as they do in much of the rest of Africa The locals say they bring great happiness. Perhaps this little painting will bring happiness to a special someone.

Morning on the Lake, oil on canvas panel, 7" x 5", available at GlaveKocen Gallery

A day where the weather was in constant flux made for a challenging day of painting. I had to memorize the sky that intrigued me, because if I looked away for a moment, it was completely different when I looked back. But I have always loved a challenge!

In the Field, oil on canvas, 6" x 6", $120

Another morning in the mountains and the challenge of those hay bales! Not to mention a glorious sky as a perfect backdrop to the mountains.

The Big Holiday Celebration and Art Show is December 7th, 2-6 pm!

2008-11-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

I am painting every day, getting ready for a holiday celebration and art show. I think the smell of wet paint is beginning to go to my head. But that can only make my work better, right? I will be posting my paintings as I finish them so you can get a sneak preview of some of the work that will be hanging on the walls on December 7th. Most of my oil paintings will be smaller in size...perfectly affordable for a holiday gift for someone special or for yourself. Of course, I can always be commissioned to paint a specific subject or size painting just for you.

Mary Melton, Bob Fleischman and Donald Schrader will be sharing the day with me. Mary will be showing art using a variety of media...collage, encaustic, watercolor and monotype. Bob will be sharing his stained glass vision of the world. And Donald will display oil paintings with a decidedly Renaissance slant. So enjoy your visit and check back for new paintings as I add them to my blog.