"MORGAN SADDLE HORSE"   16" x 20"    Acrylic

Repeated efforts to upload the photo of the portrait of a horse have failed. The site is not allowing this photo to be displayed. I am continuing to work on options to be able to continue this blog and to display my paintings. Please bear with me. Thank you.

"OCEAN VIEW"   16" x 20"   Acrylic

 

 

Beach scenes usually convey the sandy stretch where water meets the shoreline, but this painting shows just before we descend to the shore. I liked the contrast of blues with with greens and chose to make 'blocks' of color to suggest a more abstract approach. Trying a different style is fun and a challenge.

"BIRCH MEDLEY"   12" x 24"   Acrylic

 

Folks have been asking for more paintings of birch trees. This one has a more stylized approach, particularly in the background, but it was fun to do. There seems no end to the varieties of spots on birch trees. They are as individual as fingerprints.

 

"DESERT PANORAMA"   18" x 24"   Acrylic

 

 

The Southwest has many opportunities to capture varied colors and subjects, and the drama of the setting changes depending on the time of day. This painting reflects a tinge of green by the new plants erupting after a recent rainstorm.

"PINE CREST"   16" x 20"   Acrylic

 

It was enjoyable to paint the attitude of this tree, silhouetted against the back-light of sunshine. The asymmetry is also a pleasure to enhance, since we see curves and bends and graceful figures throughout nature. I hope you enjoy.

 

"BLACK & WHITE & RED ALL OVER"   12" x 24"   Acrylic

Vertical paintings seem more dramatic and I chose this coloration to emphasize the drama in my entryway. I like primary colors, and what can be more primary than red and black and white? Okay, maybe a blue and yellow in their own areas, but I will save that for another painting. This being wintertime, there's a suggestion of snow on the ground, yet the warm reds above brighten the top. I'm still experimenting with abstracts, so you can make this painting whatever you will.

"CACTUS CONTRAST"   16" x 20"   Acrylic

 

The Southwest has a wide variety of cactus in their environment and landscaping. I was fascinated by the succulents and the length of thorns that supposedly protect the plant from being eaten by herbivores. This painting was fun to do with the complementary color of red earth beneath the green cactus. I learned not to brush too closely to an outstretched arm as I walked along the pathway.

 

"CASA LOMITA"   18" x 24" (each) or 36" x 48"   Acrylic

A large canvas was absent during the time I tried to cover a huge expanse of wall in the dining room, so I attempted a diptych in the hopes it would do-the-job. Many appreciate the architectural design of Spanish dwellings and I have a fondness for arches. The warm colors should project the climate where this building sets, and the flowering tree is only seasonal.

"LAKESIDE SERENITY"   12" x 16"   Acrylic

 

 

Pathways can be quite intriguing, making invitations to explore what is around-the-corner. This painting was started and stopped and started again after many interruptions in recent months. It was fun to make the contrast of rock and flora and water and sky, and I tried to use a bigger brush to accomplish my goal.

"A TREASURED EQUINE FRIEND"

We watched this filly being born soon after we moved to Idaho. She was the first foal on our horse ranch and she became a reliable and gentle steed. I enjoyed painting her 'portrait' and tried to capture the trust in her eyes.

"GARDEN PATH"   11 x 14  Acrylic

 

 

This painting has been displayed already, but because I gave it to a friend, I'm rejuvenated to show it again. I liked the slope of the garden and its variety of flowering plants contrasted with shrubs and rocks. We can imagine the song of the birds as we stroll the pathway. Admittedly I am not a fan of painting flowers and this one was a challenge.

"CALF EYES the WORLD"   12 x 16   Acrylic

A Hereford calf is appealing. He's still clean and curious and has none of that doldrum look that bovines are prone to inherit. There's still a world to explore, and he's already experienced some of the trials that life will offer, since he already received the sting of the tag-in-the-ear. Painting animal faces is fun and each one is different.

"BIRCHES in the FOREST EDGE"   12 x 24   Acrylic

 

There are many variations on birch trees and this one is rather moody. The surrounding forest provides a rainbow of color. It was fun to paint and I like the stark shadows on the trunks.

 

"A PAIR OF PEARS"   8 x 10   Acrylic

 

 

For a change of pace from recent paintings, a still life was refreshing to focus on specific details. I like the golden glow of color. The pears look to be almost ripe and ready-to-eat. The lone grape could be managed in one bite.

"RURAL ROUTE"   16 x 20   Acrylic

Anyone who has grown up on a farm remembers the excitement of running to the mailbox to see what the postal carrier brought. This painting reflects the days-gone-by of an old mailbox, some sagging fence-posts, and the typical red barn of the mid-West. I painted this on a slick surface and by the time it was completed, discovered that anything touching the finished painting would easily scratch off the acrylic. Ho-hum. We live and learn.

"SPRING RUN-OFF"   14 x 18   Acrylic

Many of us are attracted to waterfalls and the painting above is no exception. The splash of water and the cooling, moist breeze is refreshing, especially when we come upon this setting during a long hike. Water is a challenge to paint because of its changing qualities—reflective, splashing, rivulets, or vaporous essence. This was not an easy painting for me and I still see areas I might just touch up.

"A TREE WITH CHARACTER"   11 x 14   Acrylic

Early growth is important for all life to succeed. If someone or something gets stunted or pressed to meet impossible odds, the likelihood of a deformity or hindrance is most likely. Yet despite some odds, life struggles on and this tree is an example of still rising to the light. Although it could have succumbed in early life, the graceful arc of its trunk speaks of the wonders of determination. The afternoon sunshine captures the contrast of 'our' tree against the upright shapes of its neighbors.

"SPRING GARDEN"   8 x 10   Acrylic

 

 

This garden has been painted through several seasons, but Springtime is my favorite. Vibrant colors and a variety of plants add to the texture and appeal of the layout. A pleasing blend of water and rock, of trees and shrubs, provide harmony to the eye and help us to appreciate Nature and the Creator.

"FEATHERED VISITOR"   8 x 10   Acrylic

Birds can be magical in their flight, but when they come to sit near your window, it can be captivating. They have to be tough to weather the storms that hit the area, and certain kinds like to find shelter near the dwellings. This young bird was perky and diminutive. It was fun to paint him.

"THE GANG'S ALL HERE"    16" x 20"   Acrylic

I've returned to painting cows again. Puttering with the watercolors was a diversion, but I find enjoyment in reflecting personalities in the animal world. These guys are youngsters from a mixed herd who graze together. It won't be long before the heat of the summer dries up the grass. I kept a warm palette to suggest the area and season.

"TRANSITIONS"   4 3/4" x 6 1/2"   Watercolor

Watercolors provide unexpected results. It is fun to experiment with a wet canvas and gently mix colors. I had no intended object to present, but made just a few brushstrokes with the primary colors. Admittedly it is not spectacular, yet the abstract can suggest several possibilities for interpretation. What think ye?

"RISING TO THE LIGHT"   4 3/4" x 6 1/2"   Watercolor

Still experimenting with watercolors, the detail of salt added to a wet canvas adds interesting and unexpected results. The small marks could represent birds in flight or small fishes at a coral reef, or perhaps maple leaves tossed in the breeze. It's a bit of abstraction that I enjoy and love the bold colors expressed.

'READY TO POUNCE"   Acrylic   11 x 14

A sculpture of a stalking cougar inspired me to try the image in acrylics. I liked the fluid lines of the big cat, revealing how feline grace can be captured in almost every pose. It's a simple painting with bare essentials, but I wanted drama with the dark and light contrast.

"LAKE AT DAWN"   Watercolor   11 x 14

Experimenting with watercolor again, this scene reminds us of quiet times in nature. It's interesting to explore various medias and use different techniques. I followed the guidance of a good teacher and she helped during several difficult points before completing this illustration. Does a painter ever feel they are "done"? Maybe we look at our work too analytically, yet we keep on trying to portray the beauty of nature or a subject in the hopes of expressing how it moves us.

"MEDITATION POINT"   30" x 15"   Acrylic

The scene depicted is a favorite spot during warm summer days. My campsite is just up the hill, and this area was a favorite during early morning and at dusk. As the sun moved to the west, the shadows would shift and create a varying drama. This is a larger painting and I spent considerable time reworking the play of shadow on rock and sand.

"ABSTRACT MUSICIANS"   11 x 14   Acrylic

Continuing on the experimental stage, I decided to try larger block figures and shapes. This is not my usual style and I wanted to make the painting reminiscent of a stained glass window. Over forty years ago I made a needlepoint wall hanging with these same images, but with more detail in the blocking and color shading. Now I'm ready to move back to "realistic" artwork.

"ABSTRACT PRIMARIES"   10 x 10   Watercolor

Experimenting with new techniques led me to explore a watercolor approach. Using wet-on-wet, the colors blended in selected areas. Sprinkling salt on the wet surface allowed some star shapes and maple-leaf shapes to add a touch of texture. This was a new experiment for me, but the tried-and-true watercolorists know all about this as only one approach. Doing this reminded me of my finger-painting days of kindergarten—fun!

"JEWEL LEAVES"   11 X 14   Acrylic

A friend had a painting similar to this, so I am trying something new. It was a quite different approach and began with a black canvas. This technique felt unfamiliar, but it was fun to try something different. The contrast is nice with darks and lights and colors.

"DANIEL in the LIONS' DEN"   16 x 20   Acrylic

 

 

The sixth chapter of the book of Daniel in the Bible records the drama of Daniel being thrown into the lions' den as punishment for something his enemies schemed to betray him. Put yourself in Daniel's shoes and consider what thoughts might be going through your mind as you face these beasts. Daniel trusted God to protect him and that is what happened. It was a testimony not only to his generation but to all the generations since then. This was a fun painting to portray (since it had drama and animal's faces with different expressions). There's a contrast of textures, colors, and shapes. 

"ZEBRA STRIPES"   8 x 10   Acrylic

Patterns of the zebra are as varied and unique as our fingerprints. It's no wonder their camouflage tends to confuse the predators. I am continuing the theme begun some months ago in making a selection of various zebras with the distinctive markings display. Several coats of paint are applied in each negative space by switching from white to black to white to black, etc.

"COW PAUSE"   12 x 16   Acrylic

 

Folks have been requesting additional cow paintings, so I selected this Hereford to add to the collection. The white face allows easier display of expression. The view is from ground-level as she stands on the hillside. I have fond memories of the Hereford calves I used to bottle-feed.

 

"EQUINE PROFILE"   8 x 10   Acrylic

 

This was a fun painting, making a profile close up of a young filly. Horses have expressive eyes, which adds to how they communicate with us via their ears or arch of the neck or flare of the nostrils. I chose a more intimate approach by zeroing in on the eyes. I hope you enjoy it.

 

"WHISPERING SWEET NOTHINGS"   12 x 16   Acrylic

Cows are interesting creatures. They show preferences and emotions. This was a fun painting to do since they can also display facial expressions that we humans might identify with. I might tinker with the middle ground to lighten the values a bit, and there's a fellow up the road who has requested more "cow paintings" to add to his collection.

"AUTUMN COLORS"   16 X 20   Acrylic

Fall colors can be seen in nature everywhere, even in California. I submit this photo at this time because I am encouraged to see the followers to my website. It is time to paint again for me after a summer of other activities. For upcoming paintings, I hope to incorporate some new techniques and present a variety of themes. Thank you for staying with me.

"HORSEHEAD'   Pen and Ink

I am taking a break from painting this summer and want to leave an earlier rendering of a horsehead I did many years ago. Sketching was my preferred method of art-work until more recently I experimented with color. So although my website is intended to explore Color more fully, the black and white sketch will hold the place until I can enter another painting in the Fall. Thank you for your visits to my site.

"INLET FOG"    12 x 16   Acrylic

Here is another 'rediscovered' old painting from earlier years. It speaks of northern climes and cooler weather, and is welcome during the hot days of summertime. The painting portrays a familiar area in Scandinavia and, for me, was an exercise in getting acquainted with the fluidity of acrylics.

"BIRCH MEDLEY"   Acrylic   12 x 24

 

 

There is a demand for birch tree paintings in my area, so I am repeating a new version of a familiar duo I've painted before. The contrast in colors and the white bark of the trees make for a colorful scene. Despite having painted a pair of birch trees in the past, no two paintings are alike and each has its own individuality.

"POSTER OF SWITZERLAND"  12 x 16    Acrylic

 

 

The Luzern painting was rediscovered as I was inventorying my works from earlier years. It's a copy from a poster I saw long ago, and I wanted to attempt the poster-effect. Exploring the medium of acrylic, I learned a few things in doing this painting, but for now, the simplistic approach is a contrast to my more recent realistic pieces.

"POPPY FIELD" REVISITED   Acrylic    11 x 14

A few added touches of color spruced up a painting I did this past season. The setting appeals to me and there are many variations in how the scene could have been expressed. But it is mid-summer and I like the divisions of meadow as it meets the tree-line. Maybe in the future I'll add a few cows or sheep, but for now it will suffice.

"CALMING THE JITTERS"   Acrylic    16 x 20

Attitude is important in people and animals. This trainer is working with a young horse who spooks easily and is uncertain about the new activity in an arena. I wanted to commemorate the special bond we have with animals and how our influence can either calm or excite our friends of another species. There were many challenges in this composition and I worked it over a period of several days.