New Post

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything. I decided I should whether I have anything to show or not. I did finish a landscape a month ago or so, just don't have a photo of it yet. After painting it, it went straight to the Harbor for exhibiting and for sale. Since then, I've been working on a commission of pencil/pen. It will be a 24" x 30" of a montage of vacation spots. I've done the thumbnail and the tight pencil rendering. Now, I'm working on the original piece. It is a montage of the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House in Australia, the Arch De Triumph and the Big Bend clock. It's been very tedious but I'm really pleased about how it's coming along. When it's finished I'll post it.

I trust everyone is having a beautiful winter and holiday season. I am! Until my next post, in the case that I don't post again until next year...have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Very Berry

My kitchen painting is finished! Strawberries and blueberries are the theme. Very Berry is 12" x 16", painted in oil and a little looser. I love the loose look and am attempting to actually loosen up, little by little. It's taking me a while to get the tightness out of my head.


I have no room in my studio for props so I usually set something up in another room and take photo shoots. Then I paint from the photo reference of choice. Sometimes the prop will stay until the painting is well on it's way and I feel comfortable enough to take it down. In the reference the background of this one was gray and I changed it to the light greens. I hope you like it.

I'll be starting back to work in about a week, so paintings won't be finished as fast as they were during the summer. Painting this summer has been a joy. I'll miss all my free time to do so, but I plan on keepin' on, keepin' on.

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." Matthew 15:7-11

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Pretty Daisy

One of my favorite flowers is the daisy...so I couldn't resist this one. It's on a 16" x 20" canvas and in oil. I hope you enjoy it...I do, a lot.

In case some of you might stop in at the Hilton, the decision was made to take my portraits down because "they don't sell". The reason I'm painting still lifes and anything else, is to replace the portraits I brought home. I'm working on getting them finished and hung before the reception which will be the third or fourth week in August. This one is #2...one more to go!

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Country Rose

Here is a new still-life. It's 24" x 18" in oil and I've named it Country Rose. No story behind it...just something I put together. Hope you enjoy!

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Free to be Me

I am eager to present to you a painting of my lovely granddaughter, Lauren. I named it Free to be Me, as she is such a charming and beautiful young lady inside as well as on the outside. The title, Free to be Me, actually was the theme at the last Ladies of Honor camp, a powerful ministry for young people that our daughter and son-in-law are founders of (you can read more about that ministry on their website listed under the Other Links of Interest). When I was thinking about what to name the painting it just kinda' stuck because of Lauren's sweet and vivacious spirit.

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The painting is 14" x 11" and is in oil.

Today, Wednesday the 8th of July, is her 17th birthday.

"Happy, happy birthday, Lauren! We love you very much!"

G'ma Candy and G'pa R A

Little Boy Blue

At the beginning of this last painting class, we were required to bring a photo of our choice. There were certain conditions due to the lighting and such. It was becoming a challenge for me to find one and a dear friend, Johnny Gomez, left an envelope on my front porch just a couple of days before the class. I wouldn't have found it that evening, except for walking out to view something in the daylight light.

When I opened it I found the photo of this adorable little boy. Johnny said it was one he saved many years ago (dated 1952) thinking he might paint it some day...and just never have. Immediately, I knew it was the one I needed to paint for this class.

It was funny, in the beginning stages, when I started on it and he had dark all around him with dark eyes. My instructor told me the students in his other classes were complaining because he looked so scary. They were asking to turn him around to face the wall and named him Rosemary's Baby. I have to admit...he was pretty scary looking!

When our class was over, a little more modeling and a lot more detail needed, yet, to be done. With much going back and forth with R A and Johnny's wonderful guidance and advice, and some prayer, I've finished Little Boy Blue. The medium is oil and he is on a 20" x 16" canvas. He can be enlarged by clicking him. Enjoy!

Little Boy Blue,

Come blow your horn,

The sheep's in the meadow,

The cow's in the corn;

Where is that boy

Who looks after the sheep?

Under the haystack

Fast asleep.

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Rita

Okay! I'm back. I bet you were wondering... I was too, there for a while. I was in a place where expanding and developing my painting efforts was highly desired and very much needed. I am still so very far from having arrived, but am making progress. I finished Rita (below, 14"x11" oil on canvas)! Two more are in process and I will post them as I finish...then off to doing more! It's amazing what a class or workshop can do for you. I feel refreshed and renewed in my painting skills! Let me know what you think.




Have a blessed and happy Summer!

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A Great Weekend

I had a three-day weekend and have really been blessed! I started another new painting, joined Facebook and got out in the sun for a walk (two days in a roll...which is great for me!). I pulled some weeds, and picked and ate some wonderfully sweet strawberries that are growing through the fence from one of my neighbors (love 'em!). R A and I got out and trimmed our trees, too.

I've never been much of a yard person, but my doctor just told me I am low on vitamin D...so I guess I'll start getting out more. I have to admit, I've been feeling much better since I've started.

Well, here is a copy of the still-life I did yesterday and today. It is a 5" x 7" and named The Yellow Squash. I've attempted to paint looser. It probably isn't quite as loose as it should be, yet...I'll keep trying. I will, also, have to learn how to do the beautiful texture that I see in so many fabulous paintings. Feel free to comment, below.

Facebook has been a lot of fun, so far. I can see why people say it can be addicting. I'm having to pull myself away so I can get other things done. It's been so much fun connecting with some of my favorite people. R A isn't for it because of the report on the news about how Facebook appears to be claiming the rights to any content posted. In their new Terms of Service they say that they can do anything they want with our content, forever. Well, I think I'll go ahead and use it. Just so you know, you won't see any of my artwork there. I've posted my blog address so you will still have access.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!


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New Landscape

I started a portrait that just wasn't going right and decided I would have to wait and think about it a little longer. My husband has been after me about painting these hay bails. Out of shear desperation of needing to paint something, I decided to do it on an 11" x 14" canvas and named it Hay Field. So, I started it last night and finished it early this morning. The two reference photos are posted for viewing, as well. The colors on this photo, of course, aren't true to the painting. I Enhanced the photo to match it as close as I could.

I attempted to use larger brushes with this one in order to keep it looser. I hope I did okay...please let me know what you think by clicking the comment link, below. I'm going to try another still life to practice with and, then, eventually get back to the portrait when I am feeling a little more comfortable with loosening up a bit.

Susan Carlin has me mesmerized with her beautiful portraits and amazing painting techniques. She is on Ustream Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. if anyone would like to tune in. It would be worth your time! I will be watching and learning as often as I possibly can.

I had an opportunity to visit the Creative Arts Center in Dallas last Saturday and am excited about beginning an oil painting class there in May with Dave Kramer. He is an award-winning portrait artist who has done numerous illustrations for books, as well. While my husband and I were there, today, waiting to pay for the class, Mr. Kramer invited us in to sit while he illustrated a painting for the current class he is teaching, now. He seems to be very easy going and with lots of grace. That is very comforting as he will probably need it with me!

Be blessed and enjoy the spring flowers!

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Favorite Artists to Share with You

I've been thinking about sharing a couple of my favorite artists with you. I am not finished with the project I'm working on and since I don't have anything to show of my own, this post would be a great opportunity to do so.

One, has not only gained my respect as an artist, but she has been an inspiration for a long time...in fact, all my life. She is my very special and much loved, Momma, Beulah (Bee), (left). These photos are from the early 70's. Look closely and you can see part of two of her other paintings in this photo, the tree foliage on the left, above the fireplace and the Santa (painted on black velvet) on the right.

Mom and Dad are living in a small community in Kansas. They both love the Lord and are where they are supposed to be. Although, to have them move to Texas in order that we could be together more would be a dream-come-true. I would love to be able to spend more time with them.

When I was growing up, my Daddy, Richard (above), would paint cartoons with markers. He loved painting the Wile E. Coyote. It was quite often we'd, also, see him with a piece of wood and a knife, carving all kinds of little figurines and animals. Dad is quite gifted and loves animals.

It's been a real honor and blessing to be their daughter. I really didn't appreciate their work until I began to paint, myself, just a few years ago...and, now, I am amazed every time I look at what Mom's done and at how good she is. Maybe, one day I can reach the level of her style and expertise. I would love to share more of her work and will probably do that in the future. I am including only a couple of my favorites and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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Hilton Bella Harbor Entry

Below is a copy of my new art piece that is hanging at the Fine Art Gallery in The Hilton Bella Harbor, Rockwall, Texas. Reflections is an 18" x 25" oil on canvas, in a red floater frame, in the hall on the right before you get to the gallery. It will be there until March 29th, so next time you are at the Harbor, stop in, check it out and enjoy looking at all the other artworks. There are 48 artists who participated this time. If you want a catalog, I understand you can pick one up at the desk.

The story behind Reflections is...not really a story. The marbles were handed down to R A, my husband, from his Grandfather, R L Whately. So, with R A being in his 60's, they must be, at least, 100 years old. The jar they are in looks like an old medicine jar to us. Of course, all you can see is the top rim. It really is a cool looking jar, so I included a photo of it with the marbles (right). If you look close, you can see the measurements.

I want to thank all of you who were able to come out to the reception on such a cold night. I understand there were over 300 who attended. I had the privilege of meeting a few of the other artists. One of them being a Contemporary Western Artist, Lyndon Gaither, www.lyndongaither.com. If you get a chance, check out his site. He has works, locally, at The Gaylord in Grapevine, The Cerulean Gallery in Dallas and Bluebonnet Art Gallery in Desoto.

If you haven't been yet, Two Oranges Under Cover is still hanging at Texas Roast in Rockwall. It will be there only until February 7th. Texas Roast is located on Ridge Road, north of IH 30. They are a coffee house similar to Starbucks and make a really good blueberry muffin. Enjoy!

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