"African Marbles" - Acrylic on canvas

I started this painting over a year ago. My plan was to experiment with painting glass on this canvas, then paint a smaller version for a commissioned piece, if all went well. Michelle was planning on moving into an apartment with her good friend, Vicki, and asked if she could have the finished experimental painting to hang over their couch in the new apartment. I was tickled pink that she wanted one of my paintings, so I agreed. After I began the project, I became distracted from it, only to revisit it this November when Michelle asked me if I had finished it. She and Vicki had moved on to separate living situations, never hanging anything over their couch! This December, Michelle was moving into a new apartment with new living room furniture and requested the painting once more. So, I pulled out my original photo of the African Marbles only to complete my mission this time! My original photo was one I had taken at my brother in law's house when I saw the sun shining through the window onto these marvelous colors. African marbles are larger than our traditional marbles and sit in an ebony round tray with divits, sort of like chinese checkers. To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped back from the painting and said "I'm finished"!!!So, Happy new apartment, Michelle Louise! I am thrilled to see the painting hanging over your new couch in your new "adult" apartment! It pulls the room together nicely!

"Rio Grande Reeds" - oil on canvas

I had the pleasure of taking a "Jumpstart your Painting" weekend

class with Phillip Wade at AMOA this past weekend! What a learning

experience it was! This painting was done on the second day in a

2-3 hour time frame. I had never attempted water and reflection

before. After the 3 hour period was up, I was happy with my progress.I am not sure if I will "tweak" the painting at all.

This scene is from a photograph I took while rafting down the Rio Grande with DD near Terlingua. The golden colors of these reeds were absolutely brilliant! Neither the photo nor the painting does them justice!

Oil on canvas

11x14

"Zella"

12x12 oil on canvas

"Rose in Bloom" for Rosemary's 89th Birthday!

"Sport" and John at the Ranch

Acrylic on canvas

11" x 14"

December 2009

"Cleo"

12" x 12" oil on canvas

December 2009

In Progress: "Lake Travis Sunset"

Acrylic on 30x40 canvas

This is the largest canvas yet that I have commandered. The inspiration comes from a photo I took at sunset on the porch of the Iguana Grill in July 2007. The hues of oranges and pinks contrasting with the darkness of the foliage and blue shades of the evening clouds intrigues me. The image conjurs up the satisfying feeling of the day's accomplishments while welcoming a well deserved rest from the maddening pace of the world around us. To capture even a glimpse of this fleeting beauty and maintain that feeling is my goal!