Sunny's Studio

And the winners are...

2011-12-16T20:54:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to;

Claire Beaden Carnell of http://clairebcarnell.blogspot.com/

Cindy C.

and Susan of http://penlesswriter.blogspot.com/!

Please send your address to sunnybrookdotsevenatgmaildotcom. And I will get the packages right out to you.

P.s. in the email address please use the numeral for the number and a . for dot. Keeps down computer generated spam!

P.s.s. for those that have been following, mom is doing well and should be out of the hospital tomorrow.

Christmas Scents, Scenes and Sounds # 4

2011-12-09T21:20:00.013-06:00

This painting is not from any photo, but just from what I pulled from my memories, as are all the rest of this series. I took several different pictures of this painting trying to get one without glare from the wet paint.

What scents, sounds or memories does this painting bring to your mind? I remember as a child, taking part in the Christmas programs at church , and later on as an adult, helping children learn their parts in the Christmas programs.

(closer up, but a little fuzzy)

"The Reason for the Season"
Oil on 3 x 4 mini stretched canvas

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for my

Christmas give away!

Christmas Scents, Scenes and Sounds

2011-12-08T00:22:00.011-06:00

Christmas Painting #3

Oh this is fun! Remember the distinct sounds of bells... and the song about.......

"Silver Bells"

3 x 5 Oil on stretched canvas

Don't forget to leave your comments to be entered in the give-away!

Read about it ~here~

You may leave a comment on each Christmas painting post to be eligible,

and each time you comment puts your name in the "hat" again.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Painting Challenge for Me and a Gift for One of YOU!

2011-12-07T18:13:00.007-06:00

I started a new simple series of small paintings called

"Christmas Scents, Scenes and Sounds"

I don't know how many I'll get done before next Tuesday, but I am challenging myself. There are 2 posted now and hope to get several more added. Check it out if you have time and want to see them.

I will be giving one away for Christmas.
The plan is to draw a name from all the comments posted on the

Christmas paintings.

If you comment more than once, your name will go in as many times as you comment. The drawing will be on

Dec 15th.

My daughter will be here to do the drawing. She will notify the winner and you can send your address to my email. She will get it mailed out to you. This helps me, as well as gifting someone else, because it gives me a reason to paint.
So keep checking back... this should be fun!

Christmas-y Stuff

2011-12-06T20:24:00.004-06:00

Christmas painting #2

This is one of the many old-timey ornaments I have made. I love the smell of cinnamon and spices along with the evergreen scent of real pine trees, and the highlights from the white twinkle lights.

"Cinnamon-Stick Bundles"

5 x 7 Oil on canvas board

A 20 Min Exercise ... Christmas Painting #1

2011-12-06T10:54:00.008-06:00

I have been disappointed with my painting lately, to the extent of just burning some partially finished works. They made good, but expensive heat in the wood-stove. (sigh)I knew in order to keep from being totally discouraged I had to keep painting, even if it was a small one.

I relate this time in my life to being in a snow storm right now, but the light of Christ will bring me through.

"For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him"

Matt. 2:2

3" x 4 1/2" Oil on stretched canvas

Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll!

2011-11-23T10:16:00.007-06:00

.... just something different yesterday,

resulted in......

"Now, children......"

8' x 10" oil on canvas panel

(available)

My "Happy Thanksgiving Day" card

to all of you!

Late Summer Painting Finished - Energy Lake II

2011-11-22T10:21:00.004-06:00

I had started this painting on site late in August, but was not able to finish at the time. I love this peaceful lake and campground at GoldenPond , KY. It has been sitting in my studio ever since and beckons me whenever I go there. So here it is finished.

"Memories"

11" x 14" Oil on canvas panel

(Close-up) I actually almost like this section of it better than the full painting. I love painting the different textures of tree bark.

Still here .....

2011-10-29T08:20:00.002-05:00

..... but haven't had time to do much painting for a while and its taking its toll in the way of fullfilling who I am. Life must be lived one day to the next and family is soooo very important.

Although I carry my paint supplies with me the weather was cold and rainy almost everyday I was in PA, and only half finished one plein air painting.. Not even post-able... you wouldn't recognize it, lol!

I have one more excursion to take; to TX for a week to attend my youngest daughter's wedding. and hope to get a day's painting in there at White Lake near Dallas, but not holding my breathe. After that it should be my painting time again. I have 2 unfinished and 3 in my head that I am just aching to do.

Meanwhile I have tried to catch up on some of your painting blogs and am finding some fascinating works! I don't have internet on the road so its tough to keep up, but maybe I can catch up on the rest soon.

Till then, keep those brushes wet, or whatever else inspires you, and be blessed today. Oh yes, and bless someone else while you can! Life is short....

A Plein Air Painting

2011-09-02T08:02:00.004-05:00

"Energy Lake"

Golden Pond, KY

9 x 12 Oil on canvas plein air

I took a short practice run in my (new to me)rv last weekend to a spot at Land Between the Lakes, KY. I enjoyed getting out and painting. It was a very quiet, peaceful place, and soothing to be near the water. This painting was completed on site. I have another that I got about 3/4 done, then accidently tipped over my thinner/brush cleaner and had to carry all my stuff back to camp. I will post that one when it is finished.

This painting will be hanging inside the gate-house at the entrance to the Energy Lake campground.

Early Summer Evening - Painting Again!

2011-07-15T10:43:00.009-05:00

Oh Joy! I finally am feeling free to paint again!

"Summer Kentucky Pond"

8 x 10 Oil on canvas - Plein Air

I am so thankful for the privilege to apply paint to canvas!

Monday evening I dropped everything and said to myself, "I've GOT to PAINT!"

I was a little afraid I could not do it, and sent up a quick prayer for help. A little over an hour later (and after being severly bitten up (what? no bug spray???? how could i forget that??) this is the resulting painting. Not great, but a start. No touch up, just strictly plein air.

I loved the old fence and neglected grapevines growing on the right, the path back through to the pond, and the lowering sun casting early evening shadows.

(As a side note; I found that the little trays the grocery stores have canned goods setting in , are perfect for carrying my paintings home . I put it in a smaller tray and cover with an upsidedown larger one in the back of my Trail Blazer.)

Bug bites and all, I am thankful to the Lord for allowing me time to try to express some of His beautiful creation on canvas!

Ecclesiastes 3: A time to mourn....

2011-06-19T19:12:00.007-05:00

My motto on this blog and in my life, has been,
~ Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... It's about learning to dance in the rain ~

"One of the Happier Moments - Hubby and Izzy"

The last several weeks .... months.... have been a balancing act to say the least. Giving where I could and taking time where I was given leave to do so, it all came crashing down on June 2, when my best friend, lover, and husband of 32+ yrs, lost his desire to cope with the pain from past cancers, advancing fibromialgia, being over-medicated to numb the pain, the daily struggle of a very negative work environment, and loss of strength to do simple things; and decided his own fate. My heart has been broken, not by my husband , but by the situation. Only the prayers and kind support of friends, neighbors, and relatives have enabled me to carry on.

Life is not always pretty..... But the choices we make are ours alone. I choose to remember the love between us and the wonderful times we had, especially the last 2 weeks together. We have been blessed to have experienced so much. With his passing, I now have choices to make.....

Will I keep my desire to dance, in spite of the storms? Will I strive to push on, pursing my hearts desire to become the best painter I can be? I believe I must, for the desire is still within me. I believe talents are God-given, and should not be buried. At times I am afraid to pick up a brush, wondering if, because I am not "feeling" much right now, that the painting would come through lifeless. I think I must make myself start.... and leave the results to my Lord and Savior.

I have written this to let my friends and followers know why I have not posted in so long. Also if anyone else has experienced similar situation, maybe it would help if you could email me privately with encouragement. You will find my email under my profile. Thanks in advance for any prayers you would like to offer.

Old Grain Mill

2011-04-23T10:03:00.008-05:00

"Old Guthrie Grain Mill"

12 x 16 Oil

Guthrie, KY

I began this painting at the old mill but had to finish in the studio. The rusted old buildings intrigued me. Many think they should be torn down... that it is an eye-sore. I look at this mill as a part of history. I wonder how many farmers with horse-drawn wagons used deliver their grain there.... I imagine them standing around talking with each other, awaiting their turn to unload. I am sure they talked about the upcoming weather, or the prices of the grain, maybe how their family made it through the drought....

Painting outside at the American Cafe

2011-04-06T14:48:00.006-05:00

This little "down home" restaurant is located in Guthrie, Todd County, Kentucky, about 10 miles south of 68/80 just off of Hwy 181, and just north of the TN line. I arrived to paint about 9 am and set up at the vacant lot across the street, then went to get a hamburger at lunch time. This is a typical scene of this area of Kentucky where we live, a very back-in-the-day look. The food and the service is great, and many local workers stop in for their lunch time meals.

"American Cafe"

8 x 10

(Sold)

I was drawn to this place particularly because of our USA flag that is flown there every day, and the red and blue colors on the white building.

Donation Painting to help Japan

2011-04-01T08:30:00.009-05:00

This is my donation painting for the

Daily Paintworks "Help Japan" Challenge Auction

"Culinary Arts"

6 x 6 oil on stretched canvas "shelf setter"

1 1/2 " thick canvas-covered wood frame

(Sold)

It is painted on all sides.

Wouldn't you love to have this setting on your kitchen or dining-room window or shelf?

Click on THIS LINK to see and bid on this painting. You can enter my name in the search box. All proceeds , except $5 shpg, go to "Save the Children" of Japan .

Thanks for your consideration.

A Sunrise Exercise this Morning

2011-03-23T09:45:00.002-05:00

This is just down the road from us, so it was no problem to grab my pallet this morning and set up on the front porch for a quick study, as soon as hubby left for work. The sun rises to the left. That tree is a small River Birch we planted in our yard a couple years ago.

The painting is named for the Williamses that live at that end of the road.

"Williamsville Sunrise"

8 x 10 Oil on canvas board

Plein Air

Painting Course Homework

2011-03-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

For last week's assignment, we had the choice to do a painting of one of the instructor's photos, or one of our own. This was my choice.

I go past this field when I go to town, and this beautiful Sycamore tree grabs my attention every time. I did make some changes to make it more interesting, and tried to apply the principals the instructor is teaching us.

"Fields At Rest"

11 x 14 Oil on stretched canvas

(available)

I'd like to take a hike down through these fields, wouldn't you? and see what's behind those yonder trees. I think a creek may run through that valley......

Opportunities

2011-03-16T07:38:00.007-05:00

I love opportunities... and especially ones that help others. This came in my email this morning. http//www.dailypaintworks.com:80/Challenges/HelpJapan

Now that my taxes are done and out of the way, I am able to get back to concentrating on painting. I have a "homework" assignment to do for my painting classes I have been taking.

I will also be working on a painting to be auctioned to help the people of Japan. This is a very worthy cause and I hope I am able to do one that someone wants to buy.

Stay tuned .... I will be posting these paintings soon

Thanks to all who visit and view my blog!

Plein Air Painting

2011-03-04T16:00:00.006-06:00

"Mike's Catfish Pond"

12 x 16 Oil on canvas panel

I love this little pond which joins our farm. It just begs to be painted! That is Mike's house in the background. He is down at his pond fishing often in the summer. That is our field on the near side of the pond. The heavy rains filled the pond to over-flowing and running down the sid eof our field. His trees near the edge are still standing in water.

I started this outside yesterday and finished today smoothing up tree trunks and adding fence.

Thanks for viewing.

Tea-pot Finished

2011-03-03T07:26:00.007-06:00

8 x 10 Oil on stretched canvas

( Available )

Although did the best I could to limit my strokes, I did not complete this with the one stroke method. I basically finished out the backgound and made a few other adjustments. Still a decent painting I think. Hubby likes it and he is my worst (best) critic :)

A One-Stroke Painting Challenge

2011-03-02T12:21:00.002-06:00

"Tea, Anyone?"

8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas

A few days ago, I began working on a one-stroke painting challenge. This was my first attempt at this kind of exercise. It was very interesting and fun challenge. The idea is to mix one color. Put down one stroke on your canvas/board. If it’s wrong, mix a new color and put a new stroke directly over the first. Mix a new color (feel free to adjust the first color, on your palette, to get the second, but make sure to start a new pile when needed). Put down one stroke. Mix a new color. Put down one stroke. You get the idea. Trying to get myself to do only one stroke was not an easy thing for me. I did surprise myself and am pleased with the results, even though I made several mistakes, given the limited time I had available to work on it that day.

Thanks to DPW for offering the opportunity to participate in this challenge. However, since my browser won't cooperate, it seems I cannot upload it on the DPW site, so I am just posting it here. I will be trying to use this technique more.

Thanks for visiting!

Johannes paint-along - finished

2011-02-24T12:18:00.011-06:00

Okay, I think I have done all I know to do to this...

"Footbridge"

11 x 14 Oil on stretched canvas

These are the things I have been working on.............

1. abstract shapes

2. values (I tend to get too dark in areas)

3. brush strokes

Now, if I can get my right brain to do these all at the same time ....everytime.... I will feel I have made some progress. Wow... this does take brain work!! I will be the first to admit .... my brain needs some exercise

Painting with Johannes

2011-02-20T18:38:00.010-06:00

As I have never had training or opportunity to take art classes, when I heard about a 12-week free webinar painting classes (2 hrs.in length, Sat and Sun afternoons) through Wet Canvas, I was determined to sign up.

11 x 14 WIP

Today was a demonstration painting and we were told we could paint along if we wanted. I got my pallet laid out with the colors the instructor suggested using, but found out at the last minute he was doing it in watercolor instead of oil. He also had sketched the larger shapes onto his support, and I hadn't had time today to view the reference photo he had emailed us.

Well, I decided I'd go for it anyway!....with my oils, as that is what I work with. I just painted along with him, filling in shapes in the general areas, and doing my best to keep up with him. This painting is not done yet of course, but it was a very fun exercise, and I feel I am learning alot about a whole new way to paint. I will post the painting when it is finished. I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in these classes! Thanks to

Wet Canvas and Johannes!

Painting outside today

2011-02-11T19:10:00.004-06:00

I was so glad it warmed up enough to get outside to paint today. It was 17* when I left the house and was out about one and a half hrs. I did the finishing touches at home this afternoon. I love how the wild vines climb up the fence in the summer to be the perfect winter decoration!

"Tracy's House - Snowed In"

Plein Air Oil 9 x12

(Sold)

Thanks for stopping by

Homesteading Series #3

2011-02-09T09:40:00.008-06:00

We seem to want to wish the snow away. Do we really? Will that make us happy? Or give us another complaint .... :)

Funny how each season has its joys and its woes.

"Muddy Boots"
Oil on 3 x 4.5 mini

(available)

Mountain Chickadee

2011-02-07T09:58:00.011-06:00

I had intended to take part in Gary Keimig's Wilderness Art Challenge for some time now, so while the super bowl was on yesterday I decided to try this. I did change the background, and don't know if that is acceptable but I sent it in anyway. It is a good learning tool to see a number of artists all painting the same subject. We can learn from each other.

"Seeking Refuge"

8 x 10, oil

(available)

This painting reminds me that our Lord is our refuge during the storms of life.

Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to leave comments.

Snow, Water and Ice study-2 "Blue Ice"

2011-02-03T16:32:00.009-06:00

This is my 3rd Winter painting since the new year, and I thought I should get it done, as I hear we are supposed to have an early spring! Another photo taken by my daughter at Fisherman's Cove near Franklin, PA was the reference for this painting.

"Blue Ice"

8x10 Oil on canvas panel

(available)

Thanks for visiting!

Snow, Water and Ice study- Reposted

2011-02-01T10:15:00.005-06:00

I have been working on some winter weather scenes. My daughter took this photo at Fisherman's Cove near Franklin, PA, and I just had to try it. I know rocks are very un-interesting to some people but I love the colors that come from water-covered ones! I tried to portray the feel of a day when the snow and ice are just starting to melt.

"Winter Thaw"

8 x 10 study

oil on canvas panel

(available)

Cold and Snowy in Kentucky!

2011-01-18T18:22:00.011-06:00

"Snowy Winter Morning in Kentucky"

8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas

(NFS)

The deer have been coming up near the big Oak tree in our pasture early in the mornings looking for acorns, then move on into the field near our neighbor's pond which has been partly covered with ice. The deer seem so tame and friendly... until we step outside.

The broom-sage in the back field gives off a lovely orangish glow in the early morning.

Doggie Portrait completed

2011-01-13T08:54:00.009-06:00

"Maggie Mae"

Oil on 16 x 20 canvas board

(Sold)

This commission has been a challenge for me and I am glad to have it completed :) I am looking forward to finishing other paintings I had started in the summer and fall of last year, plus the 3rd painting of my Homesteading Series.

Thanks for viewing. Your comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

Work in Progress

2010-12-11T21:39:00.001-06:00

I am still pursuing my painting .... just been busy with other things during this Christmas season.

This is a commission I am working on and will be finishing between Christmas and New year's Day. Until then, other things take priority.

I am trying to decide what background color would work best.

Homesteadin' Series #2

2010-11-19T11:52:00.013-06:00

This is the 2nd painting in my Homesteadin' Series. Please forgive the glare as it is fresh off the easel.

"Happiness is Homemade"

3" x 4.5" oil on stretched canvas mini

(available)

On wash-days my Mom would cut thick slices of home-made bread and add a big scoop of strawberry jam to keep us kids happy until suppertime. I think I was a little stingy with my slice .... I'll have to fix that :)

The Quilt Maker

2010-11-18T12:51:00.005-06:00

"The Quilt Maker"

16" x 20" oil on canvas board

(Sold)

This is a commission for a quilt maker. I had some fun with this as I am a quilt lover and do a bit of quilting myself when time allows.

Painting sold!

2010-11-06T20:31:00.004-05:00

Remember this? I posted it late September. I had painted it as the harvestor was running in our soybean field after dark. It sold today!

I was so excited! First to be sold since starting Sunny's Studio blog early in the summer. I also have 2 other commissions I am working on at the moment.

Just had to share..... :)

Back to the Easel - Homesteadin' Series #1

2010-10-21T11:18:00.011-05:00

Finally, after hubby's third surgical procedure and us both contracting the flu, I can get back to painting. I worked on this last night.... still needs some touch-up

The first in my "Homesteadin' " series, this series will be from familiar scenes in my kitchen and around our farm life.

"Can You Say Cheese?"

Oil on 3" x 4.5" stretched canvas
(available)

Recipe as follows;

1 gallon of fresh raw goat or cow milk, heated in my stainless steel pot to 185*. Add a flavor-cultue packet if desired, and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or Real Lemon lemon juice concentrate. Stir and let set 10 min.

Scoop into a cheese-cloth lined colinder to drain, and then hang to finish draining. I let it hang for about 4 hrs or until it finishes dripping.

Take down and put in bowl. Add 1 tsp salt and stir in some chopped or dried chives and garlic for a wonderful spread for crackers! Refridgerate. It will keep about a week.

Happy painting!

Historic building -Ghost letters

2010-09-30T12:33:00.004-05:00

"Old Elkton Cash Grocery"

Oil on 10" X 8" stretched canvas

NFS

This building now houses the State Farm Insurance Agency of Elkton KY. This painting was done at the Todd County Welcome Center looking across the street on the north side of the square. Finishing touches added later. Available at the Harvest Fest this Saturday in Elkton.

Hen Party!

2010-09-28T16:07:00.011-05:00

I have been known to get a little quirky sometimes and this is one of them. My daughter's and my chickens used to have "conversations" back and forth between KY and PA ..........
Seriously! ........... ;-)

This painting is the result....

Can't you just see them yakking back and forth??

I think the black one is a little put out because she has not produced any eggs to set yet.

"Hen Party"

The frames were 2 doors I had taken off of an old kitchen cupboard top that I then used for my nesting boxes. Hubby rabbited the doors and cut my canvases to fit. This painting will be one of the several I will have at the Harvest Fest this coming weekend on Saturday, Oct 2, at Todd County (Elkton) Kentucky and will be for sale there.

Thanks for viewing. I welcome your comments.

Soybean Harvest .... after dark

2010-09-24T07:22:00.008-05:00

" Soybean Harvest at Night"

Oil on 8" x 10" canvas panel

Our soybeans were being harvested yesterday. It went on all afternoon and evening, and into the night. The harvesting process sure creates alot of dust! The small field on the right was the last to be done. The truck on the far side of the big tree was waiting to have beans loaded into it. You could see the headlights and reflections through the dust. There was a huge harvest moon shining and I thought the scene very beautiful and needed to be painted!

Days of Autumn

2010-09-10T21:21:00.011-05:00

Our visit to a Mennonite farm a couple evenings ago inspired the idea for this painting. It was the perfect end to a beautiful sunny day. The air was growing cooler as the rush of the work day was winding down.

"Days of Autumn"

Oil on 10"x 8" panel

The old broom leaning against the porch wall near a bench where they remove their boots before entering the house, seemed to be saying it was ready for it's fall job of sweeping the leaves.

I am having WAY too much fun (Puppy Portrait)

2010-09-03T11:34:00.007-05:00

"Gemma"

This is my SIL's puppy that I have been going to paint for some time. I have never tried this type of background before. It just kind of came about on its own....

sorry for the glare , it is still wet.

Eventually I will be getting back to "The Water-hole".....

Over the week-end....

2010-08-30T14:30:00.004-05:00

"Pear Harvest"

Oil on 8"x 10" stretched canvas

Hubby wanted to eat these (actually wanted a pear salad) so I had to paint quickly, then follow up with photos I took. They were picked from our 2-yr old tree, and are not like the yellow Bartlett pears but more like Kiefer. I enjoyed painting this anyway.

A Big Thank-You!

2010-08-28T07:34:00.002-05:00

To all followers and readers of my blog..... Thanks for all your recent encouraging comments and emails. Means alot to me ..... Lately it seems to just be the same-old, same-old, stick-to-it-itiveness of everyday life. Not much exciting.....

I am glad for the reprieve of somewhat cooler weather this last week, after the heat taking it's toll in the rabbit barn. Life seems to be settling down a little and I hope to get back to some painting soon. Meanwhile, I have been enjoying catching up on other's blogs, and studying techniques and paintings of other artists. Got to love this internet!

2nd Time Around ...

2010-08-19T15:23:00.006-05:00

I had done this painting back in May, but had never been happy with it.... especially the fore ground. I have re-worked several areas and am now satisfied with it. It is from a photo taken near Franklin, Pa near Fisherman's Cove, a "retired" caboose now in use as a fishing camp.

"End of the Line"

I am also happy with the old frame that I found for it. I cut it down by an inch in width, put it back together, and used on this painting. I think it compliments the painting.

11" x 14" oil on stretched canvas.

Pea Ridge House of Prayer

2010-07-07T08:13:00.004-05:00

This pretty little church is just down the road from us and I pass it everytime I leave to go somewhere. I love the shadows that fall across it in the late morning. The church actually sits right up to the road, and there is a horse pasture bordering it on the left. The members park at the cemetary lot across the road by the church sign.

Oil on 11" x 14" stretched canvas. I have a couple finishing touches to make but it is otherwise done and will be on display in our recently opened Todd County Welcome Center at the old court-house in the town square.

Now..... on to the "Water-Hole". I hope to get it done before knee surgery next week....

Two recent practice paintings.... revised photos

2010-06-28T08:30:00.001-05:00

I have several paintings in the works, but I wanted to get these 2 done before starting on a major project. Both are on 6" x 6" stretched canvas and are typically shelf-setters.

I started painting this vase of Lily-of-the-Valley from my daughter's garden while on vacation in PA, but got interrupted and had no background on it. Don't ask how I came up with this... I haven't a clue, but I know I am truly blessed to live in the country.

"Get Out of Town"

I had such fun doing this next painting. It was inspired by a friend's ( Joann of Pieceful Afternoon) blog-post about a Re-enactment at Bellingham Bay, WA, and she remarked about seeing the "water-fairies dancing". Click on the image to enlarge. Maybe you will see them too!

"Dance of the Water Fairies at Bellingham Bay"

Yes, Jo .... this one is for you! I hope you enjoy it! It will be in the mail Monday.

Up-date ... a "plein air" painting ... almost

2010-06-15T14:24:00.013-05:00

After company from TX visited 2 weekends ago, my husband had shoulder surgery on the following Wed. Getting things done in preparation for that, I stayed off the puter and when I returned, my power cord no longer worked. Checking it out, we discovered that it had been chewed on and was no longer holding together (thanks alot, Bailey :-/ ) So hubby ordered me a new cord which arrived yesterday.

Over the week-end, I had wanted to paint (like fingers itching, smelling the oils, empty easel standing there) .... but all the photos I wanted to use were on my puter.

So I just sat..... in front of my easel, get up and go back an hour later ... (needed to stay close to my "one-armed" hubby in case he needed anything) I found myself looking out the window, across the yard , through the fence in the bull pasture, into the woods .... where the lowering sun was playing among the trees .....

The result was my first, "almost" plein air painting

"Don't Fence Me in"

9" x 12" Oil on canvas panel

This took several hrs total. I had to wait to finish the next day to get the sunlight as close to the same as the day before as possible. (I am not a quick painter, but I am working on that...)

Just wanted to share..... Thanks for visiting!

Oh, and hubby is mending and was able to go back to work with his arm in a sling, on light duty for the next 4 weeks. He's been a real trooper :)

Painting while on Vacation

2010-05-14T11:42:00.007-05:00

I had such fun doing this painting for my grandson, Kerry, who is quite into the music of his generation. This still-life is from his actual guitar.

"Kerry's Song

Remembering Grandma....

2010-05-12T07:47:00.005-05:00

A Mother's Day tribute

My Grandma Miller has been a major inspiration and influence in my life. So for this recent Mother's Day I am high-lighting her life through her paintings.

While visiting my Aunt D, Uncle B, and cousins in Pennsylvania, I was able to get some photos of Grandma's paintings. These were done in the late 1950's and 60's.

Still Life... Grandma also did knitting, tatting and crochet....

An airplane painting for my Uncle Bill, who flew in the Navy. He also built his own airplane and did some flying demonstrations at the airfield in Titusville, PA.

Man in a Park

These paintings are from scenes from their travels across the states. she loved mountain scenes.

This one is from Lake Tahoe

From what I have been able to find recently, I believe this was a painting from a photo in Yosemite Nat'l Park.

A couple more still lifes....

After Grandpa retired from his job in CA, they moved back east to be near us. Grandma didn't start painting til she was in her 60's. While she painted, Grandpa sat and tinkered with his watch and clock repair. There are many, many more paintings she had done which are distributed out among the many children and grandchildren. These are the ones I was able to track down during my visit back to PA.

Finishing touches....

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As I was putting the finishing touches on this painting, I realized I didn't like the dark background I had started out with... It was, well ..... stifling. These flowers just had to get out in the sun and fresh air, so thats where I put them :) I may add a leaf or two to the bottom just to "tie the flowers down".

Thought I would share ....

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...... a couple oil paintings I have done, and my painting background.

It was fall in 1957. I was 12 years old and just entering high-school in 7th grade. Our high-school had an outbreak of Typhoid fever, and thirty-some kids in our Jr High came down with it, including myself. Back then it wasn't a simple thing to cure. Alot of the kids had to be hospitalized. (This was back in the day when doctors made house-calls!) Anyone who had Typhoid had to be quarrantined, and that meant no company for the rest of the family, either. Everyone in the family had to be tested and then vaccinated when the tests came back negative. I guess I was fortunate in that I did not have to go to the hospital. My loving Mom took care of me with help from my sister and brothers and Dad, as they all had more chores to do as I was unable. All dishes I used had to be boiled, all clothing and bedding dis-infected (remember the old Lysol??). Anything else I touched, if not able to be disinfected, had to be disposed of, after I got well. I was in bed for 3 solid months and basically it took time be able to walk again.

During the recent summer, my Grandmother and my Mom had started taking oil painting lessons from a local art instructor. And as it was hard to keep me occupied day in and day out after I started feeling a little better, one day Mom brought me a small canvas and some paint on a pallet and said to see what I could do with it. She came back a while later and I had painted the head of a horse (I LOVED horses .... couldn't get enough of Marguerite Henry's book "Album of Horses") at which she was surprised. So Mom gave me another canvas and I painted a ship with big white sails ......

Since painting supplies were a little pricey, Mom started me painting on pieces of the old textured window blinds (remember them??) I did a basket of yarn with kittens playing, and I traced one of those old wall-rugs at my Aunt Lois' house that had 4 Arabian horses and riders and a city in the background, and painted it on window-blind about 20" x 36". Then a painting of Jesus and children gathered round on canvas board, that was from a greeting card. In Sr -High I took the art class and we did self-portraits. During that time, I did a wild horse in a desert scene and Dad made a wormy-chestnut frame for it, sand-blasting it until it had grooves in that showed the grain of the wood. The frame was beautiful! I am sad to say I lost what few paintings I had in a house fire when my oldest daughter was ony 3.

When my Grandma passed away, she left all her oil painting supplies to me. That got me started again. A lady I cleaned house for, as her husband was deteriorating in health, told her to give me his paint supplies as he no longer had the strength to paint, and wanted me to have them. Shortly after that I painted this picture.....

"Pitcher Pump and Daisies"
which hangs on our living room wall. I wish I had made the background lighter.

"You are Invited"

.........a communion scene, lives in my daughter's house in Pennsylvania. There have been numerous others since that time but I won't bore you with it right now.... :) Since I am now "semi"-retired, (pun intended) I am enjoying getting back into it, and hope to post a painting from time to time.