Sketching Exercise........

 "Sun-Bathing" 

8.5" x 11"

Strathmore fine-tooth paper

This sketch is from photos I took last winter while camping at Camp Huaco on River Road by the Guadalupe River in Texas. It was common to see several turtles out sunning themselves on the rocks or a log in the river. The trees impressed me with their unusual curled roots; half in water, half on land. Such a peaceful place! I am considering doing a painting from the actual photos I took.

Oil Pastel Practice #1- Untitled- Updated

Oil Pastel on canvas pad

An exercise in pastel painting

I regret that I did not have the colors needed to make this a worthwhile pursuit. I am so used to being able with oils to mix any color I want. Can you tell my heart was not really into this painting? The composition makes me feel claustrophobic somehow........However, this was a submission for the online classes I have been taking ( always pursuing to do better) and I did want to submit some homework. 

Because my bathroom was in the process of being remodeled/upgraded this week, I could not get to my oil painting space, so I decided to try my hand at the oil pastels on my dining room table. I do not think I will be pursuing this medium; however, to never have tried the oil pastels when they had been given to me, would have been the greater loss. Thanks for viewing..... 

I went back a week later and worked more on this. I redid the large tree on the right and with the few colors I have available, I was able to at least make it a little more to my liking. 

Of course much more practice is needed in this medium :)

My Favorite things #2 - Childhood Memories

A detailed image of this painting.....

Oh, the memories of iced-up windows, with beautiful frosted patterns and glittering ice crystals....... I can still remember the feel of it! We were most fortunate, back in the days of single-paned windows. When it was bitter cold outside yet toasty warm inside, it was said that Jack Frost would pay a visit during the night and leave behind his handy-work.......   Few in our times have the opportunity to experience such deliciousness!

"A Visit from Jack Frost"

10" x 8"

Oil on canvas panel

(Private Collection - Not for sale)

Thanks for visiting!

Cabin at Wood's Edge - Original Soft Pastel Painting

Hello Friends! Last week I was inspired to try my hand at pastel painting. Previously my work has been done basically in oils. The pastels I had on hand were a set of 23 colors left to me by my Grandmother decades ago.

In 2009 I had started a drawing/painting in pastel but was quickly discouraged as I hadn't a clue what I was doing. I recently came across this started piece in an old sketch pad and decided to see what I could do with it. So this is a practice piece, portraying a warm summer day in the late afternoon sun, in the mid-west countryside.

"Camp at Wood's Edge"

8.5" x 11" 

Soft Pastels on sketch-pad paper

I am happy with my first attempt and think I will do more in this medium.

Thanks for viewing! Comments welcome!

My Favorite Things #1, an Original Oil painting by Rebecca Jennings

I have decided to do a series of "My Favorite Things", where memories of childhood days are the primary focus.The strings attached are not only strings of the skates, but of the strings of my heart tied to my childhood. Come along with me on my journey into the carefree days of a past, all-but-forgotten way of life.  Together we will reminisce and recreate happy times.

"Strings Attached"

10" x 8"

Oil on Canvas Panel

These  old skates hanging on a nail on the covered porch wall remind me of the kids of our little town meeting at Myers' pond to go skating several times during the winter. The bigger boys would shovel any new-fallen snow off the ice. Sometimes there would be a wood fire far back on the bank to warm our hands by. It was a regular meeting place for all the neighborhood, kids and adults alike.

Thanks for stopping by to view my painting! Some of these paintings are for sale. I also do commissions on a regular basis. Just email me for details. 

Royal Flush

I took this picture of my backyard a few evenings before Christmas.  This place is a haven for me, with my hen houses and colorful chickens, the rabbit pens where I listen to my bunnies munching on greens, and my raised bed gardens where I can get my hands in the dirt and harvest some good homegrown food!

This sunset over my special place just begged to be painted!

"Royal Flush!"

8" x 10"

Oil on canvas panel

This is my reference photo

Thanks for viewing!

Comments welcome!

A Little Christmas Message

Christmas painting #5

"Angel Voices"

3.5" x 5" mini

Oil on stretched canvas

I love walking out onto my deck in the stillness of a calm winter night near Christmas time. I imagine angels being all around singing and playing their instruments. just as it might have been on the night of our Savior's birth. What a joyful time that must have been!

This little painting went to its new home today!