KONA

16x20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

Yet another blast from the past. I'm a chocolate lab devotee so this was a party. My first new piece in a bit should be done by tomorrow. Great way to start off the year! To anyone who's reading this and to everyone who's not, a healthy, happy and peaceful new year.

BUTCH

18x24"
oil on canvas
$300

This was done as a self-promo piece and is hanging behind the register of a pet boutique named "fetch!" My style has changed quite a bit since this was done four years ago, but it's still sort of fun. If pet owners are comfortable enough, having their pet half off the canvas in a graphically cropped portrait is quite dramatic.

I'm working on a new piece on canvas right now while all the board and linen pieces are in the wings, drying enough for their next layer. What a relief the canvas was. Tooth is the ticket, at least this week. Back to work!

ELLA DOES THE 4TH

18x24"
oil on canvas
SOLD

I hit a parked car in the parking lot today. I simply cannot believe I've become one of those people who put their foot on the gas instead of the brake. I felt very stupid. However, everyone was so incredibly nice!!! Even the woman whose car I hit...after she looked at me like she wanted to kill me of course...and who can blame her! Even the policeman was nice! If one has to make a fool of oneself with a two thousand pound vehicle, this is the way to do it. I'm nursing my heavily dented ego, our CRV sounds more like a Sherman tank than an SUV and that poor, nice womans' car rear is as flat as that perverbial pancake, but I'm not going to go to the dark place. Compassion Suz, fear calls for understanding, not punishment. I will be more careful and more vigilant and take my time when I'm doing things. I just felt so awful causing that nice person any kind of pain or inconvenience. I am so sorry.

This is Ella. All decked out for the 4th of July. She is amazing.

ELLA

16X20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

Christmas is over! Already! All that planning, decorating, gift buying, hustle and bustle and it's over in 24 short little hours. Kinda like a wedding. I'm realizing it's not that one day that counts, but the days that come before and after that one special day that really make a difference. Patience, compassion, kindness, acceptance. If one gives those gifts every day, that is exactly what one will receive in return. It's not about the stuff. Although, I do really like "the stuff," it all just blends into one big pile of "stuff" after a while doesn't it? How kind have I been? How accepting?

I got very impatient with myself again this morning and began agreeing with the voice. Hack! Nothing new posted in almost two weeks or more! Failure! Enough with the whining and negativity already! Don't you remember? This is supposed to be fulfilling, fun, joyful. I lost track of that again, as I most certainly will, again, probably quite soon. So, again, I've decided to stop the frantic fantasies that cause me to experience depression and doubt and relax. My work is coming along nicely. I'll post a new piece when I'm done and until then I'll post older work. Patience, kindness, compassion and acceptance can only start with myself.

This is Ella. She was my second commission when I began doing pet portraits four years ago. A huge beast, but also a lady.

GIRL

Detail
24x36'
oil on canvas
NFS

I promised I wasn't going to whine about how long my paintings are taking to dry, but I lied. Expletives are bouncing around in my head and trying their damnedest to get out through my fingertips to the keyboard, but I'm cool, I think! I've got seven paintings going and they are all still too wet to work on. Perhaps I'm applying the layers to thickly. I'm chompin at the bit to get going on each one, but all I seem to be able to do is start new ones. I guess that's good, but, patience is not one of my strong suits and I've been given to sulking lately. Hard to believe I know, what with me being so positive and optimistic an all. I rushed through "Trucks" and I wasn't at all satisfied so I'll just slow my roll and keep working.

And try and find something to post in the meantime. Tomorrow I'm going back to canvas and working wet on wet and stay there until these other pieces are dry enough to continue on. Linen continues to vex and not posting is obviously affecting my normally sunny disposition and my sense of accomplishment. If I posted as many paintings as I do excuses, all would be well in my strange little universe. One feels "the dog ate my daily" will soon appear as a title. This is a detail of a portrait I did over ten years ago.

Can you believe Christmas is this week? I feel as though I just came in from moving the sprinkler off the lawn. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Happy and Very Healthy. And let's do like Joni suggested and drag our feet to slow the circle down, time is going much to fast.

TRUCKS

5x7"
oil on board
NFS

So many things to explain. Mostly I'm scrambling because this didn't turn out at all as I had planned. In an effort to dispatch with those bothersome dots, we purchased a copy board. It worked very well last night. I re-shot "Crabbed," and re-posted it. Huge difference in quality. So today, I scrambled to finish this because I couldn't wait to see how it photographed on the new copy board. Hmmmm. Not well...not well at all. The copy board and linen on board are much like oil and water. Every single imperfection, piece of lint, party-crashing piece of hair and brush stroke is evident and screaming "look at me!!" Still struggling with the board it seems. But I give myself snaps for not bailing.

Anyway, I snapped it old school and it worked better. Still, this isn't at all what I envisioned. This was done from a photo I downloaded so it isn't for sale. The photo was so dramatic, the pose was perfect and the subject is quite possibly, for me, one of the best musicians ever to pick up an instrument.

I'm a Duane Allman disciple, so when Derek Trucks appeared on the scene with that touch, that incredible ability, I was hooked. I didn't get into his work until he was into his late teens. He started playing professionally at age eleven I believe. Anyway, there's no posturing, no posing, no histrionics, no drug or alcohol-induced disappointments and no star-trip. The man is there for the music and he takes you places you didn't think existed.If you get a chance to see him with his band, with the Allmans, or with his wife, Susan Tedeschi, do not miss it.

I'll wait for it to dry and spruce it up a bit. I still have a long way to go with the boards, but I do see improvement. I'd like to find a surface somewhere in-between canvas and linen on board, although I do have better results with stretched linen as opposed to linen on board. Perhaps I'll try this same one on that! More to come on this. I want to be completely satisfied when I'm done.

CRABBED

5X7"
oil on canvas
sold

Finally! I'm actually posting a new painting! Things are getting back into focus. I decided to work on this last night even if is was still wet. It was, but somehow it all worked out.

Stone Crab Legs! Need I say more? Less guilt but lots of green. They harvest just the legs so all I'm plagued with is the vision of these poor things stumbling around the ocean floor with no appendages. Even that isn't enough to make me swear off these gifts from the gods. The cost is ridiculous, as is shipping and handling...but the taste? Oh my! They come complete with little wooden mallets and the most incredible mustard sauce known to mankind. We serve them with a crisp white wine, don our matching, brightly-colored, chili-adorned aprons, lay newspaper out on the table and have at it. Words simply cannot describe how good these are.

The first thing I thought when I saw the salmon pink, ivory, and black was mid-century bathroom colors followed quickly by dailies. The rich black of the tips against the salmon and ivory is stunning if you can get past the sad vision of dismembered digits. But, just one taste and the guilt melts away, for a little while anyway. Enjoy.

RUNNING IN MUD

11X14"
oil on canvas
SOLD

I'm posting yet another commission from the recent past. I just can't seem to get caught up! The hubs had, what turned out to be, a minor health scare, but facing the possibility that it wasn't minor sure took the wind out of one's sails. I'm on high-appreciation alert and plan to stay there for quite a bit. Obviously, painting took a back seat. He's fine now, thank God, and I guess I'm showing signs of normalcy as I accused him of hogging the remote last night. I did find out that nothing I do still doesn't matter unless he's there to see it. A truly amazing man.

Anyway, the dailies I've got going are still very wet and it looks as though it'll be weeks before they even think about drying enough to continue on. The medium I'm using really extends drying time. I'm all jammed up about the varnishing issue. The voice is screeching "hack!" The house is a mess. It's been raining for a week. I'm behind on commissions but!... the graphic design job is actually going to print tomorrow. Arrrrghhhhh!

And why, at a time like this, do I feel I need to re-think my whole approach to painting and art? I'm haunted. I have angst! I'm back to normal.

EGGSNTOWEL

18X24"
oil on canvas
$350

This one was one of the first paintings I did after I left my nine to five. The owner of the local "in" eatery liked to support local artists and allowed wall space on a monthly basis. I was, as usual, low on confidence and high on fear, but it turned out just fine. Lots of interest but no sales. Still, I enjoyed the experience and found out I could actually speak to people about my work. Big growth spurt at the time.

WAITING

42x14"
oil on canvas
NFS

This was sort of a test piece. I've cropped the canvas here as it got weird in places. I did this about eight to ten years ago, I think. Water mixable oils on a ragged home-stretched canvas. I saw this photo in one of those British glossy magazines that I used to be addicted to. Ok, so I still sort of am, but I'm getting help.

Anyway the blue skies, bright clothing, white clouds and green trees and grass against black skin caught my eye and I thought it would be fun to paint. And it was. Looking at it now I like the spontaneous treatment of shadow and light on the clothing but cringe at the flat green and blue of the trees and sky. Also, the line continued from edge to edge and the lens created a fishbowl effect on both sides—which explains the aforementioned weirdness.

At the time it was completely beyond my comprehension that I could use the photo as a base and create my own vision, sort of like a really good stock that gives birth to legendary chicken soup. Obviously the painting wouldn't have been legendary, but it would have been infinitely more interesting and made more sense if the folks on either end weren't leaning in towards themselves, but it was fun and now might possibly lead to other ideas, thanks to the dailies. Just a note here: I never offer paintings for sale that have been created from photographs that I haven't taken.

Still going on my dailies. If not tomorrow's post, then Friday's. I'm off to work some more before himself arrives home.

FIRST PET COMMISSION

18x24"
pastel on paper
SOLD

This was my very first pet commission way, way back in the day. I cannot believe so much time has gone by! I'm not sharin' numbers, it's far too upsetting. Anyway, I was dedicated to pastels and would still be working with them, had I not caved and bought into the very incorrect and prejudicial concept that oils were more sophisticated, professional and sold more often. How silly is that? I've seen so many incredible pastel paintings since then! I love the medium. Not nearly as messy or dangerous for ones health as oil. But, I'm beginning to form a nice relationship with oils and have just begun to scratch the surface using them for dailies. I find my opinions on techinque, support and process changing, well...almost daily. Guess that's the point.

Anyway, I was terrified that someone actually commissioned me. I was a nervous wreck but I was happy with the results. I worked pretty consistently for about ten years with pastels, but I now prefer oil. We'll see, perhaps I'll try a pastel daily someday soon. Won't have to wait for it to dry before I can finish. Hmmmm.

BUYING TIME

24x20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

I'm sooooo far behind, it feels like I'll never, ever finish a painting a post in one day again! But, if I sit down, take a deep breath and look around the place, all is well. It's weird. I've been working very hard, but because I haven't posted a daily in almost 2 weeks, a real daily, not a commission, I feel like I've been watching tv and sitting on my rather substancial laurels for a month!

There is such a feeling of accomplishment for me now when I post a daily painting. The breaks I used to take between pieces could range anywhere from one week to fifteen years, so you can see it's important for me to keep it up. I remember my shrink telling me how important it was for me to work consistently. I ignored her and didn't pick up a brush for fifteen years.

Anyway, I said all that to say that I'll be posting really old work for the next few days until I can bring the dailies in progress to completion and once again post a new piece. Ahh, that will feel nice. Till then, this is another in a series of melons.

I've Been Tagged!

Oh my! Am I it? Couldn't resist. Anyway, I'm on a tight deadline and will get into tagging in a bit. This sounds like fun! Someone recently tagged me and all I did was say thank you. I'm sorry, I had no idea is was so involved and cool. Back to work!

THE MASTIFF

16x20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

It's not finished, but I wanted to post today, so I am. It's close though. Can you believe what an amazing face this beast has? And what fun it's been painting it. Such a magnificent presence, strong and yet gentle and loving. So much going on in that mug, or snout or pout, whatever. All those hills and valleys. When I worked with pastels, one of my favorite for cool shadows was caput mortum, lots of that here. Wish I had more time. This is supposed to be shipped out this coming Monday. Crank up the heat and close the door in the storage room, which in actuality is a small bedroom and hope for the best. Happy T-Day!

SHOOTER

16x20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

I feel adrift so I decided to post a commission from last Christmas. I've changed my method of painting and the consistency of the paint I use since this piece. I remember thinking this one was close to the style in which I wanted to work, looking at it now, I've totally changed my mind.

The Mastiff I'm working on is coming along, thought I could post tonight, but no. It's my first pet commission on black canvas and the difference in the process is startling! I think listening to Jelaine's advice is the most significant change I've made in my process since I started painting professionally four years ago. Thanks,yet again.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post the Mastiff tomorrow and get back on smaller pieces while I work on a portrait commission. I miss those little buggers.

STILL GOING!

I haven't quit. I cannot wait to get back to dailies!! I've mentioned the reasons previously—design jobs, commissions—but I just wanted to see what it felt like to post, I really miss it. I'm preparing 5 new paintings so they'll be in different stages of completion during the week. My plan is to finish the Mastiff I'm working on (what an incredible face) and hop right back on the daily wagon. Oh!! I forgot, I'm so excited! I mailed out my first daily sales today—3 paintings!! I'm very happy. Soon.

BELLA & CALVIN

16x20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

This is one of the reasons I haven't been posting. What a tough one this was. The original photo(s) were not optimal, but I accepted them anyway. Won't do that again. These amazingly busy bodies were photographed against an amazingly busy rug, their eyes looked like they belonged to Little Orphan Annie and I couldn't really discern their coat colors. But, I think they are fine. Hope the client thinks so too. More to come.

I LIED

Happily, I have a ton of work, including two, count 'em, two, graphic design jobs! Unhappily, I want to paint!!!! This is good. I miss doing my daily like I miss my feet jammies, my tea and my bankie on a cold, stormy day. I'm gonna try and squeeze one in today but it doesn't look hopeful. I did have such good intentions when I pledged to post four days in a row. It was more like a fib. Is that how one spells fib? Or is it phib? Whatever. I inadvertently told an untruth. Plus, I lost half a day at the Honda service center because himself got stopped and ticketed for a blown headlight! Am I whining?

Also, we bought a new screen for our old mac. My imac still has won't turn on disease. Again, I could get it serviced, but then what would I complain about? Anyway, this screen is calibrated too dark and I've been washing out my last few dailies by lightening them too much! I do apologize. To you and to me. Imagine working all day just to see a faded representation at DP the next morning! Arrrrgh!

I'm off to get started working and recalibrate this screen!

DISTANT COUSINS

4 X 6"
oil on canvas
$100

These guys must be related. City slicker Christmas ornament all pimped out in bling and it's back-to-basics country bumpkin cousins. All the pommy needs is a hook to hang it on a branch and it would make a perfect ornament. Back in the day, they probably did just that, although they must have been a tad to weighty.

I am so behind, but I'm determined to post every day until Saturday. With all the work and self-imposed pressure, I'm feelin' pretty positive and optimistic. Could it be as easy as making a decision?

NUDE 14

12x12"
oil on canvas
$125

Another nude day. Fun, these are just plain fun. Takes me right back to life class at FIT. It was heaven—in retrospect. In the moment—it was terrifying. I was surrounded by so many gifted artists it took my breath away. Walking around and looking at everyone's work when the model took a break was both intimidating and exhilarating. I used my kneaded eraser like worry beads, pulling, stretching, wadding. We used Blaisdale charcoal pencils—extra soft, little sandpaper blocks for flattening on an angle to create a point and huge newsprint pads. What can I say. School is an experience best appreciated from a great distance. For me anyway.

NUDE 13

12X12"
oil on canvas
$125

I bought another Virtual Pose book with CD Rom and it's truly amazing. I still can't get over placing the mouse on the figure and dragging to spin the pose 180 degrees. Ah, technology. I'm repeating myself but I'm still fascinated.

I'm really pressed for time so I did another nude for my daily today. The curve of the back, the way the hips move even though she's stationary, it's just nature at its best. I wanted to try expressing movement with line, a technique I learned at FIT. I'm more than a little rusty, but I'll warm up over time. So much can be said with the right line weight. If done correctly, a shadow can be indicated by just curving or strengthening the weight of the line. More to come.

BALSAMIC BOTTLE

6 X 8"
oil on canvas
$125

Apparently I'm nursing a growing penchant for empty, high-end condiment bottles. This little gem was once the home of some very expensive and incredibly tasty balsamic vinegar. I was making tea this morning when I spied it nestled in between the peppercorns and the Spanish Paprika. I almost washed it off, but all the stains made it more interesting, so I left it as it was. I'm glad. It has more character.

A word about the meal himself prepared last night is appropriate here, keeping with the flavor of today's daily. Rib eye steaks with onions sauteed in butter, bourbon and brown sugar, twice baked herbed potatoes whipped with garden vegetable cream cheese and asparagus wrapped in bacon with a sprig of rosemary. Oh my, it was one of his top-ten best ever. I am very fortunate woman.

INTERMISSION AND UPDATE

I'm beginning early today as I am really getting behind schedule. I'm hoping to post a daily later today. This weekend was really busy. I've decided to re-launch my website as soon as possible as it's hopelessly outdated and features none of my latest work. Oops.

Anyway, with dreams of a brand new, super-sophisticated, home-designed site dancing in my head I took a look at my schedule and immediately jumped online to look for a suitable template. Back in the day, as a designer, I was not at all happy with templates and their availability but now as a working artist—I'm thrilled. I just don't have the knowledge or the time to do it all and I need help.

Happily I've gotten a lot of feedback and really want to put my best foot forward so I've decided to get myself all spiffy and organized. I had to compose an Artist's Statement for my new site and as I sat and thought about what being an artist meant to me I was suddenly filled with a warm sense of gratitude and eager anticipation. Why, I wondered, am I always in pain or complaining about this or that instead of just being thrilled that I'm able to do this and just enjoy it? I'm the only one here when I work, it must be me that's choosing fear, doubt and pain. I can change that to joy, anticipation and courage. What appears on the canvas is just that, what appears on the canvas. It's not my salvation, my identity or my worth. It's my craft. My statement, while emotionally valid, did not reflect my working state of mind. I'm going to change that.

I've wanted to do this most of my life. I have the ability, the tools, a completely pimped out studio, and lots 'o time. It's way past time to grow up, work confidently and stop whining. Well, perhaps a little whimper now and then. We'll see. Stay tuned.

YOUNG MAN

5 x 7"
oil on canvas
$150

When I was younger I loved going to festivals, parks and concerts with my camera. I would wander around and take photos of all the incredibly great looking people wandering around. This guy, who had the most sensuous features, seemed genuinely flattered when I'd asked permission to shoot his image. I remember he was very shy and thought he wasn't very attractive at all.

Bet he'd be thrilled to look like this now, I know I would, well you know what I mean. Remember when you were younger and you were sure you'd always look young and on some level actually thought your grandmother was born looking older because that's the part she played in your life? No? Oh. I did. Anyway, I dug out some snaps the other day because I felt like painting those features.

GRACIE

6 x 6"
oil on linen
$125

This is Gracie. I covet Gracie. She will never be mine. She almost was, but alas, my friend Ann-Marie persevered and changed Gracie from a vicious beast into a fluffy muffin. She now lives happily with her brother in fur, Roscoe. He's a tad bigger but Gracie rules the roost. When we jam, she'll jump up on the couch, stand on her hinds and lick the inside of your ear. Not a great feeling, but since it's Gracie, I don't mind it one bit. I also have my eye on Roscoe. We'll see.

SPARKY

16 x 20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

Icky day. These kinds of days usually make me happy. Oh well. I'm working dailies and commissions and neither is near done, so I'd like you to meet Shelby. She was a commission I did a few years back.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW 2

6 x 6"
Oil on linen
$125

This is the second in a series of the branches from the rhodadenren bush outside my studio window. These are more fun than I've ever had painting. Took me back to that great feeling of warmth and safety I'd inevitably feel whenever I'd take out my brand spanking new, 3-tiered box of crayola crayons, run my hand over the rough, nubbley, newsprint surface of my coloring book and settle down on my bedroom floor to stay within the lines for hours. Such a simple time. All I had to worry about was which dress I'd wear to school the next day. Yes, back in the day we actually had to dress up to go to school. But, again, I digress.

The linen, painted black is my new favorite surface to work on. When I press my brush against it—it gives and I get that warm, gooey feeling again. Just perfect. I think I'll be doing one more of these and group them. We'll see. Beautiful day here. Soon be time to rake some leaves.

THE GIRLS

16 x 20"
oil on canvas
SOLD

I'm working on a series of dailies and haven't finished so again, I'm posting a commission, actually a gift. Sometimes I really like leaving the toned canvas as a background. I'm really glad it's Friday. Enjoy.

PRS HED

6 x 7.75"
Oil on board
$125

This started out as a lot of fun. This is my third daily on board and it's been 2 weeks of waiting for the paint to dry, puttin' this puppy in the oven, the use of a hair dryer and a less than toasty, early fall, sun soak. I just decided to put it out of it's misery and force a finish.

I love the subject matter. It's the headstock of my Paul Reed Smith guitar. I've taken a lot of graphically lit closeups of it and I'm going to do more, just not on board. The boards and I have officially decided to go our separate ways. Sad but true. Perhaps himself will enjoy the remaining seven left in stock.

THE GUYS

18 X 24"
Oil on canvas
SOLD

Working on a commission today and thought I could get it far enough to post, but no go so I'm posting a recent commission. I'm afraid I went a tad overboard clover-wise but I couldn't help myself—himself is Irish. I like this because it's less a portrait and more a painting.

Also, I'd like to apologize to anyone who left a comment here that I haven't responded to. When I began blogging there were no comments made, obviously, because who knew I was posting except me and my closest relative, so I just assumed I'd never get any feedback. Fast forward to today, I noticed one and then I noticed lots! I do apologize and hope no one thought me rude. It's not a real big deal, I know, but if someone takes the time to comment on my work/ranting, I feel it's only proper to say thank you, assuming of course the comment was nice, which they've all been...so far. So thank you and I apologize.

THOSE BULBS

5 X 7"
Oil on canvas
$100

If you've been following my musings/whining, you'll remember the wedding cake and the visit from our friend, the artist. Well these puppies were among the gifts he brought. He told me what they were, but I forgot. I wanted to do these on linen but none were dry enough to work on since I painted every surface black yesterday after my happy time with the leaves. Plus, I want to post a painting every day this week, so I had to rush this, but, I think it works.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW 1

6 x 6"
Oil on linen
$125

I am very happy. When one "teaches" themselves to do something, and I use the term "teaches" loosely, one usually gets bogged down by ego and cannot see the forest for the trees. It takes a while for me to actually get around to using the advice I'm always asking for. Guess it's one of those "I have to discover it myself" kind of ego saving exercises. Or perhaps I was just scared? Who cares? Two words! Black canvas. I feel as though a door has been opened up on so many new possibilities with my work. I'm actually feeling brave. It's been a while since I had such a growth spurt. Feels good. Haven't whined or heavy sighed in at least 48 hours. About my work anyway.

I was painting last week when I looked out my front window and saw the sun glowing on the rhodadenren bush outside. There I was, in the front yard, flannel jams and Frankenstein flip flops, shooting the bush with the dige. Got some nice shots. More to come.

BLOOD ORANGE OIL

7 x 5"
Oil on canvas
$125

I bought himself all manner of gourmet accoutrement one Christmas. This bottle, empty now, was filled with blood orange oil. Amazing stuff. Just the scent of it made you feel all gooey and warm inside. He added it to a lobster dish once and took it to another whole level. Seems anything he added it to was enhanced in a way that made the dish somehow ethereal or other worldly good. Who cares if he's not on top of the garbage to the curb thing. The man can cook! For real!

Anyway, the bottle is one of our favorites and I thought it warranted a daily effort. A quick thought regarding painting on a black surface—odds botkins!!! It is the answer to everything! Thank you to an incredible artist, Jelaine Faunce, for that advice.

FREEWAY

18 X 24"
Oil on canvas
SOLD

I miss the white hot sun of a mid-summer noon day. Never thought I'd say that, but nothing is drying! I've got a painting in the oven. Never thought I'd say that either.

I began the as yet unfinished daily on Thursday of last week! My first on a pre-painted black surface. Oh my! I get it now. So, I went and painted all of my toned canvasses and board surfaces, save one, black and they're not dry enough to paint on yet! Oh well.

I haven't posted in days and I am beginning to feel untethered from the planet again. This is a recent commission and his name is Freeway. Is he not scrunchable cute?

Working on a process yet again. The plan is to have this studio working like a well-oiled timepiece from back in the day. Commissions, dailies, gallery hopefuls broken down into hourly compartments. I know I can do this. Just step away from the mouse Suzanne.

SARA

12 X 12"
Oil on canvas
SOLD

I'm working on linen, which for me means layers, which means a few days so I'm posting a pet commission. This one was great fun to work on and my client is happy. Who could ask for more?

NUDE 10

12 X 12"
Oil on canvas
$150
ndp

This is the first one I did in this style. My previous nudes were quick studies. These last three are more detailed. I love the simplicity of choosing only three colors—dark, midtone and highlight. It's a good way to study value.

NUDE 9

12 X 12"
Oil on canvas
$150
ndp

I'm really happy with these so I'm going to post here even though they've appeared on the Daily Painter's site. I love the way they look within the content of the page. Hope himself is right.

NUDE 11

12 X 12"
Oil on canvas
$150

Himself assures me there are nude images throughout blogger, and I really want to post the nudes I'm doing, so I'll take a chance and see what happens. I find I'm drawn to the female form when I paint, but decided to include males as well. In life class there is no choice, the model is the model and you are forced to draw the poses he or she takes. That eliminates procrastination, which I'm really good at. But, here at home, doing a daily, I've got so much reference material it took me an hour to decide which pose to do.

It's amazing what's available to artists nowadays. I bought a series of books called Virtual Pose which include a cd that allows you to view the model in Quicktime. You can then take your mouse, position it over the image, drag and the model turns 360 degrees so you can draw the same pose from any position. Incredible!

THE GLAD BAG

24 X 36"
Oil on canvas
NDP

I feel like I haven't been working simply because I've gotten used to posting on my blog and haven't been able to do so because I'm working on nude studies. This piece has been going on for the last year or so. I hate it, I like it, I loathe it, I love it, depending upon the day, my mood and whether or not it's raining in Pittsburgh. Anyway, I need a few more hours and it'll be done, but I thought I'd post anyway, just so I know—like the pink bunny beating that bass drum—I'm still going. The faces need work but it's coming along. I called it the Glad Bag because that honking great green mass of plastic, a little right of center, looks as though it's ready to swallow up everything and everybody.

SARA

16 X 20"
oil on canvas
NFS

I want to post, but I'm doing nudes and they're a no-no, so I'm posting this study of a friend's daughter. It's unfinished, but I like the lightly-toned canvas against her skin tones and wanted to share.

NUDES

These past few days, I've been doing nude studies in oil and I'm having so much fun. I just can't believe the natural beauty of the human form, the shadow and light falling on the form to create such incredible shapes.

These paintings can be seen on dailypainters.com.

GRAM'S JUICER

5 x 7"
Oil on canvas
$175

It's simply amazing what kind of logic the voice employs. I'm accepted to Daily Painter's and I proceed to try to paint like someone else because the voice says that what got me accepted wasn't good enough. Hmmm. Curious. After the candy corn, I discovered that I need to be me. The pieces probably don't look much different, but the application of the paint is and I'm much happier with the method I've been using. Painting in layers is also good and sometimes necessary, but I'm not that familiar with it and the work was beginning to look stiff. I need to make friends with layers and building relationships takes time, so patience is key.

I'm not going to whine today, I feel like a professional. As a matter of fact, I'm quite happy.

OCTOBER

5 x 5"
Oil on canvas
$100

I love candy corn. Painting it almost as much fun as nibblin' on it. Of course these three pieces vanished almost immediately after posing for their portrait. I only bought a small tube of it, but I'm feelin' that sugar rush as we speak. A fitting daily for the first day of October. Oh, and Happy Birthday to himself!

October
5" x 5" (12.7cm x 12.7cm)
oil on canvas
$100 plus $12.95 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

THE PIG

5 X 5"
Oil on canvas
$100

This is my new 401(k). Cute isn't he? Still have a touch of artist's flu, better known as sagging confidence and fear of the future, but I'm pressing on, no matter what. Every painting isn't going to be exactly what I want it to be and I have to accept that. I don't do this often, but himself suggested I have a couple of shots of germ killer, sans the raw clams. I did as instructed and afterward felt infinitely better. I needed some sort of creative satisfaction so we happily jammed into the wee hours and recorded it. The idiot voice finally shut up. Optimism abounds—at least for the rest of the day. Time to start another daily.

SHELL 4

6 X 8"
Oil on board
$125

I have extreme painting dysmorphic syndrome today. I haven't posted in 2 days. I could do a painting in one day before I got accepted, now, nothing is working out. I can't stand anything I do. The idiot voice is screaming in my head. My husband assures me this is ready for prime time, and I'm just freaking out. This too shall pass. I heartily disagree, but I'm sure he's right. I will get a new start tomorrow. What I am not doing is quitting!! The idiot voice will not keep me down, it's just a figment of my imagination, like everything in this world.

SOAPSUN

16 X 20"
Oil on canvas
$350

This is the second in what I thought might be a series of "soap in the sun" paintings, but it's getting tedious. I did a smaller version of just two or three bottles for one of my first daily paintings. Still looking for that special subject matter that I just can't wait to paint. This ain't it. But, had to try right?

I have 3 dailies going and started another today. I have to aim for a rhythm that allows me to produce a daily in the morning and work on commissions and larger pieces in the after. The best way to do that is to prepare the first 2 layers of at least 5 dailies so that there are always a few waiting in the wings for bright work, my favorite part. Still battling laziness, the idiot voice and distractions but I'm still winning!

THREE REDS

16 X 20"
Oil on canvas
$200

The daily designated for today—3 jalapenos on a paper towel— needs more work so I'm posting this onion study instead. The peppers are looking good, it's the quicker-picker upper that's haunting me. What a bear. All those little concentric quilted impressions. Snaps to me for even attempting this! Anyway, the idiot-voice was beginning to clear it's dark little throat, so I called it a day on that puppy.

I broke the reference photo for the onions up for 3 smaller dailies a few months back when I needed to save time for commissions and since I'm behind again, I think I'll use the complete study for today's daily post.

The photo reference was a tad dull so I turned up the volume on the colors a bit. Off to catch up on commissions.

SICILIAN EGGPLANT

5 X 5"
Oil on canvas
$100

Isn't this cute? I'd never seen one before. I was in the produce isle, foraging for daily subjects and saw this. It was a bit worse for wear as time had sucked away it's youth, but I think that made it more interesting. Like me. When it was first picked I'm sure the litle bonnet of foliage on top was quite dapper. The bumps are probably because it's beginning to spoil, but ya gotta love it, warts and all.

I'm much more tense about posting now that my paintings are available for sale on the Daily Painter's site. And, that's a good thing because I'm realizing how impatient and lazy I am. I left the daily I had planned for today out to dry yesterday. Perhaps we made a little too merry last night because it was still there this morning— complete with pooled droplets of dew—when I let Devlin the wonder dog out for his toilette! Oops.

A paper towel made everything ok, but I had to resurrect this piece which I tried to rush through on Friday and hated. And since I spent some time with it today, I really like it, so all is well. Slow and steady wins the race right?

MUGSTACK

6 X 8
Oil on board
$200
6 x 8"

I think I'm getting the hang of this now. I've got 4 dailies going—which is why I didn't post yesterday. And little by little, I'm beginning to see the importance of working in layers. I knew it was smart and I certainly admired the artists who work that way, but I'm so stubborn I didn't want to change my process, which has been a loose version of wet on wet. Silly me. And I couldn't figure out why my work always looked so sloppy! Um...duh!

This was started a long time ago when I thought it was possible to finish a linen piece in one day. I'd abandoned it. But it was at a stage that made it perfect to finish in one day! Anyway, this is still not up to snuff for me. I don't know what kind of standard the idiot voice is holding me up to, but I can only get better by continuing to work. And work I will.

THE BALL JAR

6 X 6"
Oil on linen
$125

I'm an emotional wreck. I have acute painting dysmorphic syndrome, I feel like a fraud and I want to throw my hands up and quit. I think it's all because I got accepted to the Daily Painter's website. One would think the voice would be pleased. I've been doing dailies for four months. Had my ups and downs, failing confidence, momentary arrogance. Now suddenly, I'm a complete fraud and I'm throwing up my hands wondering what made me think I could ever do this!

Can you believe the voice? The idiot voice! What's the big deal? Why is it so afraid of any degree of success? It was a little hard to ignore today, so I gave in and had quite the little pity party. Might as well get if over with and start fresh tomorrow. Sometimes ya just gotta feel like poop. But, I am not now, nor will I ever give up.

THE NAP

54 X 24"
Oil on canvas
$2500

This is one of my gallery pieces, or hopefully gallery pieces. I want to have at least 8-10 before I shop around. Or is that just an excuse to delay any rejection? Probably. But, as long as I'm working, right?

I had a photo I'd taken a while back of my friend napping on the lawn of an arboretum we were visiting. I wanted to use the shot but also wanted to make somewhat of a statement, so I decided to position him floating above the planet, taking a really serious nap. When I look at it I get the feeling of being able to float above the chaos. If only.

THE PUP

18 x 18"
Oil on canvas
SOLD

Another commission as daily times 3 again. It seems everything happens at once. The Daily Painter's accepted my blog and I am so excited I can't seem to paint! Fifty plus paintings in, I'm thinkin' I'm set. I can do this. No biggie. Then I get accepted and I'm painting like it's my first day in kindergarten and I lost my crayons! To be expected. The trick is not making a big deal out of it and press on. Let the ego/idiot voice do it's evil dance until it exhausts itself. I'm busy working. I am very happy and excited about this new phase of my career as a fine artist! It felt like Christmas eve last night!

Still have some bright work to do but drying is necessary so I'll jump on something else. I now understand the wisdom and necessity of having a few dailies going at one time. This little guy is just so amazing I'm considering adding to the family. Devlin needs a little furry sibling to keep him young. Enjoy the weekend.

SANDY

16 x 20"
Oil on canvas
SOLD

I'm busy with commissions and unable to post a daily for a few. I miss them. I curl up in my jammies at night with such a sense of accomplishment when I'm done. But, I'm really enjoying the pups I'm painting now. Anyway, this was my very first horse commission about 2 years ago.

WEDDING CAKE DETAIL

Can you believe it? I'm going to try and talk him into blogging about his work. It is so incredible, so extensive, so creative. This is a detail of one of the layers. Enjoy!

THE WEDDING CAKE

What can I say. It's a long, strange trippy story. I'll try to keep it short.

Himself and I decided to let the law in on our party roughly fifteen years back so that we could reap the legal benefits of married couples. We're very private, shy people, very much aware of the need to cultivate that aloof artist vibe, so naturally quick, quiet and private would be the way to go. When a close friend heard the news, he insisted he be included and we were only too happy to do so. On the appointed day, we left the house we'd been sharing for 2 years, headed down to a beautiful little town nestled on the Sound to the Justice of the Peace and did the deed, enjoyed incredible vittles at our favorite establishment at the time and came back home. A few days later we would set off to Lake Placid to attend the wedding of some close friends who thought it'd be cool to marry on the side of a mountain. We all needed mouth to mouth by the time we reached the spot, already attended by nipping horse flys the size of grapes. But I digress.

Fast forward to this past weekend. The friend who attended our wedding was coming for a long over-due visit. In fact, he hadn't darkened our door since that wonderful day, fifteen years ago. He is an artist as well, and we'd discussed some work I could print out for his use so it was to be a 2-3 day working visit.

He arrived on schedule. In his van were at least between 25-30 beautifully wrapped gifts: 4 antique chairs, a plastic bin full of pre-cut, brightly colored felt hearts—which he planned to throw indiscriminately about the house and sidewalk; white streamers; two of those fold out white wedding bells; two rather large, hand-made sombrero type foam core hats—complete with chin ribbons onto which we were to attach every silk flower that adorned each gift; and last but not least, a fully-cooked Italian Sunday gravy meal, complete with 3 kinds of meat and the thickest spagetti I've ever seen. And, I'm sure I've left some items out!

Having just finished cleaning the house and finally putting the store room back in order, I was not at all feelin' the hearts, or the streamers, or the bells. Now I regret it, it would have been such fun. But, I was beat and as he excitedly laid out plans for the evenings festivities I was stunned into a horrified silence. Also, I thought of himself, who had just told me on the phone that he might be having what could quite possibly be called the worst day of his career as a graphic artist. He would be coming home to what basically amounted to a Wedding Shower Mardi Gras Ambush!

Our friend told us that even though we'd escaped for 15 years, we had to, like everyone else who gets married, suffer the degradation, embrassment and humiliation of a wedding shower. Himself arrived home and immediately jumped into the spirit of the night and we had a wonderful time, even with my grumping about the mess and space I would have to now make for all the stuff he brought. Can you believe my cheek? In my defense, I'm not a complete witch. Some of the stuff was stuff he couldn't bring himself to toss in the bin, but most of it was simply divine and thoughtful. We were presented with 3 beautifully framed original wood-cut prints, more platters than I'll ever need and an entire truckload of subjects for my daily paintings! There will be no more complaining about not having anything old and interesting to paint I can tell you.

And now to the cake. It is simply amazing. He could make a fortune creating fabric replicas of wedding cakes! We didn't have a cake at all, but now we do and it will last longer than we will, I'm sure. Our life span, not the union. We were speechless. He even created a sturdy foam-core box in which to store it! Words can't describe. It was one of the nicest gifts we've ever been given and we'll cherish it and that really strange night forever.

Thank you Jeff, we love you too.