Darkness Into Light

"Darkness Into Light" 8x6" Oil on stretched canvas

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I have talked about my friend Angela who goes on hikes in the woods every Sunday, and then sends me amazing photos to paint. Well, this painting was taken from another one of her recent images.

I was especially drawn to the way the photo was taken from amongst the dark shadows in the foreground and looking out onto this quiet sanctuary of a watery cove that fades off into the distance. It seems to invite us to also step out of the darkness around us, into the pure misty-morning light that, like a curtain being suddenly drawn open, magically reveals reflections of color and life...our invitation into the pristine freshness at the birth of another day.

Like shattering light through stain glass, I decided to paint this one using only rectangular slashes of color, and a new color for each stroke, so no two strokes of color were exactly the same hue.

Thanks for entering my world today. 

nancy

When, When Little Wren?

"When, When Little Wren?" 6x6" oil on Ampersand board

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When, oh when, little Carolina Wren?...Will warmer weather come again? 

BRR! It was 26 degrees on my thermometer here in Conroe, Texas this morning. I get up at 4:30 a.m. several mornings a week (or is that still the middle of the night?) to swim laps at a local outdoor pool, covered only by an unheated tent. When I returned to my car after this morning's swim, it was so cold, I had to scrape ice off my windshield with a credit card in order to drive home....now that's cold!!! I know I can't complain compared to others in many parts of the world but it's all relevant.

NOTE: No matter what I do, I always end up having to post blurry photographs of my work. So, I am experimenting with scanning my paintings on my flatbed scanner directly to my computer. The quality sure looks a lot better and much more accurate. It's a tricky process since my paintings are always wet, but I took four paper clips and placed one under each corner of the painting, just barely catching the tips of the corners, so nothing would touch the glass except the paper clips. After scanning, I touched up the tiny bits of paper clip that were visible in the final image in Photoshop. Pretty cool, huh?

Thanks for dropping by!

nancy

A Cardinal Point

"A Cardinal Point" 6x6" oil on Ampersand board

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I didn't chose a cardinal for today's painting just because I grew up in St. Louis and was a huge Cardinal's fan for many years. Here's the real reason I happen to love cardinals. 

From the time my husband was a little boy his mom told him repeatedly, "David, if you are lucky enough to see a cardinal that's a sure sign you are going to have a great day." He believed this with all his heart and began telling everyone and anyone who would listen. To this very day, he still gets excited at the sighting of each and every cardinal. He even insisted on placing a pair of cardinals at the top of our wedding cake.

Many years later, while looking over our wedding photos, his mom asked us why in the world we chose to put cardinals on our cake? A very sentimental man, Dave gave a long affectionate sigh and reminded her of her eternal promise of a good day he'd always remembered. She looked at him like he was crazy and in one sweeping crush of a blow, said she'd never heard of such nonsense. Go figure?... Oh well, after 31 years of marriage, perhaps there was a glimmer of truth in it somewhere? 

Heaven help us if Dave ever finds out that the Bluebonnet song, he joyfully croons every spring, about a "princess being offered for the rain" is only a legend. YIKES!!!

You've seen your cardinal for today...go and have a great and blessed day!

Thanks for perching with me for awhile.

nancy 

Forest Forager

"Forest Forager" 6x6" oil on Ampersand panel

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The weather has turned cold and rainy in this part of the woods; a reminder that it's time to nestle in and prepare for the winter months ahead. With the wildlife in Texas struggling from long, hot summer droughts, be sure to fill up those bird feeders for our local feathered friends, and their migratory cousins here on winter holiday.

Texas a prime spot for watching migratory birds. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are 629 species of birds found in Texas, and of those birds, 53 percent are migratory species. Texas is a main corridor for the central migratory flyway, and many species of birds traveling on the Mississippi flyway use the Gulf Coast. There are 338 species of birds that migrate from South and Central America to North America, and of those species, 98.5 percent have been recorded in Texas.

The fluffy little fellow above is a Tufted Titmouse. He likes to feast on caterpillars, beetles, wasps, ants, bees, tree hoppers, spiders, and snails. He'll glean prey from tree bark and twigs, but may also forage on the ground. In winter, he collects seeds and acorns throughout his territory, and is a frequent visitor to backyard bird feeders.

Thanks for bird watching with me!

nancy 

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
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INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost. 

Stupid Pear Tricks

"Stupid Pear Tricks" 10x8" Oil on stretched canvas

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You've been seeing these showy fellows closer up over the last couple of days. Here they are all together a larger 10x8" family portrait. The obnoxious pear rolling around on the ground is trying to get a laugh out of 'em. The Gerber's have turned their heads in disgust of his childish behavior. Some of us just never want to grow up!

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost. 

A Pear of 'em

"A Pear of 'em" oil on canvas panel

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This pretty pair of pears were major players in our Thanksgiving Day salad. However, they were too perfect to be sliced, simply to adorn the top of spinach leaves, until they first served time as models for my painting. The one on the left was very sweet and cooperative, but that other one was tired and grumpy; she laid her head down on the floor, pouted and moaned all morning long. Oh, the things I have to put up with! 

This painting, along with the red Gerbers posted yesterday, were actually both sections of a larger still-life setup. I started off trying to paint the whole enchilada but quickly became overwhelmed, especially listening to the constant complaints of that whiny produce. As an alternative to donning ear plugs, I decided to simplify the larger composition by breaking it down into a couple of partial paintings first. My plan worked, I finished just in time to make the salad. Tomorrow's post will be the whole shebang.  

Here's the recipe which was quick, easy and very yummy!!!

SPINACH, PEAR & SHAVED PARMESAN SALAD

Have the cheese at room temperature, shave it with a vegetable peeler, then wrap it in plastic until ready to use. 

8       cups fresh baby spinach

2       Bosc pears, quartered lengthwise, cored and thinly sliced

2       oz. Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved

2       Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1       Tbsp. whole grain mustard

½      cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine spinach, pears and cheese. For dressing, whisk together vinegar, mustard, 1 tsp. each sugar and salt, and ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Whisk in oil. Drizzle on salad and pass remaining.

MAKES 8 SERVINGS

Thanks for viewing my work!

 nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost. 

Pocketful of Posies

"Pocketful of Posies" 6x6" Oil on canvas panel

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I bought this bright colorful little gathering of Gerber Daisies in the discounted section of the grocery store for $.99, hoping they would hold up for a few more days, to paint over the holiday weekend.

Like most all of my work, this was painted alla prima, that is wet onto wet. In case you are unfamiliar with that term, alla prima is a style of painting where, instead of building colors up with layers or glazing over an underpainting, the painting is completed while the paint is still wet. This painting style was used by some of my favorite painters: Paul Cezanne, John Singer Sargent, Caravaggio and Mary Cassatt. 

I love the clean fluid, watercolor-like effects I can get but with the vibrant, richness of oils. If I am lucky, I can find sharp edges or soft ones that blend and melt into other areas. 

I have a long way to go and a lot to learn in oil painting, so I have to be careful or things can get ugly and muddy very quickly. I try to work fast and on small canvases cause once it all dries, the party's over...the clock strikes midnight...and Cinderella has to leave the ball.

Thank you for viewing my painting!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

SOLD - An Admiring Audience

"An Admiring Audience" 6x6" Oil on canvas board

This colorful group of flowers were captured here, swooning and fainting during the sold-out performance of an enchanting green starlet in a crowded-to-capacity theater. Okay...so maybe that's not exactly right...Actually these flowers are what remains out of an arrangement from a recent dinner party, but the green apple did bully her way onto the stage.

Imagination and creation are so much fun...that's the best part of being an artist. Anything and everything is possible in a world filled with possibilities. All we have to do is to open our eyes and hearts to the wonder, and then feast at the banquet spread before us. What a gift!

In humble gratitude to the Master Creator of it all...Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Sweet Spot

6x6" oil on canvas panel

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Last week was busy on so many levels that I wasn't able to carve out much time for painting. Then we spent the entire weekend in Fort Worth for more of my husband's poetry readings. I had hoped to paint a landscape en plein air but with the prediction of thunderstorms opted to paint this cozy indoor scene of the corner of our room high above the Trinity River and downtown Fort Worth with its nostalgic stockyards. 

 

The highlight of the weekend was the "Caravaggio and His Circle in Rome" exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum. Caravaggio, a highly-influential figure in the history of art  (1571–1610), overturned the artistic conventions of his day and created stunningly dramatic paintings, both sacred and secular. A powerful exhibit!!! If you get the chance to go...you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Lunch Bunch

"Lunch Bunch" 6x6" Oil on gessobord

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Today's painting is a recent challenge from DailyPaint Works. The photo of the crowded German restaurant above is what we were given to paint. There is a lot going on in the scene, so the instructions were to select and paint just a section of it. I chose the two shady characters on the right who are disguising themselves in sunglasses...and trying to look oh so innocent! But I am on to them. The green shopping bag the lady's guarding between her legs is stuffed full of stolen euros from a heist they just pulled off from the bank on the corner. Just look at his shifty eyes and how nervous she is puffing away on that cigarette. The whole town is swarming with cops, so the punks ducked in here to wait for the coast to clear before they make their break for the border. 
...And that's my story and I am stick'n to it!

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Tree and My Shadow

"Tree and My Shadow" 6x8" Oil on canvas panel

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This is a scene I pass by most every evening, as I take my little dog for his daily constitutional. We walk by about the same time each day, just as the sun is setting behind the lush, sprawling grounds of a Memory Care facility.  

I love the play of light and dark, and how the trees create giant shadows which lazily stretch their way across the road. As if to the beat of a silent melody, sleepy shadows seem in pose for evening salute to the drooping sun. However, these same shadows could also be seen as the bars of a prison cell, metaphors for the expanding darkness in the minds of residents sheltered securely inside...brains held captive...blocked from the light of fading memories.

Light shines on us all but like trees, we can block the light to only see darkness lying before us. How do you see this painting, light or dark? 

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Double Trouble

"Double Trouble" 8x6" Oil on canvas panel

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Snips, snails and puppy dog tails...that's what little boys are made of. 

Meet Oren and Andrew, two of my nephews when they were much younger. I snapped this photo of them as they stood on the rocky banks of Emerald Lake in Montana, one summer long ago. They must have taken a break from hooking slimy worms to devise a plan to overthrow and regain control of the raft containing all the little girl cousins who outnumbered them three to one. Or, perhaps they were searching for turtles, frogs, or big sticks to fend off Nettie, or some other lake monster who could suddenly emerge to devour them whole. Who knows what lurks about in the minds of little boys?


Thanks for viewing my painting!

nancy  

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Rio Grande Harvest

"Rio Grande Harvest" 11x14" oil on canvas

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The other day my photographer friend Angela sent me a photograph of this hostage image, captured in New Mexico. Knowing I love reflections, she knew I'd want to paint it. Then she asked me what my big attraction was for reflections?

I've never really put it into words before, but do freely confess to being obsessed with reflections which lay in wait, to mystify and delight me everywhere. Like Alice Through the Looking Glass, I can be casually gazing at a seemingly flat surface of water or wet pavement, when suddenly something shifts in my head and in a nano second, I slide down into the hole of right brain dominance.  

My husband confessed to me last night that he is almost afraid to walk into the house when I am painting reflections. Like out of an episode of Twilight Zone, he's sure he will find that I have been sucked into a painting, standing up to my waist in reflections, and waving back at him. He probably isn't far from the truth here... I'm sure the entire house could burn down around me while I stand in oblivion, trapped in the spell of the moment.

If you don't believe me, next time you are driving on a busy, rain-soaked street at dusk, I double-dog-dare ya to turn your focus on all the long red-trailing limbs of taillights and sudden explosions of red and green bombs at stoplights. Be careful not to have wreck but it's an incredible light show. Hum, maybe I need to paint this sometime?

Thanks for viewing my painting!

nancy  

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Strolling Sicily

"Strolling Sicily" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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Overview of Taormina

Today's painting was taken from a photo while strolling along the streets of Taormina, Sicily. This was a stop along the 10-day Mediterranean cruise I recently mentioned in my blog. A region of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. I fell in love with this charming little city, its quaint streets, and Mt. Etna looming in the background.

Believing that less is always more, I decided to simplify this painting by leaving out several overhanging balconies adorned with window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers. There was so much going on in the busy scene already, I wanted the viewer's attention to be drawn to the couple walking along in the drizzling rain, creating those magnificent reflections in the cool illuminated cobblestone walkway. 

Taormina why, must we say goodbye? My family and I only had one day to spend in Taormina, I would have loved to have stayed longer, but as you can see, I have not forgotten thee. 

Thanks for viewing my painting!

nancy  

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Flower Power

"Flower Power" 6x8" Oil on canvas panel

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I snapped the photo for this painting in my garden several years ago but never painted it. That's probably cause I didn't feel comfortable painting flowers back then. However, now that I have been painting most everyday for over a year, I am getting braver. I can't remember if these are Black Eyed Susans or Rudbekias, so I am calling this one Flower Power. Must be the influence of a book I just finished reading about the sixties. "Those were the days my friends..."

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy 

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Willow Don't Weep for Me

"Willow Don't Weep for Me" 6x8" oil on canvas panel

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This has been the first fall in many years that I haven't gone into mourning, missing out on the show of color that annually tours most everywhere north of Texas.

Today's painting is one last witness of fall from our recent trip. I have had so much fun painting from all the visual memories recorded in my heart. Nothing feeds me with such feverish delight as to witness the glorious transitioning of life to death in such stately dignity. It's kind of how I feel about gray hair.

Nothing pains me more, than to spend all spring and summer: planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, waiting, watching everything grow and green into landscape; only then to stand witness to a sudden death as it all withers, turns brown, and drops with a silent thud. It's like baking a cake from scratch for a cake walk and never getting to take a bite.

To the north, each autumn event becomes a magical performance of light and color as maple, oak and elm—just a few of the star performers—each reveal illustrious crowns of jewels. Then, as if on key, each prima ballerina one-by-one, takes a final jete...floating and drifting on currents of Indian summer winds to a graceful final bow. Willow don't weep for me this year. 


Thanks for viewing my work!


nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

House Fire on Centre Street

"House Fire on Centre Street" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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Crowing like a rooster, this tiny house in Concord stopped me dead on my trek. Looking more like a tidy Christmas present wrapped in a shiny red bow, it beckoned me to sneak-a-peek. Numb to my gawking stare, the quaint little doll-of-a-house nestled in among slumbering neighbors, snoozed on in cool shadows of morning as the first light of day began pulling on her feathery golden fleece of fall. 

Out of somewhere, Mr. Rogers' song of old comes to mind, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood....would you be mine...won't you be my neighbor?"

Thanks for viewing!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Best Seat in the House

"Best Seat in the House" 12x16" oil on canvas

Under the brightly-lit marquee of New Hampshire, the annual premier is underway. Please take your reserved, front-row seat for another stunning performance by the masterful conductress, Mother Nature and her bountiful production company. As the curtain rises, both of my favorite actors, fall color and watery reflection burst onto the stage in an alluring and compelling display of sheer artistic genius. Grab your popcorn, sit back in the cool early-morning shade and enjoy the show.

Special note: this outdoor stage is on a larger 12x16" playground.

Thanks for coming!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges are based on actual weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping cost.

Who da Momma?

"Who da Momma?" 6x6" Oil on gessobord

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I haven't painted a not-so-still life in the past couple weeks and was searching for subject matter, when my husband...who loves to grocery shop...steps in the door toting this gorgeous juicy tomato. She was donned in a long twisting stem resembling a witches hat. I was not about to let that red beauty get diced up into a taco salad or gazpacho, until I had a chance to paint her. So I placed her in the fridge to chill.

A couple days later, I discovered she had adopted a trio of abandoned young grapes looking for a place for trouble to happen. Momma-mato gathered them into a green cluster and bribed them to sit still long enough for this first family portrait. She later rewarded their good behavior with a trip to the local Hydrator Roller Rink. Oh, the things that go on in my house!

Thanks for viewing my painting.

FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings work great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES AND SHIPPING:  Shipping charges will based on weight, contact me directly to arrange for online payments and shipping.

Fall is in the Air

"Fall is in the Air" 6x8" Oil on canvas panel 

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On my second day in New Hampshire, the sun finally muscled its way through high banks of clouds to reveal patches of promising azure. This was my big moment! I packed up all my painting gear and hiked back to White Park to plein air alongside the footpath surrounding the lake. 

By the time I had set up my easel and squeezed the myriad of little puddles onto my palette, the sun had already gotten the ball rolling. Filtering in through deep-shadowy sentinels of limbs and trunks, she masterfully brushed brilliant lime-green in wide sparkling streaks across the cool viridian slopes. The seasonal ticket holders crimson, burnt orange and harvest yellow—all fluttering in the crisp morning breeze—went wild in applause at the stunning performance.

Unaffected by any of the commotion, a flock of hungry Mallards cruised the lake in silent single-file order—weaving their way through dried reeds, cattails and low hanging Willow tresses—perhaps in search of a tasty minnow or a breadcrumb left by a child....Ah, the gift of it all!!!

Thanks for tagging along for the ride!
nancy
 

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Take It All Off

"Take It All Off" 8x6" Oil on Canvas Board

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Talk about brazen behavior! Can you believe this outrageous redhead caught in a quiet neighborhood of Concord in decadent flamboyance? That's right! Baring herself in a showy burlesque, she literally flaunted herself at the curb attracting the attention of every passerby. Despite the chilling rain, she exposed one long slender limb after another in an ostentatious display. A shocking performance!

 

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy
 


FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

The Sky is Falling

"The Sky is Falling" 8x6" Oil on Canvas

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We arrived in Concord, NH last Thursday too late to do anything except nurse a glass of Pinot Noir, dive into a plate of New England mussels, clams and pasta...which knocked my socks off...and collapse into bed. 

Up bright and early the next morning, I stuffed 25 lbs. of tripod, panel box, paints, brushes, paper towels, canvas, painting medium, poncho, water bottle, camera, snacks into my backpack, and scouted out the closest park to our hotel about a mile away. Hiking up a steep hill, I arrived at White Park just as the gray clouds overhead began delivering...what must have been... all the siphoned rain meant Texas for the past year. The rain continued all day, so I decided to spend the time photographing the park, quaint houses, the Sate Capitol, old brick buildings lining the streets of downtown Concord, and every brilliant water-colored tree I met along the way. Fall color was exploding everywhere! Even the apple trees—gracing front yards of the typical clapboard New England homes—had dropped leftover wares into wasted puddles of red, yellow and green. 

Rain soaked and chilled to the bone, I returned to the hotel to download all the images onto my computer, and set up a make shift studio in front of a north light window in our room which opened onto Main Street. This painting is of the reed encircled White Lake reflecting a ghostly colored sky on its mirrored surface. What a picture perfect day!

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy


FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

"Italian Stoop Sitters"

"Italian Stoop Sitters" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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Okay, yesterday I lied about that being my last post for the week. Against all odds, I was able to squeeze in one last painting late last night. This one is another DPW Challenge piece, so I am posting one last time before we leave for New Hampshire. 

The goal of this new challenge was to "select a portion of the picture above that interested me, crop it and play with the values and colors to determine what would result in a good composition." I can see several possibilities but here was my submission. I really liked the photograph which reminded me of many similar sights I saw in and around the Positano/Amafali coast and Sicily several years ago while on a Mediterranean cruise. I love this part of the world and had such fun painting this scene. I am thinking I will have to revisit my photos and paint from more of them. I hope you enjoy!

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy


FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

"Water's Edge"

"Water's Edge" 6x6" oil on canvas panel

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This may be my last post for the week from Texas but hopefully I'll soon be posting some new landscapes of the bright fall colors of New England. Dave and I are heading to New Hampshire on Thursday and I have been praying the leaves will cling tight to their branches for just a few more days. I can hardly wait to hopefully catch the tail end of the leaves changing colors. I grew up in St. Louis and this is the one thing I literally mourn for every fall. Nothing I have ever beheld in this world makes me feel more alive and humbled to our Creator, than to stand in awe at the finale. To witness, if only one crisp autumn day, at the brilliant golden light of fall as it ignites leaves, branches and entire trees into blazing infernos of shimmering glory.    

 

I've been trying to bone up on some landscapes in preparation for our trip. This painting of deep cool blue water, with fallen leaves resting on its quiet early-morning surface, was taken from a photo on a trail in Huntsville State Park. It was sent to me by a friend who meandered along its gentle paths.

 

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy

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I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

"Creeper Crawlers"

"Creeper Crawlers" 6x6" oil on canvas panel

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Did I fool you? I'll bet you thought this was going to be a painting of worms or bugs? But nothing creepy here, just a close up on a group of performers from that magnificent Rangoon Creeper vine that's crawling all over my back fence. 

These little gals are in a tizzy of utter euphoria after dancing around in the glorious gift of an all-day rain we received yesterday. Can you see the smiles on their faces? I love how they daily adorn themselves in soft billowing gowns of purest white, blushing pinks or rosy reds. The hummingbirds are wild winged with applause over these flaming clusters.

 

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

"Went to a Garden Party"

"Went to a Garden Party" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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This painting was taken from a photo my son snapped of our grandson Max at his birthday party surrounded by friends, Abbey and Zach. I was intrigued with the bright colors and engaging composition but was majorly challenged by all the figures and hoopla, especially on such a small canvas. I usually don't paint figuratively and was afraid to try but then thought, what the heck "can't never could", so I jumped in full steam ahead..."to go where this (wo)man has never dared to go." It was a learning experience on many levels but a very fun party!  

Thanks for viewing my work!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works and Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

"Jeepers Peepers"

"Jeepers Creepers" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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Rangoon Creeper

Where'd you get those creepers? I took my easel out early Saturday morning to paint the soft morning light cutting through pines and oaks across the sleepy surface of our backyard pool, and spotlighting the tips of my favorite vine, a Rangoon Creeper. Also known as Chinese honeysuckle, this stunning plant grows along our fence producing fragrant blossoms ranging in hues from white to red all summer and stretching into fall. It literally makes me smile every time I see it. 

One of the joys of owning a pool is watching the reflections on a motionless glassy surface. It seems almost magical as the world around me flips totally upside down in mirror-like quality. An interesting fact about painting reflections on water is the fact that light colored objects appear darker and dark colored objects appear lighter. I know it sounds impossible but I challenge you to keen your peepers to witness this subtle phenomena. 

Thanks for viewing!

nancy

"Wee-Wee-Wee..."

"Wee-Wee-Wee..." 6x6" oil on canvas panel
 

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...all the way home! I've been playing catchup on challenges this week, so here's one more for today. This one was called "Paint your Pig." 

I love the sweet look on little piggy's face. Obviously, she is hero worshiping with deep admiration for momma sow. She seems to be thinking, I want to be just like you when I grow up... But I wouldn't bank on it. Sadly once she hits her teens, her head may be turned facing the opposite direction, distracted by the world and all that glimmers. I sure wish piglets would stay little forever. Do you think I could be experiencing empty nest???

Oink, Oink, Oink...Eat more Fish!!!

 Thanks for viewing!

nancy

FREE SHIPPING

I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works,  ebay and  Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.

Fall Show Offs

"Fall Show Offs" 8x6" oil on canvas panel

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Have paint will travel!!! I just bought an awesome new lightweight portable easel, which collapses down to fit in my backpack. So last weekend, I thought I'd try a little plein air.  I am not sure if painting on your patio counts as plein air but after all, I was outside?

In a recent challenge, posted at DailyPaintWorks.com, artists were invited to go outside and paint the fall colors where they live. What a joke! Fall colors don't even exist in Texas where green things just turn brown, shrivel up and drop to the ground. In fact, we are still experiencing blistering temps with no end in sight...and along with the heat...the worst drought since the 1700s. I count myself lucky to have little color remaining in my poolside oasis, where drought tolerant potted beauties: purple Angelonia, golden Marmalade Rudbekia, yellow Ixora and hot pink Pentas continue to defy nature.

Lord have mercy, forecasters are predicting this dry weather pattern will continue for another year... I may need to start planting cactus.

Thanks for viewing!
nancy

FREE SHIPPING
I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works,  ebay and  Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or  other small areas.

"Angela's Path"

"Angela's Path" 6x8" oil on canvas panel - CLICK TO BID

 

Today's painting was my submission in the DPW's "Rectangle Challenge" which was a total blast! The rule was to build up a painting by laying down ONLY rectangles, one rectangle at a time and one rectangle adjacent to the next. You also had to mix a new color for each rectangle, comparing the color, value, and temperature as you proceeded.

My friend Angela sent me this photo from a recent hike in a Nature Preserve. I loved all the pinkish-violet tones on the tree in the foreground and in the distance, so I thought it would be fun to work with if simplified down into workable pieces.

This challenge forced me to paint outside my comfort zone but once I had placed the first couple of strokes, my mind responded like I was working a jigsaw puzzle, finding and placing down one colored piece at a time. To my delight the end result was a very abstracted, mosaic-like quality. My own personal painting style contains some degree of abstraction, which I think makes a painting more interesting. However, this challenge pushed me to leap-frog onto a new pad. I am sure I'll be revisiting this pond again and again. R-r-r-ebit!!!

Thanks for viewing and for all your comments and encouragement of my work!

FREE SHIPPING

I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works,  ebay and  Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or  other small areas.

SOLD Eyes of Innocence

"Eyes of Innocence" 12x12" Oil on canvas

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I don't paint many portraits but was simply awe struck with a recent photo of Annie, my three-year-old niece. Looking at her big expressive blue eyes, I couldn't help but think those eyes could have been what the Virgin Mary's eyes might have looked like as a child. With a look of wide-eyed wonder and unconscious innocence, did she have even a glimmer of understanding to where her life would lead? Somehow those eyes seem to reflect the unknowing, yet somehow knowing look of total acceptance for all that would unfold. I didn't think a 6x6" canvas could do justice to those eyes, so this one is a larger 12x12" canvas.

Thank you for viewing my painting.

nancy

FREE SHIPPING

I am offering FREE shipping within the U.S. on all paintings in my Daily Paint Works,  ebay and  Etsy stores. These small paintings look great in groups of two or more, and add interest and charm to an entry, kitchen, bath, sitting on a bookshelf, or other small areas.