An Evening of Awesome, Art, Wine & Jazz

"Pondering on a Pond", 24x12", oil on stretched canvas

"Bend in the Road", 10x8", oil on Gessobord

"Bounty", 10x8", oil on Gessobord

These are a few pieces I will be showing at "An Evening of Awesome Art, Wine and Jazz",  along with other local artists. This is a benefit event for Fill the Gap, a program of the Peace and Justice Network of Montgomery County, serving the homeless. Come see me this Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7:00 p.m. 50% of all sales go to help the homeless. 

Location: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3801 South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381.  See flyer below for full details. 

The Babysitter

"The Babysitter", 14.5x10.5", Watercolor
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This watercolor painting is of my 18-year-old granddaughter Hayley sharing time with my five-year-old grandson Palmer. My intent was to capture her tenderness and emotion which always shows through to her younger cousins. She literally has a baby in her arms, or a child in her lap at every family gathering. It's not surprising, she is studying to be a NICU nurse. 

I used a recent snap shot for my reference. The lightest values—reflected onto the faces and clothing—came directly from the iPad screen Palmer was playing with in his lap. I had to be careful to get those lightest highlights in immediately and hang on to them. 

Here was my step-by-step process. See photos below:

 1. I started with a light pencil drawing to capture the pose and gestures of the figures, and work out the composition.

 2. Working all over the page, I began blocking in the major shapes with light washes of watercolor.

3. Then, I started adding thin transparent washes of color over the existing layers to build up all of the areas especially in the darkest areas.

4. I continue adding more and more layers until all the values were correct and I was happy with the results.  

Once the paper was completely dry, I erased most of the pencil lines. I really like my underdrawing to be slightly visible. I think it makes the painting more interesting and helps define and gather forms and shapes. 

This is the largest watercolor I have worked on in a long time, and was pleased with the outcome.

Thanks for visiting today. 
nancy

To see more of my art click Online Gallery • Email  • Website  •  Graphic Design Studio • Fine Art America

1. Initial pencil drawing 

2. Blocking in

3. Begin layering 

4. Final layers added

Laura Elizabeth

"Laura Elizabeth", 24x24", oil on canvas

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you." 

— Khalil Gibran

This painting hardly does justice to my beautiful daughter, Laura. I only wish we'd had the luxury of time to set up a live pose of her draped among loose folds of long white flowing linen, standing before a window bathed in cool Northern light. I could have spent days upon days trying to capture that wild Celtic hair, jewel-like blue green eyes and gentle loving spirit.

Time passes so quickly, a busy mom with two very active teenagers, she works as a full-time high school counselor. Day-after-day she faces one critical or life-threatening situation after the next, listening and responding with heart, mind and soul despite her own debilitating battles and suffering from Lyme's disease. I feel her pain, share in her sorrows, and find gladness in her joy. She is an authentic beacon of light and truth shining in the darkness.

I quickly snapped this photo reference of her in a rare still moment, as she sat on my couch checking emails, most likely responding to a problem with one of the students. I stand gawking in wide-eyed wonder at the incredible human being she has somehow morphed into right before my very eyes. How is it that all of this goodness was allowed to come through me? I am so honored to be her mom. 

Another of my precious children, please meet Laura. 
nancy 

To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  • Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

Seat of Knowledge

"Seat of Knowledge" 20x16" Oil on Canvas

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 "Knowledge is knowing we cannot know." 

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

This wing back chair sits vacant in the north facing window of my studio. It was a rescue from a friend of my daughter's whose cat had taken a liking to it. 

To me, this chair is the semblance of the Tree of Knowledge growing smack dab in the middle of the Garden of Eden, tempting all who come upon it to eat of its forbidden fruit. The shiny, sweet-talking tangerine, balancing precariously on a limb is the brightest allure in this lush garden.

Can you imagine sitting shamelessly idle, sipping on a cup of jasmine tea, and delving into the hidden secrets of a half finished book in the middle of a quiet afternoon? Seeing this chair empty, makes me wonder if its latest occupant was cast out of paradise mid bite after partaking of...heaven forbid...leisure time?!? Wonder what that feels like? Guess I'll never know. It all comes down to living your passion. Are you living yours?
 

nancy

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

Call of the Light

"Call of the Light", 20x16, oil on gessobord

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"All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone." —Blaise Pascal

This large painting is of the wing back chair that sits in the corner of my mom's living room where I snapped the photo reference. 

Caught in a yin-yang sea of cool and warm light, the chair sits vacant and still, like an empty canoe at dawn, docked against a back lit window that laps cool waves of early morning light against its sides. In a battle for dominance and balance, the table lamp to the right, casts its baited hooks of warm golden highlights designed to lure and reel you in for the catch.  

This seat beckons, kick off your shoes and sit right down. Simply be and listen for a quiet moment, not with the mind but with ears of the heart. 

This tiny minnow-of-a-habit built into each day reaps a bounty you'll never throw back. 

Thanks for bobbing by today!

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

Morning Salutations

"Morning Salutations", 10x8", oil on gessobord

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"When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself." — Tecumseh

The birds certainly get it. These tiniest herald's of first light, erupt in wild abandonment to salute the dawn with their joyous gift of song. From slender perches, high among dark branches, they cry out into the quiet stillness of waning night in an all-knowing awareness that light is somehow already present.  

J.R.R. Tolkien said, "You can only come to the morning through the shadows." Today's stoic chair stands guard facing the dawn like a wooden sentinel over a shadowy grave, and cries out in praise for the beginning of a new day!

Happy Wednesday. 
nancy
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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

 

Knowledge is recognition of something absent; it is a salutation, not an embrace.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/salutation.html#vLk7xYPzXTtyTQPm.99

Window Seat

"Window Seat", 10x8", oil on gessobord

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"What you really want for yourself is always trying to break through just as a cooling breeze flows through an open window on a hot day. Your part is to open the windows of your mind."

—Vernon Howard

The other day a friend asked what was up with all the chairs I've been painting recently? To be honest I am not sure what motivates my fascination? However as I reflect on the question, I have to admit I've been as moved by the illuminated windows serving as backdrops in my paintings, as I have been by the silhouetted chairs themselves. 

The yin-yang of light and dark enchants me with the omnipresence of shadowy darkness stalking ever so close, lurking on the prowl; while parallel worlds of redeeming windows stream with the brilliance of life-saving portals, open invitations for light and color to enter pregnant with the hope of possibility.

I don't know why I feel compelled to paint chairs, but those flanked with wide outstretched stuffed arms, sure seem to long to surround with the warmth of a soft embrace, offering safety and protection. To coin a phrase from Goldilock, "Ahhh, this chair is just right."

Thanks for flowing in through my window. 

nancy 

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

Seeing Red

"Seeing Red", 14x11", oil on gessobord

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"You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself sitting alone in a room."

 — Dr. Seuss

Here's another rocker that gets a regular workout in our home. This one was a gift to my husband when he retired from teaching high school. I am sure it was intended for a front porch setting, but serves us well in our living room. 

There is something I find irresistible about a chair sitting idle, open and waiting for someone to fill its highest purpose. Even if I have trouble finding the time to actually stop and sit much, sometimes simply seeing an empty chair permits me to mentally rest for a second or maybe two. Our lives are so fast-paced, chairs are wonderful metaphor for stillness, quiet... a reminder to stop the world now, and again...to indulge in the gift of another moment. Franz Kafka said, "You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet." 

Thank you for pausing for a spell.

nancy

PS. This is a larger painting 14x11"

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Daily Paintworks Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery 

The Rocker

"The Rocker" 10x8", oil on gessobord

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"A house that does not have one warm, comfy chair in it is soulless."  — May Sarton

A silhouette of solitude sits in soft sultry light, inviting the viewer to enter into this room and take a seat by the french doors overlooking the pool; perhaps to rest awhile, read a book, or simply sit amid elongated ghostly shadows and rock in early morning's light.

This rocking chair has been in our family for as long as I can remember and beyond. I know all eight of my siblings and I were all rocked and comforted to sleep in it, just as I soothed my own children, and then one-by-one each grandbaby. 

The time-weathered cherry with its now tattered cane seat, groans with each rhythmic motion, lulling little eyes to sleep like some entrancing mantra. Accompanying lullabies were gently sung from the armless frame, such as Rock-a-bye baby, You are my sunshine, even an original Go to sleep my little baby—composed by my grandfather—and passed down from one tender lap to the next from its seat.

  

To me this chair is a priceless heirloom, one that continues to uplift this now grown child in a treasury of memories and tradition. 

I don't think I have ever said this before about one of my paintings, but I really LOVE the way this painting turned out...and the emotion it invokes. There is such a feeling of satisfaction when a painting comes together and I can step back and say YES that's it!

Thanks for letting me introduce our family's rocker.

nancy

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Daily Paintworks Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery 

Home Is Where Your Hat Lies

"Home is Where Your Hat Lies" 10x8" oil on gessobord

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"Where thou art, that is home." — Emily Dickinson

From where I art, my home looks almost magical early in the morning as the sun begins peeking into corners of cool-gray lifeless windows, and prying open heavy lids of sleepy wooden blinds. Quickly the soft luster begins bouncing and dripping down the walls of the room as if caught in the middle of a paintball game. I love gazing at the dazzling light show as free-form patterns twirl about the room illuminating golden splashes on furniture, floors and walls, here and then there; perhaps directed by an invisible wand spattering glorious razzmatazz into the quickly vanishing darkness. 

I picked up this unique little bargain chair years ago in an antique shop. I was sure it must have belonged to a count or duchess. It was love a first glance. From where he art, hubby Dave wasn't too impressed with my prize find. However since then he has made use of it, serving as his own personal hat rack... Now does that not seem a bit sacrilegious? 

Thanks for visiting with me in my home today.

- nancy

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery 

Such A Lovely Place

"Such A Lovely Place", 8x10" oil on gessobord

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"I can walk through a hotel lobby and watch people at the desk and see what they're doing. People don't look at me. They don't even know I'm there." —Jerry Seinfeld

No, this is not the Eagle's hotel somewhere in California. It's "Welcome to the Hotel" Worthington Renaissance, Fort Worth. The lobby, with it's warm and inviting sitting area, was a great place to people watch and snap photos—like a fly on the wall—without being noticed by those two guys heading out the door in the background. 

This painting was more complex than most of my paintings and took 15 hours to complete. I sure had fun playing with all the details. I love the cool light streaming in through in the huge windows contrasted by the warm glow of the sitting area. 

I have had such a strong attraction to lamp light lately? I'm not sure why I keep wanting to paint this subject matter, perhaps it has something to do with the need for a path of light to shine into the darkness of the world? 

Thanks for  checking in today. I hope you enjoyed your stay.

nancy
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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio 

SOLD - Room Service

"Room Service" 8x8" oil on gessobord

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"All of life is an empty room. It is our task to fill it with something worth listening to." 

— Joan Chittister

As Shakesphere said, "All the world is a stage"... and this empty chair is merely a player. A stoic prop, positioned slightly off-center stage, sits transfixed in the warm flood of first light pouring in through glass and splashing across the floor. 

This painting is of another corner of the hotel room where I recently stayed in Fort Worth. This delightful room serviced me well, an unspoken invitation to pause in the solitude of the great abyss. Or at least, that's how I perceived it. 

I've mentioned in previous blogs about my need for silence, and how important it is to my soul. I suspect this might have something to do with the fact that the TV broadcasts day and night at my house, especially during football season. I rarely ever sit down to watch it myself cause nine times out of ten, I'll be asleep within a matter of minutes. My need for quietude really is very productive because it spurns me to retreat to another room of service—my studio—where I can listen and paint to my hearts content in the utter soundlessness of "Do Not Disturb."

Thanks for checking in today! You've earned a tip!!!  : ) 

*****FREE SHIPPING***** For the month of October treat yourself to FREE shipping on all domestic shipments, and 1/2 off all international shipping charges. Offer applies to any paintings purchased from my Online Gallery. 
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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  • Graphic Design Studio 

SOLD Good Golly Miss Mollie

SOLD "Good Golly Miss Mollie" 10x8" oil on gessobord

Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jdonaldwa183433.html#xAsjdHyZkpu9hW2l.99

Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jdonaldwa183433.html#xAsjdHyZkpu9hW2l.99

Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jdonaldwa183433.html#xAsjdHyZkpu9hW2l.99

Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jdonaldwa183433.html#xAsjdHyZkpu9hW2l.99

"Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment." 

— J. Donald Walters

Decisions, decisions. This sweet little girl with the big white bow in her hair, Miss Mollie, was with her mom at Panera one morning last week. You can find me there most mornings having coffee with friends before going to work. On this one particular morning, I glanced up from my cup of Hazelnut, to see little Mollie stretching up on tipey-tipey toes, barely tall enough to see all the decadent goodies behind the glass counter. Hmm...muffin, bagel, cookie, tart, danish or maybe a cupcake? 

While Mollie was trying to make up her mind, her mom graciously allowed me to snap a photo reference for today's painting. I was so thrilled at the prospect of painting her, I never even notice what she ended up choosing for breakfast, but hopefully she enjoyed it as much as I did painting her.

Thanks for choosing to view my painting today. 

nancy 

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  • Graphic Design Studio 

My Side

"My Side" 10x8" Oil on gessobord

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"Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing." — Bill Cosby

I just got back from my first trip to Orlando and Disney World with my high school girlfriend. We spent one entire day running all over Epcot, Magic Kingdom and MGM parks. We must have walked 15 miles. So here's my side of the story, there I was having this wonderful relaxing vacation only to be totally traumatized. First I was baited with this euphoric and exhilarating ride called "Soarin", however that was just a setup. Then my (so-called) friend dragged me kicking and screaming onto several terrifying rides, like something called "Tower of Terror" where you are taken up 13 floors on a creepy old elevator to the top of this haunted hotel to then—suddenly and without warning—drop 13 floors over and over again. I kept my eyes closed and somehow survived the experience, but came home from this 3-day trip needing lots of nerve calming rest, thus the subject of today's painting. ; )

I had taken the photo for this painting of my bedside a while ago; the path of light really caught my attention. I wanted to continue working in Colley Whisson fashion, using the new techniques and materials from my recent Austin workshop. I am really happy with this new painting which just seems to me to have more of an emotional impact...just downright poetic...don't you think?

Okay, with the exception of that one ride, I really did have a wonderful time at Disney and was totally pampered staying in such a beautiful resort.

Thanks for stopping in today unannounced. If I'd have know you were coming I might have even made my bed.

nancy
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To see more of my art or to contact me: 
Online Gallery  • E-mail  • Graphic Design Studio

Austin Workshop Day 2

"The Lobby" after Colley Whisson, 12x16" oil on Ampersand gessobord

On Day 2 of the Colley Whisson Workshop, we again painted from Colley's painting. This time a larger panel of an interior shot from the inside of an old hotel lobby in Australia.

Step-by-step, Colley demonstrated each of the three alla prima layers, pausing in between for us to complete each step on our own canvas. Then he would come around and help us individually correcting as needed.  

Copying is a great tool to help step out of your box, go inside the artist's head, and understand his process. This forces you to leave your comfort zone and explore new approaches. 

Hope you enjoy the painting as much as I did painting it!

nancy
_____________________________________________________
To see more of my art or to contact me: 
Online Gallery  • E-mail  • Graphic Design Studio