First Sign of Spring

"First Sign of Spring" 8x10", oil on gessobord

CLICK TO BUY

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." 

                                — Henri Matisse 

Who needs a ground hog and its shadow? I can predict when spring is about to break free from the grips of winter. It happens suddenly out of the dark stillness of bare branches, when delicate pink blossoms emerge along pencil-thin twisted boughs by the fence behind my studio.   
 
I clipped a small flowering twig to use in today's more complex still life. I filled the scene with some of my life’s creature comforts including a spot of tea from a silver teapot and spoon, an apple, ceramic baby birds, books and of course candies.  

To give you a bit more insight on the blossoming peach tree; it hasn't always abided in my yard. In fact, this wild and wandering immigrant grew up in the woods behind my house where for many years I had admired it from afar. Then one day, to my total amazement, it popped up on my side of the fence. I assumed a seed either floated in on a strong breeze, or perhaps was carried by a bird or a fairy to take root in my garden. Or, if the truth be told, maybe this lonely tree sensing my deep love and appreciation for its annual beauty, fought and clawed its way underground and the 8 foot pine barrier to enter my fecund oasis where automated watering was all inclusive. The law of attraction? Creative visualization? Oh, the power of love ... and the mind. 

Yoshida Kenko said, "Blossoms are scattered by the wind and the wind cares nothing, but the blossoms of the heart no wind can touch."
 
Happy Valentine's Day!
nancy

© 2013 nancy parsons

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

Time Out

"Time Out" 12x12" Oil on Wrapped Canvas
(Click here to purchase)

If you are wondering what all the commotion is about here today? It's a parade! Some of the local citizens of Down the Highway are lining the streets, just as it gets underway, commemorating the First Year Anniversary of the founding of their colorful town. Spoon float is passing in front of the judges showing off her silvery sheen. Making her golden debut is Marmalade Redbeckia, a new star and latest addition to the neighborhood. She's the only one around who can, without a whimper, stand up to face the summer inferno. She rocks!!! In spite of her demanding schedule, I think it's pretty cool how she magically produced a diminutive clone of herself onto the face of spoon. Nearly everyone is out celebrating with the exception that little imp sachi who is seen pouting in time out. He was caught trying set off a bottle rocket in spite of the ban on fireworks.

You know, every now and then, I paint a little piece of something that seems to really work in a painting. Leaves are exceptionally tough to get right but check out that one little fellow who fell off the stem and is resting half in and half out of ruby red's shadow...that was a special "aha" moment for me! I love it when that happens!!!

Thank you to all of you who have continued to follow this digital little Peyton Place in spite of all the violence in these not-so-still lives...And, thanks for viewing my paintings!

nancy

 FREE SHIPPING

I am offering FREE shipping this summer 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. 

                                                                           FRAMES

To purchase online frames, check out the "floater" frames like those shown below. The paintings just gets glued onto it...super easy. http://www.kingofframe.com/6x6-Frames_c_22.html

   

View my blog
My Book

E-mail me

My eBay Store
My Daily Paint Works Store
To purchase Frames
My Etsy Store

My Flickr Portfolio
My Graphic Design

"Oh-leander Ordeal"

"Oleander Ordeal" 6x6" oil on canvas

Click to Buy

Yesterday was one of those days when I was tired and not feeling like painting; plus I couldn't get excited about anything in my house to use as a model. I looked out into my backyard and noticed that our 20 ft. tall oleander bush was in full bloom. Never having approached that subject, I decided to try my luck and snipped off a branch. All went well until about halfway into my painting when one by one all the flowers started getting heavy petals and parachuted off their stems. I thought about hot gluing the blossoms back on but decided that probably wouldn't work. Oh well, one good thing about the oh-leander ordeal is that it kept me from getting too fussy and overworking it. I ended up calling it quits and took a nap.

Thank you for viewing my painting.

-nancy

View my blog
My Book

E-mail me

My eBay Store
My Etsy Store

My Flickr Portfolio
My Graphic Design

"Lifeguard" 6x6"

"Lifeguard" 6x6" Oil on canvas panel

Click to Buy

From an aerial perspective, this strawberry looks like a sunburned lifeguard with zinc oxide smeared on her nose. She sits positioned on her guard stand at the pool's edge carefully watching as a bobbing apple surfaces for air. A spoon lies in wait in the background should the need for a quick rescue arise.  

 

Thank you for viewing my painting.

- nancy

View my blog
My Book

E-mail me

My eBay Store
My Etsy Store

My Flickr Portfolio
My Graphic Design

SOLD -"Love At First Bite"

"Love At First Bite" 6x6" oil on museum quality canvas panel

I am really happy with the way this one turned out, especially with the saturation of the colors. That strong reflection in the base of the spoon was for real!

A dear friend gave me the bright, shiny little valentine heart, so I have been trying to figure out how to include it in one of my not-so-still lifes. Nothing like putting your heart out there...a simple dose of love can certainly work wonders to heal the bites of life. Perhaps in the wake of all that Japan is suffering right now, we can all reach out a little further to those around us with compassion, forgiveness, understanding, patience and love. A little love goes a long way.

Next week, I will be again be participating in the "Painting Challenge" at Daily Paint Works http://www.dailypaintworks.com. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to Japan. 

Thank you for viewing my painting.  - nancy

View my blog
My Book

E-mail me

My eBay Store
My Etsy Store

My Flickr Portfolio
My Graphic Design