Outside the Lines

"Outside the Lines" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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Lost in a creative world all her own, Annie gets in touch with her inner artist. I painted this from a photo of my niece as she blissfully included most of her arm as part of her extended canvas. Children are so naturally uninhibited and unaware of boundaries including those thick black lines of coloring books that we were so terrified to cross outside of as children. Who decided that we had to stay within those lines anyway? I think most people got discouraged and gave up on art once the guidelines were imposed on us. We were even graded as to how perfectly we could stay inside the lines. Or for that matter, who told us that trees HAD to be painted green with brown trunks? I've always wondered if children don't see more than we do with our conditioned brains? Perhaps trees really are purple but we ceased to see the purple after someone unknowingly handed us a green crayon and basically told us what we WERE suppose to see, rather than allowing us to see what we were seeing? I wonder what else we once saw and heard that was filtered out? Hmmm... food for thought.

I usually simplify and edit unnecessary information in small paintings, however I included all the surrounding details here to show Annie in her magical world of toys, fun and bright colors. Draped across the back of the chair, Annie's golden fairy princess dress awaits her next adventure. Life was so simple and magical back then...what happened?

Thanks for entering my world of color today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

In The Hood

"In The Hood" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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I have been having so much fun painting birds. I decided to buy a serious bird feeder, so I could get to know some of the locals in my hood. Sunday morning, I put the feeder up and filled it to the brim with bird seed and went inside to paint. When I peeked out the window several minutes later... to my total delight... there were were a pair of titmice munching down like they hadn't eaten for a week. Moments later these happy patrons became dining companions of this little Black Capped Chickadee; he was dressed to the hilt including his masked Zorro disguise. I nearly jumped out of my skin I was so excited!!! This was the first time I'd ever seen one that I recall? Funny how, until I started painting birds, with the exception of avifauna (cardinals, blue jays, robins, sparrows and crows), I was never able to recognize or identify any of the other birds. What a gift this has been as a whole new world has opened before my eyes. I wonder what other priceless treasures I am blind to in the world which surrounds me?

Today a cute cardinal couple discovered the free handouts and hung about most of the early morning. All was well until Suzy squirrel got wind of the grand opening of my fast food avian diner and made a total pig out herself...what a mess!

Thanks for dropping by for the feast today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Rainy-Day Sunshine

"Rainy-Day Sunshine" 6x6" oil on canvas panel

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When did we lose the desire to jump into mud puddles in carefree reckless abandonment? This little girl's spirit captured my heart as she delights in the sheer joy of sloshing in mud and water in her pretty pink boots. Totally lost in the moment, she was captured in a photo shared by my friend Angela.

How sad we've lost that same sense of wonder, discovery and magic over so many simple things in life, like: climbing trees, finding pictures in cloud formations, making necklaces out of sweet clover, creating angels in the first snowfall of winter, or jumping into piles of raked autumn leaves. All of these brought the greatest and most satisfying pleasures. So what happened? Did we just grow up ... or have we just grown down?

Thanks for jumping into my puddle today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

I Give You My Heart

"I Give You My Heart" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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As Elton John would say, "Don't go breaking my heart." This little crimson ceramic heart balances in the shadowy-well of a slippery spoon, precariously suspended over the deep, bone-chilling chasm of white china. One false move and Miss Scarlet could find herself plunging into the deep abyss, crashing and shattering into countless pieces at the bottom of the cup ... and just like Humpty Dumpty ... never be put back together again.

Ever wonder why hearts are so fragile and vulnerable? Such a dichotomy for a rough-tough organ saddled with the enormous responsibility of life and death. Perhaps today we need to pause for a moment to say thanks to our hearts ... even if they do break from time to time.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Thanks for viewing my painting for today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Birdie Want a Berry?

"Birdie Want a Berry? 6x6" oil on gessobord

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Although at first glance you may have thought this was a robin, it's really a beautiful Eastern Bluebird, a member of the thrush family. If you're like me, I thought only robins had red breasts?

While the early bird caught the worm, this one got up late and had to settle for a bright little berry for supper.  

I sure am loving painting these birds. Thanks for poke'n your head in today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Orange Wars

"Orange Wars" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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Totally unsuspecting, I entered into this brightly-lit colorful setup thinking it would be a snap to paint. Wrong! It was an ambush as a three-hour battle raged in all out war. Blood and guts spilled everywhere. You can still see mangled and dismembered casualties laying around on the ground. Whew! It was a fierce encounter of the worst kind. The two lone survivors avoided demise only by the safety and protection of their blue tank and, of course, the white flag they waved. What cowards. 

Thanks for paying these unsung heroes honor today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

"Not One Step Closer...

"Not One Step Closer" 6x6" Oil on gessobord

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...or I'll drill you full of holes." This tough looking mean guy is a Western Scrub-Jay, the Blue Jay of dry western lowlands. I certainly would hate to meet him in a dark alley. Maybe I am just jay prejudice, or perhaps suffering from post traumatic stress after being attacked by a mother blue jay whose baby birds had fallen out of their nest. I was only 10 years old at the time and wanted to rescue them from neighborhood cats lurking nearby. I had barely gotten within an arms reach before momma jay started dive bombing me. I thought for sure I was going to end up like those eyeball-less dead people in Alfred Hitchcock's, The Birds. Scared the living daylights out of me as she proceeded to drill my skull full of holes. 

I do love the rich deep blue color of these guys but I'll just do any appreciating from the safety of a photo.

Hope you enjoyed the bird watching? I've really have been having fun with these birds.

Thanks for viewing. 

nancy 

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Morning Serenity

"Morning Serenity" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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I must be stuck on painting "A" words this week. "A" as in animals and apples. So here we are today back in the bird kingdom where this little feathered friend was caught on film by, none other than "A" as in, Angela. He/she stole my heart away with its graceful salutation-to-the-sun looking pose, and those distinctive markings. I can't remember what the name of this bird is but what a looker. It seems to be at total peace and one with the universe.

You get another A+ in photography, Angela. I sure had fun painting this one.


I hope you enjoyed this birds eye view. Have a glorious day!


nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner 
and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Caught Red Handed

"Caught Red Handed 6x6" oil on canvas

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Stop thief! It looks like Alvin is up to no good again, stealing seeds from local bird residents. I've never seen a chipmunk in this part of Texas. I painted this one from a photo taken by my friend Angela on her recent trip to Santa Fe. I have to admit he's pretty doggone cute for a furry little rodent, even if he is a criminal. Those stripes down his back are going to look nice from behind bars. Better run Alvin, we're on to you. Just kidding... Smile your on Candid Camera!

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner 
and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Bowl Me Over

"Bowl Me Over" 10x8" Oil on canvas

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Well bowl me over...it's a bowl of apples spilling out over the table top. I love to paint, as well as snack on apples, and thought these were especially lovely subjects! 

With two apples in the bowl and three outside the bowl, this painting could serve as a metaphor for the political arena. The apples inside the glass bowl are holding on trying not to fall out, while those on the outside are vying to get in. Although all the apples appear bright and shiny on the outside... some do contain worms.

Thanks for dropping by today!

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My books  NEW 2012 Daily Planner 
and Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Morning Glory

"Morning Glory" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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Ah, the good life. This relaxed looking senior sits on a sunny park bench early in the morning, reading the sports page...no doubt, while sipping on a Starbucks coffee...I am sure. From here it's probably on to the crossword puzzle followed by a game of dominoes with his buddies, then grab a sandwich at the lunch counter at the grocery store on the corner before heading home for a nap. Ah, retirement...it sure looks like a good life...or is the grass just looking greener?

This is my entry to this week's painting challenge from Daily Paintworks. I was really surprised how much fun this was to paint. I cropped and edited out a lot of the distracting background and focused in on our morning glory.

Thanks for parking with me for a spell.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

Click to order my NEW 2012 Daily Planner

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

The Lone Ranger

"The Lone Ranger" 6x6" Oil on canvas board

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The Lone Ranger rides again! After two weeks of fighting off a viral infection and an abscess tooth, I am back in the saddle and ready to look life in the face, along with miles of canvases to come. 

I am feeling so much better, I even got to teach my first one-day-mini workshop yesterday at our home. We had just completed some remodeling of my studio, so I was finally able to move my easel from the middle of our living room up into the garage apartment studio which is now donning a new staircase with a deck, new ceiling and lighting inside the studio. Woo-hoo...bring it on! 

This lovely, yet a little lonely looking, apple was our class model. We painted her in gray scale values and also in full color. She sat patiently posing for us all day and never once made a move or uttered a peep. We couldn't have chosen a more well behaved subject. This was my demo painting.

I had a great time with the brave souls who attended. I think they all learned a little and were good sports, especially Jack whom I periodically called David throughout the day. Mercy me! It ain't easy living in the right side of the brain.

Thanks for viewing today.

nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

Click to order my NEW 2012 Daily Planner

My graphic design: www.graphicdesigngroup.net

Breakfast of Champions

"Breakfast of Champions" 6x6" oil on gessobord

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Want a bite? Breakfast is served. This painting is my submission to DailyPaint Work's Paint Your Breakfast Challenge. Nothing better than a hot bowl of Steel Cut Oatmeal to start the day off right. I like to top mine with a dab of butter, salt, pepper and a few nuts or seeds. Yum, yum, yum...keeps me going all morning. Throw in  a cup of coffee and grrrrrrr!!!

Thanks for viewing.

 nancy

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

Click to order my NEW 2012 Daily Planner

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" oil on canvas 6x6"

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Meet "Yoda" the mighty chihuahua, death-defying-kitty hunter and CEO of the entire world. 

I don't want him to hear me say this out loud, so I'll have to whisper but...he thinks he's the only dog in the world. Please keep it under your hat, I'd hate to burst his delusions of grandeur. Big things do come in small packages. Yoda also thinks he is my bodyguard, day and night, sitting in my lap when I am trying to work, and at night sleeping as close as he can get to me while I am burning up with hot flashes. Oh for joy!

I couldn't resist painting him as he sat relaxing in the bright sunlight streaming through the window onto the bed. I grabbed my camera while he posed. I am sure he's thinking, count yourself the luckiest person in the world to be the artist designated the highest honor of painting my official portrait to be revered for all ages to come. What an ego!

Thanks to all who were brave enough to enter today. Warning!!! Don't turn your back on Yoda when you leave or he'll nip you on the back of your heel, as if to say... And don't you forget it!

Yo quiero Taco Bell. : )

nancy

Cry of the Cock!

"Cry of the Cock!" 6x6" oil on canvas panel

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I really should have been a rooster, up and out of the house before the sun even thinks about peeking through the surrounding piney woods. However, on New Years Day I slept in a bit longer. When I walked into my kitchen to start the coffee brewing, I was greeted by the brightest of a new-year sun pushing and shoving its way through the wooden slats of the blinds, splashing luminous stripes of light beams like strobe lights across sleepy red walls of the breakfast nook. I grabbed my camera and started shooting the visual feast for this painting. 

It's the simple things in life that have the ability to surprise and delight us the most! Perhaps I need to sleep in more often or just change up my routine every now and then? No telling what other amazing things I'd find lurking about in the most overlooked of ordinary places.

Thanks for peeking in today!

nancy

Show Your True Colors

10x8" oil on canvas

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Do you think these Texas trees are dressing up for a masquerade ball? Check out those December colors! So where has all this color been hiding? For some reason, in spite of the worst drought on record in Texas with only half our normal rainfall, East Texas witnessed the most gorgeous fall color I have ever seen in this part of the country. The only problem was it didn't decide to manifest itself until right before Christmas! Now there is just something not right about hanging Christmas lights on trees that are still full of leaves and fall colors. I am not complaining mind you, but it has been a very unusual year. Who knows maybe we'll be blessed with snow this year?

Thanks for following along and viewing my work!

nancy

Get organized, place an order for my NEW 134-page, Not-So-Still Life-2012 Daily Planner (as seen on my blog), featuring 13 paintings from 2011. Available for purchase online, just click to view all the pages and add to your shopping cart.

"Candied Apple"

"Candied Apple"6x6" Oil on canvas panel

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Happy New Year!!! I'm back and am sorry for the long absence. All the holiday shopping, baking, cleaning, wrapping, cards, entertaining and cooking, plus being hit by a nasty virus sure took a toll on my painting and blog time.

A CHALLENGING CHALLENGE

Still Life

In today's still life, a bit of leftover holiday treat sat relaxed in a candy jar, that is until the big-bully-of-an-apple forced his way in pushing the hard-headed candies onto the floor. Poor little fellows...no telling what sugar-starved predator might gobble them up.

Under painting

Today's painting is another entry to a Daily Paintworks challenge. The way it works is to setup a still life and photograph it (see photo left). Then paint an under painting of the photo in raw umber paying close attention to the values (mid tones, darks, and lights which were rubbed out with a Q-Tip) (see photo below). Lastly, paint in full color on top of the value study, but substituting all NEW colors for the real colors (The end result was "Candied Apple" at top of page).

The moral of the story is, if values are painted correctly, you can paint in any color and it will still hold together as a painting!

Get organized, place an order for my NEW 134-page, Not-So-Still Life-2012 Daily Planner (shown above on right), featuring 13 paintings as seen on Head On Down the Highway in 2011. Available for purchase online, just click to view all the pages and add to your shopping cart.

Thanks for viewing my work.

nancy

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
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. 

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

Click to place a bid

 

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.