Wonky Bumbershoots

48" x 42"

oil on canvas

I'm finally done!

Paper Umbrella

5" x 7"

oil on gessoboard

Olive Branch

7" x 5"

oil on gessoboard

We went to a store today called Taste the Olive, which specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegars and what a treat! When you walk in the first thing you notice is all the copper vats and tasting cups. I really didn't think I would enjoy tasting olive oil and vinegars, but I was so wrong. Each one was so flavorful it was hard to choose which one I liked best. They even had espresso balsamic vinegar! I ended up with a bottle of Pomegranate Balsamic and Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 

When we got home I made some pecan flat bread and dipped it into the two mixed together... it was heavenly. 

Afterward I decided to paint an olive branch and this is the result.

Puppy Bear

12" x 16"

oil on gessoboard

Painting in Progress

"Wonky Bumbershoots"

48" x 42"

oil on canvas

This is a painting I'm working on for a show called "The Unfortunate Umbrellas" show in March. I just learned that bumbershoots is British word for umbrella and I really like the word wonky, which sounds like what it means (crooked; off-center; askew). The two together just made me laugh and the look on the dogs face is just too funny to me.

Morning at the Lake

12" x 12"

oil on canvas

Well, we just spent a much needed week relaxing at the lake and now it's over... time to go home to snow and cold. 

I did this painting from a photo from a few months ago. It's a paint study for a larger piece that I want to work on.  Because I didn't think this through and just started putting paint down, all of Chumley's head didn't quite make it in the scene, but that's ok because I can paint Chumley with my eyes shut... it's Guy that I thought I might have problems with and fortunately this came together quite easily. 

I love the peacefulness of this scene... a Guy with his dog... enjoying his morning coffee. 

Abbey Ryan in O Magazine

A fellow daily painter is featured in the February issue of O' Magazine. She is an incredible painter and it's on the stands now... Check it out!

Here is her website
http://abbeyryan.com/

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Snowy Beach

12" x 12"

oil on canvas

Summertime

14" x 8"

oil on panel

This is my son fishing last summer, hooking his first large mouth bass ever. I decided to paint this for him as a Christmas present. I also made the frame and tried gold gilding for the first time.

Tomato Study

7" x 4"

oil on panel

A Saving Angel...

10" x 8"

oil on panel

I had the honor of painting a true hero. Last year an artist friend's house caught fire. Reba saved the family by barking and waking everyone up to get to safety. Sadly, Reba passed away in the fire. She will be missed by all. Somehow I feel I got to know her by painting this little remembrance. 

You were a good dog, Reba and you will not be forgotten.

Loretta Framed

I just received these photos from the client and I'd say Loretta fits right in!

Gabe and 14 Years

"Gabe"
10" x 8"
I thought I had posted this, but I don't think I did.

I wanted share something with everybody - I just had a 14 year anniversary of sobriety. 14  1/2 years ago I was a mess I hated myself, I was spiraling out of control and unrecognizable. I decided to stop and change my life for one day -  I would just give it a try. With lots of help and support I was able to turn that one day into 14 years and I have never wanted another drink. My life has grown so much since then, my decisions are clear and I may not make all the right ones, I know they are mine and not made out of desperation. The challenge is always with me, but I think of everything I have gained and know without a doubt it could be lost in an instant of my doing... everything I have worked so hard to achieve.

If you have this struggle, my heart goes out to you. Please know that if I can do it, you can too... just try it for one day - it may change your life.

Pear Still Life

10" x 8"

oil on hardboard

$65 (plus $8 shipping)

PURCHASE

Conch

10" x 8"

oil on hardboard

First painting of 2011 - Happy New Year Everyone!!