Hummingbird dance

available for sale 11x14 watercolor
I have a rustic handcarved hummingbird mobile that I bought from Pier 1. It is really plain and old world looking. This is my portrayal of them coming to life.

The Meeting

not for sale watercolor 12x18
This painting was inspired by the children's song "Row, row, row your boat". It struck me, we are all rowing our own little boats down the river of life. These two figures have paused for a moment to meet eachother.

Under the Willow

12x18 Watercolor - matted and framed
This painting happenend on an outing to one of the Plein air group members' house. He had this adorable table set up for his kids to play under their willow.

Duck Hunter

available for sale 9x12 canvas
One of my Wednesday morning portraits. Most of our models are people we know. This duck hunter brought along great props so we could see how he looks in the field. I didn't paint everything he brought but it really helped me place him in his environment. I especially love the classic thermos top as a cup.

Brenna Troy

available for sale 9x12 oil on canvas
Our Plein air group is still inside on Wednesdays. We have one more model lined up and then we will be outside till fall. I have a stack of paintings to post of past portraits but this one is fresh from yesterday.

Guardians

available for sale 5x7 oil on panel
Many of my images come from my dreams and daydreams. These two figures continue to be repeated in my sketchbooks, now they are finally in full color.

Exhale

available 5x7 oil on panel

I recently closed my frame and art supply shop (Feb 7, 2009). This was how I felt when I realized now I can paint full time. There are many sad parts to closing a store after 13 years and there are many joyful parts too. I choose to dwell on the joy!

Sunbeams

available for sale 11x14 oil on canvas panel
This painting has really tiny art glitter all over the sunbeam parts. Photos just don't capture it, the glitter looks like whitish specks. This figure is featured in many of my sketchbooks.

Quick Watercolor sketches- 2, 5 and 10 minute

Today our group did 3 hours of quick sketches with Kate. I went thru quite a stack of small pieces of paper and these are the five I liked the best.

Soaring Spirit

available for sale 11x14 oil on canvas panel, unframed
It is hard to tell in this photo, but the whitish specks coming off the birds' wings and on the ground are tiny gold glitter. I did the sketch for this painting during one of my last days at Art Vision, for me, it represents "taking the leap" and being an artist full-time.

Nika

sold 11x14 watercolor
This painting was done on commission for a couple who had lost their horse "Nika". She looks to me a little magical, like she is in horse heaven.

Portrait of Eve

sold "Eve's portrait" 5x7
This little pastel painting reminded me of "Inner Calm". I have a couple brand new versions of these two poses done in oil last weekend, but I need to take a photo of them. This one was all ready to go.

Inner Calm

sold 11x14 Watercolor
Strong Women are a common theme for me. Being comfortable in your own skin and keeping an inner calm are what we all strive for. This painting is one of my favorites, it was purchased as a wedding gift to a Woman in the town I live in. I see her around and she never fails to tell me how much she loves this painting and wants more. I just love collectors like her!!!

Funky goldfish

sold 10x10 watercolor
My children had these goldfish and each one had a unique personality with a unique name to match. When I showed it to my friend Kim just minutes after I painted it, she really reacted to it and shouted "SOLD, I want that!" So this painting has the distinction of being in my life the shortest amount of time.

Sky into Water

sold 14x14 watercolor
Kathie Wheeler and I had a show together at Organic Valley and this painting was purchased by them. It depicts a lush magical scene I would love to come across when out walking. The trees are a whimsical spring version of my favorite sumac tree.

Sunny Cabin - Bakkestuen cabin in Mapledale

sold 14x24 Watercolor
This rustic little cabin sits right down the road from where I grew up. Although it is now being reabsorbed by Nature, I painted it like it once was when the Bakkestuen's lived there.