Cherry Blossom Avenue

                                         6x6 Bid on this painting

I had some time to kill between appointments on Capitol Hill, and it was a gorgeous day, so I went for a walk. The cherry trees on 12th and Denny were just gorgeous, so I decided to paint them as my entry to the DPW Challenge.

Daydreamer

"Daydreamer" 24x24

I've been working on some larger paintings and haven't managed to do little ones as well. This one is based on a 6x6 I did over a year ago. I have been using much thicker paint lately and trying to concentrate on making the paint itself interesting. It's been quite enjoyable painting this way, and I'm liking the results.

Late Night Snack

"Late Night Snack" oil on 3/16" plywood; bid on this painting

This week's Daily Paintworks Challenge was to paint the contents of a refrigerator. Since I enjoy painting figures, and I'm working on abstracting backgrounds, I thought this was a perfect opportunity to do both. I tried to create interest in the paint color and texture, and provide just enough "information' for the viewer to know what's going on.

Ryan gets a baby sister!

Ryan at age 1.5

Today Ryan got a baby sister. Lauren Alexis was born this morning and weighs a healthy 7 pounds 14 ounces.  She has long, delicate fingers and toes. You would think that means  she could be tall and thin. Not a chance. Unless something freaky happens she's destined to be short like the rest of us. I say "us" and I'm only the step grandma- yet the theory holds.

I LOVE the photo of Ryan that inspired this painting. It's sweet yet not cloying and I love his stuffed animals joining him for the bedtime story. I was most challenged by the hand in the foreground, but I found that once I got the values right and "cut in" the background , the hand magically appeared. And the dimples helped. It's all abut including just enough "information". Sometimes I "get it"; sometimes I don't...two steps forward, one step back.... Painting wouldn't be so compelling if it were easy.                              

Lady in Red

Lady in Red 29x22.5

          I have been making a real effort to add interest to my paint texture and color. Part of what this entails is applying LOTS of paint. I used nearly a whole tube of red on this one. I have to say, though, it was fun pushing all that paint around. This is going to Alki Arts Harbor Steps gallery, along with a couple other paintings that I will post soon.                                        

"Contemplation" 12x9

I have been very busy painting, both creating new ones and reworking others. I really like this painting, but decided it needed more color punch. The biggest change is the color added to the background and to the edge of the woman's clothing. I like the way the white line zig-zags through the composition.