A Painting for PW!

When I found out last month that Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman (cookbook author, Food Network star, blogging queen, and artist in her own right through her gorgeous photography) would be in Birmingham for a book signing, I was thrilled! I'm a huge fan (live vicariously through her!)! As a thank you gift for all the wonderful recipes like brisket, malted milk chocolate chip cookies, guacamole, cheese grits (just to name a few!), I painted her adorable and beloved basset hound, Charlie!
She was so thankful and sweet and I really got a kick out of it! My mother went along with me and we had a blast!
Thank you, Ree! I don't know how you do all you that you do! (She homeschools four children in addition to all this other work! Amazing lady!)

Spring Greens of Huntingdon College

I did this 8"x10" plein air painting this past Saturday on the campus of Huntingdon College in Montgomery. It's such a peaceful campus...especially during spring break! ;)
It didn't start out so peacefully because I got the first bee sting of my life before I even set up! Ouch!! After that subsided a bit, I could focus more on painting.
Great weather...perfect for painting outside!

On the Easel *SOLD*

Here's one that has been on the easel and off the easel for a couple of weeks. I move it from the easel to the living room to another room...looking at the light, changing things here and there. I've used some glazing techniques on this which is something I don't usually do and it's been interesting to see the effects. I wanted to achieve the sense of humidity that we get here in Alabama.

I'm taking it with me to Art Talk tonight at the Montgomery Museum. This is a great program where local artists meet every couple of months and discuss and critique each other's art. They'll let me know if I'm on track!

Ready for Harvest *SOLD*

Another painting of my friend's cotton field. I had such fun painting there back in the fall and got lots of good material for future paintings! It was one of those perfect fall Saturdays - cool in the shade, warm in the sun, pimento cheese picnic by the river, football on the radio on the way home. Ahhhh.....
My goal in this one was to hopefully have the viewer feel like you could walk into the painting.
This one is larger than what I usually paint at 30"x30", so that was fun, too.

Groundhog? What Groundhog?

Who cares what the groundhog says when it's 75 degrees on Feb. 4th? Sun is shining, flowers are blooming! Crazy - but I don't hear many folks in Alabama complaining!
This painting (4"x4") is named "Pink Petals" and is currently available (along with a couple of other florals) if you're looking for a Valentines gift...flowers that never fade!

Big Sky

I think I'm through with this one...not sure just yet. I have painted at this location about three times now. There's a slight hill and I'm at the bottom and I'm always struck at how huge the sky is there. I can see sky all over and I feel so small! There's always a good breeze and I can hear cattle in the distance every time. It's just very peaceful. I wanted to convey that feeling you get looking at a great big sky, standing on the edge of the ocean or on top of a mountain. Life is good! :)

2012 Painting - Inside & Out!

One of my goals this year is to really increase my painting time outside - no matter what the weather! Last year, I let the heat get to me and I chickened out a lot. This year, rain, heat, snow (yeah, right!), whatever, I plan to be outside a lot more. I was outside today most of the day painting - loving these warm January days! There's really nothing like it! Happy 2012!

"Sun on the Storm"

12" x 16" - oil on canvas

As the year ends... *SOLD*

I thought I would post this "evening" painting as we approach the evening of the year. I hope these last few days of 2011 find you at peace with the events of the year and hopeful for 2012! A new day will dawn...a fresh, clean canvas...let's make it beautiful and full of light!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

II Corinthians 9:15

Merry Christmas!!

Here Comes Santa Claus! *SOLD*

When I started this little painting, I didn't quite expect his expression to come out a little happy, a little bewildered, but still with a twinkle in his eye, but I'm glad it did. It's probably the way most of look about now! Merry Christmas, everyone! Don't let the hectic side of things keep you from seeing the beauty around you...keep that twinkle!!

Happy Birthday, Alabama!

On December 14, 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state to join the Union! Happy 192nd Birthday to my state! In honor of the day, I'm posting this small painting of a camellia. The beautiful camellia is our state flower and perks up many a dreary winter day! The painting can be purchased at Stonehenge Gallery in Montgomery.

Small Works Show this Thursday/Stonehenge Gallery!

Interested in giving or receiving original art, but have a smaller budget this year? This Thursday, Dec. 8th, is for you! Come to Stonehenge Gallery in Montgomery for the annual small works show where works for $200 or less will be featured! The reception is from 5:00-8:00.

This is one of several pieces I'll have in the show - a view down Washington Ave in Montgomery. It's 6"x6" and is $150. I'll also have a few local landmarks, skyscapes, landscapes and florals.

I personally have added to my own collection over the years at this show! It's especially great for new collectors and those who are out of wall space as many pieces can be displayed on small easels! Hope to see you there!

New Deliveries at Renaissance Gallery

This painting, "Keeping the Peas", is one of several just delivered to Renaissance Gallery in Northport, Alabama. The Renaissance Gallery is a lovely gallery in a very charming town just outside of Tuscaloosa. If you're in the area, please stop by as you do your Christmas shopping! The town will not disappoint - you'll find several great shops in addition to this gallery and great places to eat!

Okay - I talked my mother, my husband's aunt, and a friend of theirs into posing for me last summer. They shelled peas, drank tea, and ate watermelon while I got lots of painting reference photos! Thanks, ladies!! :)

Autumn in the Alabama

Is it my imagination or are we getting extra beautiful autumn color here in Alabama??! It's been perfect! On top of that, a cotton farming friend invited me to paint with her just before the cotton was harvested and it was wonderful! So - here's one that I painted after the plein air get-together. I absolutely love cotton...makes me think of that line from "Stars Fell On Alabama"..."we kissed in a field of white"...I sure do live in a great place!

Stir Crazy

Yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year to be a plein air painter! The temperatures are perfect, the light is golden, the breezes are heavenly, the greens are a little less...well, green. And here I am cooped up recuperating after surgery! Arrrggghh! I can't wait to get outside and paint! I've been spending some time watching art instruction videos by some of my favorite artists (Richard Schmid, Scott Christensen, Kathryn Stats) and now I'm all inspired and itching to get out there! Patience is a virtue - expect a masterpiece when I'm back on my feet, right?! ;)

Marketing 101 *SOLD*

This small painting just sold to someone who loves the Montgomery Curb Market like I do! I titled this one "Marketing 101" because the older man on the left seemed to really be telling the younger one how it's done! I love the curb market...all the color, texture, pattern, people and light spilling in! My grandparents took me there as a little girl for fresh produce and I still go today...it's a wonderful Montgomery tradition whatever the season!

Upcoming Show!

Yesterday was the take-in for the Montgomery Art Guild's annual Regions Bank show and I'm so excited to have 4 pieces in it! This is one of the pieces included entitled "This Memory Brightens". The show opens on Sept. 11 with an afternoon reception during Art Trek. The art season kicks off with Art Trek in Montgomery with galleries across town having open houses that Sunday afternoon and show/competition announcements and receptions, too. It's just a lot of fun and a great way to support the art community!

Somewhere Under the Rainbow

Anyone want to go to the beach? It's so hot, I'm not sure the beach is even where I want to be today! Even so, I hope this one cools you off a bit and makes you feel the breeze off the water. Stay cool....somewhere under the rainbow!

In Memory

Keith Houts lost his life in the line of duty in September 2006 while working with the Montgomery Police Department. I had the privilege to paint his portrait recently and present it to his parents at a very moving ceremony at South University. Keith would have been 35 years old today...his life taken much too soon.

Please remember him today and say a prayer for all those men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for our safety and security. Remember their families who send them off everyday uncertain that they'll return. It is a great sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Keith.

Happy First Day of Summer! *SOLD*

Here's a painting of the Montgomery Curb Market to celebrate the first day of summer...although it's felt like summer around here since the beginning of May! Enjoy the day! Eat some watermelon, catch some lightning bugs, and remember the days when you were having so much fun the heat didn't bother you!