Bell Ringers

oil 10x8 inches click here to bid The only time these old bells ring is on Saint Joseph's Day. These gentlemen waited for a long time for their cue. Painting that wall proved challenging. Part brick and part plaster everywhere, I indicated the basic pattern of shapes and kept edges soft so the men and cords remain the focal point.

Sunny Day Shed-sold

oil 8x6 inches click here to bid A friend and I visited Mission San Juan Capistrano on beautifully sunny Saint Joseph's Day. I took lots of photos for possible paintings of which this is the first. The yellow and blue of this shed caught my eye. They even painted the old smudge pot to match. The shadow was the icing on the cake. We're still busy with family fun, but I managed to squeeze in a little time in my paint cave. My little granddaughter, Gracie (3),joined me for part of the time, painting watercolors at a little table beside me. What a sweet time. I'll post some pics when I can.

Little Ballerina

oil 8x6 inches not for sale This is our little granddaughter, Emily. I thought this pose was so precious; that moment when she's feeling a bit tentative and at the same time focused on her teacher. Getting a likeness when the face is only one square inch of canvas is darn hard. I needed a one-haired brush. It turned out pretty close. Sorry my posts have been sparse lately. I'm feeling fine, but busy with other things. Tomorrow we celebrate our son and daughter-in-law having earned their college degrees. We're so proud of them! Then next week our Idaho son and family come for a good long visit. I'll paint and post when I can.

Yellow Rose

oil 8x8 inches click here to bid I started this floral at the art festival last Saturday and just now finished it. In between I battled exhaustion, discouragement (not from the painting) and later, food poisoning. Started with a fresh bouquet and finished almost a week later with a smelly-watered half dead subject. Still not feeling up to par, but I hope my painting is lively anyway. It started out that way anyway! A sincere thank you to a few kind friends who stopped by my booth at the festival. Your interest and support means A LOT.