Wheelbarrow -sold

oil 6x4 inches private collection McDonough, Georgia I like old wheelbarrows. My dad used to push me around our backyard in one when I was little. This is not that one, but it conjured up the happy memories anyway.

Can't Miss Mollie's -sold

oil 12x9 inches
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Driving through Utah a couple of summers ago on our way to Idaho we ate at this classic diner. It was the real deal and the food was good. Do you think they have enough signage? This painting is available at Vander Molen Fine Art, Arcadia, CA

Rusty Roof

oil 10x8 inches
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Yesterday I ventured out to Yorba/Slaughter Adobe, one of the oldest standing adobe residences in San Bernardino County. Built in 1852, it was even a stage stop for Overland Mail from 1858 until the Civil War. I like rusty roofs against a blue sky. I think this is the barn. Nobody was out there but me and the bugs, of which there were plenty and very friendly at that. I emptied the last of my bug spray onto myself hoping they weren't ticks, cause they were biting. Got a good bit done, went home for a shower and finished it up today.

Self Portrait

oil 6x6 inches
not for sale

Rummaging around in my still life junk, I picked up a spoon and noticed my reflection on the back. I turned my back to the window and could see myself even better. I moved my easel around and taped it to the easel right next to my canvas.

Liebster Blog Award

Today David Boyd, Jr. offered me the Leibster Blog Award. This simple award is passed along to artists who have motivated and inspired you. Well, I could easily turn around and offer him one too! Thanks so much, David. I have no idea what "Leibster" means, and frankly, this reminds me a bit of the old chain letter! But the artists I've named are deserving. I especially enjoy their variety of subject matter. I thank them for sharing their work and inspiring others.

To accept the award you must:
1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them.
2. Post the award to your blog.
3.Offer the award to 3 to 5 artists whose work inspires you and who have fewer than 200 followers.
4.Leave a comment on their blogs so they know you've awarded them.

The artists I've chosen are:
Layne Cook
Brian Cameron
David Lloyd

(Brian and David's number of followers not available.)

Tulips

watercolor 13x9 inches
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One evening a week I get to meet with artsy friends and make art, talk art, laugh and eat dessert. I usually want to play around with watercolors in a "not very serious" way. This is what developed on one of those nights.

Patio Pottery

oil 8x8 inches
click here to bid

Yesterday I felt like staying home, but thought it'd be a shame to miss out on the sunshine. It was 82 degrees. I wandered around in my backyard looking for a subject and settled on these favorites of mine. I tucked myself next to our fence for shade and put them on the concrete next to the pool. Then shadows came over, shadows moved, I got hot, the seat was hard, you know. I laughed at myself for being such a wimp in my own backyard. :) But as for the painting, I like it.

Storm Passing -sold

oil 8x8 inches
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Today I'm thinking about Easter. I hadn't planned on it, but this painting fits. Because of Christ's victorious resurrection there's hope for us in the storms of life and the assurance of heaven if we trust in Jesus. Happy Easter, everyone!

Christina

oil 12x9 inches

Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to paint from a live model. The set up had it all: great color combinations, and a quietly confident young lady with high cheekbones and a beautifully long neck. I used the Zorn palette which I absolutely love for figure painting. The room we were in lacked good lighting. At home later I made some adjustments, mostly warming up shadows. There's SO much to learn about painting people! The more I learn, the more I find out there's more to learn. It's all good.

Mandarin On Edge -sold

oil 6x6 inches
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Monday morning my sister-in-law, Linda came from La Quinta. She brought two friends who wanted to watch me paint. The four of us squeezed into my little paint cave and I did this still life. After the fun and some purchases, they treated me to lunch at Islands. What a nice morning!

Grove Gold-sold

oil 6x6 inches
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Saturday at "Celebrate Citrus" in Redlands, I stood right next to a blooming orange tree full of fruit and painted this little study. A thick cloud cover made for poor light, but I was in the mood to paint. My friend, Evey helped me set up and kept me company. In spite of the cold and low attendance, we had a great time.

California Girls -SOLD

oil 10x10 inches
Click to Purchase

Our recent rainstorm gave us some beautiful stormy skies, so I drove out into dairyland to take pictures. This is a typical scene for our area, but the way the sun shone on the palm trees and Chino Hills in the distance made it even better.

Tomorrow I'll be getting ready for "Celebrate Citrus" on Saturday in Redlands. Come on out for art, music, citrus tasting, activities for kids and free fruit. It's from 1-4pm at the orange grove at Prospect Park, corner of Highland and Cajon. Hope to see you there!

Guarded

oil 8x10 inches
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It's about time I painted some cows. In the 1950's our area had the largest concentration of dairy cows in the nation. When we moved here in the 70's I liked hearing the mooing early in the mornings accompanied by hired hands singing in Spanish. The smell didn't bother me, but the flies were unbelievable. Though housing has replaced the dairies in Chino, there are still plenty within a mile of our house. So I drive around taking pictures of cows. This guy was curious and nervous at the same time--typical.

Reds With Bottle

oil 8x6 inches
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This favorite little recycled glass bottle came from a gift shop in Yosemite. In this painting I played with the blue-green and red color scheme again. I found a linen panel in my studio and gave it a try. I think I prefer my usual smooth cotton.

Ripe Red -sold

oil 6x6 inches
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A while back I bought some blueberries in this little carton at a local farmer's market. The guy had driven down from Northern California and was really proud of his tasty berries. I bought them 'cause they were yummy but also because the carton was the perfect color for strawberries.

Watercolor Demo

watercolor 11x15

This week has been a busy one with not much personal time for painting. Today I gave a private watercolor class for a student struggling with a painting she was doing on her own. She planned to start over, so I did a complete demo from her photo as she took notes. I tried to show her how to paint simply, capturing the essence of the scene without copying the photo.

Oranges Sing Backup -sold

oil 6x8 inches
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So Cal Color -sold

oil 10x10 inches
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Geraniums and citrus fruit...so Southern California. My friend, Evey brought me a big bag of oranges grown in Redlands. They're so sweet! Thanks, Evey! A great little "Celebrate Citrus" event is coming up on March 31st, put on by the Inland Orange Conservancy. I'm planning to get out there with all my citrus paintings and enjoy the tastings, music, orange blossoms and free fruit. Come on out if you can. Hours are 1:00-4:00. More info about location here.

Lovely Lemons

oil 8x8 inches not for sale


I love Meyer lemons for their rich yellow and smooth glossy peel. These branches hang over our fence from the neighbor's yard. Lucky me, 'cause they're perfect with lemons.

Spring Clippings -sold

oil 8x8 inches
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