White Tulips on Blue

"White Tulips on Blue"

16 x 8, oil

"Yellow House at Seaside" Seaside, Florida

"Yellow House at Seaside"

24 x 12, oil on linen

~Sold~

I'm considering doing a series of these "beach houses" from Seaside, Florida.  I have several reference photos of all of these colorful homes but never painted more than this yellow one.

Hummingbird

"Hummingbird"

6 x 6, oil
~Sold~

Found this little bit of info very interesting, and very encouraging... so I thought I'd share :)

"The ruby-throated hummingbird is a wonder of migration. Every winter it makes an amazing journey. Some have been known to make a journey of 2500 miles or more, from Alaska to Central America. Because of it, the hummingbird is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. It will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances."    - Ted Andrews

Thank you, Shelby

"Thank you, Shelby"

10 x 10, oil on linen

Shelby is the gallery owner of Shelby Lee Gallery in Charleston, SC.  In March 2010, Shelby invited me to be in her new gallery.  I was ecstatic.  I had only been painting in oils for about a year, and it had always been a dream of mine to be in a gallery.  And in Charleston???  You've got to be kidding me.  I was pinching myself.

Shelby took me in as a "no-namer."  She simply loved my work, and that was enough for her.  I must admit I really doubted myself as a professional artist.  I remember the first time she called me and told me she had sold one of my paintings.  The next day, she sold two more.  If you're an artist, you know the feeling when you find out that someone loves your work enough to actually pay for it and want it hanging in their home.  Shelby helped me to believe in myself, because she believed in me.  On my second trip to Charleston to deliver more paintings, she had collectors waiting on me when I got there, and three paintings were sold as I was unpacking!  Within the first year, she sold over 40 of my paintings.

Above and beyond that, Shelby has become a friend of mine.  She even invited me to stay at her home on my visits to Charleston, which saved me a lot of money.  She also introduced me to the best bagels EVER.  And as a gift, she gave me one of her handcrafted pendants that reads the Van Gogh quote on my blog, "I dream of painting, and then I paint my dream."  I get compliments on it all the time :)

Sadly, I am no longer represented by Shelby Lee Gallery.  The gallery has joined with Studio 151 Fine Arts and has become a co-op of some wonderful local artists, and with me being about nine hours away from Charleston, I'm not able to do my part in the gallery.

I painted this painting as a gift for my friend Shelby.  It's a painting of two things that I know she loves... her precious teacup yorkie, "Lola," and gerber daisies.  I hope she likes it, and I hope my heartfelt appreciation shows through in the painting.

Thank you, Shelby.  Thanks for your friendship and thanks for believing in me.

Me, Shelby & Lola :)

Horsin'

Horsin'

4 x 4, oil on gessoed hardboard

This week's DPW challenge.

Bluebird 2

"Bluebird 2"

4 x 4, acrylic on gessoed hardboard

I had such fun with the last bluebird, I decided to try another one.  This one is smaller, on a 4 x 4 panel... again using acrylic.  I'm not too sure my daughter approves me using "her" paints.

Bluebird

"Bluebird"

6 x 6, acrylic on gessoed hardboard

I normally paint in oils... but yesterday my daughter was painting with the acrylics I bought for her, and I decided to join her.  It was refreshing to paint with a different medium.  She was painting our bluebird house, so I decided to paint the bird :)

Zilpha's Treasures

"Zilpha's Treasures"

6 x 6, oil

A sweet lady and friend that I go to church with came up to me a few Sundays ago.  "I have something I want to show you," Mrs. Zilpha said.  I followed her to her car and she carefully picked up a small box.  "This was my cup when I was a little girl," she said smiling.  She looked up at me and there was a twinkle in her eyes.  "I think it's close to 200 years old."

I cringed, thinking I hope I don't break it.  She went on... "It was very old when I got it.  My mother used to bake biscuits, put one in this cup and pour coffee over it.  It's what I ate every morning for breakfast."

I cringed more.  I thought, "Great, it's an antique and a treasure."

But I smiled at Mrs. Zilpha.  Who can help but smile at such a sweet lady?  "You want me to paint it for you?"

She replied, "If you don't mind."

"I would be honored."

She then showed me her plate that she ate from as well.  She told me I didn't have to include the plate,  but I could if I wanted.  I then asked Mrs. Zilpha what her favorite flower was, in case I needed to include one in the painting.  She told me a yellow rose.  And then she told me she'd rather me use a daffodil.

And then my husband, who overheard the story, volunteered to take the box to our car for me.  (He knows I'm a clutz).

Big Green Chair

"Big Green Chair"

10 x 8, oil

Another interior from my home... the "big green chair."  It's actually big enough for two people to sit in together.  It's old, it has holes in it, and several stains.  I love it.

Kind Tulips

"Kind Tulips"

24 x 12, oil on linen

Sometimes we have bad days.  I am blessed that most of my days are wonderful, but every once in a while I have a doozy of day.  I had one this week...

If you read my blog, then you know that I have a close family.  On the "bad day" my mother called me... nothing unusual in that... I see her nearly every day since she lives so close to me.  Mama knew something was wrong.  I told her that I didn't feel like I was a good mother, and I think she knew I was crying.  And I don't cry often.

God sent two special ladies to my rescue that day, because right after that my husband called and told me his mother had one of my favorite meals cooked and wanted to know if I wanted to come over for lunch.

While I was there, I received a call from my mother.  She and my Dad were at my house....

When I got home, I walked in to find a beautiful bouquet of tulips with a note attached with words from a recent movie that we saw together.  "You is smart. You is kind.  You is important.  Love you, Mama."

Now how could I resist painting them?

"Rain on River Street" Savannah, Georgia

"Rain on River Street"  Savannah, Georgia

12x24, oil on linen

I've never been to Savannah, Georgia, but my folks have and they love it.  They tell me I would love it too.  This is painted from a photo that I saw on facebook friend Jennifer's page.  (Thanks again, Jennifer).  I actually loved the scene with the rain and the trolley and the reflected headlights.  I loved all the people crowded under the awning of "True Grits."

Other news:  Introducing my daughter's new pet... "Bailey Brown."  She is a baby pygmy goat and we love her :)

"Yes in Paris" Eiffel Tower Painting

"Yes in Paris"

6 x 6, oil

~Sold by The Renaissance Gallery~

This is the smaller version of "Yes in Paris."  I realized I never posted the smaller version.

Boxer

"Boxer"

6 x 6, oil

I love to paint animals, and this Boxer was begging to be painted.  A special thank you to Jennifer for allowing me to paint her "George."  He's a gorgeous Boxer.

Mimi and Pop Pop

"Mimi and Pop Pop"

6 x 6, oil

Here's a small painting of my Mama and Daddy getting their exercise together.  Aren't they sweet?  All of their grandchildren call them "Mimi and Pop Pop."  My oldest son is now 18 and when he's speaking of his grandfather, some of his buddies will say, "Who?"  And he'll reply, "My Pop Pop."  His friends will start laughing and my son will figure out they're just wanting to hear him say, "Pop Pop" again.  

My Dad surprised my Mama with a new bike for Christmas.  He had it sitting on the front porch for her when we got through opening presents... he said, "Mimi has one more!"  

Approaching Storm

"Approaching Storm"

10 x 10, oil

This is a plein air piece that I did about a week or so ago from the front of my home.  The clouds were gorgeous just before a downpour that flooded the field.

Cottage Roses

"Cottage Roses"

20 x 20, oil on linen

This painting makes me think of shabby chic and french country.  I attempted to make the fabric behind the roses look like aged wallpaper.  I did this by applying several layers of thin paint.  The vase and roses are thick paint, some parts done with a palette knife.

The French Doors

The French Doors

20 x 16, oil

This is one of my favorite places in my home.. it's the view from walking down the hall.  The French doors lead to my backyard.  This was a fun painting for me... I'm thinking of painting different rooms in my home.

Rain, Rain

"Rain, Rain"

10 x 8, oil on linen

Since it's been raining in Alabama since last night, I thought this was an appropriate post for today.   I've been wanting to try to paint some folks walking in the rain for some time now.  I actually started this painting just before I got sick with whatever virus I had... then finished it up afterwards.  I painted it from a picture I took of several folks walking with umbrellas... then chose a few of them to include in the composition, and changed a couple of their dark coats to red and tan.  I'm not really sure what you folks will think about this painting, since it seems so different from my other work.  But I personally like it.  Since I went back into it after it had dried some, the texture is really thick.  A personal note about rainy days... I love them.  Last night my husband and I were leaving my son's basketball game, and it was raining pretty hard and our car was parked a looooong distance away.  He looked at me, I looked at him... and we took off running.  I got drenched but I laughed the whole way.

Tulips 4

Tulips 4

10 x 10, oil on linen panel

"Green"

"Green"

10 x 10, oil on linen panel

Every year, nine of my high school friends get together for Christmas.  I always leave with my stomach hurting from laughing so much.  It's amazing how you can come together with old friends and it seems like you've not been apart for the whole year.  My friend since before kindergarten has lived in Florida for several years, but she always makes it to the party.  One friend lives about 45 minutes away in Fort Payne and wasn't able to make it.  She always has a hysterical story from her life to tell.  The rest of us all remained in our little town of Glencoe or next door town Hokes Bluff... one accountant, one school counselor, two school teachers, two nurses, and three stay at home moms (me being in the last category).  All nine of us graduated from college, though I've never really thought about that until now.

I bought this vase for a Christmas present this year.  I was planning on giving it at my girlfriend's Christmas party, secretly hoping I would get it back so that I could use it in my still life paintings.  However, I saw one of my girlfriends a few days before the party and she encouraged me to bring one of my paintings instead.  So I did, and thankfully it was well received.  One friend even threatened to "roll in the floor" fighting for it :)  So needless to say, the green vase stayed wrapped under the tree until Christmas morning... and I opened it.

This painting is a little different for me.  I'm trying some new styles, having fun.

Crying Tulips

"Crying Tulips"

10 x 10, oil on linen panel

Here's another painting "study" that I painted in consideration of painting larger.  I love how tulips get "top heavy" and seem to droop their little heads.

I guess I title this painting "Crying Tulips" for two reasons:  1) the already stated and 2) I absolutely hate it that today is the last day of Christmas break for my children.  I love having them home.  I still homeschool my daughter, but my older two sons are in high school, with my oldest being a senior this year.  Last night, after the Stanford / Oklahoma State game... we loaded up at almost midnight and went to a nearby Huddle House and ate a huge breakfast together.  I don't know about them, but I had a blast.  Time just flies by... and I try to hold on to every moment.

Thanks to everyone that sent me get well wishes here and on facebook and through private messages.  I'm much, much better today!

Happy 2012!!! "Tulips 3"

"Tulips 3"

10 x 10, oil on linen panel

My first post of the new year... which would've been posted yesterday had I not been sick with fever.  I'm completely out of my head when I have a fever :)  There's no telling what I may have typed.  What a way to bring in a new year!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and send me notes of encouragement.  I do appreciate it very much.  

I'm currently working on a series of paintings such as these... I'm calling them "studies" for larger paintings.  I have purchased some huge (to me) canvases... 24 x 30, 30 x 30 and 30 x 40... but before I dive into painting, I want to paint smaller to see how I like the subject over a period of time.  

I once read an interview of a songwriter and they asked him what was his favorite song he'd ever written. His answer was, "The last one."  I get caught up in that sometimes with my paintings.  But after the newness has worn off, sometimes I don't like it as much as I did right when I finished it.  

This painting, however, I'm liking more and more each day... and I'm thinking I may tackle painting it larger.  

Happy 2012 to all my blog readers.... blessings and best wishes for your best year yet :)

"The House That Built Me"

"The House That Built Me"

20 x 24, oil on linen

This was my Christmas present to my parents.  This is still my "home" from my childhood, the house where my folks still live.  I moved into this house when I was eight years old.  If you look closely, you can see my son's jeep and my Dad's truck under the shade tree, and also my minivan.  It's a "River Day," because you can see the jet ski hooked up to the back of my Dad's truck.  My mom is probably making ice cream on the back porch, and we're probably all sitting around her... except for my daughter, she is on her yellow scooter, zipping around the house.  I'm posting a close-up below.

detail, "The House That Built Me"

"New Hope Baptist Church"

"New Hope Baptist Church"

11x14, oil on linen panel

This is a Christmas present for my wonderful in-laws.  It's a painting of the way their church building looked for many years before they tore it down and rebuilt it out of brick.  The church is just down the road from my home... and when my husband passes by, he still sees the church as it was in this painting.

Christmas Eve Gift

Christmas Eve Gift

6 x 6, oil, $150 framed 

Click here to purchase.

I've shared the story before about "Christmas Eve Gifts" with my family. On Christmas Eve, we always answer our phones "Christmas Eve Gift!" If you forget, then you have to give the person calling you a gift.  Sorry about the glare... and this painting is dry and ready to ship :)

New Painting Demo - "Sweet Christmas"

"Sweet Christmas"

6 x 6, oil
~Sold~

I have to be careful what I tell my Dad that I'm looking for... I told him I had not seen any of those "melt in your mouth" peppermint sticks and the next thing I know... he's walking in the back door with a box of them.  My younger son wanted to make another video of me painting so here's the demo below...  hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season.

Also, check out the wonderful music being performed in the video by my friend Craig Dobbins.  He's awesome!!!  If you're looking for some wonderful acoustic guitar music to listen to... he's the go-to guy.  He's also an awesome teacher (he taught my husband and older son to play) and he puts out a quarterly "Acoustic Guitar Workshop" that my husband has subscribed to several times.

Missy, the Westie

"Missy the Westie"

11 x 14, oil on linen
~Sold~

Missy is a commission I just finished.  My friend Carol called me and said she wanted me to paint her friend's dog for her as a gift.  (I painted Carol's dogs for her as well a couple of years ago).  I love painting dogs.  Their little eyes show so much of their personality.  Sorry for the horrible glare at the top of the painting.  It's a rainy day here in Alabama and it's near impossible to get a good photo outside.

Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season... and I hope my artist friends are enjoying painting special Christmas presents for their loved ones.

A Gift from Susan, A Gift for Susan

She opened the package slowly, her eyes filled with delight and excitement.  "Oh, look Mama, at the beautiful ribbon!"  "Yes, Blaire, she even made the wrapping special."

She took her time to open it, because she was enjoying the expectation of what was to come.  Slowly unknotting each tie of each pink ribbon.  And then she found the layers of pink tissue paper...  and revealed the treasure inside.

"Oh!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, Mama!  I love it!"

Now isn't that why we all paint?  Deep down inside, don't we all remember when we were a child, and we would create something... give it to Mama, or Daddy, or a grandparent, or even a school teacher... and hope for that show of enthusiasm and appreciation?

Ask me why I paint.

I paint because I love to see the joy that I saw when my daughter opened her present from my artist friend Susan Smolensky.  Susan knows that my daughter loves horses and wanted to give her one of her horse paintings, for nothing in return.

My daughter wanted to do something for Susan though... because Susan touched my daughter's heart with her gift... and Blaire wanted to show her appreciation.  So she painted a horse painting for Susan...

She took her time with it and kept asking, "Do you think she'll like it, Mama?"

"Oh yes, Blaire, she's going to love it."

Roll Tide and War Eagle - Paintings of Trent Richardson and Philip Lutzenkirchen

Trent Richardson, 8 x 8, oil

Philip Lutzenkirchen, 6 x 6, oil

I had a lot of fun over the Thanksgiving holidays with these two paintings.  I decided it would be fun to have a painting give away for the Alabama vs. Auburn game.  So on my facebook page, I asked my friends to predict the half-time score for the Auburn painting, and the final score for the Alabama painting.  I had over 150 guesses!!!  The funny outcome is that an Auburn fan won the Alabama painting and an Alabama fan won the Auburn painting.

For fun, check out my friend Lisa Daria's latest painting of her dog... it's precious!!!!  Click here.
Also, check out my friend John Guernsey's latest painting of the circus tents... it's awesome!!!!!  Click here.

Painting Demo "Thankful"

"Thankful"

6x6, oil

~Sold~

I'm so excited about this new painting demo.  My younger son, Mason, was so nice to offer to video me painting and post it to youtube.  I think it would've taken me forever to figure out how to do it!  He also recorded my older son, Austin, playing one of his original songs on guitar for the background music.  Hopefully we can do more of these soon...