Cyclamen Revisited and Waiting

This holiday season seems to be about waiting. My memoir, Into the Light,  is close to being available, but not quite, so I wait for that. My son is coming from San Francisco for a visit, but he's not here yet. I shop, bake, clean, decorate, and prepare for the season of parties, visits and upcoming plans, but today lies unencumbered before me. A cold morning walk woke me to the nature of waiting; to find peace in the wait. Whatever will unfold, will do so in its' own time- I'm not able to make it happen. I've let go of trying to force things on my timetable. The universe, in its infinite wisdom, will guide me. I'm grateful for my faith.
I hope you find those precious moments of peace in your day, today. xox

Cyclamen

Painted from direct observation with my colors. I considered using the colors as I saw then, but changed my mind. Maybe next time! I love the structure of this plant, and the drama created by the strong value contrasts. Someone said on Instagram that it is "restrained and sculptural", and I really loved to hear that. Comments are always welcomed!
8x8 oil on panel.

My really big news!

A project that's been decades in the making is within days of completion and the feelings of satisfaction and excitement are growing! 
My memoir of redemption and forgiveness which spans generations is a journey I invite you to join me on. The path of a painter is now also the path of a writer-  another part of who I am. 
My story may surprise you, and it might shock you, but it's written from the heart with the intent that my experiences will give hope that no matter what our pasts may hold, someone may be touched, helped and healed.
As I was.

Inspired by the beach...again!

Another day, another gull. What has me excited is the possibility of exploring on a larger format the abstract shapes of the water, the shoreline and the sand as patterns are formed with each incoming wave. 

Loved working within the range of beach colors. Soothing, calming and always a source of inspiration.

Painting in Series- Gull 4

I'm having so much fun with these little seabirds and it reinforces what I've learned about painting in series- that each painting becomes a springboard for the next. In a sense, this is a relief, I don't have to rack my brain about what to paint when I allow it to evolve naturally. For example, painting a reflection one day may lead me to a deeper exploration of that reflection with the next painting.  Of course, it isn't always possible, or practical- but I'm experimenting and just letting it go where it wants!
I'm including a photo from the beach at Hilton Head, where we go each day with Cooper. He loves to chase the birds, so my photo references are never close enough to get any detail. I read from another painter to use cat food to get the gulls to come close. That wouldn't work as long as Cooper is with me, but it's an idea I'd like to try!

Two More from the Shore

I am really enjoying the chance to play with the abstract shapes in the water and in the reflections. Although I am working from photos, I am interested in losing detail in favor of obtaining a closer relationship with the vast space of the ocean and the birds along the shore. These are on linen, 6x6.

Gull 1

Working on a series, small in size, six to start. I set these parameters for myself as a discipline, for too often, I hate to admit, I can get off track with my art. I want to paint so many things, which is great, but I think it's good to rein it in every now and then. So here we are- these are all 6x6, oil on stretched linen. I am enjoying the abstract nature of the seashore, reflections, movement in the water, and of course, the classic form of the lowly seagull!