A Few New Paintings

These three are in the Members Show at Spring Bull Gallery which can be seen through October 27th, 2024.

If you can’t get to Newport, RI -all paintings can be purchased direct from our gallery. We ship UPS.

24”x24” May the Seas Lie Smooth Before You

12”x24” May a Gentle Breeze Forever Fill Your Sails

8”x8” Warmth in the Sun

 

Winter Sky

 The clouds were swirling as the sun tried so hard to break through. The beach on Hilton Head is still cold in January, especially early when we are there to walk Cooper. It never gets old and even though this little painting is only 5x5- it’s full of drama! Available from my DailyPaintworks gallery for $95, which includes free shipping. Click on the link to learn more.Update!!! SOLD!!!

It’s A Dream

 Painted plein air while on vacation in the Florida Keys. The shades of turquoise are so beautiful and the shapes of the skeletal tree fascinated me. This painting takes me back to the sun, warmth, and calm of the place. I hope it does the same for you. Available for $400, which includes a white washed frame and free shipping in the US. Click on link to my DailyPaintworks. Update!!! Sold!!! A big thank you!!!

Off Season

Off Season depicts a summer business, typical of those dotting our coastal towns. Shuttered and quiet at this moment in time, but soon will be filled with all the senses of summer. Smell the salt air, you’re only steps from the ocean! Available in my DailyPaintworks Gallery for $450 with free shipping in the US.

 

Spouting Rock and how things have changed

Years ago, before the signs and the fences, we would climb up and over these rocks to see the high and wild spume that was present at high tide from a deep crevice in the rock face. It fascinated us all and is a childhood memory for my kids. 

Inaccessible today, I painted from the shore. 

8x10, oil on linen panel. 

The Day Starters or Rise and Shine

Was it only my generation, or did you get a morning call to "Rise and Shine"? I usually would be overcome with a desire to pull the covers over my head and snuggle deeper into my own world.

Years later, when I was in the struggle of my addiction to alcohol and drugs, there was no attraction to the morning. The bright light of sunshine made me wish for blackout curtains and the cover of darkness. The attitude of rise and shine belonged to another girl. Not me. I felt the same hopeless feelings as I had the day before...and the day before that.

My newly published memoir Into the Light talks so much of coming out of the darkness, facing the truth about myself, and doing the work so that I could truly participate in my life. No longer a victim, quick to blame people and situations for how my life has turned out, I can now offer hope to those who might still be stuck in the same kind of lies that swirled around my own head.

Lies that told me I was less than, had done things that were unforgiveable, and didn't deserve an abundant life. How very wrong I was. 

This oil painting, 20x20, titled The Day Starters reminds me of the simplicity of life. Morning rituals like a gratitude list and a few minutes of meditation help me to let go of the past, be truly in the present moment, get up, and embrace a new day. 

Rise and Shine!











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Process & Surprises

What do I love about process shots? It's a little like a makeover- starting with a blank canvas- the possibilities are exciting. Do I want drama or security? Neutral daytime or jaw drop night? 
The same thing can happen when I start a painting. 
And... I might change midstream. That's more about what the painting process is for me, to trust and let the painting take me where it wants to go- letting go of preconceived ideas of what it will be all about. 
The result may be a surprise!

Simplified the foreground and lightened the shadow. I did a lot of looking, walking away then coming back into it, scraping and applying more paint. These photos show 5 layers, there were more that I didn't photograph. I hope this breakdown helps you to understand the many stages a painting may go through to reach the point where I can put down my brush and call it finished!

Adding more color, deciding to add the ocean behind, exploring with different shapes and grays.

Tried some tans and grays but didn't get too far.

 I wanted to get the values down- now with oil paint- and I fell a little in love with the pink. Kept the painting like this while I worked on other paintings and became ready to let go, and continue with the process.

I toned the canvas, 11x14 gallery wrapped, with burnt sienna acrylic, then got my composition down with thin oil paint- my typical mix of ultramarine blue and cadmium red light.

Seabirds from another angle

Here is another interpretation of the beach, the ocean tides and the birds that are along the shore. 

I'm very excited as this painting and the one from my post of 1/29/19 were purchased by a couple for their new seaside home. 

Just the perfect location I had hoped for. 

20 x20 gallery wrapped canvas. 

Atlantic Seabirds

A different approach for me. We walk the beach every day here in Hilton Head and I've been watching birds and of course, taking I- phone pictures. Try painting from an I-phone! Ha! 
I could have photos printed but.....
Instead, I've used memory and my impressions of the beach. The air, the smell, the colors all around. I'm playing more and have to admit- what fun! 
As an artist who has relied primarily on direct observation- I feel a little like I'm cheating. 
As an artist who wants to push herself- I feel strangely elated!
20x20 oil on gallery wrapped canvas.

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!

Bark Beach- Travel Journal

Camping on the Delmarva Peninsula the water was still warm enough for Cooper to swim. He's the soaking wet one on the right with one of his newfound friends. I had no idea how many more people you meet when you have a dog!

I wanted to paint the beach assigned to dogs- the Bark Beach, and was able to do so before the kayaks and paddleboards were put away til next season. Just in time- they were all gone by the next day!

I love the off season- a slower and more relaxed pace for everyone except the dogs!