My Hollyhock obsession

 This 12x36 canvas seemed to call out to me to paint more hollyhocks. It was during Covid and most of my painting was plein air in my yard or working from photos. These gorgeous flowers growing right by the back door were a no brainer. Because the yard sloped down in back, the hollyhocks stood out against the clear blue sky. Having only a few feet between my subject and my canvas gives an intimate view into the flowers themselves.  I liked the immediacy of the experience, the multiple views of the flowers themselves as they rotated around the stalks and the various stages of development from buds to full blooms. The pink and red flowers allowed for mixing a range of values with a very limited palette. I intentionally let the lower section begin to dissolve into an abstarct area to keep the viewer in the scene. This painting won first place at the Patriot Place  Gallery show. I  am keeping this one  for myself.

Painting Plein Air in the back yard

Painting plein air in my own backyard provides me with multiple possibilities, a convenient setting for taking breaks, and an opportunity to revisit the same spot on multiple days with the assurance that it will remain unchanged. This 18x24 painting, "Standing Tall" was done over several days.  Being able to look into the flowers and see the subtle variations in color is something that can't be done using a photo reference. These particular flowers grow along the edge of my vegetable garden. The woods that are behind provide a deep dark backdrop to the scene. The rhythmic pattern of the leaves and flowers creates a  pleasing path moving the viewer through the painting. The vertical repetition gives a sense of regal importance to these beauties as they rise up tall and impressive along the fence. The reds and greens create a natural color harmony and a warmth to the sunlit flowers. 

 

These Martha Washington peonies grow outside my back door. Peonies are one of my favorite flowers and over the years I have added different varities to my gardens. To me, this variety is one of the most bautiful. During Covid most of my painting was done outside in my yard. This is one of those paintings. The beautiful centers contrasting with the pink petals is part of what I love about these flowers; so I decided to focus on them close up and detailed rather than in a big bunch. The rich red green color harmony and the beautiful texture of the petals stand out against the neutral negative spaces. This painting was recently selected for the Norwood Art association cover photo for their facebook page. The painting sold immediately after I painted it. I set up some paintings on easels in my yard for one of my collectors who was missing coming to the gallery while we were closed for Covid. She immediately picked out this one. She told me my paintings brought her happiness.

I'll Always be by your side

This 16x20 oil painting is dedicated to my brother, Ken, who was always there for me. We grew up with a beach house in Marshfield MA that our grandfather built. Growing up, we spent every summer and most weekends there. When we arrived on the weekends we woud walk to the beach to see what changes happened since our last visit. Walking through the dunes to get to the beach always brought anticipation of what lay just ahead. We never know what lies ahead. We had a shared childhood and he was the only one who knew me since birth after our parents died. I hoped he would get to see this painting, but unfortunately we lost him before that happened. The painting was to be a beacon of optimism. In a way it still is. We had so many great years together and this is a tribute to that now. The path being traveled is symbolic in this painting. We never know what lies ahead.

Boys and their trucks-Pure Joy!

< These best buddies romping through the field are cousins. They love their trucks and their time at Lake Dillon with Grandparents and family. This 16x20 oil painting tries to capture the joy of youth. I eliminated the boats that were up close and emphasized the setting that brings so much joy. The vast space, with both the lake and mountains, brings a feeling of limitless freedom. The midday sun enhances the bright colors and highlights the boys as the main subject-the vehicle of this JOY. The color harmony of the landscape is incorporated in the boys clothing. The trucks, although small, stand out as their colors contrast with the blues, greens and violets. The boys connection is both physical and spiritual. These cousins were born only 2 months apart and have been inseperable. Hopefully that connection will continue throughout their lives.

A Ripple in TIme

At the Hill Lifesaving Museum Juried Show

"A Ripple in Time" 11x14 Oil

 Each year I paint my granddaughter. I love watching her grow and try to preserve a special moment as well as create an interesting painting. We spend a week together on the Cape each summer. She spends most of her days alternating between the ocean and the pool and playing in the sand. The water can sometimes be full of seaweed and she's not a big fan; But on this day the water was crystal clear.

I was drawn to the transparency that exposed the ripples in the sand created by the movement of the water. This was complemented by ripples created by Elouise as she moved through the water. The sunlight was strong and provided perfect lighting. I used many layers and transparent glazes to create the effect that I wanted. 

It will be a gift to her.  Before gifting it, I submitted it to the juried "Sea and Sky" show at  the Hull Lifesaving  Museum. It is one of my favorite venues as it is all about the ocean. The title was suggested by my husband. I loved his title idea because it really expresses the ephemeral quality of such a moment.

The Long Goodbye

"Outbound" 11x14 Oil

Walpole, MA has a beautiful old train station. I have been meaning to paint it for years. That plan somehow kept getting pushed back on my to do list. One day while standing on the platform and watching the train approach, it was the ah-hah moment. I decided I would paint it including the train instead of focusing on just the station This meant viewing it from the platform instead of approaching it as I came up the hill. I may still do that view at some point, but I wanted to include my daughter hugging her friend one last time.  We never know when we may never see someone again and we should always savor any time we have with our friends and family. This hug was one of those moments. I think it is important to keep precious memories alive.
I combined several photographic images to create the composition I wanted. I had to take a picture as the train was moving as it never actually stops with this view. I liked the strong verticals and diagonals that seem to complement the station's angular appearance. The viewer's eye is led to the strong vertical of the figures that is slightly off center. The lines seem to encompass them like an additional hug.