"A Toast" - Anders Zorn, 1860-1920

A 'toast' to a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year to all!

Merry Merry Christmas

May visions of sugarplums 

dance in your heads!

"Tree Canopy" - SOLD

I love painting from life and plein air. So when this opportunity of painting the trees right outside of our patio came about, I gathered my pochade and headed outside. An easy shot of trees, but effecting that sense of peace we all crave. Kind of makes me want to sigh...

"Pearly There" - SOLD

It's been awhile since I've been able to do everything it takes to post a new work.  My honey has just about two more weeks of physical therapy since his full knee replacement before he has to head back to work.  The holiday seemed like a good time to take the time and so he did.  Although he's still working on it, he's coming along nicely.  

This is a very textural painterly trio of pears with an 'obvious' attempt for the center of attention.  Hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving!

"Waiting In Luxembourg" - SOLD

Photo compliments of Claudia Ward..

I will be (and have been) on a bit of down time these days assisting my honey who will be going to have a full knee replacement this coming week.

I just know he's going to be so happy to experience freedom again.  Here's to good health, one and all!

Yes, I have rendered yet again another of dear Claudia's fabulous photographs.  I LOVE her work.  I have included a link to her blog above.  She's been on a fall sojourn with her sweetie, Peter.  Good reading...

Ballet Slippers - SOLD

My painterly interpretation of dance.  Ballet being one of the finest forms in my opinion.  I found that by thinning the ribbons of the slippers, it brought a closer connection to the emotional experience.  I could almost gently touch them...

Checking It Out - SOLD

A super loose painterly expression of an experienced gentleman checking out his boat. A not so fun task, but necessary maintenance I'm sure. I loved striping down this piece to just the essentials, to just the job at hand. Hope you like it as well... No matter what, I LOVE the blue.

Slivers of Light - SOLD

A loose rendition of Italy when that special warm light hits just right and forms all sorts of geometric shapes from the buildings and makes other areas in shadow glow.

Brisighella Italy

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Photo compliments of Juliann Bell.

Brisighella is an interesting medieval village and spa center in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Towering above Brisighella are the fortress Rocca Manfrediana, the Clock Tower and the Monticino Sanctuary. Brisighella is known for its fine cuisine and its medieval festival held in summer.

I loved the sherbet colors and the looseness of this piece.  The 'young' at heart couple who were still romancing in a place where it flourishes seemed apropos as well.

More pictures from Brisighella by James Martin, About.com Guide.

Side by Side, plein air - SOLD

Third time out with the local plein air group here at Channel Islands/Ventura area and spotted this cute couple.  So I planted myself under a shade tree and took my time having a good time painting.

We've had some pretty gorgeous weather here last week and now heading into this week things are cooling off to their normal temps.  Husband took last week off and we headed to Santa Barbara to see the Botanical Gardens.  Wasn't exactly how we pictured it after seeing Austin and Galveston's amazing flora and fauna, we rather thought that's how it would be.  

Ended up looking all very natural outdoor, like hiking a wilderness trail of which we have done much.  Who knew?  

Best to see it in a much cooler climate though as when we left our little bubble of happy weather, SB's wasn't so much.  High 90's.  Phew!

Had a great time though.  Took it slow, but found we were literally exhausted from the high temp and we lived in the High Sierra desert for 12 years.  We have definitely acclimated!  Hope everyone is staying cool.  Me, I'm going to look at the boats in the water... so refreshing.

Beach Walker - SOLD

A smaller 6x6 version of a larger crab rendered on linen I painted and posted earlier.  I just had to do it again.  Crabs are so fun to watch no matter the age of the viewer and free entertainment!

A Whole Lotta Red - SOLD

I love in your face veggies and fruits.  They are sooooo yummy and packed with tons of vitamins and minerals to keep a body feeling good.  Question.  Do you think these are strawberries or tomatoes?  It's up to you to decide!  Have fun with it. Photo compliments of Claudia Ward from Open Window blog.

Ms. BluSea Crab - SOLD

This particular piece was just fascinating to paint posing in her full colorful splendor on a gorgeous sunny day.  This artwork has painted sides, therefore eliminating the high cost of framing.

Hearst Castle - SOLD

My husband and I took a camping trip along Cali's Rt. 1 awhile back.  We were intent on relaxing our way up the coast, no worries as they say.  We happened upon Hearst Castle and found that there were four choices of tours.  We started with the one they recommend first, hoping that someday down the road, we would complete them all.

A remarkable estate with wild herds of animals freely meandering about.  You park your car and take a shuttle up to the castle, 'what a view'.  A huge herd of animals went prancing by and we all laughed and giggled like the kids we were.  A very memorable trip indeed and really looking forward to the next one.  I heard that some plein air group received permission to paint there.  Even though I wasn't able to actually paint there, but at least I got some good shots.  

This is my third painting - the other two sold.  Enjoy their tour with a link to their site if interested Hearst Castle.

Persimmons - SOLD

I had to check out the 'how to' with this particular fruit and so I thought I'd pass it along.  We love trying new flavors, especially exotic ones.  Hawaii was an outstanding adventure in this regard.

'Hachiya Persimmon'. Hachiya are longer and more "peach-shaped." They need to be eaten when very soft. Best eaten chilled, or scooped out with a spoon, these are the best for cooking.

'Fuyu Persimmons' (or Jiro or sharon fruit) are short and firm. They're crisp and sweet and the skin can be eaten or peeled. They are great in fruit salads or baked in coffee cake. These tomato-like persimmons are the better variety for eating fresh.

Fruit Info:
1. Select a ripe persimmon. This is the only time the persimmon should be eaten; before this stage, the fruit will be very bitter. 2. Wash the persimmon. Do this very gently, using a basic vegetable washing liquid you usually use to clean veggies. You might like to rest it in a colander and let a gentle flow of water flow over it briefly. 3. Cut off the leaves. Using a sharp knife cut off the top (leaves). 4. Then, you can simply slice the persimmon in the same manner that you would prepare a tomato.

You can peel if wished but the skin is edible. Peeling is usually used for cooking – peel by immersing in hot water briefly as with a tomato or peach, and then removing and peeling.

Cut the persimmon into any shape you desire for serving. Use the flesh. The persimmon can be consumed fresh or it can be cooked. Persimmons can be cooked as a jam, marmalade, compote, or also be used in salads. It makes a delicious sorbet.  Enjoy!

Bird of a Different Color

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I know this should read 'horse' of a different color, but this colorful seagull was determined to go this route while viewing the splendid and speedy actions of another sunset's glorious washes emanating from both sky and water.  Stress just melts away!

Stop Pointing at Me - SOLD

Clearly it's two against one.  I had to put an end to the confrontation though (get ready for it), so I ate them!  Oh humor does the heart good, even if the humor isn't all that good...  Loving cherry season, hope you're eating your fruits and veggies too!

Lean on Me

Our neighbor brought me these wonderful treasures. She let me pick out the ones that I wanted and of course went straight to 'this one would look great in a painting, I love it's shape' and 'Oh wouldn't it look nice next to this pepper'. She started laughing and said 'but of course, an artist would see it as a painting before even considering using it as a fuel'... Eggplant is such an amazing color!

Pearing Up - SOLD

 

So I'm thinking - what can I say about the... "Two pears sitting quietly side by side, one upright one trying to hide... Shiny, smooth and ready to eat, isn't it one of the best fruity treats."  Bon appetit!

The Babysitter - SOLD

 

A great photographer friend of mine, Claudia Ward from Open Window blog, is the photographer responsible for this piece. The second, no nano-second, I saw it, I was hooked. 

Like they say in the movies, you had me...... Blue sky, beach scene, simple clean look.

The Colors of Italy - SOLD

From the waters of Venice to the gardens and vistas of the countryside, Italy is enchanting! Lavender wafts of color carpeting the mountains accent the skies brilliantly changing light with the Cypresses pointing the way.

Venetian Parking - SOLD

The sky lights softly creep into every nook (and water parking space) giving off a particularly mysterious effect depending on the time of day. You might notice the building on the bottom left in the reflected water seems askew.

The buildings are shifting and sinking. If you'd like some interesting info, go to YouTube and search for "Venice is sinking and tilting:New study" Video.  Photo compliments of Claudia Ward, Open Window blog.

Lanterns - SOLD

 

Every time I look at this piece I think of summers, patios, lounging, sipping lovely drinks, soft lights, evenings with good friends... Life is good!

Garden Door II - SOLD

A loose rendering of a sweet door in France, full of character and with stories to tell...  I wonder what grand tales I would hear on the other side.

Giant Lily Pads

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I found the blue/green color combination on these graceful giants very soothing.  I often find myself calling God's creations "fascinators".  Really looking at these huge beauties you could sleep on lily pads had me saying 'fascinating' out loud slowly and deliberately while my eyes were scanning every inch in awe.