"On the Lookout" - SOLD

The stance of this Chickadee says it all, definitely on the lookout.  Only she knows for what though.  

I just read some interesting facts about Starlings and thought I'd share.   I was always curious about why they they came together in huge groups and flying in perfect unison.  Apparently it has to do with them becoming larger than the predator they were alerted to by just even one Starling and then all come together to ward off the bad guy.  So amazing!

"Surfer Girl" - SOLD

This girl could not wait to get into the thick of it.  On holiday and having a blast!

"Merry Christmas to All"

... and a little bit of whimsy!

The Color Orange - Sold

A fun time was had with this lazy clementine. Just wouldn't cooperate, needed to be propped up. This is what happens when you won't stop fidgeting. This is a 'still life' after all. Humor! 😊

...injured but not out

So late Saturday night I took quite a gymnastic fall and unfortunately didn't land on my feet, but arms.  The emergency doctor tells me it's a tear to the right rotator cuff. Of course, I happen to be right-handed.  I don't usually blog about personal things like this.  I'd rather weather it out, but this might take sometime so thought I'd mention it.

In the meantime, after I get the ok from doctor (IF I can actually get into an Orthopedic dr that is) and start physical therapy, I'm going to try to become more ambidextrous, lol.  So so appreciate my limbs.  One never knows how this could end...  It's almost a for sure guarantee for looser work right.

Sunflower Field

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This was great fun to paint in an abstracted manner as I was feeling pretty playful looking at these magnificent happy flowers. 
They made me do it!

'Radishes'

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Radishes are so fun to paint.  The end!

'Little Bouquet' - SOLD

 

 

A small bouquet of assorted flowers...

"I will not be another flower picked for my beauty and left to die.  I will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget."  Erin Van Vuren

'Discovering' - SOLD

 

It is so fun to watch little ones at the beach for the first time.  Shock and awe and giggling and twirling (after the initial shock of getting tossed over that is).  Mom's are ever on the watch lest they become waterlogged.  Often seen are somersaults by the older ones...  Still giggling and twirling and lots of time purposefully being 'rolled' by the gentle waves.  Yay for waves!

The Wonder of It All - SOLD

 

This wee little one is in absolute awe of the ocean.  Perhaps it's her first time ever.  Who wouldn't be.  Perfect!

'Apple of Your Eye'

 

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Apples are soon coming into season once again with autumn fast approaching.  Where does the time go?  I know we all say this repeatedly every single year, but really.  Where does it go?  

 

Apples pies (and blueberry pies) are the best.  So with beautiful fall foliage and yummy pie, there lots to look forward to.  Bon appetit!

'Luscious Cherries' - SOLD

I am, have always been and more than likely will always be, absolutely crazy for cherries...  Enjoy!

'Rock the Dock' - SOLD

 

A ship is always safe at the shore - but that is NOT what it is built for.  Albert Einstein
 
Let's go exploring…

'Lemon' - SOLD

 

Lemons, lemons, lemons.  Always have them in the fridge.  Just smelling them transports with energy and a most amazing aroma that awakens the senses.

Sometimes we get lucky and are pleasantly bestowed some from friends.  It's our goal to definitely turn our front porch with abundant sunshine and just the right amount of resting shade into a sort of citrus orchard of sorts.  I found some pots online that self-water as I don't want to have to water them manually or set-up a drip system.

Three single huge pots, one with lemons, limes and oranges.  We keep talking about it anyway.  In the meantime, happy to have our friends supply us with their leftovers.

'Beach Day'

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Photo reference from Claudia Ward Photography.

 

I am obviously a beach lover (water in general really), but then who isn't right.  Even though I live close to several of them, it's just not always possible to get the shot that stopped you in your tracks for whatever reason.  It's especially difficult when children are involved.  Speed of light and all that...

Which brings me to my point...  Here's a big shout out to a great friend and photographer who just happens to live by beaches as well (on the Atlantic side) and also does a lot of traveling.  Once again Claudia, thanks so much for allowing me to use your incredible photography as references!  And btw, her husband Peter is a great photographer as well.

'Blossom Petals'

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An impulsive run of thick luscious delightful creamy oil paint in swirls of lovely delicious flower blossoms.

"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it.  It just...BLOOMS!  Zenkei Shibayama

Zenkei Shibayama
Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/1068472

Zenkei Shibayama
Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/1068472

One abundant day!

I've just received a request for the purchase of my pieces to go to one art collector who loves my work!  

Yay and yay again.  Now I can finally buy that way too expensive camera I've been eyeing.  Pinching myself.  

Most of the pieces seen below have NOT been published.  My collector swooped in like an amazing angel!  PLUS requested a commission for a rather large piece.  Phew, am I blessed or what?!!

Photo of 'Vacationing' (middle of bottom row) compliments of Claudia Ward Photography.

'Swinging Good Time' - SOLD

 

This little girl is having one super great time swinging on that tire.  Remember the freedom and excitement?  Wow, you just couldn't wait to get outside.

...AND it's FREE!

'Sea Glass Hunting' - SOLD

Walking on the beach hunting for sea glass is a pretty popular thing to do.  It even outweighs seashells.  This is not an easy task as a lot of the beaches just don't have the abundance they once did.

More than likely due to the popularity of the beautiful translucent jewelry, etc one can make out of it.  It doesn't stop us though.  We'll keep looking and enjoy the fact that we're 'at the beach'...

'Spring Blossoms' - SOLD

We have had some wonderful rains here in Cali.  We still need so much more to even come near to ending the drought, but the mountains are alive with green carpeting and gorgeous flowers we haven't seen for some time.  It's a glorious Spring for blossoms!

"Beach Umbrellas"

 

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Beach umbrellas are an absolute essential part of a day at the beach when you're going to be hanging around for hours (hopefully plein air painting). I have two that can really dig into the sand and hold their own with the wind, can be easily shifted as the sun moves along in the day and foldable as well. There's always an abundant supply of them lining the water's edge. It's makes the day even more pleasurable, if that's possible, to see all of the bright and happy colors.

"Amber" - SOLD

This vase sits on my bedroom dresser.  The early morning light was shining through the window and I noticed this brilliant, gorgeous amber color that I have to admit, I hadn't seen at any other moment. Kind of a 'in the right place at the right time' thing.  I grabbed my camera, thankfully got some good shots as it was changing so fast and promptly proceeded to the easel with that surreal feeling and it fresh in my mind.  I certainly 'see' it diffidently every time I look at it now.

"This is the Life" - SOLD

 

This really and truly IS the life...  walking with your best friend on the beach, seagull's distant faint lulls floating through the air, the waves - oh the waves.  No cares, no worries.

"Chickadee" - SOLD

A precious little chickadee rising to new heights.  I'm not a birder as in knowing names, some of course, but I love when I catch a new tune that I've never heard.  They help us to keep looking up...

"Restless Rooster"

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An abstracted restless rooster, wild and roaming free.