Artist of the Year Competition

Excited that I have an opportunity to compete for the New Braunfels Art League Artist of the Year. Eligibility depended upon winning a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place award in one of the monthly shows of 2017. Participants are required to display 3 paintings as a body of work to be judged for the honor of Artist of the Year.

I created a new series for the competition entitled Scenes from Above. The painting above is one of my 3 entries and was used on the poster. As you can see, it is a different view point!

Hope you can at least drop by to see the show during the month, if you are unable to be there for the award ceremony!

Gracy

Gracy

10x10, pastel

Pleased that now I can reveal this Christmas commission of Gracy. She was really fun to paint, those sparkling eyes! This was the first painting where I had to paint a tongue head on....somewhat tricky. But as always a great learning experience.

Hope you had a Blessed Christmas and looking forward to a wonderful New Year!

Golden Sunset

Golden Sunset

8"x8", pastel

This was the scene that greeted me a month or so ago while walking my dog. It was just so gorgeous and I did my best to recreate it. There is this thing called, artistic license, and I took liberties to adjust my painting. You see, the entire lower right side of the scene was a paved road. Now that just wasn't very conducive to a lovely painting. I must have done ok because it found a new home today. Being in the Gallerie at Gruene these past months has been a great blessing! 

Naughty or Nice.......

Naughty or Nice....

7" x 5", watercolor

Hopefully, everyone I have addresses for have received their Christmas card this year! If not, spoiler alert!!!! Been painting my Christmas cards for a number of years, but this is the second year for a Santa. My husband decided this was the one he preferred and wouldn't you know, his sister said he did indeed looks like a Naughty Santa with my husbands eyes!!!!!  No wonder he liked this pose!

With all the turmoil in the world, I am praying for God's Peace and Love for All!

Sunset in Lavender

Sunset in Lavender

6" x 8", pastel

There is never a shortage of subject matter when one paints the sky. If it isn't painting worthy, just wait awhile and all that will change. Texas sunsets are often breath taking! So fortunate to live here.

Oh, Yeah!

Oh, Yeah!

11 x 7, watercolor

Last week I had every intention of trying to paint a painting every day in November as many painters have been doing for several years..... 30 in 30 Painting Challenge.  This was the first painting. This cat was so trying to scratch just that perfect place! Very fortunate to catch him in this perfect post.

Oh, the 30 in 30....isn't going to happen for me. I did paint 3 in 3 the first days of November! The third one is a gift to a special person and will not be revealed till the first of the year. Then, I did not paint again until this morning..... it will be revealed soon! 

Let Freedom Ring.....

Let Freedom Ring...

7"x 11", watercolor

Matted to 14" x 11"

Couldn't watch the Stros last night, get just too nervous when I want a team to win so badly! So I spent the time painting.

This painting was on my heart. My heart breaks at the lack of respect being shown to our flag, country, servicemen/women by those who take their freedoms for granted. Freedoms that came from others willing to step up and serve this great nation.

The eagle is a resident of Long Lake in Wisconsin. We visited friends there several years ago. Juveniles and this adult eagle were in the treetops........so very majestic!

Spring Duo

 

Spring Duo

20" x 10", pastel

This duo was one of several mama/baby pairs that graced our backyard this summer. Always enjoy watching the fawns romp and play as they grow. We had fewer fawns this year than in years past and not sure of the reason. Hoping that next spring I will have more subject matter to choose from!

This painting and others are available at the Gallerie at Gruene.

Meet Cowboy

Cowboy

9" x 12", pastel

Commission

Isn't that the sweetest face you have ever seen? Commissions are a double edged sword... so appreciative that someone would think I could create a lasting memory, but at the same time wondering if I can really pull it off! When I was approached by Cowboy's loving human to create a  memory of the 'old boy', I was a little concerned until I saw the reference photo. It was awesome! Then my concern was, could I do it justice!

Cowboy was unveiled to his human today and he was very pleased. I was thrilled. I know the pain of losing a loved pet. My heart felt good that I had a part in a lasting memory that they can hang in their home.

Signora Italiana

Signora Italiana

10 x 8, pastel

Presenting the third painting of this favorite subject. As I have told before she was working in Citta Della Pieve during a festival. She had marionettes attached to her knees and feet that she made dance as she played her accordion.....wonderful memories of a fabulous trip.

She was entered in the Artoberfest art show at the New Braunfels Art League and tonight won second place in her catagory! This woman has been very very good to me.

Painted Bunting

Painted Bunting

7 x 7", watercolor
Click to Buyhttps://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/752810

Second, no wait, third painting of this perky little painted bunting, but it is the first one in watercolor. If we are lucky, a couple of pairs visit us each spring. This little guy was photographed on the ground, believe it or not. But that just did not lend itself to an interesting painting. Can you believe it, I took artistic license and changed the background. I just may get the hang of this painting thing one of these days!

Wurst Tradition

Wurst Tradition

16.5 x 11, pastel

This is a special commission of a milestone in this family, dad's 25th year as an Opa and son's first. You have to be from New Braunfels to fully understand the significance. Wurstfest is a big deal here. It is not just a week of celebrating all things sausage and beer, the association supports the community.

Being the second commission for this family, it was an honor to be asked to complete it. I had my doubts when the idea and photo reference were provided, but the clients, my friends, are pleased. And I am, too!

Struttin'

Struttin'

12 x 6, pastel

This was a fun painting, my first ever rooster! He lives at a feed store in town. When the decision was made that this would be the subject, his surroundings were my conundrum. Being a prisoner to the photo reference is a habit to lose. His surroundings of feed bags and cement just didn't suit his personality. So the feed bags and cement were left at the store.

Today Was a First!

Autumn Repose

8x10, pastel

Today was a first! Received a call while I was working in San Diego on Saturday. The gentleman had seen my paintings at the Bijou Theater in San Antonio during July. He and his wife were interested in 3 of my paintings. I returned home yesterday. Well, today, I had the pleasure of meeting both he and his wife and delivering these 3 paintings! Many thanks, Mr. and Mrs. G!

Hill Country Couple

12x12, pastel

Autumn Creek

11x14, pastel

Ewe Looking at Me-----well, she is!!

Ewe Looking at Me

6" x 12", pastel

Love the title of this, couldn't be anything else! This is one of those paintings that seemed to flow, no fighting with the colors, values. Have to admit that is a rare occurrence for me.... I do tend to 'fuss' too much. Took some liberties and excluded a sheep.....just didn't think it contributed one bit to the overall painting. Again another rarity for me...omitting from the original photo. I may just get the hang of this composition/painting thing yet!

Winter Beauty

Winter Beauty

8"x 6", pastel

I have taken numerous photos lately of the many cardinals that live in our trees. Yesterday there were 4 on the feeder with several others in the trees waiting their turns. Those will be painted I am sure, but this guy caught my attention when perusing my photos. Maybe it is the fact that it is so stinking hot here and I was wishing for the cold weather that is depicted in the photo.

This beautiful cardinal was all puffed up trying to get warm. He was just gorgeous sitting in our oak tree.

Lily Pond

Lily Pond

6"x 12", pastel

This painting has been sitting around for a long time. It just was not what I wanted. As often is the case the painting sits around until it is ready to tell you what it needs. Happy with it now!

Amarillo byMorning

Amarillo by Morning

16" x 16", pastel

This is way out of my comfort zone, but thought it was a fun and unusual subject. This painting was my entry to the Texas Show at the New Braunfels Art League show. It was a fun to try to recreate the reflections of this beautiful sky upon the surface of the car. I was rewarded with an Honorable Mention for my efforts.

Hidden Cove

Hidden Cove

8"x 8", pastel
Click to Bid

My goodness, it has been a long time since I have posted here. No real excuse other than the most wonderful family vacation ever!!!! We were so blessed to be able to spend time in beautiful Maui. My sweet daughter-to-be and I explored one day and found this wonderful little cove, so beautiful and quiet. Tried to capture just a part of the beauty.

Texas Pastel Society Demo

Demo for TXPS

12 x 6, pastel

Click to Bid

Last year I was asked to give a demo to the Texas Pastel Society, an honor to say the least. However, standing up in front of people attempting to paint is not my cup of tea. So I was able to hook them up with another artist to give the demo.......whew! BUT that did not deter them, so I gave in and subjected them to watching me cover a blank piece of pastel paper with pastel this past Saturday!

They were so gracious, kind, patient and any other adjective you can think of in that genre. I decided on skies as the subject matter and went out on a limb and decided that it would be a vertical presentation instead of the usual horizontal, or my favorite...square. 

I almost completed this painting during the session. I did not complete the foreground because it is a made up area. If you have taken photos of a sunset/sunrise, you know that the foregrounds are usually very dark, unrealistically dark. So I usually have to think about them for awhile to decide what I can put there that will look good.

So a special thanks to the Texas Pastel Society for the invitation and the opportunity get me out of my comfort zone!

Gallerie at Gruene

After the Rain

6x6, pastel

A little late with the announcement but so excited to announce that I have joined the wonderful artists at Gallerie at Gruene, 1633 Hunter Road #A, New Braunfels, Texas! This group of artists are extraordinary in their talent and variety of art created. There are 3 2D artists, a sculptor, a potter and 2 jewelry artisans! 

The painting above is one of three paintings that have found a new home since joining this amazing group! I am thrilled and hope to see you there!

PS.  For the person that purchased this painting, please contact me! I would love to send you a heartfelt thank you! So sorry, they did not get your address for me to do so!

Glowing Evening

Glowing Evening

6" x 8", pastel

Click to Bid

We have had some of the most exquisite sunsets lately.......hard pressed to do them justice, but I try! 

Treasured Day

Treasured Day

11" x 14" w/mat, watercolor

This painting is so very special to me. It is of a dear friend and our last adventure before cancer stole her from us. She had called the day prior and suggested we  take a road trip to Castroville to photograph the poppies. Sounded like an excellent plan to me!

We spent the day visiting, enjoying the beauty and, of course, a delicious lunch. We discussed any and everything, she was so excited to have all the wonderful reference photos. Think she had a painting completed the following day!

This is my first painting of that trip last April, just completed. I have been hesitant to try to capture the beauty/emotion of that day. Didn't think I could do it justice, but I am pleased with the results.

Miss you sweet friend!

I Spy

I Spy

6" x 6", pastel

So....... this is the same curious cat checking out my phone and as he did, I just snapped away. This was a fun painting to try.....liked the unusual perspective.

Up Close--2

Up Close--2

6"x 8", Pastel
Click to Buy

Such a good day, our youngest had a snowboarding accident Christmas eve, and received wonderful news today. This second CT scan showed that the damage is not as severe as the MRI had shown. Yippee, for him!! This means that the recovery will not be as long as originally thought. The Lord IS good, guess that should be with a capital G!

So to celebrate I thought I would post a painting that I have been working on a few days. This is my niece's cat. I just put my phone down to her level and began snapping photos. Curiosity got the best of her, and this up close and personal shot was the result!

Hollyhocks in Pink

Hollyhocks in Pink

12" x 6", pastel

Click to Buy

These gorgeous hollyhocks lived in Estes Park, Colorado. They were in a small garden just outside of a storefront...so beautiful.

Hoping that this New Year finds you well, with anticipation of good things to come. I am looking forward to good health/healing for my family and productive days in the studio for me.....God's richest blessings for you!