The Grandparents

The Grandparents

8x10, pastel

A recently commissioned piece and I love it! It says so much about the grandparents' love for each other and how they are loved by their family! The photo reference was taken in the northeast on an apparently misty day. This is my first attempt in recreating a misty shore scene, enjoyed the challenge.

Purrrfect II

Purrrfect II

8" x 6", pastel

My last couple of months have been filled with work on a commission. I, occasionally, do commissions, usually 8 x 10 or 9 x 12, my largest being 16 x 12, that is up until now!

This wonderfully trusting couple asked me to create for them a painting of a place they dearly love. They had not met me, only seen my work at the Gallerie at Gruene and online, yet trusted me to create this painting. I am forever in their debt. Because of them, I think I shall not fear the painting challenges that I face from now on. The painting was created, they are pleased, and it is soon to be hanging in their home. 

So.......having completed the commission, I painted something different. I was ready to paint a critter! Now, I am not a fan of cats, but they are great subject matter! You can feel his disdain for the human taking his photo!!!!! LOL!

Oh, did I mention, the commission was 4ft x 6ft!

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!

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.

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!

Loverboy

Loverboy

12x6, pastel

Several years ago I gave one of my sister-in-laws a painting of her chihuahua. Well........you can imagine what happened next! This is the final pet commission for in-laws, that is, until Sandy decides to get a pet!!! Guess it is good I am an only child!!

Really enjoyed painting this though. Sometimes a painting just kind of paints itself and this one did except.......for that darn background! The love/hate relationship with backgrounds continues, but I will conquer!

Progress shots:

Linda----a special commission

Linda

14" x 14", watercolor

I had the privilege of painting this remarkable woman in December. There is a definite challenge in painting someone that you do not know, have not met. I was supplied with additional reference photos and stories of her to help me capture her spirit. She loved the beach and so this was the photo of choice.

It is humbling to immortalize a memory, especially this one. Thank you, Charlie, for the opportunity. Wishing I could have met her.

Christmas Commission

Coco and Tex

9" x 12", pastel

Hoping everyone had a blessed Christmas! We sure did. This is a commission I completed for a Christmas gift. They were such cuties, fun to paint.

Looking forward to the new year and all the opportunities to create art. Oh, so many possibilities!

Pancho--a Christmas Surprise

Pancho

10" x 10", pastel

Pancho was a commission that was to be given as a Christmas present. Pancho was a beloved pet that had died. I really wanted to capture his spirit and sweetness. Fortunately, Jan was able to tell me about him and I kept that in mind as the painting progressed. After Jan picked up Pancho, she told me that she had showed her grandchildren a photo of the painting and they recognized it as Pancho----a good sign!

But, as usual, I was sweating bullets until I heard if the recipient was pleased............... he was!! 

God in Everything

Mary's Sky

20" x 30", pastel

Commission

When I look at the sky, as I have said before, I just get a feeling/appreciation of God's majesty. I believe that God is in everything! Several months ago I was contacted by Mary Pearson, she, too, loves clouds. Mary's family owns and operates Pearson Farms in Georgia, check them out at www.pearsonfarm.com  to peruse/order their wonderful pecans, peaches (in season), vidalia onions, and gift items. She requested this commission, one of the bigger pastels I have completed. The majesty of the rays coming from behind the clouds just grabs me!

Hoping your Christmas was blessed. God got our attention as a family, prompting us to appreciate the time we have together, when our 35 year old son had a heart attack on the 16th.  God had him in the right place at the right time to get the care he needed. He had just arrived at work when he collapsed. Fortunately, he works at Dell Children's Hospital. Yep, God was all over this. It is not lost on my husband and me, that if it were not for His grace, our Christmas would not have been so joyous!

Sky #12

Sky #12

6"x6", pastel
Click to Bid

Haven't posted a painting in the sky series for awhile. I was blessed to paint a commission of a large (20" x 30") sky painting. I will post the painting at a later date, but here is a brief version. Having worked on the full version for weeks, painting this small painting was like revisiting an old friend. 

Hoping you all had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday, we did!

Finally!!

5 Generations or The Brock-Men Tradition

16 x 20, pastel

Last fall a dear friend came to me with an idea for a painting for her husband. As she explained her idea, my mind was spinning, how in the world would I get everything in the painting that she was suggesting? I truly wanted to be able to create what she desired but was doubtful that I could. She sent me the photos she had taken on her phone and I sat on it for a few months.

In January I decided I would give it a try. The story behind the painting is that 5 generations have gotten their haircut at the Trophy Barbershop with this being the very first haircut for the baby. Great granddad and great-great granddad are no longer with us, thus their photos taped to the mirror.These were added and were not in the original photo. The barbershop has big game heads covering the walls, and even has a stuffed polar bear standing at the entrance. The suggestion of the game is on the right and in the reflection of the mirror, as well as mom and the barber. Pa, as he is called, is holding the envelope to collect the locks of hair.

After 3 months of work and trying to keep a secret, this is the finished product. The painting was given to Rusty tonight by his wife with his mother and children in attendance; and I was there too. I think he liked it.