a lovely ride

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Was just listening to James Taylor's "the secret of life" and boy did the words speak to me.  I have had a hard time getting back into painting after being away and have been ultra critical of what I am working on. Particularly this 30 x 40 x 2" piece.  The lyrics "try not to try too hard" and "enjoy the ride" were some words I needed to hear today and several days ago. I wish I knew how to add a song to my blog.

My upcoming shows are as follows:

Marietta,GA Art on the Square Sept 3, 4 and 5

Montesano Art Festival in Huntsville, AL Sept 17 and 18

Bluff Park Art Show in Birmingham, AL Oct 1

Telfair Art Festival in Savannah, GA Nov 11, 12 and 13

Brentwood Academy Art show in Nashville, TN Dec 2, 3 and 4

after midnight

Maybe you would think I would paint something "Asiany" since I just returned from many days spent there.  That will come after I have time to sort through pictures.  For the time being I am adjusting to the twelve hour time difference.  This title refers to the time I painted this 8 x 8" angus.  Went to sleep around 9 pm and woke up around 1 am and decided to paint until 4 or 5 am.  Really screwed up but worth it!
I had a wonderful time visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand, Bagan, Myanmar (Burma) and Hanoi, Vietnam with one of my sons.  Got to experience and see so many different things.  I will share some pictures once I am totally recuperated.
I am headed out of town again soon to visit and participate in a show in Asheville, North Carolina.  The show is held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls in historic Biltmore Village. The days and hours are Saturday, the 6th from 10-7 and Sunday, the 7th from 12-5.  This is my first time to participate so come out and see me if you are in the area.

pre pie

I'm not making a pie.  i just could not think of a title.  A sunflower would not taste very good in a pie anyway.This is painted on an 8 x 8 x 2" .
Headed out for southeast Asia tomorrow.  Be back in August. Sold

red, white and blue

I wonder how many other people are painting on the 4th of July?  I have been painting some small paintings to take to a show in Asheville, NC . I am participating for the First time in a show in Biltmore Village August 6th and 7th.  I get back from Asia at the end of July and head up to Asheville a couple of days later.
I am very excited and a bit nervous about this long trip.  I am flying to Chiang Mai, Thailand by myself.  The opposite side of our planet. My son arrives a day later.  He is already in Thailand visiting some other areas. I am going with an open mind and great curiosity about visiting cultures that are very different from my own.  It is easy to live in my own little bubble.  That being said.....I am so thankful for this wonderful country that I live in.  I am thankful for my forefathers and the people who have fought to keep this country free. God bless America!  And....the rest of the earth!

This is painted on a 4 x 6 x 2" canvas.sold

welcome

I had these flowers in little jars welcoming a guest last weekend.  Too pretty not to paint.  This is painted on an 8 x 16 x 2". sold

take it easy

 Painted on a 6 x 8 x 2" canvas. Take it easy.sold

on a country road

Painted on a 6 x 12 x 2" canvas.  sold

My mind is kind of in crazy mode today. I just made a decision to join one of my sons during part of his two month tour of Asia.  I will join him in a couple of weeks to tour Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. How cool is that?

  

summer breeze

I wish a summer breeze would blow around here in Birmingham.  And....a lot of other places!sold

This is painted on a 20 x 20 x 2" canvas. Stay cool!

just the two of us

Painted on a 30 x 30 x 2"  canvas.sold

ya got trouble

Well, ya got trouble, my friend, right here, I say, trouble right here in........

This is a commissioned 16 x 20" portrait for a friend whose dog's name is  T.  T is short for Trouble. Trouble with a capital "T" and that rhymes with "P" and.......

I really need to get out more.

Just in case you do not already know, these were some lyrics from the song "ya got trouble" from the musical "The Music Man".

whatcha talkin bout Willis?

Mac kind of has the Gary Coleman questioning look from "Different Strokes".  This is a commissioned piece a friend had me paint for her daughter's boyfriend.  Mac always has one ear that stands up.  Pretty cute, eh?

jackie

Painted on an 8 x 8 x 2" canvas.  Painting while I am watching to Nurse Jackie.  An old show that I have just discovered on netflix.  Addicted to it after the first show. Are we supposed to be talking about art?sold

walk this way

I really do not want these lyrics in my head the rest of the day.  Aerosmith's song just popped into my mind as I finished this painting.  This is painted on a 6 x 8 x 2" canvas.sold

My next show is in Asheville, NC!  A favorite place to visit.  It is the 44th Annual Village Art and Craft Fair held in Biltmore Village on the beautiful grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls.  The dates are August 6th and 7th.  If you have never visited Asheville or this area you need to. 

shug

Glamor shot of Shug.  Love the over the shoulder"" look back".  This painting was commissioned as a remembrance and surprise birthday gift for a young friend who loved Shug for many years.  This is painted on an 8 x 8" linen panel.

happy summer

 A commission piece for a friend.  Nice using blue hydrangeas from my yard.  This is a large 3' x 4' x 2" piece.  Happy summer!

gertrude

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I painted this 10 x 10" to accompany a cow mug a patron purchased from from me a year ago.  Sometimes you need two cow paintings.  Or more!!

I have enjoyed taking a few days off.  I have a full line up of shows that begin again in August. Painting is mostly pleasurable for me but it is good to slow down the pace and take some time to do other things.

I have several folks on an email list that have shared their desire to take a workshop with me. I am working on finding a time to schedule one or two at my home.  E mail me if you would like to be included on this list.  I will notify these individuals before announcing it.  I can only accommodate nine students so classes fill quickly. 

molly

A young friend commissioned me to paint her best friend's dog, Molly, for a birthday gift.  This is painted on an 8 x 8 x 2" canvas.  Another good title would have been, "big smile" or "happy face".

I just returned from my last show of the season. It was lots of fun but I am kind of ready for a break.  So is my husband, Dan.  I could not do it without him.  We actually spent our 33rd wedding anniversary at the show Saturday.  That is a good man.

Art on the Lake

This painting is going to be on the t shirt that Children's Harbor sells during Art on the Lake this Saturday and Sunday.  The painting will also be on sale and I am donating 100% of that sale to CH.
T shirt sales and 20 % of artist's sales are donated to Children Harbor's mission.  Come see us and take home some beautiful art and donate to a great cause at the same time.

Children’s Harbor provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to be themselves – to have fun and relax – while also receiving no-cost services that make life a bit easier for the whole family.

what about the sky?

Painted on a 6 x 6 x 2" canvas.sold

I am preparing for Art on the Lake to benefit Children's Harbor. 20% of the proceeds go to the families that benefit from Children's Harbor.   It is this Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday 10-2.  It is held along the shores of Lake Martin on the campus of Children's Harbor.  Come see us if you are in the area! Bring your wallets.

the right stuff

This calf has quite the confidence.  This is painted on an 18 x 18 x 2" canvas.

Come see me next weekend at Children's Harbor at Lake Martin.  The show is 9 -5 on Saturday and 10-2 on Sunday.

Have a good weekend!sold

ophelia

Happy Friday.  This is painted on an 8 x 8 x 2" canvas.sold

if not for you

You have to love cows and their work ethic.  This is painted on a 30 x 40 x 2" canvas.

oh happy day

It is about that time.  This is painted on a 22 x 28 x 2" canvas.sold

I have participated in Children's Harbor Art on the Lake for several years now. It is held on the grounds of Children's Harbor at Lake Martin. It is coming up this Memorial Day weekend,  May 28 & 29. Artist's participating donate 20% of their sales to Children's Harbor.  Children's Harbor's mission is to provide camp, counseling and support services to children with long term illness or trauma induced diagnoses and their families. It is a lot of fun for the artists and attendees and the money raised is going to such a great cause.

How many times can you mention Children's Harbor in one post? Five.

hope

Just a little time to paint this week.  I enjoyed a nice get away with my mom in North Carolina.  One of my favorite places with one of my favorite people.  I am so thankful to have her in my life.  Hope you get to spend time with your Mom or children this weekend!

This is painted on a 5 x 7"  linen panel.

I am headed to Nashville for the Harding Academy Art Show that starts tomorrow night. Another favorite place.

the color of love

It appears that the high key colors I have been using lately are creeping into my animals.  This is painted on a 12 x 12 x 2" canvas and will be going with me to the Harding Academy Art Show May 5 -7.

I am kind of tired of painting.  I have been in overdrive lately.  I am going to take a couple days break and head up to North Carolina with my Mom.  Thankful!sold

you raise me up

This is a painting that will be in the Harding Academy art show in Nashville  next weekend, May 4 - 6.  This is painted on a 36 x 36 x 2" canvas.  Sold

Searchin' so long

Every time I turn on my Pandora radio station it goes to Chicago.  Not sure why.  Glad it did today because the song "searchin' for an answer" was the first song to play.  Besides being a great song it speaks to my journey as an artist.  I am continually searching for the next stroke to make.  I am happy about where my art is today but it is nice that it can get better every day if you put in the time.

Every now and then at an art event you will overhear someone discussing your prices.  Saturday I heard a lady say, "that seems like a lot for that little painting".  Some folks do not seem to understand all of the time and study that artists have put into their work.  A small piece might not take me that long to paint but the time and money I have spent honing my craft took a lot of time.  I was guilty of thinking the same thing before I got into this so I am not complaining , just sharing thoughts.

This is painted on a 30 x 30 x 2" canvas.

My next event is The Harding Art Show in Nashville, TN.  Click on the highlighted for more show information.

once you've loved somebody

 This picture really looks lighter than the painting.  Oh well.  It is painted on a 12 x 24 x 2".

I just returned from the Double Decker Art Festival in Oxford, MS.  I have been missing out.  Oxford is such a charming and fun town.  We had a gorgeous weekend and my roadie husband and I had a busy day.  Started out by the alarm not going off.  We were supposed to be lined up to set up at 6 am.  My alarm went off at 6:10.  The rest of the day went uphill.  Thousands of people came and actually bought art work.  I loved seeing so many people walking around with paintings and bags. ( Instead of just kettle corn.)  Hoddy toddy!  I discovered a hoddy toddy is a drink but I still do not understand the cheer.

I have made the decision to bow out of the Houston, TX  Bayou City Art show this coming weekend.  I am sad about it but think I need time to concentrate on my next show MUCH closer to home.  I am participating in the Harding Art Show in Nashville, TN.  The dates are May 5-7.sold

frank

Frank belongs to a young friend of mine.  He lives in Oxford, Mississippi and he is letting me use his home this weekend for the Double Decker Art Festival.  I hope he knows this.  His Mom said, "sure, that would be great!"  Sorry Hunter.  I'm coming!  This is painted on an 8 x 10 x 2" canvas.  A little thank you for his hospitality.

The Double Decker Art show is open from 10 - 5 this Saturday.  It is held on the main square of downtown Oxford. I am so excited about my first visit to this city.

top of the world

 Listening to "top of the world" by the Dixie Chicks. Would you rather me title it hydrangeas and lemons?  This is painted on a 12 x 36 x 2" canvas.  I included a second picture to help see the scale.

I am painting pretty furiously these days because I have several shows coming up.  This Saturday I am in Oxford, MS for the Double Decker Art Festival.  April 29, 30 and May 1 is the Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park in Houston , TX.  May 4- 6 is The Harding  Art Show in Nashville, TN.  Looking very forward to all of them!

let it be

I try to remind myself to "let it be" when I keep trying to over work a painting.  I also happen to be listening to the Beatle's song, "let it be".  Nice how that works out at post time. I have been working pretty frantically lately.  I really do need to "let it be" for a while.  At least for the rest of the afternoon.  This is painted on a 30 x 30 x 2" canvas.sold

I am looking forward to the Double Decker Art Festival in Oxford, Mississippi this Saturday.  Would love to have you come see me if you are in the area.  

jimmy

Jimmy was commissioned by a friend as a surprise gift for her husband.  Jimmy loves to retrieve and has to be held back at times by the rope attached to his vest.  I learned that fact after my friend received his painting.  He said that made him like the painting even more because it was a reminder and trademark of his personality.  Glad I decided not to edit that out.  This is painted on an 11 x 14" linen panel.

I have had two great shows the last two weekends and am now looking forward to going to Oxford, MS this weekend for the Double Decker Art Festival.  This will be my first visit to the infamous Oxford.  Hoping to go early enough to visit William Faulkner's home, Rowan Oak.  I will also try to find answers for why the heck they say' "hotty toddy". ???? 

coop

I have been busy painting for many upcoming shows.  I like to have a variety of sizes at shows so that there is something for every budget. These are painted on 4 x 6 x 2"'s and 5 x 5 x 2"'s.

I am participating in Art in the Village this Saturday from 9 - 4.  It is held at the Crestline Elementary athletic field in Mt Brook, AL.  You have to see this field to believe it. It looks like a putting green.  Such a fun location and show.

Next Saturday I will be in Oxford, MS for the Double Decker art show. My very first time to be in Oxford!  The next weekend I will be in Houston, TX for the Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park.  April 29, 30 and May 1.  The following weekend I will be in Nashville, TN for the Harding Academy Art Show.  May 5-7. I will have a couple of weeks break and then  participate in Children's Harbor Art on the Lake at Lake Martin, AL. May 28 and 29.   I know.  It' a lot.

well when you wake up in the morning

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Such serendipity when the lyrics of songs you are listening to title your paintings.  Am listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Midnight Special".  It begins "well when you wake up in the morning".  I hope you sing this song the rest of the day.  This is painted on a 6 x 12 x 2" canvas.

I am participating in Art in the Village this Saturday.  It is held on the athletic field of Crestline Elementary School in Mountain Brook, AL. The hours are 9 -4. It was the first show I ever entered and I look forward to it every year.

waitin' on a woman

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Brad Paisley's "waitin' on a woman" was playing as I posted this.  Not a favorite song but thought this rooster might be doing just that.  This is painted on a 20 x 40 x 2" canvas.  

corgi

This is a cardigan Welsh corgi that a patron commissioned me to do as a surprise birthday gift for her friend.  This was the first time I had ever seen this type of corgi.  I feel a little kinship to this dog because my maiden name Morgan, originated in Wales.  My family is not this hairy. Or sweet.

This is painted on a 12 x 12 x 2" canvas.

Please come out to Art in the Hills this coming Saturday at the Vestavia Municipal City Hall grounds.  The hours are 10 -4.  

high noon

  Painted on a 4 x 12 x 2" canvas.sold

people smile

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"Danny's song" by Loggins and Messina happened to be playing as I posted this.  The first couple of words in the lyric's are "people smile". Great song!  That is pretty much my objective with my paintings.  This little calf with her oversized ears made me smile.  this is painted on a 4 x 12 x 2" canvas.

I am looking forward to participating in "Art in the Hills" in Vestavia next Saturday, April 9th.  It takes place on the grounds of the beautiful new city Hall from 9 until 4.  Lots of art along with some great food trucks and local music.

Hope you have a good weekend.  

a little sunshine

   A little sunshine on a rainy day here in Alabama.  This is painted on a 5 x 7" linen canvas.

My husband planted a lot of sunflowers around our property so I am hoping to paint from home grown flowers sometime.sold  

pink

Taking a little break from painting a dog commission.  I like to have some smaller paintings available at shows.  The small ones usually have a lot more charm.  This is a 5 x 7".  My next show is Art in the Hills, April 9, in Vestavia, AL.  More info two posts back.sold

lucky one

I photographed this child playing in a fountain in Oregon.  She looks right at home on a beach in Florida or Alabama.  This is painted on a 10 x 10 x 2" canvas.

it was a beautiful day

Listening to Tom Petty's "runnin' down a dream" made it easy for me to title this 11 x 14 x 2" piece.

I am getting prepared for show season.  My first show is right in the heart of where I live.  Vestavia's "Art in the Hills".  This is the third year for this show and I am glad to be a part of it for the first time.  It is Saturday, April 9 from 10-4 at the new Vestavia City Hall Complex.  It will feature around 45 artists and several specialty Food trucks.  I would love for you to come by if you are in the area.

hallelujah!

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I was thinking "hallelujah!" after I painted this demo last Saturday.  I totally bombed painting a little girl as a demo that morning.  Fortunately my workshop friends had a good sense of humor and patience.  I guess you can still learn through other's mistakes.  This was not even on the itenarary but many of them wanted to see how I painted jars.  So"hallelujah!  This is painted on a 20 x 20 x 2" canvas.

Happy Easter! Hallelujah!

lyin' eyes

Sold Guess which band I am listening to as I post this and try to come up with a painting title?  This was the demo painting I did for the first morning of my workshop this past weekend.  It is painted on a 10 x 10 x 2" canvas. 

The picture below is of my fun and wonderful workshop folks.  They all did a great job with their  paintings.  This picture does not do their paintings justice.  It also adds ten pounds and years to each of us.  Haven't you heard that?

I enjoyed making some new friends and helping them in their art journey. It was helpful for me to remind myself of the things that I think are important to teach others.    

 I did this 8 x 8 x 2" practice demo the night before the workshop and thought it would be interesting for you to see how differently it turned out from the one above.

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small bait, big fish

I decided I better brush up on painting children since I am teaching it this coming Saturday.  I enjoy trying to capture a child in a spontaneous moment.  One thing that makes this painting successful is that  it has good angles.  I learned from Nancy Franke that you need to look for lots of X's and Z's and V's in the figure.  It just adds to the energy and leads to a more interesting composition. This is painted on an 8 x 8 x 2" canvas.

one life

Busy getting ready for a workshop I am having at my home this Friday and Saturday.  Fun!
This is painted on a 30 x 40 x 2" canvas.sold

mine

I sold a piece that I had in my house so I needed to paint something new.  A new friend from Texas was visiting and liked it so I sold it to her.  I enjoyed "blue morning" pictured below for three years but now another family gets to have it. 

This picture is seen as soon as you come into my house so it needs to be something I like to look at.  Both of these pieces are 24 x 48 x 2".