MOUNTAIN POPPIES, 5x5, OIL

I find it hard to believe that summer is gone.  One of the disadvantages of living in Florida  is that we have not had much of a weather change yet.  It is hard to get excited when instead of 95 degree days we are having 91 degree days.  If it wasn't for the stores who have displays of colorful leaves and pumpkins, we would still be wearing white!  As a result, here I am, still painting summer scenes!

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7:15 AM, 18 SEPTEMBER 2010, MELBOURNE, FL, OIL, 6X8 SOLD

We are having the most unusual weather patterns this year.  September is not usually a nice month to be here.  It is still hot and muggy with lots of tropical disturbances which make for gray and windy days.
This year is another story.  Beautiful, dry, days that remind me of our October and November weather.  As a result, we are also having the most beautiful and colorful sunrises and sunsets.  You know what they say about silver linings..I guess this is it.

GLAMOUR GIRL, 8X6, OIL

In the 1940's, all our mothers aspired to this type of glamour and sophistication.  I have to admit, I much prefer this type of image to the slutty chic portrayed by today's "role models".

BRIDGE ON CONLEY'S CREEK, 8X10, OIL, SOLD

When I visit North Carolina, I always try to take a few walks down our road.  There is a sweet, tiny church, a nice campground, plenty of vacation cabins and this nice stone bridge.  Every time I go it seems to change.  Everyone flocks to the area this time of the year for the fall foliage, which is stunning, but the spring show is just as beautiful.   Full of pastel colors, pinks, grays, lavenders...it seems everywhere you look there is something in bloom.  It's a softer, gentler,  more muted beauty than the bright reds, oranges and yellows you see there this time of the year.

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SOLD

THE END OF SUMMER, 5X7, OIL, SOLD

You know summer is really over when the sunflowers wither and die.   As much as I love summer, I also love fall, and I have my fingers crossed that I will be in the mountains next month, during that magical week they call "Peak".  Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina.........

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SUNFLOWERS, 5X7, OIL, SOLD

Sunflowers are everybody's favorites.   It is impossible to be in a bad mood when they are around.

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SOLD

GRANDMA WAS A VAMP, 8x6, OIL

Things have changed a lot in the last 100 years.  What was considered a hottie and scandalous then...not so much today.

Anyway, I like the baby doll features on this head.  It makes a haunting portrait.

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ANTIQUE FRENCH TEAPOT, 16X16, OIL

I am sort of an Etsy fanatic and I found this teapot listed on a site http://www.dandeliondecor.etsy.com/.  I contacted the owner of the site, a very nice French woman, and she gave me permission to use her photograph for this painting.  She still has the teapot, so if anyone wants to buy it, along with my painting, it can happen!  Wouldn't that be fun?

Today is my granddaughter, Courtney's birthday.  She is sweet 16 today.  Remember when we used to say "sweet 16 and never been kissed"?  Hmmm, I will need to talk to her about that.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COURTNEY!

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BLONDIE, 8X6, OIL

Are you sick of this yet?  Hope not as I have another to show you tomorrow!

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FLAPPER II, 8X6, OIL, SOLD

My second attempt at a value study.  I did have fun with the post yesterday, so I tried it all over again today.   This technique is begining to grow on me!

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FLAPPER I, 8X6, OIL, SOLD

I am devoting this week to doing portraits that are also value studies.  I put down a cad. red tone and scratched through the paint with the handle of my brush in areas.  I like the warmth I achieved with this technique.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER, SHELLY!

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SOLD

QUEEN ANN'S LACE, 5X7, OIL, SOLD

I love wildflowers.  I don't know why some people call them weeds, just because they grow where they want and not always where YOU want them.  I would much rather see a sampling of pretty little flowers scattered about instead of miles of manicured green grass.

I always try to take at least one long walk with my camera when I am in North Carolina, you never know what you will find.  Last time, I found these pretty little flowers next to the road.

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MOUNTAIN CHURCH III, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

This sweet little Blue Ridge Mt. church has a graveyard behind it, which I thinks adds to it's charm.  These little churches are scattered all over the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina.

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SOLD

BIRD OF PARADISE, 8X10, OIL

A fun little painting that gave me a chance to do some work with the palette knife.

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MOUNTAIN CHURCH II, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

If you follow this blog you may remember a post from last week of a mountain church.  This is number two in what may become a small series.  I find it to be very interesting painting these little churches.  They all have their own personality.  I had an interesting afternoon traveling from one to another taking photos.  Today is Labor Day and it has been dark and rainy and seemed like the perfect time to pull out my easel and give  one of these little churches a try.  This one is located in western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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SOLD

POPPY FIELD, 8X10, OIL SOLD

I stumbled across this field of poppies in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

SOLD

MOUNTAIN CHURCH, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

This charming little church is located down the road from our vacation home on Conley's Creek Road in Whittier, NC.  It is a tiny place that probably doesn't hold more than 25-30 people.  It reminds me of a doll house.  It is an adorable little church in a lovely location.

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SOLD