Friday, July 30, 2010

AVOCADO SHADOWS, 11/14, OIL SOLD


My blog is over two years old now and I find that since I have been so involved in daily posting, I have not been painting many larger pieces.  By larger, I mean larger that 6x8" which is pretty small.  I have good intentions, but it has not been happening.  So I am TRYING to force myself to paint larger.  I hope you like this one.  I really struggled to get the correct greens on the avocado, but finally I think I was successful.

SOLD

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

THE RADISH, 5X7, OIL

Just a lovely big, perfect radish.  The perfection is in the radish, not my rendition!  A strong shadow can lend drama to any subject matter.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

CUPCAKE WITH CURLS, 5X7, OIL, SOLD


Curls???!!?!?  Well, yes!  This chocolate, monster-sized cupcake is filled with lemon curd and covered in white chocolate curls instead of frosting.  What devious mind thought of this irresistible combination?  It resided in my freezer for about a week, but I could feel it's presence, lurking in the kitchen, waiting to strike out when my defenses were down. Alas, defeated again!

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Friday, July 23, 2010

LES TROIS POIRES, 8x10, OIL, SOLD

La trois poires, the three pears...why does it sound so much better in French?  It reminds me of a particular day in Paris.  My apartment was warm and cozy as I sat by the window reading my book while snow softly fell.  A plate of pears sat on the table and I snuggled in my soft robe.  Of course, this never happened, but I think it should have at some point in my life!  Maybe when I return to France...........

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SOLD

Thursday, July 22, 2010

PETITE GATEAU, 5X7, OIL, SOLD


Have you noticed that I have been veering away from my fruit and veggies and becoming obsessed with desserts?  I wonder if this has anything to do with the sudden uncomfortable situation I am having with my pants.  I have been blaming my doctor for putting me on a new medication that, according to me, is causing me to retain water.  Hmmmmm, I hope he is not a follower of my blog!

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Monday, July 19, 2010

BRANDY, 6X8, OIL, SOLD


Brandy is a sweetheart of a dog.  She lives with a friend of mine.  Carla and Brandy spend time visiting nursing homes and bringing a little joy into the lives of the residents they meet.  I know how important this is because my mother lived in a nursing home.  She always tells me when someone brings a dog in.  She is a dog lover from way back and it is amazing how a minute or two with a dog will brighten her day.  Thanks, Carla!



Thursday, July 15, 2010

BRIDALVEIL FALLS, YOSEMITE, 8X6, OIL


More paintings from my recent trip to California.  Bridalveil Falls is just one of many majestic sites at Yosemite National Park.  Massive amounts of water falling almost 4,000 feet is an incredible sight, but even more incredible is that it is just one of many falls and stunning mountain scenes that you will see in every direction.  John Muir, an early pioneer, is responsibile for mapping out the park, which is around the size of Rhode Island.  He had a vision, and wanted to save this for generations to come.  Thank you , Mr. Muir for your foresite.  He made this park possible, the first time in the history of our country that land came under national protection.  Sad to say that even before this could happen, the settlers were cutting down massive Sequoia trees over 2,000 years old!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

PIER 39, 5X7, OIL

I am happy to report that the sea lions have returned to Pier 39, much to the relief of the merchants in the Wharf area as well as the entire City Of San Francisco.  This is the 20th year anniversary of their arrival and they are a big tourist attraction, so it was very shocking when one day about 5 months ago, all 1700 of them decided to leave.  Don't get me wrong, their numbers are a lot smaller today.  On the day I visited last week, there were may 50 laying around.  But, hopes are high that more will return.  It just wouldn't be the same without them!

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

AVOCADO HALF, 5X7, OIL,SOLD



Yes, I am still doing fruit and veggie half's....just not as often.  When I was grocery shopping this week, I realized that I had not done an avocado half, so I decided to correct that situation as soon as possible.  Viola!

On another note, we are really suffering in Florida this summer, not only the oil spill, but no rain to speak of for the last month.  My garden is looking quite brown.  Speaking of the oil spill, everyone knows about it, but I don't know one person who has actually seen it.  Our beaches on the east coast are perfect and from the photos and stories I read of the west coast, they too are in good condition.  I think the Panhandle may have the tinest problem, but all the BP people are out there cleaning up.  Now if they could just save the wildlife! (and of course, STOP THE LEAK!)  The wildlife experts are actually digging up seaturtle eggs, packing them and sending them to our area in the hopes that the little guys will have a better chance of life on our side.  Sea turtle eggs are protected by law and not to be handled, it can kill the baby, but they hope at least 50% of them will hatch.  If they hatch in the Panhandle, the babies will all die in the Gulf.  Only 10% of sea turtle hatchlings survive for a year, even without an oil spill.  I also read in the paper that all those birds you see being cleaned off after a spill usually die within a year.  It seems the oil people like to get those pictures in the paper to keep us all happy but it doesn't really help the birds that much.  Now, I cannot help but wonder what the floor of the ocean looks like now adays.  I doubt you will find any living coral reefs for , let me see, 50 or 75 years or more?  I don't even even want to think about what will happen when we start having tropical storms and hurricanes...they are forecasting a stellar year!

Monday, July 12, 2010

SECURITY PATROL, 6X8, OIL, SOLD


These guys look pretty serious!  They are not Florida gulls who are pretty easy to get along with, but big burly California gulls.  I didn't want to mess with them.  Some would say they are looking for food, but I am not too sure.  They kind of remind me of security guards.  You can believe whatever you want, but I know what I saw!

Friday, July 9, 2010

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

A perfect beach day...kids running around, surfer's waiting for the "great one", birds overhead.  Lots of sunshine and the beautiful Atlantic...what more could we ask for?  I think this gentleman was asking for just a little more, but as far as I could tell, no luck!  There is always tomorrow.

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

CRAB ON IT'S BACK, after VanGogh,10X10, OIL







Several years ago I studied the Masters, along with members of my paint group.  We spent several months on the works of Degas, VanGogh, Manet and others.  We read their life stories and did our best to duplicate their paintings.  We ended up with quite a collection of paintings which we exhibited several times and one of our group, Cindy Michaud, put together a book about the experience.  This is probably my favorite of the paintings I duplicated.  The fun of this one was the distinctive brushwork which I tried my best to duplicate.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

"MUFFINTOP" 5x7, OIL,SOLD

This may be a cupcake, but it has a real "muffintop".  Guess I got a little carried away when I was pouring batter into the pan.  Possibly it was because I always go for the largest one.  You could even say I have a slight "muffintop" myself.  Got to go, I think there is still one left in the kitchen.

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SOLD

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

CONTEMPLATING WAVES, 8X6, OIL, SOLD

Have you ever stood in the water taking it all in, the water, sky, warmth, gulls and the ever present waves rushing towards you?  This is a good thing; one of the joys of living in Florida.  Sometimes in our busy lives we don't stop and smell the roses, or contemplate the waves.  SOLD

Monday, July 5, 2010

CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF ENJOYING HERSELF, 6X8, OIL, SOLD


Caught in the act of enjoying herself!  This woman was so striking with her long blond hair, enjoying the pleasures of the cool Atlantic.  I will be posting a second painting of her tomorrow.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

SANDCRAB, 6X8, OIL, SOLD


Every time I go to the beach, I find these little guys scurrying around.  This one didn't seem to mind posing for a picture, although he did show me his claws several times.  I had quite a problem getting all his legs in the proper place.

I have been in San Francisco for the past week and now find that I am very far behind on my computer work.  I want to thank all of you that were kind enough to leave a comment on one of my postings last week.  My dear husband was very good about publishing them for me.  I am not sure I will get around to answering each one, but please know that I have read them all and, as always, I am thrilled with each and every one.