I am in Love

One of my favorite subjects in the whole wide world. Ever!

I am in love!

Bird Study/ Purple Finch

This bird was A-MAZING to see at our feeders! I did this little quick study in ink, I REALLY need to paint it in color because it is called a Purple Finch...for a reason.:)

A Rainy Saturday

Spent a rainy Saturday afternoon at the library with friends. She obsessed over puzzles. Our kids played on the computer and looked at books. It was such a nice afternoon.

Impressions

I realized that this was the best picture I took of my children on Easter. This particular picture is worth one million words, it has it all...just not at all what most people try to captured in your traditional Easter photo......
     -No Sunday best but rather pajamas and dress up cowgirl boots on one and a swimsuit on another.
     -Comical amounts of dirt on clothes and faces.
     -I am pretty sure this could be the first Easter photo with an "heirloom" hatchet clutched protectively in a seven-year-old hand (Thank you Grandpa Tom).
     -A look of pure disgust at having been bossed around by his sister a moment earlier.
     -All photo subjects completely distracted by the incredible Nature Planet quality bird show to my right.

I may still stage a more formal Easter best photoshoot, but in truth, it was an AMAZING Easter evening spent with Grandma down in the cattails.

I am joining themamabyrd in her weekly impressions. Feel free to join:)

The Field

The Field

5x7

Oil on canvas

I painted this painting and it made me think of my sweet mother-in-law. She is the daughter of a shepherd. It is hanging in her home today. Love that sweet gal.

Water Weenies

Water Weenies

36x24

Oil on Canvas

I am gearing up to start some large oil paintings. This painting sold a few years ago, but I have never posted it. My lovely nieces are all in college (almost) now. They were so sweet and adorable playing in the pool with me that day. 

Arden

Arden

11x14

Oil on canvas

I did this painting for an old coach/friend of mine. His young daughter swimming. So beautiful. 

Wheat Field with LarkS

They Fly Together

20x24

Oil on Canvas

This is my VanGogh  collaboration. I completed this painting before we moved, but I don't think I ever posted it. 

I LOVE VanGogh's original "Wheat Field With Lark". Yeah, there is just one lark in the original. I LOVE his colors and handling of grass and I really wanted to try it out. All through my studies in art we are repeatedly taught about how much artists learn by copying the work of the great Masters. The Masters themselves spent countless hours in the Louve or other museums,  or in cathedrals, or churches copying Master-works. I believe Van Gogh himself did it.

Well, I am here to add to the testimony. It is truly a learning experience. I was putting so much paint on that canvas and in such pure colors...it scared me a little. Honestly!

I did make one change. I added another lark. I know, blasphemy right!? But I read Irving Stone's book,  Lust for Life. It is the story of VanGogh life. I thought about that book the whole time I was painting. It really brought to mind the importance of have a companion. Someone to fly with. So, I decided to add another lark, and I gave the painting to my husband. Forgive me art-purists..but it just felt right.

The log home

Huntsville Barn

5x7

Oil on canvas

Another barn collaboration with one of my Dad's photos. It is a nice little painting. I know he would want us all to move forward and not be sad. I am very happy, but I still really miss him.

Impressions

Apparently, deer LOVE Weeping Cedars.

The surprise photos

You know that other woman in my house?

Sometimes, without my knowing, she gets a hold of my camera.

I don't know until I am downloading my disc and I come across an interesting series of pictures.

I love when this happens.

 

It is like getting to peek inside her mind...

and getting to see  what she finds beautiful, 

and fun.

I think her pictures are some of my favorites.

I will have to strategically leave my camera around so she will take some more.:)