Under Avon Pier

Under Avon Pier, 10x10", oil on board

I feel so fortunate to be working from the Outer Banks this week.  A refreshing change of scenery and subject matter.  I did a painting of the Avon pier last year from a different angle.  There is a wonderful, dramatic contrast between the white sea foam, the deep tones of the pier posts and the long shadows cast on a sunny fall afternoon.  I feel like I am there.

White Oak, Horizontal

White Oak, Horizontal 24x36", oil on canvas

I completed this second white oak painting a little more than a week ago.  I worked with a red under painting on the trunk and layered with blueish grays that I mixed from cobalt blue, indian red, burnt umber & siennia... and white.  Some areas I splashed with violet.  The greens in the leaves are a mix of viridian green, chromium oxide and a chartreuse hue I can't recall the name for with cadmium orange blended at the edges.

Vertical Oak

Development of "Vertical Oak"

Vertical Oak, 24x48" oil on canvas 

SOLD

This white oak piece is a commission I had been working on this past month.  I worked with a red under painting and layering with complimentary colors.  It has a stain glass mosaic look that developed on it's own.  That's the mystery of creativity.  It's wonderful when you can let go and learn from what flows through you.

Afternoon Nap

Afternoon Nap, 12x12" oil on wood panel

Looking back over some sketches I thought this would be fun to paint.  I wasn't anticipating the rug and all it's details, but ended up really enjoying and learning from this one.  The perspective is skewed and somewhat harsh about the angles which I think adds to the dreamy impression.  Plus I got to concentrate on two of my favorite subjects.

Morning with Magnolia

Morning Magnolia, 7x8" oil on panel

Inspiration for morning sketching is made easy with bright colors.  The deep brown of coffee encircled by turquoise glaze of the cup, complemented by the bright fuschia texture of a Big Leaf Magnolia seed pod.  It's like a sugar feast for the eyes.

Turquoise Tea Cup with Cotton Boll

Turquoise Tea Cup with Cotton Boll - 7x7" oil on wood panel

While out browsing a local thrift store, 3 fiestaware tea cups caught my eye.  I was drawn like a moth to a flame by the gorgeous turquoise color.  I have current fascination with turquoise and bright white color combination.  Maybe it's the heat. 

Turtle Shell with Magnolia Seed Pods

Turtle Shell with Magnolia Seed Pods - 8x8" oil on wood panel

I am venturing into still life.  Hiking last week, I was struck by the vibrancy of the Big Leaf Magnolia seed pods that littered the forest floor.  They are striking next to a sun bleached turtle shell.

Preliminary sketches for up coming group show "Waking Up with Van Gogh" at the Hickory Art Museum, Hickory, NC in May 2012.  A number of artists responding to Van Gogh's "Bedrooom in Arles" together in one show.  I am looking forward to seeing it! 

I am working through the idea of ordinary objects (aka. our monochromatic, tiny bedroom) transformed by use of color to evoke restful balance.  Something I think Van Gogh struggled with personally and fought to portray or find in his own work.  A good challenge.

Moonlight over the Outer Banks

14x32", oil on board

I had reworked this piece as I wasn't happy with the balance in the composition. I am happy with the results, which is not always the case.  You can see the earlier version posted, November 1, 2009.

Fisherman's Boat, Soundside

Fisherman's Boat Soundside, oil on board, 9.5 x 9.5"

This was painted from a scene on the Outer Banks, Pamlico Sound.  This was donated to a silent auction benefiting Claxton Elementary in Asheville.

Coastal Maine

"Coastal Maine", 9-3/4" square, oil on board

Inspired from a trip up the coast of Maine a couple of years ago with my husband. Amazing color in the rocks up there, especially on a misty day. I am taking this today to hang in Atelier Gallery, 24 Lexington Ave. downtown Asheville.