Daffodils Signs of Spring

10"x8" Oil
These beautiful daffodils made it through the snowy weekend of the first of spring. I am so thankful to see them in bloom after the long, snowy winter. My cabin fever has finally broken and I look forward to more flowers in the garden and on the roadside yet to be discovered and painted. Daffodils are not my usual flower to paint, I typically prefer the wildflowers of Kansas, but I loved doing this piece. The weather isn't ideal to paint outside,yet... so I photographed these and painted in my studio, I just couldn't bring myself to cut any of them. The three dimensional quality of the bloom provided a much need challenge for this weekend's painting fun. I continue to experiment with oils and I am finding that with experience comes confidence, isn't that the way it is with everything. One of these days, soon, I'll be ready for some plein aire pieces straight out of the Flint Hills.

Self Portrait with a Dog of a Different Color

Self Portrait with a Dog of a Different Color
Oil on Canvas
22"x28

I am getting behind in posting my new works. This piece has been done for a little while. It is oil which is a fairly new medium for me. I had a lot of fun with this one and enjoyed the color possibilities. I also utilized symbolism in this piece. I wanted to say more than I usually do with this piece. The dog is our family mutt Rascal and represents traditional symbolism: companionship, health, service, loyalty, protection, future prosperity. I placed the drum to depict the continuous rhythm of life and the plant mimics the sinuous nature of femininity and reminds me of the continuing renewal of self and the intertwining of humanity. As for the pose of the figure, contrast it with the self portrait I use as my profile image, what do you think? Please give me a comment about what you think.

I was inspired by the early century masters shown at the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City. Chuck and I went to KC for a romantic weekend during Valentine's week. We toured the Museum and there is nothing more inspiring than getting to view the masters in real life.

"The art of Expressionist, Fauve, Cubist, Bauhaus, Dada and Surrealist artists working between 1900 and 1945 is presented in the Nelson-Atkins building. During these tumultuous years of the early 20th century, the forms and meanings of art were in constant flux. Highlights from this defining period of Modernism include outstanding works by Emil Nolde, Kees van Dongen, Juan Gris, Constantin Brancusi, Wassily Kandinsky, Giorgio de Chirico, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Kay Sage and Alexander Calder."

It's a great museum and I would highly recomend a visit.

Butterfly Milkweed - Oil on Canvas 28"x22"

Butterfly Milkweed - Oil on Canvas 28"x22"

Ok, I was taken in by the oils, they are much more sensual and much more forgiving than acrylics. I have had to overcome the "hurry up it's going to dry" urdge and accepting that the piece will have to be returned to more than once.

The reference picture for this was taken at the Tallgrass Prarie Reserve and the Symphony in the Flint Hills. I distinctly remember taking this picture and beliving it to be a boon considering there were hundreds of people filing by on the path toward the event area. It was like finding a little corner of peace in the chaos of the busy hot day.

I also played a lot with the colors in this piece keeping in mind my tendencies toward color and hey it works in oils and acrylic - LOL. I can not say for sure which is my favorite but I am being seduced by the oil bug.

Oils - a new adventure

"Dillon in his NY hat" - 8"x10" Oil on Canvas


"Frog Woman" - 10" x 16" Oil on Canvas Board

My son was home sick with the flu last week and in one of his more lucid and bored afternoons he wanted to paint. This was exciting to me because he hasn't wanted to paint with me for ages... I guess being a teenager, busy with school and friends leaves little time for painting with ole' mom. Anyway, delighted with the prospect, I asked him "Oils or Acrylics" He said "oils." I drug out the new oils I had been collecting over the last few months anticipating this spontaneous activity.

For some reason a few months ago, Dillon made up his mind that painting in oils has to be easier than painting in acrylic. I believe he had seen a Bob Ross "Joy of Painting" session and was impressed with the speed and agility of the artist... I've explained to him that either way, it takes practice... But this is what lead to the beginning of the oil tube collection and I had hoped to entice him to paint earlier than this last week.

As for me, I have shied away from oils as my college instructors all had sensitivities to oils and would not use them. Being pleased with the results of acrylics, I have never thought it important to actually try oils. I have had artist friends tell me that oils are a much more sensual medium. Well, so with the interest from my boy - I decided to venture into this new medium with Dillon's enthusiasm to fuel the curiosity.

Above you will find my first two efforts in oils from that day. The first was the portrait of Dillon and then just for giggles, I made the "Frog Lady." I was able to explore my color pallet and how it interacts with oils. I would have to rule the experience - fun.