This is a petite composition done specifically for an upcoming show with size limitations. I found it difficult to crop my reference photo and even more of a challenge to paint a six-inch-square format. So it is just a piece of the larger design I had planned originally — I may get to that another […] more »
Flowers are one of my favorite subjects to paint! I am anxious for spring to come so I can paint more flowers from our garden. I used a photo from my reference files, a great big luscious peony. I am also a big fan of Chinese brush painting and have learned that in China, the Peony […] more »
In the back of my mind, I have always wanted to do another bicycle design in collage. When I received an invitation for an upcoming show with a bicycle theme, I got to work right away! I took a few photos of an antique bicycle, which was my reference for this composition. The main objective […] more »
These teapot shapes continue to interest me. I set up part of my favorite collection outside on a glass table when it was nice and sunny outside. I also put some mirrors behind the teapots to capture their reflections and add depth to the composition. It was tricky setting the mirrors up against the chairs, as they […] more »
This collage is a continuation of my Iowa barn series that I began in 1994. I used a reference photo given to my by a friend. This barn is in northwest Iowa. All of my barn collages have been done from actual barns found in southeast Iowa, or friends who send me pictures from their areas. […] more »
My watercolor painting “Front, BNSF” has been chosen to be part of the prestigious Houston Exhibition by juror Jan Fabian Wallake. More than 370 paintings were submitted and the jurying process was very complex and many paintings could not be included. I feel very lucky to be part of this show. This show will be […] more »
I decided a few months ago to paint the small, rural towns in Iowa. Having grown up in a large city, I was unfamilar with these areas and find them interesting, particularly the old buildings and signage. This painting depicts Seymour, Iowa. I traveled there to take reference photos for a commission and drove around […] more »
I’ve painted another design of the crushed and mangled cans that I viewed at the recycling center here in Centerville. I find the abstract metal shapes fascinating and have to simplify the elements as there are too many details within each can. In this design, the round bottoms “frame” the larger can with ridges and […] more »
I’m painting my way around Albia’s square. This pale yellow building on the corner is a landmark and on the historic register. It is interesting sandwiched between the other businesses. The other points of interest are the global lights and parked vehicles along the curb. The building colors are a primary triad of yellow, gray-blue and brick […] more »
I’m doing another storefront composition on the other side of the street. Many of these old buildings have intricate details, which I’ve simplified, of course. Also in evidence is the old blue mailbox — something you don’t see anymore. I did go back recently to see if the box was there, but it has been […] more »