This is my last bouquet from our garden this year with our bright sunflowers and gladioli. It was painted wet-in-wet and completed in two days, which is quick for me. My main concern was to capture the freshness and bold colors of the flowers. The indigo bowl was a gift from my parents and the […] more »
Machine compositions seem to have captured my interest again! This design is just a small piece of an old threshing machine. I love the old rusted pieces of metal and weathered wood sections of the machine. It would be fun to see it actually working in the field. When I begin my watercolor compositions, I […] more »
I positively love sunflowers! A friend calls me the sunflower queen. Sunflowers are gorgeous large flowers and make wonderful bouquets. I do not know how many paintings I have done of them — lots! There are so many different varieties. This year we have planted at least four different types. In this composition, I decided to play […] more »
This rooster collage is the first one I have done on canvas and it has been on my mind for a long time. One of the reasons for working with the canvas is to have a piece of artwork that does not require picture framing; it can be hung immediately and enjoyed. The square format […] more »
I liked the idea of continuing my palette series. This one was a challenge, with the butcher’s tray and two palettes, brushes, glassware, water jar and paint tubes. I set this arrangement up outside on our front deck in direct sunlight — my favorite method for working outside! I walk around the display, taking numerous photographs at […] more »
Lately I have been working on some non-objective pieces specifically for upcoming competitions. Easier said than done! It is pure design without any reference photos, so I began playing with a limited number of cut paper shapes and re-arranging them until I was satisfied with the design. I find it very difficult at times critiquing […] more »
I always wanted to paint this barn, and I’m finally getting around to it. This is a historic, round barn in Wayne County, Iowa. There are not many round barns left and they are interesting characters! Working from a photo, I enhanced all the weathered boards and roof in my usual bold, saturated pigments of ultramarine, […] more »
I am back to painting barns and landscapes of southeast Iowa! This particular barn is located on the winding highway traveling to Oskaloosa. At the time I took the photograph, there were many more outbuildings around this barn, but they are no longer there. It has the characteristic weathered worn boards and shaggy roof. The […] more »
This painting is a continuation of my engine series. It is a close-up of an engine I photographed in the Albia trainyard in winter. I wanted to focus on the abstract design qualities and omit some of the details. I drew the large shapes first and then added some of the important details. A limited […] more »
These glorious blooms were painted from my garden. I worked from my reference photo and sad to say I no longer have tulips in my garden, as the deer have destroyed them. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers and a sure sign that spring has arrived. These graceful blooms were wonderful to paint. The […] more »