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 »
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 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 »
I’m continuing my metalscape series with all the interesting ridged cans and circular lids. This is the eighth design, and I used a limited palette of burnt sienna and various blues. It took me about a week to paint. I began by doing a couple thumbnail designs in my sketchbook since I worked from my […] more »
It’s difficult to paint a huge engine on a tiny piece of watercolor paper! I chose hot press paper, so the pigments squooshed around a lot — juicy orange! I had to edit the shapes, like the big bold numerals. This engine was idling on the tracks in Albia. I also mixed in some gouache […] more »
The third painting of my recycled mashed metal cans. What caught my eye was the red-striped Barbasol can — something used by my husband every day. It contrasted with the Hy-Vee Refried Beans. The ribbed can patterns are interrupted by the top circular sections and reflect surrounding images. The bright colored labels are offset by […] more »
I began this series by taking loads of photographs of the crushed metal cans at the landfill. It was an endless composition of mangled metal — about twelve feet high and six feet wide. Each of my watercolor designs is just a small piece of the whole. I found the ribbed patterns exciting with some […] more »
This watercolor is a continuation of my love of train engines. I took a photo at the yard in Albia as it was sitting there for a while. It has many interesting details. It seems that lately many of my works contain numerals and letters, as well as bright pigments. more »
This design was inspired by a trip to the local recycling center, and I had been thinking about the possibilities of doing more abstract works. I noticed a huge stack of crushed tin and photographed pieces of it. The can ripples and ripped labels were interesting and I wondered about the abstract qualities that were […] more »
The shape and color of this old telephone continues to appear in my still lifes. Also, it is now an antique. I paired it with the game board and cobalt goblets, one of which recently was broken. I love the deep ultramarine blues and the aqua shades — those colors find their way into my setups! […] more »