New Orleans- Cafe du Monde

Back for More Beignets oil on canvas 16x20

When we visit New Orleans, my favorite stop is at Cafe du Monde. It never fails, four people with four orders of beignets, four cups of cafe au lait......NEVER fits well on those tiny tables! Ever notice that? Regardless, I LOVE going there to get those yummy beignets!

Jesse's on Magnolia River

Jesse's on Magnolia River 6x6 oil on panel

Paintings and more paintings! I've had so much fun the past few days in a workshop led by Jo Patton! She is a walking encylopedia of amazing information and techniques. I can only hope I will continue to explore and experiment with everything I learned in her workshop. She emphasizes color surprise. Let me know if you can find my color surprise!

This painting was done in about 30 minutes. I started it the last few minutes of day 2 in the workshop. The next morning, I started back on it, thinking it was going to be a "paint over". I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a much better painting than I thought. I concentrated on using an analogous color scheme I would not normally use. I need to try that again!

A King's Feast

A King's Feast- Oil on board- 6x6

The Fishing Rodeo held in Dauphin Island is a huge draw every year for fishing teams and spectators. This was my first year to observe the hoopla! I took pictures of everything that moved that day and also things that quit moving that day...like these King Mackerals. This was a fast, enjoyable painting (love that kind). I wanted to call it "The King is Dead", but I thought it sounded too morbid.

Momma's Fishin' for Supper

Momma's Fishin' for Supper -8x8 Oil on board- Lyons Share Gallery


One night at Fairhope Pier, I observed many people enjoying the evening fishing off the pier. Fairhope Pier is extremely long, jutting into the Mobile Bay. When Hurrican Ivan came through a few years ago, some of the pier was washed out, but now rebuilt and enjoyed by all. I had so much fun snapping pictures this beautiful summer evening. The fish were biting and everyone was happy! I'm not so sure Momma caught too many that night, but she was styling in her new hat!

My Inconsistency

I realize that people have full time jobs, take care of their children and go to school all at the same time while painting 12 paintings a week! Well, that's not me and never could be me. I will not get any sympathy, but we've been traveling and my painting time in the studio has suffered. I cannot say that my paintings have suffered because I've been gathering info for paintings. St. Thomas and St. Maarten were breath-taking islands that inspired me deeply to adhere to a painting schedule. I am working on a few commissions (a good thing), but my small daily paintings that keep me happy are what I need most. I'll admit, today, I laid the commission aside to quietly start a painting that's been yelling my name for weeks! I can't wait to share it with you when I'm finished. I used a technique Karen Jurick uses....starting with a black background. It's a challenging technique for me. Maybe because it's new for me, who knows?

I'll try to promise to blog more often...will you promise to visit?

Wrangler

Wrangler 8x8 oil on board --For Auction "Gimme Shelter" benifitting Baldwin Animal Rescue Center SOLD

I cannot express how happy I am to be painting again! Yippee! Ok, that's out...now about Wrangler. I chose Wrangler among numerous dogs who need homes in Baldwin County. Wrangler, who is an Austrailian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix, has a very sad story. She was found with a belt tied around her neck. The belt had embedded itself in her skin because she had grown up with it around her neck. The vet's had to surgically remove the belt and now she has to wear a harness instead of a collar. Wrangler is well taken care of at a boarding shelter, but she needs a good home. This painting will be a part of the "Gimme Shelter" Exhibit at the Eastern Shore Art Center benefitting the Baldwin Animal Rescue Center (BARC) in September. I hope this painting gets a great home along with Wrangler! I enjoyed painting this with a palette knife and brushes too.

Game Day at Clear Water

Game Day at Clear Water oil on canvas panel 6x6

Lyons Share Gallery

Living next to a polo field has it's advantages when it comes to watching a beautiful sport and getting amazing photos. In the spring, they have matches about 3 days a week. I love to crawl over the fence and watch in amazement how fast most games are executed! In this painting are my neighbors Chip and his son Camp. They love the game and it shows in how they play.