Tall Pines

"Tall Pines".
Another 5x7, Oil. I again used a palette knife with this little guy. Loving it. I just bought a larger palette knife yesterday and plan on using it on a bigger canvas that is on my easel now. We shall see!  This one was hard to photograph and capture the correct colors, darks and lights. I don't know why. The painting looks much better in person! I was able to leave alot of texture in the trunks and tops of the trees. Thanks for looking. God Bless.

Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Palette Knife Fall Tree

A little 5x7, Oil.  I did this one with a palette knife and also used a small round brush to stipple in the leaves. I like the strong silhouette that the dark tree trunk creates against the bright color of the tree's leaves. Thanks for looking. God Bless.

1 Timothy 5:1-2
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."

Rocky Shoreline

A little 5x7, Oil. This is done with a palette knife and lots of paint! Love the texture and color that popped up. Enjoyed doing this one. Thanks for looking. God Bless.

Romans 8:38
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Lighthouse # 2

A 16x20, Oil. Another Lighthouse with a colorful sunset over the ocean. Can't resist these bright sunset colors! Living here in Oklahoma...I sometimes wish for a seaside life. The wonderful feel and sounds. I'm having fun painting that kind of life! God Bless.

Ephesians 6:10
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

Coffee Corner # 6

An 8x8, Oil. The 6th in my coffee cup series. Little bit of a glare on this one. Sorry about that. Went with yet another color combo. Nice,  bright painting. The background has a little texture to it for interest. God Bless.

1 John 3:24
"The one who keeps God's commands lives in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us."

Peaceful Sunset

A 5x7, oil, palette knife painting. I don't know why I don't do this type of painting more often! I just love the way the paint goes on so thick and mixes right on the canvas. Before my mother passed away, she was exclusively using a palette knife to complete her oil landscapes. I have all of her beautiful palette knives. Wonderful! Thank you for looking. God Bless.
Today is Charles' (our son's) Birthday.... We love him so!

Mathew 23:11-12
"The greatest among you must be a servant  But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Coffee Corner # 5

A little 5x7, Oil. The 5th in my coffee cup series. Decided to do this composition again with a different color combination. I like the roundness of this cup! Thanks for looking. God Bless.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Coffee Corner # 4

An 8x10, Oil. The 4th in my coffee cup series. This one has morphed a couple of times with the color! Finally settled on this. Fun series. Think I will continue! Thanks for looking. God Bless.

Colssians 3:15
"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

Coffee Corner # 3

An 8x10, Oil. The 3rd in my Coffee Corner series. I am doing these in the small sizes, so they go fast. Feels good! I really need to get back to my large commission canvas! I will continue with this series though. Have a great week. God bless.

Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Coffee Corner #2

An 8x10, Oil. The 2nd in my Coffee Corner series. Love the roundness of this cup. There is some texture that does not quite show up on the rim of the coffee cup. I like the dark color of the coffee. I have never used the color black out of an oil tube. I learned early on to mix red, green and blue to get my dark colors. It's fun to try different shades and concentrations of the above colors...to get just the right kind of black. It somehow gives the color more depth. Thanks for looking. God Bless.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Coffee Corner

An 8x8, Oil I finished last night. The first one finished in the new year 2013! Yahoooo! We have a wonderful little coffee shop here in Kingfisher by the name of "Coffee Corner" that I love to frequent. The owner is so gracious. I am on a coffee cup craze now. Plan on doing a series of different compositions/color of coffee cups. We'll see how it turns out. Enjoying it. Thank you for looking. Be well. 

Isaiah 55:6
"Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near."

Santa # 2

An 8x8 Oil I completed yesterday. I have been doing some of these smaller canvas' to take a break from a 16x20 piece I am doing. The larger canvas is requiring alot of layering. Needing to keep the bright oil color separate to avoid that "muddying" that happens if colors mix. I have another Santa composition in mind that I am considering.

Psalm 130:5
"I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word."

2012 Favorites

Posting a few of my favorite paintings from 2012. It sure has been an enjoyable year for painting. I have been blessed with time to paint this past year on a regular basis. It has been very therapeutic! My painting buddies have been faithful and encouraging! It is my hope to continue to pursue oil painting and explore new ideas. Thank you for looking. Happy New Year!

Psalm 33:4-5
"For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth."

Santa

An 8x10, Oil I did today in anticipation of Christmas morning! Merry Christmas to all. Hoping all is joyful and full of peace in your part of the world. God Bless.

Daniel 12:3
"Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever."

Two Turtle Doves

An 8x10, Oil I completed this morning. This is an entry to the Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge by Daily Paintworks. I chose to paint two turtle doves! I have rediscovered how hard it is to paint "white". Especially with one of the doves in front of the other. It encourages one to really look for the "color" in the white! Merry Christmas everyone! Thank you for looking.

Isaiah 40:31
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Lighthouse by the Sea

A 16x20, Oil I finished yesterday. Messed with this one for a few days. I was having a hard time getting that little gnarled tree to show up against the rocks and surrounding ground. I just love the look of these hardy seaside trees with their twisted limbs. I am doing a 2nd 16x20 with a different lighthouse composition. I'm going to try for a loose style this time. We'll see what happens. Thank you for looking.

Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer deflects anger but harsh words make tempers flare."

Sisters

An 11x14, Oil I have finished as a commission piece. These two sweet young ladies are sisters and are very close. Their Grandmother is the person that commissioned me to paint this portrait. The painting will be a gift to the sister's mother. I really hope everybody likes it! Thank you for looking!

Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Crown of Thorns # 9

The last of the Crown of Thorns series. A 24x24, Oil. Have really enjoyed this project! I will probably do more in the future, but I think I will continue on with a couple more projects in the making. I have a 16x20 "Lighthouse" painting by the sea that I am working on. I have also committed to another commission to do a portrait of two little girls. Looking forward to it!

Psalm 19:14
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Kitchen Apples

A little 8x8, Oil I did just for fun. Did this one really quick with lots of thick paint. I think I will frame it and hang it my kitchen. I have quite a collection of kitchen/cooking type of paintings hanging already. It's fun! Have been busy with holiday, family functions and traveling lately...so have not had alot of time to paint. Really miss it when I can't at least sit in front of my easel for a little bit each day! Hope all is well with everyone. Relax and enjoy the Holidays.

Psalm 116:1-2
"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!"

Fall Tree

An 11x14 Oil I finished last night. This is one our Painting Buddies weekly challenges.  We are on a Fall Theme run on our challenges.  Love this time of year. I thought this reference photo was interesting with the perspective of looking up at this beautiful tree through the leaves and branches and seeing the clear fall blue sky peaking down at you. What a wonderful way to spend some time to relax and reflect on the good things of life. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 100:4-5
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."

Pumpkin Patch

An 8x8 Oil I have done for our Painting Buddies Challenge this week. Just can't resist these fall, seasonal compositions! I seem to always do at least one pumpkin painting each year. Loving this nice cool, crisp weather these days. Hope all is well with everyone. I am keeping all of America as a nation in my prayers after all the "hub-bub" of the presidential election. I try to keep in mind these days... "No worries, it's in God's hands". Thank you for looking.

Romans 12:12
"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."

Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs

A little 5x7 I started on vacation... outdoors, sitting at the end of a long boat dock on Lake Leatherwood near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Of course.. I just had to get the best vantage point to look back on the shore of the lake! Had excellent light..but it was cold and windy! Used my small portable easel/paint box. It fits on my lap. Kent was with me and was a trooper. Carried my one supply bag out to the end of the dock and then huddled in his jacket against the cold while I painted. Ok...I lasted only 45 minutes. But that was enough to get this small canvas mostly done. Then we hurried off that dock and back to sit in front of a nice fire in our lakeside cottage. That was heaven! Thank you for looking.

James 1:19
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Three Distinguished Trees

An 11x14 Oil I started while on vacation last week at Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs Arkansas. I worked on the finishing touches last night here at home. This is the view from our deck at the cabin we stayed. Beautiful. These three trees just lept out and said "paint me!" I edited out some things to allow these three ladies to be the focal point. Love the texture of the bark, the color of the leaves and the twisting shape of the one on the right. Such personality! Thank you for looking.

Psalm 90:17
"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands. O prosper the work of our hands."

Autumn Leaf

An 8x8 Oil of a single autumn leaf. Love the simplicity of this one. This piece is actually a "painting challenge" I did with three of my Painting Buddies. We meet each week and paint together. Decided to challenge each other weekly with an idea, a specific composition or something in nature to paint. Then we share what we did and talk about art and technique. What could be more fun!

John 14:1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."

Crown of Thorns 8

A 24x24 canvas of my Crown of Thorns composition. Working on the larger canvas was interesting. Had to stop and "consider things often"! Used the blues/purple/yellow color combination with this one. I have another 24x24 canvas. Will do a second one of this same size and composition just for fun!

Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Out of Africa

An 8x10 I finished this past week but was away from my computer to post until now as a second entry for Daily Paintworks' Sky Challenge. When I was young, my family lived in Africa for 2 years. This painting depicts a large Acacia Tree found in the plains of Africa. We called them "Table Top Trees" due to their flat tops! I loved the dramatic sky in the photo and decided to try the sky challenge again. I like the way the seemingly delicate branches look against the sky. Thank you for looking!

Colossians 4:5-6
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Oklahoma Sky

An 11x14, Oil I did for the Daily Paintworks Sky Challenge.  Nice and loose. Wanted to achieve a little bit of a rickety, old feeling with the silhouette  windmill. There is a road out by a little town named Piedmont here in Oklahoma that the community has collected and placed old windmills. Fun idea. Got some photos this year. One of the things that I love about Oklahoma are the big sky sunsets and and sunrises. Just beautiful. Hope all is well with everyone! Thank you for looking.

James 3:13"If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom."

First Crown of Thorns Revised

Decided to revise this first Crown of  Thorns 12x12 a little. Back when I was developing this concept I came up with a slightly different composition that I liked better. More detail too. Wanted to show you the results. You can go back and see how different it is from the first. I also noticed the the noses on each piece were getting bigger and bigger! So I have gone back and did a little revision on some of the "noses"!

Philippians 4:4-5
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

Crown of Thorns 7

My latest in the Crown of Thorns series. Is another 12x12, Oil. I decided to do another practice run with the blues, purple and yellow color combination before I tackle the big 24x24 canvas. I think I am procrastinating! I will get a grip on it and just do it! The 24x24 is actually on my easel now and I might sketch it out tonight. Who knows. It was so interesting how this painting, (even though I used the same colors) came out differently. I found that it was best to not look at the first painting with these colors. I felt the my spontaneity dissolved if I did that. Best to just let the creative juices go and paint what feels best in the moment! Have a great weekend. Thank you for looking.

Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Still Life Revised

Decided to revise this Still Life. Made the left edge of the tomato on the right a little more distinct. Think I am satisfied with it now! Whew! On to other things! Have a great weekend. Loving this cooler Fall weather. Thanks for looking.

Psalm 105:4-5
"Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given."

Simply Delicious

An 8x10, Oil I finished today. Those wonderful vine ripened tomatoes! Change in pace for me. Wanted to do a Still Life. This is a  "Paint and Draw Together" challenge from back in January of this year. Just now got to it! I loved the challenge of the fading/soft edges on the right side of the arrangement and the harder edges on the left side. I also have never worked with such a dark background either. Used the red and darker blue to come up with this dark black color. Fun one to do. Thank you for looking!

Psalm 84:11
"For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."

Crown of Thorns 6

12x12. Oil. The sixth in my Crown of Thorns, Jesus Paintings. I used the three analogous colors Phtho Blue, Cerulean Blue and Sap Green. Then used Cad Orange Hue as the accent color. The next Crown of Thorns will be on a larger 24x24 canvas I think. Yikes!!! I feel ready to just do it! Have really enjoyed this process. Thank you for looking.

John 3:17
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

Crown of Thorns 5

12x12, Oil. The fifth in my Jesus series. Used the three analogous colors: Dioxazine Purple, Permanent Rose Red and Cad Orange Hue with the accent color Sap Green. The photo barely shows His green eyes.  I have one more color combination I am going to try, then decide which one I will do on the big 24x24 gallery wrapped canvas. Yahoooo! This has been a fun project. Thank you for looking.

Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Crown of Thorns 4

A 12x12 Oil. The Fourth in my Crown Of Thorns series. I started this one at an Art Gallery Demonstration this past Saturday at Simply Oklahoma Art Gallery. Painted for 4 hours. Talking to folks coming in, describing my project and techniques I use. First time I have ever done something like that. I really enjoyed it. Got all of this painting done except for the crown of thorns during the demo. So I finished it today. Used three analogous colors of Cad Red Medium, Cad Orange Hue and Cad Yellow Pale. Then used Cerulean Blue as the accent color. Thanks for looking.

Ephesians 4:26-27
"In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Crown of Thorns 3

A 12x12, Oil, the third version in my Jesus series. I used yellow, green and blue analogous colors (next to each other on the color wheel) with the accent color red. I never know how these paintings are going to turn out...using the different colors and trying not to place any expectations on it. I find that I am learning alot through this exercise. Lots of fun. I like the "unexpectedness" of these paintings. I plan to do another...keep going until I feel done! Thank you for looking.

Psalm 42:5
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Crown of Thorns 2

A 12x12, Oil. The 2nd in my "Crown of Thorns" Jesus paintings. Used the same composition with a different color combo. Used a dark purple, dark blue and a lighter medium, blue. Then used the Naples Yellow for the accent color. Gave Jesus green eyes this time! Plan on continuing experimenting with color combinations for similar compositions. Having a great time with this! Thank you for looking.

Psalm 118:8
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."

Crown of Thorns

This is a 12x12 Oil of Jesus with his Crown of Thorns. I am experimenting with color combinations. This one I used analogous colors red, orange and yellow with an accent color of blue. It was fun to see the colors mix right on the canvas coming up with mult interesting colors. The background came about using the color that got mixed on my palette. I plan on doing more paintings with this same or similar composition but different color combinations. I am going for an abstract look to these paintings. Thank you for looking!

Acts 16:31
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Gabriel

11x14 Oil of the Angel Gabriel. Going for a stronger composition and color. With the ethereal look to the background again. Have a great week. Thanks for looking.

Mark 8:36
"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

The Angel Of Compassion

A 12x16 Oil. Continuing with my Angel Series. This one is on a primed canvas board that was dry when I started the Angel figure. I used the "one stroke at a time" technique to do this one. Going for an abstract, mosaic feel with this painting. My husband helped me come up with the title "The Angel Of Compassion". I felt it was a fit! She looks gentle and graceful to me.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs3:5

The Angel Of Peace

A 16x20, Oil I just finished today. The fourth in my Angel Series. I primed the canvas first with color, then painted this simple more abstract rendition of an Angel. Fun to do. I am planning on continuing with this series. We'll see what I come up with next! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."

The Angel Of Mercy

A 28x22 Oil I have just finished. The third in my Angel Series. This one I wanted to do on a larger canvas to allow me to explore a more loose tech, showing motion and more of an abstract look. It was all about gobs and gobs of paint and big brushes! I think I will continue with the larger canvas' and use even bigger brushes...like a 2 inch brush to force me to stop being too "tight" with the subject. Yahooo! This is so much fun! I don't feel that I am done with this series. So here comes another Angel in the near future!

James 1:19
"...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..."

The Sentinel Angel

A 14x11, Oil, second in my Angel Series! This sentinel is standing watch over us with his trumpet to rejoice with us. I'm having fun with color painting these angels. The wings have alot of texture to them. My next angel will be a more abstract study. Going to start it today. Have a blessed day. Thank you for looking.

Isaiah 40:30
"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Guardian Angel

An 11x14, Oil I just put the finishing touches on this afternoon. This painting I did in honor of a ministry group, "Guardian Angels" I am a part of.  I plan on doing 2 more Angels in this series of paintings. I wanted to achieve an ethereal feel to this one. The light she carries symbolizes the light of our Lord God. The deep pink I used is a favorite color of mine and makes me happy! So...resulting in the color of her dress and wings! Lots of texture in the dress folds...that are not easily apparent in this photo. Thank you for looking. Have a great week!

Psalm 91:11-12
"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone."

14 Hours On A John Deere Tractor

A 16x 20 I finished today while painting with my Artist Buddies! Wanted to get that wide open space we have here in Oklahoma. Dramatic sky and the red colored soil. I will give credit for the title to my husband. He tells me it is the title of an old country song he remembers. I like it! I know our farmers put in those long days like that and often times on one of these John Deere Green tractors with the dust kicking up behind them. God Bless them! This was a fun one to do. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 18:30
"As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."

"Wait For It...."

A 16x20 Oil on stretched canvas I just finished today. Whew! These larger pieces take alot of paint and time! I asked my son and husband to assist in coming up with a title for this one. "Wait For It...." seemed to say it all. The poor guy is being patient, wanting to go plunge into that water and go for those ducks! This is a larger version of a previous smaller painting I did earlier this year. Fun to do. I think I will start doing more  duplicates/multiples in the future. It's a good way to learn different techniques, coloring and composition. Thank you for looking.

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Evening at the Beach

An 11x14, oil, beach scene I just finished this morning. Love the way the rich evening colors came out in the painting, providing a wonderful backdrop for the two happy dogs silhouetted against the color. Sometimes the colors at a beach in the morning or evening are just unbelievably beautiful aren't they? I love to attempt to capture it. And of course I love the happiness the puppies emanate. I am trying to ease into bigger canvas'. Next one will be a 16x20. Yahoo!

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

American Eagle

An 8x10, Oil of the proud American Eagle. God Bless America! Again I am thankful for living in this land of the Free. My prayer is to keep our country intact, free and at peace. God has blessed us as a country in so many ways. I give Him the glory and credit. This painting is the last of the patriotic theme I have been pursuing. On to different subjects. I plan on trying to paint on larger canvas'. We shall see what happens! Have a great week. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 121:7-8
"The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

American Flag # 4

The 4th American Flag, 8x10, Oil. Just finished it this afternoon and had a nice sun shiny day to photograph it! It has been a gorgeous day today. Sitting in the shade on my breaks from painting. This is the life! We are enjoying our newest addition to our little family, DeeDee, our 9 week old miniature dachshund. She is a tan/white piebald color. Getting her trained and settled into our routine of things. So I spend alot of time outside, playing and not forgetting to pay alot of attention to our 6 year old miniature dachshund, Maggie. I decided to use a more loose tech with this painting. Bigger brushes and lots of paint! Thank you for looking. God Bless.

Psalm 107:9
"For God satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."

Stars and Strips

A 12x12, oil I just finished today for the "Strips" Daily Paintworks Challenge for this week. I might have one more in this American Flag series. I have some Eagle ref photos. I might do that next. The dark areas in the white strips and banding to the left did not show up as I would have liked in the photo. The original painting shows much more color and texture. I am enjoying doing these patriotic paintings. I like the dark of the trees at the water's edge in the background, contrasting with the pink/red of the sunset sky. I was trying for repeating "Old Glory's" red, white and blue in the water, sky and building in the background. Thank you for looking.

Colossians 3:23
"Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ."

Remembering Dollie

This is a recent painting I did of our beloved Dollie. She died this past weekend at 12 years old. She had a happy and long life. I was holding her in my arms when she took her last breath. Both my husband and I are grieving her passing. She was not in pain....just drifted off peacefully. We buried her out on our 5 acre land outside of Kingfisher. Our other 6 year old puppy, Maggie is feeling a little lost and lonely. Giving her lots of attention and snuggles. We are planning on getting a companion puppy for her as soon as possible.

Unknown
"All good dogs go to Heaven."