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."

American Flags on the Beach

Finally!!! Back to painting. I have been wrapped up in preparing for and participating in the 2nd Annual Festival of Arts here in Kingfisher. It has been too long since I have been able to paint! A grateful "shout out" to those that helped and supported me before, during and after the Arts Festival. (Most of all my husband, Kent) I am so thankful to have such great sisters and brothers in Christ. And thank you to all the friends and family that came out to see me!  This is an 8x10, Oil with the patriotic theme going again. I have more ideas coming up around this patriotic theme. Having fun with it. The original plan for this painting was to have some long grasses in the foreground but decided to leave them out. I like the simplicity of the composition without the grasses to distract. Have a great week. Enjoy.

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

American Flag #1

A 5x7 Oil I finished last night. I plan on a few more of the American flag. Photographed  this one this morning. It has been cool and cloudy here in Oklahoma and I was afraid the light wouldn't be good enough. But It came out ok  I think. Natural light to photograph my paintings is so much better than artificial inside at night. I am pleased with the shadows on the flag, indicating the wind causing the waves in the flag material. The ref photo I used showed the gold stitching between the strips. I pushed the gold color a little. Just cuz! I like the way it finishes off the look. It's funny how the stars are distorted with the motion of the flag. I like the imperfect look of it. I am feeling a bit patriotic these days. I do live in a wonderful country. Am thankful for all the wonderful privileges I, my family and friends enjoy. Lets protect what we have! Thank you for looking.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Apple #4

OK, so I messed with this canvas AGAIN! Just had to make the apple a little more red than orange and put a curve in the stem. I am promising myself that it is done now. For just a little 5x5, this one has taken up alot of time! That's the way it goes sometimes. That's the beauty of working in oils....can push around the paint until one is satisfied.  I have a little over a week to prepare for our annual Kingfisher Festival of Arts Show. Looking forward to it. Here's to hoping for nice weather! It's an outdoor event. Will be fun seeing all of my friends and family come out for it. Have a great weekend.

Lamentations 3:21-23
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Shoot and Paint; May Art Challenge

An 8x10 Oil I just finished for the Shoot and Paint Challenge. I have been wanting to do a spring, blooming tree this year. My mother did a miniature of three flowering trees in a row that I really love. I have it displayed in my studio here at my home. Wanted to try my hand at it this year. Used three different sizes of brushes on the foliage. Wanted to capture the wispy blooms in the tree around the edges. Dropped some on the ground too, Mixed in some blue to the green surrounding the tree. It was fun to do. Thank you for looking. Have a great weekend!

Deuteronomy 32:3-4
"I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just - A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

Strawberry

My third 5x5, Oil, gallery wrapped deep canvas. Decided to do a strawberry this time. We have a great crop of strawberries this year with the early warm weather. Delicious! Fun to do. Mixed in a little yellow in white to do the highlights. Used the same format as the Apple and Fig paintings. I'm really liking this canvas size. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 23:6
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD."

Apple a Day Revised

I decided to revise my little 5x5 Apple painting. Wanted to place it in the same format as the Fig painting. Using the same wooden table and more muted background. I have the 3rd 5x5 canvas sketched out. It is a Strawberry. Will be a vibrant red in this same format. I'm thinking that the three would make a great grouping. Thank you for looking.

Isaiah 30:18
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"