Mom's Vintage Christmas Decorations.

An 8x10, Oil. Remember the cardboard boxes of ornaments with the tissue paper? I still have some of Mom's. Again....lots of memories! I did this one with a palette knife. Lots of texture. Fun. Thank you for looking.

1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

This Year's Santa

An 11x14, Oil. Good Old Santa! I tried to achieve that twinkle in his eyes and little smile visible through his white beard. Fun to do and keeps me in that fun Christmas Spirit! Thank you for looking. Merry Christmas to all and God's Blessings to you.

Luke 2:13-14
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest.' "

Grumpy

An 8x8, Oil. This Ostrich is a little scary and grumpy looking isn't he! Maybe he just had a bad day and needs a hug! Had fun with his color and the wispy feathers around his face and neck. Thanks for looking.

James 1:2-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Three Little Birdies

8x10, Oil. This was a fun one to do with all the fluffy feathers. Huddled together thinking "Where's Mom!" Lots of texture to the feathers that you can't really see with the photo. Thanks for looking.

Psalm 62:8
"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Can Maggie and DeeDee Come Out to Play?

An 11x14, Oil. Could not resist this little guy! Up close and personal with his front legs all sprawled out. Enjoyed doing the floppy jowls and sweet eyes reflecting the blues around him. Thanks for looking.

James 3:17
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

Marty's California Day

An 8x10, Oil. This is a painting I have done in remembrance of my friend Marty. A perfect California Day!

"I'm Free"
"Don't grieve for me. For now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me.... Lift up your hearts and share with me, I'm with God now, I've been set free."

Hello!

A 12x16, Oil. This is a painting based on a photo taken at "The Elephant Sanctuary" in Tennessee. The sanctuary provides a haven for old, sick or needy elephants in a setting of green pastures, dense forests, spring fed ponds and heated barns for cold winter nights. Fun to do. I continue to be fascinated by these gentle giants. Thank you for looking.

Ephesians 5:20
"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name our Lord Jesus Christ."

DeeDee

8x10, Oil. This is a little portrait of our miniature dachshund, DeeDee. She is a sweetie! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 23;1-3
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Fall Leaf 6

6x6, Acylic. Ok Another one. I think I'll take a break from the leaves! Thanks for looking.

Exodus 33:14
"The Lord replied, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Fall Leaf 5

A 6x6, Acrylic. I seem to keep gravitating to the orange/yellow color of leaves (My favorite). I will try to do a different one next time! Thanks for looking.

John 10:14-15
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Fall Leaf 4

A 6x6, Acrylic. Nice and bright!

Psalm 105:4
"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."

Fall Leaf 3

A 6x6. Acrylic. The third in my autumn leaf series. They go nice and quick. Each one is interesting with the color combinations and blending. The acrylic is a little different in how the mixing comes out. But really clear colors. Thanks for looking.

Psalms 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"

Fall Leaf 2

A 6x6, Oil. The second in my Autumn Leaf Series.

1 Chronicles 16:27
"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place."

Fall Leaf 1

A 6x6, Oil. I'm doing a series of Fall leaves. Just love the deep Autumn colors. Thanks for looking.

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

Stacked Rock Art

An 11x14. Oil. This is a painting I did for Daily Paintworks, "The Rock Challenge". I have always enjoyed seeing these rock arrangements over the years. I pushed the color on this one as I often seem to do! As I painted I notice the interesting zig zag pattern that the sharp shadows created. Thanks for looking.

Hebrews 4:16
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence."

Rex

An 8x10, Oil. This is a portrait of a Yorkshire/Poodle mix. A sweet dog that my sister often takes care of.. for some friends of hers. His name is Rex and I understand that he is an energetic, expressive little thing and loves his people so much! Fun to do.

Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

African Matriarch

An 11x14, Oil. I recently read a short story by Jodi Picoult entitled "Larger Than Life" . A touching description of a field scientist in Africa and her encounters with elephants. The story inspired me to do this painting. Fun to do.

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Red River

A 7x9, Oil. This is a painting I did while sitting next to the Red River in Red River, New Mexico. It was a beautiful spot. The town of Red River has done a great job of providing walk ways, shelters, little places to eat outdoors and bridges to fish off of to enjoy nature. Made it easy for an artist to find a spot to paint. Thanks for looking.

1 Corinthians 14:33
"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

Red River View from Mountain Trail

An 8x8, Oil. Kent took a photo from a trail he was hiking this past summer. Wonderful view down into the town of Red River, New Mexico. I used it as a reference for this painting. What a beautiful area! Lots of trails to hike. I, however, did not hike...I stayed down by the river and painted! Thanks for looking.

John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

American Flag at Sunset

16x29, Oil on stretched canvas. This is the latest American Flag I have done for a friend of Kent's. Fun to do with the soft sky and sunset colors behind the flag. We are so blessed to be living in this country. I strive to not allow the political strife, uneasy arguments and changes bother me. Just keep praying for our country and leaders. Thank you for looking.

1 Timothy 2:1-4
"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth."

Beach Pier

A 10x20, Gallery Wrapped, Oil. This was a fun one to do. Decided to use a low and wide canvas to accommodate the wide composition. Based on a shot of Huntington Beach Pier in Southern California. A friend of mine is from that area and has fond memories of going to this pier. Loved the pinks and blues, capturing the late evening beach colors at sunset. Thanks for looking.

Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Fantasy Horse

An 11x14. Oil. This is a painting I did one rainy day up in the Red River Mountains in New Mexico. It was fun to just run wild with the color. We were staying in a wonderful little cabin with lots of wonderful big open windows, letting in the light and sound of the rain. Very pleasant. Thanks for looking.

Psalm 119:35
"Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."

Tree of Life

A 7x9. Oil. Spent a pleasant afternoon painting with a friend the other day. We both wanted to do God's Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. This is my interpretation! Big and massive. Deep, strong roots. Thank you for looking.

2 Samuel 22:29
"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light."

American Flag 2

16x20. Oil. My 2nd in an American Flag series. Next is another American Flag for a commission. Having fun with all the ripples in the flag from the wind. I like the "purple" mountains in the distance too. Thanks for looking.

Psalm 56:3-4
"When I am afraid, I will trust you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"

Walk Along the Beach

An 8x10. Oil. This is a painting based on a photo that our daughter-in-law, Jessa, snapped with her phone during an evening walk with her beloved dog, Liea. I love this time of the evening..."The Gloaming"...the part of the day after the sun has gone down and before the sky is completely dark. That soft almost night but not quite feel to it. This is in San Sebastian, Spain. On the northern coast of Spain. Is rated as one of the best in-city beaches in Europe. A beautiful place! I loved the reflection of the city lights in the water, the look of the soft sand and the big gnarly palm tree in the foreground. Thank you Jessa for the great photograph! Thank you looking.

Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Kent's American Flag

A 16x20. Oil. This piece I have completed for my wonderful husband, Kent. I will frame it and he wants to hang it in his office at work. He is always my biggest fan! I love it! The ripples and waves in the silk fabric of the flag are fun to do. Lights and darks, lights and darks.... Thank you for looking.

Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Kent

An 11x14. Oil. My third attempt at doing a portrait of Kent. Fun to do. Or is it my fourth? Loosing track. Learning alot as I go. Watched some videos online about oil painting. Amazing how the thirst for learning about art can be quenched by just turning on the computer. Love it!

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

Charles 3

An 11x14. Oil. My third try at doing a portrait of our son, Charles. This one with a full beard and smiling! And again...man-o-man, mouths are hard...especially when the teeth are showing! Anyway, always fun to do. Had fun with his hair and beard. I like the shades of color captured in the skin tones. And got that sleepy relaxed expression in the eyes. He's got a nice nose too! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 34:19
"A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."

The Athlete

An 8x10. Oil. This painting is based on a photo of our son, Charles, in a relaxed pose after a hard Basketball practice in Spain. Athletes have such a natural grace to them don't they? I have enjoyed doing these portraits and figurative paintings.

Psalm 29:11
"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Dream Pony

An 8x10, Oil. A dreamy looking little pony. Loved the flowing mane covering her right eye. All soft color and texture.

2 Corinthians 5:7
"We live by faith, not by sight."

Kent 3

A 12x16 Oil. My latest attempt at doing a portrait of my wonderful husband Kent. Always fun to do. Skin tones are so interesting! So many shades and shapes to the skin. Learning to add more of the yellow ocher and burnt umber as well as the rosy pinks and reds. Man oh man ....mouths are hard to do! I'm gonna keep on trying!

1 Thessalonians 5:18
" Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Lisa

A 12x16. Oil. My sister! I am loving doing these portraits of my family! Makes me smile. I was able to capture her vibrant energetic personality. Fun to do.

Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Papa Bear

An 8x8, Oil. This is a little painting I did with my students this past Thurs. Each student had their own 8x8 canvas and did the same bear composition. It is so interesting how each one has their own look and personality. We all decided that mine had a definite "Papa Bear" look! We all chose a dark, medium and light color. Not limiting to browns. Kind of squinting at the reference photo and seeing detail color. Filled in the dark areas first, then the medium and lastly the light. Good demonstration on limited palette and how working wet on wet can provide nice surprises of color mixes. Of course the artist has to be careful not to allow muddying up of  colors on the canvas. Carefully putting down a stroke or two of paint then cleaning the brush. Everyone finished their painting. Fun for all! Thanks for looking.

James 1:2
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

Jessa

A 12x16, Oil. This is a portrait of our daughter-in-law, Jessa. A beautiful woman. Inside and out. I like the slight "mona lisa" smile she has in this composition. Had fun with her hair. Pushed the blonds and reds a bit! I found myself smiling as I painted this one as I do when I paint anyone I love! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

Oak Tree, Spring. Re-worked

5x7. Oil. I decided to re-work this little one ...Using some blue-green to soften the edges. Muted the yellow a bit. Thanks for looking.

1 Peter 3:4
"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

Epic Beard

A 12x16. Oil. This is our son Charles Ramsdell with this year's epic beard before he shaved it all off! This was actually just one stage of the shaving process. He had that beard up the sides of his face too before he started whittling away at it. I have other photos with the facial hair at different stages with him posing differently. I may do another one or two. He was mugging for the camera and came off with a really old fashioned stern look! I liked it. Lots of shadows and angles to his face and of course his beautiful blue eyes. Thanks for looking.

Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Abstract Kent - 2

12x16, Oil. Tried another abstract of Kent with a larger canvas. I found it easier to play with the color and proportions in the larger format. I love Kent's smile lines! The reflections in his sunglasses are cool. Fun to do. Thanks for looking.

John 15:4
"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

Oak Tree, Fall

5x7, Oil. The last of the Oak Tree Series. My favorite season of the year! Thank you for looking.

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Oak Tree, Winter

5x7. Oil. The third Oak Tree I have done. This one in the winter. Wanted to achieve that cold crisp feeling in this one! Thanks for looking.

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

Oak Tree in Summer Re-worked

5x7. Oil. Decided to re-work this little painting using Julie Ford Oliver's "Fracturing Technique". I felt that the original painting was too static. This gave it some motion and interest! The technique is all about using multiple layers of paint and "fracturing" with a palette knife allowing underlying color to show through. A more abstract look. Julie uses a little rubber tool that I have not been able to locate yet. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 37:3-4
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desire's."

Oklahoma Fall Day

An 11x14. Oil. This painting is based on a photo I took this past Fall out in the country south of Kingfisher. The color was fabulous this past year. It was a bright day and I was drawn to the dark gnarly trunks of these trees. And of course the bright slash of color of the leaves! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 32:8
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

Kingfisher Grain Elevators

An 11x14. Oil. This is a springtime scene I have been wanting to paint for a long time. Based on a photo I took northwest of Kingfisher.  I added the strip of lavender color from an adjacent field. I love the angles in all the hardware of the grain elevators. Not sure what all that hardware is for! Just tried to paint what was there. The field in the foreground was a pretty green in the spring but I changed it to the golden wheat color of later in the summer. An artist prerogative! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 112:4-7
"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man...He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."

Selfie

An 8x10, Oil of ME! Yikes! I remember years ago my mother doing a self portrait. She did hers by positioning her easel in from of a large mirror and peaking out around her easel. Kind of like the famous Norman Rockwell painting. The easel was a part of her portrait. It is great! She did hers in charcoal. I still have it. I am learning that a painting seems to be more interesting with imperfections and irregularity. At least that is what I want to believe! Thanks for looking.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

Albert Einstein

An 8x10, Oil portrait of Albert Einstein. Yes...it's all about the hair! His hair is what motivated me to do this painting at first. Then I discovered how much character his face has. Those sleepy eyes, soft elderly skin and slight smile. Loved doing it. Thank you for looking.

2 Corinthians 10:5
"We demolish arguments and every pretensions that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Favorites of 2013

These are some of my favorites I did in 2013. Fun year! Thanks for looking. God bless.

John 14:1-2
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

Shark Waters

An 8x10, Oil. This is a painting that I did along with one of my students this week. He got to choose the subject! A really cool silhouette of a shark in the water from underneath the big guy. The sun shining in through the water and creating a wonderful effect. I used linseed oil to thin the oil paint to get the color variations on the water. I flashed back to our snorkeling days, remembering the bright colorful groups of fish seen in the big blue. Thankfully we never encountered a shark! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 118:24
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Big Game Hunter

An 11x14, Oil. This is a painting based on an old black and white photo taken of my brother Scott, probably by our father after a day of hunting in Africa. We lived a couple of years in Africa when my father was assisting in setting up a school through Oklahoma State University. My brother was obviously mugging for my father, pretending he was on the hunt! This was fun to do. I always find myself smiling when I paint children! It was fun to go with the colors I felt like since the photo was a black and white. Tried to concentrate on values on this one. This will be a surprise gift for my brother and his wife. Hope they like it! Thanks for looking.

Psalms 23:3
"He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."

Three Wise Men

A 5x7, Acrylic. Still wanting to do Christmas themed paintings for some reason! I love how the dramatic sky and sunset turned out. Camels are interesting looking animals aren't they!? I can just see the slow motion long steps of these animals. Graceful in silhouette. Thanks for looking.

Isaiah 46:4
"I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will carry you along and save you."

A Holy Night

An 8x10, Acrylic. I decided to do a Christmas scene this time. Still experimenting with acrylics. A peaceful depiction of Joseph and Mary with their newborn baby Jesus. Have a blessed and happy new year! 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."