Heartland

Heartland   oil/canvas   30 x 48 x 1.5

is one of those paintings that was germinated many years ago.  We are lucky to live close to a farm that sparks to life with color each October when thousands of pumpkins and Indian corn cobs come out for sale.  Everything looks so crisp...so golden

Painting a cornfield is always a challenge as it is comprised of so very much chaos. 

While painted using local color, I may not be averse to glazing with transparent yellow....will need to think about it.

This work is comforting to me.....it feels like home.

Opinions

Opinions   watercolor   12 x 9

While at the art center where I teach, I was struck by the simple beauty of some aluminum cans that were stacked up in the kitchen.  (The art center uses these for the plastic utensils) These cans, along with many of the things we use, are manufactured for one use, then recycled....into other ones, I hope.  I felt that one of these cans would make a perfect receptacle for a couple of very full valentine roses.  These two blooms are both so lovely and so complex, yet each calls for its own space.  Much like opinions, I think.  Individual relationships are beautiful and, yes, complex, and the loving ones allow for differing opinions and much discourse.

My husband and I are in the process of a kitchen makeover.  We love each other beyond measure.  But our opinions on so many small details differ:  on the materials to be used, on the placement of components, and, yes, on the cupboard handles as well.

What better metaphor for a home improvement?

Winterberries and Bells

Winterberries and Bells   oil   12 x 9

This work got me reacquainted with by brushes early in the year.  The still life was put together using simple decorations that were still around long after the fun has subsided. 

I try to have no expectations whatsoever in such an exercise.  All in all, the background white, a gray green, pleased me.

2019 is gonna be a great year!