2009

6x12 inches

oil on canvasboard

More cornfields and barns!  Another excursion out for plein air painting!

Up to My Ears in Corn

2009

6x8 inches

oil on canvasboard

As I was turning onto the interstate ramp, I glimpsed this little shed barn looking like it was "up to its ears" in the corn.  It made me laugh.

Five Aspens

2009

12x9 inches

oil on canvasboard

Really enjoying working with water soluble oils and learning new techniques.

Early Morning on the River

2009

9x12 inches

oil on canvasboard

My first venture out to try plein air painting. 

2009

9x12 inches

acrylic on canvasboard

Painting from memory of a scene along the highway.

2009

9x12 inches

acrylic on canvasboard

Sunset.  More sky practice.

2009

9x12 inches

acrylic on canvasboard

Experimenting with painting night skies.

Red Sky
2009

12x6 inches

acrylic on canvasboard

“Artists can color the sky red because they know it's blue.  Those of us who aren't artists must color things the way they really are or people might think we're stupid.”  ~Jules Feiffer

My Sister's House

9x12 inches

acrylic on canvasboard

Was sorting pictures and this caught my eye.  I like the sharp mid-day shadows.  

The pink flowers, shutters and roof pulls this all together.

Rainy Afternoon

2009

19x18 inches

acrylic on hardboard

Looking towards the setting sun on a rainy, foggy day in Chicago.

City Hall, Paxton IL

2009

48x24 inches

acrylic on canvas

Late fall afternoon sun and sky colors reflected on this very interesting building.  I pass by when taking a daughter to/from college.  Just had to stop and snap a picture this time.

Isolation

2008

15x19 inches

watercolor on paper

What does it take to keep someone out?  Or maybe to keep something in.

One of my few attempts at watercolor. 

2008

18x24 inches

acrylic on canvas

More trains.  I pass by this scene everyday on my way home from work.  One day I just had to turn around and take a pic.  The sun was bouncing off the top of the train cars in the late afternoon.

Train!

2008

24x18 inches

acrylic on canvas board

I was about 15 ft away when I snapped this pic as the train rolled by.  I loved the colors and light on the black tanker car and the glint of sun on the wheels.

Blue House and garden

2008

24 x 30 inches

acrylic on canvas

Was taking a walk one sunny afternoon and saw this house, the side was in full sun and it caught my eye. 

Fire Sky

2008

10x8 inches

acrylic on canvasboard

This painting was inspired by a photo I saw of thick smoke from a forest fire darkening the skies.

University Hall tower

Purdue University

2008

24x18 inches

acrylic on canvasboard
 

Alien Hairbrush

2008

8x10 in

acrylic on canvas board

Magnolia

2007

4x6 in.

acrylic on canvas

The waxy leaves and "white" petals are always a challenge.

Sunset Sails

2007

20x16 in.

acrylic on canvas board

The idea for this painting actually came in a dream probably influenced by a Florida sunset picture in a magazine I had been reading.

Amber Waves of Poison

2006

20x16 in.

acrylic on canvas board

Poison in a wheat field.  Celiac Disease = no wheat, barley, rye.

2006

from the Passionate Produce series

8x10 in. 

acrylic on canvas board 

Continuing my Passionate Produce series featuring fruit and vegetables in "affectionate" poses.  While grocery shopping, the piles of  red peppers and onions caught my eye.  To find the best pepper and onion, I was "posing" them on top of a large toilet paper package in my cart to set up my still life composition.  As I took a step back to look at my composition, I realized there was a guy watching me, probably thinking I was crazy.  I decided that perhaps I should be more discreet in choosing my produce for painting purposes!

"Artists buy their fruits and vegetables in the Still Life section at the market."   Stella Violano

Grandma's Cupboard 2006

acrylic on canvas paper, framed

This idea came from a wall display at Kohl's in the kitchenware section. 

 Affectionate Squash, 2006

from the Passionate Produce series

8 x 10 in.

acrylic on canvas board

This is the first in an ongoing Passionate Produce series.

The beginning

Purple Iris, 2002

acrylic on canvas paper

My first painting.  This was completed in a studio class I took with my daughter.  Until that time, I had not had an art class since 8th grade.  I think it turned out well, for a first painting.  Lots to learn!