Tall Wader 10"x8"

I've been wanting to do a heron for a while but, I find them very intimidating. Thought I'd go ahead and try one anyway. I really enjoy going to the Birding Center on South Padre Island. Walking out into the marshes on the boardwalk have yielded me some great photos.Thanks for looking.

Work in Progress on 2nd Portrait

I still have a long way to go with this one but, it is coming along. It's interesting to take photos of how it changes as I tackle different areas of the painting. I sure hope the book I ordered on skin tones comes in before I'm ready to do the face. Figuring skin tones out has been a nightmare for me! Trying to mix up correct color combinations... Thanks for looking.

Wading Beauty 20"x16" SOLD

When I told my sister I was going to paint this photo she only said one thing, "I'd better be skinny!". Lol! I love that my sister and niece allow me to use them as models. I also appreciate that they tolerate my "mad camera woman persona" when I'm on vacation and trying to get material for paintings. I'm continuing to explore painting the human figure one step or painting at a time.  Thanks for looking. This painting is SOLD.

Preening 14"x11"

Some paintings are easier than others...this was not one of them. I'm still not sure I'm completely happy with the pelican so, I will set it aside and think about it for a little while. Thanks for looking.

Next Portrait!

I will be attempting to start my next portrait this week. This is the rough sketch but, once again, I am excited about where the journey will take me. Thanks for stopping by.

Just Floating 8"x10"

Today I felt like painting a pelican...so I did.  I work from the photographs I take because that it the easiest for me. No one it fidgeting that way! The way you interpret the photograph is strictly up to you as an artist.Thanks for looking!

Content 16"x20"

So, here is my first attempt at portraiture. I now need to step away and think about the changes I need to make as I know it still has some issues to resolve. It was fun and frustrating as I made this attempt. I have a looonnnnngggg way to go and I hope to see improvement. It should be interesting to say the least! Thanks for stopping by.

First Portrait Is Started!!

I've started my first portrait! I've very excited. I'm hoping to have it finished sometime next week. I will also continue my smaller paintings while I work on the portraits. Thanks for stopping by!

Vacation Day 10"x14"

So here, at last, is the completed painting. I had a lot of fun doing this. I decided against adding seagulls and softened up the shadows some as they were too harsh. I'm excited and ready to start something new. Thanks for looking.

Idea In Progress

After I finish my latest beach painting, I'm thinking of trying some portraits this year. Now this is a really big endeavor on my part because I've never done a portrait in my life. A few months ago I read a book called the Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. In it a painter obsesses about a woman in the past and paints her over and over. I thought that was a really cool idea. Take one person and do several portraits of them. Not only would it be challenging but, I thought it would be fun to try and capture an individual through painting over a period of time. I'm very excited and nervous about this project but, I think the fun will make up for the frustration I will incur. Wasn't it Andrew Wyeth who secretly and repeatedly painted his neighbor over a decade or so? Yes, I am one of those people who need an under- drawing or sketch before I can paint. I admire people who start with a blank canvas and create marvelous portraits as if from thin air but, unfortunately; that's not me. Thanks for looking!  Happy New Year!