Carol Morgan...

01/30/12 It's getting there!

2012-01-30T08:23:00.004-06:00

I have almost finished it!! I worked several hours today and then I had to put it aside. Looking at my photograph I can tell I need to lead the eye deeper into the painting as well as adding a few minute touches and people to the street and bridge. This has definitely challenged me but I'm glad I did it. I'm sure I will revisit this work after I take my Rusty Jones course in May!
I have been working hard on this piece. I am trying to methodically complete small sections at a time. It is so "Busy," that it is like 4 paintings in one!

Since I will be teaching for two days it will be a little while before I can get back to the studio. Please have patience. Thank you for looking at my work. Carol

01/27/12 Details,details,details

2012-01-27T07:17:00.004-06:00

I worked hard yesterday on putting in some little details that give the impression of minutia. It is a pain in the neck but it is what people look for in complicated paintings like this. I am looking forward to working on the terraced land on Saturday and seeing more obvious results. I have probably done this backwards but the details help me to not loose my place on the painting.

Thanks for taking time to check out my blog. Carol

01/25/12 Starting to take shape

2012-01-25T10:59:00.003-06:00

I worked a long time on the details at the bottom of the painting. The rocks and buildings are starting to take shape! There are so many details in this picture that it is going to take me FOREVER to finish!!

Thanks for taking the time to look. Carol

Cinque Terre Day 3

2012-01-23T18:13:00.003-06:00

Even though this is only the second post, it is the third day of work on this picture. I must have ADD because I keep jumping around on this piece! I have popped some of the darkest darks and put in a little more color. The rocks have a lot more highlights and there is lots of thick paint from my palette knife . I will work some more tomorrow but have plans to start another painting that is bohemouth for me. (48x60)

I went to the Arboretum last Friday and had my first taste of plein air painting. I also took lots of photos and plan a" koi "painting for this "big 'un"!!!

Thanks for looking. Carol

01/20/12 On the easel

2012-01-20T17:09:00.002-06:00

I haven't even finished blocking in colors yet on this big boy. This is a landscape that my niece and her husband took on their honeymoon in Italy this summer. Joe is a great photographer and they were nice enough to share all 600 images with me! This picture is quite complicated and should take me a while to finish. You have to begin somewhere!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my Cinque Terre painting. Carol

01/19/12 #212 finished!

2012-01-19T07:22:00.002-06:00

I had fun painting this one! It is to go with the other modern yellow piece I just finished. The texture was the most fun to put on!

Thanks for looking. Carol

01/17/12 On the easel now

2012-01-17T08:40:00.003-06:00

This is my latest "modern" painting. I like to try new things every once in a while. I like the color combinations in this work. The texture that I put in also saves it from being, "blah." The colors are mostly of the same values and that was calming and pleasing to my eye but the sharp black and olive green are attention getters!

I would love some feed-back on this if you'd care to offer. Thanks for looking. Carol

01/14/12 Hot off the easel!!

2012-01-14T15:58:00.003-06:00

I am dipping into the world of,"Modern,"art. I changed and didn't like what I'd planned and then I got out my oil sticks and now it ALMOST pleases me. I can't seem to draw a straight line!

Please let me know your thoughts on this. Carol

01/14/12 Deux Magots #2 finished!

2012-01-14T09:00:00.003-06:00

Since I sold the original Deux Magots that I painted in acrylics during the last Open House we had in November, I decided to do #2. It is a larger version with much more detail and is painted in oils. Now this is one of my favorites! Hope you like it too!

Thanks,Carol

1/11/12 Lainie is almost finished!

2012-01-11T11:35:00.004-06:00

This little lady is Lainie Lodewick the daughter of my friend and advisor Patrick Lodewick. Patrick took this picture and sent it to me . Since he said it is one of her signature "looks," I thought I'd give it a try. I still have a few more little things to do to it and I'll be ready to just let it dry.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog. Carol

01/04/12 Still on the easel

2012-01-04T11:26:00.002-06:00

After working for a couple hours I put this painting up on the shelf to dry. I am trying to make every stroke of paint count. It seems to be working out. I am still a long way from being finished but I am enjoying every minute!

Thanks for taking the time to look. Carol

1/3/12 Progress

2012-01-03T10:23:00.003-06:00

I started working on the little bird yesterday. He still needs some more details worked out and his beak painted in but so far he looks pretty good. Hope to get a lot more done today.

Thanks for looking at my work.

1/1/12 Revisiting an Old Favorite

2012-01-01T16:29:00.004-06:00

I sold my painting of the little bird in Paris that landed and helped me eat my quiche in the Paris cafe Deux Magots. I felt the need to revisit this work and do another one. I started on Friday and took the weekend off so I will be working hard on Monday on the second one which is larger:11x14. I am very pleased with the background and the little sparrow's shadow, the plate edge and the beginnings of the food. I remember becoming frustrated with the doily and putting the X Magots on the placemat. I'll have to only have one cup of coffee the day I do that so I won't shake!

Thanks for taking the time to look on the first day of the year!

Portrait of Owen McNally - 6 mo. old

2011-12-19T19:59:00.004-06:00

This is the latest little McNally. He is such a happy baby that it is uncommon to NOT see a smile on his face. What a doll he is. He has been working on learning to crawl and when he is pleased with his progress he squeals and does a series of dolphin kicks! What core muscles he will have!!

I need to have two giclees made for grandparents on both sides. That will have to come in January.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.

12/06/11 Visit to Charleston, SC

2011-12-06T10:30:00.002-06:00

Just returned from a 6 day trip to Charleston, SC. I got to visit with my college friend, Kathy Gilfillan and her hubby, David. This is one of the many lovely pictures I took while there. We even took the Artist's Walk on Friday night and had a wonderful time. Saw and walked around the Old Village in Mt. Pleasant, Folly Beach and all the other islands. I have a lot of fodder for my paintings for years. Would love to return.

Thanks for checking out my blog and keep checking for paintings from Charleston .

11/29/11 View From Pont Neuf

2011-11-29T06:39:00.003-06:00

This small painting was part of an early Virtual Paint-out. I still like the soft colors and sky reflected in the water. I imagine it is very cold in Paris right now but the charm and allure still remain!

Thank you for taking time to look at my blog.

Cedars Open Studio Tour - 2011

2011-11-21T07:45:00.003-06:00

Our studio, Studio Art and Soul, joined in on the ninth annual (this is our fourth show) Cedars Open Studio Tour. I had quite a few paintings up this year, all the work on the back wall, below the wooden shelf and on the adjoining left wall are mine. I sold the small painting in the top right corner! There was plenty of art and fun to be had! Thanks to all who came to support me.

Tonal Portrait of baby

2011-11-18T09:53:00.002-06:00

I was commissioned this summer to paint a portrait of this little girl. I wasn't very excited about it because they wanted it in the blue tonal style that I did a couple of years ago. I figured that one was just a fluke that it turned out so well and I wasn't sure I could successfully duplicate it. Two days ago I just dove right in and started it and I was able to finish it yesterday. This type of portrait is difficult because you have to concentrate so hard on your values. This work really pushed my abilities and I'm glad I did it because it gave me more confidence.

Thanks for checking out my work. Have a wonderful day.

Triptych of cows

2011-11-17T08:18:00.004-06:00

This is a tiny triptych of some English cows on a canal. It is only 4 inches tall and 12 inches wide. I doubt I'll ever do another one so small again because there are so few details and it was tedious work.

Thanks for taking the time to view my work.

On the easel right now!

2011-11-15T10:52:00.004-06:00

I had three tiny canvases so I decided a while ago that I would put them together to make a tryptich! This is challenging to paint so small and get in any details! Oh well, it may not be ready for the Open Studio Tour but that is what I'm aiming for as a deadline.

Thank you for looking at my work.

Carolina Marshes

2011-11-11T15:24:00.002-06:00

I am finally finished and pleased with this painting. I had some things to fix after our critique in the studio. A couple friends went to a Rusty Jones workshop and had some tips to help me as well as some very good advice. Thanks girls and Mark for all the love and patience. As we say in the studio,"It takes a village."

Thanks for taking the time to check out my work.

Still on the easel but almost finished!

2011-11-09T17:17:00.003-06:00

I know this is taking forever but it is taking me forever to get it JUST the way I want it!! I think it will be a winner when I do complete it.

Carolina Shores- still on the easel

2011-11-01T16:34:00.003-05:00

Put some deep shadows in today while I was at the studio. It is beginning to take shape. I have got to work on the foreground tomorrow and the dock because they are driving me crazy! This canvas is a lot larger than I usually paint on and it is taking a lot of time to make this look like I want it to look. There is still so much to do on it that I probably shouldn't post it daily but I like seeing how it evolves.

Thanks for taking time to look at my work.

Carolina Shores - progress

2011-10-29T16:21:00.002-05:00

Worked on this picture for a couple hours today. I am happier with the background marshes now but the back of the boat and dock is a perspective nightmare!! It is still so wet that I don't dare try to work on it too much or I'll have a blue blob. Guess I'll have to let it rest until Monday.

Meanwhile, I might try some plein air painting - in my back yard, in case it is a total failure. I have the desire to paint outside but I am SO picky about the weather : not too hot and not too cold! I've only done it one other time and enjoyed it . It has been a year since I was given my guerilla box so I might as well break it in. Hopefully I can post the results.

Thank you for checking in on my blog.

On My Easel......

2011-10-29T09:25:00.003-05:00

Just started drawing (in paint) my next Carolina shores scene. Got a few colors blocked in but ran out of steam and time all at once.

Nancy and Owen - completed

2011-10-28T16:34:00.003-05:00

Finished working on this picture today. Hope Mike likes it.

I actually did a crop shot but it didn't turn out right so you get to see my shot from the easel. I need to take a better one tomorrow and work on the new painting for my Carolina Shores series.

Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my blog.

On my easel

2011-10-28T08:55:00.004-05:00

Just began blocking in Nancy McNally's face yesterday and I am pleased with the results. Hopefully I can give this painting to Mike, her husband and my nephew, for his birthday. Right now I was told it is very "Mary Cassatt." (I like that) Will work more today on her hand, lips and eyes.

11/19/11 The Colonel for Gracie Leudecke

2011-10-19T16:04:00.004-05:00

This is "The Colonel," and she, yes SHE, belongs to a little girl at the school where I sub. She has begged me for 8 weeks to paint one of her chickens and I had a really good day at the studio and finished the whole thing. Gracie told me that she told the Colonel that I was going to paint her and the Colonel was very excited! They have several with unusual names : Chicken Nugget, Dark Meat and Honey!!

This is my first hen and it was a lot of fun. I used a combination of palette knife and brush with lots of thick paint! It will take forever to dry - that is ok because by then Gracie might have forgotten about it OR she will be mad because she thinks I FORGOT! I 'm telling her mom , a teacher at school, about it and I'll bring it to her when it is dry.

Thanks for hanging in there with me through this job. I am on a real painting tear now so there should be lots to see soon.

10/12/11 Baby Knox

2011-10-12T06:10:00.003-05:00

Went to the studio yesterday and I believe this little guy is finished. He came together very quickly! It is so much fun when that happens!

Update 10/09/11 Finally got to paint!

2011-10-09T16:10:00.003-05:00

This little green mouse-boy is Knox Hale.(he looks a little like Desperaux!) It wouldn't be fair of me to paint his older sister, Keaton, and not take a stab at him. This is just the very first pass at it and I have a long way to go but it is looser than I've done before and that pleases me. Tiny babies are so difficult to paint because their features haven't formed yet! Kelli put this cap on him because he had little ear caps on to train his ears to go flat to his head. He looks so peaceful but I guess looks can be deceiving because Kelli said he pooped and peed EVERYWHERE!
I like everything on this painting except the "generic" lady's hand by the wine glass! I see I will have to try to fix that on Tuesday night. This is just a closer version of the ones below.

Still on the easel

2011-09-26T15:14:00.004-05:00

Since there was Staff Development (I guess I'm developed enough!) today, I got the day off!! Wahoo!

I got up early and took care of the few chores I had and went to the studio around 10:00. I have been working on this low country picture for about 5 weeks but I've only gotten to paint on it about 4 times in fits and spurts. I actually think I made some progress today. I want to finish so I can charge forward to some other beach scene, or something new. I really like the way I got the man's shirt - got to work on his hand though!! I tend to want to paint every blade of grass! I took off my glasses and used a larger brush and painted areas instead of obsessing. Hope it helped. I'll get some critique tomorrow night.

Thanks for looking at my blog. Have a great week.

09/11/11 Just the beginning of my Outer Banks painting

2011-09-11T13:51:00.002-05:00

This is the first time in almost a week that I've been to the studio. I'm working on a painting of the outer banks. This is a detailed painting and is going to take me a LONG time to complete. It is not like I have the chance to paint every day so I really try to get a lot done while I'm there. I want this to emote the feeling of relaxation and joy that this couple feels after a day on the outer banks and how much they'll enjoy their dinner of wine and clams and oysters.

The grasses are challenging me right now, but I'm sure I'll figure it out and not have to paint every blade! (which is what I always want to do) It might be a palette knife opportunity!!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog!

09/10/11

2011-09-10T16:18:00.003-05:00

This was a landscape that I enjoyed painting of the Florence countryside. It was one of the first paintings that I ever used a palette knife on. I really enjoyed it and have since then painted many others this way.

Thanks for looking at my blog.

08/18/2011

2011-08-18T20:01:00.003-05:00

This is where I will be found for the next eight week! I will be the Language Arts/ Reading teacher for 4E and 4F. The challenge is the first week and getting my angels organized and set up! Wow it is overwhelming!! The teacher I'm subbing for is SO organized that I couldn't ask for better. Now I just need to make it for the long haul. I will only be able to paint on weekends but one of my goals is to get at least one, maybe two days of painting in each week and not take my work home with me. Lofty goals!!

I'll post as I paint and fill in with older works that haven't been seen in a while! Thanks for looking.

08/17/11 on My easel

2011-08-17T16:12:00.002-05:00

These are some more block-head buoys that I have just blocked in basic color. This one will be slow to be finished because on Monday I'm starting a long term sub job - 4th grade L.A./Reading /Writing class --for 8 weeks. Be patient with me everyone - when I'm teaching, I only have one or two days for painting! Thanks for looking at my blog.

Home from the wedding

2011-08-15T13:12:00.005-05:00

This is the reason I haven't posted anything new in a while. I have been to Austin for this wonderful event: the wedding of my precious niece Keithley McNally to Joe Presley! It was a much anticipated event and all the McNallys ,Morgans, Barkers, Beckers, Schribers, and everyone and all their kiddos came. The weekend was full of fun and much too much food and drink!! The newlyweds are in Italy now on their honeymoon. Keithly has promised me some wonderful images to paint from their trip!

Got to meet my new great nephew Arthur Owen McNally (3 1/2 months old). He is an absolute angel!!

Laura Presley and Payton McNally at rehearsal dinner - having a good time dancing!!

Summer of 2011 - dyptich

2011-08-06T16:32:00.004-05:00

I am so excited!! I painted the base coat for the first part of this painting a couple days ago but came in today and finished it and TOTALLY finished the second panel!! This is a totally different palette for me but it is definitely HOT and DRY!!! It just all came out of my head!!

Thank you for looking at my blog on this scalding August day!!

Hilo,Hawaii is complete.

2011-08-03T13:31:00.001-05:00

Really enjoyed painting this image. I modified it quite a bit and it has turned out lovely!! Wish I was there right now! This heat wave has to break soon!!

Thanks for looking at my blog. Stay cool.

On the easel

2011-08-02T09:53:00.005-05:00

I love this image of a blustery Hilo surf. The water is just the right color and the rock cliffs are taking shape nicely.

We have decided to move our spots in the studio. I have opted to move to the back corner where it is cooler and give up my position I shared with Sharon on the side wall. Some artists are painting larger paintings and need more room. I might have multiple works going on but I just put mine on the ledge and rotate them. This way I am out of the hustle and bustle and am a little more focused.

Thanks for taking time to look at my blog. Stay cool.

Round Top Road

2011-07-31T08:42:00.003-05:00

This landscape is one that I see on my trips antiquing and always wonder why I haven't painted it. I love the winding road and the wonderful rock wall that leads you back into the picture. I'm sure the trees aren't this green any more with the massive Texas drought but they have been immortalized in this painting now.

Thank you for taking time to check out my blog. Stay cool!!

The Blue chair

2011-07-21T09:50:00.004-05:00

Decided to sharpen up some of the lines and add impasto to the grass/hay. If I get to paint today I need to work on the handle some and then I think I'll be pleased.

Thanks for taking time to look at my blog today.

The blue Chair

2011-07-17T16:38:00.004-05:00

This is a tiny painting:4x6!! Smaller than my usual! Thought I'd paint it a la prima but I never can seem to "Step away from the canvas." I took this photo several weeks ago when I went on the North Dallas Chicken Coup Tour. This charming little basket beckoned me and I really enjoyed painting it almost all at once!

Thank you for checking out my blog on this sultry summer afternoon.

A Destin Morning

2011-07-11T07:18:00.004-05:00

This image just called to me. Not only do I like it and need to have some "beach time," it was fun to paint! I love the umbrellas!

Thanks for taking time to check out my blog on this sizzling summer day. Stay cool, whatever you do!

07/08/11

2011-07-08T20:19:00.003-05:00

Worked a little more this morning on this painting. Mainly have used a palette knife. As soon as it gets too hot ----- I'm outta there!! It really hurts when my wrist begins to swell!

Thanks for looking at my progress. I am starting another painting tomorrow and letting this one rest for a few days.

07/06/11 Slow Go

2011-07-06T08:40:00.004-05:00

Not much to show so far on this new picture. I am working on a picture of a friend's child in a fountain in the Bronx this summer. It won't be an identifiable picture but I really liked the design it made. This is two days worth of work. I will only be able to work in the A.M. because it gets too hot at the studio. Dr. Fredrick - the best hand surgeon ever- has told me not to get hot and sweaty! Hard orders to follow in a sweltering Texas summer but if there is a way to get around it, I will! Early morning dog walks and early painting will have to suffice for now until I have surgical bandages removed on 13th. Can't wait!!

Thanks so much for checking in on my work. Stay cool!!

06/25/11 another obstacle

2011-06-25T11:00:00.002-05:00

I am almost finished with my first aspens. They have to dry and be framed which will be a while from now.

My obstacle is myself! Last Monday night just before the rain storm I had to go outside to get my dog and we both tripped over a large limb that fell from the tree. I tried to catch myself on the edge of the deck but missed and ended up with a broken left wrist! Thank goodness I am right-handed! I will have to have a plate and pins put in this coming Tuesday and then there will be the long road to recovery.

Don't be surprised if I don't post for a week or so but know that I do plan on painting, just slower than usual.

06/15/11 Slow and steady

2011-06-15T20:46:00.003-05:00

I added more leaves but it still isn't right. I need to put a haze on the mountains and do something to the trunks of the trees.

Thank you for looking at my blog on this warm summer night.

06/12/11 Still working on the trees!

2011-06-12T17:10:00.003-05:00

The Aspens are coming along nicely! I am pleased with the colors but I'm a long way from finished.

Thank you for looking at my blog.

06/09/11 Slow progress

2011-06-09T08:04:00.003-05:00

I actually did this on Sunday or Monday but my days have been cram - packed with seven year old birthdays and eight year old skaters and lunch and dinner and books and .................. everything but my painting!

It is slowly evolving into the painting I want it to be. Thank you for looking at my blog.

06/06/11 Step by step

2011-06-06T08:11:00.003-05:00

Slowly but surely I am working on this painting. I need to work on the tree trunks today and put in more leaves.

Thank you for checking my blog today.

06/05/11 On the easel now!

2011-06-05T09:16:00.005-05:00

So many people are painting aspens or are these birch trees? I don't know. Anyway I am painting these trees from an image that Pam Forgerson took and let me borrow. She and her family have taken so many neat trips and have such wonderful pictures that she was kind enough to let me borrow. I took a close-up of the lower foreground because I like the looseness and the way it draws your eye back into the trees and mountains. I had to stop before putting in the trees because everything was so wet. I'll try to set in some tree trunks and part of the foliage today.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog today.

06/04/11 Cows completed

2011-06-04T16:15:00.002-05:00

Finally finished my first cows! Now I will put a cow into Kay's moleskine! Her theme is "Holy Cow." Hope it doesn't take as long to complete that as it did these!

Now that school is out I am "nannying," four days a week and earning extra cash is interfering in my real life. Please be patient with my intermittent blogging.

Thanks even more for checking in today.

05/30/11 Making some progress

2011-05-31T08:38:00.002-05:00

Finally got a chance to paint yesterday and put in some reflections and reeds. I am trying to be patient and go slow so I don't get sloppy. I will get to paint some today but I'm still pretty busy with wedding shower cooking and school awards ceremonies.

Thanks for taking time to look at my blog.

05/24/11 still on the easel

2011-05-24T18:42:00.003-05:00

Just had time to add a few details on the underbelly and enjoy some company before the severe weather alert came up on my iphone app. Decided it would be better to go home. I still have a long way to go but probably won't get to paint again until Monday.

Thanks for looking at my blog.

05/21/11 On the easel

2011-05-21T12:22:00.004-05:00

I haven't been able to paint for a few weeks now because I've been subbing and will be subbing all next week. It is a necessary evil!

This picture is from a friend who went on an anniversary trip with her husband up and down the canals in England. She happily surrendered (just a loan) some of her pictures for me to paint. This is just the under painting and the beginning of the cows.

Can't wait until I can spend weeks at a time painting again. I sure do miss it but running out of money in the summer months is harder on me than missing a few days of painting.

Thanks for taking the time to stop in to check out my blog.

05/07/11 For a change!

2011-05-07T14:44:00.003-05:00

Last Monday five of us attended our first life drawing class at The Creative Arts Center in East Dallas. We had quick gesture poses that were 1-2 minutes to draw the gesture and then we took a break and began a 20 minute session. This is the result of the second 20 min. session and my friends were shocked that I was a much looser drawer than painter! I have been pushed to paint in this fashion and I'm going to give it a try. I love to draw with charcoal and hadn't realized how much I missed it.

Thank you for looking at my blog and have patience with me - obviously I'm an unfinished product!

05/03/11 The winding road

2011-05-04T09:32:00.004-05:00

Finished my small palette knife painting yesterday and now it has to dry for a while. It is very wet with thick layers of paint. I like the way the road leads your eye into the painting and the fence-line follows the road.

This image was taken in Warrenton, Texas at the edge of "Mark's Field," as we call it. I go to southern Texas twice a year for an antique festival and always manage to grab my camera to find a variety of photos each year. This image was taken in October of this year.

Thank you for looking at my blog on this beautiful Spring day.

05/01/11 Ewe can do it!

2011-05-01T12:01:00.002-05:00

I painted this little lamb (sheep actually) for my new nephew, Owen McNally. (or O'ee, as his sister calls him) When I started it he was very monochromatic but I decided at the last minute to put some bright colors into his wool. He really has almost as much paint on him as the real sheep has wool! This will definitely take a while to dry!

I will be painting all week and hope to finish what I left on my easel. Thank you for looking at my blog.

04/27/11 On the easel

2011-04-27T19:17:00.004-05:00

Just started this painting today. It is LOADED with thick paint. It is good that I won't be able to work on it until Saturday because it is so wet. This is a wooden fence-line on a south Texas Highway. The fence is one of those old fashioned ones that is stacked wooden pieces and it twists and turns just the way the road does. I like the way the road leads your eye into the picture (even at this early stage).

Thank you for looking at my blog.

04/23/11 The Hunters

2011-04-23T17:01:00.003-05:00

This is a commission I have recently finished for a friend for Father's Day. It is of her father; they call him "Big Dad,"his yellow lab, Daisy, and two of his grandsons. I hope she will be pleased. I have worked hard on this and it passed studio critique with flying colors!

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. Have a wonderful Easter tomorrow.

04/17/11 Finished BANJO

2011-04-17T15:56:00.003-05:00

This was a commission for a little guy named Benjamin that his parents call Banjo. Robin, his mom, asked about doing it last year, so I started and then stopped. I have started and stopped several times because I wasn't happy with it. I am pleased now and so are Robin and Tim. Can't wait for it to dry to deliver it!

Thanks for looking at my blog.

04/16/11 On my easel

2011-04-16T17:11:00.003-05:00

This is just a preliminary blocking in of skin tones for Keaton on a surfboard. If you look back, you'll see that I did her on the beach a few weeks ago. This is the same set of vacation pictures. Keaton Hale is a three year old "drama queen" (ham) that is the apple of her parents' eye. Her pose was just too cute to pass up and a favorite of mine. Wonder if she'll grow up to be a surfer,model or a princess?

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.

04/10/11 Birds

2011-04-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

Just loved doing these four little birds. It was challenging at times because the canvas is so small! This can be seen and purchased at JT Osgood's salon,The Songbird Society.

Thanks for checking out my blog.

04/02/11 Little girl in Blue

2011-04-02T10:56:00.003-05:00

I am finally satisfied with this little portrait. I love the backlit effect and the impressionistic background. I really toiled on this because I wanted this precious child to be a memorable portrait.

Thanks for looking at my blog on this sunny spring day.

03/29/11 Eddie Pontorno

2011-03-29T17:01:00.003-05:00

This is a portrait of my "papa Eddie" Pontorno. He passed away this month at the age of 84 and he will be greatly missed. The image I used was one from his step-son's wedding about 20 years ago. The reason he looks so good is his Italian blood! He and Marjie were like a mom and dad to me for quite a few years and I still adore them. I want to send this to Marjie but it has to be perfect. I can see I still need to work on his eyes and nose. What a "love, "he was.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. Thank you, Eddie for your kindness and guidance.

03/20/11 Ala Prima!! Keaton Hale

2011-03-20T17:39:00.003-05:00

This little cutie is Keaton Hale. I have painted her before - sometimes with success and other times it was a dismal failure! During this Spring Break, Keaton, her mommy, Kelli, and daddy, Nathan, went to Cabo! So this painting is titled "Cabo Cutie," because she is my littlest muse!

I have only been able to do a painting all in one session (ala prima) with my niece and nephew that I know VERY well. To top it all off - this was mostly done with a palette knife! She just fell in place. Of course there is so much paint on this picture that she will be 10 years old before it dries!!! I need to tweek her left arm because it doesn't show up but other than that, as Charlie Sheen says,"Winning!"

Thanks for checking out my blog on this beautiful day!!

03/19/11 Almost finished!

2011-03-19T18:46:00.002-05:00

Almost through with this portrait! The photo image was so lovely that I really wanted to achieve a lovely painting. Painted for a couple of hours at the studio today and had pleasing results.

Thanks for taking time to look at my blog.

03/19/11 On the easel

2011-03-19T09:29:00.003-05:00

Just started this portrait last week. It was bought at the Hyer Christmas Bazaar last year . The photo of this child is lovely so I'm trying to do it justice in my painting. It is slow going but I will get it done. There is still lots to do and correct but I'm pleased with the start.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog.

03/18/11 Finally finished the finishing touches

2011-03-18T08:36:00.004-05:00

Sweet Suzy gave me a lesson on wet dogs yesterday!! Much more subtle and MUCH better than before. Now I'm pleased with him/her.

I have just gotten the scripture on this religious painting and am ready to enter it into competition. This is as far away from my usual paintings as can be imagined but I enjoyed doing it.

Thank you for looking at my blog.

03/06/11 Lab with Drake in his mouth

2011-03-06T18:32:00.002-06:00

I'll apologize for my poor photo right off the bat! I went down and worked on the feathers this afternoon with some success. I'm pleased with this painting and hope someone will think it looks just like their dog and buy it.I am pleased with the dog's face and the dead Mallard , even though it was a challenge, looks quite good. I will have to improve on the wet coat but I can do it. I think we will have a critique of it on Tuesday afternoon.

thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.

03/02/11 Still working on those feathers!

2011-03-02T18:19:00.002-06:00

I haven't had much time to paint lately and won't get to until Sunday at the earliest. Working at school just saps my energy! I did get to make a little progress on the mallard today. I just jumped right in and started to (as some of my friends say)"slap that paint right on there." It turned out much better than I thought it would. Still a lot to do before I finish but he is finally taking shape.

Thanks for taking a look.

02/27/11 II Corinthians 5;17

2011-02-27T09:54:00.002-06:00

This painting is a drastic change from my usual. It is a religious interpretational painting. II Corinthians 5;17 : Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away,the new has come. My interpretation of this scripture is that if we live as Christ does in the Bible, then we become new. By becoming open to all our gifts and using them as Christ tells us in the Bible and being thankful for all (good and bad) He gives us, we will become one with the trinity.

This painting will be entered in a contest that asks the artist to paint this scripture. I'm not sure that I am completely finished with this work but I am pleased with what I have so far.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. Any comments are most welcome.

02/26/11 Still on the easel - Taking my time!

2011-02-26T15:47:00.003-06:00

Chibi and I had the whole studio to ourselves today. I worked on the duck (drake) and the lab's wet fur. It continues to challenge my skills to achieve the look I want. I am determined to get it JUST right! I'll be down tomorrow in the afternoon to continue. Hope Grant shows up so he can give me a few pointers!!! I can see from the photo that the subtle changes in the water color are too subtle! Those feathers are about to make me loose my religion!!!! I WILL get them. All of this try and mix and mix and try is frustrating! I can see I need some lessons - and soon.

My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow painter, Kay Wyne, who just lost her mother this past Friday. Even though she had been sick for a long time, you are NEVER ready to loose you parents. Prayers are going out to you, your family, sister and your children. Remember, we love you a lot!

Thanks for listening to my rantings! Enjoy the great weather today.

02/24/11 On My easel

2011-02-24T21:29:00.002-06:00

I haven't done that many dogs, much less a hunting dog. Loved the close up of the duck in her soft mouth. Still have a lot to do on her coat to make it look wet but I worked on her face and the duck's underbelly today. Had to stop before I wanted to but I shall return tomorrow! I'm afraid the duck is going to be more challenging than the dog! Those feathers are tough. I am pleased with my progress today.

Thanks for looking at my blog today.

02/13/11 Outter Bank

2011-02-13T10:52:00.003-06:00

I enjoyed painting this image in my moleskin so much that I decided to paint it on a canvas. The angry, bruised clouds are always a challenge for me and I can see where I can add some more seagrass, but on the whole I am pleased with the outcome. Right now I'd like to be on a WARM sandy beach just baking the cold out of my bones! I shouldn't complain since the weather is beautiful today and to think, only a week ago we were up to our tutus in snow!

Thanks for looking at my blog!

02/07/11 New Flower - Cone Flower

2011-02-07T20:57:00.003-06:00

Just love the way this cone flower looks! I tried to put in too much detail and ended up going back and kinda smudging it. Let me know what you think!

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog.

02/07/11 Big Birthday present!!!

2011-02-07T08:59:00.003-06:00

Meet "Big Red," my new painting cabinet!! It was a present from a very dear friend. (Thanks again) It is actually a Craftsman tool cabinet that Laurie Pace, I think, talked about in her blog. It is fantastic for organizing all the things artists need to keep at the studio. This tool chest was on sale for 2 days,2/1-2/2, and I grabbed it up as fast as possible! I ordered it, had it delivered to Sears and picked it up on Friday. Sharon helped me get this monster out of the car and with a little help I was organizing in an hour! I am just in love with it! I still need to label all the drawers with their contents but that is minor. A huge thanks goes out to P. F. for his generosity and thanks to Sharon for helping me put it together!

Thanks for looking at my blog!

01/31/11 It's Complicated - finished

2011-01-31T19:58:00.002-06:00

I added the leaves and the hanging vines on this great old tree. I'm proud to donate this picture to "Incrementum."

Thank you for looking at my blog today.

01/30/11 Trees - It's Complicated (like life)

2011-01-30T10:16:00.002-06:00

Not quite finished with this challenge. I decided to paint this tree from south Texas because it WAS so complicated. I am entering this in an auction for a charity that wanted trees to represent "continuous growth." This tree reminded me that like life, it is complicated. There are a lot of things in life that cling to us and twist the way we grow but the base of this tree is solid and strong. We can and are solid and strong for many and varied reasons but we can also support a lot of other people emotionally with our strength. Thanks to all who have and still do support me in my life.

Thank you for checking out my blog.

1/28/11 Seaside

2011-01-28T10:01:00.002-06:00

You might be wondering why I'm painting in a book! It is actually a moleskine! Not the kind you put on feet to alleviate blisters. Moleskine, as in journal like Hemingway wrote in and other famous people. This is a project that I was excited to begin. In December some artists that I belong in a group with had lunch at Cheesecake Factory and our leader, Angela ,told us about a group she was a part of that painted in molskines and then sent them off to another artist who would do the same and so on. She was awaiting hers as we sat there eating. By the time you get it back, it is full of fabulous paintings, drawings and such! Well, we all decided to do this in our little group and this is the first entry in my own moleskine. It was a little messy and strange to gesso water color paper and I finally figured out how to keep the paint off of the whole book - did I mention that I'm messy? It is also challenging to paint small - I mean a one hair brush!! This is my result - and I am proud of it! It will take a while to dry but should be ready to pass on to Ann by the end of February. My theme is "sides". Any side: seaside (my own favorite),countryside, East Side, West Side, any kind of side you can think of. I wanted it to be very flexible. Can't wait to see what becomes of it. Linda is kind enough to start a blog for us and that is where I will be posting the rest of my paintings. I'll let you know more when I do.

Thank you for looking at my blog.

01/22/11 The Greats

2011-01-22T09:41:00.002-06:00

This is Morgan and Payton McNally, my great niece and nephew. They are 5 and 3. Cute as little puppies and quite a bundle of energy! I painted this for their mom and dad but I'm going to use it as an example of my portrait abilities for an auction at The Taste of The NFL before I send it to them. I love painting their little faces and it usually goes quickly. Hope Mike and Nancy like it because I sure do!

Thanks for looking at my blog!!

01/19/11 Finally finished!!

2011-01-19T21:28:00.003-06:00

Ta-Da!!! Looking forward to calling Pam to let her know that I've finished her commission! It will need to dry for a while but I'm pleased!

Thanks for looking at my blog!!

01/19/11 Hello, Cupcake!(happy birthday to me!)

2011-01-19T08:21:00.004-06:00

When I sold my four cupcakes a month ago I decided to paint a single with a lot of impasto to make it stick out. This one had 3 layers of impasto on the frosting and I would have liked more but I kept running out of impasto! For being only 20x20 it is incredibly heavy and I didn't want to ruin it with too much impasto and have it fall off the canvas!!

Also tomorrow is my six-O birthday and I'm going to dedicate it to 60 wonderful years (and it is only getting better)!!!

Thank you for looking at my blog!

01/18/11 Almost finished!

2011-01-18T09:14:00.002-06:00

I have fallen in love with the canals of the English countryside! This commission has come together fairly easily. My only problem is that I get too much paint on it and have to stop for the day. Just a few more details and I'll be ready to let it dry for several days before I deliver it!

Thanks for checking out my blog.

01/16/11 still on the easel

2011-01-16T09:54:00.002-06:00

Small steps on this painting! I forgot my camera yesterday so there is more progress than what appears here. The studio was busy and full yesterday. Suzy had 4 HUGE canvases and then Sharon's canvas isn't even stretched ............. it must be 7 ft. tall and almost as wide! I was sandwiched between the two with my little things and saying a prayer that I wouldn't get gessoed or splashed! There is still a lot of very wet paint on this picture so I'm taking the day off to let it dry for a bit while I "veg" out at home to watch the games on TV.

Thank you for looking at my blog today.

01/14/11 On the easel

2011-01-14T07:58:00.003-06:00

Just started this commission yesterday. Got to the studio late and drew it on and began to block in some colors. Usually have trouble with the greens but they came together easily - what's up with that! Maybe I'm getting better at mixing them!

Thanks for taking time to check out my blog.

01/13/11 The littlest Cowgirl

2011-01-13T09:19:00.002-06:00

As a child, I got up VERY early(4 AM) on Saturday mornings so excited because I was going to see my favorite program :Roy Rogers! I used to dress up and play around the house until he was on. My father captured this youthful image of me in Fantasy Land and I painted it last week. Hope you enjoy!

Thank you for looking at my blog.

01/11/11 Mommy and Me

2011-01-11T08:04:00.002-06:00

Hope Lorena, mommy, will like the portrait that I did of her and Natalie. The artists in my studio gave me some constructive criticism and I worked on it for a good bit of the day and hopefully it is better. This has not been one of those easy portraits to paint.

Thank you for looking at my blog. PS I won't shy away from any criticism, so please, let me know how you feel.

01/09/11 STILL on the easel

2011-01-09T14:55:00.002-06:00

This is "Mommy and Me." I signed it and then took the picture and while I'm pleased with the faces, I've got a problem with Lorena's blue neck - it just isn't right. I will correct it on Monday and hopefully repost for the last time!

Thank you for taking time on this cold snowy day to look at my blog.

01/05/11 On the easel

2011-01-05T17:57:00.002-06:00

This is my friend Lorena Cannellos and the smallest of her three girls, Natalie. I am working on the underpainting for both faces. I couldn't stand it so I painted Lorena's eyes and began on Natalie's before it was time to go. It was a difficult day at the studio -- not because of the painting but because I started Weight Watchers yesterday and I'm going through the" Impulsive foods that I grab," withdrawl! If my friends hadn't been there to help, I'm sure I would have eaten the whole studio! Thanks Suzy and Kay.

I do have a LONG way to go but it was good to paint faces again!

01/02/11 New Years Day

2011-01-02T10:47:00.003-06:00

New Years day was spent at the studio with the Upton girls painting dogs! The top picture is of Grayson at the easel finishing up her dog and the bottom is of Kennedy painting the sides of her dog picture. We all had our cornbread and black-eyed peas for good luck this year and so far, it has been marvelous!

I wish everyone looking at my blog a Happy New Year for 2011!! Thank you for reading my blog this past year also.

12/18/10 Brian Hall

2010-12-18T17:50:00.000-06:00

This as you all, or at least many, know is a second portrait of Brian Hall, my trainer who perished on Mt. Hood a little over 4 years ago. I did this one for his little sister Angela. Brian's parents moved to Idaho to be closer to Angela, who was still having trouble with the loss of her beloved big brother. I didn't feel that this portrait was quite complete so I went through some clippings and found one of Bri's favorite sayings : the Apache Blessing

May the Sun

bring you new energy by day.

May the Moon

softly restore you by night.

May the Rain

wash away your worries.

May the Breeze

blow new strength into your being.

May you walk gently through the world

and know its beauty all the days of your life.

When I came up with the idea to include this on his portrait I just KNEW it was what Angela needed to read from her brother. Now it is finished. I also wrote the blessing all around the sides of the painting. I will let it dry and seal it and hopefully get it in the mail soon - not in time to make it for Christmas probably but soon.

Thank you for viewing my blog and reading my ramblings.

12/17/10 Ruidoso Chapel (commission)

2010-12-17T14:13:00.002-06:00

After working on and off for over a month or six weeks I finally presented this painting to Lindsey today. She was thrilled with it and was very excited with the way it turned out.

This is where her mom got married and it is to be her Christmas present! I had no idea that this would be so challenging. I did a lot of scraping and repainting and nearly started over about two weeks ago. It took the whole studio to help me straighten and paint this so it looked correct. I can still see quite a few mistakes but that is water over the dam now.

Thanks for looking and having patience with me through this painting. I think it might have been easier to "build" a log cabin than paint this!

11/14/10 Chapel in the woods - revisited

2010-12-14T17:39:00.002-06:00

Kay helped me today to find out what was wrong. The whole painting looks off but all I had to go by was a photo and the angle was weird! Tried my best to straighten things up and it looks MUCH better than it did. Just hope Lindsey is pleased with the result. Will look for a frame for it tomorrow.

Thank you for taking time to look at a struggling artist.

P.S. I don't foresee any log cabins in my future painting!

11/14/10 Sweet Temptations- found a home!!!

2010-12-14T09:08:00.002-06:00

This piece of fluff is finally going to a fabulous home. Kelli Hale bought it for he daughter's playroom where the walls are brown. It should look really great. Hope Keaton doesn't try to scrape off some of the icing since I built it up a bit with impasto and it LOOKS like real icing.I had a lot of fun doing this one. Might try doing another but a single and really applying the impasto and lots of sprinkles!

Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog.

12/13/10 Chapel in the woods

2010-12-13T17:04:00.002-06:00

Not finished with the details on this little chapel. Wish I was more pleased with it. I have struggled from the beginning. I think I'll just turn it upside down and try it that way again!! It is looking better but it is not my best by far. I need to finish it and deliver it to school by Friday.

12/08/10 Mixed Media

2010-12-08T16:56:00.003-06:00

This is my first mixed media piece and it is for my nephew Brian McNally,who recently got a wonderful promotion. He works for a big real estate company here in Dallas. I have included a lot of pictures of old and new Dallas. I am not finished obviously, but am shocked at how challenging this has turned out to be.

I want to include some of the buildings my father built:Temple Emmanuel, Exchange Park, Christ the King Catholic Church and a part of Ursuline Academy. I am sure there are others but these are the ones I'm most familiar with.

Thank you for taking time from your busy day to check out my blog and ANY suggestions or comments are welcome!

Open studio tour was a grand success!

2010-11-23T09:38:00.003-06:00

These are just two pictures of the set up for our Cedars Open Studio Tour this past weekend. It was a lot of fun and quite a bit of work that we all enjoy on a yearly basis. Several paintings were sold and new friends made. The lovely lady next to her buffalo is Sharon Hodges, one of my fellow painters at the studio. Try to come on down some time, why wait until next year?

11/19/10 Painted with a one-hair brush!

2010-11-19T15:37:00.003-06:00

It is titled "Boats." I did this and another 6x6 painting for the 6x6 show. I always tell people that I painted it with my one-hair brush! Painting this small is difficult and challenging to put in details. I have found with these that "less" is better. They will be on display at our Open Studio Tour tomorrow from 12 - 6. Please come join us.

11/11/10 The Majestic View

2010-11-11T20:53:00.003-06:00

Just finished this rather large painting last week. It really helped when I added some purple to the mountains and broke up the grass at the edge of the mountain. The Grand Tetons are so rough and jagged and they still have the magnificent colors and amazing skies - I just couldn't resist.

This image was taken by my friend Terry Porter. Now I'd like to go paint plain air in the Grand Tetons next summer!

If you are in East Dallas this weekend, please come visit me at the Lakewood Market and Home Tour. This painting will be displayed and for sale there this weekend.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.