New paintings new fun art

 I recently got into sea creatures….and then I migrated over to cards, alcohol ink and junk journals, what fun! I think I needed a break from painting and it’s been fun not to be so precise in everything I do. Here’s a few pictures of my cards and my sea creatures.

2020

 I guess the silver lining behind the pandemic is more time. More time to reflect, paint, spend time with close family. I know there has been a lot of heartache, missed opportunities, and time not spent with loved ones who live far away. I will be glad for a different world someday; one where we support each other and learn once again to be kind and respectful. In the meantime, here’s to hoping that we learn some valuable lessons along the way.

My pandemic paintings; I guess the sea brings me a sense of awe and wonder, freedom and peace all at the same time.

Sea Smoke 11x14 Oil.  $500 

Boats in the Fog 11x14 Oil $399

A Storm Brewing 16x20 Oil $399

Summer in the Harbor 11x14 Oil $499

Winter in Kennebunkport 11x14 Oil $299

Scarborough Marsh. 36 x 36 Oil $650

The colors are a bit brighter than the photo shows.

 More rocks!! 11 x 14 oil

16 x 20 oil

Time is fleeting

Time seems to be fleeting and the older I get, the faster it goes. A new year, and new beginning, a fresh start. As much as I do not like winter, it is usually a slower pace and a time to reflect, declutter, and catch up on projects left unattended throughout the frantic pace of summer. Here's what I have worked on in the past year. Not much to show, as we made a major move last year, leaving our beloved family home that we raised our 2 boys in, and taking on a new adventure in a different part of our state. We are now closer to the beach and amenities, but with that comes the added traffic and a longer commute to work for both of us. Ah well, no matter how long you search no place on earth is absolutely perfect. We are happy to have a new house, a smaller more manageable yard, more neighbors. I miss our big yard, the expanse of the woods. But I think our social life has grown since moving. As you can see, I've been kind of obsessed with rocks and water.

 The beach and pier (SOLD)

 He is my ROCK 8 x 10 Acrylic $75 Framed

Harbor Abstract $75 16x20 oil(sold)

 South Bristol 11x14 Oil $150 framed

 A sense of peace 11x14 $175

 The Marsh 36x36 Oil $650

 Local Birds 6x6 each individually framed $60 each or $200 for all 4(Sold)

 Kayaking and fishing on the Saco River (not for sale)

 Boats waiting in the harbor 11x14 oil $195

A study of rocks, waves and sky 16x20 oil $225

Retirement: the way life should be (not for sale)

winter musings

 Winter is not my favorite time of the year. I tend to get moody, but if I keep exercising and painting, I make out better. Time with friends is really helpful. I went to Ireland last summer, here is another painting from our travels. The Dark Hedges was used in the Game of Thrones. I have not watched it, as I don't think I would like it!

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The Dark Hedges - Northern Ireland

(not for sale)

 My oldest son asked for a painting of Tom Brady. I thought he was awfully good to think his mother could paint a decent picture of him! I guess he could always put it in his closet if he didn't like it. Tom's not done yet. I need to focus on some details yet.

Tom Brady  (not for sale)

Summer Travels

A trip to Ireland this summer was an amazing journey to a foreign land that didn't feel that foreign...we loved the whole country and the people. Only one painting so far has come from that trip, but I'm sure more will be painted soon!

Giants Causeway was one of my favorite stops; natural formations of stone that look like a giant playing with his blocks. Many hexagonal shapes and sizes. Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.

Water, water, water

I have been obsessed with water since I moved to Maine over 20 years ago...growing up in the Midwest where lakes were far and few between (or hard to get to like downtown Chicago Lake Michigan), I have thoroughly enjoyed the easy access here. These paintings are my most recent.

Old Port Summer Eve

Sea Glass Hunting

Sunday Afternoon Walk

Spring at Tidewater Farms

Kayaking the Coast

Today, a cow

Well, I am trying to do a better job of "quick" paintings. It forces one to be "looser" which a lot of artists strive for. Many times I get too bogged down in details. My friend K Dana Nelson is doing the same thing. She is amazing. Here's my 2 hour cow.

Happy New Year 2016!  A new year always brings a chance to start fresh. What changes are you making? I guess my changes are ongoing. Life is a journey, right?

"Captured Colors" Art Show at Skillins - Coming on January 21 - February 17

5 Artists are displaying our work together -- There will be an Artists' Reception on Sunday, January 24 1PM - 3PM. Come meet the artists - refreshments provided.

I'm working on a couple of paintings that will be in the show. Then I have other choices to make!

"Commercial Street" 11 x 14 Oil $200

"Waiting for Spring"  11x14 Oil  $225

"Coming Home from School" 11 x 14 Oil $200

"Sailing on Casco Bay" 16 x 20 OIL $275

 

 

 

 

2 HOUR PAINTINGS

Well, Here is is, middle of winter! 2 feet of snow on the ground, and more falling...I have been painting, but a different kind of painting than I normally do. These are acrylic -- quick, fun paintings that I have been sharing with all kinds of people -- students for a night -- art, wine, and fun. My students are non-painters. Some would describe themselves as "stick figure painters". But they come, and are willing to pick up a paintbrush for (sometimes) the very first time since grade school. I give them kudos -- it's hard to get outside of one's comfort zone, and for many this was WAY outside the zone. Here are a sampling of some of the paintings over the past few months. All are acrylic and take less than 2 hours to paint. For pictures of my students, go to www.facebook.com/spiritedpaints 

Haiti Paintings

oh, fall is definitely here. I love summer in Maine; but I get very little done, I'm too busy enjoying the weather. I should learn how to paint plein aire and enjoy the weather at the same time. I find the beach is too windy for my paints. Well, the good thing about cooler weather is that I buckle down and get work done. There is an art show I want to get into this year -- lots of competition; I am trying a couple of different subjects that are out of my usual comfort zone. It feels good to try new things. Here are the entries. Wish me luck!

Haiti - Remote Village - 11x14 Oil SOLD

Haiti - Bringing back the food and water SOLD

Haiti - Laundry Day SOLD

Spring at the Maine Shore (11x14 oil $200)

Fiesta and apples SOLD