miniature oil painting still life apples SILHOUETTE AND CUT APPLES (SOLD)

SOLD
Approx.5x3.5 inches Oil on Canvas Panel

A serene little painting of apples in a graceful urn, its handles silhouetted against the neutral background. On the wall a highly detailed silhouette (actual size is 1 inch) enhanced with a blue satin bow.

LEMONS ON PEWTER PLATE ORIENTAL RUG LACE

SOLD

oil on canvas

11x14 inches

A thread bare silk oriental rug, tatted cloth, and antique pewter plate hint at my respect for age. The lively colored lemons contrast brilliantly against these mellow time worn colonial wares.

serene spaces: bed (SOLD)

b e d

7x5 inches oil on canvas panel

SOLD

Second in the Serene Spaces Series. This is a new concept which I actually began in late 2006 with my lifelong attraction to serene, rather sparse interiors. I’ve always been enamored with18th century furnishings, particularly when reduced to their bare structural elements and set against a similarly stripped room setting, typical of early Colonial American interiors. The eminent atmosphere of such spaces recalls the countless lives who have walked their hallowed halls.

SUNLIT GRAPES ON WINDSOR CHAIR (SOLD) click for results

5x5 inches

oil on panel

SOLD

Capturing the translucency of grapes illuminated from within is always an enjoyable task. However, here I placed the grapes in strong, direct sunlight which caused the highlights to almost flatten out in blindingly bright white shapes, so I decided to adjust my interpretation to be a little softer. The additional challenge was not only to paint the luminosity of the grapes, but also to paint the highlights and shadows on their surfaces — so all at once I was painting the exterior as well as the interior light. Placing the grapes on an antique painted Windsor chair was merely an afterthought, as I was tracking the last sunlight into my studio and that was the only surface not already cluttered with paintings! Fortunately, I couldn’t have planned it any better since the rich, warm sienna tones provided a perfect complement to the various shades of yellow-green in the grapes.

BLUEJAY FEATHER (SOLD)

SOLD

Approx. 4.5x3 inches

oil on canvas panel

fixed price not an auction

After weathering quite a number of Midwestern winters, the triplex birdhouse that my father made for us when we relocated here was in rather desperate need of repair. Upon its removal, my husband discovered quite a pleasant surprise inside the top floor — a ceiling lined completely with brilliant Bluejay feathers! Retrieving one which had fallen out, I chose to introduce it as the subject of this painting as a reminder of the countless little house sparrows who were born under its colorful roof.

little gems oil paintings still life spode plate berries STRAWBERRIES ON SPODE (SOLD) click to view results

oil on panel

4x4 inches

SOLD

Wih a recent snowfall dampening our spirits and weighing heavily upon our Spring flowers, I began reminiscing about the warmer days of Summer with thoughts turned to the season’s delectable fruit. It was my original intention to paint these strawberries on a plain white plate but since I don’t have anything like that, I had no choice but to paint one of my Spode plates, although it meant more than double the time painting. However, now that it’s done, I am pleased to have put in all the extra effort.

BLOSSOMING ENGLISH ROSES (SOLD) click to view results

oil on panel

4x4 inches

SOLD

It is difficult to comprehend the complexity of English roses, some of which are composed of over 100 petals. Here I chose to feature one of my favorite variations facing downward from its own weight as it opens shyly, withholding its mystery within the deeply cupped structure. My main focus technically, was not only to portray the velvety texture and cupped shape of the petals as they unfurled but also to capture the color of the light as it reflected through each petal and the interplay of shadows therein.

DELICATE LITTLE BIRD'S NEST (SOLD) click to view results

6 x 6 inches

oil on panel

$325

SOLD

This tiny little bird’s nest is actually painted life size, the subject being one which we had rescued from the ravages of Winter. For this painting however, I chose to add several eggs to symbolize the rebirth of Spring as it abounds just outside my studio windows; perhaps even the former occupants are contributing to the chorus I hear now. Having included birds and bird’s nests in many of my larger paintings, I chose to focus all my attention on this delicate little gem with its particular abundance of fluff. One cannot look at these tiny creations without marveling at their structure and pondering how we humans are not the only artists roaming this earth.

SERENE SPACES: SILHOUETTES COLONIAL ROOM WINDOW HITCHCOCK CHAIR (SOLD)

oil on canvas panel

7x5 inches

SOLD

Serene Spaces Series is a new concept which I actually began in late 2006 with my lifelong attraction to serene, rather sparse interiors. I’ve always been enamored with18th century furnishings, particularly when reduced to their bare structural elements and set against a similarly stripped room setting, typical of early Colonial American interiors. The eminent atmosphere of such spaces recalls the countless lives who have walked their hallowed halls.