On my easel - a little side work for Santa!

It is a special surprise for someone. I love being part of a secret and helping to spread a little joy! 

Lily of the Valley Paintings

My ritual painting of the lilies. Every May I wait for the Lily of the Valley to bloom as there is nothing better than working directly from life. I pick fist fulls these little flowers and stick them in all manor of tiny vases so that I can get that toad's-eye view that I crave. Here are a couple of the larger works that came out of this recent series. The top piece is ready to sign. The bottom work is just getting finishing touches. Both will be on display at my open house June 7 and 8. Click here for more details.

Getting ready for my Open Studio Event June 7 and 8!

Here is a little glimpse into my process. The ipad has an image of Pink Thistle that I photographed last summer along Stoney Creek Road just a few miles from my house.
The first image shows the subject after I have sketched my composition and washed in a cool red tint. Next come many layers of oil and cold wax applied with brushes and then finished with the knife. I plan to finish this one today...and yes, there are bee's much to my kids' delight!

Wrapping up: Loose Bees

I love the looseness of these little guys! It's time to pull them off my easel before I over work them. The cold wax makes my knife painting really fun.

What's all the buzz about?

Bees, bees, bees...! They are in the news. Bees are on my mind. Growing up on a small farm in the 70's meant that bees were plentiful and sometimes got in your way when you were playing in the milk house or painting the rafters. Who would have ever thought that they would be in such peril. Thus, I committed to paint a small series and see where it leads me. This first little piece is 5" x 7" and it was a little small to work the knife comfortably. I will give these guys another shot on a slightly bigger support. The bees above are a stylized representative of the North American bumble bee.

Prepping the Nursery

Using my brushes and knives on this one while trying to keep it fresh and loose!  The branches are inspired by the apple trees in my yard.

Nest Series continues...

The background color in this piece was inspired by my 8 year old who said "Momma, your nests are all floating in the air, you should put in some grass or leaves." So imagine these greens are grass or leaves.  Below, there is a close-up that shows the surface texture. I have been adding Cold Wax Medium to my paint which gives a little stiffer body to the paint and really enhances the knife strokes.

Also notice the coffee from Milan Coffee Works who just opened shop in our little town. MCW is a nano-beanery that roasts fresh beans in small batches. You can buy brewed cups or fresh roasted beans. It is a very cool place located at 508 County St., Milan Mi next to Original Gravity Brewing. You can find them on Facebook.

Robin's Nest Progress

This is a really fun subject to paint. The nest is very conducive to the texture that the knife yields.

Robin's Nest

The winds made this awesome nest available...

Recent Work

Here is a little grouping of recent work. A few weeks ago I felt the need to paint still life. Usually, I would walk around my yard and bring in some fruit or flowers, but it was too early in the spring and the outside is not yet so inspiring. Thus, I went Krogering and came home with pears. There is something sexy about the shape of a pear. It brings me back to my life drawing days of studio models and curvy flesh. These pears are not quite so provocative, but I will admit that they were fun to paint. Enjoy...

For more information on these paintings and others, click on: Available Paintings

Lelanau County September Vines

It was a warm September week in northern Michigan in my studio these last few weeks. Ah, the ability of art to transport us!!

This commission was inspired by a wine enthusiast couple  from southeastern Michigan. We both shared memories of Lelanau County vineyards and in my mind, Lake Michigan was destined to be part if the piece. Can't wait to hang it in their home! 

Size: 40" x 60"