Maumee River Commission - "Maumee Stroll"

This piece is truly monumental at five feet square. It was made for the wall that it hangs on and reflects the grounds between the house and the river. The Sycamore trees are painted with silver leaf in between the layers of cold wax and paint. This process was conceived during an earlier painting that I posted with this project in mind. I was really pleased with the result. Take a look at the close up to see some of the playful sgraffito (drawing back in to reveal the lower color) that I felt added a little needed whimsy.

A Trip to Tuscany Remembered

This commission started out with a college friend and a handful of vacation photos from a special trip with her daughter. I do a fair number of commissions, but rarely work from others trip pic's. Fortunately I had been to this region of Italy and felt like I had an authentic response to the subject. I could close my eyes and remember the quality of the light. A very magical place! Thank you Kari for the opportunity!

 The painting measured 30" x 24" without the frame.

Several photos were referenced and the sketch is a bit of a montage. Here is the progression of the piece:

Here is a view of the installation:

Winter Workshops at BBAC

 Recently, I was invited to teach a couple of one day workshops on knife painting at the BBAC (Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center located in Birmingham, MI). It was a wonderful experience and ignited a desire to include teaching as part of my studio life. It's amazing what teaching something that you do every day can do to for your perspective. Look for me to be back at the BBAC this coming fall and winter.

Here are a few photos of my students work. Most of the students had taken two one day work shops and these paintings are from the second workshop.They were very focused and produced amazing results for the day's effort.

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.