Sailboats and Hollyhocks ~ 18x24 pastel on sanded paper

Two years ago I went with a good friend to Lakeside Ohio on Lake Erie for the weekend. We were to meet another good friend to celebrate as we all turned "50" that year. It was June and, apparently, hollyhock season. The walk by the lake was covered in color as the hollyhocks and daylilies were in full bloom. There were sailboats sailing in the distance along with a picture perfect sky and lake. All combined in this painting to remind me of the friendship I share with these two amazing women who have been a part of my life for most of my 50 years.

Sanibel Skies

A few months ago, while needing some inspiration for painting, I came across a photo that my good friend Vickie had taken and asked her permission to paint it. I have never been to Sanibel Island, FL but it is on my List of Places to Go. The sunshine, the sea, the shells along the beach, the scent of ocean air. While we were in the midst of the snowiest February I can remember, it just felt right to lose myself in this painting for awhile. I hope it brings you a little warmth as well.


Sanibel Skies ~ 5"x 7" pastel on sanded paper

Miniature Pastel Project

I am forever being inspired by the artists I meet on Facebook. This project is an idea I borrowed from an artist friend, Tennessee artist Paula Ford. I am hoping the small format will allow me to confidently experiment with the medium and help me to become a better painter. By painting small and quickly it forces me to not be obsessed with the details and in turn practice a more impressionistic style. The painting above is another scene from the local Wilderness Center. The first in the series of small 5x7 pastels.