Thursday, December 29, 2011

Leading the Way


The coastal deer population is protected and familiar with people, so this doe was happy to lead us off the headland and into the interior forest.  The Washington wilderness coast is a favorite hiking destination any time of the year... albeit a bit soggy at the moment.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Winter Gallop


The rain is pounding down outside right now, but, it could be snowing... and if it was and then sunny tomorrow, horses and kids would be happy and run around flinging snow and generally wrecking havoc on the pristine whiteness :)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Renoir Santa


Of all the things I could wish for you, the best I can think of is peace.  With peace as your core you can weather any storm.  Peace to you this Christmas time.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Waiting for Winter


There are a few skiers still wondering where winter has gone.  The early snow has been well "used" by now in this very mild winter we are having so far.  Happy Solstice nonetheless!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Tears are good during Christmas time


I love to make people cry at Christmas.... and other times upon demand :)   Don't forget, Gift Certificates are special and easy to give.... anybody you'd like to see cry on your list?


Robin--
Randy and I had our Christmas last night.
I gave him the painting of Honey for his gift. He was so touched, and thought it looked so much like "his girl," that he cried.
Thank you!
Sheila

Friday, December 16, 2011

Leaping Greenly Spirits of the Trees


Ironically, the show that honored the trees recently cut in Kopachuck State Park is traveling to the Washington State History Museum in March of 2012.  I consider it good news that tree cutting has become a hot topic for KP residents.  Yes, it's my soapbox, read on if you dare :)


The topic of trees is a volatile one and it should be.  In our world they are a diminishing resource that is not accurately accounted for by our flawed socio-economic system.  After all, how "valuable" is a dollar bill when you're freezing in a snow storm?  It's difficult to apply a monetary figure to items of greater value than money.    

Land ownership is a treasured right, but with it comes responsibility.  With any luck, the land will remain long after we're gone.  I propose that we "land owners"  reframe our reference to identify ourselves as " land stewards" for the generations that follow us.  Hopefully the caretakers of the particular swath of mature trees in question considered the very real, but less clear value of a standing, mature small forest ecosystem against the merely monetary and short term profit from their demise.  Historically that has not been the case however, and I believe the community is justified in making the topic a "hot" one…. and requesting explanation for a deed that affects the entire community.  It's not enough to say "they'll grow back".   That mature stand is gone, forever, you cannot recapture the years it took to grow them.  At the end of the day, when the chain saws are quiet, it's your own children and theirs that you are accountable to.  Dear landowner, Is this the best you can do?  It's an honest question, is it?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Truth or Dare


New label for my green pepper jelly... you'll want some, better be nice :)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Working Girl


Not your average 9 to 5er, this girl has got it down.  The computer stays warm and that adding machine is tested regularly.  Good people skills are a bonus.  Gotta love a working girl :)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Winter Apples

sold

I got some very nice feedback on that last apple painting. (thank you)  I'm a bit hard pressed for a come back at the moment, so I decided to revisit this older apple painting done in an entirely different style, from a decidedly colder winter.  It's one that I also like quite a lot, much more impressionistic and "painterly".  When you are an illustrator you get to explore all kinds of expression, that's what I like best about my work :)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Fresh Apples


My apple orchard was productive this year... 2 out of 3 trees anyway.  These Akane apples are small but particularly good as sauce and pie.  Nothing better, with added bonus of no pesticides, hooray for the birds & the beasties.  This painting reminds me why I like a smooth surface to paint on, feels fresh and crispy!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Walking on Water


Just so you don't forget.... it was warm & sunny once, with time for beach combing with friends.   It will be again, after our friends down under enjoy the sun for awhile.  Amazing how far south that sunset has traveled and it's not even solstice yet.  There's plenty of beauty in the steely grey skies with slips of sunshine ducking under the clouds.  All four seasons are still the best :)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lily in the Safety Zone


I'm on a roll with cute dogs.  This is an example of a small (7x5") painting from a client photo.  It comes unframed but with a cardstock backing that allows it to stand up right there on your desk, perky as can be :)  Gift certificate or purchase details here, or email me for more information, info@fernwoodstudio.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Any Chance?

SOLD

As in.... any chance you'll throw that ball for me? give me a cookie? scratch my ears?  Any Chance you'd like to smile seeing your own pet captured in paint and sitting on your table or desk top?  You must have one of those little snap shots that has captured "that look" or quirky thing that says so much more than words about your favorite friend.  I'm offering small commission works from your photo(s) for $50, or you can buy a gift certificate.... it's a forever gift that might be absolutely perfect for someone you know.  Check out my website for the details about Mini Masterpiece Gift Certificates  or email me with your questions.  It's the one time that I really enjoy making people cry :)

Sunday, November 27, 2011

You Called?


If this one doesn't put a chuckle in your chest, well... you can always pay for therapy :)   and, yes, she really does have that heart shaped spot on her forehead (it's a lot like the little girl with the curl, dangerously adorable :).

Friday, November 25, 2011

Lifting Fog


Also called "The Road Home" ... I am very thankful to live far down this country back road where the pace and the place are both peaceful.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone :)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Evening Angler


Catching time watching a winter sunset, you didn't think she was casting for fish did you?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Dressed for Fall


Murphy is a dog made for winter weather, fur ruff in place and snuggled in a bed of leaves, life is good here at FernWood :)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Quiet Road


It seems like it took awhile but the golden leaf extravaganza of color is hanging on.  Without any strong wind storms to strip the trees yet, their color lights up our path even as the days grow shorter.  

Monday, October 31, 2011

Whispers on the Wind


I almost gave up on this one, too much futzing is deadly, especially on these small paintings... but then I started to like it again.  It's probably because it reminds me of that particular connection that only comes while sitting bareback on a horse and without a bridle.  Do you know that feeling?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Donkey

7x5acrylic on canvas panel, purchase info here
He really wanted to jog along with me on this very fine autumn day.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

For You

6x6 click for purchase info
This fellow has clearly found his perfect pumpkin :)   It was fun to visit the pumpkin patch on our way home from our girls weekend at Crystal mountain... we even went through the corn maze, it was hilarious... and took forever, but we were determined to find all 8 designated check points.  The fields were particularly vibrant in the sunshine after the rain.

I am the featured painter for Judson's Outfitters, painting supplies.... check me out here.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Meeting the Giants

6x6 acrylic, purchase information here
These giants are shire horses and fortunately, quite gentle.  They are the namesakes of my neighbors farm, Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch.  The horses really must look giant to small children but some of the kids are really unfazed and run right up to them.  You can tell animal lovers even when they're very young.  I know I got busted a time or two stealing sugar cubes for the lovely grey horse that would let me climb onto his back from the fence.  (got busted for that too, but it was worth it :)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Wings and Prayers

6x6 acrylic,  click for purchase information

....lifted up by the clouds and heron's wings on a summers afternoon.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Watching From the Rail

6x6"acrylic   purchase info. here

There were a couple of women watching the horse training session with the big shire, Quest during the Farm Festival.  Couldn't resist trying to capture that body language in paint, not to mention the braids!  Might try a larger version, the braids and fabric folds are too much fun.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Meeting Ruby

6x6"acrylic, sold

My sister's great dane, Ruby was quite the attraction wandering through the farmer's market this summer.  Here she is still just a pup (with a hint of what's to come).  This little guy was pretty thrilled to meet her (even if she wasn't really a cow :)  I could do a whole book of "Ruby" paintings.... hmmm.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Autumn Mist

6x6 acrylic on board, click for purchase information.

I do love this time of year, returning rain and all.  This is the view on a misty morning looking down my driveway.  It's going to be a great day :)

Friday, October 7, 2011

Naked Truth

6x6"acrylic, click for purchase info.
"Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."      Steve Jobs - Palo Alto, 2005

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Feeding the Hens

6x6" acrylic on hardboard
Finally getting back to my small painting sketches.  Last weekend was the farm tour, its so much fun to see both children and adults learning and interacting with the animals. Click here for sales information.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Show Opens Tomorrow



Here's Margo putting the finishing touches on the Kopachuck Park, Requiem for the Trees show at the Harbor History Museum and one of my entries. The reception is tomorrow at 5:30 pm, show runs for 2 weeks so get there soon!  There's a great range of materials and techniques represented.  The arts community really stepped up to the challenge in a very short time.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Marked tree & Towhee

from my sketchbook
I've been busy working on the Kopachuck Tree project.  If you haven't heard about it check out our blog here.  I stole a little time to enjoy some conversation with the old trees and a towhee.  This tree is marked to be taken down soon :(  makes me very sad.... but in the meantime it is a peaceful place to be.  I have two large studio paintings in the works and hopefully there'll be time to finish them after I return from hiking the Olympics High Divide with the CWA kids this next week.  Happy trails!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Sunset Swim


What can be better than a cooling swim after a hot, late summer day?

Monday, September 5, 2011

Blue Flight


Can you hear him squawking at you as he flies off through the trees?  Foggy forest and a bird in flight, no better subjects to practice "losing" edges.  Stellar jay's are the most amazing blue aren't they?  

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Flower Farm


This is inspired by a friend's place.... Morgan Creek Farm.  You can find her at the local farmers markets, best flowers (and heirloom tomatoes) in the land!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tap Tap Tapper


For the most part I have been fairly unsuccessful in my attempts to paint the forest, but I'm pleased with this one.  Everyone working on the show for the Kopachuck Park trees should get lots of extra points for tackling such a challenging subject.  We are posting progress reports on that blog;  http://kopachucktrees.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Moss Light Through the Trees


We had quite a gathering at Kopachuck Park yesterday.  I have a healthy respect for any plein air painter.... esp those that can capture the forest and the trees!  I don't happen to be one of them.... but my sketchbook and I wandered through the park and I do believe something will come of it :)  This image is from a more rainforest habitat, good start to getting into the swing of expressing the "tree" in me.  Get outside, talk to the trees... while you still can.   Contact me if you have questions about our tree project.
This painting is available for purchase at DailyPaintWorks.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Clammin'


The Great White Clam Hunter surveys his domain.... thank you uncle Mark.  We had a great, impromptu "girls night" last week, with steamers and wine, upscale setting :)  Life is good!   Available for purchase here.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Jellyfish Clouds


Did you know that there are species and varieties of clouds and accessory clouds with supplementary features?  Well, if you were a "cloud collector" you surely would.  I just thought they were jellyfish in an ocean of sky.  Come to find out they are Altocumulus virga, their tentacles are ice trails falling from an altocumulus, midlevel (6 to 23,000ft) cloudlet.  Not surprisingly for this summer, they are associated with an incoming cold front.  The world is full of wonder-ful things :)http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/rpeterson-1798

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Breaking Open


Mornings like this are so stunning that they break your heart right open.  I got closer than I thought I would with this painting, so it might be worth revisiting in a larger format.  It feels good to be inspired again. :)  This one is also posted in my DPW gallery.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Kyuquot Sunset


Amazingly enough, we had excellent weather during our stay on Vancouver Island's north coast.  You need a few clouds to make that magic sunset light spectacular.  This view is looking NW towards the notorious Brooks Peninsula and the inside of Spring Island from our upscale campsite on Fisherman's Island.  There's nothing like a good inspiration gathering adventure to get the painter groove going.

I'm also very pleased to report that I have been invited to be a "Featured Artist" on the Daily PaintWorks auction and painting sales site.  The artists in this group are GOOD, so I'm proud to be in their company.  The Daily PaintWorks site pulls together a large group of active painters, mostly creating small images for sale or auction.  The Daily painting craze started awhile back and it's been a huge success... it keeps painters painting and it allows aficionados to start or add to their collection of original art with a nominal investment.  Paintings change on a daily basis, tightly rendered realism to abstract impressionism, it's a busy place.  The sales process is smooth and transactions are straight forward and easy.  To brighten your day, you can even have new daily paintings (including mine) delivered to your email box, click here.  Try it, that way you are at least guaranteed one email that you'll want to open every day :)


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Have kayak, will travel


This is one of the spots that has been home for the last couple weeks... needless to say it was hard to leave.  It could not have been a better adventure :)  A soul renewing sort of place that I will take great pleasure in sharing with you soon.... soon as I catch up on some of the mundane business that has collected in my absence anyway.   Tide pools and textures, I thought of many of you as I soaked up this scenery... hopefully I can share this spectacular spot with you in upcoming photos and paintings, yes, I did work in my sketchbook :)

Monday, July 25, 2011

Ballerina in Training?


This little lady shows early athletic talent as she tries to deal with some very pesky bugs on her first day outside!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Yellow Rose


A yellow rose to cheer your day.  I like the texture underneath it all, this one's a climber.  I'll be posting this painting on my DailyPaintworks site too.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Painted Lady


In between summer storms and bluster this Painted Lady butterfly accompanied us as we walked the beach.  I'm sure the sunshine was just as welcome to both butterfly and beast.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Morgan Creek Farm


The coolest farm on the planet, with the best and brightest flowers is my friend Donna's place.  Those buckets won't be empty for long with all the farmer's markets she hits in the summer.  Look for her in Gig Harbor's Weds. and Sat. markets, it will make your day bright and cheery and flowerful!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Chestnut Tree


A departure into the more abstract for me, I liked going there :)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Simpatico



This is another collage experiment.  I had no real interest in reproducing the parts of the photograph that I liked but could improve upon some aspects of it, so I collaged the best bits and painted the rest... with a few leaves thrown in for good measure.  This technique feels perfect for a "tribute" portrait where multiple stories are suggested within the whole.  Cabare is an older horse who has been a champion throughout his life, from upper level dressage performance, to teaching new riders, to babysitting young horses and yet there is still nothing better than a meander through the tall grass meadow of a summer evening.

Monday, July 4, 2011

FlowerWorks


Happy 4th of July.... Celebrate with flower-works!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Bee and Bells


Ahhh, the hummmmm of summmmer :)

Friday, June 24, 2011

Wings to Fly


This canvas has been laying around forever with a single feather painted on it, I had no idea what to do with it... today it finally took flight!  I have always been attracted to layers of depth and texture in a painting.  That, and a little frustration sent me off into the world of collage and mixed media.  I also enjoy manipulating images digitally, so it's got some of that too.  Fun.