Picture This

Another Purdy Sunset

2012-01-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

The view of the winter sunset across the Purdy spit is always interesting and often spectacular.

Winter Forest

2012-01-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

It's a challenge attempting to capture the feeling of snow covered forest understory. There's a lot more color there than you might think at first glance, especially in the rainforest.

the Wonder of it all

2012-01-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

"They say that every snowflake is different. If that were true, how could the world go on? How could we ever get up off our knees? How could we ever recover from the wonder of it? janette winterson

Pay to Play

2012-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

7x5"acrylic

I was happy to be out yesterday since it's an icy world today. Gotta love western WA snowstorms, good for one day, then ice, slush &/or muck. Lackey hill will be slip slidin today, with or without a sled!

Cabbage White

2012-01-19T00:19:00.000-08:00

Capturing butterflies is not an easy task... and none were harmed in my attempts. There is an optimal time... after they've passed through the mating frenzy and before they're too tattered and wind blown. They are amazing creatures, you have to be ready to stop flitting around yourself if you really want to appreciate them.

A World Apart

2012-01-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

6"x12" acrylic

While the snow flies, I'm revisiting some favorite locations. This one is in Olympic National Park, WA. Time stands still as you walk out of the forest into a meadow with the world spread wide at your feet. Hear the insects buzzing, feel the touch of a breeze.... and breathe deep.
(It's good to be a painter ;~)

Winter Sky

2012-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

...only slightly exaggerated, the winter sunsets here in Puget Sound are extravagant! This is the proverbial calm before a storm ruffles the feathers of the bay.

Best of Show

2012-01-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Happy painter dance. "Solstice" won best of show in the PAL winter exhibit. Thanks Pat Rush for the photo :)

Norwegian Forest Kitten

2012-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Meet Ginger, a Norwegian Forest Cat... kitten actually. I had never heard of them either, she is quite different looking, has a great "leonine" profile.... you'll likely see her again on this blog. She's very inquisitive and bold, don't know if that's just her or if it's typical of the breed, either way she definitely has her human family in training. These small paintings (5"x7") are great for testing design. I initially thought the large dark block in the background would be too much, but with that direct stare, I think the cat's face balances the composition nicely. I liked how her color and the chair colors work together, although it does look like Ginger, the best part about the painting is the chair I think :)

Lily and Buddy

2012-01-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a composite of 3 paintings of Lily and Buddy.... guess which one is sweet and which one has attitude. I don't know these dogs personally, but apparently I did ok. :)

looking to SpringFling!

2012-01-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Lots of painting opportunities upcoming on the KP, get your brushes, pencils, clay, camera and creative juices going! This is an especially important one... to support arts in local schools, please participate :)

Solstice

2012-01-08T00:43:00.000-08:00

24x24" acrylic on canvas

I have to admit that I'm pretty excited about this one.... I know I started it, but I'm not really sure what muse took over the brush to finish it. This is a usually nondescript patch of weeds.... except on one special sunny solstice evening when the sun is low on the southwest horizon. This painting is going into the Peninsula Art League Show at the Kimball Espresso Gallery in Gig Harbor this coming Monday. The show runs Jan 9 to Feb 6, opening reception is Jan 15, 2 to 4 PM.... go have a look :)

Sleeping it Off

2012-01-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

Clearly this pup had a happy new year celebration, hope you did too :) Now that we are back to normal weather rather than the June-uary of yesterday... no, wait, it was actually warmer than June. Anyway back to winter rain and work and long winter naps etc. Enjoy it all.

Leading the Way

2011-12-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

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.

Winter Gallop

2011-12-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

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 :)

Renoir Santa

2011-12-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Waiting for Winter

2011-12-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

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!

Tears are good during Christmas time

2011-12-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

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

Leaping Greenly Spirits of the Trees

2011-12-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

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?

Truth or Dare

2011-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

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

Working Girl

2011-12-11T19:59:00.001-08:00

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 :)

Winter Apples

2011-12-08T22:01:00.001-08:00

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 :)

Fresh Apples

2011-12-06T17:48:00.001-08:00

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!

Walking on Water

2011-12-03T22:21:00.001-08:00

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 :)

Lily in the Safety Zone

2011-11-30T11:00:00.001-08:00

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

Any Chance?

2011-11-29T17:07:00.001-08:00

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 :)

You Called?

2011-11-27T12:12:00.001-08:00

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 :).

Lifting Fog

2011-11-25T16:55:00.001-08:00

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 :)

Evening Angler

2011-11-20T13:17:00.001-08:00

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

Dressed for Fall

2011-11-12T14:25:00.001-08:00

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 :)

Quiet Road

2011-11-10T19:46:00.001-08:00

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.

Whispers on the Wind

2011-10-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

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?

Donkey

2011-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

7x5acrylic on canvas panel, purchase info here

He really wanted to jog along with me on this very fine autumn day.

For You

2011-10-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Meeting the Giants

2011-10-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Wings and Prayers

2011-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

6x6 acrylic, click for purchase information

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

Watching From the Rail

2011-10-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Meeting Ruby

2011-10-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Autumn Mist

2011-10-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Naked Truth

2011-10-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

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

Feeding the Hens

2011-10-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Show Opens Tomorrow

2011-09-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Marked tree & Towhee

2011-09-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

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!

Sunset Swim

2011-09-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

Blue Flight

2011-09-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

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?

Flower Farm

2011-09-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

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!

Tap Tap Tapper

2011-08-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

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

Moss Light Through the Trees

2011-08-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Clammin'

2011-08-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Jellyfish Clouds

2011-08-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

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

Breaking Open

2011-08-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Kyuquot Sunset

2011-08-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Have kayak, will travel

2011-08-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Ballerina in Training?

2011-07-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

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

Yellow Rose

2011-07-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Painted Lady

2011-07-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Morgan Creek Farm

2011-07-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

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!

The Chestnut Tree

2011-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

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

Simpatico

2011-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

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.

FlowerWorks

2011-07-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

Bee and Bells

2011-06-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the hummmmm of summmmer :)

Wings to Fly

2011-06-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Hailey & Sage

2011-06-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is a commissioned oil painting of two lovely whippets, captured in their inside, on the bed, fluff my comforter please, element. When I'm told "you got my dogs!!" I do the happy painter dance. Go ahead, visualize it, laugh at me, I'm good with it :)

Inbetween Tides diptych

2011-06-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

So here is a two-fer, the view looking out of Dutcher Cove on a calm and pleasant day. A day to snuggle your bones into the sun warmed cobble bed, breathe the briny air and watch a river of cloud ships float overhead. I painted it as one image but I think they also stand alone quite well.... stick your hand over one at a time and see what you think.

my new adventure

2011-06-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

Setting off into the brave new digital marketplace, I just joined the Daily Paintworks group. I've been following a daily painter named Carol Marine for some time now and her husband has gathered her daily painting crowd together into a web gallery of (mostly) small, daily paintings for perusal and purchase. I liked his comment that this site is the result of joining Ebay and Etsy, resulting in offspring who just love to paint! Anyway, there is a great range of artwork shown with terrific opportunities to expand your own art collection. I will be trying the auction thing next :)

Adrift

2011-05-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Good things can come from tough weather beach hikes :) in fact, sometimes those are the best kind. (usually after you are home and dried out though) Gnarly suits me for the moment: difficult, dangerous, or challenging : [ORIGIN: originally surfers' slang, perhaps from the appearance of rough sea.] Maybe I should change the title, hmmm. This also belongs in the "places between" series; between stages of life, between tides, seasons, storms, challenges, between thought and action.

A Place Between, Estuary

2011-05-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

This belongs in the "Places Between" series..... between sea and shore, between tides, between salt and sweet, between summer squalls, between now and then.

Shoreline Shell

2011-05-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

On a roll with a shoreline series, treasures to be found.... and great warm ups too.

Bluster and Foam

2011-04-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to enjoy working with the "open" acrylics.... not to mention manufacturing my own warm & sunny days. A little bluster is ok too :)

Remember Summer?

2011-04-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Memories are powerful things :) bonfire smells, soft breeze, birds settling in to roost. Dig out your sleeping bag it's a good night to sleep outside..... ahhhhh, summer. (sigh, a painter can dream anyway)

Stella

2011-04-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Stella is enjoying "retirement" in her favorite location.

Pick Me!

2011-04-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

My sister is finally getting her great dane puppy.... no, not this one, but I'm sure I'll have the opportunity to paint her little girl soon. No one in their right mind can resist puppies, not these giant floppy ones with humongous pink feet, pick Me, pick Me :)

Renewal

2011-04-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Spring seems to be hesitating, not sure of its welcome... so this painting is meant to send a definitive "yes".

DDay in the Spring

2011-03-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Add caption

You may recognize this handsome fellow from a while back. Although the painting had potential, I was never comfortable with it and finally decided to do something... kill it or cure it, so to speak. So here he is reincarnated, without his bridle, his head tipped to gaze right back at us, his legs shortened and the background abstracted. Even with this unevenly lit photograph, I am happier now :) I just have to wait for a sunny day to get a good photo... that may take a while, so on to another project.

Lexi

2011-03-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here is someone's favorite princess. She is oh so happy to show off her sweet prima donna self. Thankfully, at least she was for me on our photo shoot. You might be surprised how camera shy animals can be.... another advantage of being a painter, you can use several photographic images to capture just the right look and expression.

The Horse in Color

2011-02-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

Somehow, painting with this much color on a cold, grey day just warms you right up :) Mostly, painting has just been frustrating of late, but this was quite fun and I'm pleased with the result.

All kinds of art happening....

2011-01-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

The start of a new year always brings a flurry of “catching up” it seems, especially this year. Sometimes the artsy stuff just gets put on hold and you’ve just gotta grab whatever you can. Today, as the lady sitting next to me at my niece’s PYO concert said, “there is all kinds of art going on here”. This little teeny sketchbook does come in handy!

Who's Bones

2011-01-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

Here is an illustrative style that I always enjoy playing with, I think it's that mixed up left brain, right brain thing I have going.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone.

It's been awhile, time to get my sketchbook warmed up again. The top shows an early morning crossing of the Narrows Bridge at the end of 2010 the sunrise rim light on the mountain is catching the blowing snow, a cold fire burning this morning. The bottom image is driving into the sunset, heading home across the Purdy Bridge on new years day 2011. It certainly has been spectacular weather to bring in the new year.

Caribou Highway

2010-09-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pages from the sketchbook that I made for Gates of the Arctic Nat. Park after our trip down the Noatak River in 2009. I could make several more books and still not capture all of that experience. I also made a book of photographs and paintings called "Notes from the Noatak" I took out the preview because it takes too long to load but you can find it following this link; http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1350695?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget

another kind of canvas.....

2010-09-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here's to painting on a totally different kind of canvas. You can tell just how thrilled Thunder, the wonder pony, was at being the subject of this masterpiece! He will be the main attraction at the Rocky Bay Equine annual bbq this weekend though.... must be worth a few extra carrots don't you think? Cori and I had great fun and poor Thunder gets major points for equine tolerance!

Happy Birthday Dog

2010-09-07T21:46:00.000-07:00

Stacy finally got her Great Dane.... maybe not the one she had in mind but hopefully an adequate "place holder" for now :-) Happy 50th!

Autumn On The Hill

2010-09-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

A herald of things to come. Leaves are starting to change although they haven't quite reached this stage yet. I just needed something to play with so worked from last years photo :}

vote for Harbor WildWatch!

2010-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Pepsi is offering grant money for great ideas. Please support our own Harbor WildWatch with your vote! Check out their submission and video, You can vote as often as you like all through the month of September. It's a great program for both kids and adults.... learn and have fun too!

Pellegrino

2010-08-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is something a little different... a celebration.

Day Break

2010-08-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here's another revisit to Twins Island adjacent to Catala Island in Esperanza Inlet. This was the calm, leeward side of the island on a serene early morning low tide.

Pray For Peace

2010-08-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

From a population of around 300,000, sea otters were decimated by the fur trade. By 1910 their numbers dropped to 2,000 or so individuals in a fraction of their original range. While still listed as an endangered species, in Esperanza Inlet they have made a significant comeback. I counted at least 26 in one "raft" with several other individuals scattered around. They have eaten much of the local populations of crab, sea urchin and shell fish. Balance in nature takes time and we can only hope that humans will allow it to happen as the otter reestablish their native range, distributing themselves down the coast as they deplete their local food sources.

Pacific

2010-08-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Missing that Pacific glow since I've been back from our trip to Esperanza Inlet off NW Vancouver Isl. so traveled back in paint. We had phenomenal weather, esp. for this summer. More paintings will come from this trip ;-}

BABC does Esperanza Inlet

2010-07-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

Official logo of the BABC aka. BarelyAdequateBoatingClub, for our kayak trip to the NW end of Vancouver Island. We are taking a converted mine sweeper that brings stuff to isolated villages, it will drop us off around Catala Isl. marine park, from there we plan to explore the area, Neptune willing. Back in August.

Sherman

2010-07-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sherman was a perfect choice for my demo painting at the Peninsula Art League Festival today. I think there were almost as many dogs, of every conceivable shape, size and color, as there were people. The other bonus was that I didn't even fight with the paint... just laid it on down there. Guess I should paint with an audience more often.

Destiny's Child

2010-07-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

New painting, up at the Gig Harbor Art Festival this weekend.

Summer Clouds

2010-07-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

The clouds broke apart in clumps yesterday, lumps of foam in a wave tossed sky. The lowest tides of the summer have been the last few days.... the eel grass beds are full of baby crabs and fish. If you stop to listen you can hear the tidepool conversations; snaps, pops and sighs of marine creatures adjusting to a dry world. Birds; gulls, terns, guillimots, crows and the eagle all taking a turn at the smorgasbord.

Painting the Lavender Field

2010-07-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Joined Peninsula Art League painters at the Blue Willow Lavender Farm in Vaughn, WA near my home. (check out their excellent website) Haven't painted en plein air for a long time and clearly it will take more practice before the results are more about the location and mood rather than about how to apply the paint! These young lavender fields are neat as a pin, not messy like my rendition. Good thing the farm proprietors are very accommodating, I'll just have to go back to paint another day.

Got Treats?

2010-07-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

I met the youngest, old basset hound named Sherman the other day. He gives the best "got treats?" look. I'm thinkin' you may see him on this blog again, I love dogs with character!

Afternoon on the Road

2010-07-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've been in a painter's slump lately so I'm happy to finally have something to show that I actually like. Appropriately enough it's an image from one of my afternoon runs which are the main thing that keeps me sane (sortof :-)

Toleak Point

2010-06-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is a view from the headland south of Toleak Point on an incredible sunny day.

Strawberry Point

2010-06-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Three cousins backpacking on a calm, sunny day at the edge of the sea, what could be better than that?

A Sense of Wonder

2010-06-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Watching the last sun rays bend over the curve of the Pacific Ocean. We caught a rare 3 days of sunny spring weather while backpacking on the wilderness coast south of LaPush, Washington this weekend.

"I am surrounded by the forest and the ocean, this rocky coast. And this solitude, far away from public clamor. To stand here at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of tides, to feel the breath of a mist over the great salt marsh. To watch the flight of the shore birds that have swept up and down these continents for untold thousands of years. To see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be." Rachel Carson

I also added a new Facebook to blog and back, networking thingy (see right) If you would kindly become a "follower" new blog posts will automatically show up on Facebook in a somewhat timely fashion (they assure me it will) Thanks!

House on the Hill

2010-06-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

This could also be titled, "Overrun" as the spring riot of growth overtakes the old, abandoned house that perches above the bay.

Choppy Seas at High Tide

2010-06-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

I love watching the squalls in their usual bluster from the SW down Case Inlet, we are certainly getting our share this cool and wet spring. I'm a new great auntie too... a little storm named Alexander Louis arrived in the wee hours of June first to my niece Milissa and her partner Paul.