Kissy Face

This was a commission piece I recently finished.

Taking A Bow

I'm going to miss this guy.  Quest has been my neighbor since he was foaled... 5 years ago I think. Yesterday he moved away.  I love having all the farm animals as neighbors, but especially the big shire horses.  I am seriously sad to see him go... along with his owners, his mom and a particular Canada goose that had adopted Quest as his pasture buddy.

Another Purdy Sunset

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

Winter Forest

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

"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

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

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

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

...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

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

Norwegian Forest Kitten

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

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!

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

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

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.