"Sunset on Main" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I finished my gallery sitting shift at Art on Main and was walking to my car at the end of a January afternoon. The sun was just dipping below the horizon and I loved the effect of the oncoming car headlights as they illuminated the road. I took out my camera to capture the moment as the cars sped by.

I started this painting with a bright pink ground and allowed that color to peek through to create the dramatic lighting. Occasionally, a painting will paint itself and this was one of those rare occasions where my brush knew exactly what to do and it all came together quite easily.

"Hannah" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - sold

Hannah - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

A pet portrait commission of a sweet little kitty named Hannah.  The owners were very touched when the saw the painting as Hannah recently passed away.

"Be Mine" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I hope everyone has a chocolate-filled Valentine's Day with lots of love from friends and family!

Pastel Workshop - Calla Lily

Calla Lily

The Chelmsford Center for the Arts offered a pastel workshop on Monday night and I attended with two friends.  The instructor, Greg Maichack, was excellent.  I learned some drawing techniques.  I learned some pastel techniques.  I learned about pastel materials.  I learned interesting tidbits about art history.  I learned an awful lot.  But, most of all, I learned that I really don't like working in pastel!

"Snow Day" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

Snow Day - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

I was itching to paint outside yesterday so I piled my stuff into Opal (my new car) and went off searching for something to paint.  Yes, I name everything including the occasional body part.  But, I digress.  I passed a parking area with a bunch of school buses all lined up and loved all the bright yellow/orange colors.  I parked directly across the street and decided to focus my attention on the two buses directly in front of me.  I had to work quickly as the sun was setting (and happened to be shining directly into my eyes which made it a challenge to see what I was doing).  I’m happy to report that I didn’t get one drop of paint on Opal which is probably a small miracle.  My pants, however, that’s another story…