Rock n' Roll

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

For the last 2 years, a majority of my time has been spent cheering on our daughter at regattas.  I've learned so much about youth sailing and racing, and to be quite honest, I love it!  Some of the conditions these kids sail in would make any adult quiver in their boots!  The gumption and tenacity I've seen in all of the kids makes me proud to be a part of it all.

With this painting I was hoping to capture the movement and action out on the water, as well as the bright sunshine.  Thanks to Jim Skeel, an amazing photographer, I was able to use his photo to paint this.

Three On the Line

8x6
acrylic on canvas board

I painted this from a photo I found on Pixabay.  I was instantly attracted to the colors of the fish and water.  I started this painting with a much more "clean and simple"style (and honestly, being a slave to the photo!), but found it wasn't quite working for me.  I wanted to see more action and feeling.  I'm pretty happy with the results. 

 After not painting for a good part of the summer I started wondering if I'd lose all the progress I've made in my painting style.  Strangely enough, when I picked up the brush I felt a certain amount of freedom. Maybe getting out of the routine helped me to take a few more chances?  Who knows.  I certainly don't want to over think it!

Reflections of Pearl

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I painted this for the "Water Challenge".  It's an actual reflection of our beloved sailboat, Pearl, while anchored in Boston Harbor, Olympia.  It was the morning after the July 3rd fireworks a couple of years ago and the water was glass calm, the sky was a brilliant blue, and life was good.

This past summer did not leave much room for painting in my life.  Our oldest daughter is now off at college, and our youngest is back in school, and I am able to get back in a groove with my art!  I hope all of you had a wonderful summer.

Black Lab Puppy

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This one pretty much speaks for itself.  Love, love, love this little guy!

Blueberry Bash Heron

9x12
acrylic on canvas

Every year our church hosts a big summer celebration known as "The Blueberry Bash".  I decided to paint this heron for the raffle this year.

Misty Morning at Shilshole Marina

16x12
acrylic on canvas

This is a commissioned piece I did this summer.  I was hoping to evoke a feeling a quite and peace.

Bumbles

We have a bunch of bumble bees working in our garden as I write this.  I couldn't be happier!  I love seeing these furry little guys, and my flowers are loving them too!  I used a picture from Pixabay to paint this.  I can never seem to get a good shot of the bees in my garden.  Thank goodness for royalty free photos!

6x6 acrylic on gessobord

Smiley Face

It's been an incredibly busy month!  I have been working on a few commissioned pieces and being a mom.  I am hoping to start spending more time in the studio.  Unfortunately, when I've been away from painting for a bit, it is so hard to motivate myself and also find that inner artist.  I painted Smiley Face to help snap me back into action.  I can't help but smile when looking at this face!  Enjoy!

8x6
acrylic on canvas panel

Siamese Sitting in the Sun

I painted this for this week's "window challenge" on DPW.  I used a photo I found on Pixabay a while back.  I have been wanting to paint it for a while now, but other things kept popping up.  I love the sun shining on this elegant feline!  Now say the title three times fast!

8x6
acrylic on canvas panel

Sweet Nana

This is one of my newest commissioned pieces I've been working on.  I started with a completely different painting that just wasn't working.  Once I switched gears and began working on this one, it just flowed so nicely.

6x6
acrylic on gessobord