California Quail

In the last 3 months, we humans have fretted over toilet paper shortages, complained about not getting haircuts, wore masks, stayed six feet from each other, and now riots are currently embroiled in major cities across the US. Meanwhile, it makes me wonder how animals are seeing our current world. National parks and forests have been closed, and there have been less cars on the road, which we can assume has been beneficial for them, right? After all, they were here before humans invaded their spaces.

Here is a bird that has adapted quite well to the invasive species of human beings, and is the California State bird. It has been over a year since I opened my bird journal. Hearing and seeing the finches early in the morning in my yard has renewed my admiration for birds. What would it be like to just take off and fly if you need a change of scenery? Painted on 100% cotton paper in watercolor and ink.

Frankie the Koala

My heart was breaking while reading news stories on the koala bears suffering from the Australian wildfires. I've never seen one up close, but I find them sweet, kind and adorable. This painting represents my admiration for these sweet marsupials. Painted on treated canvas board 10x14 in watercolor.

Canals in Belgium

It's easy to think about Venice when you read or hear about canals in Europe. Recently I discovered there are also canals in Bruges Belgium. This is a view on my bucket list some day. Painted on paper in watercolor.

Sliver of Provence France

A bucket list location, I long to stand in a lavender field in southern France someday. My teenage daugher is currently learning the language in school, and we promised her if she continued her studies of the language until her senior year (she's a freshman), we would fund a family trip to France. She's interested in southern France, which works out perfect! This is painted on Arches paper with Daniel Smith watercolors.

Gouache still life for life being still

So we are in a pandemic which requires us to stay home in isolation. Perfect timing for a still life set. My kitchen needed some upgrades in wall art, so here are two paintings in gouache of still life in the kitchen. My style is the black and white border around objects of prominence, and slight fauvism to enhance shadows and highlights.

Tannis Shawl

Every now and again, my knitting produces some beautiful pieces. This shawl happens to be one of those pieces. My favorite colors to wear gravitate towards the cooler spectrum, and I bought this yarn with the intention of breaking that habit. It turned out exquisite, and makes me want to sip wine while wearing it.

Bob Ross, a happy philosopher

Who doesn't love Bob Ross? This past Christmas, my son gifted me a book of quotes from this wise and gentle man who has been a huge influence in my painting. The idea came to me to make my sweet husband a birthday card (March 10th) with a quote and a painting. It occured me that I never have painted him anything, so here is a special one for his 43rd.