"Paired for Life" (watercolor; 5" x 7")

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Lately I have been doing a lot of sketches, partly because I've had a low energy level for a while.  I still don't feel well, but I continue making sketches, usually in the evenings, for fun and as compositional studies for future paintings.  I use different paper and material, depending on what the subject calls for.  "Paired for Life" was done in watercolor, started out with a quick line drawing of an aquarelle pencil, which "melts away" in the wash.  The sketch turned out well enough to list on Etsy--loose and fresh!

"Lavender Harmony" (oil on linen; 12" x 12") sold

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On a hot summer day, stand in the middle of shimmering purple lavender fields. You will feel heady in a perfumed air.  Speaking of summer, the entire East Coast is experiencing an unseasonably warm weather--in the 60's and 70's.  With the mild temperature and humidity, it feels like Kauai!  A white Christmas is out of the question; there is instead a flash flood warning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

"Sunrise Quietude" (oil on linen; 9" x 12") sold

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A couple of loons glide on a mirror-like lake on a sunrise. Peace and quietude reign.  After the last-minute grocery shopping on Christmas Eve, working on the piece was like meditation!

"Clue" (oil on linen; 8" x 16") sold

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"Clue" is for Richard.  Richard told me why he wanted me to paint the cover of the classic board game, Clue.  Several years ago, he and his friends dressed up as the characters of the game to create the perfect mood for his proposal to his then girl friend.  Richard and she had grew up on and were both fond of the game.  Their wedding anniversary is coming up in January, so this painting is to be a surprise gift to his wife.  Have you ever heard of a more romantic and sweeter story? 

If you look at the painting carefully, you will find a diamond engagement ring and the lettering "Magnolia", whose meaning Richard didn't let me on.  He also asked me to keep the mood mysterious and spooky.  I hope I succeeded!

"Glorious Tulips" (watercolor on Yupo; 8" x 8") sold

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Squat down in front of tulips in your garden on a sunny spring day and admire their brilliant colors.  Some have fragrance, so sniff them too.  How many months do I have to wait for my tulips to bloom?

"Winston" (oil on linen; 10" x 8") sold

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"Winston" is for Bob who commissioned the portrait for his wife Lindsey.  Winston is a 7-year-old Havanese.  He loves treats and stands on his back paws for them.  He likes chewing on a bone or playing with a toy, but he does not chase the ball when we play fetch with his uncles (the dogs from the double portrait I did for Lindsey last year).  He is very playful but also affectionate; he goes berserk (happily) anytime we come home and acts like we've been gone for months.  His mom is by far his favorite. 

"Wyatt" (oil on linen; 8" x 6") sold

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"Wyatt" is for Erin who commissioned the portrait as a Christmas gift for her husband.  Wyatt is a 8-months-old beagle mix rescue dog. He loves to eat, run and play with other dogs at the dog park and doggy day camp.  He loves people just as much as other dogs. He is the greatest snuggler and captured the hearts of his human parents.

"Sweetie" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

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"Sweetie" is for Anne who commissioned the portrait of this gorgeous cat for her hair dresser.  She had also given him the kitten.  The gift of the cat and her portrait!  Wow, he must be a special friend.

"Buddy" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

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"Buddy" is another pet portrait for Kim, who commissioned it for her son.  Buddy is a pit bull who adopted Kim's son and girlfriend.  The dog was found tangled up in her son's fence one day this summer. They tried to find the stray's home only to learn that he was at a foster home and got away.  Kim's son lives in a college town, so they think some college students left him in the apartment with just a little food and water when they moved out at the end of the school year.  Animal cruelty!

Buddy is the sweetest dog ever.; he loves to snuggle.  Kim was a little skeptical about him being a pit bull, as he does not have a mean bone in his body.  Kim's extended family pet has a happy ending: Buddy has found his home!