"Monet's Giverny Garden in Wisteria Season" (watercolor and gouache; 8" x 8") sold

sold

Wisterias are blooming over the famous Japanese Bridge at the waterlily pond in Monet's Giverny gardens. The fragrance of white and purple wisterias perfumes the air.

"Cherry Blossom Delight" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

sold

The cherry on this yummy French pastry still has the dried blossom attached!

"Washington Monument Twilight" (oil on linen; 8" x 10") sold

sold

The Washington Monument rises against the sunset sky, while it and the dark, surrounding trees cast the reflections of unforgettable beauty.

"Antique French Teapot with Poppies" (oil on linen; 12" x 12") sold

sold

A glorious bouquet of poppies would have been enough. But apricots and cherries also tempt you. There is more! The antique French blue enameled teapot and coffee pot complete chromatically this sumptuous still life. 

"Bandit" (oil on stretched linen; 12" x 9") sold

sold

"Bandit" was commissioned by Patricia for her friend who lost this handsome cat last year. He was fourteen. It is my first tuxedo cat portrait and I enjoyed painting it.

"Erik and Peter" (oil on stretched canvas; 20" x 16") gift

gift

I don't know how old the twin boys were in the reference photo, but they could have been about the time when I first met them--seven years of age. I had just started dating their uncle Peter and was introduced to the family in their house in Eau Claire, WI. I loved them and they loved me back. Such tall, blond, handsome and nice boys! They grew up, got married and had three kids (for Erik, sitting in the painting) and twins (for Peter, standing) each. Such a happy family! I was proud to be a part of the extended family.

As you may remember, Erik passed away unexpectedly last August at the age of 38. Life sometimes changes suddenly and irrevocably. That is the case with Erik's death. His family will never be the same.

On May 9th, Peter turned 39; his older brother Erik would have turned 39 too. The family got together in Twin Cities, MN, to celebrate the twins' birthday. I wish my husband and I were there too. My thoughts were there with them though. I painted the double portrait as a birthday present for Peter, who must go on without his crib mate. I told him that he mustn't try to fill in the shoes of his big brother. That's too much of a burden. I told him to be just himself because we love him as Peter, not as Erik's doppelganger.

Happy Birthday, Peter! Happy Birthday, Erik! We miss you terribly.

"My Baby Boy" (oil on stretched linen; 30" x 24") sold

sold

Alex commissioned this charming double portrait of himself and his baby boy Andrew for his mother's birthday. I hope it will be well received and appreciated by her! It was a rush job as I only had two weeks to paint such a large portrait and only one week to dry and ship it before the birthday party. It made me focus on the essentials and, as a result, the painting retains freshness. What do you think?