Kristen Reitz-Green

"Tongue Tongue"

2011-11-26T21:44:00.001-08:00

"Tongue Tongue"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

NFS

So much could be said about my friend's dog Tongue Tongue. He is a rescue and had a terrible brain injury and his tongue never goes in farther than this. He is really something special and a Must Paint for me. Thanks to all the vets out there who help out animals like this one and then can't help but take them home for an easier life. Here's to you Dana!

Patience

2011-11-21T14:56:00.001-08:00

"Patience"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

"Namaste"

oil on board, 4" x 4"

SOLD

A couple of other small works for me today. It is good to keep working small as this is where I feel most challenged. It's so hard to get it right in so little space...

"bird"

2011-11-17T13:35:00.001-08:00

"bird"

oil on canvas. 10" x 10"

And here is something completely different for me as well. I thought I would experiment. What do you think?

Fresh Fish

2011-11-16T14:47:00.001-08:00

"Fresh Fish"

(Pike Place Market)

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Here is an unusual one for me. Not sure if it is my best painting ever but it's always good to try new material. I love all the neon in the market area. I might some realistic paintings of some neon signs, large of course. It could be fun.

"In the Golden Sun"

2011-11-13T11:12:00.001-08:00

"In the Golden Sun"

oil on canvas, 9" x 12"

Again I painted from a black canvas and found it intriguing. Here is Butterscotch again. She is just too fun to paint with all her wonderful colors. My other chickens are all in dark reds, blues and blacks so they are more challenging...

We are on the cover!

2011-11-12T19:39:00.001-08:00

My friend Elaine Summers and I will be on the Holiday Art Studio Tour at my studio for the first 2 weekends in December! Come and see her gorgeous mosaic works and my collection of small works. My large works will be on display at Artswest in West Seattle form November 22nd to January 14th. I'm so proud that we were also selected for the cover art for the brochure for this Holiday Tour. Come out and see all the great artists on Vashon and stop by Artswest this December!!

"Shadow"

2011-11-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

"Shadow"

oil on canvas, 10" x 10"

Who doesn't love chicken paintings? This one is on a black canvas to start which is something I never do... It definitely made me feel disoriented and paint in a more impressionistic way. I like it a lot though. This is my Buff Orpington named Butterscotch. I love how her colors catch light. Very pretty.

"Self Sealing" and "Big Bear"

2011-11-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

"Self Sealing"

oil on canvas, 18" x 36"

"Big Bear"

oil on canvas, 36" x 48"

Finally have my honey bear done with all the details and 98% done with "Self Sealing". Have been working very hard on these large works for some upcoming appearances in December and beyond. I am definitely heading towards abstraction with these pieces and am loving the idea of that. I will continue in this vein for a while I think. Can you guess what is in the top jar?? Double click for a closer look!

Two New Small Works...

2011-10-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Many Colors"

oil on board, 8" x 8"

"True Beauty"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

I am very excited that my friend Elaine Summers and I got the cover of our upcoming Vashon Art Studio Tour brochure! They chose my Gumball Machine painting and her Mosaic Dog. I will post a copy when it is published. Anyway, I decided to do a couple of more gumball machine pieces in a much smaller size to have available. Somehow I thought this would just take me a few hours as it wasn't that large but who am I kidding!! It took me three days to finish as each gumball is it's own little world of color...

This swan is lives not to far from my house. He was really showing off his beauty for me. I definitely have a thing for large birds after raising our orphaned geese last year.

2011-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

"Queen of the Couch"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

Doesn't seem like I can paint Lilly enough. She is just so striking... Same cat, different light and definitely different mood.

2011-10-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

"Nesting"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

One small piece and off to work on my large canvas. Butterscotch wasn't really wanting to be disturbed while she laid her egg but I couldn't help myself...

Some Small works...

2011-10-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

"Into the Fire"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

"Scene 1 from the Tank"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

I've been really busy on some more big pieces after I finished the Big Honey Bear last week but am trying to fit in some small work too.

I have a bunch of shows coming right up, especially in December and am working hard to be ready. You can check out my large works in December at ArtsWest in West Seattle, or some miniatures at The Blue Heron Master's in Miniature Show on Vashon, and also a piece of mine at the group show in Valise Gallery on downtown Vashon. I will also be showing small works in my own studio for the Vashon Holiday Art Studio Tour with my friend Elaine Summers, who does incredible mosaic work. Also on November 5th, I will showing work for one night only at the Woodinville Winery for the release of their very finest Flagship Red Wine.

Ok. Now I now why I feel so busy!!

Oops- I should also add that I have all my Cat and Dog works at the Hardware Store Restaurant (on Vashon) right now in helping out the upcoming auction for our Vashon Pet shelter VIPP and I have a few other works downtown at the Women Painter's of Washington Gallery in Columbia Tower til the end of the month.Whew. That was a lot of promoting.

Big Honey bear mostly done.

2011-09-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Title???

36" x 48"

finally covered in paint, final details to come...

I don't have a title just yet and there is more to come but it feels like a huge accomplishment to have it covered in paint. This has been taking me so long due to the complicated shapes and subtle color shifts. I will post the final version soon.

The 3 little pieces below are my series called "Tired of Games" , "Rock", "Paper", " Peace." They are 5"x 5" paintings on board.

SOLD

Max Paintings

2011-09-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Max Too.

oil on board, 6"x 6"

NFS

Max with Ball.

(Never Going to Let Go.)

oil on board, 8"x 10"

NFS

These are for my dear friend Amy. Max is a blast to paint due to his pointy fur. There could be more coming. I'm still working on my huge Honey Bear and hope to finish in a week or so. I will also post some other miniatures I've been working on later in the day. Just haven't had the time to photograph everything.

Recent work

2011-09-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

detail of work in progress

I've been working on this painting for weeks now, very slowly I might add. It is very complicated and I was feeling guilty about not posting so here is part close up and below is the work in progress. The bottom has the most beautiful red and yellow honey in it and I think when it's all finished, it will be spectacular. It is really large, 36" x 48". So I am taking it slow to get it right with all the complicated reflections and distortion...

WIP

Below are a couple small pieces I have fit in at night. I definitely am feeling the difference of my 2 styles, impressionistic when small and photorealistic when large... I guess I can be both.

"Knee Deep in Grass"

oil on board, 6"x 6"

"Riff"

oil on board, 2.5" x 3.5"
SOLD

a couple small works

2011-08-17T19:07:00.001-07:00

"Jeans and Sneakers"

oil on board, 6"x 6"

SOLD

"Loaded"

oil on board, 2.5" x 3.5"
SOLD

Thought I'd toss in a couple small things. I've been super busy as summer nears it's end and school is on the horizon. I'm still working on my really big piece and will post a partial view soon. Feels like slow going...

Standing Stones

2011-08-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

"Standing Stones"

oil on board, 5"x 7"

I'm working on a really cool large piece at the moment but I keep trying to do a few small pieces at the same time. Here are some beautiful stones from the beach the other day.

BAM Artsfair Weekend

2011-08-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

My booth at BAM Artsfair in Bellevue!

I just wanted to thank all of you who came by my booth and made my show so successful this past weekend in Bellevue. I loved talking and meeting so many people and being a part of this wonderful art show. I am back to painting and thinking about all of your ideas for other things to paint! What fun... I hope to be back next year.

"Warming Buddha"

2011-07-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

"Warming Buddha"

oil on canvas, 18" x 24"

SOLD

I painted a much smaller version on this Happy Buddha a little while ago and have also been working on this larger version. This one was lit from below and in front and the other from the top. This made me think on Buddha sitting in front of a toasty fire, warming himself, hence the name. What terrific colors to combine in a shiny object!

"Popped"

2011-07-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

"Popped"

oil on canvas, 45" x 15"

SOLD

I have been slowly working on this piece for a month, even as I continued to try to paint small here and there. I think I am finally finished with just some tiny fine tuning and softening. This was really fun and I think I know popcorn inside and out now...Now off to the movies for Harry Potter 7 Part 2! Enjoy!

"Cookies and Milk"

2011-07-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

"Cookies and Milk"

oil on board, 5"x 7"

SOLD

This is a teeny, tiny version of cookies and milk similar to one of my large pieces that sold a while back called "Stacked". I still love the idea of this so I thought I'd try small.

"Butterscotch and Caramel"

2011-07-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

"Butterscotch and Caramel"

oil on board, 8"x 10"

The new chickens are getting to be full size. Alas, Caramel is obviously a rooster...

"Pliny the Elder Beer"

2011-07-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

"Pliny the Elder Beer"

oil on board, 7" x 5"

available at the Bellevue Artsfair July 29, 30, 31

If you are a beer enthusiast, you probably know about this one. "Pliny the Elder" by Russian River Brewing has won Best Beer in the World 2 years running and we happened to find some in our local store just this week. Mostly you can only get a bottle or 2 by adding your name to the waiting list and being patient for a few months but we really lucked out and I have to say that it lives up to it's reputation! Of course I had to paint it while I had it.

"Krispy Kremes"

2011-07-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

"Krispy Kremes"

oil on board, 8" x 8"

SOLD

Of course I had to paint doughnuts. They seemed to be missing from my Bad Food list of favorites.

"In the Field"

2011-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

"In the Field"

oil on board, 8"x 10"

More of Kurt's beautiful cows in the pasture. This young pair and their Mom were so sweet.

"Cloudy"

2011-06-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

"Cloudy"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

NFS

This one is for my dear friend Kristen... Isn't he pretty??

"Evidence"

2011-06-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

"Evidence"

(Bob's Bakery Cheese and Cherry Danishes)

oil on board, 8"x 10"

So, I live on an island that in order to leave, one must take a ferry. These are big ferries that hold about 100 cars and there are plenty of state ferry workers that man the boats. Just this week there was an incident that made the news about one such person smearing a Bob's Bakery Danish onto the windshield of a regular commuters' car. Very unfortunate but quite humorous actually. Anyway, you can check out the video on Youtube (Danish) but of course it gave me the opportunity to head over to Bob's ( a local standby) and paint the offending pastries. I quite enjoyed myself.

"A Few Strays"

2011-06-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

"A Few Strays"

oil on board, 5"x 5"

SOLD

Thought I'd try some popcorn. It was pretty fun. I think there will be more!

"Softness"

2011-06-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

"Softness"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Still loving the softness of these jersey cows. Thanks to Kurt for letting me spend time in his field with his beauties. This little one was looking for Mom.

I also wanted to mention that I was inducted into Women Painters of Washington last month and look forward to taking part in their many upcoming shows! Thanks to those who voted for my entry!

"Curious" and ArtsWest Show

2011-06-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Curious"

oil on board, 6"x 6"
SOLD

I had the best day last week in a cow field photographing a whole herd of the most beautiful jersey milk cows. This is my first installment of sweet faces. I'm planning a really large portrait of one but it might come a bit later...

I'm excited to announce that I've been juried into the upcoming season at the ArtsWest Theater and Gallery in West Seattle. They have offered me a a spot in their show that runs November 30th until December 31st. More info to come...

Second Place Award!! and more...

2011-05-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

"Vashon Time"

oil on board,

14" x 18"

SOLD

My clock painting is finally finished with it's glazed colors and ready for delivery

AND

"Tiny Ballerina"

oil on board,

"3 1/2 x 8"

This is my small ( I should say SO tiny for me!!) painting for the day. Love the colorful tutu.

AND my big news...

"The Stare"

oil on canvas, 24" x 36"

Winner!

SOLD

This piece, I just found out, won Second Place at the Sequim International Juried Art Show, right behind best of show (which was a beautiful wire sculpture.) I am so excited to have this piece recognized, especially as it took considerable time this year to complete and I was painting in the old world technique which is relatively new to me. Thank you to the Juror and all the people involved in the show up there!! I am deeply honored.

"Full Bloom"

2011-05-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

"Full Bloom"

oil on board, 10" x 8"

My neighbor brought over the largest bunch of fresh lilacs from his 80 year old lilac bushes today. It is not my usual subject matter but they were begging to be painted. I'm not sure I did them justice as they are stunning in person!

"Happy Buddha" and "Tilly II" and THANKS

2011-05-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Happy Buddha"

oil on board, 10" x 8"

SOLD

I have this really wide ornate gold frame that I found not too long ago and I've had it in my mind to paint a happy or laughing Buddha that would poke a bit of fun at the seriousness of the frame. This little statue is just perfect! It was truly fun to paint with all the different colors and shine on the metal. I may try more versions...

"Tilly II"

oil on board, 8" x 8"

SOLD

My first version of my friend's dog Tilly sold before she got to see the painting so I painted another one for her. She was still smiling at me!

And THANKS to all the wonderful friends and patrons who came and my made open studio show a terrific success! I truly appreciate you all making the trip to Vashon and supporting the arts on our beautiful island!

Be sure to look for me at the Bellevue ArtsFair in Bellevue, WA on July 29, 30, 31.

Click here for more info.!

Chickens on the Porch

2011-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Chickens on the Porch"

oil on board, 12"x 6"

SOLD

Sold most of my chicken paintings this weekend so I am back at it! Yeah for chickens!

Stewart Kershaw Study 2

2011-05-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Stewart Kershaw Study 2

Working on some different poses. Not an exact likeness but I'm wanting gesture!! More to come...

Studio Tour this weekend and Next!

2011-05-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Come on by! I'd love to see you!

Vashon Tour Info- click here

Study 1 of Stewart Kershaw

2011-05-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

Study 1 of Stewart Kershaw

oil on board, 8"x 8"

I am going to be working on a portrait of my friend and very well known and beloved conductor Stewart Kershaw. His list of accomplishments is incredible and I had the great opportunity to play under him for many years during his tenure with the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra and the Auburn Symphony. He graciously has allowed me to photograph him conducting so my portrait could be in action and then will be sitting for me from life as I work on the piece. I'm starting the process with a few small studies to get the my ideas flowing for the perfect pose. It is a point of reference from the orchestra that I remember and this is how I want to paint him.

In this pose, he is conducting a most somber and quiet part of one of Mahler's songs for tenor and orchestra. I love the gesture of his hand and the weight of his expression. More to come.

"Perched"

2011-04-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

"Perched"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Just sitting on the railing in the sun...

"Rooster Standoff"

2011-04-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

"Rooster Standoff"

oil on board, 6"x 6"

SOLD

2 for the price of one in my series...I still can't make this happen everyday as I am very busy with a multitude of art projects right now. I will post some of the mosaic installation when it is finished! Still loving to paint the chickens.

"Flocked!"

2011-04-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

"Flocked!"

oil on board, 6" x 12"

OK, I'm not sure which one of my friends sent the Flock of Flamingos over to my front yard BUT I figured- if you have lemons, you make lemonade...

This was one of the hardest color combos I've done in a while. Green and hot pink make for challenging edges! It was a blast though and I'd like to put all my friends on notice- You Could Be Next!

It's not exactly part of my chicken a day series, but close enough and maybe it will have to be a chicken every other day as I'm spending most of my days at one of the schools here working on big mosaic installations for the Vashon Artist in the Schools Program.

"Peep Peep"

2011-04-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

"Peep Peep"

oil on board, 10"x 8"

SOLD

See how cute my chick is?? This is Caramel. It supposed to be a girl but I have a feeling I'm looking at a rooster.

"Barred Rock"

2011-04-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

"Barred Rock"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

I love the warm and cool light behind this fine fellow. I am contemplating "A Chicken A Day" challenge for myself. I have some busy weeks ahead so I'm still thinking but it sounds really fun and we have some beautiful chicks right now...

"Copper Roof" and Great News!

2011-04-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

"Copper Roof"

oil on board, 6"x 6"

SOLD

Just a little painting today as I'm involved with a ton of projects this week from school auctions to mosaic installations. But I do have exciting news. I've been invited to join Women Painter's of Washington after two juried rounds (one live, one from photos of work) and I also had two paintings accepted into the Sequim International juried show coming up in May in Sequim, WA. Good news all around! I'll write some more about it all tomorrow...

"Cluck."

2011-04-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

"Cluck."

oil on board, 6"x 6"

SOLD

This was a really fun little challenge by Carol Marine from Paintworks. Click here to see all the others and the Japan challenge. I'm still working on my entry for that!

2011-04-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

"Last Light Rainier"

oil on board, 9" x 11 1/2"

SOLD

This is a view of Mount Rainier from my neighborhood on the island. It can be so beautiful with the last light on it. It never ceases to amaze me.

"Framed"

oil on canvas, 5" x 7"

I have never done a self portrait because it is just plain scary but I have committed myself to a local self portrait show in June. Here is my first attempt. I should add that this is tiny and the edges are painted in lime green which bring out the unusual colors I added to my face. I felt in an expressionist mood when I did this. Double click for a closer look at colors...

"The Good Eggs"

2011-04-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

"The Good Eggs"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

I guess I'm tired of seeing all the "bad eggs" in the news. So I painted some good eggs, from my friend's organic farm. They are so yummy.

Behind the Branches

2011-03-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

"Behind the Branches"

oil on board, 9 1/2" x 11"

SOLD

This lone swan was showing off for me when I came close to his pond. What a beauty!

I may paint another version larger as I took some beautiful photos this day when it was actually sunny in the Pacific Northwest. It was one of those days I was so glad to have my camera with me and was thrilled to catch some moments with this magnificent bird.

"Vashon Time" phase one finished

2011-03-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Phase one, a black and white grisaille layer, is complete on "Vashon Time". This has taken me a week and still has a few tiny touch-ups but I'm pretty happy. I can't believe how hard clock faces are, let alone three. This clock belongs to some friends of mine and I just had to paint it. I love that Vashon is in the middle of New York and Paris, as it should be... This will be drying for a while and then I will glaze color on when it's ready.

Small Works

2011-03-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

"Soaking Up Sunshine"

oil on board, 9 1/2 " x 11"

"Last Crow"

oil on board, 5" x 7"

Working on some small pieces for my upcoming show in May. I guess I'm getting the hang of smaller for the moment. I'm still drawn to large but I'm out of big canvas. Maybe tomorrow...

"Escape Artists"

2011-03-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

"Escape Artists"

oil on canvas, 36" x 18"

SOLD

Once again, I think I'm finished but undoubtedly there are a few more details to add as I look on it in the coming days. This is all my brain can do for the moment without a break. I'll be moving on to something new... What do you think? Double click for a closer look!

In progress "Escape Artists" Large

2011-03-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here is about half of this painting that I've been working on for days. The further I go, the more details I see and I haven't even begun the gumballs in the jar. I could be working on this for some time but I think it will be really nice when finished.

Free Range

2011-03-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

"Free Range"

oil on board, 6" x 6"

SOLD

I had three beautiful brown eggs left and had to paint them. They are so pretty...

I am in the middle of a large work as well and will try to post it in progress in a day or so. I am trying to finish 3 paintings in a week for a few months, one large and 2 small, in order to keep up for my upcoming shows.

"Escape Artists" study

2011-03-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

"Escape Artists" study

oil on board, 7"x 5"

This is a small study for the possibility of a large work. I love the colors in gumballs and the details of this machine, although at this size, quite a bit is left out. I'm dreaming of a 24" x 36" canvas, maybe bigger...

Smooch! and Bellevue Fair!!

2011-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

Smooch!

oil on board, 8"x 8"
SOLD

Haven't had time to work large again so I'm continuing to work on small things here and there until I can get a big hunk of time to myself...

The great news is that I just got accepted to the Bellevue Arts Fair, Bellevue Washington, in July and also got accepted in to the Ex-West Juried Show at the Coos Art Museum in Coos Bay Oregon. Lots of excitement for me and more details to come in the following days...

"Last Gasp" DPW Challenge

2011-02-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

"Last Gasp"

oil on board, 5" x 7"

$100.

This is a challenge from the Daily Paintworks Site started by Carol Marine. I'm so glad they have started up challenges as there is such a need and it is so much fun to see what others paint. This shot is from the great painter Michael Naples. He is one of my favorites.

Big Grin

2011-02-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

"Big Grin"

(Tilly)

oil on board, 6"x 6"

SOLD

I keep finding things I want to try small and in a more impressionist style. Tilly is the sweetest lab. I see her at the beach sometimes and this day she smiled at me... nothing like a faithful and gentle pup.

"Dipped"

2011-02-18T13:32:00.001-08:00

"Dipped"

oil on board, 6"x 6"

Maybe I will paint some small works after all. This looked so yummy and I loved the red reflecting from the other berry.

Roses

2011-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

"Roses"

oil on board, 8"x 8"

I had some beautiful roses left from Valentines Day and they beckoned me for painting. I am not so sure how successful this is... The whites got more difficult as I went but I really liked the composition. Painting large feels sooo comfortable to me now that when I choose something little, I feel truly challenged. It is good for me to practice. If I had only had a 30" x 30" canvas hanging around...

I was, at one point, really wanting to join the world of daily painters and I admire the community surrounding them online. But alas, I have realized over the last year that painting large format oils is definitely my thing. Sorry to disappoint those who knew me in my A Painting a Day phase. I will promise to post progress shots on my large pieces in an effort to remain in the online art world. I do still paint everyday, it's just that now my works take weeks, not days. Thanks for hanging in with me through my journey.

Finished?

2011-02-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

I think I'm done or at least almost. I will touch up tomorrow and soften some things just a wee bit, but I have to call it quits after that and move on. I decided to darken the background a whole lot to make this more striking. I hope it worked... and again, photographing this was quite a challenge. The feathers toward the bottom aren't as blue as they are here but I will post the final photo when I get a great one with the light in the room really even. It's dark out today and my studio gets a lot of light from windows, hence the blue tinge here and there.

Rooster update WIP

2011-02-09T13:17:00.001-08:00

He's still on the easel and still unfinished... working hard but it feels like slow going. More to come. I hope to finish this week.

Progress

2011-02-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

My rooster finally has about a layer and a half of color. Part of it had to dry more before I could add glaze. Many more layers to come...

Trio of Figs

2011-01-31T16:14:00.000-08:00

"Trio of Figs"

oil on board, 6"x 8"

SOLD

I have been terribly missing Karin Jurick's monthly painting challenge (Different Strokes from Different Folks) as she has been too busy to continue it since last year. The good news is that I came upon another one called "Draw and Paint Together" .(Click to go there!) Lela, the artist behind the blog has some beautiful subjects and challenges and it will be fun. This painting is from an earlier challenge and the photo was SO great that I had to paint it before I jumped into the current challenge. I am thrilled to find another sight to stretch my skills. (This is while the Rooster is drying a bit...)

Rooster Day 3

2011-01-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

I still have a lot of details to work on in the comb at the top but it is coming along. At least it is covered in paint. I sooo enjoy the details...

Rooster on the easel

2011-01-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am beginning to work on this new painting of my favorite rooster Blackberry. I'm doing a grayscale to start, as you can see, without the undertone in raw umber. I am trying to modify the process a bit to see if I can make it go quicker. This has tons of detail so I will work on this for days. The top comb is just blocked in... I should add that the canvas is 36" x 24" .

"Big Baby" finished!

2011-01-24T14:23:00.000-08:00

"Big Baby"

oil on canvas, 30"x 30"

I'm as done as my mind will let me be right now. I might touch up just a few tiny details but that's it... I must move on. I learned a whole lot with this one. That's for sure. Double click to check it out up close.

Adjusting Big Baby...

2011-01-22T17:33:00.001-08:00

These are the latest two adjustment layers. The first was lightening and evening out the skin tones and the second was adjusting color and adding some details. Still working hard on this...

Baby with color in progress

2011-01-19T12:55:00.001-08:00

This is Big Baby after 2 days of glazing and some softening of skin tones. I will probably work through at least 2-3 more glazed layers before calling it good. I'm really liking this technique. I'm still adjusting value as well. This is 30"x 30"...

I'd love some feedback on this compared to my usual style(s) from anyone out there if you have time! Thanks.

BIg Baby Progression

2011-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Here is big baby in progression til I finished black and white. This is a new technique for me and I thought I would keep track of how it's going with photos.

"Squish"

2011-01-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

"Squish"

oil on canvas, 18" x 24"

I finally finished my bigger version on the PBJ in the box. It's January and maybe it will always be the month for my PBJ paintings. I enjoy them so. I might still have just a few touches left to do once it dries a bit, but I think that's it. This kind of piece really makes me glad I'm a painter. It's just plain fun.

"Mendocino Sunset"

2010-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

"Mendocino Sunset"

oil on board, 5" x 5"

NFS

This is for my friends who had a lovely stay in Mendocino at the beach. Again I am struggling with photos for these really tiny paintings. This is a bit lighter and less blue in real life...

"Squished"

2010-12-29T18:00:00.001-08:00

"Squished"

oil on board, 5" x 5"

Wanted to try a "squeezed" sandwich before I painted a really large version... This was sooo fun. I really love to paint peanut butter and jelly. Sorry for the photo quality on this one. I will try to update tomorrow when I have more controlled light.

"Glowing Ears"

2010-12-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

"Glowing Ears"

oil on board, 8x8"

Thought I'd work up a few kitty paintings while I had some time, but not a lot of time. Love the light making his ears glow.

"Green Eyes" to CVG Show

2010-12-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

"Green Eyes"

oil on canvas, 48" x 60"

perspective...

This piece just got accepted into the Collective Visions Gallery juried show in Washington State! It was chosen out of 700 entries. The show will begin in late January and I'm very excited to be a part of their show. I will post with more updates later...

"Nikko" and Thanks!

2010-12-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

"Nikko"

oil on board, 8x8"
SOLD

Nikko was a cat of mine from years ago. I always miss him when it snows though, because he loved to be out in the white powder. His green eyes were stunning! Don't know why I painted him now, just going through pictures and saw his lovely face.

I want to thank those who braved the weather to come to my studio and made the last 2 weekends such fun! Come back next time in May for lots of new work and garden mosaics too. Happy Holidays to all!

Eco Art Mosaics!

2010-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

"Bawk!"

10.5" x 17"

SOLD

"All That Glitters"

10.5" x 17"

NFS

Recycled Glass and Mirror Mosaics on recycled cabinet doors.

As I am in the middle of my 2 Vashon Art Tour Weekends, I realized the the only work I did not have represented was mosaic. So I worked up a couple this week! They took a whole lot of time, more than it looks and are hard to photograph because of the sparkling nature of glass and mirror. They are quite a bit shinier in person. These are done in recycled glass and mirror on recycled oak cabinet doors from a local thrift store. I love finding things I can reuse in my art. These were the perfect size for some small mosaics hangings. They will be for sale this weekend! Come on by...

"Midday Rest"

2010-11-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

"Midday Rest"

oil on board, 8"x 8"

SOLD

Somedays I just have to head back to my impressionist roots. This little deer was so pretty with the sun coming through her ear.

New Website!

2010-11-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

I finally have my new website up and running! Check it out and come see my upcoming show! Click above on the title to have a look.

"Recycling Is Nature" and Studio Tour Coming Up!

2010-11-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

"Recycling Is Nature"

scratchboard, 6"x 6"

I've been loving working on scratchboard pieces. This one takes me more back to the days of painting furniture instead of oil painting in a realistic way. I really enjoy the time thinking of art in other ways and it's super fun to experiment... and I have always loved patterns. I started with the acorn and away it went. I might make some t-shirts with this one. Double click for a closer view.

AND the Vashon Art Studio Tour is coming next weekend and the one after. December 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th. I am going to have a sale on small pieces in oil and I will have some of my furniture for sale as well. Check it out here- Art Studio Tour

"Cowboy Bar"

2010-11-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

"Cowboy Bar"

oil on board, 8"x 8"

SOLD

If you've ever been to Jackson Hole,Wyoming, you know this sign. It's part of the infamous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar right in the middle of town. My family lives in Wyoming, so we end up venturing that way every other year or so and Jackson is such a fun town to visit. I've been thinking about neon quite a bit and this sign seemed perfect to try. I may paint it big later... small is still challenging for me but I like how this came out. I'm going to do some more daily painting in combination with my big works. The skills seem to be quite different and I want to be adept at both.

Art Bug...in progress

2010-11-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Art Bug

I am a firm believer in living an artful life. I've always wanted to paint a car, especially a spectacular 1973 beetle, and this summer it all came to fruition. I should point out that the weather went south before I got it done... I haven't posted my car at all but much of my summer was spent in bliss painting away. It really makes me love being an artist and the freedom it gives to create anything you want. Hopefully sometime next summer this car will be done, although it could possibly go on forever. The sides have chalkboard paint and are interactive with viewers if they so choose. I generally leave chalk out for freedom of speech. It's been a real blast. Art can take on so many forms...

"Slow Burn"

2010-11-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

"Slow Burn"

oil on board, 16" x 12"

Been working on some large works but wanted to paint something I could finish in a day. I'v been thinking of smoke and how beautiful it can be... add fire and you've got something delightful.

"Big Chuck" Scratchboard

2010-11-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

"Big Chuck"

scratchboard, 9" x 12"

SOLD

I've been wanting to get my hands on some of this stuff for a while now and yesterday I bought some. I've seen some incredible art done with scratchboard. I don't really have any tools specially for this so I used some sewing tools and push pins. It was really fun. There will be more... not bad for a first! Double click for a closer look.

"Honey Jar"

2010-11-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

"Honey Jar"

oil on board, 12" x 12"

SOLD

Since I have been painting really large, a couple of people have asked if I had smaller versions of my large works. I am going to be part of the Vashon Island Studio Tour in December and wanted to have some smaller works as well. SO , this is actually a completely different painting than the last, using a much closer crop of my reference photo. It let me focus on the glass lettering and all it's detail. I could paint honey in jars for a while, the colors are so pretty.

"Oh Honey" and Coos Bay Art Museum

2010-10-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

"Oh Honey"

oil on canvas, 40"x 30"

SOLD

I painted honey in jars earlier in the year and I loved it so much that I tried again, bigger this time and with lots more details... What beautiful colors to work with... and all the glass. Loads of fun to paint.

AND I should add that I have a piece accepted into another National Juried show. This one is at the Coos Art Museum in Coos Bay, Oregon. The theme is "Fish and Fishing" and with my sense of humor I chose to enter my swedish fish painting called "No Escaping the Bag" and they bit! I'm very excited. It will open in December and be there until the middle of February. I have a feeling it might be the only candy fish there...

"No Escaping the Bag"

oil on canvas, 12" x 36"

"Sweet Catch"

2010-10-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

"Sweet Catch"

0il on canvas, 48"x24"

I guess I just love a good Swedish fish and I'm back to painting them again. I also wanted to work on some clouds so this was a great combo for a whimsical painting...

"Melting" and PAL juried Show

2010-09-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

"Melting"

oil on board, 11"x 14"

I'm trying to work a few smaller pieces for the Studio Tour here on the island coming up in December. Still can't get away from food. It's so much fun to paint.

And I'm proud to announce I had another big work juried into an upcoming show. My piece "Cascading Chips" will be entered in this years Peninsula Art League's 2010 Eighth Annual Open Juried Show. It opens in Gig Harbor, Washington on October 20th.

"Cascading Chips"

oil on canvas, 36"x24"

"Christmas Day Kayaking"

2010-09-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

"Christmas Day Kayaking"

oil on board, 12"x 24"

I've been wanting to look at painting some landscapes and thought this might be a fun place to start... Space Needle in the distance and all. We used to do this every year when we lived in Seattle.

"Market Flowers" and the AIRS International Show

2010-09-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

"Market Flowers"

oil on board, 12"x 16"

SOLD

I have been working on many projects through the end of the summer and doing a bit of traveling. I went to San Francisco to see the fisher collection exhibit at SFMoma before it came down and also got to the market there. These flowers were begging to be painted and so I thought I'd try. I've been painting really large for a while so painting small again was fun.

I am also very excited as my piece "Jelly Runneth Over" has been accepted into the International AIRS show in Vancouver Canada! It will open October 14th. Here is some info about the gallery and show- AIRS.

"Jelly Runneth Over"

oil on canvas, 24"x 48"

SOLD

"I Remember More"

2010-08-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

"I Remember More"

oil on board, 9"x12"

This is for those of us who have survived. And yet are forever changed in shape and form...

"Honey"

2010-07-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

"Honey"

oil on canvas, 24"x 18"

commissioned work

I just delivered this yesterday to a friend who commissioned this for his 10th Anniversary gift to his wife. How sweet life is!, he said. What a lovely gift and the thought behind this is so lovely. My 10th is coming up and now the pressure is on... I really enjoyed the reflections and warmth on the glass. So fun to paint, I will probably paint some kind of larger version for a show.

"Cherry on Top"

2010-07-08T08:02:00.001-07:00

"Cherry on Top"

36"x 48"

Calorie Free Oil on canvas

Favorite 15% of Boldbrush Painting competition!

SOLD

I have guilt for not posting often anymore but I am still working large and the pieces take considerable time. I did take some time off after my last show so it might be a bit more frequent for a while now.

This piece is a commission for the Vashon Allied Arts Art auction in September. I 'm really excited to be one of their 6 commissioned artists and tried to work up something really great for them. I've been considering ice cream for some time and this was as fun to paint as peanut butter and jelly... and my kids enjoyed it a whole lot when I was done photographing it. part of my life has become food stylist!

Getting there...slowly

2010-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the perspective on this painting. 48" x 60". I am getting there but not done yet. I may go back in and even up some skin tones and add freckles and touch up. I had to go slowly and it was hard to have perspective on overall color until I had the canvas covered in paint. Below is how it looks now and I will post it again when I feel solidly done. It was really fun painting his sparkling eyes. Maybe that's what this should be called. Somehow painting food or cats seemed much easier...

In Progress...

2010-05-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

work in progress, 48"x 60" total size

This is a small section (maybe a third...) of the large canvas ( 4'x5')I'm working on now and it seems like it's taking me a few weeks. I'm still loving large paintings and just have to keep going. It makes my posting less often for sure and I'm sorry about that but I am painting everyday. Still lots to go and final details (like more eyelashes etc.) a plenty. I will post the finished painting when I can paint no longer.

The picture below is at the Silverwood Gallery for my show that is up now through the end of June. It was a wonderful opening night and please stop by if you are on Vashon Island!

Perspective...

2010-04-24T17:23:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd add a little perspective since it is hard to tell... Adding a last few details.

"Lilly"

2010-04-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

"Lilly"

oil on canvas, 48"x60"

Well, I'm still painting huge... and I spent a week in New York looking at museums and the end result was me being really thrilled with the huge portraits of Chuck Close. It has inspired me to try a portrait this large although I admit I wasn't quite ready for a person and thus decided on a cat. I painted this image once before but it was 6"x 6" not 4' x 5'. I may never paint small again... What do you think? Double click to see detail. Thanks to those of you who comment. I really appreciate the input!

"Part of a Balanced Breakfast!"

2010-04-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

"Part of a Balanced Breakfast!"

oil on canvas, 40" x 40"

Favorite 15% of Boldbrush painting Competition!

September 2010

Now this was fun to paint... Although it was hard to buy. I live on an island full of vegetarians, vegans, and people living off the land. It is crunchy to say the least and going into the grocery store and purchasing a box of Froot Loops without anyone seeing me was a challenge. I even had second thoughts about painting this but the neon colors and texture took me away. NOT that there is anything wrong with Froot Loops except for the fact that the very first ingredient is sugar. Enjoy.

Never having had this kind of cereal ever in their lives (at my house at least), my children were beside themselves when I brought them home. One hated them and won't go near them, the other has rationed them out so he can make it through the rest of the box over a couple of weeks, but then his other favorite food is bacon. What's a mother to do?

"Stacked"

2010-03-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Stacked"

oil on canvas, 45" x 15"

Favorite 15% in Boldbrush Painting Competition

October 2010

SOLD

I am getting down to the wire on what I can paint and have dry for my May show. This was fun at first and then proceeded to wear me down towards cookie number eleven. I think I 'm done but might tweak a few spots for hightlights etc in a day or so. I have 2 empty canvases left and that's it. Then I can work on all the finishing details of everything. I'm trying to give myself space to not have to get crazy right up until hanging day.

"Chocolate Swirl"

2010-03-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

"Chocolate Swirl"

oil on canvas, 18"x 18"

I had another canvas the same size as the last one so I painted a companion strawberry with the swirl. Mmm, chocolate. Thankfully I have kids to eat some of these things or I might be gaining quite a bit of weight...

"Chocolate Dipped"

2010-03-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

"Chocolate Dipped"

oil on canvas, 18"x 18"

I had to paint something smaller today, something I could finish in a day. Lucky I had a yummy inspiration for this one. Mmm. It was good too.

"One With Everything"

2010-03-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

"One With Everything"

oil on canvas, 54" x 54"

Ok, this hotdog almost killed me.

But here it is nonetheless. I could work on this forever, altering shading and highlights but for the moment, I'm done. I may add more texture to the napkin but it will have wait and see.Here is another shot to put it in perspective...