Lemon Study in Oil

Above are two 6x6 panels of lemon studies. I took my first oil painting class last week with the inimitable Carol Marine and, though I've painting in oils before, I was self-taught: my techniques were lacking. These lemons were part of an assignment--paint 10 miniature paintings in ten minutes each. The thought was that improvement would be apparent by the last few. In my case, number 10 wasn't the best--I was hungry and wanted lunch! Otherwise, I'd say the assignment was a success. I think it's time to devote an entire panel to a lemon using oils. Fingers crossed!

Black Plum on Weathered Board

Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--SOLD

I adore this old board I found at my farm in Schulenburg, Texas. It gives this painting a "countrified" feel. The board itself, though, was a challenge to paint. Capturing the myriad of colors inherent in it took more time than painting the plum. (I got the most enjoyment from the pit!) I am truly pleased with my efforts on this one.

Empty Clam Shell Backgrounds

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD

I must have too much time on my hands. (Actually, I'm procrastinating on designing my 2010 calendar....) I've changed the background of this empty clam shell to a more soothing, watery blue. Improvement or mistake?

Pepper Pals

Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--$75 Purchase from Artist

Opposites attract--I'm a nervous Nellie, hubby is calm; I am a pessimist, hubby is an optimist; I get things done immediately, while hubby procrastinates. These peppers represent our marriage--spicy, yet mild--like many other couples we know....

Chocolate Hug

Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--$75

Along with a kiss, everyone deserves a hug--don't you agree?

Chocolate Kiss

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD

No calories! (Don't be surprised, though, if you find a bag of kisses in your shopping cart....)

Conch Shell

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD

Some daily painters spend a maximum of one hour on each painting. I tend to agonize over each one for a longer period of time throughout the day. This drastically reduces my actual labor rate to less than minimum wage when I sell something for less than $100. Above is an attempt at more fluidity (and less of a time commitment). Yes, it is more impressionistic in style. For those of you who collect my work, would you even consider buying something like this or is it "just not ME?"

Civil War Bullets, No. 1

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--$75 Purchase from Artist

Virginia (actually, the East Coast in general) has Civil War battlefields everywhere. My Texas-born husband and I are smitten with this part of American history. Here are some bullets from his collection atop a wooden box with dovetail joints.

Royal Flush - Spades

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--$75-Purchase from Artist

O.K. I guess I'm committed to doing hearts and clubs. Therefore, this royal flush can be considered number 2 in a series.

Royal Flush - Diamonds

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--$75 Purchase from Artist

This is my first attempt at painting playing cards--definitely a challenge painting straight lines free-hand! I cheated with the chips, though--a quarter made an excellent template.

Oyster Shell

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD

My family and I went to an oyster bar in San Antonio recently. My daughter was mortified when I asked for a doggie bag for the oyster shells! (Clearly, she didn't realize their artistic value....)