Sue Wiley, Artist

Hibiscus Blossom for Sale

2011-07-31T20:20:00.008-05:00

Here's another small 5x5 gallery-wrapped oil painting that I'm posting to my auction site on Daily Paintworks. $25 minimum bid, plus $10 S&H in the US. If you would like to bid on this painting, click here:

Daily Paintworks

Or you can:

Pecan Street Festival for Sale

2011-07-28T22:25:00.027-05:00

Please bear with me as I try to get my auction stuff to work. The business of art is HARD, and I am not very computer-saavy!!!

This is another painting I'm reposting as I am putting it up for auction on my Daily Paintworks site. I saw this person at the Pecan Street Festival in Austin a few years ago, very intent on the art displayed on the outside of a tent. The painting was fun to do and came together rather quickly.

It's a 10x8-inch oil on canvas board. Minimum bid is $80, plus $10 S&H in the US.

If you'd like to bid, please go to: Daily Paintworks.

Or you can:

Cactus Blossom For Sale

2011-07-26T12:28:00.011-05:00

Cactus Blossom, image size 5x5, oil on 1.5-inch gallery wrapped canvas, painted on sides

$25 minimum bid, plus $10 S&H within United States

Click here to bid

Or click here to buy now:

I am attempting to set up an auction site for my work on Daily Paintworks, and this is the first sale item. I apologize if something does not work yet, but will keep at it.

The Chicken? Or The Egg?

2011-07-26T09:08:00.003-05:00

Pastel, image 6x6

Pastel, image 12x12

I'm still playing in my studio; it's just to hot to be serious! I'll leave it to you to decide which one I painted first, and to decide how they should be hung together: the chicken first, or the egg? They'll be framed in gold plein air frames, made to be companion paintings. I think they'll go in a show I'll be in next January at Stinger Studio in Georgetown, with A Group of Five. If you don't know about our new group, check out the link here on my blog.

Stay cool, Y'all!

Listen To The Night Birds

2011-07-21T18:38:00.018-05:00

I was a bit tired of trying to paint seriously, of second-guessing whether my work was good enough to enter into shows or put on my blog, of listening to my friends' suggestions on how to "fix" my confidence or improve my art, what to paint, where to show. I finally decided that I needed to listen less to all the other voices around me, no matter how much they cared about me, and more to my own voice. And if I wanted to play and waste time and pastel and paper, then I would.

This painting resulted from such a play session, laying down broad swaths of my favorite colors, doodling swirls and wiggles and blocking in shapes. First I began to see one bird, and then others flocked to join it, and then it was just a matter of letting my imagination go and adding all the fun details to see their personalities emerge. From this jumping-off point, I've started painting other silly creatures. For the FUN of it.

The upshot? I'm enjoying my studio again, even if it is hotter than... a Texas heatwave, and even if I'm not painting award-winning work. Hooray for art! Hooray for fun! Hooray for me!

Pastel on Gatorboard, image 18x24

Looky Looky, Here's My Studio

2011-07-21T18:16:00.005-05:00

Another painting project that isn't exactly IN my studio, but pretty close to it... My studio used to be a walk-up attic off our kitchen, but right after we moved in, my sweet hubbie converted it to studio space for me. When friends come over, they always ask where the studio is, since our house is basically a single-story and they don't think it could be upstairs.

So one day, during lunch as I sat looking at the blank white door, another painting project came over me. The letters are painted in my favorite colors: turquoise, periwinkle, orange, lime green, and school-bus yellow, and decorated all over with mini-designs. My little child is really coming out again!

I HAVE Been Painting, Honest!

2011-07-21T18:01:00.002-05:00

OK, so I haven't been posting to my blog in I don't know how long... I'll blame it on the hideous heat we've been having here in Texas for the last two months, and not wanting to trudge up to my attic studio which is HOT no matter how high I crank up the AC. But it's partly that I, like my garden outdoors, am burned out. Tired of struggling so seriously with my art. So I've been doing some other painting around the house.

The antique dresser has gorgeous burled walnut front panels but had awful elm side and top panels, so I painted it glossy black on the top and glossy stripes on the sides. Quite natty, now, I think. The drop-leaf antique desk was boring dark dark DARK mahogany, and it's now glossy yellow-green, just the color of the inside of a ripe avocado- yum! Our house feels more relaxed, too.

Do these painting projects count? Maybe not, but they were liberating and fun to do, and now I'm back in my studio, but painting silly things. More to come later!

Peony Blues

2011-04-21T17:32:00.002-05:00

This is the second painting I completed at a recent workshop in Cypress Mill with Vie Dunn-Harr, in which you used an abstract painting as your underpainting, and then overlaid a subject based on complementing colors. I attended the workshop with my dear friend Janine, and we had a great time painting together and gabbing on the 45-minute trips each way for the three days of the workshop. Thanks, Janine, for suggesting we take Vie's workshop again, it was wonderful!

Oil, 30x24

A Prickly Subject

2011-04-17T11:48:00.003-05:00

I took another workshop a couple of weeks ago with Vie Dunn-Harr, a San Antonio artist who does amazing floral abstracts and teaches her unusual techniques in a 3-day workshop at Dena Wenmohs Bunkhouse. The last time I took this workshop, I painted a floral (A Sensitive Bromeliad) and a parrot painting (Jungle Siesta), proving that, as Vie says, the technique will work with any subject. This painting has some of Vie's touches; she loves to show rather than tell you how to fix problems. I was frustrated as usual, since I rarely do well in workshops, but in the end liked both paintings I came home with. I'll post the other as soon as I photograph it.

Oil, 12x12

Moody River I and II

2011-04-12T16:27:00.002-05:00

Moody River II (on Uart) above, Moody River I (on black Canson) below.
These two paintings were done in a recent APS workshop with Liz Haywood-Sullivan, a beautiful pastel artist and talented, giving teacher. The challenge was to paint the first painting, immediately above, on black Canson paper, which was much harder than it seemed since the black made every color look very high-key and hence you had to keep lowering the color value. The second image was painted on a cream-colored Uart sanded ground with a tonal underpainting. The difficulty for me in this second painting, located above the first, was in getting my darks to read correctly, as my reference photo was a very dark, moody river scene with overhanging trees. I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop, despite my struggles with the darks and also with trying to duplicate the two scenes (not something I am good at). You can see that the second painting is much brighter than the first. Which do you prefer?

Pastel, images 23x19

Our Home Show a Success!

2011-04-10T13:56:00.005-05:00

Above: A few paintings in Sue's studio; below: John's and Chris' matted and framed photography takes over the dining room

If you were on our emailing list, you know that my husband, John; our son, Chris Hedge; and I recently held a show and sale of our art and photography in John's and my home. I sold four paintings, including two fairly large ones, plus several packets of notecards, and our son Chris sold quite a few of his photographs, framed and matted, and notecards. John sold a bit less, as he did not have nearly as much photography inventory as our son, but was happy with his sales. All told, we did about $1,600 in sales, not bad for a weekend's work (plus preparation).

We thank all our friends and neighbors who were able to make the show, and especially those of you who bought our work: you give us the inspiration and validation we need to go on! For those of you who had other plans or who lived too far away to attend, we missed you, but we'll keep you on our email list for the next time.

Pansies

2011-03-05T16:22:00.002-06:00

Spring in Texas! Just a few short weeks ago (five?), we had freezing temps and had to bundle up to venture outside! Now, though it isn't summer by any means, and technically not even spring, the sun is shining, the temps are MUCH warmer, and flowers are blooming in unexpected places everywhere. I just had to capture some of this spring feeling, and what better way than with dear little pansy faces turned up to the sun! I hope you enjoy them, and that spring is on its way to you, even if only in your heart for now!

Pastel, image 10.5x13.5

Last Light on the Loire

2011-02-12T13:06:00.002-06:00

This is the third time I've posted this painting; I guess that proves that some things are never finished! I wasn't happy with the second version, top, that included one of the Provence-style houses along the side, too distracting from the sky and water, which was what drew me to the scene in the first place. So, I reworked it a bit last week: the house is gone, and I like this version, below, better. But that doesn't mean I might not tinker with it again....

Pastel, 11x14

This Just In...

2011-02-06T13:36:00.003-06:00

I received notification a few days ago that two of my paintings, Ready for Take Off and The Skeptic, were accepted into the Austin Pastel Society's Annual Juried Member Exhibition, to be held March 7 through April 30 at the Corridor of Art. Liz Haywood-Sullivan, a nationally known artist and instructor, is the juror of this show. Cross your fingers for me, I'd love to win at least an Honorable Mention!

You may remember that Ready for Take Off traveled to France with me this past summer, and was viewed in Feytiat by more than 30,000 visitors to the show. The Skeptic was painted upon my return from a photo of a delicious Frenchman we met at the exhibition in Saint Florent. You can read more about these two paintings in earlier posts.

If you live in the Austin area, I hope you will try to attend the show as well as the reception on March 27 3-5 PM.

Morning Nap

2011-01-31T20:05:00.002-06:00

Our cat Smokey is very photogenic and knows it; it seems he always chooses places to sleep that will complement his beautiful coloring and long, luxurious fur. This particular morning was no exception, and of course I had to snap his picture. The painting was fun to do, probably because it's of someone I love! Thank you, Smokey, but now I have to paint Blue, Skye, and Emmaline Hamsterquake so there are no hurt feelings! :-)

Pastel, 8x10 inches

Happy Holidays, Y'All

2010-12-12T12:26:00.002-06:00

For those of you who follow my blog, you probably know that I love animals, and that I have a house-full of them: two dogs and three cats. They are all extremely good-natured and patient, as this photo shows! From left to right: one of our cats, Blue, also affectionately know as Puppy-Cat because he likes to hang with his two Golden Retriever buddies; Cody, for whom my Slobberdog Studios is named, probably the sweetest dog I've ever met; and our street-dog rescue from Ajijic, Mexico, Cielito Lindo (Pretty Little Sky, A.K.A.Skye), who is our other Golden (honorary).

Please consider this my holiday greeting to you all, as we aren't sending out cards or our usual Christmas letter to family and friends out-of-town, due to John's recent illness. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday filled with the love and laughter of family and friends, happy and successful painting experiences, and a new year that brings you much more of the same. With great love and best wishes for you all, Sue

Ninth Hole

2010-11-20T19:05:00.002-06:00

This is a plein aire painting done alla prima, or all at the first sitting, at the Austin Country Club last week. My dear friend Janine, who is a member, arranged for us to paint there all morning and afternoon, and have a delightful lunch, to boot! Weather was great, friends were nearby, and my iPhone's iPod provided music to get me into the groove. I don't often like what I paint out-of-doors, but this turned out better than most, I have to say.

Pastel, 9x12

OK, Just One More Thing

2010-11-15T16:25:00.002-06:00

OK, I wanted to put these photos of the magazine cover and article on our trip to France on my blog for those folks who don't subscribe to The Pastel Journal. I promise I won't keep bragging on this after this post, but I have to milk my fifteen minutes of fame while I can! The photo isn't very good of the text and inside photos- it's doggone hard to photograph shiny magazine photos, I learned- but I think you can read it well enough.

By the way, that's a Desmond O'Hagan painting on the cover; I took his workshop two years ago, and he was great. I also have his workshop demo hanging in my living room, quite inspirational.

Our Trip to France Reviewed in The Pastel Journal

2010-11-13T23:15:00.006-06:00

Wow, I'm floating on a cloud!!!! Imagine my surprise tonight when, as I was perusing my newly-arrived December issue of The Pastel Journal, I came across a group of photos that I recognized before even reading the descriptions below them! One of the photos was of we six Texas pastelists who traveled to France this past summer for the opening of the two shows I told you about earlier in my blog (see April 27 and June 11 postings). My face and name, in The Pastel Journal!

Other photos include Patrick Martin, Chris, and Na Luther, three wonderful Master Pastelists whom we were fortunate to meet and have dinner with; a shot from across the Loire River of the beautiful abbey in Saint Florent le Vieil, where one exhibition was held; and a photo of a small part of the exhibit in St. Florent. Accompanying the photos is a one-page article, written by Niall O'Neill, a delightful Irish journalist whom we met at the reception, that explains about the exhibitions and describes our part in them. Reading this article and seeing the pictures reminds me again what a fine time we all had.

I am SOOOOOO thrilled to be included in this article, and hope you will find an opportunity to take a look at it. It's on page 10 of the December issue. Color me euphoric!

The Skeptic

2010-11-09T09:21:00.002-06:00

This is Michel Patient, A.K.A. "Libby's Frenchman." When I was in France this summer, we met Michel at the show of our work at the centuries-old abbey in Saint Florent le Vieil. While the rest of our group was inside, Libby and I wandered out into the beautiful grounds, and ran into Michel. He and Libby were chatting like two old friends, leaning against the sun-warm rock face of the abbey, when I snapped this photo. I loved the disbelieving look on his face- I don't know what they were discussing at the time- countered by the look of the simple cross on the crusty Frenchman attesting to his faith.

Pastel, 20x16

Slobberdog Studios Web Site Relaunching!

2010-10-27T14:23:00.002-05:00

I have just completed the rebuilding of my original web site, which may be found at www.slobberdogstudios.com. My original site was developed in Dreamweaver, with text and all artistic design fully by me but with development by someone I hired who knows HTML. Since Dreamweaver turned out to be beyond my capabilities, the site had not been updated since its completion three years ago. As you might imagine, my information was getting quite old and “dusty”!

When I purchased my new Mac laptop in June, I found out that I could, with only a little guidance from Apple instructors, recreate the web site myself, thereby updating it. So now I have current art work, updates on shows I am in as well as awards I have won, and restructured bio, artist statement, and contact pages. I tried to keep the overall design the same, as I really liked the design I created three years ago and also wanted continuity, but I have added many more images to the site.

The soft launch was last week, then I fixed some errors that showed up when I put it on the web. Now, it’s ready to go public, with only one small error left to fix (a recurring indentation problem in the menu) when I next meet up with my Apple guru.

I have to say, the Mac iWeb program is a dream to work with, and even a neophyte like me can have success with it. I hope you’ll take a look and let me know what you think!

Llama Ddrama

2010-10-24T13:53:00.002-05:00

Well, first I'd like to say that the original painting is NOT this dark, but I can't figure out how to tweak it correctly in Photoshop. So imagine it not quite so dark, and if I can figure it out later, I'll replace the photo with a better one.

I went on a plein aire paintout with good pals Rae and Vicki to a ranch near Fredericksburg. Vic talked me into going into an empty (we thought) pen to get a better view of a herd of adorable little burros in the next pen. I was happily photographing them when I sensed something behind me: three llamas, as curious as the proverbial cat, were stepping closer and closer to me until they had me nearly backed against a fence- all while Vic kept snapping pix. (Thanks for the rescue, Vic! :-P) When I finally realized they weren't going to charge me or spit in my face, I began to photograph them, as well. This little beauty was catching the light with her fur a perfect nimbus around her- my kind of shot. The painting came together fast, a good indicator that I was really in the zone and enjoying the work. Don't miss the adorable soft muzzle and the one front tooth, kind of like a bunny's or a baby's!

Pastel, 12x9

Portrait of Susan

2010-10-09T12:38:00.005-05:00

I had the good fortune to take a portrait workshop recently from my dear friend and traveling pal, Libby Peters, who is possibly the best workshop instructor I have ever had. Libby works tirelessly with each participant at his or her own level, provides tips and instruction and-for me- innovative ways to approach the difficult work of capturing a likeness and a personality. She gives positive encouragement and builds confidence, too, which gives her about a 110% in my book!

This painting is worked from a photo taken on my trip to France this summer. One morning at breakfast in our hostel in Saint Florent, we took turns posing for photos in the gorgeous light pouring through a casement window. I was especially pleased with my photo of Susan Carlin, whose red hair was burnished by the sun. My portrait doesn't exactly capture her features, but I think it gets her fun, outgoing personality. Had I been doing this on my own, I would have completed the hands and lengthened the torso, which is a tad short for the head, but Libby and I agreed we liked the loose, unfinished look and that it was a nice effort for a workshop, so I stopped.

Pastel, 12x9

Last Light on the Loire River

2010-10-03T18:15:00.002-05:00

This was the amazing view we had every night as we ate our dinner in Saint Florent le Vieil, on the trip I recently took to France with a group of Texas pastel artists. Our hostel was right along the Loire River, and the dining was al fresco, with tables on a platform that hung out over the water. Since dinner in France is a very long, very late affair, we were fortunate to be able to see the stunning sunset over the river, and then watch night fall over the land as we ate, drank, and made merry. What memories of this fantastic trip we all will have for the rest of our lives!

Pastel, 11x14

Pink

2010-08-21T13:32:00.002-05:00

Just for fun.... I had an abstract I'd done in acrylic that I didn't particularly care for, and some oil paint left over on my palette after another oil I'd recently finished, so....1 + 1= 2, the resulting 2 being a little oil abstract with the acrylic underpainting showing through in spots. I was merely doodling on the canvas, making splotches and swirls and marks and leafy shapes, and then added in some touches of pink, a color I don't usually use since I'm not a "pink" person, but I was thinking of my little granddaughter when I did it. I liked it! In fact, I doodled the word "pink," can you spot it?

The photo doesn't show the brightness of the pink very well, but it's definitely there.

Oil, image 8x8

Jungle Siesta

2010-08-17T14:03:00.003-05:00

Remember this? Late last fall, I had taken a workshop and this was one of the pieces I did there, but never completed. Since my return from France, I have finished several paintings that were sitting on easels in my studio. This one needed only a little tweaking: some details in the feathers on the heads, a few highlights in the focal area, darks behind the figures to pump up the volume, and my signature. I'm happy with the results, especially because I hate not to finish what I begin!

Oil, image 24x12

Purple Reign

2010-08-01T15:42:00.004-05:00

This is the one that almost made it to France... or it would have if I had gotten busy and finished it before I left. Now that I've been to France- and wow, what a fabulous trip that was!- I am renewed in my desire to paint, so have just completed this one to "clear my easel." I have oodles of ideas I want to paint from France, especially as we traveling artists are going to have two shows, entitled Impressions of France, in Dallas and Frisco this fall! And who knows where beyond that!

Pastel, image 20x16

Travel Buddies

2010-06-11T15:01:00.003-05:00

If you are following my blog, you know by now that I am going to France this summer with seven other Texas "Master Pastellistes" to the tenth annual Festival International du Pastel in Feytiat, France, and Estival Pastel in Saint Florent le Vieil, France. Our work was selected to represent the state of Texas, and we are honored to have this opportunity to travel to France and meet many other pastelists from all over Europe. Each of us shipped four unframed paintings to be framed in France and included in the three-month-long exhibition. The story of how the paintings got shipped to France is enough to scare the boldest and most experienced of artists, but we have learned a lot along the way, and are now professional shippers! Not! :-)

Four of these incredibly talented Texas women are friends I'd already met through the Austin Pastel Society, Susan Carlin, Mary Beth Martin, Libby Peters, and Deb Richardson. In addition, our intrepid leader, Diana Moya, is a wonderful Dallas-area artist whom I have recently met and now am pleased to also call a friend! Please check out these wonderful women's websites, to learn more about our trip and to see some of the work they are sending. And stay tuned for more information as we get closer to travel time!

A Winner

2010-05-03T20:01:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to do a better job of self-promotion, which is never easy for artists: most of us are somewhat modest and also think our work is never as good as other people seem to think. Anyway, this painting of my little grandson recently won a Merit Award at the Austin Pastel Society's 12th Annual Juried Membership Exhibition, which gave me great pleasure; just thought you should know!

You can see the original posting and description in March of 2009.

Pastel, 25x19 inches

My Work Accepted into a Show in France

2010-04-27T15:34:00.003-05:00

I guess I should have put this on my blog sooner: I'm going to France this summer, and so are the four paintings shown here! There are eight of us artists who have been selected to represent Texas pastelists at the tenth annual Festival International du Pastel 2010 in Feytiat, France, and in Saint Florent le Vieil, France, for three months this summer. The exhibitions, expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors as in years past, are sponsored by the Société des Pastellistes de France, and there will be a reception on July 17 at which the Texas artists will be honored. The four other Austin and San Antonio artists are Libby Peters, Deb Richardson, Mary Beth Martin, and Susan Carlin. We are all quite excited about this trip! I'll try to remember to take photos to post on my blog when I get back; meanwhile, if you're headed to Europe this summer, think about taking in the Festival!

Viva Mexico!

2010-03-23T15:47:00.003-05:00

This "wild and wooley" painting is the result of a very ambitious still life set-up I did at a recent two-day workshop. The instructor, who paints in a much more muted, elegant palette, was probably not fond of my attempts, and in fact, wanted me to redo the entire painting the second day, eliminating the Mexican serape. Perhaps I should have done so, but I wanted the bold, happy colors of the blanket as well as the Cinco de Mayo flowers and the Dias de las Meurtos figure, a katarina, so I persevered. Since you cannot have a festive Mexican theme without margaritas, a margarita glass and limes were also included. The glass doesn't read well (guess what I'll be practicing?), and I got bored with the finer details of the blanket, but I'm happy with the final piece: it conveys the fun spirit of Mexico that I love!

Pastel, 12x18

Ready for Take-Off

2010-01-24T18:26:00.003-06:00

This big fella was sunning himself on the pier when we spotted him in Rockport, enjoying a lazy summer afternoon. When I approached, he flapped his huge wings and flew away. But I was able to snap his photo first, catching him as he unfurled his wings!

Pastel, 20x16

Jungle Siesta

2010-01-20T17:11:00.003-06:00

Step 4: The rough block-in (above).

Step 2: The abstract painted from the magazine reference (above).

Step 5: The painting so far; not quite there yet and needs "tweaking." Or more.

Steps 1 & 3: The magazine inspiration on the right (Step 1), and the photo reference for the birds on the left (Step 3) (above).

Well, I had intended to have these pictures show in the correct order and loaded them into my blog that way, but for some reason Blogger loaded them in wopper-jawed order. Sorry. Anyway, this is a painting I've been working on- or not- since a workshop I took last fall with Vie Dunn-Harr. The idea is that you find a room that you like (Step 1, your inspiration), and create an abstract using the colors, forms, and feelings you get from it (Step 2, your abstract). Then, you find a photo of your own (Step 3) that you like and think would work with the abstract, and rough in the design (Step 4, roughing in). Step 5 shows my painting almost completed, which is where it has been for some time, now. I figured that if I put this on my blog, it will force me out of my post-holiday doldrums and into my studio to finish it, or else I'll be skunked!!! This method is fun to do, and opens up your creativity even more.

Oil, 24x16

Swiss Chard

2010-01-13T11:40:00.002-06:00

When John and I visited the UK a few years ago, we chanced to tour Anne Hathaway's Elizabethan half-timbered cottage in Stratford-on-Avon, where she lived with her husband, William Shakespeare. We weren't allowed to take photos inside, but the gorgeous English garden, ablaze in all its fall glory, caught our camera's eye. I took a shot of some Swiss chard as the sun was shining through the leaves. When I first decided to paint this image, my intent was to do a realistic painting, but the closeness of the subject and the nearly neon colors lend themselves to a quasi-abstract painting. The more I relaxed my expectations for realism, the more fun I had painting. Let me know what you think!

Pastel, 16x12

A Square Meal

2009-11-19T16:11:00.003-06:00

I think, with this tiny painting, I may have created a new category: the landscape still life! These old-fashioned-looking haybales really appeal to me, and when I missed photographing them on my own returning from a trip to Granbury, my sweet husband, John, drove all the way up there to get some shots of them! This small format is the result of cropping one of his photos to zero in on the interesting haybale with its brightly lit, prickly hay hairdo and dark face. Thanks to my friend, Teri, for suggesting the name when she told me a corny joke about round haybales!

Pastel, 6x6

By the way, did you know that just one pound of meat generates the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as does driving an SUV 40 miles?

A Sensitive Bromeliad

2009-11-06T16:05:00.002-06:00

I attended a workshop where we began our paintings by layering abstract shapes and lines, swooshes of color, and odd squiggles, the genesis of which was a magazine picture, and then overlaying the abstract with a painting- a flower, still life, portrait, landscape, whatever struck our fancy. This painting was done using this process. I debated calling it "A Lazy Bromeliad," because of the way the pink bloom leans wayyyyyyyy over, but decided against that. The process is a fun way to unleash your creativity, by the way; try it, if you are an artist.

Oil, 12x16

Coral Vine Faux Painting

2009-11-01T17:02:00.002-06:00

Our screened porch, where we love to eat and spend lazy moments in nicer weather, looks out onto a large, plain, ugly, two-story garage wall. Last spring, we planted a coral vine, hoping it would clamber up the wall and dazzle us with massive sprays of perfumed pink flower clusters; after all, we'd had one at our B&B in Georgetown that grew up the stairs to my second-story studio door and covered the old screen door, then headed for the roof! Alas, the vine is slow in reaching its potential, so I decided I'd better give it something to aspire to, namely, a painted version of its soon-to-be-self. So here are the vines, the real one, and the obviously not-so-real one, with some jazzy butterflies added to inspire the real thing to visit John's butterfly house. Maybe I'll paint more fun garden life on the wall... or just sit back with a glass of wine and think about it some more.

Rustoleum on latex wall, 10 feet tall

Small Bowl Study

2009-10-31T14:24:00.003-05:00

I had planned to work yesterday on a larger painting but changed my mind and set this small bowl, thrown by Don Brimberry, on a windowsill with a light on it. The painting took about an hour. It's painted on a hand-made support of leaf-green Colourfix primer applied to a masonite board my husband cut for me.

Pastel,

6x6

Tomatoes in Talavera

2009-10-10T09:23:00.002-05:00

I have a small collection of Talavera, colorful, hand-glazed pottery from the south of Mexico, and this little footed bowl is a piece of it. The tomatoes were from our garden, and the two fabrics were remnants from reupholstering projects. I handled the tomatoes more realistically than the bowl, since they were the focal point, and the resulting contrast of the realism against the graphic, flat treatment of the bowl makes the tomatoes look like they're rolling out of the canvas. I think it works, in a fun sort of way.

Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 24x24

Midnight Hibiscus

2009-10-07T14:42:00.002-05:00

Another hibiscus flower painting, this one in pastel. The dark, moody background seemed to suggest a midnight scene behind the blossom, although these lovely flowers actually close up at night. I love the way hibiscus flowers open from a twirled bud, with the bright yellow stamen, previously wrapped in petals, jutting from the center. When I was a little girl, we used to make flower ladies from hibiscus flowers, with a grape for a head and the upside-down flower for her gown. I can't remember what we used for her arms, though. Too many years have gone by!

Pastel, 19.5x27.5

Chris Hedge of Alphadog Photography Gets Into Dallas Arboretum Show

2009-09-30T15:11:00.003-05:00

Sushi Bar Chic by Christian Michael Hedge, Alphadog Photography

My son, Chris Hedge, just finished the fall Austin Pecan Street Festival where he had a booth selling his fine art photography, and I wanted to let you know about the upcoming Dallas Arboretum's second annual Southern Artisans Market, at which he will also be selling his work. The show features over 50 artisans selling photography, jewelry, painting, sculpture, and more, in the beautiful Arboretum garden setting. The show runs Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11, at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, 75218. I'm not sure what the hours are, probably on their website at www.dallasarboretum.org. Admission is $9.50 for adults, and onsite parking is $5.00. Chris would love to see you; if you go to the show, be sure to stop by his tent (Alphadog Photography) and say "Hello." Some of you know Chris' wife, Alyssa, who will be visiting for part of the show, as well.

If you can't make it to the Arboretum show, you can see Chris' work at www.alphadogphotography.com. I'm including a sample here of his photography for you to see. Meanwhile, enjoy this great fall weather!

Pears and Key Limes

2009-09-29T18:20:00.002-05:00

This is my third day's work from Qiang-Huang's wonderful still life workshop last weekend. I was more relaxed and didn't struggle quite so much, and was pleased with the results. (The second day's painting will not see the light of day or this blog unless it gets some serious tweaking first!) I also was very fortunate to win the right to purchase one of Qiang's demos, the one with the crock and pears, which you can see on his blog. So now I have several reminders of his lessons to inspire me!

Oil, 12x9

Blue and White Study

2009-09-28T12:24:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I was fortunate to take a three-day workshop with Austin artist Qiang-Huang, a gentle, talented, giving artist who has just come upon the Austin art scene in the last few years (see link to his blog below right). He provided Power Point presentations with ample handouts, did demos, and then turned us loose to practice what we had hopefuly learned from him. This was my attempt from the first day, a still life from objects I brought, an antique ironstone pitcher and a blue one from Tuscany, plus lemons and limes from HEB. I struggled to paint loosely, and maybe succeeded just a little. I liked the composition, which would not have worked had it not been for my painting buddy Mary Jo, who added the lemon to the far right.

Oil, 11x14

Dunes

2009-09-27T14:43:00.004-05:00

I haven't really been gone, just not posting to my blog. We went to Port Aransas last month with our two dogs, for a week of sun, beach, and sloth; it was SOOOOOOO relaxing not to have to do anything except walk and feed the dogs and feed ourselves. I was optimistic and took my pastel pencils, but also took several books: the books won out! This is the only painting I did, a small study, painted early one evening from the patio of our condo right next to the boardwalk onto the beach. The sand was an amazing bright white that glowed at all times of the day, truly lovely. Upon descending from the dunes, the boardwalk wound through scrubby beach grasses, cactuses, and shrubs until it arrived at the condos. I did the painting out of guilt on the next-to-last day, as each day my art supplies looked at me reproachfully and I tried to ignore them. The last day, I got sand in my camera, so have not been able to take photos or upload to my computer until the camera was fixed.

Pastel, 11x14

The Breakfast Club

2009-07-31T16:36:00.005-05:00

Cows and pastoral scenes have such a calming effect on me, especially when they take place in early morning or at dusk. Driving to Fredericksburg, we came upon this little band of cows having a leisurely breakfast along a fencerow in a field. The long shadows cast by trees along the rutted farm road were gorgeous, the spring greens of the grasses were lush, and the morning sky, barely kissed with pink, was cloudless. I came away with a feeling of peace that lasted for several hours, thankful to have been privy to this beauty.

Pastel, 11x14

Mexican Fan Palm and Sagos

2009-07-27T15:58:00.004-05:00

I have been summer lazy lately and have painted very little, choosing instead to read and do this and that, staying inside and trying to keep cool. This past weekend, however, I ventured out to a Plein Air Austin paintout at a friend's home on Lake Austin, where I spent several happy hours sitting on her covered boat dock and painting a view of her palms. It was breezy and lovely, despite the 100-plus degrees, and we all had a great time together. I painted this not only en plein aire, but alla prima, meaning that I completed it totally while on site. Thanks for the Texas-sized hospitality, Martha!

Pastel, 14x11

In the Spotlight

2009-07-09T17:27:00.002-05:00

At one time, I was challenging myself by painting 6x6-inch watercolor still life studies, giving myself no more than 45 minutes to an hour to complete a study. This was one of those paintings that turned out better than most. I thought it looked like a player on the stage with spotlights shining up at it and casting shadows beyond it, hence the name. I love drama in any form, even implied!

Watercolor, 6x6

Cactus Flowers

2009-07-06T06:41:00.002-05:00

These beauties were growing at a roadside park on the way to Albuquerque a few years ago, and I've just finally gotten around to painting them, but in a stylized manner that emphasizes the play of vibrant reds, yellows, and greens against sky-blue, and the intricate petal shapes against the simple cactus pears. Mother Nature creates such sights every day; it never ceases to amaze me and make me thankful.

Pastel, 20x27.5

Stone Cottage

2009-07-03T11:33:00.002-05:00

I am intrigued by windows. They are a glimpse into hidden spaces, and provide interesting reflections of things outside the glass as well as hazy images of things inside the glass, sometimes all blended together. I also love stone and wood textures, and the natural beauty of flowers and plants, so this painting was a "natural" for me.

Watercolor, 14x11

Steps

2009-06-29T14:42:00.003-05:00

This is another painting done in my friend's garden, painted on a brightly sunlit day. I was sitting in a covered dining area, out of the sun, while the scene to be painted was in strong mid-afternoon light. Consequently, I was working in very high key, as my colors all looked darker under roof than they actually were. I like the way it turned out, very warm and sunny-looking. Maybe that's not a bad formula for a Texas landscape!

Pastel, 10x8

Garden Jar

2009-06-26T19:13:00.003-05:00

Another painting that didn't stand on its own merit as a plein air painting, done in a friend's lovely, peaceful garden. I brought it home and after much contemplation, removed most of the background and added two of my favorite brilliant colors for the jar to stand out against. Then, I wiped out all the busy stuff I'd put in that was growing around the jar, and sketched in some simple grasses instead, also keeping the clever little handled jug with petunias in it. I think it all works OK now; what do you think?

Pastel, 12x9

Flower Drifts

2009-06-23T07:59:00.006-05:00

We were on a plein air paintout in Kingsland, Texas, when we spotted this gorgeous scene, a field full of golden and orange Indian Blankets, in billowing drifts that seemed to go on forever. Texas abounds with such scenes in the early spring; it's one of the many reasons Texans are so passionate about their state.

Pastel, 9x12

Morning Lights

2009-06-11T09:12:00.007-05:00

Living in the Texas Hill Country has many perks, one of which is getting to see scenes like this quite often. This view is from the very steep hill to our neighborhood, looking south toward Austin. I was off to an early morning workshop, and as I drove down our hill, this glorious sunrise and the misty hills almost took my breath away. It's hard to see in the photo, but there are lights of distant homes twinkling on the farthest hill, too, which further charmed me. I made our road look a little more country than it actually is. Artistic license! A drippy watercolor underpainting serves in places as trees and sky.

Pastel, 9x12

This Old House

2009-06-09T13:12:00.005-05:00

I went to Granbury a week or so ago with the Austin plein air group, and while all around me were painting what looked to me to be mini-masterpieces, I mainly wasted paper and pastel. This little painting was the only one I did that even halfway pleased me at the time, although it's somewhat dark, and doesn't quite represent the beautiful early morning light we were seeing splashed across the old, ramshackle house. Plein air is a good discipline, however, and I did enjoy the company of the wonderful artists who were there, so was glad I went along.

Pastel, 9x12

The Eyes of Texas

2009-06-05T18:19:00.005-05:00

It's sort of a play on words: eyes are the windows of the soul, and this window is in a Texas native limestone building in a Texas state park; I think it might have been the LBJ Ranch Pioneer Farm. Also, for those of you who are non-Texans, "The Eyes of Texas" is the University of Texas fight song, sung to the tune of "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad." Accompanied, of course, by the Hook-'Em-Horns sign! My UT-grad son and his UT-grad spouse snagged this painting for themselves.

Watercolor, 10x8

Curtain Up!

2009-06-02T16:52:00.003-05:00

I liked the warm, vibrant colors of this little pear study, and placed it in a 4-inch-wide black mat with a narrow gold frame, very dramatic. The cast shadows reminded me of footlights on a stage, hence the name and the framing choice. It was fun to do, and now it's fun to look at in my kitchen. Not the clearest photo, but you get the idea.

Oil, 6x8

El Capitan, Guadalupe Mountains

2009-05-23T18:55:00.003-05:00

My photographer son, Christian Hedge, took a picture when he and his family were on a camping trip to the Guadalupe Mountains in west Texas, and I, of course, loved the image and had to paint from it. This is the result. I'll put this small painting in the upcoming APS miniature show at the Scarbrough building in downtown Austin. If you can, you should come see the show; it promises to be quite a good one.

This just in: This painting received an Honorable Mention in the Scarbrough Building show juried by Susan Kemner Reed.

Pastel, 7x5

Magnolia Blossom

2009-05-21T03:24:00.003-05:00

Here's another tiny painting, another magnolia. I've actually painted this particular blossom before, though not by itself. I love the big loopy shadow across its petal facing the warm light. This one was done totally with pastel pencils, easier to use in such a small space.

Pastel, 5x5

The Show is Up!

2009-05-12T13:00:00.007-05:00

The show at Austin Art Space is hung, and there are 72 pieces of work from the four of us, including landscapes, florals, still lifes, animals, and portraits-something for everyone! The reception is this Friday from 6 to 9 PM at the gallery; see my earlier post for details. If you're in the neighborhood, I hope you'll stop by to see us, either during the reception or for the remaining week that the show is up. And don't forget, I'll be doing this same gallery again in the fall with a friend.

Mexican Mission, San Miguel

2009-05-09T10:51:00.005-05:00

Actually, this painting was done just outside of San Miguel de Allende, in a small, dusty town called Atotinilco. We were on a painting trip with William Kalwick, Jr., and this day we were located in a field across from an old mission. As we were painting, a small herd of goats wandered into the rocky field, followed by a girl and her two little brothers, who were the goat-herders. It was all quite charming.

Oil, 12x9

My Studio

2009-05-06T14:57:00.005-05:00

I thought maybe you would like to see my new studio. Here's a view with two of my painting buddies, Cody (the Golden, my "Slobberdog") and Skye (whom we rescued from Mexico).

I have these fabulous windows that look out over our driveway and across to a field where deer sometimes graze, and then in the distance, a view of the hills across FM2222.

Look at all the light I have now! I have five floor-to-ceiling windows across one wall, two high clerestory windows, two "kitty" windows at floor level, and three skylights! Oh, and can you see my other painting buddy, Glory? She's the magenta Phalenopsis orchid on my table, and I play music for her and talk to her every day.

Here's what my studio looked like before (and this was a huge improvement over the attic that it was until my husband created my first studio). I hit my head all the time on the low ceiling. This view is now where the five BIG windows are, with a ceiling that allows me to stand up!

Cactus Blossom

2009-05-02T15:39:00.009-05:00

Here's another small floral oil I've done, this one of the ubiquitous cactuses that abound in the Texas Hill Country. These lovely flowers open in the morning and die that night, but the flowers are so numerous that the cactus stays in bloom for quite a long time.

Oil, 5x5

Hibiscus Blossom

2009-05-02T15:30:00.006-05:00

Flowers are one of my favorite things to paint, and hibiscus (hibisci???) are no exception, with their vibrant colors and interesting stamen structure. This stylized image is painted on a tiny gallery-wrapped canvas, the stamen is partly three-dimensional, and the image carries down the 2"-deep sides, as well. It was fun to paint in such a small format for a change!

Oil, 5x5

Our Show at Austin Art Space

2009-05-01T12:36:00.003-05:00

I will be participating with three Austin artist friends of mine, Rae Andrews, Vicki Brevell, and Janine Martens, in an art show entitled Great Artspectations. It is to be held at Austin Art Space, 7739 Northcross Drive, Suite Q, located behind Northcross Mall off Anderson Lane in Northwest Austin. The show goes up May 11 and runs through May 23, with a Meet the Artists wine and cheese reception on Friday, May 15, from 6 to 9 PM.

We will be showing new and older works in pastel, oil, watercolor, and acrylic; most of the work is smaller and priced quite reasonably. The gallery, which is run by nine women who also maintain working studio spaces there, is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM, and during the week by appointment or by chance. I hope you can stop by the show, either for the reception or during the two weeks it will be up. Send me a comment here to let me know what you think of the show, I'd love to hear from you!

P.S. Rae and I will also be doing a show of our larger work in October at this same gallery, so stay tuned for that info.

Misty Morning

2009-04-28T17:18:00.008-05:00

I loved the lavender cast over this scene when I came upon it between Austin and Fredericksburg one morning two years ago. It was an early May morning, and a slight mist softened the distant trees and played up the wild purple sage that filled the pasture. The sky was actually not this rosy, but the color contrasts nicely with the purple of the sages.

Pastel, 8x10

Sunlight and Shadow

2009-04-07T20:15:00.004-05:00

This was painted from a photo taken at a ranch belonging to a member of Plein Air Austin, which we visited last fall. I was caught by the lovely sunlight and shadows glancing across the water tank, as well as the colors of the weathered barns. It's a typical Texas Hill Country ranch scene.

Oil, 9x12

Storm Approaching

2009-03-29T17:57:00.006-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to take a workshop from a wonderful artist friend, Denise Mahlke, who paints the most exquisite skies and tender landscapes. In fact, she just won Second Place in Animal/Wildlife, and took an Honorable Mention in Landscape, in the Pastel Journal's Annual 100 competition. I painted this at her workshop, from a photo taken on the way to an IAPS convention in Albuquerque. The rapidly approaching storm clouds, back-lit by the sun, were stunning. P.S. When the storm hit us in the car, it was a real west Texas gully-washer!!!

Pastel, 9x12

Smokey

2009-03-24T10:09:00.004-05:00

Our beautiful cat, Smokey, demands adoration and the attention he so richly deserves. When he doesn't get it, he will often sit and stare at you until you feel the psychic pull and realize he's speaking to you. This portrait catches him perfectly. It was accepted into a recent Austin Pastel Society show juried by Desmond O'Hagan, but did not win any awards, much to Smokey's chagrin.

Pastel, 12x9 inches

Summer Afternoon on Riverwalk

2009-03-16T15:16:00.005-05:00

The Austin Pastel Society always has wonderful workshops, and the one I just took with Desmond O'Hagan was no exception. He challenged us to learn to paint using strong values, and also to lay color down with the side of the pastel stick, without blending it or using small lines for definition. We all struggled with the lessons, but everyone agreed that we learned a great deal from this talented and generous teacher. This was a painting I did in the workshop from a photo taken at Riverwalk in San Antonio. If you've never been there, you should plan to, as it's a beautiful place.

Pastel, 18x12 inches

Golden Afternoon

2009-03-16T14:46:00.009-05:00

Last fall we went to Port Aransas with our son and his family, and my two beautiful grandchildren delighted me with the way they played on the beach. I was lucky enough to snap a picture of four-year-old Tyler looking for seashells, with great reflections, a snazzy red bucket, and the cutest little boy in the world to boot! It took me months to complete this painting, mainly because I just couldn't seem to get his nose and eyes to read exactly right; after tinkering for ages, I finally had to say, "Good enough." It's a nice painting, at any rate, and a happy memory of a lovely vacation with our family. Now I want to paint my granddaughter, so stay tuned for that.

Pastel, 25x19 inches

Calla Design

2009-02-28T21:18:00.005-06:00

Calla lilies are one of my favorite flowers, especially the white ones. Very elegant. The rose and yellow ones, however, made a better composition. It might be fun to redo this painting using white lilies and black and dark green leaves, for a sort of harlequin look.

Pastel, 27.5x20 inches

Hill Country Cedars

2009-02-27T07:20:00.003-06:00

I always think the cedars that abound near our home in the Texas Hill Country look like communities of tree people. There are slender mothers and fathers with many small children, huge plump grandmothers, and gnarled old grandfathers. Birds and small animals take shelter in their stout evergreen branches in the cold of winter. Cedar tree people are comforting to me, and I enjoy their piney smell in the hot Texas summers, but no one much likes them during allergy season!

Oil, 24x30

Leaves of Music

2009-02-27T07:10:00.002-06:00

Would you believe that this painting was generated from a tiny pile of twigs and leaves with insect galls on them? I first did a value study of the composition, and then attempted to translate the study into color. The final result looks nothing like the original value study, but I am happy with it. It reminds me of lutes and lyres, so I thought a musical name would suit. It has a good earthy feel to it, I think.

Pastel, 11x14 inches

Emu Ranch

2009-02-27T06:40:00.003-06:00

Painting en plein aire is never easy to do: the weather can be iffy; wind can blow your canvas or paper off your easel; you may be out in the boonies with no comfort facilities in sight; and there can be fire ants, mosquitos, and no-seeums or other unfriendly creatures that chase you away from your scene. On this overcast day, a friend and I were painting a bucolic scene from the vantage of a country lane. I had spotted the emus in the distance, but was trying to capture only the wildflowers and the typical Texas Hill Country landscape. Emus are evidently very curious birds, however, and the flock (herd?) slowly began to make its way to the fence near where I was painting. Eventually, there were four of five of these huge birds peering over the fence at me, and I abandonned my painting to get closer to them with my camera. Afterward, I had to incorporate at least one of them into my painting, as they were a memorable part of the day's experience.

Pastel, 9x12 inches

16 de Septiembre

2009-02-27T06:29:00.002-06:00

I went on a painting trip to Ajijic, a little town in Mexico southwest of Guadalajara, situated between the mountains and the banks of Lake Chapala. The town is beautiful, with brightly colored buildings and flowers growing everywhere you look. My friend and I were sitting on the street curb painting this scene, looking up toward the mountains, hence the odd viewpoint. The street we were sitting on is called 16 de Septiembre; September 16 is El Grito, Mexico's Independence Day from Spain, and much celebrated.

Pastel, 9x12 inches

Vermont Solitude

2009-02-27T06:08:00.002-06:00

When I was a child, my father was in the military and we moved all over the world. My mother was a Vermonter, and my grandparents and one aunt and uncle and cousins lived in Burlington, so that was my lodestone, my guiding light, no matter where we were stationed. My sister and I both graduated from the University of Vermont in Burlington, and I still have cousins living in my grandmother's house there. I love snow, tons of it, and sunlight slanting through red maple leaves puts me in ecstacy. I am much older now, and sunny Texas has been my home for almost twenty years. But: Scenes of Vermont in the fall still bring a huge lump to my throat, the beauty is so incandescent.

Oil, 24x24 inches

I See You

2009-02-27T05:55:00.000-06:00

This USED to be a painting of a woman who modeled for me, but the painting didn't work. So I played with it, laying down ribbons of color and then scratching through them until the original painting showed through in bands and patches. Next, I overlayed a simple design to represent bamboo canes and leaves, again scratching through it to show some of the original marks on the canvas. Finally, I added a little bird I liked from an earlier painting I'd done, and Voila! A totally different and fresh painting that was fun to do! I call it I See You because one of the woman's eyes is still viewable, but probably only to me since I know where it is.

Oil, 14x11 inches

Laguna Beach

2009-02-18T00:50:00.001-06:00

I've seen other pictures of this sleepy little cove in Laguna Beach. It's a pretty place, isn't it? The quality of light there is wonderfully bright, no wonder Californians look so tanned and healthy!

Oil, 20x24 inches

Dance of Life

2009-02-18T00:34:00.002-06:00

When we moved to Austin, I was simply ecstatic to finally be here. I love our neighborhood with its multitude of wildlife- birds singing loudly that wake me every spring morning, black vultures swirling overhead as I walk the dogs, deer browsing at the foot of our driveway, butterflies looping strands of flowers together, armadillo bandits conducting midnight raids of our landscaping, the stately oaks and cedars- all the beauty of nature in its cycles of life. Dance of Life evolved from the heart and the feelings of joy I had for my new home. I wonder if my husband will ever get tired of hearing me say how much I love Austin!

Oil, 36x48 inches

Clowning Around

2009-02-02T14:01:00.002-06:00

This was another painting exercise in which I played with wet color and found shapes that suggested an underwater scene, then added the fish from references in books. The striped fish at the bottom is a Clown Loach, and when we had a freshwater aquarium years ago, these were my favorites because of their clownish antics like stacking three-deep inside a hollow log. The little fish are Neon Tetras, and dart in small schools all over the tank looking for food, their neon colors brightening even the darkest corners. And of course, who doesn't know the fancy goldfish? My painting has gilt on both the Neons and the goldfish, but the photo doesn't show this clearly.

Watercolor, 5x7 inches

Winter Day, Florida

2009-01-29T16:54:00.003-06:00

We were visiting my daughter and son-in-law in Florida for Christmas, and decided to go out on Christmas Day to take pictures. I painted this afterward because I loved the moodiness of the dreary winter day, and also the way the marsh grasses had dried to rusts and deep reds and even purples. Those trees in the distance with the tall trunks are so VERY Florida.

Pastel, 9x12 inches

Magnolia Study

2009-01-25T14:49:00.001-06:00

Here's another painting of one of my favorite flowers, the magnolia. They are an elegant flower with many personalities. This one looks a bit like a star, doesn't it? I especially enjoy finding one that has fading petals or is beginning to form the pod that later will fill with red seeds.

Prismacolor, 8x10 inches

Rialto Bridge, Venice

2009-01-17T17:56:00.002-06:00

This painting was a Christmas gift for my husband the year after we took a backpacking trip to Venice, Tuscany, and Rome with our daughter and son-in-law. I took hundreds of photos, and painted this from one of them almost exactly as I had viewed it. Imagine my surprise at seeing someone else's painting, from the exact same vantage point, in a national artists' magazine about a year later!

Watercolor, 12x18 inches

Ribbons of Steel Ran Up Her Spine and Sprang From Her Head

2009-01-17T17:45:00.001-06:00

OK, if you had known my mother, you would understand the title of this abstract in my "Strong Women" series. She was a slender, fragile person with an iron will, and, while I was growing up, steely gray hair that sprang from her head robustly but later turned white and soft as snow. She was intelligent, forthright, and outspoken, and never gave in on an argument unless proven unequivocably that she was wrong. Her standards were high, and she and my father set the bar high for my sister and me, as well. I admired her and strove for her approval all my life. I think I still do, despite her being gone for 16 years, now.

Acrylic, 24x18 inches

Souvenir of San Miguel

2009-01-17T17:37:00.001-06:00

This happy plant lives in a restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, where I was staying a few years ago, painting with a group led by Bill Kalwick, Jr. I've painted this in pastel, too, although the interpretation is quite different from that work to this one. San Miguel is a beautiful town, filled with lovely streetscape vignettes to paint, fascinating people to watch, and marvelous food and drink for hungry tourists. But watch out for Montezuma, he might get you if you're not careful.

Acrylic, 24x18 inches

Gold Necklace

2009-01-17T17:16:00.002-06:00

This painting was completed during a life-drawing session in my studio in Georgetown; the model, Anna, is one who modeled for us frequently. Anna was from Central America, Honduras, I think, and would tell us stories while we painted about her family and growing up there before she came to the United States.

Pastel, 14x11 inches

Tin Stable

2009-01-17T17:03:00.002-06:00

Plein Air Austin is a group of artists that travel all over the Central Texas area painting, of course, en plein air. I painted this little stable, located in the Hill Country west of Austin, a few months ago with a group from PAA. The morning light was lovely on the old tin roof, peeling walls, and paddock ground, except that it kept moving as we tried to capture the scene. The horses wandered in and out of our view. I felt lucky that I was working in pastel, as oil and acrylic artists struggled to mix colors while I simply picked up the color I needed. I finished the work alla prima, which means all at once, as opposed to finishing during later sessions or in the studio.

Pastel, 9x12 inches

Water Music

2009-01-17T16:53:00.001-06:00

Pastel is very fragile and must typically be glassed to protect it or else sprayed with a fixative. Unfortunately, fixative dulls the colors, so most pastelists prefer not to use fixative. In an experimental mood, I decided to try painting on a canvas that had been primed with sanded acrylic paint, spraying it with only water throughout the painting process. While most of the colors retained their brightness, the reds dulled slightly to brownish reds, so I will not attempt this again. The painting turned out OK, but it must be hung where it will not be rubbed against, as the pastel is not fixed 100%.

Pastel on sanded gallery-wrapped canvas, 24x24 inches

Red Amaryllis

2009-01-17T16:41:00.002-06:00

Zilker Botanical Garden offers Austinites a peaceful, beautiful spot to wander and spend a few pleasant hours, observing flowers and trees in numerous theme gardens connected by paths and lily- and goldfish-filled ponds. I took a class in pastels that took us to a number of local Austin public gardens to paint en plein air, including Zilker, and painted the red amaryllis while there.

Pastel, 27.5x20

Waterfall on the Gardon

2009-01-17T16:34:00.003-06:00

To get to the farmhouse where we stayed in Langueduc, we had to cross over this woodside waterfall, which ordinarily was fairly tame and babbled its way down the hill. With all the rain we had while we were there, however, the waterfall became a torrent, and its roar was quite impressive. I painted this on a drizzly day several days after the last heavy rain, and you can see how strong the flow is still.

Pastel, 9x12 inches

My Town

2009-01-17T16:20:00.000-06:00

I did this abstract in a Carol Barnes workshop, playing the bright yellows and hot pinks off against the dark and moody purples and reds. I used tools and found objects to scratch into wet paint, and rubbed it out with alcohol to soften it in spots. Messy + spontaneous + colorful = FUN!!!

Acrylic, 15x20 inches

I Am I

2009-01-17T16:12:00.001-06:00

Not to be left out, I count myself among the strong women I know, so this abstract in my "Strong Women" series is dedicated to me. I think there are two sides to me, the side that loves to be noticed and perform, and the side that is shy and retiring (which my friends and family would dispute). And I love color and movement and pattern and texture and contrast. Hopefully, you can see all these in I Am I.

Acrylic, 24x18 inches

Behind the Scenes

2009-01-17T16:06:00.000-06:00

Another painting in my abstract series entitled "Strong Women," this painting portrays a friend who is always there to do whatever is needed, but hates to be in the limelight. She is the wind beneath many wings, and I love her for the support she gives me.

Acrylic, 24x18 inches

Agave and Stones

2009-01-17T16:02:00.000-06:00

Agaves are amazing plants, and we have a number of them in our garden and on our porch. This one grows in a huge pot and has murderous pointy ends, but in my abstract painting of it, it looks fairly harmless, doesn't it?

Acrylic, 15x20 inches

A Pair of Pears Plus One

2009-01-17T15:45:00.001-06:00

This little watercolor was in a show at a local restaurant, Chez Zee, and was sold to a customer there. Pears are one of my favorite fruits, blueberries and mangos being two others; I like being able to eat my still lifes afterward! Yummy!

Watercolor, 9x12 inches

Silk Scarf

2009-01-17T15:29:00.002-06:00

This lovely lady was a model for a workshop I took with some women who later became painting buddies when we lived in Georgetown. We began painting together once a week for a life drawing/painting class, but I stopped when I moved to Austin. I enjoy portrait-painting, but find it the most difficult because I try so hard to capture an exact likeness while not losing the spark of life. So far, I haven't been very successful, but I keep trying.

Pastel, 18.5x13 inches

White Yucca

2009-01-17T15:22:00.002-06:00

My neighbor owns this white yucca, which stands about seven feet tall when in bloom. It appears to be the springtime home of the local watch-Mockingbird, who sits at the top and fusses at anyone who dares to walk by her. Last year, my husband and I stood on rocks and took lots of photos of the gorgeous plant for several weeks as it formed buds, gradually bloomed, and then faded. I painted this little image one afternoon, and liking it well, framed it and hung it in our hallway before I remembered that I had not photographed it for my records. The photo, consequently, is taken through the glass and not very good- but you get the idea.

Pastel, 6x6 inches

Window at Moulin Ouest

2009-01-17T15:08:00.001-06:00

Moulin Ouest, or West Mill, was the farmhouse in St. Jean du Gard where we seven artists stayed while on our painting trip to Languedoc in southern France last year. The weather, although typically beautiful in May, was unseasonably rainy for most of our trip, and we found ourselves farmhouse-bound quite often when we were not slogging around on soggy sightseeing trips. One such afternoon found several of us painting in the parlor area downstairs, the old wooden shutters open to let in as much light as possible into the otherwise dark room. I was taken with the simple still life on the deep casement windowsill, and the returning sun making shadows on the shutter and the sill. We drank wine and talked as we worked; perhaps I would have painted better without the wine, but the happy experience might then have been seriously lacking!

Pastel, 12x9 inches

Tumbling Gourds

2009-01-16T16:32:00.001-06:00

On a visit to my cousins in Vermont, where my mother was born and where I went to college, we came across a fall harvest stand at the side of the road. Small pumpkins and gourds were piled unceremoniously on the ground, autumn leaves drifitng across them, making a charming scene. I combined photos of three separate piles of gourds to make this painting, which suggested the odd size of the painting.

Watercolor, 10x20 inches

Evening Oleander

2009-01-16T16:25:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe these lovely, delicate flowers come from a bush that is so highly toxic that one nibble of a branch can kill someone. I passed this bush one night when I was out walking my dogs, and as the bush was close to the road, I was able to see great detail in the blossoms that I'd never noticed before. The flowers were actually white, but in the dusk they looked milky blue and ethereal.

Pastel, 20x27.5 inches