Compliments

8 x 8" oil

sold

Here is a preview of some new work that will be at my Fall Show this November. I began this painting today with the intent of painting light pink tulips, but it must be the reds and oranges I can see up on the mountains, because these strong harvest colors are what came out of the brush. Light pinks will have to wait for another day.

This variety of tulip is a favorite to paint. The blossoms are strong in both color and line, and this little 8x8" hanging on a wall is just a POP of color that would make any art-lover giddy.

Soul

7x7" oil
sold at the Mali Rising Foundation dinner auction

She's finished: my beautiful Mali girl, full of soul. Soul is the only word that would work for the title too - she just has this look in her eyes of strength, goodness and power. Here is a video about Yeah Samake and the Mali Rising Foundation: http://www.youtube.com/v/mn18CoUfweo&hl=en&fs=1

almost finished. . .

(7x7")

I've got to work on her shirt some more and I think that will be about it. My husband is going to build a wide frame for this that I will finish with a black-brown coat of wax. I'm glad to get this painting out of the way. It was intimidating but I think it's turning out really well. Looking at her makes me feel peaceful.

Now it's about time to start two other paintings for the Dollhouse Fundraiser that are due at the end of the month. I'm going to paint tulips for those. I have no idea what tulips, but tulips nonetheless.

Today's Happenings

I got the mail today and there was a surprise check from my Salt Lake City gallery - Waiting For Birds, the above painting of my yellow lab, has sold. It was a favorite and I'm sad to see it go, but happy it is in a fellow dog-lover's home.

Above, you can see two pictures showing the portrait I'm starting of the (beautiful!) Mali girl. This portrait will be for sale at the dinner-fundraiser-auction next month for Mali Rising, the foundation that builds schools in Mali, West Africa. Thanks to James Arrington, my friend and fellow artist, who took the picture in Mali and is letting me use it for a painting. She is just stunning. I can't get over her eyes. It will be hard to capture her grace - what was I thinking taking on such a hard painting?

Aaaaand...I'm shopping for another easel. I'm hopefully going to end up with three easels that I can work on all at the same time: one set up for tiny pieces, medium, and the big boy for huge paintings.

And after a lovely morning, I check on my chickens and they have this for me. I love my chickens.