Shimmer

12 x 16" original oil

sold

White flowers are some of the prettiest to paint. The warm and cool variations show up readily, and overall they feel fresh and clean. 

I have vivid  memories of fishing Missouri lakes for bass, blue gill, orange roughie and croppies while seeing the lake water shimmer off into the distance. The tips of these tulips are catching the white sunlight and it reminds me of that shimmering water. 

The dark background dresses up this painting; it feels formal to me. 

Lightning

6 x 6" original oil

commission

Thank you Gallery MAR for another dog commission. The client commissioned this piece for their friend who recently lost their dog, Lightning, and will surprise it with them soon. I think that is so sweet. Snuggle your little loved ones while you can! My condolences to Lightning's mom and dad. Enjoy your painting!

CH

Cackle

6 x 6" original oil

sold

*Sound of witches cackling* HEEEE HE HE HEEEEEE, my dog has been turned into a witch for Halloweeeeeen! This painting makes me laugh so hard. I know I personify my photos of dogs, but this one has gone to a whole 'nother level. You'll either totally love this painting or you'll think it's completely retarded. I, however, totally love it. 

I think it's pretty handy, too, that the triangular composition of the dog and her shadow is like a witch hat. 

Of course, this painting had to have a pumpkin orange background. 

I love October!

Lift Up Your Heads

 30 x 45" original oil

sold

The title comes from a scripture in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 7:19). It says "lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God...". A while ago I was brainstorming with a friend about what to title this yet-to-be-painted piece. I knew I wanted something that connoted strength and individuality. We discussed a few options but nothing zinged at me.

A few days later I was reading my scriptures and having one of those blah days where I felt like I was falling short everywhere - even my body language as I read was defeated with my head hanging down and my back slumping. The moment I read the phrase "lift up your heads" I looked up with surprise and realization. I knew right away that would be the title for this painting, and my body language also changed: I lifted my head, I finished my reading, I took my dog for a long walk while I could process all of this, and the next day I began this painting. It was magical. I felt like the painting painted itself and all of a sudden there it was, in my studio, glowing at me.

Lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God. Three things...three steps mentioned in this one sentence that helped me get through a really hard day. First, chin up. Don't hang your head. Look around at what needs to be done and get started. Second, count your blessings. To rejoice is to realize what you have already been given. Third, trust that God knows what's best for you and is ready to bless you with your next success when it's time, and is reluctant to try you but He loves you and trials help you grow.

The main yellow daffodil is like me when I was in the middle of learning this lesson. I have inner light and lots of potential, I am surrounded by others and yet unique, and as I learn to lift my head, rejoice, and trust God, I'll bloom.

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Carousel

12 x 12" original oil

sold

Thanks friends for the title ideas. I chose Carousel because of the spinning and whimsy feel it added to this piece. There were a lot of really great suggestions. One of my friends remarked that this piece reminds her of Southern Utah: red/orange rocks contrasted against a deep blue sky with puffy white clouds. I love that image. 

Fall is in the air! I am trying to complete as many new paintings as possible to supply my galleries for the holiday season. Visit my page here to see a link to all of my galleries, and let them help you find that perfect painting. Thanks!

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