High Tide (formerly titled "Still")

18" x 36" oils
sold
When I started this painting 9 days ago, it did not have waves and it had a different title. All of the posts under the title of Still used to be this painting. Once I added the waves, I really grew to love their motion and sound, but the title and the painting clashed. Rather that lose the waves for the sake of keeping the title of Still, I have changed the painting's title.

If I close my eyes after looking at this painting, I can hear the surf break and feel the sun on my back. There is something so relaxing about the ocean, and something so grounding about a long, flat horizon line. If I'm feeling stressed, I just have to look at this painting and my mind and body become calm.

Look for another painting in the future that bears more of a resemblance to Still - I would like to revisit that simplicity.

a close-up of the wave action

Still: Part II

18" x 36" oils

I worked on this painting today and added the waves. I like the frothy action. However, I miss the simplicity of what I had before. Still deciding which way to go. Stared at this painting for a half hour trying to decide. Left it for now - I'll revisit the issue tomorrow. If the waves stay, the title must change.

Still: Part I

18" x 36" oils...
Today I began this painting. I got the idea a couple of ways: it is totally monochromatic outside (cloudy whites and grays) and I am having one of those quiet, nothing-going-on days myself. I got out my sketchbook and started drawing and writing, waiting for something fantastic to come to me. This is the result. I had to give myself permission to paint something extraordinarily simple, and I very much enjoy the simpleness of this painting. To some people, it may be abstract, and to others, it may be representational.

Snow Angels

This 18" x 40" oil painting is a gift for family this Christmas. Merry early Christmas.

Dawn

18" x 36" oils
sold

It has been a long time since I began this painting, and it has changed many times. I finished it today and it turned out exactly how I saw it in my mind. Da Vinci is quoted to have said "Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art." I'm not sure if I completely agree with that statement, but I definitely think that where the soul does not work with the hand there is no art. Here is the meaning behind Dawn and the reason I painted it:

Life is hard. That's just a fact. If it's easy for you, just wait, and you'll get your own taste of reality. Now, just because life is hard doesn't mean it can't be great at the same time, that's not what I'm saying. However, there are times for all of us when we feel beaten down by our trials. Those are the long, dark nights. Dawn is a painting of a literal dawning of the day, but it is symbolic of the peace in all of our lives when we turn that corner and begin to succeed against all odds. The words scratched into the paint in the lower area of the water say "The dawn is coming, so I swim, I swim, I swim." It's all about never giving up!

I never guessed that when I began this painting, my mom would be overcoming a traumatic cancer surgery as I finished this painting. Dawn is more special to me now as my family and I deal with her health issues and hope for healing. Thank you to all who have wished her well. I hope this painting helps you deal with the struggles you have in your own life.

close-up shots above and below...