I’ve Arrived

Latest Projects, News

“I’ve Arrived” portrays a very chic beach chick who has just arrived on South Carolina’s beautiful Grand Strand, and is ready to explore, and enjoy some time in the sun. This portrait is a metaphor for the artist (except, perhaps, for the chic part). I’ve recently relocated to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where I’ve spent the past year building a new home. We’re nearing the finish line on the build, but while we wait, there’s plenty of beach to walk, new restaurants to try, and friends to meet. I’ve arrived!

Arizona on my Mind

Latest Projects, Li'l Birds

My son and daughter-in-law recently bought a second home in Arizona. The home is an opportunity to be closer to family, and enjoy a change of scenery from the Pacific Northwest, which is where they reside full-time. I wanted to paint something for their desert home, and what’s better than a giant saguaro? Of course, I had to continue the fun and paint something for my little granddaughter who LOVES cats. So, what’s better than a giant saguaro? A whole garden of cat cacti!

A River Runs Through It

Latest Projects, News

“A Watershed Moment” was my donation to the annual Lend a Hand silent auction fundraiser sponsored by The Muse in downtown Frederick. The fundraiser always supports a Maryland charity and this year it was Stream-Link Education. Stream-Link works to connect communities and conservation by engaging volunteers to plant thousands of trees each year along streams to improve the health of local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

Artists were asked to create a work inspired by a passage from the movie “A River Runs Through It”. My research led me to a map of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. All the rivers merging into one reminded me of sea nettle tentacles. The Atlantic sea nettle is often found in the Bay and plays a role in protecting baby oysters!

From Stream-Link Education: “It was an honor to be chosen as this year’s Lend a Hand art auction beneficiary. All proceeds will help reforest our local stream sides and will benefit the community and the environment for generations. This has been a rewarding and inspiring experience. We are so thankful for all the artists, everyone who bid, and The Muse for organizing this event. Thank you for all of your hard work and for supporting our mission.”

From The Muse: “This week, we were pleased to be able to give this year’s Lend a Hand beneficiary, Stream-Link Education, a check for $5,735! That will plant a lot of trees! Thank you so much to everyone who created art and who bid in the auction; we couldn’t have done it without you!”

S-U-M-M-E-R

Latest Projects, Li'l Birds

There’s nothing like welcoming a new granddaughter with a personalized piece of art. She was born in December 2018, and her name was not revealed until after her birth. I had my work cut out for me to finish these canvas blocks before our first visit. I love using imagery from children’s art, so I borrowed from this portrait of a past family dog that was done by my son (my grandchild’s father) when he was about six. The elements of nature were perfect for a little girl with a name that evokes sunshine, flowers, and busy little bees.

I love this portrait of Jessi, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, created many years ago. I love how my son captured the ridge on her back, but contrary to how depicted, she never bared her teeth!

Make Dip, Not War

Latest Projects, News

Let me introduce you to the “Guac-a-cado Love Bird” and her message of Peace. She was my donation to the 2019 Lend a Hand silent auction fundraiser “Planting the Seeds of Dreams” sponsored by The Muse in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The chosen charity for 2019 was The Buddy Project, which focuses on autism awareness in our community.

The Warrior 2018

This was my third year to participate in the Lend a Hand fundraiser. While not my intention, all my entries have had birds as the main subject.

Totality 2017

 

Image Transfer Tutorial

Latest Projects, News

Many of my recent pieces have been a combination of acrylic paint and a technique called image transfer. Some of the artists I work with in open studio would ask me how I get certain effects in my paintings, or they would see me working with image transfer and wonder what I was doing. I decided to do a tutorial for them and used these paintings to explain and show the process.

Image transfer is a method of transferring an image to a surface using gel medium. My images are usually copies made on a laser printer of random photos, art prints, or fabrics. I cut out the pieces I want to use and adhere them print side down to the surface (usually painted canvas) using gel medium as the adhesive. I use a  brayer roller to press the paper securely to the canvas. After drying overnight, I lightly sand the paper and spray with water. The paper can then be gently rubbed off with fingers or a soft cloth, leaving the design layer on the the canvas. I usually add layers on top of layers to build up pattern and design.

Click here for a great YouTube video on image transfers.

I’m Only Human

Latest Projects, Li'l Birds

My son’s original art from a young age in elementary school became my inspiration for another “li’l birds” project. The original is construction paper collage and incidentally, hung over my desk at work for years. I often told colleagues that it was a depiction of me behind my desk reacting to a typical day’s work.

“I’m Only Human” is designed to be art you can touch. It’s an interactive piece made from canvas panels, acrylic paint, metal, wood, and magnets. Four small canvas panels are meant to be removed from the background and placed in positions favored by the viewer.

The background was painted on a thin piece of sheet metal and framed in a custom built frame. The background was drawn on a larger scale to look like the background in the original. The four 6×6-inch canvas panels were painted to resemble the original true to size, except in four separate pieces.

The canvas panels were mounted on wood (stained to match the frame) and small magnets were attached.

The four small panels can be placed anywhere on the metal background.

The finished piece is now hangs on a wall waiting for the next person to walk by and create a new arrangement.

Acrylic on canvas & metal, 33×12

 

TAG Box Show 2018

Latest Projects, News

The 2018 TAG/The Artists Gallery Box Show was held March 3-24 at TAG in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The show is an annual event and silent auction gallery fundraiser. This year’s show was “On and Off the Wall” and featured both boxes and wood panels (artist’s choice). I chose a panel and with spring in mind, I painted yellow tulips. I chose complementary colors for each item to add richness and harmony, hence the blue and orange background, red and green leaves and yellow and violet tulips. This piece went for $150.