Peontiful Blossoms

This is one of my favorite flowering plants.  It was also one of my Dad's (and my brother's).  Dad took such pristine care of his beloved peony plants, of which he had many.  I especially love their scent!  Wish they lasted throughout the summer. When my little sister Karen died some years ago, I planted one with flowers that looked much like these in the painting.  Sadly, I didn't get to take the plant with me, when we moved.  We have two white plants here from the previous owners, so we get to enjoy the scent and beauty in the spring.  I recreated the pink variety on canvas with my sister Karen in mind.  Now, I can look upon them everyday and think of both Dad and Karen.

Path to Paradise

This painting as well as "Hope" were inspired by our trip to HI in March 2018.  How I love the idea of a pathway to somewhere enchanting, wonderful and warm!

Hope

I have always loved this flowering plant.  The first time I ever saw a true tropical hibiscus was when I visited St. Maarten in the Caribbean.years ago.  I created a painting to display in the Villa my friend owned at that time.  This particular painting was created for my dear cousin and husband who lost their precious HI home from Kilauea in March of this year (2018).  And this was my first piece after returning to oils as the medium.  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, loving the memory from using the medium years ago,  as well as the reason for the painting.  My cousin just recently visited OH and I presented the painting to her.  She grew the plants in her yard in the district of Puna in Hilo.  The Leilani Estates where Kathy and Gene's home resided was devastated by Kilauea.  Their precious home/land was sadly lost, having been covered with tons of lava.  Lynn and I were privileged to visit this home last March and to also spend quality time with Kathy and Gene.  This painting was created to honor the time spent with them and to also honor their sweet home in Hilo.  I hope this image serves as a positive affirmation toward a new home in their beloved Hawaii.

Sunset in the Forest

This is the view, while sitting in the living room of our lovely home, on summer nights around 7pm.  The sun sets, shedding light on the less dark trees in the small forest.  I decided this was a Plein Air kind of opportunity.  Though it started out that way, it became a project that took a few months to perfect.

Back in March 2018, a pastor from a Methodist church in Oregon City contacted me about using one of my paintings to put in a bulletin announcing the funeral of a church member.  He found my painting by googling Chitwood Bridge paintings which led him to this blog.

The member grew up just down the road from the bridge.  He said they couldn't pay me, but would list my name as the artist.  I considered this an honor and gave him the rights to do so.  Just received a copy of the bulletin.

Second 4 x 5 painting of a still-life in acrylic.  The basic impetus was starting with a black background. 

BASKET OF VEGGIES

Decided to try painting on small canvases for a bit.  This is a 4x5.  Was easy enough to hold in my hand, while painting.  Tiny brushes were necessary for the detail.