Old barn in a pristeen environment

I truly had high hopes for this endeavor.  When I took the photo, I thought that the shadows, the aging barn, the manicured yard would be the ticket.  I just couldn't do it justice.  I am quite disappointed.  However............

though I consider myself an artist, I apparently don't know much about photography.  New lesson in my life now.

All that I saw when I took this pic were the shadows and the old barn.  I didn't think about the view/perspective.  This is where I need to rely on my husband to take the photos.  He is so good at it. 

The damn barn sits right in the center of the photo vertically.  I know better than that.  Tried to compensate for that, by placing the barn toward the left.

I really don't like this painting, yet I have learned much from the process and that is why I am willing to share it with you all.  We can't always be perfect, can we?  We only wish to show our best side in everything we do.  But, hey!  That isn't real!  So, I am willing to show you my faults and weaknesses through this painting.  And I will appreciate your comments.  I can only learn from this, right?

Doug's Yard

Another area of my brother's beautiful yard..  He is so creative and adept in landscaping, building, etc.

Dearest Dad

As always, there is a theme to my paintings.  Here is a story behind this particular painting.  I have been working on it long and hard and it is finally completed.  This one is dedicated to my brother and I will be shipping it to him in the next few days.

 My brother asked me to create this painting for him.  The site for this endeavor is in my bro's back yard.  In 2004, my brother married the love of his life.  They were wedded under the gazebo that my brother spent so much time creating and perfecting.  He is like his father and his Uncle Joe, in that he loves landscaping, creating and planting flowers, etc. 

The night before the wedding, I had a dream.  In that dream, our Dad was back in the flesh sitting on the bench under the gazebo......looking quite young and very happy/pleased with the surroundings.  I told my brother about it the next day............we both felt that Dad was there for the ceremony and that Dad was very proud to be there.  I know he was telling my bro that he was also very proud of his son. 

My brother asked me to paint a portrait of my dream.  This activity has brought so much emotion...........sadness, joy, love, etc.

Dad is no longer with us physcially..........he died in 1986.  I adored my Dad.  He was the best!  I  hope I have captured the essence of my father in this painting............for my very special brother.  Sweetness, for sure.

Audrey's childhood home

St. Maartin

This is the other server we met on the island that year.  Here's to you Kelvin.  I hope you and Jackie will be able to see your portraits someday.

St. Maartin

I was fortunate to travel many times with my friend to the "friendly" island of St. Maarten.  And it is indeed friendly.  The people who live and work there are the best kind of people on earth.  We met many that we tried to stay connected with.  Unfortunately, most of the people are pretty transient.  And I wonder if any of the lovely people we met are still on the island.

One year, we went to have a glass of wine at one of the many open bar/restaurants on the island.  There were a number of paintings on the walls, which I remarked about to the servers.  I told them that I was an artist and they both asked me if I would paint their portraits.  They gave me their addresses and phone numbers.  I really intended to get the portraits done and sent within the year.  NOT!  However, I have recently tried delving in colored pencil and have discovered that this is my medium for portraits.  I seem to have a certain medium for certain themes.  Acrylic and oil for landscapes.  Watercolor for still life. 

Have you read THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN? Well I am looking forward to meeting my three people in heaven one day.

I struggled with this one. Some would call it a labor of love. I like to call it a re-discovery of love. Love of family, love of unity, love for those who gave us life and are no longer with us.

This is the home where I truly remember beginning my life. I was in the 5th grade and I was 10 years old. I also remember that my Mom and Dad thought this house would bring them so much happiness.

I have three sisters and one brother. Our little brother would ride his pedal car on the awesome patio. My sisters and I would sit out on the patio (in the retro red chairs) and hoped the boys would come walking/cruising by.......or we would be out in the yard playing croquet. I am married to one of the boys who went cruising by.

This house sits on a (double) corner lot. There is a pond, picnic table, benches and archway made from rock. The garden was beyond beautiful. My father took pride in his flowers and it was very evident. To this day, I remember his favorites...........which I tried to put in this painting. Dad was very patriotic........always hanging the flag out for special days, including each one of our birthdays. My mother was thrilled to have such a beautiful home. We were very fortunate to live there. Best home on the block.

My parents passed away in the 80's. Before that, they sold the house to my youngest sister, Karen. My sweet nieces grew up in this house, as well. This year, we lost Karen. She died in this very house.

So, I created this painting out of love for not only Karen, but for my entire family. A tribute to all who have passed on, and to those who are still living. By doing so, I remember the good things and I am proud to share it with all who are interested.

Don't take your life for granted. There is always something to gain and treasure from it.