Thursday, January 29, 2009

Winter Series #21

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

My home town of Lititz, PA offers great
subjects for me.This is right after a bit
of snow, the sun was back out giving nice
light across the bricks.

I rode my rollers this morning and then
due to the snowstorm we had on Tuesday
I had a make up morning and evening class.
So...I painted. This is starting to sound
boring!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Winter Series #20

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

In this watercolor I tried to paint the
atmosphere of winter, with a large full
moon rising almost lantern like in the
background. There's a warm welcoming
glow coming from the farm house that acts
as a counterpoint to the cool blue night .
You can smell the wood burning in the
stove in work shed. Even though winter
is not my favorite time of year it can be
inspiring.

I have been forced to ride my indoor rollers
to get my exercise. It is not at all the same

as riding outside. Other than that, there
is a steady reoccurring theme to my day...
painted...all day. There is a bright side,
track starts in 39 days!! Linda has been
busy with
my Mom and with her pile of
show applications.
I noticed she mapquested
the miles to Atlanta... I am not the only one
getting cabin fever!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Winter Series #19

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

This watercolor features a wintry field,
a forest in the background and a vacant
birdhouse setting among long dead flowers.
I am trying to remember that the flowers
will bloom again and birds will be back in
the nest in a few short months.

I managed to get both classes in even with
the snow. Although it does not look good
for the morning. I enjoy my students and
they give me someone to chat to during the
long hours of painting.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Winter Series #18

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

A friend, Erik provided the inspiration
for today's painting. This is a great view
of one of our local covered bridges in winter.
Strong contrasting color on the bridge
against the snow. And the sky is that wintry grey.
This bridge is in Lititz, PA and is the one on the
way to Hoovers Market! It is really not as
rural as it sounds!

We are expecting a little snow so I did a little
maintenance in the backyard. The pond
needed attention. Other than that I painted
all day. Linda was glued to her desk chair.
I see show apps spread around!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Winter Series #17

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

I was attracted to the tree line standing
in the snow. But painting the sky was
enjoyable.

It was a pretty quiet day here. I finally
finished my commission. I will share it
after the new owner sees it. I had a
visit from a student I had when he was
12 years old. He had private lessons for
a while and I enjoyed him as a kid. He moved
to FL and I have not seen him in years. Now

he is in his 20's. Wow!! We had a very nice
visit. He has talent and is still painting a bit.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Winter Series #16

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

Even with the snow laying on the branches
and piled against the house the sun is
casting it warmth. I just know the snow
will be melted soon!

Abbey and Ben came home last night at
10pm and left at 10am this morning. So
I did not get my blog listed yesterday.
It is always nice to have them home and I

know Linda feels it is never long enough.
They did work on some wedding plans.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Winter Series #15

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

Great color in the sky... a little
reflection against the barn. Nice
rural farm scene all covered in snow!

I was totally focused on painting this
one today. I had to really work on getting
the color correct in the sky. When you look
at unbelievable sunsets or sunrises the
color can look so fake when painted. I

went over the sky several times. I had
to be finished by 5pm tonight because I

was invited to a concert with a buddy of mine.
Linda was looking forward to an evening
home alone!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Winter Series #14

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

This is a great early morning snow scene.
I enjoyed the reflection of the sky onto
the snow. There is a strong perspective.
One of my best snow scenes and I need
to thank my photographer Joel!

I taught a class this morning while Linda
went to breakfast with a friend. Another
friend, a fellow crafter dropped off a

lasagna for our dinner, we are very blessed
with good friends. I finished painting a
little earlier tonight so we spent an hour
practicing a swing dance. This Saturday
Linda would like to go to
The Sunnybrook
Ballroom in Pottstown, PA.
If any of you
out there are beginner ballroom dancers
and I do mean beginner and wish to join us,
send an email!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Yes We Can!

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

My student brought in this still life
to paint and Linda insisted I also paint it.
After I started working on it I got into
the spirit of it. I painted the flag while
listening to our new President. How
ironic that the little blue antique bottle
happens to be a Bromo-seltzer bottle...
an old headache remedy! That makes
me chuckle. Now you may like this little
painting but not want it hanging all the time.
Linda's suggestion is to bring it out on all the
appropriate holidays and set it around.
It doesn't need a nail!

What a day, what a day. We had the TV
on all day and it was exciting. Waiting to
get the real story from Abbey & Ben who
were privileged to be there.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Winter Series #13

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

You need to study this one. The longer
I paint the more confident I become with
less literal subjects. This painting is awash
with light and shadow. Let your eyes
wander around, take in the view. This is a
close up of a wall. On the right are two
spikes imbedded into the top; I guess to
keep you from going over...
On the left is a post and then nice textured
bricks. The wall is blanketed with snow.
Beyond the wall is bare trees and
a grey sky. I just had fun with it today.

In honor of MLK day, Linda volunteered in
our local food pantry. I needed to stay home
and paint but took time to reflect on how I have
been so blessed to live in this time. My prayers
go out to our new leader and our nation.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Winter Series #12

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

Yes, much to my dismay it is still winter.
I am trying to paint winter scenes even
though I am fighting it! This scene is from
Canterbury, NH. I was there in fall but I
can imagine it in winter with plenty of snow.

I woke up to a dusting of snow. It was Linda's
turn to clean the walks! The white stuff is
nice to look at but the sky was so overcast that
photos were dreary. We took my
mother-in-law to the movies to see Last Chance
Harvey, with two actors I enjoy. We all liked
the film a lot. Harvey's wedding toast to his
daughter moved me. I spent the rest of the day
and evening painting. Linda spent most of her
day closing out the accounts for the year. I
think she has it finished. The reading of show
apps start tomorrow. If you have a good show in
your area that you think I should try, send the info.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Pottery #11

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

This is my homage to Andrew Wyeth.
A monochromatic painting...
A white pottery bowl with a white cloth
balanced against the browns of the
floor, window and wash stand.

I split my day between this painting and
the commission I have been working on
for weeks. Except for meals, I never left
my work desk. I had a painting I shipped
UPS show it was delivered and the client
said it never arrived. Not at all sure how I
am going to deal with that one. First time
in all my years of shipping. I am guessing
it calls for a trip to UPS on Monday.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Winter Series #11

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

A shed buried in snow! There was a
tree shedding its last remaining leaves
from the weight of the snow. I was i
most interested in the deep woods feel
of this painting.

No time to chat. We are on our way out
to friends house for dinner!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Winter Series #10

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

Pottery on an old window sill with
sunshine and remnants of snow
out the window. I like this color
of clay on the pottery.

A neighbor stopped in to work on his
pastels while I painted this morning;
just to keep each other company. And
Linda's brother Karl stopped in for a
short visit, I have taught myself to keep
painting while there are distractions
around me. I can chat and paint.
Linda spent another morning with my Mom.
Mom had PT and the nurse stopped in.
My mother-in-laws birthday is today so
we had another lunch outing. This is pretty
nice for Linda, saves her cooking! We spent
an hour tonight practicing our swing dance.

I look up and it is 9:30pm! Fast day.
It is 12 degrees right now, I know for some
of you in other parts of the country I have
nothing to complain about but... my furnace
is running nonstop and I have the temp
turned down low!! So I need you to go place
a good bid on this painting, proceeds go directly

to the oil company!!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Holiday Window #4 - relisted

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

This painting is being relisted. The
original auction transaction had complications
so I am giving you a second chance.

Here is what I originally said...
This painting has a softer feel to it. There is
a bench placed under the window, warm blue
shutters and nice brickwork. This time the
wreath is hung inside the window with...yes,
a little bit of red ribbon!

The day started with my advanced class which
I totally enjoy. It does not require my actual
teaching as much as companionship and sharing.
They occasionally need me to do something but
they are a talented bunch. Linda was running
back and forth all morning with my Mom. A new
person came to handle a bath and the physical
therapist came. All this "help" should make life
easier for us but it actually makes it harder. Mom
is pretty confused with who everyone is and why
they are all there. We went to a late lunch with
Linda's Mother. It is her birthday so we went to
Hayden Zugs. Here it gets messy...
Mom got out and was standing there attempting to
close the sliding back door. I thought she was safely
on the sidewalk. I started to drive away to go park
and she backed up and fell over. Linda describes it
as a long slow backwards fall. Linda is screaming,
I was horrified. Her health is precarious on good days
so this was pretty major. We got her up and she is only
shaken and sore. Nothing like trying to do in your
mother-in-law... We did continue with lunch and tried
to find the funny in the whole episode. Then it was
back home to paint. I am quitting for the night.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Winter Series #9

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

I enjoyed yesterdays snow falling
to almost white out conditions painting
that I decided on another one. This has
a field in the foreground and a barn and
out building in the background. Featuring
that dreary cold snowy sky.

I had two classes to teach today and a
trip to UPS. I had this painting drawn
and ready to paint by 5:00 and I just
finished it now. So I put in a full day.
We are a bit busy with my Mom right now.
She is slipping a little and needed a home
evaluation so we can see what else we need to
keep her home since she has fallen so often.
She has a visiting nurse, physical therapist,
occupational therapist, and someone to give
Linda a break from baths. All these new people
have Mom a little out of sorts. Linda and I
have moved to our next dance... a swing.
Still working on where my feet go...

Monday, January 12, 2009

Winter Series #8

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

I am back to winter. This is truly
a snow scene. I hope I was able to
capture the feeling of snow falling
to almost white out conditions. I
was attracted to the red barn standing
in the middle of all that white. There is
a fence leading you into the painting
to the hint of buildings and trees in
the background.

When I look at the 5 paintings that are
currently on eBay I get a little thrill thinking
they are mine, such a variety of subjects and
I think the quality is at an all time high. The
pottery is my favorite, the detail I was able

to achieve with watercolor surprises even me!
Remember you can always click over the
painting to enlarge it and study it closer.
I spent most of my day working on my
commission. Then switched to my blog
piece at 5pm. Four solid no fooling around
hours but I am pleased with it. I have
classes to teach tomorrow so that means
staying focused in order to get my own
painting in.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sheep in Snow

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

I went with something totally different
today. These sheep were from the Landis
Valley Museum where I found other holiday
subjects to paint.

I managed to get a bit extra sleep this
morning which I needed. We also took a
break and went to see Marley and Me.
I thought it was very good; less a comedy
than I expected and more a drama about
the passages of time. Having been a dog
owner I could relate. I reccommend it.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Pottery #10

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

Pottery is todays painting de jour!
Very well rendered if I say so myself.

I am tired. Tired of sitting and painting
12 hours a day. I have painted 29 days in
a row with out a break. Do not get me wrong,
I am so grateful for the sales that are going on
otherwise I could not get through winter. It is

just that I am temporally sick of looking at my
own paintings! Now this feeling could be coming
from my lack of getting out on my bike. This is
according to doctor Linda...But it is to cold for
me, even with the hothands I am still just to cold.
Linda
is busy at her desk, she is closing out the year
which takes a few days. I am totally glad that's not
my job! The show applications are piling up so I
guess that's next on the list for her to tackle. Which
means she will hold these little business meetings
asking me where I want to go... She will sign us up
all over the US if I am not a voice of reason. Last year
I could use the excuse that gas was way to high to go
to Texas!! I will need to give this some thought.
We may take in a movie tomorrow just to get out.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Shaker Basket

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD


I will be honest and tell you I simply could
not handle painting a winter scene today.
I hate the cold and just could not make
myself even think about it today!
So I dug back into my shaker material and
went with what would make me happy.
I love the lines the Shakers use.
A simple Shaker basket on top of a simple
Shaker cabinet.
Nice play of shadows on the wall.

I got up at 5am and stuck my head out the
door and decided it was to cold to ride bike
so I went back to bed and slept in till 7:30!
I spent a good part of my day demonstrating
in a Cafe. This is not for the faint of heart.
I did get a lot done on the commission I was
working on. After 2:30 there were a few
errands to run, I renewed my drivers licence,
got my Moms groceries, packages to UPS and
then back home to paint. I worked on this blog
from 5 to 9:30pm. We are expecting a little
snow tomorrow so I may get out for
some
fresh subject material.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Winter Series #7

5" x 5" original watercolor
SOLD

We are going to enjoy the cold snowy
weather from inside today. Nice still
life on the windowsill and a winter
landscape view out the window.
You can always click over the painting
for a larger view.

Linda is being kept busy with my Mom.
There was a nurse visit and a physical
therapy visit. Mom is ok, just needs
strength training to help with falling.

I rode my bike early this morning. The
sunrise was magnificent. I need to start
carrying my camera. I painted all day
except for a break to put a turkey in the oven,

that has always been my job, turkey maker.
I love leftover turkey in my salads. Anyway,

I did that and a family dinner and a little
foxtrot practice. I looked up and its 9:30.

Now I am going to go watch a little football.

Reminder:
Friday 1/9 from 10:30am to 2:30pm
at the Prince St Cafe in Lancaster, PA.
I will be demonstrating. Please come out

and chat with me so I am not sitting there
all alone looking like no one cares!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Winter Series #6

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

This is a Lancaster County farm scene.
Slight rolling hills with remnants of snow.
It is dusk and the lights are on in the barn.

I painted from 9:30 this morning until
right now... 9:30pm. I did take a short
break to run to the store and for a little
foxtrot practice but otherwise the brushes

were smoking! I started the drawing for a
large painting and did the blog.

I want to remind anyone who is close by
and available to come visit me on
Friday 1/9 from 10:30 to 2:30 at the
Prince St Cafe in Lancaster, PA. I will be
demonstrating and
offering general entertainment! I plan
to finish a portrait I need to get done and
then start on the one I drew today.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Winter Series #5

5" x 5" original watercolor
SOLD

This bush had such nice red berries
and a fence for a backdrop that I thought
it would make a nice painting. There
is snow so it qualifies as winter. Not sure
what kind of bush it is, I just liked the red
berries. Not as complicated as my usual
paintings.

I actually painted two paintings today.
As requested by the Daily Painters
today is scheduled as "self portrait day".
I was going to skip it but thought of it as
a challenge. So here is my interpretation
of me in my bike hat and riding glasses.
Not for sale!!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Winter Series #4

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

I needed a little change from landscapes.
There is still snow, some blew in onto the
bench and there is some on the ground.
In fact it is pretty deep, the plants are
peaking out. But I made it a sunny day,
you can see the shadows across the bricks.
I personally needed the sunshine!

It was a quiet day here at the studio. We
ran a few errands in the morning. I set up
the tables for classes. Linda and I promised
to practice our ballroom dancing for a half
hour every day so we worked on our foxtrot.
Not ready for the public yet but certainly good
for a few laughs. Other than that I painted all
day. Linda talked to Abbey and she mentioned
I needed to paint patriotic (flag) themed
paintings during the inauguration week. Sounds
like I could do that. I can put Winter on hold!
So if you have something that fits this~send it
my way. Abbey has a half hour added to her
bus ride because Obama is in town (DC) and
they cannot drive past his hotel. She is feeling
the excitement. I need to mention UPS fees.
They went up again. Interesting that gas goes
down, they still have a fuel surcharge and an
increase. I raised my fee to $8 to ship these
paintings. It costs $10-12 to ship and I was
absorbing some of the cost plus all the packaging.
I am sorry to need to do that. T
he business
end of art stinks, I just want to paint...

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Winter Series #3

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

This actually is a study for a larger painting
I want to do. Some winter scenes come across
with a feeling of warmth. I think this one makes
you want to shiver, it feels cold, like more
snow is on the way. Maybe it is the snow
covered mountains in the background.
This painting is for the snow lover!

Well today is the last of our fun time! We spent
the whole day with friends, met them at Barnes
and Noble for coffee and to look through books
then went to their house for pizza. I painted while
socializing and had my blog finished by the time
we got home. We worked on framing and boxing
three orders that need to go to UPS tomorrow.

Classes start on Tuesday... so there are tables and
lights to get set up.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Winter Series #2

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

I painted an old red barn deep in
snow. The barn door is slightly
opened with light streaming out.

I wanted to tell you that the 12/30
painting that goes off eBay next
is one of Linda's favorites. The color
is strong and she feels it is one of
the best in the series. Just passing
that along for what it is worth!

Thank you for the snow photos that
have been sent my way. There are

some very intriguing ones that I plan
on using. Our holiday socializing is
coming to an end, one more brunch with
friends tomorrow and then play time is

over! We had dinner plans tonight with
friends and an hour before we were to
leave our caretaker called to tell me she
found my Mom on the floor again. Looked
like she had been there a while, never used
her life alert. Linda had to go help. Mom is
not hurt just tired. Sometimes the weight
of the responsibility
is overwhelming for us
both. Knowing what to do...

Friday, January 2, 2009

Winter Series #1

6"x 4" original watercolor
SOLD

This is the first of my winter series
featuring snow...
Today is a barn knee deep in snow!

We set up a show today in a very upscale
cafe in Lancaster called
Prince St Cafe.
Here is a photo of some of my work with
Linda looking over the contract.


I will be doing
a demonstration
at the cafe on 1/9
from 11am-2pm

mark your
calender and join
me!!

In a little while we are leaving for the Fulton
Theater
to see 42nd Street. Looking forward
to going out. I managed to get my blog done early.
I am still looking for snow scenes since we are
lacking the white stuff here in Lititz!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Holiday Door #7

5" x 5" original watercolor
SOLD

This is my last holiday painting for the
season! I was intrigued by the various
shades of green. This wreath hung on
the bottom half of the door which is in
need of new paint.

We spent last evening with friends. It is
interesting to see how we all started spending
time together as couples 30 years ago. We
had our kids at the same time and spent many

new year eve's together as families. And now
as we sat there last night Linda commented how
we are back to just the four of us and how fast

the years have gone. That is about as much
reflection as I can handle. 2009 ... A new year.
This begins the 3rd year of my blogging. Even
that seems impossible. I am surprised I am not

tired of it... I have not run out of material although
a greater effort goes into taking time to find new
subjects. I am only a little faster in getting one
painted than when I started although my skill level
has made huge leaps.
I still worry if the paintings
sell or not and I still get excited to see bidding.
So
the plan is to continue. At least until you get tired of
my ramblings. I am always open to your suggestions
and requests and enjoy your comments.

Wishing you all good health and a huge portion
of happiness in this new year.