Dancing In the Fields of Grace

12" x 24" oil on canvas  SOLD
The grace of God is freely given to us. We can sit on it, or run with it and touch the lives of others.

Hollyhocks

sold

"Hollyhocks" is a sweet little Nebraska piggy who will steal your heart with her petal pink skin, half smile and long white lashes

Hollyhocks

8"  x 8"   oil on gessoboard   sold
"Hollyhocks" is a sweet little Nebraska piggy who will steal your heart with her petal pink skin, half smile and long white lashes

My Self Prtrait

8" x 8"    oil on canvas     $49.00

I belong to Arati Artists Gallery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  We are challenged to a Self Portrait show this month. All of us are making portraits of ourselves for the window.  It is much more difficult than painting someone else, but the show is delightful with glass portraits, clay portraits, watercolor portraits, etc.  I painted my portrait, without wrinkles.   Ha!  I think it is pretty true anyway since I am a happy colorful person who has always loved life and people.  I am a natural encourager and I love getting a good likeness, but more than that I love painting the character of a person or animal. 

Krystal's Eyes day 24 of the 30 day challenge

6" x 6"   watercolor  SOLD

Krystal is my first granddaughter.  She is now 27 years old and and actress in Hollywood.  When she was a baby she had enormous brown eyes and a tiny face.  She was always curious, loved to be the center of attention, and we loved giving it.  Krystal is so humorous.  She imitates anyone she meets and exaggerates their speech, colloquialisms, and mannerisms.  She is quite sharp witted and sarcastic, diminutive, adorable and has a monumental heart.  She has gone through some tough times in her short life, but is able to elevate those times to humor.  I respect and love  her so much and am so impressed by her massive courage. 
and I just adore her and never get enough time with her.

Babe in the Leaves day 23 of the 30 day challenge.

6" x 6"  watercolor   $50.00

My second attempt at this little blond head.  I made her face larger, (better for my  eyesight), and put less shadow on her face.  It is better I believe, and I won't paint it again real soon, but I so enjoyed getting her to look like a baby, that I probably will do her another day.  Thank you Nancy Wylie for loaning me your granddaughter's photo!

Dandy Girl Day 19 of the 30 day challenge

6" x 6"   watercolor   $50.00

The name, "dandelion" is a mispronunciation of the French name dent de lion, which translates to “tooth of the lion”.  This refers to the dandelion’s leaves which are serrated and look much like teeth.
When dandelions turn to fluff, however, children, animals and wind can take credit for spreading their lovely seeds which are so expertly sandwiched into the base of the stem.  I always marvel at seed heads and seed pods.  Take them apart yourself and you will find that they are ever so perfectly tucked in and ready for us to spread them into our garden.  Amazing!

Lights and Stars Wabi Sabi

17 x 24   watercolor baatik on rice paper with gold thread $125.00 unmounted

This is  a technique I am learning from Carol Naylor.  Carol is an excellent teacher who stays with you to the very end, and also feeds you delicious fare and drink. 

 I mentioned that the figures weren't very perfect.  My friend, Becky said that is called "Wabi Sabi"

I took a lot of wrong turns on this one, but with Carol's guidance it came out.    

I love this painting and hope to do many more in the near future.  It took all day to pull off this effect of the dancers and stage lighting because of the many layers!

All the paintings created  in the class were fabulous!

Golden Opportunity

5" x 5" oil on deep canvas  floral   still life   $50.00

Every day is a golden opportunity to seek God's beauty.  Sometimes the smallest blossom, maybe a leftover from the taller stems, should not be discarded.  Their fullness, contained in a small apothecary jar, spills life and joy in a dark corner. 

Sugar Sherbet Snowfall

11 " x 14"  watercolor      $100.00

Some time ago I had seen the sun shining through the evening clouds with the brushy limbs and the ancient  tree stumps at the bottom of the trunks and always thought I should paint that scene.  When my students wanted to learn snow, I remembered the scene and thought, why paint blue snow?  Let's get creative.  I had so much fun planning this peaceful painting.  I let the spirit of the painting come through, and challenged and delighted myself.  Notice the repetition of shapes and colors.  What would we do without repetition?  Just think of our cells, the grass, bricks and hair.  How about learning?  Repetition is sooo important.

Paper Hat

11" x 15"   watercolor    $135.00

Paper hats were the hit of the day at the Pioneers Museum last summer.  Children and adults designed, crumpled, banded and wore their new fabulous creations.  

Puzzled

22" x 28"  watercolor   framed   $1250.00.  Finished frame is 35" x 31"  Free Shipping

Hi my cute elves, 

Since it it is almost Christmas, I thought I would write to all of you who are puzzled about what gift to get your loved ones. 

 Did you know that this painting would be perfect for a den or dining room in a log cabin or in a modern green white and turquoise bedroom like mine?    This color scheme is already developed for you.

Just say the word and you can pay by pay pal and I will happily get it beautifully wrapped up in a sturdy box, complete with  padding and sen it to you. I had so much fun putting in all the little surprise puzzle doodles just for you and I know you will love them too.  This painting will be hanging at Cottonwood Gallery in Colorado Springs through January.

What are you waiting for?  

I can also have prints made for you. 

 email me about size  reveille_artiste@yahoo.com  

Wooly Face

7.25" x 10.75"    watercolor    $125.00

Dear lambs,

My sheep know My voice.....knowledge puffs up but love builds up......He leads me in green pastures.....

We wander, we get ourselves in ruts and guess who gets us out of the ruts?  He moves us to a part of the pasture where there are lots of good things to eat.  I know who he is, because he has always been my shepherd.  Because of Him  I sleep in peace.  I am one of His many lambs and my Father loves me best!

Sydney Sleeping

Sea Path

16" x 20"  oil on canvas  $600.00

Sea Path is painted in the footsteps of Vicki McMurray.  The colors are scrumptious  and the palette knife has skipped across the pre painted brown landscape.  This was a really fun painting because it is so bright and zig zaggy.  Rich golds and deep neutral greens  play off the pinks and mauves.  Thanks Vicki for your simple instructions.  I am off and running now, mixing an awesome palette way before I lay any of it down has made all the difference!  Way fun!

Mr. Rabbit 3

8" x 10"  watercolor   sold

Mr. Rabbit is a ball of fluff sitting in the sunset.  The golden colors wash over him, and the purple shadows surround him softly.

Six Sheep at Dawn

7.5"  x 11"   watercolor   $50.00

On this glorious morning waking up is so easy.  A morning jog under the the rosy sky

is exhilarating.    This is a quick composition, simple and loose, but effective.  Sometimes a juicy wash is all that is needed.

"Sundown Sledding"

16" x 20"   oil on deep canvas   $325.00

A cold sky, the last snow of spring and the farm family enjoying a chance to make a last minute  sled run in the gray-pink-cobalt light.  I am always amazed how light affects us.  Brrr!  

"Let's Play"

11" x 14"  watercolor  $75.00

Little boys just know how to have fun, romp and tumble,  and play rough.  They fall and get up, skin their knees, giggle and throw sticks.  They are irresistable!  You can chase them for hours and you wear out long before they do. Their eyes sparkle and grins win your hearts.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!"

8" x 10"  original oil on canvas   $75.00

Whimsy, wrapping paper, brightly colored posies, a  little plaid,  and boxes all remind me of happy birthday.  It may remind you of something different, though.  This is the sequel to the piece called lemon refreshment.   Lines, dots, boxes and flower shapes all made with a palette knife.  It is a fun piece that calls out to you like happy birthday song.