July/Early August Happenings

Coming Soon:
an opportunity to hobnob with artists.  Scroll down for details.


First though, I have a little inspiration from an artist I have admired for a long time.
Dreama Tolle Perry

Calling

I can only answer to that which calls me.

Often times we feel we should be doing more, something, anything.
We see what another is immersed in and shame ourselves for not wanting, doing, being more.

Overlooking one vital thing.

We can only answer to that which calls to us.

That thing that calls me.
That thing that calls you.
And we each have a unique calling.

THE thing that calls us by name, that wakes us in the night and shakes us gently in our days.
Appearing again and again in unexpected ways and unforeseen times.

It’s important to realize this.

We, you and I, are not missing out on anything that sits in the ‘should’ category.
It was/is not for us.
It is tagged for someone else and is thus calling their name and they are answering that call with all that is within them.

We, you and I, each have our calling and we can only answer to that which calls for us.

With all that lies within us.


Dreama is amazing.  You should check her out.

Also, you should come and see me!

See me and lots of other awesome artists at the closing reception for Midsummer Madness at Circle Gallery, 18 State Circle, Annapolis, MD on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 at 5pm - 7pm.

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Where Sea Meets Sky

 Where Sea Meets Sky

Summer beach time brings soothing, sometimes exciting, magical moments.  Especially when a few (non-threatening) clouds appear to catch that Golden Hour of sun as it kisses the horizon.

"Where Sea Meets Sky"
9" x 12" oil on canvas board.
This painting is available at DailyPaintworks.com.

30-in-30, Day Seven, Cage Free Series 014

Brilliant Indigo
Cage Free Series 014

Vivid Indigo Bunting perches in a field with fiery Autumn colors.

It finally rained last night so the temperature dropped and it won't feel like we're on fire for a few days.  Yesterday I didn't get to cook a thing so I guess I'll be extra busy with that today.  A cooler day is better for cooking, for sure.


"Brilliant Indigo"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the other artists painting in the challenge on Leslie Saeta's blog.




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30-in-30 Day Three -- Cage Free 010

"Little Nipper"
Cage Free Series 010

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures.  The glow of their feathers just takes my breath away.  We have a few hummingbirds in our yard from time to time but I have never fed them.  My neighbor feeds birds and that will have to be good enough for me.  I seem to attract squirrels when I put out feeders.

I woke up this morning congratulating myself for being so organized.  I jumped up, turned on the tea pot to start it brewing while I went in to brush my teeth.  Feeling rather tired from staying up a little late, but glad for all I have accomplished this week.  When I got back to the kitchen, the tea pot was quiet and nothing had brewed.  My heart sank as I wondered,  "Is it broken?"  Then I realized, nope... I forgot to fill it last night.  Ugh.  The rest of the day has to go more smoothly than that, right?  Let's hope.


"Little Nipper"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See the rest of the artists participating in the 30-in-30 on Leslie Saeta's blog.



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Excitement of 30!

"Pride of Baltimore"
Cage Free Series 008

Happy September.  Today starts the challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  I completed my first 30-in-30 challenge in January of this year.  It was a wonderful experience.  Not every one of my paintings in the January challenge was a winner, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it enough to go for it again.

I decided to use the opportunity of 30 paintings to work on my Cage Free Series since it will give me a nice step toward the goal of 100 (though I never said how long it would take to get to that 100).

Being from Maryland, I couldn't put off painting the Oriole for long, especially with the O's doing well in baseball (ohhh... don't let that jinx it....).  For those who are not from this area, let me tell you one thing that is so fun about visiting Camden Yards.  It is the song they play for the 7th Inning Stretch:  "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" by John Denver.  Maryland is barely in the South and Baltimore is hardly a Country/Western kind of town but the city LOVES that song played at the O's games and everyone has a great time.  Just a bit of trivia.


"Pride of Baltimore"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.
See this painting and all the rest at Leslie Saeta's blog.




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Destin Sunset -- SOLD

Florida's Emerald Coast

The name does have a lovely ring, doesn't it?

I guess I am dreaming of the beach.  I haven't made it there yet this year.  Too many busy projects to take time to relax.  Soon, I hope.

"Destin Sunset"
16" x 20" oil on canvas board, unframed.

Daddy's Girl -- SOLD

"Daddy's Girl"

Captured at a 4th of July parade.  These two were having a grand time.  Kids are this small for such a short time.  It was wonderful to see them sharing this day.

"Daddy's Girl"
9" x 12" oil on linen covered board, unframed.
This painting is SOLD

Cage Free Series 005

Afternoon Light

I have been in my studio every day (per my mid-year resolution).  Not every day produces a finished painting worth posting but I'm getting in the habit and that feels really good.

I got a new phone with a greater megapixel camera but I haven't quite figured it all out yet.  It didn't take a terrible photo of the painting but it's not perfect.  Maybe next time.

"Afternoon Light"
6" x 6" oil on gessobord, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.

No. 2 Sunrise Virginia Beach

 No. 2 Sunrise Virginia Beach

No, you're not seeing double.  I liked this sunrise so much I wanted to paint it again.  A few changes in this one from the first.  Both have admirable qualities and I truly do like them both.

"No. 2 Sunrise Virginia Beach"
12" x 12" oil on canvas board, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.

Sunrise Virginia Beach

Sunrise Virginia Beach

If I can wake up early enough, I often find some really brilliant sunrises.  This painting is from a photo I took in Virginia Beach, VA last summer.


"Sunrise Virginia Beach"
12" x 12" oil on canvas board, unframed.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks auction.

Anchored In for the Night

Anchored In for the Night

I am very lucky to live near such a beautiful spot.  Sullivan's Cove in Olde Severna Park, MD.  This painting is from photos I took yesterday.  I'd like to do some plein air painting here but I'm a tiny bit apprehensive.  It is a very busy spot -- lots of families and dogs running about.  I know that is part of the package of plein air: dealing with onlookers but I'm still a little shy about my painting and would prefer some more private experience before I dive into more public display.

"Anchored In for the Night"
9" x 12" oil on gessobord, unframed
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks Auction.