"Red Sea Oats"

A As I said in the last post, sea oats take on the light from different sources and can look so different from moment to moment. This painting was done from a photo that was taken in the late afternoon. It is part of the "miniatures show" at Arts on Douglas in New Smyrna Beach. Quote: "Originality does not consist in saying what no one has ever said before, but in saying exactly what you think yourself." James Stephens, writer.

Sunlit Dune

I love the sea oats and dunes in this area and have taken many photos. Each one is different. It is amazing how different a turn in one direction captures the light. As far as painting sea oats, I have to say that it can be tedious because all the tricks I know for skies and trees don't work for sea oats. They have to be painted one at a time. Quote: "It is not necessary for others to fail in order that you may succeed." P.S. Don't know who said this but us competitive folks really need to heed this. I include myself. I will be working on a large painting so the posts will be slow for awhile.

Ravine Gardens

Another painting from a memorable photo. We took a trip to Ravine Gardens with the grandchildren. This view is at the very bottom of a winding down trail. There are many beautiful spots here and it is different when seasons change and various plants bloom like the azaelas. Quote: Always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing. Abraham Lincoln

"Family of Five"

Finally, I finished this - thought it might whip me. We took the trip up the Silver River from Silver Springs, making memories with my mom and dad and the 2 grandsons. It was before our granddaughter's time so we think it was about 12 years ago. I have looked at the picture and declined to do a painting from it many, many times. It was a shot that just happened to be luck - I was taking a scenery shot and captured these raccoons in the process. Quote: "People who take the time to be alone usually have depth, originality, and quiet reserve." John Miller.

On the River

Please excuse the posting of and older image. I'm very proud of this etching. It personifies my feelings of the intimate spaces on little creeks off the bigger rivers. It also has won several awards: Honorable mention in the Florida Miniatures show and third place in the Jacksonville Art Center show this year. I am working on a large painting and it is about to whip me. It will be done in a few more days. Quote: "The road to success is always under construction." Lily Tomlin (one of my favorite entertainers.)

Rock Reflections

This is the final painting I did at the "paint- out" for North Florida Land Trust's "Painting the Region". It was actually painted from the dock looking toward the shore of the St. Johns River. I painted it in less than 2 hours using a pallette knife for most of it. That seems to be what I choose when pressed for time. It was fun and I like the results. Quote: " Happiness is often the result of being too busy to be miserable. " author unknown

View of Vilano Bridge (revised)

This lovely little etching was printed in sepia at first. We determined that I should try hand-coloring it. This is what I see early in the morning when I walk the dog. Sometimes the green is so brilliant against the sky especially when a storm is coming in. "Success is a journey, not a destination" Ben Sweetland, writer. ( I constantly have to remind myself of this. I am very goal oriented)