A Peaceful Calm

A Peaceful Calm

8 x 8

Acrylic on Canvas

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One of the many quiet serene views on Pines Lake.

Chef!

Chef!

14 x 11 Acrylic

Canvas

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I love paintings of interiors whether they be of homes, restaurants, or restaurant kitchens.  This is from a local restaurant we enjoy.

Layla

12 x 9

Oil on Wrapped Canvas

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Layla is one of the many great dogs Barley and I have met on our daily walks at Pines Lake.  Beautiful and friendly!

Hallie - Maltipoo

8x8 Acrylic 

on Canvas Panel

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Commission

Happy the Maltipom

10 x 8 Acrylic

on Canvas Panel

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NFS



Jax

14 x 11 
Acrylic on Canvas Board

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Commission

Siberian Husky, Jax.  Love the cold, hard stare of the sky blue eyes which belies the fact that he's a sweetheart.

Lacy

14 x 11 

Acrylic on Canvas Board

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Commission

Siberian Husky, Lacy, was a complete joy to recapture on canvas.  Unfortunately she passed over the Rainbow Bridge not long ago and when I heard this and saw her beautiful face, I just knew I had to do it.  I hope I did her justice.

Lucy and Taffy

9 x 12 Acrylic

on Canvas Board

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Lucy and Taffy are two cute Cockaliers and our neighbors in Ft. Myers, Florida.  My Barley loves to see them and I couldn't resist capturing them on canvas. 

 

Jack


 

10 x 8 Acrylic/Oil
Canvas Panel

~ Sold ~

Jack is a beautiful Samoyed. He has such a gentle soul and I just HAD to paint him. It was a total pleasure for me to try to capture his essence.

Study 1 - Hydrangeas

12 x 8"

Oil on Paper

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This is just a quick study I painted starting with transparent colors and later adding opaque colors which is taught by floral painter extraordinaire, Nancy Medina.  I used leftover paints still on my palette from another painting and actually painted directly on the palette!  

I think the 'unfinished' loose background adds to the painterly quality as well.  Something I discovered is that I really like the smooth surface of the paper vs the coarseness of canvas.  Guess I'll be changing my to smoother surfaces.  This was a lot of fun!  

Winter Whites

8 x 8

Oil on Canvas Panel

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Another installment for the 30 Paintings challenge.  I have quite a bit of catching up to do, but I'm happy that I haven't given up! And I've noticed that even if I'm not too pleased with the outcome of my work, I still get a sense of joy in knowing that I am one more painting closer to being where I want to be.  

Geraniums

6 x 8 

Oil on Canvas Panel

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Red and white geraniums in a clay container - so simple, yet so lovely.  

Stormy Sky

11 x 14

Oil on Canvas Panel

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This painting is only No. 4 in my quest to do Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge. Of course I should be on Day 8 with everyone else, but hey, compared to my previous two attempts with the challenge, I'm well ahead of myself!  And a double bonus, this painting is also my entry in the Daily Paintworks Challenge.  Every week a new photo is posted in order for you to interpret while honing your painting skills.  This weeks photo came courtesy of Cher Compton. I thoroughly enjoyed painting this one.  Hope you enjoy it as well.  

Please feel free to leave a comment and also to join my mailing list to receive each new painting via email. 

On Angels Wings

8 x 6

Oil on Canvas Panel

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This is my third entry in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  After being away so long from painting, I've been struggling to make something work.  This was not what I started out to paint, but just happened to end up here.  And then it hit me...

On Angels Wings is my way to pay tribute to two of the funniest people we lost way too soon - Robin Williams and Joan Rivers.  Both had their own unique styles which seemed to be at opposite ends of the comedic spectrum but were never lost on me.  Whether silly or acerbic, I believe it came from their hearts to make us laugh.  And who can't use a good laugh these days...?  

White Star Lily

8 x 8

Oil on Canvas Panel

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These lilies are from our garden last year, but the new buds for this year are on their way!  They are large and the creamiest white.  Love this time of the year with all of the colorful blooms.  Hubby is the gardener in the family and each year our gardens look more beautiful than the last.  

Florida Sunset

18 x 14 

Oil on Wrapped Canvas

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View of one of the many bodies of water on the Sabel course at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Ft. Myers, Fl.  It is one of my favorite views on the course.  It was painted completely in studio and from a photo of a very gray day rendering the image almost black and white.  I wanted to warm it up and give some mood to the landscape.  

Red Poppy

6 x 6

Oil on Canvas Panel

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This little lady was painted with probably my most favorite tool, a palette knife.  I love the texture and tonal nuances you can achieve with a knife. That said, red paint does not show up well in online photos, but as you can probably see, there is a lot of texture.  The color is amazingly more chromatic and defined in person. You'll just have to take my word on that!

                  

Marshland

6 x 8

Oil on Canvas Panel

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Using only two colors, Sap Green and Alizaron Crimson, only one brush, a few paper towels, and a little Gamsol, this was my first attempt at a new technique I discovered from Dennis Sheehan. The canvas was not base painted but was left white.  

I had so much fun doing this one because I had no idea where I was going with it nor what the scene would even turn out to be.  In a way it reminds me of old Hudson River paintings. 

I loved the negative painting (wiping off the paint) to achieve the lights.   In person, the red color is not as vibrant, but is a more appealing brownish tone. I really like the overall warm tones achieved with just the two colors. 

Bait and Wait

10 x 8 

Oil

on Canvas Panel

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This was taken from a reference photo of two guys fishing on Pines Lake. It is actually from our backyard and everyday I am reminded how blessed I am to be able to see such natural beauty.  And to also be reminded that beauty is there if we just look around and 'be in the moment'.  

Sunflower and Daisies

8 x 8 

Acrylic 

on Canvas Panel

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Sunflower and Daisies is my second painting today.  This is definitely a first for me, I think.  Maybe it is because the weather is so nice today.  Even though it's supposed to rain the rest of this week, I am READY for warm weather!  

I'm really enjoying working with acrylics again.  I feel the colors are more vivid and defined.  With oils I would be blending too much!  Just have to remember to allow for the fact that acrylics dry darker.  Otherwise, no fumes, no nasty clean up, and dry time is very fast.  I may have to stash away my oils for a while. Hmm...  

Blue Hydrangea

8 x 8

Acrylic on Canvas Panel

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Blue Hydrangea is a quick study of one of my favorite flowers.  I liked using my acrylics on it.  Nice change of pace.  Hope you enjoy!

In The Pink!

14 x 11

Oil 

on Canvas Panel

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This painting is the result of replacing my brush with a palette knife and just letting go and see what happens.  I am very pleased with the result. I have found that when I paint in this semi-expressionist/abstract style, I experience profound joy while painting.  

The colors are vibrant and the paint is applied with rather thick texture which gives the painting the feeling of vibration and life.  I can honestly and *humbly!* say that the image above does not do this original justice.  

Lilacs and Ribbon

14 x 11

Oil

on Canvas Panel

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Cutie Pie

6x8

Oil on Canvas Panel

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This is my first painting of 2014.  I actually did the drawing late last night so that I can say I started it on New Year's Day and just finished it!  It was so much fun to do.  Perhaps I'll concentrate on pet portraits.   Hmmm....

I love dogs so very much.  They just make my heart sing!



Tuscan Grapes

12x12 
Acrylic on

Gallery Wrap Canvas

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I thought I'd give this one another try.  I had painted grapes earlier this year, but was not pleased with how it turned out.  I decided to play around with it and I'm very pleased with how it turned out. 



Cozy Reflections

10 x 8

Oil on Canvas Panel

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This scene is from a sitting room in the home of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt located in New York state.  As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to paint it.  The warmth and coziness instantly captured me.  I did, however, embellish with a few details such as the doily and book.  I have several other reference photos from our trip to the FDR estate which I think will make interesting subjects as well.

 

 

 



Study in Silver

8 x 10

Oil on Canvas Panel

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I always enjoy when artists paint reflective metals.  It has a life-like quality to me.  This is my first attempt at painting silver in a Kenn Backhaus workshop.  It definitely makes you really look at your subject matter for all of the subtleties in the reflections.  Hope you enjoy!

Poppies

8 x 6

Oil

Canvas Panel

 

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Poppies are one of my favorite flowers.  Their petals are so delicate and translucent as the light shines through them.  I painted this picture for Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days for September.  This was supposed to be yesterday's painting, but hey, better late than never!

 





Quiet Day on the Lake

 

 

8 x 10 Oil

on Canvas Panel

 

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This is one of the many lakeside views we get to enjoy everyday.   Since our lake does not allow gas powered motors, there are plenty of battery powered pontoon boats.  No pollution and no noise!  I feel it captures the peaceful serenity which is so relaxing and inviting here in Pines Lake.

 



The Lookout

8x10

Oil on Canvas Panel

 

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The was taken from a scene while on vacation in Switzerland a few years ago.  I call it The Lookout because as a last minute thought, I added in a Silky Terrier and an orange cat keeping careful watch of the activities below.

 



The Music Man

11x14 Oil

on Canvas Panel

 

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This is a painting I did for my brother, John's, 70th birthday.  He is an unbelievably talented musician and all around great guy. 

 

I used a looser, more painterly style on it.  It was taken from a small black and white photo. 

 





Peaceful Tranquility

8x10 Acrylic

on Canvas Board

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This is a re-do of a painting I did 2 years ago.  I added the roses in the foreground, along with lilies and of course, another bird.  It just gives it that 'odd' balance of using three elements. 



Spring Bouquet

14 x 11 Oil

on Canvas Board

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With Spring here and not  many blooms to show for it yet, I thought I'd get a jump start and paint some flowers in a glass jar.  

Pink Hydrangea

 8 x 10 Oil

on Canvas Panel

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Daisies and Grapes

8 x 10

Oil on Canvas Panel

 

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I've been out of town lately and had no opportunity to paint even though I had my new EASyL and paints with me.  But now that I'm back for a while in my comfy studio, I thought I would jump back in and see what happens.  With no ideas in mind and absolutely no set up for inspiration, I started with a limited palette of Indian Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Alizaron Crimson, Diox Purple,White and just a touch of Shiva Ice Blue.  Turned on some music (I must dance whilst I paint!),  put brush to canvas and followed my muse.  I'm happy with the outcome.  Hope you are, too.

 

 

Apples to Oranges

 

8x10
Oil on Board

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This is a quick study of fruit using the last of the paint on my palette for the night.  I especially like the shadow on the orange against the apple.  I'm happy with it!

 



 

Puppy Love

 

5 x 7

Oil on Canvas Panel

 

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I love dogs so very much!  They give unconditional love and ask nothing in return.  They know your every emotion, whether you are happy or sad or just need to give a belly rub!

 



Snow Ball Hydrangeas

 

5x7

Oil on Canvas Panel

 

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Third installment of holiday images.  I like the red glass candle holders I've used so far and their warm reflections.   

Christmas Trimmings

11x14

Oil on Panel

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This is an updated version of an earlier piece in a series of holiday settings. Had a lot of fun capturing the translucence of the red hurricane vase. I decided at the last minute to add a little life in the form of the purple ribbon.

Holiday Red

 

8 x 10

Oil on Canvas Panel

 

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Holiday spirit is starting to take over my thoughts.  With decorating to do, entertaining to plan and helping Santa and his elves along the way, I felt this fit my mood perfectly!  It's always nice to decorate for the holidays with something new - like, maybe a painting!

 



Beer and Pretzels

11 x 14

Oil on Linen Panel

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It's getting to be that time of year again for colorful falling leaves, cozy sweaters and crackling fires.  Beer and Pretzels is an autumn themed still life with pumpkin ale, pretzels and mini pumpkins that suggests kicking back with friends while cheering on your favorite team. 





Maddie

 

 

8x10 Oil on

Canvas Panel

 

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Private Collection

This is a painting of my great-niece, Maddie, flying her kite.  My nephew, Tim, who is a fantastic photographer took this with his phone camera.  I had a great time creating this motion portrait of such a sweet little girl.  I decided to add in the sweeps of color to add to the feeling of being in motion, and I'm very pleased with it.

 



Abstract Floral - Water Lilies

 

5x7 Oil

on Canvas Panel

It's funny how paintings can turn out.  This is a floral abstract originally painted in vertical format.  But when I turned it horizontally, the image reminded me of the infamous Monet's Water Lilies. So this is my interpretation of that painting. (Pardonnez-moi, s'il vous plait, Monsieur Monet...).

 

Summer's Bounty Remembered

7 x 5

Oil on Canvas Panel

 

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This cute little 7x5 painting will be a fond remembrance of all of the lush flowering plants that grace our home. Between the two of us, my husband, Dieter, is the avid gardener.  I lost any chance of that title when a few years ago I was pulling what I believed to be weeds... only to hear, "What did you do?! Those aren't weeds, they're flowers coming up!"  Oops... 

 

 

 



The Riverbank

12x12

Abstract Acrylic on

Gallery Wrap Canvas

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This was an exceptionally fun painting for me.  I love the combination of turquoise, brown and a touch of gold.  It has a southwestern feel to it.  Don't know if that comes across online.  It was one of the very few paintings that I came away energized when it was finished.

 



Breaking Free

16 x 12
Oil on Paper

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This is an abstract of my actual painting palette.  I will be doing a series of these as I go along.  I find it rather freeing at the end of the day to just Break Free and see what emerges on the palette! 
P.S, there are days when my palatte really looks like this without even trying!  But that's a whole 'nother story...


Pontoon Boat - Pines Lake

9 x 12
Watercolor on Paper

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Sitting out on our dock one beautiful day, I decided to try my hand at watercolors. 

This is our neighbors pontoon boat.  Not the view I would have liked, but it still worked.  I especially like the red canoe against the green. 

 



Lake Study

4 x 6
Watercolor on Paper

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This was small study of Pines Lake.  I wanted to do a painting for an online challenge of primary colors and this worked out perfectly with these being the actual colors of the boats across the lake! 

 

 

Hole in One - North Jersey Country Club 7th Hole

16 x 20

Oil on Canvas

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Private Collection

Giclee Prints Available upon Request

This is the hole where my husband, Dieter Baars, made a Hole in One on July 4, 2011.  I am so proud of him.

I've been working and focusing on this for several weeks without starting any other paintings.  It time I get back to work on both my painting and my golf game...!