A Day in the Country -Paint Party Friday

Here is an vintage saw I painted with acrylics in early 2001.  It was a Christmas gift for our Papa and Daka.  As you can see--I've always painted faces into my artwork.

Here is a bit more detail.  As you can see there are faces hidden in the sky.

A face in the mountains...

Trees, sky and mountain--with their hidden treasures.

And still more faces to find...

Here is another glimpse into my sketchbook.  I call this graphite drawing, Ocean Robes.

My reference photo is above--this is our lovely Emily in a photo I took last January.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Masked Face in the Sky

I haven't posted a cloud painting for a long time, so I thought I would do so today.  Since Halloween is coming soon, I thought a masked sky person would be just the perfect thing.  This is a painting from a few years back, which I have never posted before.  I love the gentle look of her eyes--it seems like she might want to say something wonderful. 

Above you see my original photograph.  This was taken in the skies over the fence along the alley outside my kitchen door.

Have a lovely day, everyone--I sure am looking forward to the coming storm.  It shouldn't be too bad.  And I love a good storm.  

Soccer Practice -Paint Party Friday

I have posted this acrylic painting before, but it was quite awhile ago and it was so colorful and cheery I couldn't resist sharing it with you again. The players are all on their backs, passing the soccer ball to one another in the air.  The combination of colorful socks, action and that soccer ball, make for a fun view.  It is also interesting to figure out which legs belong together.  This painting is the size of a small window--at least four feet across. 

My inspiration is a wonderful photograph taken years ago, by my younger brother Mark, who is a photojournalist from The Dalles, located in Oregon's scenic Columbia Gorge.

I've watched him taking pictures at a crowded event.  My brother seems to blend in, moving like a soft footed lion, quietly speaking with the folks he photographs.  He's a gentle giant. I'm very proud of him--his photos are pure magic.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook.  Another likeness of my sweet Friend Melissa.  She is such a dear.  I especially liked how the border came out.  I love drawing borders -- to figure out what would look best is so much fun.  For me, adding a border is like frosting on the cake.

Above you can see my reference photo.  This is Emily and Melissa -- two wonderful young ladies whom I am pleased and honored to call friends. 

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Hope of Sunrise -Paint Party Thursday

I always try to put in two pieces, one I've finished and another graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  Please take a look at both, as they are quite different.

In my experience some folks don't quite know how to react when the loss of a loved one is brought into the spotlight.  So, I have featured this first painting which has a sad feeling (but with hope!)--and the sketch below, which is a bit more light-hearted and whimsical.  ((hugs))

In explanation, I have been feeling sad the past two days.  I couldn't figure out why, until I realized this is right about the time Dad had the stroke which took him from us a month later.  I will likely grieve his loss in our lives for the rest of mine.  We all will. 

This is an acrylic painting I made for my Mom right after Daddy died.  It is really really big--and I had to photograph it.  The photograph doesn't do the original painting justice, as the colors are more neon than the original.  Still--it conveys the weeping heart of the dear Shepherd, Whom Mumsie loves.

I spent hours and hours writing out every Bible verse I could find about hope and comfort onto the canvas.  Even if your beliefs are different than mine--hope is universal.  Blessings and hope to each of you.

And now the more light-hearted, whimsical side, here is another peek into my sketchbook.  Above is a little faery playing a morning melody. She marched out of my pencil yesterday as the workers pounded, thudded, thwacked and sawed a tumult of noise, as they worked on the chimney!

PS  I just found out I've been featured on Paint Party Friday!  What an honor--thank you!

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Unexpected Surprise -Guest Heart Thursday

I am a bit late posting for GHT because of all the activity here as our chimney and fireplace is being replaced.  I did this graphite drawing especially for Guest Heart Thursday--a little Unexpected Surprise!

Of course, I've hidden hearts in this drawing.  Have a lovely day, and Happy Guest Thursday!  

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Painting Roses -Paint Party Friday

This is a combination of colored pencils and watercolor.  I painted this for a friend of mine as a gift.  There's something about this piece I just love--the idea of this little fairy girl painting roses in summer delights my heart. I'm sure I've seen this sweet fae out in my garden in the early morning hours, as the dew was drying in the summer sunshine.

Here is another peek into my sketchbook--this one is called Daisy Dinner.  The drawing makes me smile because of the look on that fella's face...he's obviously really going to enjoy eating that daisy!

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!  I'm also linking up with Friday Sketches!