In the Garden_series III _ Grammy's Garden NFS

 Series III of my _ In the Garden series_ was inspired by my Mom and niece. My Mom creates gardens that have a special energy. Mom's gardens are well cared for with everything in its place, watered and spaced just enough to wander through and see what is growing and pick the goodies without disturbing the rest. Mom choreographs her gardens to be just how she likes it. This is her space. She will occasionally let you help pick beans or tomatoes when they are abundant but this is her space to be, to think, to make just so. I see her, in her sanctuary, and know that after a few minutes of peace she will be humming and finding balance in the sunshine and blooms she has created. When I picture Mom in her happy place, it is surrounded by flowers and leaves and sunshine. No one brings more sunshine to my life than my Mom!

Obviously this piece was painted for my Mom. I didn't quite capture how I see her but hopefully it reminds her of her sanctuary and how much we all love her. My son was watching me paint this piece and said he needed to be in the picture too. I told him he was on the other side of the beans talking with Grammy and Emily. He wasn't quite satisfied but accepted this idea.

This piece is acrylic based ink on 140 lb. hot press paper. Cards are available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN 

Great Mother Cardinal NFS

My Grandmother asked me to design her Christmas cards last year. I immediately thought of a sweet bird in a winter setting. My thoughts went to the female cardinal for their regal presence and beauty. I have not seen a cardinal in our yard in many years so I referenced photos I took in Wisconsin, the year before. To my delight, several weeks after finishing this painting, one lone female cardinal started to visit our feeder. She was beautiful and social. She would be the first one to sit at the empty feeder and look in the window to request more seed. We were buddies and she made me think of Grandmother. She stayed about a month before heading on, probably to find more cardinal friends but I think she will be back! 

Great Mother Cardinal is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. hot press paper. The original hangs and my Grandmother's place - where she belongs. 

Let There Be Days Like This •SOLD

When working on a Palette Knife Painting - my vision is always about color, feel and movement. I wanted this piece to feel like light dancing across the lake - highlighting the fishermen who are content in their surroundings. I pictured 2 buddies who enjoy each others company, they laugh easily and have a healthy competition for the biggest fish. They meet, at the end of the day, to circle their favorite fishing holes as the sun goes down and they clear their heads and think only about the fish that might be hungry below. 

Let There Be Days Like This is a 40"x30" acrylic painting on stretched canvas with painted edges and cross bars. This is a deep edge canvas. I used thick layers of paint which does give this painting some weight. This piece is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN.  | 218-547-3729

Abundance *SOLD

I have been excited to paint this piece for some time. I was inspired by the little Red Bellied Woodpecker that visits our yard every day. She sits in the birch and greets me with a nod - no matter what the weather is. I pictured her enjoying the company of a Mountain ash which would allow me to get the bright oranges and cobalt blues that I have been wanting to paint.

Abundance is the title of this piece. It is a 48"x12" acrylic on stretched canvas with painted edges. This piece is about savoring your surroundings. Abundance is on Hold - a buyer has been arranged. 

Water Dance •SOLD

 While paddleboarding, last summer, I observed an agile waterskier. His movement was a dance with the water. During these below zero days - I was compelled to paint this skier and think of calm waters, blue sky and the warm sun on skin.

Water Dance is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 140 lb. Arches cold press paper. Painted area is 18” square. Final framed and matted size is 29” square. This piece is professionally framed with non glare conservation glass. It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN | 218-547-3729

8” prints on powder coated steel with hanging brackets are also available for $42.00 each. The 2nd photo (above) is the metal print hanging.

Star Thistle •SOLD

The florist is a wonderful world of inspiration. On one visit I spied thistle with a lovely tone and dancing petals that asked me to paint them. I admit the real thistle was much more delicate with intricate  detail that wooed me. My painting is a simplified version of the lovely beings. 

Star Thistle is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 187 lb. hot press paper. This piece is professionally framed with conservation glass. The final framed size is 9.25" x 19.25". It is available at Peculiar Painter in Walker, MN  | 218-547-3729

 

Christmas Morning NFS

I was inspired by my son for this little painting. After a beautiful snowfall he bundled up and headed for his sled. The morning felt peaceful and magical. I had to add birds and a snowman for some more fun. . . and of course the bunny that visits on occasion. A Christmas morning scene is not complete without a cozy cabin surrounded by flocked pines. 

Christmas Morning is a brushed acrylic ink painting on 187 lb. hot press paper. It is professionally framed to a final size of 10.75"x16.75" with conservation glass. My son decided he needed to have this one for his room. I will have prints and cards available soon | 218-547-3729