All Paintings

"Horses of a Different Color" was a second version of my horses and saddle. In this version, I played up the differences in colors and the rhythms of line and shape.
1 - Horses of a Different Color, $210 (Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

One of my favorite insects is the dragon fly. I think their colors are fun and they are fascinating to watch. This painting was done on a watercolor ground.
2 - Graces on the Water, NFS

"Cat-itude" is one of a series of paintings done of a cat in a Northwest garden. I enjoy exploring the cool attitude of the cat in contrast to the cool colors of the garden.
3 - Cat-itude, $210 (Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

The Old Bridge and gate in Heidelberg, across the Neckar River, was one of my favorite spots when living in Germany. In this painting, I worked on breaking and extending line and shape to give the feeling of the old town.
4 - Die Alte Brueke - Heidelberg, NFS

"Morning Whites" is one of a series of paintings I did working on ways of portraying white on white.
5 - Morning Whites, $200 (Colored Pencil, 8" x 12")

In "Pacific Forest", I wanted to show the multi-strata of vegetation in the coastal forest, from the young trees to the old, wind-blown snags. As with most of my paintings, the colors evolved intuitively.
6 - Pacific Forest, $230 (Colored Pencil, 10" x 14")

In "Poppies in a Bottle", I wanted to explore the yellows contrasted with the violets. I had fun layering the different colors of pencil to build the violet gradation in the background. The same approach was used for the bottle. I built the brown using layers of opposite colors.
7 - Poppies in a Bottle, NFS

I wait for the espresso maker every morning to brew my first shot. I liked the contrast of the dark espresso maker, the dark and light cups and the light counter tops. I use opposite colors to build the darks, as is evident in the espresso maker.
8 - Waiting for Espresso, NFS

"Waiting for Riders" was developed from a still life drawing of a saddle. The idea to set the saddle as if it were on a horse came to me as I extended the graceful lines of the saddle shape. As I was painting, the memory of beach horses saddled up and waiting for riders popped into my head.
9 - Waiting for Riders, $210 (Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

"Orange Kitty in Blue Garden" was the second painting in a series of orange kitties in northwest gardens. Sometimes with colored pencils, I like to let the colors build "intuitively", as is the case in this painting. I started in a general green direction, and grabbed pencils as I went along. The result expresses the delight I saw in meeting the orange kitty in the dark, cool Seattle garden.
10 - Orange Kitty in Blue Garden, NFS

When I do my morning run on the Pacific Coast beach, I like to watch the swirls of sand created by the ebb and flow of the tides. In this painting, I added the sea shells frequently encountered on the beach. I use line and color to lead the viewer around the painting, amongst the swirls of shells, tide and the starfish.
11 - Swirls of Sea Shells & Starfish, $230 (Colored Pencil, 10" x 14")

"Lois' Lady Fingers" was developed from a still life drawing done with the Wednesday drawing group. The double meaning of the lady fingers was just to much fun to pass up.
12 - Lois' Lady Fingers, NFS

I enjoy working with still life's. They can be a challenge. In this arrangement, I chose a collection of Japanese articles I have acquired from family and my own visit to Japan.
13 - Japanese Hat Dancer, NFS

In "Remembering Old Radio" , I assembled a collection of articles that remind me of both my husband and my father. My husband was a radio "jock", and the old radios are his. My father loved to listen to radio, and first introduced me to jazz music. The hat and tweed jacket were his. The clarinet alludes to my favorite jazz music.
14 - Remembering Old Radio, NFS

My Aunt Dottie had the most interesting garden. This painting was developed from a study of the plants in Aunt Dottie's garden and is an homage to a fine botanist and naturalist.
15 - In Dottie's Garden, NFS

"Cat in the Garden" is the first in a series of paintings based on my memory of an encounter with an orange cat in a cool, green Seattle garden. I found the color contrast both startling and intriguing.
16 - Cat in the Garden, NFS

"The Black Cloth" was painted from a still life assembled for the Wednesday drawing group. I thought the black cloth made for a stunning drop cloth and an excellent contrast to the oranges. Coincidentally, this drawing was done in October.
17 - Black Cloth, NFS

"Things Remembered" was the first in a still life series with a clarinet, radio, tweed jacket and hat. Together, the items reminds me of the wonderful times I have had listening to music with my favorite people.
18 - Things Remembered, NFS

"Breakfast Whites" is the second painting in a series exploring white against white. Paradoxically, I like to use white subjects against a white background to explore color and the effects of light on an object.
19 - Breakfast Whites, $210 (Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

This painting was inspired by a cat and her favorite hideout.
20 - Fur Bag, $210 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

I started this painting by drawing like I did as a child. I simply drew, then developed the painting by adding color to shapes.
21 - Joy, $210 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

I started this painting thinking about the beach and the ocean. Some of my favorite symbols and rhythms of the beach revealed themselves as I worked and explored the painting.
22 - Rhythms of the Beach, $210 (Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

In this final variation of "Autumn in Lithia Park", I sought to explore negative and positive spaces. As usual, the painting took on a life of its own.
23 - Rhododendrons, NFS

"Rhododendrons" was based on several drawings I did of the rhododendron in bloom in our front yard. I am interested in the relationship of the big flower shapes to each other.
24 - Rhododendrons, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

This painting was inspired by a drawing I did for my niece. I started by drawing a box, then another, until I had several. I liked the tension of some of the boxes drawn slightly out of perspective, and others resting precariously on the box below. My niece wanted to know "how I draw people", which was the catalyst for turning one of the boxes into a "Jack in the Box".
25 - Jack-In-The Box: A Question of Balance, $285 (Colored Pencil, 13" x 20")

"Bubba & Georgette" was inspired by our cats, Bubba and Georgette, who spent hours looking outside windows at birds. 1st Place, 2002 Associated Arts of Ocean Shores Open Show, Animals.
26 - Bubba & Georgette Birdwatching II, $150 (Linoleum Block Print, 3" x 5")

When my husband and I lived in Heidelberg, we used to enjoy taking walks in the older parts of town. I enjoyed the shapes and rhythms of the spires from many of the buildings.
27 - Three Spires - Heidleberg, Germany, $150 (Linoleum Block Print, 4" x 6")

"The Juggler, II" was based on the same drawing that inspired the oil painting "The Juggler". For the linoleum block version, I played up the contrast of black and white shapes.
28- Juggler II, $150 (Linoleum Block Print, 5" x 12")

"The Sparrow" was based on the same drawing as "Bluebird on Fence". With linoleum block, I focused on simplicity of line and shape.
29 - Sparrow, Linoleum Block Print, 3" x 7")

"Dottie's Garden" was inspired by my Aunt Dottie's garden in Cary, NC. She and my Uncle Arn had quite a collection, including native plants she had rescued. I was struck by the rhythms of the columbine and shooting stars, which are the subject of this painting.
30 - Dottie's Garden, NFS

"Bluebird on Fence" was developed from some drawings I did when my husband and I lived in Washington, DC. I was struck by the interesting patterns created by small birds on a wire fence. Juried Show, Associated Arts of Ocean Shores, 2002.
31 - Bluebird on Fence, NFS

In "The Juggler", I wanted to create a feeling of joy and exuberance, much like when you abandon yourself to play. Reds and pinks, along with line, seemed to help me convey the spirit and movement.
32 - Juggler, NFS

I have always enjoyed ballet and dancers. In the "Seated Dancer", I was intrigued with the idea of a dancer sitting alone, thoughtful before the dance.
33 - Seated Dancer, NFS

"The Cove at Kleven - Norway" was painted on location at Kleven, Norway. The small cove is near the town of Mandal, Norway, where I was a foreign exchange student.
34 - Cove at Kleven - Norway, NFS

Horses and cowgirls have been one of my favorite subjects since childhood. In "The Cowgirl" I imagined a cowgirl riding her horse much like a barrel rider.
35 - Cowgirl, NFS

During a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, I was captivated by the heaps of shells strewn all over the beach. Shells of all shapes and colors were intertwined. In the painting, I wanted to use the overlapping and inter-connecting shapes to create the feeling of a heap of shells.
36 - Shells, NFS

When I first arrived in southwestern Oregon, the small plant "Prince's Pine" caught my attention. I liked it's colorful red flowers against the dark greens. I use line and color to allude to the form of the flowers.
37 - Prince's Pine, NFS

"Moon Dance" depicts another one of my favorite subjects, bats. I studied bats as a biology student and was struck by their wings and shapes. In "Moon Dance", I wanted to convey the beauty and grace of bats by imagining them dancing in the moonlight.
38 - Moon Dance, NFS

Plein aire painting in my backyard is what this painting is about. I was struck by the grace and elegance of a small pair of saplings in our backyard. Behind the saplings is a dense, micro forest of trees. I thought the contrast of the delicate against the tangle of the forest fascinating. Plus, the painting drove home the idea that there are plenty of subjects right in my backyard.
39 - Backyard Jungle, NFS

I did this painting as a study of the human form. My source drawing was one I had done from a model years ago. However, I wanted to create an environment that would capture the meditative mood of the model. The thought of a mermaid enjoying the voice of the ocean seemed appropriate to me.
40 - Pacific Mermaid, NFS

The "Violet Irises" was painted from a drawing I did of a pair of irises. Drawing from "real life" helps me to understand the form. I experimented with repeating the iris shapes in the background, then painting in silhouette. I liked the mood created by the purples, greens and gold.
41 - Violet Irises, NFS

"Shells and More Shells" was derived from drawings I did of shells I found on the Gulf Coast in Alabama. I was impressed by the large number of little shells washed up together on the beach. I over-lapped the forms to emphasize the crowded, jumbled look of the shells on the beach.
42 - Shells & More Shells, $210 (Watercolor, 9" x 12")

A visit to my Mother's house provided the source material for this painting.
43 - Yucca on the Rocks, NFS

I draw with a group of women in Ocean Shores. We get together weekly to do still life studies. The "Baskets and Pillows" was one such still life. As I looked at my study a week or so after I drew it, I instantly saw a fun painting, emphasizing the contrast of squares and round shapes. The subject inspired me to use a color scheme suggestive of the southwest.
44 - Baskets and Pillows, NFS

While on a trip through eastern Montana, summer of 2002, I was struck by the interesting patterns of the gullies and washes and the sparse vegetation. A gesture drawing became the basis of a painting. The painting was done in layers, with the first layer being a spontaneous mixed and blended wash of lots of bright colors. In choosing this method, I intended to capture the color and mood of the west.
45 - Moving to Montana, NFS

My husband and I were walking in Lithia Park, (Ashland, Oregon), one autumn and we were struck by the butterflies and young skinks cluttered together with the autumn leaves. As soon as I could, I did a drawing from memory, capturing the patterns and colors.
46 - Autumn in Lithia Park, NFS

"The Hoodoo Kings" is a study of the hoodoo formations in Bryce Canyon, Utah.
47 - Hoodoo Kings, $175 (Watercolor and Watercolor Pencil)

"Ms Kitty" is a watercolor painted "wet-on-wet" with the opaque, granulating pigments. The resulting painting has the softness associated with pastels. I chose the cat form to develop my ideas, since cats are one of my favorite subjects.
48 - Ms. Kitty, $210 (Watercolor, 9" x 12")

$I painted "Refracted Reflections" shortly after attending a workshop by Ms. Barbara Nechis. I drew a shape and repeated it through out the painted. The shape reminded my of a mountains or flowers, depending on orientation. I offset the shapes to add interest and create new shapes.$

I painted "Refracted Reflections" shortly after attending a workshop by Ms. Barbara Nechis. I drew a shape and repeated it through out the painted. The shape reminded my of a mountains or flowers, depending on orientation. I offset the shapes to add interest and create new shapes.
49 - Refracted Reflections, $210 (Watercolor, 9" x 12")

I used two different sources of inspiration for this painting, a trip through the canyon lands of Arizona and Utah, and the memory of the mountains of southwestern New Mexico. One of my favorite memories is the brilliant reds reflected on the rocky mountain cliffs at sunset in southwestern New Mexico. I used these reds against a dark, blue sky to capture the colors of the southwest.
50 - Canyonlands, $210 (Watercolor, 9" x 12")

The Washington coast has great razor clams. One evening, I went with my husband and a friend to the beach to hunt for clams. My husband and friend did the clam hunting and I did drawings of the scenery, as long as the cold wind would allow. Stomping for the clams is an important part of a successful clam dig.
51 - Stomping for Clams, $210 (Watercolor, 9" x 12")

"Blue Kitty", like "Ms Kitty", is painted "wet on wet" with opaque, granulating pigments. I wanted to capture the feeling of chiaroscuro with watercolor paints.
52 - Blue Kitty, NFS

One morning as I was heading down the beach for my daily run, I noticed a woman sitting on a log having a cup of coffee. To me, that is the epitome of a great coffee break.
53 - Morning Coffee Break, $230 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

"Floral Array" is my reaction to a formal floral arrangement. I wanted to say something about the colors and shapes of mum flowers in a less formal manner.
54 - Floral Array, NFS

I like the bright colors and shapes of kites. In this painting, I imagined I was above the kites, looking down on the beach, and wove together a pattern of kites dancing in the breeze.
55 - Kite Festival, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

I often paint shells, much as other paint flowers. I can free my imagination when thinking of the shapes and colors. They are a great subject to experiment on and enjoy the experience of painting.
56 - Shells on the Beach, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

"Florence's Glassware" was inspired by a still life set up by Florence of the Wednesday Drawing Group. I was especially attracted to the interesting shapes of the wine decanters.
57 - Florence's Glassware, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

"Nap Attack" was based on a drawing of a cat we were cat sitting. Like many cats, she loved playing and napping in a paper bag. I found the contrast of the textures and shapes of the cat versus bag fun.
58 - Nap Attack, NFS

I was attracted to the nicely shaped leaves and brightly colored flower heads of our Kalanchoe in bloom.
59 - Kalanchoe, $230 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

Another variation of the blooming kalanchoe. I thought the subject presented an excellent opportunity to explore lights and darks, reds and greens.
60 - Kalanchoe II, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

In this variation of "Autumn in Lithia Park", I was exploring shapes by overlapping them and then playing with positive and negative spaces. I wanted to person to feel the patterns of a Northwest forest floor, littered with autumn leaves and small resident animals.
61 - Autumn in Lithia Park II, NFS

In the third version of "Autumn in Lithia Park", I wanted to tell the same story but focus on greater contrast of size among the leaf shapes.
62 - Autumn in Lithia Park III, NFS

One of the advantages of living by the ocean is walking or running on the beach. On my frequent runs on the beach at Ocean Shores, I like to watch the groups of sea gulls and other birds along the shore line. I am inspired by the interesting shapes and movements among the birds.
63 - Sea Gulls, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

On trips to Ashland, OR, my husband and I like to visit Lithia Park's duck ponds. After one of the trips, I did a drawing based on my impression of the activity of the ducks on the ponds. The drawing became the inspiration for this painting.
64 - Duck Pond, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

"Summer Rhodies" is second in a series based on the rhododendron growing in our front yard. To me, rhododendrons are a signature flower of the Northwest. In this work, I was interested in the lines that connected the flowers arrayed on the bush.
65 - Summer Rhodies, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

Second in the Jack in the Box series. In this version, I want to portray a happy occasion and the Jack in the Box looks more jubilant than in the first painting. I added the ball and daisy to create tension and contrast with the stacked boxes. I still had fun with balancing the boxes, as you will notice that the small box at the upper right hand corner looks like it is ready to fall. I want to create a surreal, festive picture.
66 - Jack in the Box with Daisy, NFS

Cats are one of my favorite subjects. Having lived with cats, I appreciate their attitudes and personalities. "White Kitty" was based on a doodle of a cat that I did. It reminds me of when we would sometimes see our kitties staring at a wall or corner and wonder what was going on in the cat's head. You will notice, the shape that suggests a window is not where the cat might be looking. If it were awake, it would be staring at a wall. But, who knows, the cat might be asleep.
67 - White Kitty, $245 (Acrylic, 11" x 13")

"Patchwork" was an adventure in opague, wet-on-wet watercolor paintings. It has a nostalgic feel for what I remember best about the 60's and 70's: flower power and wild colors.
68 - Patchwork, $210 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 9" x 12")

While visiting my niece, I practiced gesture drawings of her cat. The cat moved frequently, so I only had a minute or two to draw a given pose. I was struck by the cats complete ability to relax and drape herself over the furniture.
69 - Lazy Afternoon, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

On a trip to the Oregon coast, I was captivated by some "weeds" and grass growing by a fence post. I was intrigued by the contrast of lights and darks against the fence post. I liked the rhythm and flow of the shapes of grass and the leaves.
70 - Grass and Leaves, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Spirals" is another exploration of one of my favorite subjects: sea shells. I had fun working the colored pencil and watercolor together. I believe that both media are equal partners in contributing to the painting. The result is an interesting texture and expression that could not have been captured the same by using only one of the media.
71 - Spirals, $275 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 12" x 16")

Living on the beach has caused me to study the waves and search for a way to show how I see them. One thing that has fascinated me about our waves in the Pacific Northwest is how they can be almost perpendicular to each other, if the underwater terrain is just right.
72 - Rip Tide, NFS

There are many trail markers along our beach that people have erected to highlight their trail. This painting was inspired by one such trail marker in Ocean Shores.
73 - Beach Trailmarker, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

I frequently see harbor seals around my home town. I see them either in the surf popping their heads up to check out the beach, or basking as a group on a sand bar. In this painting, I wanted to catch the grace of intertwined line and form as I imagine them in a group.
74 - Harbor Seals, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

To me, the strong colors and interesting shapes of kites make a good subject. In this painting, I imagined them as if I were viewing them from above as they are flown above our beach. To me, they are as bright and cheerful as spring flowers.
75 - Kites, $275 (Acrylic, 12" x 16")

When I was doing the initial drawing for this painting, I was remembering back to childhood in New Mexico. I loved it when the community had a fiesta, especially with Mariachi bands. Much like word association, I drew the forms as I remembered the feeling of being at a fiesta.
76 - Fiesta, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

"Butterflies" is simply a play of color and form, using the butterfly shape as subject. But, I did keep having thoughts of scores of butterflies emerging from metamorphosis at the same time, an image that might be both beautiful and surreal.
77 - Butterflies, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

My intent with "Morning Gathering" was to capture the varied shapes and behaviors of birds on the beach. In close proximity, I often see the sanderlings scurrying about, the sand pipers busy probing the sand, and the sea gulls watching everything. I find it an entertaining scene.
78 - Morning Gathering, NFS

When doing the concept drawing for "Portrait of a Cat", I worked fast and furious. I liked how the bold strokes and rhythms captured a cat's expression. I used color to help accentuate the mystery of a cat's expression.
79 - Portrait of a Cat, NFS

During a trip to Mt. Rainier, WA, by my husband and me, I decided to do some studies of the local environment. For some reason, I decided to draw a "micro landscape", instead of the usual mountain scene. I was captivated by the natural flow of lines between rocks, plants and roots on the forest floor. Maybe the next time I go to Mt. Rainier, I will consider the mountain.
80 - Forest Floor, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

My intent with this painting was to do an abstract study using primarily three colored pencils, yellow, red and blue. I wanted to work to see the range of color I could mix on paper. As I worked, the shapes made me think of dancers and tropical landscapes. "Exotic Dance" refers to the dance of color, line and shape, plus the image that I had as I painted.
81 - Exotic Dance, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"The Fish Pond" started out as an exercise. I drew a variety of shapes on my paper and started painting. It popped in my head that it would be fun to add fish. The result was the fish pond.
82 - Fish Pond, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

Sometimes the simplest compositions seem to have the most power. I purposely kept this composition simple, letting the bold color and shapes tell the story.
83 - Staring Contest, NFS

"Zonker" is another painting based on remembering fiestas I went to as a child in New Mexico. However, this painting took on a life of its own. Along the way, I did not include any green. Oddly, I feel it contributes most by being absent. The title comes from my husband who saw the silhouette of Zonker Harris from the Garry Trudeau's cartoon strip. So, take a look yourself and see what you see.
84 - Zonker, $230 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

Cats are one of my favorite subjects. I am fascinated by their grace and attitude. This particular painting is also about contrast and balance. The main story is the contrast and balance of the strong red against black, white and gray. The secondary story is the contrast and balance of curves with straight lines. I used the mood of the cat to impose an element of tranquility.
85 - Red Kitty, NFS

While running along the bike path in Medford, OR, during a fall visit, I became intrigued by the colors and patterns of the fallen leaves. There was a variety of colors and shapes of leaves all haphazardly strewn along the dark blue of the bike path. In this painting, I focused on the rhythm of the leaves on the sidewalk.
86 - Fallen Leaves, $450 (Watercolor, 22" x 30")

"Four Cats" depicts the various moods of a cat throughout any given day. Cats can seem to be contemplative one minute then playful the next. I used line and shape to frame and link the cats, separating and joining at the same time.
87 - Four Cats, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

One of my favorite views along the beach is the apparently effortless flight of the brown pelicans. The pelicans fly just above the crest of the waves, often in close formation. Rarely are the pelicans the only birds in view. I purposely contrasted the moving grace of the pelicans with a stand of sandpipers. While the birds are the main story, I used lines and squares along with the movement of waves to weave the different parts of the painting together.
88 - Evening Pelicans and Sandpipers, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

I painted "Still Life with Poppies and Apples" in an expressive, exuberant manner. To me, the red poppies are fragile, joyful flowers. I wanted to capture their ephemeral beauty.
89 - Still Life with Poppies and Apple, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

In "Sandpipers in Afternoon Light", I wanted to capture the long reflections caused by the sunlight fading over the horizon. I like the contrast of the movement suggested by the sandpipers and waves opposed to the long, soft reflections.
90 - Sandpipers in Afternoon Light, $230 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

"Sanderling Along the Surf" was painted primarily wet into wet. I think this method is a fun way to capture the movement of the surf and sanderling. The softness of wet into wet creates an interesting contrast with the movement of the waves and bird.
91 - Sanderling Along the Surf, $230 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

Motorcycles are the motif and inspiration for "Hubs and Spokes". The painting is done on a transparent, acrylic ground. I mentally blew apart the structure of the motorcycle and painted the shapes and parts that immediately come to mind.
92 - Hubs and Spokes, $230 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 10" x 14")

"Backyard Birds Along the Fence Line" was inspired by the variety of song birds that come and go in our back yard. We often see ravens, jays, warblers, robins, flickers, chick-a-dees, and thrushes. I liked the contrasting shapes of the sharp fence line opposed to the bird shapes.
93 - Backyard Birds Along The Fence Line, $250 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Still Life with Red Poppies" was the second in a series inspired by the arrangement of red poppies. My interest was pushing the expressive approach toward the subject while using colored pencil. When using colored pencil, I am often temped to show detail. By approaching the subject in an expressive manner, I can explore the richness of color and movement and let the viewer fill in the remaining details.
94 - Still Life with Red Poppies, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Jack-In-The-Box Balancing Plates" is third in a series with a Jack-In-The-Box" as a subject. Done with watercolor pencil and regular colored pencil on hot press paper, I again wanted to explore the contrast of light and dark. The color scheme and shapes were purposefully kept simple and in a supporting role to the contrast of light and dark.
95 - Jack-In-The-Box Balancing Plates, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

Triangles and curves form the core shape for the painting of "The Chameleon". The painting started out as a pure abstract study of overlapping triangle shapes contrasted with curves. Then, the idea of the chameleon super-imposed on the triangles came to me while out running. The chameleon both links and divides the triangular shapes. The curves suggested the chameleon's spiral tail.
96 - Chameleon, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Still Life with Green Apple and Tropical Plants was inspired by one of the still life set-ups of the Wednesday drawing group I work with. One of the plant pots was labeled "tropical plant", which I found humorous, hence the title. I liked the greens of the apple and plants against the copper color of the picture.
97 - Still Life with Green Apple and Tropical Plants, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Leaves Along the Path" is the second in a series of paintings depicting leaves found along a bike path. In this painting, I focused on the lines created by the veins of the leaves along with the leaf shapes.
98 - Leaves Along the Path, $185 (Colored Pencil, 8" x 10")

I was thinking about my favorite things about the Pacific Northwest when I thought of the sanderling. By painting in red, I wanted to suggest sunset on the Pacific Ocean. In the painting, the main contrast is the curved lines of the bird contrasted with the linear bands of waves. I enjoy watching the sanderlings scurry about on the beach, seemly in constant movement. I like the contrast of the quick movement of the bird with the rolling, gentle movement of the wave.
99 - Sanderling in Red, $150 (Watercolor Pencil and Colored Pencil, 7" x 5")

"Pears" is a study of the simple shape of a pear. I wanted to accentuate the lusciousness of pears by using warm colors and repeating the curves. My intent was to paint the shapes and rhythms in and around the pears, not the pears themselves.
100 - Pears, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

In "Butterfly Duet" I wanted to the movement of the butterflies to by upward, as if the butterflies were emerging and flying up into the spring air. I intended line and abstracted shapes to dominate. The movement of line and shape was done to suggest the pair dancing with each other as they flew skyward.
101 - Butterfly Duet, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Red Sails at Sunset" was inspired by an afternoon of watching sail boats at Port Townsend, WA. I wanted to explore the shapes of the big sails as they moved along the water. I imagined the boats sailing on a red, midsummer evening at sunset.
102 - Red Sails at Sunset, $180 (Watercolor, 7" x 10")

"Calla Lilies" was inspired by a drawing done with the Wednesday drawing group. I was intrigued by the swirling curves of the big white calla lilies.
103 - Calla Lillies, NFS

"Jigsaw Landscape" is a study in dividing, subdividing and then dividing some more. To create unity, I glazed passages of shapes together. In the end, there is a feeling of an old village, without actually painting one.
104 - Jigsaw Landscape, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

In this paintings, I wanted to revisit one of my favorite subjects, butterflies, and imagine them emerging en masse in spring. I used color to refer to the vibrant, new growth of springtime. I purposely kept the size and shape of the butterflies the same to recreate the feeling of a coming upon a group of butterflies flitting along the foliage.
105 - Butterflies in Spring, $350 (Watercolor, 15" x 22")

"Red Sails on a Golden Sea" is a second painting inspired by a trip to Port Townsend, Washington. Boats with different colors and shapes of sails were out on the water. I used reds and golds to create the warm feeling of watching boats on a summer evening.
106 - Red Sails on a Golden Sea, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

I painted "Golden Disc" using primary colors: red, blue and yellow. I wanted a feeling of bursting, expanding geometric shapes. Color and shape overlap as they expand out from the golden disc. I like achieving unity through a simplified pallet, while at the same time building as many variations in the colors as possible.
107 - Golden Disc, $230 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

In this painting, I explore painting a variety of colors in varying intensities. I wanted to allude to bobbles, or circular forms. I keep the bobble shapes open to allow the shapes to overlap and weave a unified whole.
108 - Bobbles, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

This painting is another variation on one of my favorite themes: flocks of birds along the coast. There seems to be lots of activity among the birds and I enjoy my peek into another world.
109 - Coming in for a Landing, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

I delight in watching the flocks of pelicans as they soar barely above the surf. They often fly in close formation in what looks like synchronized flight. At such times, these otherwise ungainly birds are the epitome of grace and beauty.
110 - Pelican Quartet, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Medley in Blue" is an exploration in color and design. I like exploring geometric shapes by overlapping them then using line to collapse the depth created by the overlapping shape. Using line enhances the feeling of vibration caused by the contrasting, opposite color scheme. To me, it's a pleasing and intriguing abstraction.
111 - Medley in Blue and Orange, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Warf" is about contrasting curves with lines, swirls and checkerboards. I like the other-worldly feel of the swirls and spheres. I purposely added the contrasting checkerboard-like pattern to the background to enhance the surreal, science fiction mood. The painting is named after a favorite famous sci-fi character. See if you can see "Warf".
112 - Warf, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Night Flight" is another painting of one of my favorite local subjects: birds, in particular pelicans. I enjoy watching the long formations of brown pelicans as they fly down the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
113 - Night Flight, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Electric Man" is so named because the shape of the angles reminds one of a cartoon character used by an electric company some years ago. The paintingís subject is contrast. I explored contrasting angular and amorphous shapes, textured and smooth areas, metallic, opaque and transparent paint. "Electric Man" fits the dynamic mood and feel of the painting created by all that contrast.
114 - Electric Man, $275 (Acrylic, 12" x 16")

"Three Spires from Heidelberg in Blue" is based on a drawing I did when living in Heidelberg, Germany. Many of the buildings in the older sections of town have beautiful spires and ornamentation and were a source of wonder and inspiration.
115 - Three Spires from Heidelberg in Blue, $275 (Acrylic, 12" x 16")

"Patch of Green" might be about simply dividing a painting into rectangular shapes of different color and texture. Or, it might be about a small, green garden surrounded by a great city at night. The painting is textured and has some metallic paint.
116 - Patch of Green, $275 (Acrylic, 12" x 16")

The inspiration for "Dream" was Picasso's painting "Le RÍve ". The Cubist style face alludes to "Le RÍve"; the rest is my composition. The cat is my muse and I will always be intrigued by the mystery of their expression.
117 - Dream, $350 (Acrylic, 16" x 20")

In "Four Peeps", I again paint one of my favorite shore birds. The "peeps", the small sanderlings and sandpipers that inhabit the coast of Washington where I live, are an endless source of fascination. The color of the painting is as much about the joy of seeing the birds as it is about a time of day.
118 - Four Peeps, $300 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 14" x 20")

"Middle Earth" is an imaginary landscape. It does remind my of a trip I took by train through the "Gudbrandallen" in Norway. The hills and valley's of Gudbrandallen looked like they could be inhabited by fairies and trolls. In this painting, I wanted to invoke a feeling of a magical, mystical place.
119 - Middle Earth, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

I call this abstract "Young Forest" because of the feeling of activity and movement in the painting. Plus, I associate alders with young forested land. In this painting, I wanted the feel of the Northwest forest.
120 - Young Forest, $275 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 12" x 16")

"Staircase to the Boat Dock" is inspired by drawings of a nearby boat dock. I purposely abstracted, twisted, tilted and turned the steps to show the rhythms of the staircase.
121 - Staircase to the Boat Dock, $275 (Watercolor, 12" x 16")

"Kitty Buddies" is essentially a play on Cubist-style faces of kitties. The cat staring face forward also has a stylized, profile face. I find cat expressions fascinating.
122 - Kitty Buddies, $250 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 12" x 16")

The title "Star Gazer", alludes to the expression of the cat, she looks like she's star gazing. The assorted paint splatter adds to the feeling of stars and gives the cat a "new age" sort of setting. I had fun working with this cat.
123 - Star Gazer, $250 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 12" x 16")

Sometimes, I can just "see" a painting in my head. Such visions are exciting. "Pair of Seagulls" was painted based on one such vision. The muted colors seemed to take on a life of their own.
124 - Pair of Seagulls, NFS

I had fun painting Bucket of Flowers. The bucket of flowers exists in my head. It is a compilation of many kind and thoughtful bouquets I've received in the past from family and friends. I just had an urge to paint the flowers and it wouldn't let up until the flowers were on paper.
125 - Bucket of Flowers, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Free Sailing" was inspired by the sail boats around Port Townsend. The sails seem to have a rhythm of their own.
126 - Free Sailing, NFS

"She Read Science Fiction" is a painting about one of my sisters. I thought of some of our memorable experiences together and two ideas popped in my head: she took a science fiction class in high school and liked Daisies.
127 - She Read Science Fiction, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Still Life with Potted Plant and Candelabra" is another painting based on my work with the local Wednesday drawing group. I loved the curly-cues of the candelabra. In this painting, I reached that point where I let myself go and had fun.
128 - Still Life With Potted Plant and Candelabra, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

On our 2004 trip through Northern California, I made a quick sketch of Mt. Shasta. As we continued to drive across the mountains, I was intrigued by the waves of low hills and how they contrasted with the towering height of Mt. Shasta.
129 - Visions of Mt. Shasta, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

With "Cleopatra", I was thinking of regal cats and a cat's ability to look like she knows something you don't. I chose the colors because it reminded me of a reconstruction of Egyptian tomb paintings I saw in Berlin, Germany. I wanted to show that "Cleopatra" was a very regal feline.
130 - Cleopatra, $210 (Acrylic, 11.75" x 9.5")

One of my cats, "Georgette" was the model for "Enjoying the Sunbeam". Georgette knew how to love a good nap, especially if her buddy "Bubba", our other cat, was in another room. Somehow, sunny spots always seem to be a cat's best place for a nap.
131 - Enjoying the Sunbeam, $185 (Acrylic, 8" x 10")

"Medford Oaks" is based on a drawing done of an oak grove outside of Medford, OR. I liked the way the young oaks intertwined with each other. The story is the shape and mass of the oaks so I kept the colors simple.
132 - Medford Oaks, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 9.5")

"Blue Butterfly" was painted in March, on the brink of spring. I could almost feel and smell spring in the air. At the time I was working on this painting, I saw my first butterfly of the year: a blue.
133 - Blue Butterfly, NFS

Painting "Butterfly Quartet" was a fun challenge. I used layers of paint and texture to build the paintings of the butterflies. I use the colors of the butterflies to create diagonal movement, with light butterflies on the upper left and lower right positions, and orange butterflies in the lower left and upper right positions. I used line, shape and texture to push and pull the colors forward and backward to keep the painting flat and yet energized. Most of all, I enjoyed working the paint and thinking of the grace of butterflies.
134 - Butterfly Quartet, $210 (Acrylic, 11.75" x 9.5")

"Hot Summer Day" is an imaginary landscape. It combines images from my childhood home in New Mexico. Nearby, there is the Santa Rita copper pit. What I borrowed was the idea of distant mountains behind deep cuts in the earth. I also borrowed the feeling of a hot summer day in New Mexico. The sun would be bleaching out the blue in the sky and everything seems parched.
135 - Hot Summer Day, NFS

I painted "Bouquet with Tulips, Lilies and Daffodils" in the spring when an unusual need to work on flowers struck me. I enjoy the bursting, radiant, exuberant feeling of a spring bouquet. Like spring, the warm, vibrant flowers want to break through the vestiges of the winter blues. Also, painting the flowers made me feel good.
136 - Bouquet with Tulips Lilies and Daffodils, NFS

"Blue Espresso Cup" started with an idea. I had a linoleum block already carved depicting an espresso cup. A few years ago, I had done a still life study of espresso cups with a sugar bowl and milk pitcher. I thought I would assemble the shapes again. This time I used acrylic on the linoleum block and applied it to the painting surface painting the positive blue espresso cup. Then, I cut out stencils of the other items and painted, sponged, splattered the other shapes. I liked the idea of the blue cup being a painting within a painting.
137 - Blue Espresso Cup, $250 (Mixed Media, 11" x 15")

Sometimes I like to design abstraction based on how I might interpret the geometry of music. In "Blue Rhythms" I was thinking of jazz and improvisation. I started with leaving areas white and painting to dark blue. I added a few sections of "improvisation" I spattering watercolor pencil much as one would regular watercolor. The layers of shapes and their edges create divisions yet are aligned to weave together for a whole. The result is a painting that may suggest rhythms, or a deep forest, or something new.
138 - Blue Rhythms, $250 (Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 15" x 11")

"Lilies Among the Daffodils" like its sister painting, "Bouquet with Tulips, Lilies and Daffodils" I painted in the spring when an unusual need to work on flowers struck me. The painting alludes to the sunlight of early spring dancing on the warm blooms of a bouquet. In contrast, the cool blues of the background and the vase remind one of the recent passing of winter. Mainly, though, I painted the flowers because I liked them and they made me feel good.
139 - Lilies Among the Daffodils, NFS

"Bryce Canyon" was painted on commission. In "Bryce Canyon" I wanted to show the size, shape and mass of the great hoodoo formations. When visiting Bryce Canyon, I was struck by the interesting shapes created by the forces of erosion and the tremendous sizes of the hoodoos. I was also impressed with the beauty of the warm rock colors against the cool blues of the western skies.
140 -Bryce Canyon, NFS (Watercolor, 5 x 7)

"Hoodoos" is part of a series I did on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, Utah. In this version, I included a pine tree to help show the scale of the hoodoos. The trees at Bryce Canyon provide a natural contrast to these huge stone figures.
144 - Hoodoos, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

"Hoodoo Kings at Dawn" is part of a series I did on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, Utah. In painting the Hoodoo King formation, I thought about how water and frost and ice had helped to carve and form the rock. I liked this formation in particular because of its name and the angle of the connected hoodoos.
141 - Hoodoo Kings at Dawn, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

"Valley of the Hoodoos" is part of a series I did on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, Utah. In this version, the hoodoo landscape becomes surreal. The hoodoos started reminding me of pieces on a game board or giants of an ancient and mystical land.
142 - Valley of the Hoodoos, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

"Hoodoos at Dusk" is part of a series I did on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, Utah. In this version, I imagined the hoodoos illuminated by a moody southwestern sunset. The big hoodoo shapes take on the look of ancient figures staring out along the landscape.
146 - Hoodoos at Dusk, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

"Afternoon Hoodoos" is part of a series I did on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, Utah. In this version, I emphasized the patterns of light and dark as might be seen on a late summer afternoon.
145 - Afternoon Hoodoos, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

"Hoodoo Vista" is part of a series I did on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, Utah. In this version, the hoodoos are shown facing distant mountains. I wanted to show the vastness of the landscape at Bryce Canyon.
143 - Hoodoo Vista, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

"Southwest Sun" is based on a color study I did while we were visiting southwestern New Mexico. Inspired by big skies and colorful sunsets, the landscape emerged on the paper. The big forms might be trees, rocks or sisters gazing at the horizon.
147 - Southwest Sun, $150 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

The painting "Mask" was inspired by the mask-like shapes characteristic of some cats. I chose to alternate darks and lights to add to the rhythm and movement created by the lines of the mask. The watching, seeing, silent eyes add to the sense of mystery and play.
148 - Mask, $185 (Watercolor, 8" x 10")

Which came first? The hen egg cups are from a friend in Sweden. I assembled this still life as I was thinking about drawing birds. What better way to study birds than to start with the egg?
150 - Hens and Eggs, $350 (Acrylic, 16" x 20")

In the painting "Flowers in Red", I emphasized the warm, light and the bright, bursting shapes of a summer floral bouquet. I felt like the bouquet wanted to burst out of the confines of the vase. The casual arrangement of the floral shapes adds to the feeling of exuberance.
149 - Flowers in Red, $185 (Watercolor, 8" x 10")

I based "Sun Scape" on a color study I did while visiting New Mexico. Maybe it reflects my reaction to being back in the southwest environment. Or, maybe it reflects my memories of going to the "City of Rocks" as a child growing up in New Mexico. To me, it has the surreal quality of a desert not too long ago.
154 - Sun Scape, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Beach Shells, Pebbles and Crab in Blue" is one of an on-going series of still life paintings depicting some of my favorite beach treasures. I enjoy arranging the items on what I consider my mini-stage. As usual, I apply my own color schemes. The blue of the background alludes to the blues of water.
151 - Beach Shells, Pebbles and Crab in Blue, $230 (Colored Pencil, 10" x 14")

This painting is another in a series of shell and pebble paintings. I was experimenting with painting the motif using different color schemes. I added the multi-faceted shapes for fun and to emphasize that these small pebbles and shells are true beach treasures.
153 - Pebbles, Shells and Crab in Golden Light, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

I like working with layers of simple shapes. By overlapping and interweaving the shapes, I can create and collapse the feeling of three dimensions. I used this method to depict an imaginary world with seahorses.
155 - Seahorses, $250 (Watercolor, 11" 15")

"Primordial Soup" alludes to the mixture of primitive elements that might have been around at the start of life. I have included geometric shapes that refer to benzene rings, double helices, and peptide chains. The painting is as much about having fun with the elements of painting as it is about imagining what the primordial soup must have been like.
156 - Primordial Soup, $350 (Watercolor, 16" x 20")

I collected this toy horse when I was on a trip to Belgium. I had a story book, Old World quality to it. It reminds me of long lost childhood stories. The big shadow perhaps refers to the giant the little horse is to me.
152 - Toy Rocking Horse with Big Shadow, $225 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 10")

I like working with still life subjects. This painting includes some beach treasures my husband and I have collected on our trips to the beach. I purposely arranged the shells and pebbles to curve down from the crab shell on the right, around the sand dollar, and then back up again on the left. The crab shell is both delicate and humorous. The crab seems to have a scowl.
157 - Beach Treasures: White Crab Pebbles and Shells, $350 (Acrylic, 16" x 20")

"Moon Goddess" is inspired by the long nosed bat, queen of the night in the southwest. She is a pollinator of flowers from saguaro and other cacti. To me, bats are delicate and beautiful mammals of the night.
158 - Moon Goddess, $180 (Colored Pencil, 8" x 8.5")

My friend Peggy Jo Klumb brought in a glorious bouquet of red gladiolas from her garden for our local drawing group. I instantly knew that I would enjoy doing a painting of the flowers on a bright red table cloth. This painting is unique for me in that it started with a layer of fluid acrylic. I switched to watercolor, working the background wet-on-wet. I "sealed" the painting with fluid acrylic medium then came back with more acrylic. The result is a vibrant painting of red gladiolas.
159 - Peggy Jo's Red Gladiolas, $185 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 8" x 10")

I had been thinking about the essence of a bird's form and decided that the egg was it. I figured I ought to do a still life study of eggs. In my cupboard, I have a set of egg cups given to me by a friend from Sweden. The hen sitting on her clutch of eggs seemed humorous to me; plus it repeated the form of the eggs. Why green and red? Why not?
160 - Red Hen and Eggs, $185

The painting 'Wild Flowers' is based on a drawing that I did during a trip to Zion Canyon in Utah. I'd seen some Scarlet Gilia wildflowers in bloom. I liked the shape of the flowers and how they radiated out from a single stem.
161 - Wild Flowers, $150 (Acrylic, 5" x 7")

One winter afternoon the sun was shining just right for a still life. I quickly set up to draw a set of pears, one of my favorite sumptuous fruits. While drawing the fruit I was thinking about the beauty of the shapes, graceful and sensuous. The richness in color was inspired by the fruit.
162 - Three Golden Pears, $150 (Acrylic, 5" x 7")

"Windows & Fences" started out as an experiment in "frame-in-frame" design. Sometimes when painting, I reach the point where brain and paper dialog and I am at the sidelines. This is one such painting. After putting the painting away for six months, I see fences and windows, or perhaps an expression of my minds eye.
163 - Windows & Fences, $225 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 10" x 11")

The gulls on the beach are a source of endless delight and wonder to me. Each encounter gives me a brief window into a different world. This particular painting is a study on the form of the bird. I painted wet-into-wet to give the feel of a soft, cloudy day.
164 - Stepping Out on a Cloudy Day, $225 (10" x 11')

"Flower Market in Gold and Red" started out as an intuitive painting in warm colors. I started with a layer of paint wet-into-wet, and then started painting around the lights. Soon, floral or leaf shapes emerged. They felt crammed together, merging one shape into another, like at a flower market.
165 - Flower Market in Gold and Red, $225 (Watercolor, 10" x 11")

"Indigo Lace" started out as another exercise in abstract design. I drizzled some pigment on the paper. Then, inspiration struck; I started "leap frogging" shape values. For example, if a shape #1 was lighter than the shape #2 next to it, I made it darker than shape #2. Shape #2 was now the lighter shape. One shape led to another and soon I was connected shapes with a lace pattern. The process was fun and stimulating. The result is another statement from my inner eye.
166 - Indigo Lace, $225 (Watercolor, 10" x 11")

"Florals A-Flame" started out as another "intuitive" painting study. Working light to dark, I painted around light areas. My mindís eye saw a dense bouquet of flowers and leaves. Why "a-flame"? Maybe the flowers are in a market at night time, illuminated by the warm lights of a city.
167 - Florals A-Flame, NFS

Gulls out on the beach provide an excellent opportunity to study bird anatomy and behavior. I am fascinated by how they can change their body profile. In this case, the gull had tucked in its head and neck making for a simple, smooth profile. I am especially intrigued by the pink feet tiptoeing on the sand.
168 - Gull Stepping, $250 (Acrylic, 11" x 14")

"Abstract and Lace" is another in a series of intuitive painting studies. I drizzled and dropped in paint, then started "leap frogging" values - jumping darks over lights. What is it? The painting might depict a jumping shrimp, Kokopelli dancing, or a happy mind's eye. Meaning? Life is good.
169 - Abstract and Lace, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Toy Rocking Horse" is a study of light, shadows and reflections. I was looking for places where light alternates to dark along a line. I like the rhythm of alternating lights and dark. I purposely set up the still life in such a manner that I would have to deal with both the shadow and reflection of the toy horse. Mainly, this painting is about one of my favorite souvenirs brought back from trips in Europe.
170 - Toy Rocking Horse, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

This painting is about alternating lights and darks and the lace created from stems and stalks. Perhaps the dark, rich colors allude to the bouquet sitting on a table at night, waiting for someone to enjoy itsí joyful blooms.
171 - Flowers and Lace, $250 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 11" x 15")

I remember having tulips in our yard when I was growing up. They were my favorite type of flower as a child. When spring comes, it seems natural to explore the shapes of tulips in bloom.
172 - Pink Tulip Festival, $235 (Watercolor, 10" x 15")

"Tulip Time" is about exploring shapes and color intensity. The semi-mosaic approach to the painting enriches the tulip shapes. I like creating then collapsing depth by painting flat, overlapping shapes. Tulips are just fun to paint.
173 - Tulip Time, $235 (Watercolor, 10" x 15")

Spring brings out a desire to paint floral shapes. I see the flowers defying gravity in their urgent quest to get to the point of blooming. The act of flowering is a triumphant bursting of color, shape and movement. Put another way, painting simple tulip shapes is an uplifting experience.
174 - Tulips in Violet and Purple, $235 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

I composed this painting around the frog carving and the crab shell. What exactly they're doing in the same painting is a mystery. Would either animal eye the other as a possible dinner? Mainly, I liked composing with an odd assortment of shapes: shells, leaves, pebbles and a stone carving of a frog.
175 - Fall Trinkets and Treasures, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

This painting is based on a shipwreck in Ocean Shores, WA. The ship was named the "Catala". At the time I did the study, only bits and pieces of rusted metal were revealed by the sand. I painted the wreck in a loose, rough manner as if to emphasize the rust and deterioration of the metal remains.
176 - Wreck of the Catala, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Dancing Daisies" is a study of wash and calligraphy. I thought using line and calligraphy would be a fun way of expressing the joy and life in a simple spring bouquet of daisies.
177 - Dancing Daisies, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Blue Fish" celebrates the free spirit in each of us. Sometimes, we just have to go against the crowd. In further celebration of the free spirit, I decided to depict the water in my own way, as a sort of mosaic of various blue shapes.
178 - Blue Fish, $250 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"Field of Flowers" started out as a study of shape, blue against orange. Slowly, floral shapes began to reveal themselves. I like to paint around the shape, emphasizing the negative space. Soon, I had a complete field of flower shapes, flowing as if blown by a meandering breeze.
179 - Field of Flowers, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Red Canyon" was inspired by the spectacular geological formations of Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon in Utah. I did several on-location drawings and studies during a three month visit to the area in 2006. I also did an abstracted study of the canyons which became the basis of this work. I was thinking about the steep walls and the powerful impact of ice and wind on the rock.
180 - Red Canyon, $250 (Colored Pencil, 11" x 15")

"Katzen" is one of several paintings about cats and their expressions. Sometimes outwardly reserved and stoic, the mystery lies in what is behind those eyes. This painting is also a study of alternating lights and darks.
181 - Katzen, $275 (Acrylic, 12" x 6")

This is another study of one of my favorite beach trail markers. This particular trailer marker had a beautiful shape, with its crossed wood and numerous floats hanging down in the breeze. It no longer exists except in memory and in these paintings.
182 - Beach Trail Marker With Eight Floats, $300 (Watercolor, 14" x 20")

This painting is second in a series of "Cats in Mask". It is about the weaving together of shapes and colors. I was thinking about how some cats' markings are shaped liked masks. I arranged the cats so one mask would lead to another.
183 - Cats in Mask, $350 (Watercolor, 16" x 20")

At one level, "Pulse" is about the heart: heart as symbol and heart as organ. Another way to look at it, it's about fluid lines and checked shapes. And yet, it's also about the contrast of red and green. Mostly, I did it because I love to paint; isn't that what it's all about?
184 - Pulse, $350 (Watercolor, 16" x 20")

I enjoyed painting this small study. It began with a simple question: what would a bouquet of flowers look like in the moonlight? I studied the question in my mind's eye and began painting. To me, the flowers still declare their life in the silent stillness of the night.
185 - Bouquet in Moonlight, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 10")

Seahorses have always fascinated me. I saw some small spotted seahorses in an aquarium once and I was intrigued. By painting the seahorse, I get to hold on to that special encounter.
186 - Spotted Seahorse, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 10")

My Dad used to say "the subject is an excuse to paint". I believe that statement. I also believe painting gives me an excuse to revisit favorite themes. Here is another study of my favorite beach trailmarker. I am especially fond of the simple, linked shapes in this small painting.
187 - Beach Trailmarker with Five Floats, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 10")

The painting "Eggs and Rooster" is inspired by a set of Swedish egg cups and a Norwegian rooster wall hanging that I have. I thought it was fun to put the Swedish and Norwegian souvenirs together.
188 - Eggs and Rooster, $185 (Watercolor, 8" x 10")

"Yellow Bird on a Fence" is inspired by birds sitting on chain linked fences. To me, taking a moment to watch birds go about their daily lives is like peaking into another world - the real world of nature that's all around us.
189 - Yellow Bird on a Fence, $185 (Acrylic, 8" x 10")

"Pears in Moonlight" is a study of color, light and mood. I did a drawing of a still life set up of pears then began experimenting with how color and light influence mood. I like how the violet and blue colors say something different about a common subject.
190 - Pears in Moonlight, $185 (Watercolor, 8" x 10")

"View Across the Valley" was based on a drawing I did of a valley near Medford, Oregon. I liked the spatial tension between the nearby tree and the small buildings across the valley.
191 - View Across the Valley, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 10")

"Double Tree at Neal Creek" was based on a drawing of trees along Neal Creek, south of Ashland, Oregon. The intertwined trunks of the trees along the right caught my eye.
192 - Double Tree at Neal Creek, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 10")

"Red Pears" is a study of light on form. I set up the still life to catch the bright afternoon light on the pears. When painting, I built up the red to emphasize the luscious forms.
193 - Red Pears, $185 (Watercolor, 8" x 10")

Sometimes, I just enjoy playing with simplified forms. Such is the case of the "Golden Dragonfly". The swirls allude to water below the dragonflies. The swirls also serve to connect the dragonflies.
194 - Golden Dragonfly, $185 (Colored Pencil, 8" x 9")

"Pile of Leaves" is an exploration of leave forms. In the fall, I enjoy looking at the over-lapping leaves on the ground. My favorite places to look are along paths were the leaves are contrasted with their after-images printed on the concrete.
195 - Pile of Leaves, $200 (Watercolor, 8" x 11")

I drew the design for "Sapphire Arabesque" when I was in New Mexico. When I was a teenager studying ballet, I thought the arabesque was one of my favorite movements. As a painter, I find the arabesque shape interesting. In this work, I chose to highlight its beauty by making the shape the subject.
196 - Sapphire Arabesque, $650 (Watercolor, 16.5" x 22")

"Rocket Flowers" is the second, and larger, painting using a design I did with the flower Scarlet Gilia as subject. I found out that Scarlet Gilia is sometimes called a Rocket Flower. I find it intriguing that this flower can be hard to see in the southwestern landscape. But, when I do see them, I find them delightful.
197 - Rocket Flowers, $650 (Watercolor, 22.6" x 14")

Usually when I see pictures or photos of sea dragons, I see them in portrait. I decided to try to imagine what they would look like in three quarter view, looking straight at me. This fanciful sea dragon looks a bit surprised. I set it in a colorful sea since sea dragons are southern hemisphere animals. I enjoyed playing with the form of delicate and beautiful sea dragon.
198 - Tropical Sea Dragon, $650 (Watercolor, 16" x 20")

One of my favorite mental exercises is to ask myself ìwhat are the visual clues that tell you a _____ is a _____. In this case the blank is filled in with tulip. I this painting, I explore the graceful shape of the tulip, overlapping the shape as if it were in a field. I made one white just for fun and for contrast.
199 - Ghost Tulip, $650 (Watercolor, 16" x 20")

This painting appeared in my mindís eye late in February. I started imagining the young shoots of plants emerging in early spring. Late winter and early spring are often dark and windy where I live. These tender shoots are struggling to gain a footing early in spring.
200 - Early Spring Plant Shoots, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

This painting is a second painting exploring the theme of young, newly sprouted plant shoots. In the dark days of March, the new sprouts are yet to turn green. The ghostly shapes anticipate the sun and green of spring.
201 - Plant Shoots in March, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

I started working on this painting on Veteranís Day or Armistice Day. As usual for the Pacific Northwest, the day was cold, windy and rainy. I was remembering my grandparents who served in World War I. The somber tones reflect my thoughts and remembrances. The shapes remind me of a lonely chapel on a gray day.
202 - November Chapel, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

I had so much fun painting the sea dragon once I had to paint it again. This time, I imagined suddenly encountering a sea dragon among dark sea weeds in a cool ocean. Iím sure we would both be surprised.
203 - Sea Dragon in Sea Weed, $450 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 11" x 15")

Chai Tea is one of my favorite teas. I love the blend of tea and spice. In this painting, the colors look like the taste of cardamom and chai tea. I included my favorite tea cup given to me by my Mother.
204 - Chai Tea, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15"

"Mint Tea" is a second version of a still life featuring my favorite tea cup. It includes a small tea box that came in a tea sample gift that my Mother gave me. I enjoy arranging still life setups that include personal items with meaning to me.
205 - Mint Tea, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

One of my favorite places to visit and explore is Bryce Canyon in Utah. I found this wonderful formation along the Rim Trail toward Fairyland. I call it the Great Dames. In this version, I am using a color scheme that I saw one morning. The sky was golden at dawn and the formations in shadow were cool blues and purples. It was a spectacular site.
206 - Bryce Canyon: Great Dame Hoodoos at Dawn, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

"The Great Dames" is my personal name for a hoodoo, or rock formation in Bryce Canyon, Utah. The formation reminds me of great matriarchs standing guard along the trail. The color scheme in this particular version of the Great Dames depicts the light and color at the middle of the day or noon.
207 - Bryce Canyon: Great Dame Hoodoos at Noon, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 15")

Sometimes, I paint intuitively. Such paintings are usually the most difficult and risky paintings. I never know if I will be able to bring the painting to completion. This particular painting developed in such a way as to suggest a glow, much as one might find for a fleeting moment at sunset.
208 - Dusk Afterglow, $250 (Acrylic, 10" x 11")

A broken shell I found on the local beach was the inspiration for "Shell Nouveau". I love the spiraling twist along the main stem of the shell. After drawing the shell from life, I wanted to do a composition without looking at the shell. Working in this manner allows me to express my delight in the subject.
209 - Shell Nouveau, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 22")

"RV Park Afternoon" is based on a drawing I did while my husband and I were on a trip in our travel trailer. I was thinking about drawing subjects in interesting light. I looked around the RV park and saw the interesting patterns of light around me. This particular RV park was in Albuquerque, NM.
210 - RV Park Afternoon, $650 (Watercolor, 22" x 15")

"Dragonfly Square Dance" is a variation on a theme of dragonflies. I was interested in the overlapping of shapes. I purposely added drips and spatters for fun and contrast to the carefully controlled layers of paint.
211 - Dragonfly Square Dance, $650 (Watercolor, 16" x 20")

"Café, Espresso and Daisy" is one of a series of paintings exploring the theme of coffee and an espresso café. The daisy was inspired by a particular arrangement I saw in a Portland, OR, café. The cups, chairs and composition come from my imagination. I tipped the table top up for fun and because of the shape. "Café" is the French spelling for coffee.
212 - Café, Espresso and Daisy, $650 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 12.5" x 22")

"Espresso Cup, Pitcher and Daisy" is one in a series of paintings exploring the theme of coffee. In drawing this particular composition, I was working toward a simple, interlocking design. It was fun to design and paint.
213 - Espresso Cup, Pitcher and Daisy, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 22")

"Tulips and Clover" is another variation on the theme of tulips. The gesture of the upright tulips symbolizes the frenzy of spring to me. I imagine the plants expending energy to quickly grow and bloom. Itís a strong statement about life and survival. The clover inserted itself into the picture, just as they do in many gardens.
214 - Tulips and Clover, $450 (Colored and Watercolor Pencil, 15" x 11")

"Three Shells Abstracted" is inspired by the wonderful small shells my husband and I find on our beach. In drawing these shells, I pretended I was sculpting the shells. I thought about the rhythms created by the beautiful ridges, curves and spirals.
215 - Three Shells Abstracted, $450 (Watercolor, 15" x 9.5")

One day, after seeing many paintings about pears, I decided to paint a different kind of pear; a festive, royal pear. Perhaps the dots and other decorations allude to jewels that adorn the pear. Befitting its regal state, I crowned the pear with a lavender moon.
216 - Royal Pear, $850 (Watercolor, 21" x 29")

"Unstrung" is about line, color and texture. I enjoy doing a non-objective abstraction every once in a while. It's a challenge building the composition without trying to paint "some thing". The paint is truly the subject.
217 - Unstrung, $450 (Mixed Media, 15" x 11")

"Café Americano" is a commissioned work. It was designed with French-style cafes in mind. In developing the design, I imagined a scene with coffee just served. As I painted, the color combination reminded me of Café Americano, with a dark, rich roast.
218 - Café Americano, NFS

Some of my favorite subjects are the broken shells found on the local beaches. I like being able to see parts of the underlying structure of the shells. I arranged these three shells on a napkin and the folds reminded me of the waves of the water.
219 - Three Broken Shells, $650 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 21" x 14.5")

In this variation on the "Shell Nouveau" theme, I worked a double complimentary scheme. Though orange and blue dominate, I added yellow and purple for variety. I had fun orchestrating the colors and weaving the shapes.
220 - Multicolored Shell Nouveau VS, $175 (Watercolor, 5" x 7")

The "Shell Nouveau" drawings were based on the wonderful spirals of broken sea shells. I framed the shell with varied and overlapping rectangles. It was fun and allowed me to weave together the different parts of the composition.
221 - Shell Nouveau VS, $175 (Watercolor, 5" x 7.5")

Another in the espresso cup series, in this composition, the idea here is to depict heat! The day is as hot as the fresh cup of espresso. And, we take our espresso neat, no cream and sugar.
222 - Kaffe with Awning in Orange VS, $175 (Watercolor, 6" x 10")

Another in the espresso cup series, in this composition, I added shapes of fluid gold acrylic. I wanted to bridge the flat shapes of the composition with the gold grids. The gold grids also relate to the irregular grid composition. But, mostly, I wanted to show a cafÈ on a hot summer day.
223 - Kaffe with Awning in Orange and Gold, VS, $175 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 6" x10")

Another in the espresso cup series, in this composition, I did something different. I changed the color scheme to green and red. I like the alternations of lights, darks and complimentary colors. And, memories of coffee shops in Europe.
224 - Café with Daisy in Red and Green VS, $175 (5" x 10")

Another in the espresso cup series, this composition is about two eight sided cups we have. I have drawn them several times. Then, I did a "what if" drawing - what if I were viewing these cups through a prism or kaleidoscope? I like the energy of the composition, sort of like a good, caffeinated cup of espresso.
225 - Fractured Espresso Cups VS, $175 (Watercolor, 6" x10")

Three Broken Shells are part of my series on sea shells. I am particularly drawn to the broken shells. They reveal interesting curves, loops, spirals and twists. The folds of the napkin I laid the shells on reminded me of the rhythms of the waves.
226 - Three Broken Shells VS, $175 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 7" x 9.5")

Sometimes, I just have to "bust loose!" I feel an idea and need to explore it. Festive Kitty is the latest in such an exploration. The attitude of the face revealed itself on paper. Kitties truly are superior beings!
227 - Festive Kitty VS, $175 (Watercolor and Acylic, 7" x 9")

One day I wondered what kind of wild, crazy pear I could draw. What if the pear were sitting on a table at night, under a pale lavender moon? And, what if it were a festive pear? This piece is the result of my wondering. Itís about the joy of the fruit!
228 - Royal Pear with Lavender Moon VS, $175 (Watercolor, 7" x 9")

"Two Coffees, Cream and Sugar VS", is one work in my espresso cup series. In this design, I purposely overlapped the figures, going from lower left to upper right. I wanted a festive, exuberant feel to the compositions. The coffee cups can barely be contained! I like coffee!
229 - Two Coffees Cream and Sugar VS, $175 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 5" x 9")

I started this piece using watercolor pencil. I was playing with ribbon shapes. I added an isolation coat (Golden soft gel gloss diluted with water), followed by pastel ground. Then, I applied multiple layers of colored pencil. This experimental piece was fun and I like the surreal world of the ribbon shapes.
230 - Red Ribbons, $175 (Water Color, Watercolor Pencil, Pastel, 6.5" x 9")

This composition features two of my favorite sea shells. I collected these broken shells that I found on the beach because of the interesting coils and shapes. I enjoyed painting this pair in a loose, watery style.
231 - Two Broken Spiral Shells, $175 (Watercolor, 7.5" x 10")

Another in the espresso cup series, this composition is about two eight sided cups we have. I have drawn them several times. Then, I did a "what if" drawing - what if I were viewing these cups through a prism or kaleidoscope? I like the energy of the composition, sort of like a good, caffeinated cup of espresso. This is the larger version of "Fractured Espresso Cups"
232 - Fractured Espresso Cups, $850 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 18" x 29")

"Two Coffees, Cream and Sugar", is one work in my espresso cup series. In this design, I purposely overlapped the figures, going from lower left to upper right. I wanted a festive, exuberant feel to the compositions. The coffee cups can barely be contained! I like coffee! This is the larger version of "Two Coffees, Cream and Sugar".
233 - Two Coffees Cream and Sugar, $650 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 12.5" x 22")

"Torsten on Bass" is inspired by a photograph by my husband, Robert, of a friend of ours. Torsten is from Germany and was a bass player in a local band from the Heidelberg Swetzingen area. At one time, Torsten was voted the best rock and roll bass player in Germany by a jury of his peers. This painting is a response to the music of the bass.
234 - Torsten on Bass, $650 (Watercolor, 13.3" x 21.25")

"Spiral Gyre" started as an experiment in the figure to ground relationship. I took a drawing I did of sea shells and digitally cut out some shapes, added others and generally had a good time. I wanted to explore the relationship of dark and light ground verses dark and light subject. To simplify the composition, I kept the color primarily blue. As I painted, spirals kept revealing themselves. The title is redundant consistent with the repetition of the spiral shape.
235 - Spiral Gyre, $650 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 14.5" x 21.5")

This painting is based on a drawing I did of shells I collected from the local beach. I collect shells on morning visits to the beach based on their interesting shapes. Broken shells are fun to look at and draw because I get to see a little of the inside twists and turns of the shell. The orange and violet colors make me think of summer sunsets on the sand.
236 - Three Broken Shells in Violet and Orange, $250 (Watercolor, 8" x12")

This painting is one of a series of paintings based on a theme of seven shells. I took several of my favorite local broken shells and arranged them into a still life. In this version, I wanted to contrast the curves of the shells with a modified grid background. The grid reminds me of the surface of the beach. The colors I chose are a study in muted tones and grays such as one might find on the coast in late winter.
237 - Group of Seven Shells, $250 (Watercolor, 8" x 12")

This painting is about the interplay of color, shape and line. I like building alternations into a composition. One of the fun alternations I did was to start by filling shapes (positive space); to painting the outline of the shapes; to painting outside and around the shapes (negative space). The composition reminds me of a tapestry.
238 - Alternations in Violet, Green and Orange, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14")

This painting is another in my group of seven shells series. In this version, I simplified the color plan to include only two colors: blue and orange. I layered the paints to create various tones of gray. The grays allow the blue and orange areas to glow. The tone reminds me of a foggy day at the beach.
239 - Group of Seven Shells in Blue and Orange, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14")

"Ms Maggie on the Rug" is the first in a series of studies and paintings inspired by my Auntís cat Maggie. The composition is based on a photo I took of Maggie on a rug at my Aunt Mary's house. The rug was on a tile floor and gave me the idea of introducing a grid. I introduced one of my favorite Cubist devices: Maggie from a frontal and portrait point of view.
240 - Ms Maggie on the Rug, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14")

Another in my "Ms Maggie" series, this painting offers a simplified cat design. I enjoy exploring the possibilities of simplified form and color. The colors chosen in this version allude to a dignified Ms. Maggie.
241 - KittyKitty in Blue and Orange, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14")

This is a festive version of Ms. Maggie. If you look closely in the upper right corner, you see the words "kittykitty" filling the shape. I wanted to allude to a person, perhaps my Aunt, calling a cat. The cat is interested or curious. She knows it is not dinner time, so she is not fooled into getting up. The person is left to repeat the name without success.
242 - KittyKitty, $450 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 10.5" x 14")

Sometimes compositions develop from a simple doodle, as is the case with this painting. I was experimenting with shapes and liked what I saw. It made me think of something reaching down deep into the earth, perhaps roots of an old tree or plant. Or, maybe itís a metaphor for my roots and links to the past.
243 - Festive Abstract IV Subterranean Blues, $450 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 10.5" x 14")

Recently, I have been exploring ideas and subjects in a series. This painting is the second in a series about a friend, Torsten, playing bass. My husband and I met Torsten when we lived in Germany. Torsten played bass for a local hard rock band. It was when he was performing that my husband took the photo I used as inspiration. The blues allude to the cool, deep tones of the bass. The oranges remind me of the hot, loud sounds of the band in concert.
244 - Torsten on Bass - Rock and Roll, NFS

This is another painting of my most recent muse, Ms. Maggie the Cat. In this version, I depict the cat after a particularly satisfying stretch. The stretch is the prelude to this regal position. The spine is aligned and life is good. Again, I present multiple views of Ms. Maggie. Cats are mysterious. They can be aware of your presence even when they are not looking at you.
245 - Regal Kitty, $450 (Watercolor, 11.5" x 15.5")

This painting is another composition in my series of seven sea shells. I let me spirit free, so to speak, when I was drawing this design. The shells were a point of departure. I allowed myself to find shapes and lines based on how I responded to the shells. Some shapes I link; others I break up. I extend lines and shorten others. Perhaps, Iím thinking of fun summer days at the beach, full of sun and play.
246- Seven Sea Shells Abstracted, $650 (Watercolor, 13.5" x 21.5")

"Lavender Tea Cup" is based on a drawing I did of my Mom's tea cup. It was also used by my Dad as a coffee cup. I painted it thinking of morning light and of the first cup of the day.
247 - Lavender Tea Cup. $175 (Acrylic, 5" x 7")

In this version of "KittyKitty", I fell in love with orange and yellow. Normally, I wouldn't work with such a limited, high key pallet. But, the power of acrylic paints allows the colors to assert themselves. Pale lavender and blue in the white shapes enables this little kitty to glow.
248 - KittyKitty in Orange and Yellow, $250 (Acrylic, 8" x 10")

“Groovy Kitty” is cool, groovin' on whatever kitty's groove to. The color alternations and stripes allude to syncopated rhythm in music. Kitty is relaxed, but you never know! Kitty might just yawn and take a nap. Or spring into full tilt action at a moments notice.
249 - Groovy Kitty, $650 (Watercolor, 15" x 21")

My intention was for this to be a festive kitty — a different sort of kitty; not your everyday variety. She is lounging in front of a window. Outside shines a lavender moon. Like all cats, this cat is in tune with the cosmos and knows a thing or two about the nature of things.
250 - Cat Under a Lavender Moon, $650 (Watercolor, 14" 18.5")

“Cool Kitty” is so named because of color and expression. This kitty is the silent, strong type. It pretends not to look at you directly; that would be bad manners. But it knows you’re there and it sees you. I painted him blue to emphasize the cool, in control expression.
251 - Cool Kitty, $450 (Watercolor, 11.5" x 15.5")

The swirl that is the lip and handle of the cup was the inspirational line of this still life. Early on, I chanced on drawing this line and built the rest of the still life around it. I thought the big, simple shapes would be suited for a textured treatment. But, most of all I like the regal, dignified golden pony.
252 - Still Life with Golden Toy Pony D17, $450 (Mixed Media, 10" x 14")

With this design, the light and dark pattern became the subject. My intention was to link light shapes to light shapes. It gave the design a "cut out" look which I thought would work particularly well with a textured ground. The small bits of orange enhance the feeling of light and spirit of the pony.
253 - Patchwork Blue Still Life with Toy Pony D10, $450 (Mixed Media, 10.5" x 14")

In “Still Life with Pink Toy Pony D4”, I chose the two colors that were my favorite as a child: pink and green. This particular still life has me thinking about childhood relationships, thus the choice. To me, the pony is running in towards it’s guardians (the other objects), much as an excited child to it’s older siblings. Certainly, they will discuss the day’s adventures.
254 - Still Life with Rose Toy Pony D4, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14.5")

In this version of “Still Life with Toy Pony”, the light is soft and subdued. The objects are dark and muted too. The feeling reminds me of a gray day in late afternoon. All are in quiet contemplation.
255 - Still Life with Toy Pony On a Gray Day, D11a, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14.5")

“Sweet Kitty” is about a particular cat I know. It is about the sweetest kitty I’ve met. It’s voice is quiet; it’s demeanor gentle. Sweet kitty has the softest fur. And, it loves to get kitty pets. It’s a gentle soul.
256 -Sweet Kitty, $450 (Watercolor and Acrylic, 10.5" x 14.5")

Sometimes cats remind me of their regal heritage; of ancient Egypt and mythology. So it is with “Golden Kitty”. She has what I call a “sphinx-ette” attitude. She is above us mere mortals but honors us with her presence. We give good pets and food as gifts.
257 - Golden Kitty, $450 (Watercolor, 10.4" x 14.5")

Every once in awhile, kitties go to “full red alert”. They stare intently; fur erect, muscles taut. They maintain this position for a few moments, and then it’s either action or false alarm. I find it particularly amusing when I can’t figure out what caused the alert.
258 - KittyKitty Red Alert, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14")

“Totally Modern Kitty” is stoic and cool. It’s demeanor contradicts it’s interest in you. Alert and interested, it might be talked into a good game of chase, soccer or catch.
259 - Totally Modern Kitty, $450 (Mixed Media, 10.5" x 14.5")

“Odds & Ends with Silk Scarf” was done as a challenge. The idea was to create a painting using a scarf, candle, pen, feather and key. I chose items that were personal. I arranged and tied them together with a knot.
260 - Odds & Ends with Blue Scarf II, $175 (Watercolor, 6.5" x 10")

In this second version of “Odds & Ends with Silk Scarf” I simplified the color scheme. I wanted to emphasize that it is the blue scarf that ties the odds and ends together.
261 - Odds & Ends with Blue Scarf II, $175 (Watercolor, 6.5" x 10")

My intention was to alternate the colors, values and shapes to weave an interesting pattern. Blue-ness should dominate. I like the bold, flat, angular strength; it gives the otherwise still life energy. In this particular version of the still life, all of the elements are given similar emphasis. It is the tight inter-relationship of the group that matters.
262 - Still Life with Toy Pony Linked In, D38, $450 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

KittyKitty is a bundle full of feline emotion! Have you ever noticed kitties when they’re sitting on their paws in a state between sitting and lying down? They look like hens sitting on eggs. There is a tension; the cat is not relaxed and could spring into action. Or, take a nap. This is the state I was thinking about when I designed this version of KittyKitty. And, that’s why she’s red!
263 - KittyKitty on Red Pillow, $450 (Watercolor, 14" x 10")

Please meet "Spice Kitty", design 33 of my "KittyKitty" series. I have a real world kitty buddy I call "Spice". We visit each other on my morning exercise route. She often comes out to greet me and ask for pets. Then she swats my hand. I can't quite figure out this behavior. Spice is sweet, but there is some feline feistiness in her. I used the angles to depict her somewhat prickly demeanor.
264 - Spice Kitty, $450 (Mixed Watermedia, 14" x 10")

After the first version of design 23 was done, I wanted to try it again and re-work the color scheme. I seem to prefer an alternating scheme where color dominance is not quite so obvious. I wondered what it would feel like if I used just a little bit of blue to contrast with orange. I like both versions. I find it fascinating to see how the variations work. In person, these colors scintillate!
265 - Still Life with Toy Pony in Orange, D23b, $450 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

Still life compositions let me express something about the artifacts, ideas and experiences I collect throughout my life. Even though I chose the items based on shape, they all have personal meaning. The candlestick was a wedding gift; a friend gave me the espresso cup; the pony is a souvenir from a visit to my Aunt when she lived in San Francisco; the clay pot was something I bought in Germany and decorated with acrylic paint. Each item calls up personal experiences.
266 - Still Life with Toy Pony in Pink and Blue, D23a, $450 (Mixed Watermedia, 10" x 14")

In both painting versions of design 11, I used the same to colors: Prussian blue and perinone orange. What is different is how the colors, lights and darks are arranged. In this version, I wanted to relate the main figure of the toy pony with the background. The other three objects are closely related in color and tone. By changing the background color and deepening the tone, I changed the mood of the composition dramatically. The toy pony is asserting its identity.
267 - Still Life with Dark Toy Pony, D11b, $650 (Mixed Watermedia, 14" x 21")

In this particular design, KittyKitty is being polite; she is aware of your presence but doesn't look at you directly. That would be staring. She been caught in a serious mood; kitties can be most mysterious! Or perhaps she just woke up from a nap. A yawn, a stretch, and she’s off to insist on dinner! Purchased by Jörgen Jönnson, Sweden
268 - Seriously KittyKitty, $650 (Watercolor, 21" x 14")

The model for this composition is my Aunt Mary's cat Maggie. In their honor, I've title this version "Merry MsMaggie". The title refers to the symbolism of the colors too. Merry MsMaggie is drawn with a double face. Often cats have this type of look: looking at you and not quite at you. They're most polite! It's bad manners to stare too directly.
269 - Merry MsMaggie, $650 (Watercolor, 15.5" x 20")

This still life introduces three of the figures that are the subject for the series "Still Life with Toy Pony". The objects are close and share curves, shapes and colors. But, they have different personalities and functions.
270 - Still Life with Espresso Cup, Candlestick and Vase, $250 (Watercolor, 14" x 8")

The subject of the "MsKitty and Toy Pony" series is about childhood friendship. Childhood friends use their imagination to visit all sorts of interesting, fantastic places. They make up the rules as they go. Here, MsKitty and Toy Pony play tic-tac-toe, connect-the-dots, and perhaps checkers with tulips.
271 -MsKitty and Toy Pony at Play, $450 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

In this painting, MsKitty and Toy Pony take an excursion to "Blue Daisyland". The subject of MsKitty and Toy Pony's visits to fantastical lands is play and friendship, the type of friendship where all is possible. Each individual is quite different, but they share precious moments together.
272 - MsKitty and Toy Pony in Blue-Daisyland, $450 (Watercolor, 10" x 14")

In this version of MsKitty and Toy Pony's adventures, they're of to neo-Art-Nouveau TopsyTurveyTulipLand. It's a place where gravity is askew and things float little. Tulips and spirals dance and twirl amongst the dots and ribbons of colors. In TopsyTurveyTulipLand, one can dream...or just be.
273 - MsKitty and Toy Pony in TopsyTurveyTulipLand, NFS

In design 32 of "Still Life with Toy Pony", Toy Pony has become the pillar supporting her siblings. The subject of the series is the relationship between siblings and Toy Pony is the youngest. Yet, her stature amongst the group grows as they all age. She becomes the strength that her sisters need and depend upon. Toy Pony is shown large in size to show her strength and importance as nurturer. Yet, she is on the lower level showing respect and consideration for her older siblings.
274 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D32, $650 (Watercolor, 21" x 13")

"Autumn Fire and Wind" was inspired by forest fires in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. One fall, my husband and I were sitting in a campground watching the skies turn to smoke from forest fires off in the distance. I thought of the fragility of life around me as seen in the young aspen trees and fall butterflies. I thought of the wind and the fire it might carry. The idea sketch for this painting flowed out the pencil, capturing how the scene made me feel.
275 - Autumn Fire and Wind, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

This particular version of "Still Life with Toy Pony" is based on my 56 drawing of the still life. I was interested in showing that the siblings might have much in common, yet remain quite different in character. They are close, yet distinct.
276 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D56, $450 (Watercolor, 13.75" x 21.5")

As indicated in the title, this piece is from a blind contour drawing. I liked how the lines and shapes created a mysterious self portrait. The drawing impulse is open, blatant, intense. I’m staring at myself, trying to see. I thought it was fun!
277 - Blind Contour Self Portrait in Black & Red, $850 (Watercolor, 29.5" x 21.5")

This is one of a handful of compositions derived from a blind contour drawing. In this version, I cropped it close. I liked the feeling of being “up close and personal”. It’s an intimate, almost uncomfortably intense stare. And, I like the shapes and lines!
278 - Blind Contour Self Portrait - Up Close, $850 (Watercolor, 21.5" x 29.5")

"MsKitty with Pot-of-Tulips" is one of several works featuring a cat I call MsKitty. In this one, I wanted MsKitty and the tulips to be intertwined and interlocked. Coming out from behind, MsKitty stares at her audience. It’s the moment of discovery. Is she being coy? What has she been into?
279 - MsKitty with Pot-of-Tulips, $650 (Watercolor, 21" x 14")

Design #53 is the thirteenth painting in my “Still Life with Toy Pony” series. With this design I am playing with one of my favorite devices: creating depth then collapsing it again. I like the movement it brings to what otherwise looks to be a stoic still life.
280 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D53, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

Design 54 in my “Still Life with Toy Pony” series is about contrasting curves and ovals with straight lines and corners. The objects are overlapping in order to allow movement to flow from left to right. I wanted to create a feeling of closeness and harmony.
281 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D54, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

“MsKitty and Toy Pony At Play” is all about interlocking fun shapes and colors. I wanted to capture the feeling of energy, exuberance and joy! They’re playing, after all!
282 - MsKitty & Toy Pony Still Playing, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14")

“Reclamation” is inspired by Natural processes. I was inspired by plants growing out of a man-made hole in a rock. I liked the idea of the simple plant reclaiming the rock and finding a home.
283 - Reclamation, $250 (Watercolor, 13.5" x 9")

“Fire Dance” is the second in a series of improvisations inspired by the forces of “Nature”. The organic shapes might be fingers of fire, leaves in fall, or warm winds. Energy is released and consumed. Also, the improvisation was fun.
284 - Fire Dance, $450 (Watercolor, 15" x 11")

MsKitty & Toy Pony “chill out” on a hot summer day. They’re cool and have had lots of time playing in all sorts of places. Sometimes, you just have to be and let the colors groove.
285 - MsKitty & Toy Pony Chill Out $250 (Watercolor, 8.5" x 11")

MsKitty and friend Toy Pony find themselves lost amongst the chaos of “Corporate Ladder Land”. Ladders lead to nowhere. The corporate spiral goes to know-where. There is much activity but nothing getting done. MsKitty and ToyPony connect the dots and escape the land of glass ceilings.
286 - MsKitty & Toy Pony in Corporate Ladder Land, $175 (Watercolor, 9.5" x 7")286

“Reclamation in Green” is inspired by the nature of plants to reclaim the environment. The circles allude to a hole drilled into a rock that I saw. I was struck by the tenacity of plants growing out of the drilled hole. It will not be long until the plants reclaim the rock for nature.
287 - Reclamation in Green, $250 (Watercolor, 11.5" x 8.5")

The items in the “Still Life with Toy Pony” series are surrogates for sisters. And one sister, “toy pony” is different from the others. In this particular design, all is quiet, harmonious and subdued much as it is in the evening time.
288 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D49, $250 (Mixed Media, 8" x 13.5")

In this version of “Still Life with Toy Pony”, I wanted to create the feeling of something being gone. The candlestick is gone and replaced by a shaft of light. I am recalling the times in families when one person moves away. The presence is felt even one is absent.
289 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D34, $250 (Mixed Media, 8.5" x 13")

My “Reclamation Series” is about how things are returned to a natural state. Leaves, in their last burst of color, seem to embody this process for me. In this particular painting, I created depth by painting overlapping feathery leaf shapes. Imagine the richness under the pile of leaves!
290 - Feathery Leaves, $450 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 14.5")

The pieces in my “Reclamation” series are improvisations, as is the case here. I started with the idea of leaf shapes overlapping in depth, from light to dark. As the piece evolved, I started seeing underwater plants reaching gracefully toward the light above.
291 - Toward the Light, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 14.5")

“Leaf Bouquet” is an experiment in “negative” painting. I focused on painting around shapes, working from light to dark. As the painting grew, it looked like a leaf bouquet to me, complete with ribbon and bow.
292 - Leaf Bouquet, $450 (Watercolor, 14" x 10.5")

In this painting, my intention is to create the feel of late autumn in an RV park. It’s a warm, quiet afternoon. The subject was an RV park my husband and I stayed at in Albuquerque, NM.
293 - Big Shade, Autumn Afternoon, $650 (Watercolor, 12" x 20.5")

My “Reclamation” series is about natural life cycles. It’s about how plants can find a foothold to live in seemingly unlikely places: a crack in the sidewalk; a hole drilled into a rock. The particular subject was a hearty desert plant that had established itself in a hole drilled into a rock. The red alludes to the color of the rock. The green represents the thriving plant life.
294 - Reclamation in Green V2, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21.5")

In this version of “Still Life with Toy Pony”, I was interested in creating a quiet, evening light. The objects, which I consider surrogates for siblings in my mind, are close together as if lending each other mutual support. In spite of their differences, they are linked as one.
295 - Still Life with Toy Pony, D41, $650 (Watercolor, 12.5" x 21.5")

“Toy Pony” was a fun experiment in shape and texture. I want to show a lively young pony. I used some of my favorite devises, big shapes, line and texture.
296 - Toy Pony, $650 (Watercolor, 21" x 13.5")

To create this pile of “feathery” leaves, I used a negative painting technique. It’s great fun; starting from the lightest shape, I paint around or behind it. With each subsequent leaf, I layer more color behind the subject. The painting becomes almost a record of the layers of paint. The result in this case is rich color that reminds me of late autumn.
297 - Feathery Leaves, v2, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

Sometimes inspiration comes from funny places. One day, when painting a “MsKitty and Toy Pony” painting, I saw a small shape that interested me. I decided to use the shape as a basis for an abstract design. And, with abstract design, I never know exactly where I’ll go. In the end, it looks like I have a “beacon” for the mushroom people in a land of grids and waves.
298 - Watercolor on Arches 140lb Cold Press Paper, $650 (Watercolor, 19" x 13")

“MsKitty and Toy Pony” are lost in the chaos of corporate ladder land; they’re not really the executive type. Meaning? Sometimes the world can be a strange, bizarre place. Meaning #2: drawing and painting can be great fun! MsKitty and Toy Pony are traveling companions, wandering through mysterious and exotic places.
299 - MsKitty & Toy Pony in Corporate Ladder Land V2, $850 (Watercolor, 21.5" x 29.5")

Sometimes I do multiple versions of the same design in order to explore meaning. In this version of an RV park, I wanted cool colors (blues) to dominate. The cool colors create a feeling of a quiet place in late fall.
300 - Big Shade in Blue, $250 (Watercolor, 8" x 11")

I live in an area of the country that has lots of alder trees. They have wonderful, interesting shaped leaves. One day I did a small sketch of some of the neighborhood trees, inspiring this small painting.
301 - Alder Leaves, $175 (Watercolor, 9.5" x 7")

Every once an awhile, I like to work with big, simple shapes. This painting is about contrasting the curved shapes of MsKitty and Toy Pony with the simple geometry of the horizon line. It’s also about the fun of play among friends.
302 - MsKitty & Toy Pony: Pounce, $250 (Watercolor and Gouache, 8.5" x 11.5")

Afternoon heat and autumn color are what this painting is about. This particular painting is one of several done of the same subject. I’m exploring how color influences the “story” of a painting. This one is warm color dominant (orange and yellow) reminding me of autumn.
303 - Big Shade, Hot Afternoon, $250 (Watercolor, 8" x 11")

$What can be more fun that a lighthouse, seashells and paint? This fractured still life was based on some small local souvenirs: seashells from the beach and a lighthouse ornament. I like the contrast of the long, straight lines of the lighthouse with the curves of the shells. The muted greens and blues refer to my home in the Pacific Northwest.$

What can be more fun that a lighthouse, seashells and paint? This fractured still life was based on some small local souvenirs: seashells from the beach and a lighthouse ornament. I like the contrast of the long, straight lines of the lighthouse with the curves of the shells. The muted greens and blues refer to my home in the Pacific Northwest.
304 - Still Life with Lighthouse, D4, $175 (Watercolor, 10" x 7")

What can be more romantic than a mermaid alone at night? I imagined that a mermaid in today's seas would find lots of debris, some being quite useful. In this case, she is examining a net. Is she using it for herself, or was she caught in it? The story might go either way.
305 - Mermaid with Net at Night, $175 (Watercolor, 10" x 7")

I used my favorite broken seashells as my inspiration for "Sea Swirls". What I like about the seashells are the swirling and spiraling shapes I see when I look inside. I liked the juxtaposition of the curves of the swirls and waves against the straight lines of my "frames within a frame" and grid.
306 - Sea Swirls, $450 (Watercolor, 21" x 11")

This painting was inspired by the crash of waves on rocks. It's about the forces of nature, which sometimes can be beautiful and violent. I had fun using color symbolically, using just about every blue on my pallet to refer to water.
307 - Splash, $175 (Watercolor, 6.5" x 10.5")

I have several souvenirs from Holland and it struck me that they could be my own version of a "Dutch Interior". Often, I do drawings and paintings just because they make me feel good, as is the case here.
308 - Still Life with Dutch Souvenirs, v2, $175 (Watercolor, 10" x 7.5")

When I created the design for "Lighthouse, D9" I was interested in exploring pattern. When I say pattern, I am referring to repetition of a shape such that it "reads" visually as one larger shape, such as the cloud shapes or the "v" grass clump shapes. In this case, the pattern took on a whimsical feel, so I added a candle for the light and embraced the whimsey!
309 - Lighthouse, D9, $250 (Watercolor, 14.5" x 8")

For some reason, the color scheme in this small painting took on an immediate "southwestern" feel for me. I can almost see bits and pieces of inlaid color, much as you might see on a piece of jewelry. When I created this particular "Toy Pony" design, I was interested in simple, geometric shapes. You will notice that three of the still life pieces interlock (the cup, candlestick and vase, from left to right). Meanwhile, Toy Pony stands slightly apart, looking back at his companion shapes. He's one of them, but a little bit different! I sometimes feel like that myself.
310 - Still Life with Toy Pony, v39a, $250 (Watercolor, 7.5" x 13.5")

This is a third version of one of my Toy Pony designs. The variations were done to examine how color effects mood. The dominance of the blues in this version are intended to create a cool, calm mood, perhaps like one might feel at night or early morning.
311 - Still Life with Toy Pony, v23c, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21.5")

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In this RV park painting, I was interested in created a cool, deep summer, lush green feel. Sometimes in the Northwest, the greens can be so dark and dense. In the air, one can feel the wetness of frequent rains. When the sun appears, everything sparkles!
325 - Big Shade, Cool Day, $250 (Watercolor, 8" x 10")

Color can be so much fun and exciting! And, darn tricky too! I drew these RVs in an Albuquerque, NM, RV park. The sun is hot, even in the shade. In the sunlight, the whites of the RVs are blinding. Meanwhile, the shady side is cool and dark. In this case, I wanted the colors of the shade to be cool reds to contrast with the warm greens of the big trees.
326 - Late Summer RV Park, $175 (Watercolor, 6.5" x 10")

With design 13 of my lighthouse series, I decided to include local seashell shapes. My favorite bit of inspiration was to repeat the spiral of the seashells in the lighthouse. This was just pure fun and I combined two favorite subjects: lighthouses and seashells!
327 - Still Life with Lighthouse & Seashells, D13, $175 (Watercolor, 10" x 6")

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I have a lifelong fascination with lighthouses. I grew up looking at lighthouse paintings created by my father. With this particular design, I simplified the shapes to create a pattern, then imagined the lighthouse at night.
329 - Storm Approaching, Lighthouse D10, $450 (Watercolor, 16.5" x 9.5")

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In this variation on the "Still Life with Toy Pony" theme, I was interested in simple, bold geometric shapes. My intention was to create movement in this otherwise static arrangement through a diagonal flow to the light and dark pattern. When I look at this painting, I see a cool, formal modern design. Yet, the warm, shifting colors suggest to me that perhaps there is more going on. Any moment now, Toy Pony will twist, turn and leap across the still life!
415 - Still Life with Toy Pony, v39b, $650 (Watercolor, 12" x 21")

$This painting was based on the 12th drawing I did of the local lighthouse. I imagined the lighthouse as a beacon in the night…perhaps during a strong storm when things seem to go sideways. Inspired by Cubism, I fractured and played with the lighthouse shapes just for fun.$

This painting was based on the 12th drawing I did of the local lighthouse. I imagined the lighthouse as a beacon in the night…perhaps during a strong storm when things seem to go sideways. Inspired by Cubism, I fractured and played with the lighthouse shapes just for fun.
416 - Lighthouse, D12, $175 (Watercolor, 10" x 6")

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This small scratchboard piece was based on a drawing I did while I was serving in "Desert Storm". At the time, I was serving in the Army as a Transportation Operations Officer. I found the juxtaposition of Army transport trucks, helicopters, mosques with shorebirds to be curious. The birds went on about their business regardless of all the activity.
424 - Desert Express, Desert Storm, NFS

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Along the coast of the Pacific Northwest, there are wonderful large cedar trees. The trees often become sculpted by the strong winds as if permanently bracing for a storm. These particular trees grew about a block from where we lived along the Washington coast.
426 - Wind Blown Cedars, $150 (Linoleum Block Print, 6" x 5")

I enjoy with linoleum blocks to make prints because the design needs to be simplified. This particular print was my first two block print design. It was fun and challenging to see how the design would work. Naturally, I used one of my favorite subjects: my espresso cup.
427 - Espresso with Two Lumps, $150 (Linoleum Block Print, 6" x 4.5")

This colored pencil piece was done from a drawing I did from life. The model had a large, floppy hat on. To me, it there is a touch of sly humor having a quiet, serious nude model with a big, floppy red hat. I couldn't resist making a colored pencil piece.
428 - Red Hat, $450 (Colored Pencil, 17" x 8")

One of my favorite themes to explore is fallen leaves. I like the all over patterns the leaf shapes make on sidewalks. With this particular piece, I had fun experimenting with the media to add texture to the composition.
429 - Autumn Dreams, $250 (Mixed Media, 11" x 10")

Sometimes I think the best way to understand non-representational abstract art is to create some. "String Theory" was another investigation of the design element "texture". What makes texture so fascinating is that the shadow of the texture add to the visual expression and must be considered. This was a fun piece to create. - Study
430 - String Theory, $250 (Mixed Media, 10" x 11")

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The "Just Sayin'..." series of paintings is inspired by the ubiquitous cell phone. One can scarcely be in public without noticing someone talking on the cell phone and overhearing the conversation. In this variation, my subject is an "upscale" lady, perhaps dressed for a special occasion like afternoon tea. Even she has a finger to her ear as she talks on her cell phone.
432 - Just Sayin'...V8, $175 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 7")

This painting was based on my ninth drawing in the "Just Sayin'..." series. I am fascinated by how the use of a cell phone has effected our culture. One of the more amusing gestures I notice is the finger put to the ear in order to hear better. In this painting, my thoroughly modern lady is talking on her cell phone, using the thoroughly modern gesture of finger to her ear.
433 - I Can't Hear You, $450 (Watercolor, 15" x 12")

This painting is based on my eighth drawing in the "Just Sayin'..." series. The inspiration for the series was one of my sisters. I took a photo of her while she was on the phone. I thought, what better expression of our times than a person on a cell phone? And, so the fun began. I like using a modern approach, with a nod to Cubism, in the design. She's a modern person, doing a modern activity.
434 - Just Sayin'...V8b, NFS (Watercolor, 21" x 15")

In this still life painting, I re-visited some of my favorite subjects: broken seashells and a knotted napkin. The folds of the napkin reminded me of waves water which fit my seashell theme. I liked the rhythm of the wave so much I repeated them in the background. The star of the composition is the broken seashell up front with it gracefully curved chambers.
435 - Three Broken Shells and a Knot, $450 (Watercolor, 10" x 13")

I like the grace of spiraling curves. I am fascinated by how often the shape shows up in Nature. I thought it appropriate that my Toy Pony character should visit the land of Spiral Nights. Its a place of dreams and imagination.
436 - Toy Pony On a Spiral Night, $450 (Watercolor, 11" x 14")

In design 25 of my Still Life with Toy Pony series, I rearranged the placement of my still life objects. I purposely "flipped them", with Toy Pony being placed at the left side of the paintings. The order of the other objects, the vase, candlestick and espresso cup, is reversed as well. I wanted to see how the different arrangement effected the composition. I added rings as if the light came from the lit candlestick and tying the objects together.
437 - Still Life with Toy Pony D25, $650 (Watercolor, 13" x 21")

My love affair with kitties continues. I find their expressions mysterious and delightful. This particular kitty is lying on a pillow; well it was lying until someone called "kitty kitty" off in the distance. Her nap disturbed, she views the world with one alert eye. Not too concerned, though; her paws remain crossed and relaxed.
438 - Kitty Kit..., $650 (Watercolor, 21" x 14.5")

The title "Ocean Gypsy" was inspired by the musical group "Renaissance" and their piece titled "Ocean Gypsy" on the album "Scherazade and Other Stories". My imaginary ocean gypsy lives in a world of myth and mystery. Mute and elusive, she lives off our grid and on her own.
439 - Ocean Gypsy, $650 (Watercolor, 20.5" x 13.5")

"Hang Up & Pet Me" is inspired by my two sisters and today's cell phone culture. As part of my "Just Sayin'..." series, this painting's model is my sister Michelle. Once, I happened on Michelle sitting on a stool talking on the cell phone. The gesture of her hands caught my imagination and was the birth of the "Just Sayin'..." series. My other sister Dorothy often calls me on the cell phone. In the background, I can hear her cat meowing. During one such conversation, I imagined the cat insisting that Dorothy hang up the phone and pet her. An idea was born.
440 - Hang Up & Pet Me, NFS (Watercolor, 11.5" x 11.5")

I love doing drawings and paintings that include the souvenirs of my life. In this particular still life, I include a small, wooden candle holder from Sweden, in addition to two espresso cups. The candle holder was given to me by one of my sister's after she came home from being a Swedish exchange student. I have kept the candle holder for many years. Unfortunately, I no longer have candles that fit. But, I love the shape and design!
441 - Still Life with Espresso Cups & Swedish Candle Holder, $250 (Watercolor, 13" x 8.5")

My "Billy Goat" is inspired by the goats the live in the fields outside of the town where I live. Seeing the goats as I drive by with my husband always makes me smile. Tails up, the goats go about their business grazing and napping. Every once in awhile, we see the young ones play. This painting is about the simple delight of seeing goats in the field.
442 - Billy Goat, NFS (Watercolor, 14" x 8")

When I created the design for "Just A Taste", I was thinking about art walks, receptions and openings. Galleries are looking their best with artists on hand and musicians playing. I image the local people coming out for an evening of art and culture. Naturally, one would enjoy just a taste of wine and hors d'oeuvres to make the feast for the senses complete.
443 - Just A Taste, $650 (Watercolor, 20.5" x 14")

This painting was inspired by a recent visit to a cafe. I watched as a group of people came in, sat down to a table and immediately brought out their smart phones. I was amused. It seems that the people on the other end of the line were as much a part of the conversation as the people at the table.
444 - Coffee Break Conversations, NFS (Watercolor, 13" x 21")

I am amazed at the growth of personal digital media in our society. Laptops, cell phones, tablets and digital books are common place. I wanted to portray new media next to old media. My friends are at a coffee shop, enjoying a reading break. Old school is reading a traditional hard cover book; new school is reading on her laptop screen. As an echo, I added two different kind of coffee cups: the old school porcelain cup and the new school paper cup.
445 - Old School, New School, NFS (Watercolor, 15" x 21")" x 8.5")

"Blondie" is a woman of quiet determination. I like to use the Cubist device of the double face (half in profile, half facing forward) to hint at an inner and outer nature. She has a larger light side to indicate a free spirit. But, the dark side shows perhaps a toughness underneath the surface. Mostly, Blondie was fun to paint.
446 - Blondie, $175 (Watercolor, 9" x 6")

Sometimes I just stare at my coffee. This is just such a moment. Perhaps the young woman is anticipating the delicious taste of the coffee with cream. Or, if she's like me, she is having her first cup for the day and isn't awake yet!
447 -Coffee With Cream, $175 (Watercolor, 9.5" x 6.5")

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My three friends at the Black Cat Cafe are in their own worlds. I find it amusing how we can be together yet separated by our electronic devices. Ah, but they are enjoying a cup of coffee, with the black kitty looking on!
451 - Coffee at Black Cat Café, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21.5")

This painting merges two separate inspirations. "Circular Conversations" refers to the tendency of some conversations to come back to their starting point, after deep discussions and side bars. The other inspiration was the women themselves. While waiting for an outdoor concert to begin, I saw these two women engaged in conversation. I quickly did a simple drawing. I liked how they seemed to block out the rest of the world while they talked privately in public.
452 - Circular Conversations, $650 (Acrylic over (Watercolor, 21.5 x 14)

I had so much fun creating this painting. Its about putting color in gray; about seeing the beautiful shapes of simple objects. Its about a moment of quiet broken by a hint of light.
453 - Favorite Shells, Another View, $250 (Acrylic, 8.5 x 10)

This is a second, larger version of my cat patiently waiting for his person to "hang up and pet me". This painting is inspired by phone conversations with my youngest sister. One of her cats sits with her. I can hear the cat in the background joining in the conversation. I'm sure he needs a pet and wishes his person would quit talking!
454 - Hang Up And Pet Me, v2, $850 (Watercolor, 22.5"x 21")

455 - New Years 2016 Card, NFS (Watercolor)

When creating the design for "Irish Maiden" I had a great time researching Irish myth and symbol. The clover leaf, or shamrock, is an easily recognized symbol for good luck. For the maiden's headband, I incorporated a "triskel" or triple spiral, symbolizing unit of mind, body and spirit. I braided her red hair as a nod to the beauty of Celtic knots and braids. Naturally, green needed to be the dominant color after all Ireland is the "Emerald Isle".
456 - Irish Maiden, $175 (Watercolor, 10" x 7")

I started this painting as a watercolor and ink demonstration piece for an art organization. It features a local coffee shack called "Organic Grind". I pass by this coffee kiosk frequently as I do my morning exercise. I'm always impressed by the number of people stopping by to get coffee - at all times of the day! Its one of my favorite places in Talent, OR.
457 - Organic Grind Coffee Shack, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21.5")

The shape of this tea cup is inspired by one that my Mother gave me. I have always wanted to use it in a painting. I was playing with ideas about myth and symbols and thought I'd incorporate them with my tea cup. The three shamrocks are easy to recognize as as symbol for good luck. Spirals are a personal favorite and are included often in my designs. The triple spiral, or "triskel", an ancient pre-Celtic symbol for unity of mind, spirit, body (or earth, sky and water) seemed natural to include. To top of the design, I added some strips of Celtic knot; much to contemplate over a cup of Irish breakfast tea!
458 - Irish Breakfast Tea, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

If there are mermaids, are there mer-angels? I like to imagine such fantastical figures as being angels of the plants and animals of our deep, underwater world.
459 - Angel of the Deep, NFS (Watercolor, 9.25" x 6")

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With this composition, I wanted to impose an "L" shape down the middle to divide the picture plane. That the eggs, timer and spoon link to form a circle was unintentional. Notice the much cooler temperature of this painting in contrast to the previous version. Yet, the color pairing is similar!
464 - Three Minute Egg V10, $650 (Acrylic, 21" x 14")

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In version nine of the Three Minute Egg series, the forms of the subject re-assert themselves. You might notice that I'm paying close attention to the orchestration of my two dominant colors: blue and yellowish.
473 - Three Minute Egg V9, $450 (Acrylic, 14" x10")

As I was working my "Man on A Bench" series, I started wondering what this man was doing as he stared off into space. And, then, I imagined him being like me - thinking about art and artists. The artist Vassily Kandinsky came to mind and that was it! The circles and triangles were a fun addition to this painting of the "Man On A Bench".
475 - Considering Kandinsky, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 20.5")

The "Man on A Bench" was started as a demonstration piece for the Watercolor Society of Oregon. I was one of three artists challenged to create a figure painting from a photograph. The photo we used was taken by artist Chris Stubbs. I simplified my subject, focusing on the big shape of the sitting gentleman.
476 - Man on the Bench, $650 (Watercolor, 18" x 14")

This painting is dedicated to librarians everywhere and patrons of libraries. The narrative of this painting was inspired by a conversation I had with my second cousin, Ms. Ann Sheldon, a librarian. The idea is that the child wants the grown up to get off the cell phone and read her a story. From a book. Because its just so much more fun.
477 - Hang Up & Read Me A Story, $650 (Watercolor, 21" x 14")

Another painting in my "Coffee Shop Conversations" series. I'm exploring the theme of cell phones intruding into our people to people social interactions. In this version, the woman closest to the viewer is distracted by text messaging; her friends at the table wish she might hang up the phone and talk to them.
478 - Hang Up & Talk To Us, $650 (Watercolor, 15.5" x 29")

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I like pairing my souvenirs and nick nacks in still life arrangements. For example, the coffee cup depicted here was a gift from one of my sisters. The rabbit Netsuke replica I collected when visiting Berlin, Germany.
481 - Coffee Cup and Rabit Netsuke, $250 (Acrylic, 10.5" x 8")

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Espresso Time-R is a "spin-off" mini-series derived from my "Three Minute Egg" series. I was playing with the theme of "time" so I paired up my favorite espresso cup with the kitchen timer. This is a "just for fun" painting.
491 - Espresso Time-R, $175 (Acrylic, 6.5" x 9.5")

This is my eleventh painting in the “Three Minute Egg” series. In designing this work, I was interested in the abstract elements of the still life set up. I re-arranged the lines, shapes and colors to show a different point of view regarding egg, spoon and timer. Its all fun!
492 - Three Minute Egg V11, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

My favorite things: egg cups, espresso cups, a timer and a spoon. I am reminded of special family breakfasts we had when I was young. It just seemed exotic to have an egg served in an egg cup. I loved dunking my toast in the egg yolk. The design of the painting perhaps emphasizes the idea of remembering the past. The items are simplified and expressive rather than realistic. Its about playing with shapes and color to create something joyful.
493 - Three Minute Egg #12, $650 (Watercolor, 14" x 21")

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This is the 13th painting in the "Three Minute Egg" series of paintings. I am inspired by memories of Saturday morning breakfasts with three minute eggs. It was always sort of exotic. The egg cups came from our parent's time in Europe. It made breakfasts a little more special. I chose the colors to emphasize the idea of morning and happy memories.
496 - Three Minute Egg, Espresso and Timer, $650 (Watercolor, 18.5" x 13.5")

This watercolor is the second in a series about Irish Breakfast Tea. As I understand it, Irish Breakfast Tea is served with milk so it seemed natural to add a milk pitcher to the composition. When I grew up in small town New Mexico, what I knew of Ireland was through St. Patrick's Day. In other words, the colors green and orange plus a shamrock. Since my youth, I've learned a few more symbols associated with Irish culture, like the triskele. That is the three joined swirls in the orange tea. And, then, I added greens and a shamrock to the painting for a tribute to Irish Breakfast Tea. Oh yes, I do like the tea.
497 - Irish Breakfast Tea 2, $275 (Watercolor, 10.5" x 7")

This is my 14th painting in the "Three Minute Egg" series. The defining moment was when I decided to make the espresso cup blue. It makes the small espresso cup seem more assertive. Plus, it was a fun exercise in orchestrating blues!
498 - Three Minute Egg #14 , Blue Espresso Cup, $450 (Watercolor 17" x 14")

"Just Groovin'" was based on a study I did a few years ago, #364. It's about the dialogue I had between shapes, colors and lines. I like to think of this type of work as a dance with the paint, paper and brush.
499 - Just Groovin', $450 (Watercolor & Acrylic 15" x 14")

The "Man on the Bench" series was started as a demonstration exercise for the Watercolor Society of Oregon. The first drawings were after a photograph by Oregon artist Chris Stubbs. What I found particularly intriguing is the question - what is the man doing on the bench? In this case, keeping time, naturally!
500 - Bench Time, $450 (Acrylic 10" x 14")

Sometimes, one just has to let go. The espresso cup and kitchen timer have such great shapes to explore. Plus, I like espresso. The alternations in lights and darks add a since of rhythm that I like. Though, come to think of it, maybe it suggests just a tad too much coffee?
501 - Espresso Time-R #2, $450 (Acrylic 10" x 14")

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Imagine starting your day with a favorite beverage. It is a personal moment before the demands of the day intrude. A little milk in the tea helps enhance the richness of the beverage. Or, fortifies one to face the day!
504 - Irish Breakfast Tea #3, $500 (Acrylic Over Watercolor, 11.5 x 10

This painting is about sharing a moment with a friend. And, it's about enjoying a nice, warm cup of cappuccino. To show this is a special moment, I organized the painting using the "Golden Rule". Hence, the golden milk pitcher.
505 - Cappuccino for Two, $500 (Acrylic, 10 x 14)

While imagining my next series of paintings, a spiral theme popped into my mind. I like the idea that life sometimes resembles a spiral. Much like a circle, it seems like we come to places that we have been before in our lives. But, theses places are not exactly the same because the context is different. Hence the spiral seems appropriate to me. And,it is fitting for me to resurrect the title "Spiral Gyre" from a 2008 painting and turn it into a series. The spiral continues and more to come!
506 - Spiral Gyre #2, $650 (Watercolor,21 x 15)

"Anxiety" was inspired by the early days of the COVID-19 experience. There were so many unknowns about the disease. Especially of concern was how to avoid getting sick. Sometimes, trying to keep a safe space around me seemed to box me in. Meanwhile, I watched as the world outside of the box seemed to be out of control.
507 - Anxiety, $500 (Acrylic Over Watercolor, 18 x 13)

Imagine a dance between circles and spirals. The possibilities maybe endless. But, in this case, they dance in colors yellow, blue, violet and orange. The dance starts with a spiral, then another joins in and soon, the paper is filled with circles, spirals, lines and shapes. Just for the joy of the dance.
508 - When Circles and Spirals Dance, $650 (Acrylic on d'Arches 300lb Cold Press Paper)

While creating this composition, I was focused on the contrast between the geometric and organic shapes. And, yet, it was the smaller shapes that reach out to the corners that attracted my attention. The colors remind me of New Mexico, one of the four corner states in the United States. It's New Mexico's blue sky and the warm tones of the earth.
509 -Four Corners, $650 (Acrylic on d'Arches 300lb Cold Press Paper)

This is the second in a series of geometric paintings of similar design. And, the title refers to New Mexico, my childhood home state. The blues and oranges in this particular version remind me of the sky and landscape of the desert southwest and New Mexico in particular.
510 - Four Corners #2, $650 (Acrylic, 10" x 14")

"When the Music Begins" started with a squiggle drawn in my sketchbook. Then, I started to build the drawing by adding lines, shapes, and tone. I imagine the process as being like jazz music improvisations. I riff on the shape of spirals, dots, and grids. The next thing I know, I see an image that reminds me of the music playing in my mind, complete with black and white piano keys.
511 - When the Music Begins, $850 (Watercolor, 14 x 20)

When I draw and paint, I sometimes get lucky and discover something. With "Arms Wide Open", a figure that I had not intended revealed itself to me. The figure's arms are flung wide as if getting ready to embrace someone or something. Or, is it a landscape with a deep chasm? What do you see?
512 - Arms Wide Open, $650 (Acrylic, 14" x 24")

"Secret Garden" is about a special place of beauty and joy that perhaps resides within each of us. Sometimes, it is hidden by the events of everyday living. Other times, it reveals itself in surprising ways and when it's least expected.
513 - Secret Garden, $250 (Watercolor, 8.5" x 11.5")

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