Double Trouble

30 x 18 Oil on Canvas



"Double Trouble" left my easel for its new home this week! This painting of Jackson and Sugar was commissioned as a companion to the portrait of Jackson's sister, Jordan. A few years ago I painted Jordan at this same age wearing the same little bibbed overalls holding her doll. That portrait appears in the slide show. Jackson and Sugar posed in front of Grandma's and Grandpa's brick house where Jackson has enjoyed climbing the old knarled tree since he was a toddler. Every brushstroke in this one was fun! Jackson, Jordan and Sugar are adorable and I am honored to have had this privilege of painting them

Mountain Art and Artists

110 Broadway
Black Mountain, North Carolina

Bight sunshine, a brisk breeze and glorious autumn color surrounded us as
Silvia Williams, her sister Gache, and I loaded paintings to take the 40 minute drive past Asheville to Black Mountain for a special day of art. The guest speaker for the October SVFAL meeting was Karen Chambers, award winning pastel artist and instructor who often serves as a jurior/judge for shows. Karen gave us a critique of member paintings with emphasis on what a judge looks for in our art as well as it's presentation offering her personal insight, tips and suggestions. The Applachian Pastel Society's 2009 Member's Juried Exhibition was our next stop! What a feast for the eyes! Then we were off to Black Mountain Bistro for a totally delightful group luncheon where I was introduced to a "Carolina BLT".. red tomato slices replaced by yummy fried green tomatos! Try this with a side of sweet potato fries! Sil, Gache and I topped off our day with a visit to the Sourwood Gallery where a number of our fellow SVFAL members showcase and sell their work. It has been lovely this season getting better acquainted with so many of these friendly and talented artists. Thank you Martha Raines, Denise Geiger, Ann Whisenant, Jack Williams, LaVerne Hueston and Marguerite Welty for inviting us to your beautiful gallery! I will be returning to Florida in a few weeks and will miss you as I look forward to more Black Mountain art in the spring!

Work in Progress - Detail

oil on canvas - detail

Am winding up a commission - a little boy and his cocker spaniel puppy, Sugar. Yesterday I painted Sugar and decided to post as a wip as it's been a while since I've completed a new painting to share ! A few tweaks are needed...but...Sugar is almost there...now back to the little boy! This one is fun!

In Celebration of Artists

Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City, North Carolina invited regional artists whose work has been obtained by the Center for their permanent collection to display up to four new pieces through mid-November. Saturday evening the participants were honored with a lovely reception and concert. Each artist was recognized on stage by Director Jenny Johnson who introduced us and offered a brief bio. The photo was taken at a distance and is a bit fuzzy but is a memory of a lively and fun-filled event! Thank you Jenny Johnson!

The current edition of THE BLACK MOUNTAIN NEWS has a story and photos celebrating the Montreat Show held last month! Wow! What a weekend!

Kreativ Blogger Award

Recently I was honored with the Kreativ Blogger Award presented by Pat Koscienski, a plein air, landscape, abstract, portrait, figure, animal, wildlife, and still life painter is Pennsylvania. Her work is fabulous! Check out her blog! Thank you Pat!

Seven things about me:

I realize my inspiration and talent for painting are a gifts from God.
I love my wonderful husband, supportive family and friends
My grandsons light up my life
Our German Shepherd is my best painting partner...always by my side.
I am so happy we can divide our time between the mountains of North Carolina and the beaches in Florida
I am addicted to caffine and chocolate
My days and nights never have enough hours

The seven deserving artists to whom I'm passing the award are:

Silvia Williams
my dear friend and a wonderful watercolor artist.
Art for the Animals Artists working together to save the animals - Most worthwhile - Please visit this site.
James Cox who extends another venue in our artistic endeavors. I am so honored that he has been inspired to create poems based on some of my paintings
Jo Castillo Whose blog is by far the most creative, informative and never ending source of fun and inspiration I've discovered. You go Girl!
Lisa Gloria fabulous artist and instructor offering on-line workshops
Janice Crawford Another artist here in our North Carolina Mountains! I found Janice via Susan Carlin's painting broadcasts
Patty Cooper who along with her sister Susan are making San Antonio, Texas a more beautiful place. Patty co-owns an art gallery, goes to school and creates wonderful art.

I hope you will enjoy visiting these blogs and will leave comments!