BLUE VELVET (SOLD) iris flower watercolor painting

Another blue iris. I just can't resist these beauties. Lucky for me, they grow in all my "home territories" : California, New York, and Virginia.

Blue Velvet (SOLD)
watercolor  8 x 7"

SUMMER'S PRIDE (SOLD) iris flower watercolor painting

Summer's Pride (SOLD)

watercolor  11 x 8"

SERENDIPITY and a fat white Camellia watercolor painting

When I lived in California, camellias were everywhere, and I took them for granted. But, that is before I became an artist. Now, I am impressed by (and challenged to paint!) their regular forms, translucency, and soft colors. 

Serendipity

watercolor  7 x 6"

SPRING BECKONS watercolor painting of Tree Peony (SOLD)

Another delightful pink peony from last Spring.

Merry Bloom (SOLD)

watercolor  8 x 6"

MY LOVE IS LIKE A RED, RED DAISY watercolor flower painting (SOLD)

Gerbera Daisy (SOLD)

watercolor  6 x 6"

LILY BELLE (SOLD) flower watercolor painting

Lily Belle (SOLD)
watercolor  8 x 8"

COLOR MAGIC (SOLD) rose flower watercolor painting

Color Magic (SOLD)

watercolor 6 x 6"

CONTINUUM waterscape oil painting

Continuum

oil on canvas 24 x 8"

This painting is currently in an exhibition, so contact me for purchase.

The SECOND ARTIST gets great press

Front page, right above the Best Souvlaki in town!

HOW DRAWING SAVED MY LIFE portraits from my drawing group

Bonnie

pencil on white paper

I named this drawing "Princess Bonnie" because it reminds me of those sweetly flattering drawings that artists at Disneyland used to draw when I was a kid. 

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Quincy

charcoal and conte on grey paper

Quincy has an adorable crooked smile that I tried to capture, though it looks somewhat like a smirk here. So pretty and smart; I could draw her for hours and hours. Speaking of which, most of my drawings are completed in 1-1.5 hours.

Most drawings that look like this: (by Sabin Howard)

take considerably longer to do. 

How did drawing save my life? My sanity in this culturally narrow and conservative place was being wacked right and left. I gave up all fine art and focused on design and illustration. For 10 years, I painted what I thought would sell. I survived physically, but emotionally and spiritually, I was a wreck. A series of things helped put me right, not the least of which is a Thursday night drawing group. Drawing from life is a difficult thing. Focusing on one thing and recreating it with a little pencil is a wonderful thing. Spending $5 for the privilege is a delightful thing. An evening in my drawing friends' company is priceless. Thank you to everyone who helped save my life.

WINDOW PICTURES figure watercolor painting

Window Pictures
watercolor  22 x 15"

LATE BREAKING NEWS portrait watercolor painting

Good old Bob posing for me. I love the light and colors in this. 

Evening News
watercolor  16 x 20"

RED KISS (SOLD) chocolate candy still life painting

Red Kiss (SOLD)

oil on linen  4 x 4"

Thank you to Peter, Arti, Catharina, and Sue for your kind comments recently. I so appreciate all of you readers/ and or viewers. 

RENDEZVOUS IN A QUIET PLACE marble still life oil painting

Rendezvous In A Quiet Place
oil on canvas  18 x 36"

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I am excited to be participating in this exhibition that benefits the Dog Ears Bookstore and the Enlightenment Literary Arts Center. 

see more here:

http://dogearsbookstore.org/about-us/

BEHIND THE 8 BALL (SOLD) still life oil painting

A new painting of my Billiard Balls, this one is 4 x 4". It's a winner.

Billiard Balls #2 (SOLD)
oil on linen 4 x 4"

COMFORT FOOD FOR ARTISTS

Appreciation. Interest. A smile.
These go a long way to fulfilling my little artist heart. And, isn't it just human to want these responses for what we do? Purchasing a painting is the ULTIMATE praise, and I am grateful for this, but anyone who wanders into my studio and enjoys my work is appreciated. Others who... well I won't get into rude comments I've heard, but really, you know the saying "if you can't say anything nice don't say anything"? A good motto all around.
Let's pass it on; next time we see someone doing a good job, let them know you noticed. Being kind is powerful.

Comfort Me With Apples
watercolor  11 x 18"
This painting is currently in an exhibition. Email for purchase enquiry. Prints are available.

PERSUASION Iris floral still life watercolor painting

As in crystal and blue. And that is the only line I can remember from the song. 'Crystal Blue Persuasion' , Whatever it means, it seemed like a good title for this painting.
Home from a Winter vacation in Ireland. Yes, it was cold, but not as cold as here. It is pretty bad when you go to Ireland for the nice climate. Took lots of photos, so keep your eye out for some new paintings of Ireland. A friend and I are planning an exhibition here in Ellicottville.

Persuasion
watercolor  8x8"

MORNING PRAYERS and promises to keep

Another Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) from Linwood Gardens. Their shapes are so lovely and elegant, and this particular image reminded me of reaching up to the heavens.

My promises I am keeping are being grateful and being mindful (doing one thing at a time; no more eating while reading, painting while talking on the phone). Not coming so easy are exercising and being more sociable. It is too easy to hunker down at home. And wasting time, ditto.

Morning Prayer
watercolor  7 x 7"

THE DWELLING PLACE marble still life painting

A wee painting. How do I do it? teeny tiny brushes, steady hands, good light, and an understanding Chiropractor.

The Dwelling Place
oil on linen 4 x 4"

KISSED BY THE SUN (I wish I was...) watercolor flower peony painting

 

Another tree peony painting, as the temperature hover around 20 degrees. The arctic wind reminds us we live in an OLD house. Ice has built up on the inside of our windows. Thank goodness for wool sweaters and slippers. 

Kissed By The Sun
watercolor  7 x 7"