"Refuge"

8 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm joining in on another themed group show - coming up at 16 Patton in October - titled 'Landscapes: Of Hope & Glory'. I may not have done very many landscapes in the past four years of painting, but I am anxious to, and here is my first of several.

I found myself staying tight with the brush strokes - because it is a smaller format and it felt like every little stroke of color or glimmer of light mattered. This peaceful refuge is on the outskirts of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

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"X"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I think I needed to see warm, autumn colors - I'm sooooo ready for fall. John Singer Sargent's painting 'Madame X' was my top choice, one of my personal favorites, a work of art that takes my breath away. This portrait of Virginia Amelie Avegno Gautreau hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a must-see. Sargent had to endure the scandalous response to this painting, even from the sitter's mother, who insisted the portrait not be exhibited in the Paris Salon. He did alter the shoulder straps, lessening the amount of flesh to please the masses.

In the flesh (pardon the pun), the skin is masterful, as Sargent accentuates the lavender-powdered, pale tones against the black and rich, warm surroundings. Perfection.

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"Group Hug"

7 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

A few of us in the Daily Paintworks group painted tomatoes today. I enjoyed it very much - a change of pace, subject matter... always a good thing. And using oils for what they are meant for - free-flowing color and brush strokes.

"Boogie On"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A scene from the beach, somewhat abstract surrounding the woman on the bicycle - I enjoy that about this new piece.

"Under The Rainbow"

9 x 9"
oil on masonite
sold

All's right under the rainbow umbrella - from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

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"Walk With Me"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

Today is a special day - my mom's birthday and the day my dad passed away. I like to think they're walking hand in hand on some beach in paradise. They were a great example of how to love - they were kind to each other.... best of friends. They were an enduring love through thick and thin. I miss 'em.This new painting will be auctioned with 100% of the winning bid donated to the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, here in Atlanta. They took great care of my dad and I'm forever grateful. In addition, I will personally match the amount - so please, consider a bid - and I thank you.

"Walk Through"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I went away. Just for a couple of days, unplanned, but needed. I reached a point of (slight) burn out. My Jack has had good days and awful days and I felt overwhelmed, as we do when we take care of ailing loved ones. I needed a break - yet I anguished over leaving even just for an afternoon. But it gets to the point where you can't function and I don't have time for that.

So..... I took a nice, easy roadtrip to the South Carolina coast, enough time to visit the gallery I've got new paintings in, meet the nice people who take care of my work. I got a little time in on the beach, of course taking pictures of tons of people - then watched a nearly-full moon rise over the ocean. Pure bliss. Unplanned and just what I needed.

If you're saying to yourself another painting of Paris Street, Rainy Day, just know - I cannot get enough of this masterpiece. The couple up front, seemingly walking right through the frame onto the floor of the museum - it is the biggest draw in the Art Institute - capturing people's awe all day long.

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"Beefy"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

Another fascinating creature - spotted in the countryside of south Georgia. My first cow.

"Fred"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

My occasional pond visitor, who I named Fred. My first frog (painted that is).

"Georgia Girl"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A cute, young lady eagerly waiting for a summer parade - from south Georgia.

"Pool Man"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Great color and great scenery at the pool.

"Beside Herself"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

If I ever make it to the big time - I'll have 17 air conditioners in my studio, all blowing directly on me. And a swimming pool. It is hot.

This moment taken from the Art Institute of Chicago, a woman standing beside her likeness in Modigliani's 'Woman with a Necklace'.

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"Hallelujah"

16 x 5"

oil on masonite
sold

I've wanted to do this painting for a long time - a hallelujah chorus singing in the park, in Washington, DC. Very fun to paint, although it took a while to complete.

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All's Well

I've been working on a painting that I knew would be tough - that'll be ready to show you in a day or so....... but I did want to chime in and say that the Blogger robots redeemed themselves, evidently working overtime last night and restored about 400,000 blogs. whew. All's well today.

This is my handsome Jack - he's doing fairly well himself, giving us the time we so very need to love and spoil him. He's my studio companion and a constant reminder that we take what we can get and cherish every minute.

Enjoy the weekend -