Nifty Piks – Photos and Art

This scenic row of trees marks the edge of my grandparents farm. What now stands as a mark to my past memories of catching grasshoppers, making forts out of the stacked bales of hay, gathering wild blackberries, and many swings on the hammock as we passed the summer heat. Time stood still and still does every time I visit the property that is now occupied by my parents.

Tucked away in a beautiful wooded niche located near Portland, Oregon, The Jenkin's Estate was once a country estate of 68 acres that is now run by public funds. This park features a large log home, restored stables, and a beautiful Rhododendrum garden that brings tranquility to those who visit. Painted plein-air, the atmosphere was wet and dewey, after a prior nightime downpour. The early morning sun streams throught the trees cresting the dirt pathway.

When a farmer is done with his crop, he will often grow red clover to renourish his field. McKay Creek is beyond the trees in the distant horizon and the path leads home to the farm. Painted on location in North Plains, Oregon. Original was created in pastel, now prints offered through Imagekind only.

This piece was painted en Plein-air (on location) in Canby, Oregon, where a farmer has vistas of beautiful color all throughout the year. Here, at the Swan Island Dahlia farm http://www.dahlias.com the colors run on for 40 acres.

This rural scene was painted plein-air in Sheridan, Oregon. The forcast was hot and dry, so I set my easle alongside a long row of tall brush that would protect me from the sun during my painting session. The long, stretch of shadows indicate an early morning that temp the viewer to go deeper into the repetitious rows of a recent harvest of purple and green.

In July, several farmers join together to host a Lavender Festival in Oregon, and this painting is from my visit to one of the lavender farms in North Plains, Oregon. Features soft, rolling hills in the distance.

Out driving on a hot July afternoon, I came upon a lavender field in full bloom. It looks like a scenic view in Provence, France, but no, it is North Plains, Oregon. Pickers harvesting the fragrant herb, I stopped and took some quick snapshots of the field. You could just smell the lavender in the photo. I have painted from that photo 3 different times, this one being the last and final. Pastel on Sandpaper.

This marine scene comes from the harbor on Lopez Island, Wa. during the early evening hours. This small island community is known for it's friendliness and the beauty abounds in every direction the eye can see. The original work from which this image is created from was created in pastels on sanded paper, with an intense underpainting of orange.

I found this boat in a Seattle harbor and the water stirred my eye. The wetness and motion, the blue sky reflecting in the water, and the boat lapping against the wavy surface settles an evocative calm upon one's emotions. Painted with pastel on a sanded surface, many layers of color make the levels of water seem deep. A soft touch with the pastel, known as "scumbling", was used on the shadows upon the boats' deck. Awarded "Juror's Choice" on EBSQart.com

Here is a piece that I have been wanting to paint simply because I love the reflections on the floor. It's the same interest I have in painting water, but it's a simple floor with colors coming from the unknown surroundings, possibly neon lights. This little scene was taken from a cafe' on NW 19th in Portland. Not sure of the cafe's name, but they do serve up some delicious soups and gourmet dishes.

This marine gem "Buoy Dance" was taken from the harbor on Lopez Island, Wa. during the early evening hours. This small island community is known for it's friendliness and the beauty abounds in every direction the eye can see. The original work from which this image is created from was created in pastels on sanded paper, with an intense underpainting of orange.

Watmough Bay is located in a remote and pristine area in the San Juan Islands of Washington State that has been slated for development by a local Islander. As artist's we try to preserve what we have, saving it in our eyes to last, and recording the beauty onto canvas or paper before it is gone. The locals have been trying to raise money to buy it from the develper at a cost of 1.225 million. I painted this bay en plein-aire on Lopez Island from a nearby private landowners location which offers a view of the most picturesque bay in the San Juans. The fundraiser was a success, thanks to the many islanders and artists who raised the money!

This pond scene is painted from one of the many garden themes within The Oregon Garden that features different cultivars of tropical flowers and a special display of carnvorous plants. The stillness and reflections evoke a calming sense of peace that makes this particular work of art a favorite with many of my patrons.

Waterlilies are one of my favorite subjects to paint because they remind me of Monet, even though my work is more representational than his. The original is a large piece which took me about 3 months to create.

This rose was painted from a bush my husband gave me after we had a big disagreement. Known in my garden as the "make-up" bush, it blooms the most colorful red, pink, coral, and orange blooms! Funny, I don't even remember what the argument was about! :)

"Satin Slopes" is a piece that draws from my imagination and the California hills in the early spring. After the first spring rainfall, these hills are so satiny green and just beautiful under the sun. The green lasts for only a few days before the sun transforms it to the gold that the state is well known for.

This rose was created during a period in my life when there was a lot of disruption in my personal life. With such beauty, this rose has hints of green, purples, and soft blues amongst the creamy, soft, yellow petals. The original was created with soft pastels on a sanded paper. Original is sold. Offered as giclee' only.