I saw this cairn in the middle of a gentle stream while hiking in central Vermont. It made me think about the passing of time and those who have departed.
After the Storm, 16 x 16, Oil, 2023.
The light was fleeting and intense after a refreshing winter rain at the First Colony Marina. There were unusual clouds with sun rays trying to peek through.
Flowering Grapevine, 10 x 10, Oil, 2023.
This painting is a bit of a departure for me--an experiment. I researched how grapevines flowered, and discovered they have tiny little buds that turn into individual grapes. This is a close up of what will become a bunch of grapes with the main stalk to the left. It almost looks like a molecule or an atom. It was fun to paint.
Hanging Grapes, 10 x 10, Oil, 2023.
This small painting of grapes uses the same palette as the Flowering Grapevine (above), and they actually look nice hanging side by side. I may frame them as a diptych.
Wine & Dine, 10 x 8, Oil, 2023
There is nothing better in life than good food and a glass of wine. While painting this, I imagined how relaxing it is to wine and dine, especially with good friends. At those times, everything seems just a little bit brighter. My palette veered into saturated colors, which I consider an expression of happiness and pleasant memories.
Lake Memphremagog, 12 x 16, Oil, 2023.
The southern shore of Lake Memphremagog is in Newport, Vermont. One of the U.S. borders with Canada is about halfway across this 30 mile lake. It's a beautiful lake that traverses two countries, languages, and cultures.
First Colony Sunset, 12 x 16, Oil, 2023.
I painted this image a second time, a little larger. I really like getting lost in the colors of the sky and the water. It is a beautiful spot.
Blustery Day, 10 x 10, Oil, 2023.
I painted this beach scene from North Carolina quickly, trying to capture the movement of the wind and surf. It's funny how painting can transport you to another place and time. I remember being really cold!
Remembering Snow, 16 x 16, Oil, 2023.
We rarely get snow in Tidewater Virginia; in fact, we haven't had any in several years. But when there is snow, it is magical, and creates entrancing light on the creek behind our house. Our neighbor's dock was a nice red accent in this scene.
Marshlands, 10 x 20, Oil, 2023.
There are many marshlands in Tidewater Virginia. They change throughout the seasons. This is late spring/early summer with green grasses starting to yellow. The sunlight illuminates them. I liked the low perspective of this image.
Blue Mountain Pass, 16 x 12, Oil, 2023.
Virginia mountains are sometimes an impossible blue. It almost seems unreal, but that's how I remember them. The red-tailed hawk was soaring below us. I like to imagine this kind of joyful freedom.
Pink Sunset, First Colony, 10 x 12, Oil, 2023.
Another sunset at the First Colony Marina, this one with a higher tide with pinks and oranges.
Reaching for the Sky, 16 x 16, Oil, 2023.
I was trying to paint an unusual view of grapevines in the spring for the Spring Reflections show at the Williamsburg Winery. I remembered how Georgia O'Keeffe would sometimes paint Jimson Weed with a sky background, so I gave it a shot. I like the vibrant colors.