South Texas Color - SOLD

This painting is part of the previously posted series and is probably my favorite of the group. I'm glad that I took the time to pull over, even with the whole family waiting in the car, and snapped some pictures.

Kayley's Bliss

On July 4th, Susan and I put all the kids, boyfriend and girlfriends in the hot seat and took photos of them separately. We got some great portrait shots of each of them.

Kayley (Lyle's girlfriend) and I have been spending some time together the last few weeks exploring silk screening. We've had so much fun and I've gotten to know her better. For Kayley's photo I had her hold up her hands as part of a portrait I had seen in my mind. "Kayley's Bliss" is the finished portrait.

If you knew Kayley, this would make sense. She's an artist who, in her swirling universe, is sprouting new creations everyday. Her tattoos include the tree on her chest. She considers her body another canvas to create on.

I am so fortunate to have many young artists and musicians around who inspire me to dig down into the creative hovel. Thank you swirling universe!!

South Texas Spring Field - SOLD

My trend of painting everyday continues. This little 8x10 oil on panel was done yesterday while listening to Lyle lay down drum tracks in his studio. Life is good, very good.

South Texas Landscapes - SOLD

Yesterday I painted at home for four hours and completed the South Texas Highway painting, then painted at Susan's for two and a half hours and painted the South Texas Fields and Clouds.

All three kids remember our trip to the coast when we pulled over so I could take pictures of the clouds. Stella was only 4, Jake 6 and Lyle 7. One of the memorable moments of our trip was a big turtle in the road. We stopped the car and Joe jumped out to move it and when he picked it up of course it peed and scared him to death. We all laughed. Although she was only 4, Stella can tell you the story of slamming her thumb in the door. Ouch. Even with her smashed thumb we managed to have a great time.
I've done both these paintings before with pastels but it felt really good get gooey in the oils, stick with bright colors and not get too tight.

Stack of Whites - SOLD

One of mine and Susan's favorite artists to watch paint is Helen Van Wyk. She used to have a TV show but now Susan has many of the episodes on VHS. Her lessons include a painting of a white pitcher, eggs and egg shells. It inspired me to paint the stack of white cups on my white kitchen counter up against a white background. Everyone had to stumble around the easel and supply table in the kitchen (sorry.)

Little Red Pitcher - SOLD

I just love this little red ball pitcher I found at the Goodwill. This is my second painting of it.

Patty's Art Revival & Tulips - SOLD

I am painting, again. This time it's the oils that call me.

My unconscious art block broke on June 31, 2009 after a reunion with my dear friend Marianne who worked with me using EFT. I haven't gone a day without painting since.

That was a Tuesday night and Wednesday morning I gathered my supplies and went to Susan's house (sister) and she made a spot for me in her studio to paint right beside her. She is a constant source of encouragement.

That same week, while painting at Susan's, she had a call from one of the artists that share her downtown studio and gallery saying that she would be leaving. Susan turned to me and asked if I wanted her spot.

So here I am in Susan Carlin's Art Studio and Gallery located in downtown San Antonio's historic village called La Villita. This is my second Monday. I hung two pastels here last week and Susan sold my tulip pastel. Yeah!

I'll be learning to post some pics of the things I'm working on. I've finished several paintings and there are a couple worth posting later today when I get home.

Thanks for stopping in and I'll keep you posted!