30. Green Elevator

"Green Elevator"

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Stormy skies beyond grain elevators in eastern Montana.

I was captivated by the elevators on our road trip -- we saw dozens -- and I attempted to photograph them all from my perch in shotgun. ;)

Can't wait to paint some more!

29. Tree Fort

'Tree Fort'

5" x 7"

Oil on gessoboard

Sun, tree fort, cousins.

What more could you want?

sold

28. Utilities

'Utilities'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Sunset on the dikelands of the Columbia River near Clatskanie, Oregon.

sold

27. Sunday Evening

'Sunday Evening'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Last night, we said 'see ya later' to some very, very dear friends.

Family, really.

Through the worst and best of days, they've been by our side.

Although it's difficult to imagine our lives without frequent doses of their hugs, hospitality and humor, we share in their excitement as they start a new chapter in a new state. Thankfully, that state is Minnesota, so we'll still get to see them on occasion. :)

These dear friends also happen to be big fans and collectors of my work. 

I've been deeply touched by their encouragement and support over the years, --- the kind of love that motivates me to keep pursuing my dreams.  

It means more to me than I know how to express. 

We'll miss you guys so very, very, much, and will cherish the memories of Sunday visits in your lovely, cozy home. 

See you soon. :)

26. Peeling Potatoes

"Peeling Potatoes"

7"x 5"

Oil on gessoboard

As I mentioned in the previous post, we recently attended a family reunion in Minnesota -- this is the other painting I did for the swap meet. 

I painted this at my sister's in Minnesota, just a few days before the reunion.

She took this photo last November; my (then) 92-year-old Grandpa Raphael and 86-year-old Grandma Linda peeling potatoes together for Thanksgiving dinner.  

We celebrated Raphael and Linda's 70th anniversary during the reunion, and they will be the first to humbly confess that the blessings of years, love and family are thanks to God alone. 

I am blessed by their example, and that of all the other faithful Ahos, Tumbergs, Paananens and Fiskaris that came before me. :) 

25. Aho Mailbox

Aho Mailbox

5" x 7"

Oil on gessoboard

We are finally back in Oregon after a wonderful two week trip to my home state of Minnesota. 

While there, we attended a family reunion and celebrated the 70th anniversary of my grandparents, Raphael and Linda Aho. 

As part of the reunion activities, we were asked to bring our best home/handmade fare to trade in a swap meet -- this is one of the items we brought - a quick painting I did of my grandparents' mailbox. I have some pretty creative and industrious rellies so it was really cool to see all their hard work! Everything from homemade jerky and pickles to custom pillows made by my super-crafty sister Greta, fresh bread from my uncle and Grandma, home decor, jewelry, magnets -- so much creativity! 

I love seeing what people come up with.

We are thoroughly enjoying the homegrown salsa received in trade. :)