358. Are we there yet?

 

"Are we there yet?'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

To me, this bend in the highway is our 'we're home' signal.

Down there in the valley is our little town, and the view at the end of the day is always a treat.

Especially in the summer. 

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

357. Welcome, Spring!

'Welcome, Spring!'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

A little garden scene from last Spring.

The historic town of Astoria, Oregon is filled with beautiful old homes perched precariously on steep hillsides. This midwest girl is still awed by the topography and even more so, the utter abundance of floral delight nearly year-round in the pacific northwest. The cozy-blanket gray skies make the greens and blues (and pinks and yellows) that much more vibrant in contrast. I'll never tire of it. 

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here. 

 

356. Hood Night

 

"Hood Night"

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Hi friends!

Fall finds me back in my painting corner and it makes me so happy!

Here's a little Pacific Northwest icon for you...beautiful Mt. Hood.

Hood is in Oregon, and this view is from across the Columbia River in Washington state near my sister's house. It was a gorgeous, summer day and twilight over the mountain was stunning.

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here. 

Lady Slippers

'Lady Slippers'

16" x 16"

oil on gessobord

Hey all!

We made it through senior year events and our oldest son's high school graduation. Whew! What a ride.

After all that excitement, it was sweet to just get a little lost in my painting corner over the summer.

The Showy Pink Lady Slipper is the Minnesota state flower and I finally got around to painting a couple for my mom. It was fun to paint a little bigger than my usual work, and even better when I get to just make something for someone special. Thanks to my sisters and cousin for the photo references. :)

Also, prayers appreciated as we prepare for college drop-off later this month. 

Painting therapy to follow. ;)

Enjoy! 

355. O Christmas Tree

 

'O Christmas Tree'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

I love this sweet scene from a winter trip to Minnesota several years ago.

This little fellow lives in a ditch near my sister's house, and an anonymous neighborhood elf had spruced it up for Christmas. It was so charming!

I'm happy with how that tree turned out, but one of my favorite parts of this painting is the bunch of birch trees in the background to the left. Stealing the show, they are. (At least I think they're birch, - sometimes it's hard to tell. I'm sure my family will correct me, lol.)

I have many reference photos of this scene, but until recently I haven't been able to paint it. I have studied it and tried to visualize my way through, but was always stumped. Too many branches, too many trees in the background; too hard to recreate. Anyway, a few weeks ago, I came across the photos again, and I just saw it, - I knew how to paint it! Such a cool feeling. Sporadic though it may be, my time spent making art has not been in vain. And that's the gift that this painting gave to me.

View auction and bid here.

354. I Love a Rainy Day

 

'I Love a Rainy Day'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Mid-November rain is the prettiest.

It was a fun challenge to make that pavement look wet.

View auction or bid here. 

Also, my 2024 Wall Calendars are now available! 

Order here.

353. Pink Ribbons

 

'Pink Ribbons'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

When the sunset consumes the sky and everything underneath it. 

The bridge in the distance spans the Columbia River, connecting Oregon and Washington.

View auction and bid here.

Also, my 2024 Wall Calendars are available for pre-order here.

($25 + s&h. Shipping after 12/8.)

352. Spring in Your Step

 

'Spring in Your Step'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Oregon 'green'. 

It feels so extra in the early Spring when the grass starts growing again.

I love that it stays green all winter long, even when it's 'hibernating'.

We had several dry days this November, so I noticed more mowing in the neighborhood than I can remember from previous years. My boys did our lawn just the other day, - November 28th! Crazy. 

I think we'll give it a rest now until next Spring. :)

View auction and bid here.

351. Red, White and Ice Blue

 

'Red, White and Ice Blue'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Winter is not my jam, but snow can be soo beautiful!

This lovely house is right next to the school in my hometown in Minnesota.

I don't really get attached to my paintings, but this one has captured me.

I'm so happy with how it turned out!

My reference pic was taken last second through the dirty back window of our pick-up as we drove by, so it wasn't great. I gave it a shot anyway, and this time, all the winging-it worked out.

I really love how the light and shadows bounce around and play together.

View auction and bid here.

350. Mornin', Deer

 

'Mornin', Deer'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Eleven and a half years ago, I started painting with oils. 

I've kept count of these little six-inchers, and this is number 350! Whohoo!

Love a milestone. :)

This scene is an early summer morning in Minnesota.

My family might recognize the road heading east toward 'town'. 

View auction and bid here. 

349. My New Soap Dispenser

 

'My New Soap Dispenser'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

I got a new soap dispenser. Two, actually. I like them.

 Painting a still life was a delightful change-up from my recent landscape paintings.

I like to keep you guessing. ;)

More honestly, some days, I'm the 'worst landscape painter ever!'

So I try a glass jar. Until I'm the 'worst glass painter ever!' 

Lol. And the circle keeps going around and around. 

I think a lot of people can relate to those thoughts mid-project.

Thankfully, they usually pass, and it's on to the next. 

It's super helpful to look back over my years of painting and appreciate all the growth I can see. 

Try it the next time you're 'the worst!' :)

View auction and bid here.

348. Half Dozen and a Haystack

 

'Half Dozen and a Haystack'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Sunrise over one of my (everyone's) favorite Oregon beaches.

Haystack Rock was regal in the fog, and I loved that all the seabirds were lined up in salute to the sun.

It was a beautiful morning.

(I can also confirm that aging leads one to notice birds. Lol.

But there were so many! And so many different kinds! :) )

View auction and bid here.

347. Poolside Bungalow

 

'Poolside Bungalow'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It's Fall for sure, but when I was scrolling through my pics looking for inspiration, this summer scene caught my eye. That tree! I enjoyed the challenge of all that green; and that charming blow-up pool is calling my name. We had one like it when my oldest was two and I was pregnant with my second. 

My toddler and I enjoyed many days of leisure in our own 'bungalow pool', lol. 

Miss you, Summer!

View auction and bid here.

Walton Lake

 

'Walton Lake'

12' x 24"

oil on gessoboard

The best campsite ever!

I've been working on this one randomly over the last year or so, and I now declare it complete.

The last rays of sun hitting that little peninsula; it was so incredibly stunning. The gently swirling dark clouds, the glowing tops of the towering Ponderosa Pines...amazing. (Ponderosas are one of my favorite trees, btw, - they're often over a hundred feet tall, with rough reddish bark and those crazy curly branches. Love!)

This moment was difficult to recreate, but I'm happy with the essence.

(Not for sale)

)

346. Straw Pile

 

'Straw Pile'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

A county fair will always bring me right back to my childhood.

I brought a couple of my boys to our county fair last week, and we had a great time hanging with our friends and doing the fair things.

This sweet pile of straw was hanging out behind the pretty 4-H barns.

Just a pile of straw in the sun. Love it.

View auction and bid here.

Bethesda Terrace

 

'Bethesda Terrace'

6" x 8"

oil on gessoboard

A few months ago, my family and I celebrated my birthday by visiting New York City.

We had an incredible trip and I can't wait to return.

This scene is from our time in Central Park.

We were walking slowly; resting our feet after hours of speed-walking those mean Manhattan streets.

Late March was mild and sunny; the little hills of the sparsely populated park unfurled quietly on our way.

As we approached Bethesda Terrace, lilting music bloomed through her arches and drew us in.

I'm sure I've never heard one before, but the sound of the Erhu is now etched permanently into my memory. My ears were captured; my eyes were agog. I stopped to listen and take some photos of this beautifully set scene. I grinned. My family walked on and I paid no attention. 

And, true to form, I had a few errant cynical thoughts...maybe he isn't even playing...maybe there's a hidden speaker on the other side, lol.

I smiled even more and laughed at myself.

Cheesy tourist set up or not, who cares. It was a delight.

Well done, NYC.

View auction and bid here.

Thanksgiving

 

'Thanksgiving'

12" x 12"

oil on gessobord

My grandparents peeling potatoes together before Thanksgiving dinner.

I painted a quick version of this several years ago and always wanted to give it another go.

It was very difficult, but I am so happy with how it turned out.

This painting was one of my contributions to the auction at our recent family reunion.

(not for sale)

Auringonlasku (Sunset)

'Auringonlasku' (Sunset)

12" x 12"

oil on gessobaord

The sun sets beyond my grandparents' farmhouse in rural Minnesota.

This painting was one of my contributions to the auction at a recent family reunion.

(not for sale)

 

345. Two Number Twos

 

'Two Number Twos'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

My last painting of 2022!

You know I love me a Ball jar, especially the blue ones, and this (mini) 'bouquet of newly sharpened pencils' is all ready to tackle the New Year. :)

Thanks, friends, for another year of cheering me on.

You're the best! 

Happy New Year!

View auction and bid here.

** I still have some 2023 calendars available. Order here.

344. On Parade

 

"On Parade"

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

I love the 4th of July parade in our little town. 

This shiny '39 Chevy was a treat for the eyes and a treat to paint. :)

View auction and bid here.

Also, my 2023 art calendars are ready to ship.

Order here.

343. Sweet Stripes

'Sweet Stripes'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

One of my favorite candies this time of year. Or any time. :)

View auction and bid here.

My 2023 art calendars are available now!

Order here!

$25 plus shipping.

 

342. Canyon Colors

"Canyon Colors'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

This is another scene from our hilly little town. 

I drive this narrow, curvy road often and two things always stand out; -one, the incredible view of the ridges layering down the canyon, and, two, why are there no guardrails?? 

To be fair, as a flatlander/snowy winter kid, I say that ALL the time in this part of the country. 

(I've been in too many cars sliding into too many ditches, lol.)

View auction and bid here.

Also, my 2023 calendars are in, check them out here!

 

341. Goodnight, Rocks

 

'Goodnight, Rocks'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

The sun had set, and dusk was reflecting in the rocks of the Umpqua River in Southern Oregon. This one was really fun to paint. 😊

View auction and bid here.

My 2023 art calendars are here. Check them out!

340. Street Racer

 

"Street Racer"

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Last winter we had a generous dumping of snow in our corner of Oregon.

This a scene from that week; - one of the neighbor kids taking a run down our 'main street'. 

That snow stuck around for a few days and we thoroughly enjoyed it while it lasted. I especially love how it changes the sound; it's so quiet! And the light; - so much more light bouncing around! It's a remarkable interruption of our typical dark green/gray winters. I will never miss the extreme cold of the Minnesota winters of my youth, but there is so much beauty in the snow and I appreciate getting a taste of it here. Just a taste. ;)

View auction and bid here.

This painting will be one of twelve featured in my 2023 painting calendar.

The calendars are on their way to me, and I plan to start shipping them out early next week!

    Click here to pre-order.

($25 + $5 ship.)

339. Road to Monument Valley

 

'Road to Monument Valley'

6" x 6"

oil on gessobord

Another scene from our summer road trip. 

This view will forever make me grin because we only saw it thanks to a last second turn off our intended route. We went from dozing to dazzled, and this little corner of Utah quickly became a trip highlight. (Even if the youngest son is still a little disappointed we didn't make it to Four Corners, lol.)

We came through Monument Valley from the south, so this viewpoint was in our mirrors as we headed east toward Colorado. A sign alerted us that we were approaching "Forrest Gump Hill", and we gladly joined the other tourists darting in and out of the road to capture the scene. So majestic!

PS, I'm working furiously to finish up my 2023 calendars, so watch for them coming soon!

View auction and bid here. 

338. Howdy Hotel

 

'Howdy Hotel'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This one was just fun from start to finish.

A road trip sunset over the Howdy Hotel in Forsyth, MT.

View auction and bid here.

337. All Aboard

 

'All Aboard'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Silverton, Colorado; another beautiful and historic stop on our road trip.

This 1880's steam-powered locomotive runs daily from Durango to Silverton in the summertime. 

A stunning ride, I'm sure. Maybe next time we'll take the train!

View auction and bid here.

336. A Grand Old Time

'A Grand Old Time'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It's been a few years since we road-tripped to Minnesota, but we recently made the jaunt via Nevada/Arizona/Colorado. It was the 'long way' for sure, but so worth the swollen feet and 63 hours of driving. We've been road-trippers forever, so my boys are well-practiced, and let me just say, traveling with older kids is dreamy. They pack/feed/entertain themselves without (much) fighting or complaining, and I rarely carried more than my pillow. We saw so many amazing things, but the sweetness of just being together will forever dominate my memories. I will not look at a pic from this trip without smiling at the thought of my entire clan teasing me for repeatedly describing things as, 'Wild! That's wild!' Oh, the irony and mockery when I insisted that one of my children find different words instead of blurting, 'I don't know', when asked to make a decision about anything. Good times, lol.

This was one of my favorite scenes from the Grand Canyon.

We arrived at the South Rim about an hour before sunset, and it was delightful.

View auction and bid here.

 

335. Praise For the Morning

'Praise For the Morning'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessobord

I'm not actually a morning person, but when one must be up with the sun, there is much to be appreciated. 

This eastern view is just around the corner from us, and I've painted a few versions of it before. 

For now, this is my new favorite. 

View auction and bid here. 

334. I See Right Through You

'I See Right Through You'

6" x 6"

oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Hi, friends!

We're in the heart of baseball season and I somehow managed to finish a painting!

Feels good. :)

This lovely lady is aging gracefully in the farm country just south of us. 

I couldn't resist her transparency. ;)

View auction and bid here.

 

333. Eye Candy

 

'Eye Candy'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

My annual attempt at a glass jar painting.

It's always a fun challenge. :)

View auction and bid here.

Also, my 2022 calendars are ready to order!

Here are the paintings included...

($23 + s&h)

Click here to view and order.

332. Fall's Filter

'Fall's Filter'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

 Fall is not my favorite season, but it has its delights. 

I love how the fog makes a familiar landscape feel just a little dreamy.

View auction and bid here.

 

Camera Phone

'Camera Phone'

12" x 12"

oil on gessoboard

Just a couple of old friends hanging out.

(Painting is bigger than my usual.)

View auction and bid here.

 

331. Broad-side Blush

'Broadside Blush'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Honestly, I was driving by and held my phone up towards the passenger side window and just hit the button a bunch of times without even looking. Flipping through my photos later, this one jumped out at me. It was a beautiful warm day; - very sunny, very shady. But, the shadowy side of this tall lady was totally blushing with reflected light. I had to try capture it. I just want to pull up a hammock under that tree and watch it glow. Kinda missing summer today. 

View auction and bid here.

 

330. Gorge Glow

'Gorge Glow'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I started this one in May, and then, well, three boys in multiple sports took over our lives and it was a crazy-busy-good time. They are all back in school now, so it feels like I can fit some painting back into my life! Yay for me, yay for them.

This scene is from the incredible Columbia River Gorge. The sun is getting low in the western sky, and the deep canyons of the gorge give us an ever-changing light show. I know cars and freeways aren't necessarily beautiful, but especially in a scene like this, I think they balance the 'pretty' with 'real', - just like life, right? And, they provide needed scale for those massive ridges. Stunning, always.

View auction and bid here.

329. Summer Gold

'Summer Gold'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard 

I live in an evergreen part of the world, and it's still amazing to me to have green grass all winter long. All that lusciousness makes gray, cloudy winters completely tolerable, - enjoyable in fact! (Maybe because I'm still comparing it to the frigid Minnesota winters of my childhood. 😉) 

Green, gray, white; I appreciate all the shades of winter, - but the warm hues of summer are my favorite. This little scene is August in our neck of the woods. Golden fields, hazy purple ridges, blue skies... Aah, summer. ❤

View auction and bid here.

328. Goodnight Clouds

'Goodnight Clouds'

6" x 6" oil on gessoboard

I've painted this scene a few times over the years, and I wish I could say it gets easier.

Hopefully the end result is a little better each time. :)

View auction and bid here.

 

327. Cock-a-doodle-doo

 

'Cock-a-doodle-doo'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A scene from the Columbia River dikelands near our town.

The wide Columbia River is somewhere off in the distance, and on this particular early morning, a huge bank of fog and clouds lingered heavily over it. 

I love the dramatic backdrop it made for this sweet little barn; delightfully lit up by the first rays of sun.

View auction and bid here.

326. Campfire Ahead

'Campfire Ahead'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hi friends! Long time no see!

This is a little scene from my sister's yard a couple of summers ago.

I'm looking forward to many nights like these ahead. :)

View auction and bid here.

 

325. Welcome Home

 

'Welcome Home'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

We drive through the state of Montana at least twice a year on our way to and from seeing my family in Minnesota. Our drives seem to always coincide with temps below zero or above 90 degrees. I'm sure you can guess which one I prefer. :) For some reason, I just LOVE getting out of an air-conditioned vehicle into very hot, sunny air. Anyone else?

This was one of those very hot days, I think in 2019. We stopped for fuel in a tiny non-truck-stop town, and I wandered around for a bit admiring the vintage architecture. This little house with its perfect porch and glowing shadows just made me smile. 

I enjoyed re-visiting those memories, and trying to capture the warmth of that day in this scene.

View auction and bid here.

This was the last painting I completed before arranging my 2021 calendar.

Click here to view and order. :)

324. Light in Shining Armor

'Light in Shining Armor'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It's been two years since I've attempted a vintage canning jar, and I think this is my best one yet! 

Every new painting, I set up my palette with hopeful anticipation and think, 'this is gonna go smoothly, I'm gonna sail right through!'. Ha! Nope, nope, nope. Never happens. 

Thankfully, it's not all frustration and despair, - there were many moments of triumph along the way. 

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here. 

 

323. Anticipation

 

'Anticipation'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I've painted this scene before, and it was a disaster, so I thought I'd give it another shot.

Still incredibly difficult! But, I think I did a little better this time. :)

Summer afternoon in Minnesota.

View auction and bid here.

322. Dirt Road Daydreams

'Dirt Road Daydreams'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It was August of 2012, the sun was shining and we were on our way to a wedding.

A little dust was kicked up and the sun did all the rest. 

Dreamy. 

(The wedding was just as lovely.)

I've wanted to paint this scene for eight years, and I finally had the nerve to try.

I'm pretty happy with how it came out! 

Enjoy.

View auction and bid here.