367. Take a Hike

 

'Take a Hike'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It was a sunny July day, and the trail to Panther Creek Falls was aglow.

Under the canopy, bouncing sunrays land in warm pools of light.

So welcoming! I had to try capture all that forest friendliness. 

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

Last Light of Yellowstone 2

 

'Last Light of Yellowstone 2'

11" x 35"

oil on panel

Redo! I painted this scene from Yellowstone Natl Park about nine years ago, and I've been wanting to tweak it for about eight years, lol. When you paint from photos (as I do), it's easy to get stuck focusing only on matching the photo instead of trying to capture the reasons you took the photo in the first place... 

After a full day of seeing all the iconic sights of Yellowstone, we were driving toward the northeast entrance of the park. The early evening sun was hiding beyond the peaks to our left and just kissing the tops of the ridges to our right. Wildfire smoke in the area made it hazy and stole most of the blue from the sky, but it also settled softly into all the low places, adding drama to their darker shades of blue. And then, this valley. Not so narrow as to make us claustrophobic, not so wide as to diminish the height of the hills. Peacefully flat, with likely a river or stream hidden among the lush wild grasses. So vast! A panorama reserved for high places, but we were safely nestled in the valley, and could still see for miles. 

I hope I captured a bit of it.

Before and after:

North Window Arch

 

'North Window Arch'

16" x 16"

oil on gessoboard

We visited Arches National Park last summer and I knew immediately I wanted to make a painting to add to our family memories wall. This is North Window Arch, and my boys posing under it helps to show the scale. So cool to see! I also loved Arches because the places one can fall into or off of are few, unlike a lot of National Parks in the southwest. My 'teen boys goofin' anxiety stayed pretty low.

Our wall is filling up with pretty scenes, but the memories they stir up are certainly not perfect. On this particular day, one of my boys was very not happy to be here and is posing under the arch absolutely against his will, lol. At one point in the day, I delivered an epic 'you don't know how good you have it speech'.😅 It would be great if all our trips were smooth sailing, but honestly, those rough moments (from all of us) make it all the more memorable and the sweet times even sweeter.

(Not for sale.)

366. Golden Gorge

 

'Golden Gorge'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

One of my favorite places in the Pacific Northwest; the Columbia River Gorge.

The lavender fields in the foreground are in Washington; in the distance, the sunlit ridges of Oregon. 

Somewhere beyond the trees, the mighty Columbia rolls along toward the setting sun.

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

365. Day Star

'Day Star'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A snowy day in the pacific northwest.

The cloud blanket was deep and blue, and branches were heavy with snow. 

So pretty, and so, so quiet! 

The cloud blanket shuffled, and, for a moment, the sun fought its way through.

With my camera, I found the right angle and gave this lonely tree its very own 'daystar' tree-topper.  

Merry Christmas!

View auction and bid here.

Order 2025 calendars here.

 

367. Ball Jar No. 19

'Ball Jar no. 19'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It's been a couple of years since I attempted a ball jar painting, and a search of my online gallery says this is my 19th try, lol. I like a lot of things about how this one turned out, especially the background. 

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

Also, my 2025 calendars are available here.

 

 

366. Purple and Gold

'Purple and Gold'

8" x 8"

oil on gessoboard

This vintage tablecloth has made it into several of my past paintings; I love it, and I love to see if I have found a new or better approach to the challenge. It's always tough, but also so very fun.  

I wanted to share the painting, but it is currently not for sale. :)

Enjoy!

Also, my 2025 painting calendars are ready to ship.

Order here ($25 plus shipping)

 

364. Trolling

'Trolling'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Danish artist Thomas Dambo creates these amazing giant trolls all over the world out of recycled materials. There are several in the northwest, but my first encounter was a recently created bunch in northern Minnesota. They are mostly hidden away and it's most fun to use the 'troll adventure' map to hunt them down. This troll friend is called 'Ronny Funny Face' and he reminds us that it's easy to spread joy. :)

We had a great day chasing trolls last August!

View auction and bid here.

Also, my 2025 calendars will be ready in just a few days!

Order here!

$25 plus shipping.

 

363. Panther Creek Falls

 

'Panther Creek Falls'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

These mossy falls are in Washington state not too far from my sister's house.

If you have the chance, they are a short hike from the road and definitely worth the stop.

So beautiful! It was fun trying to capture them in paint.

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

362. Up North

'Up North'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

'Up North', Minnesotan for a woodsy/lake-y region north of the twin cities, or, a phrase to capture that 'summer weekend at the cabin' state of mind. Growing up on a farm 'up north' was not all leisure at the lake, but we had our share of fun and memory-making. Warm evenings, bonfires, backyard volleyball, after-dark lake swims, thunderstorms, star-gazing, firefly-catching, northern-light chasing. Great times.

This Minnesota scene is from last August at my brother's house. All the cousins running around together in the yard playing the same games we played as kids, and, after dark, the Aurora Borealis gave us a show in front of the Big Dipper. So beautiful. I took a bunch of cool photos on my phone, but I tried hard to recreate a version closer to what my eyeballs actually saw.

Enjoy!

View auction or bid here.

 

361. Sea Mist on 101

'Sea Mist on 101'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Heading south on Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast. 

As the highway traverses Neahkahnie Mountain, there are two viewpoints soaring several hundred feet above the Pacific Ocean. The view of the water is incredible, but on this particular day, the sea mist floating over the highway was just as captivating. Can't resist sun plus fog!

View auction and bid here.

 

360. The Fairest of them All

 

'The Fairest of them All'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I found this poser reigning over the goat barn at the county fair.

Charmed me. ;)

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

359. Marshmallow Farm

 

"Marshmallow Farm"

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I love a round bale scene, - warm colors, warm weather, warm memories of running on top of rows of them as a child, jumping from bale to bale, hoping you didn't misjudge the gap and end up with itchy hay wedged in all your crevices. Sweet times. I love summer so much. 

Nowadays, it seems more common to see the bales wrapped, and I honestly never thought I'd make a painting of them. Not quite as warm and fuzzy, y'know?

But, on a cold and rainy day in June, the bad-rap bales got to me. 

The way they popped against the saturated greens, the fog and the blue hills; so many greens and blues!

I had to try to recreate it. 

(Credit for the title to the sweet friend that introduced it to me. ;) )

Enjoy!

View auction and bid here.

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.