37. Goodnight Clouds

'Goodnight Clouds'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another photo from our summer road trip to Minnesota --
this one in eastern Montana as the sun was setting behind us.

For some reason it makes me think of the children's book, 

'Goodnight Moon'.
It's one of my favorites to read.
So calm and peaceful, everything all right in the world.

(Yeah, I know, quiet and peaceful like...an eighteen-wheeler...?)

Ah, well, the boys were asleep, husband was wide awake behind the wheel, the road was clear...trust me, it was restful. :)

Goodnight to the old lady whispering 'hush'.

sold

36. Peter Iredale

"Peter Iredale"

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

The Peter Iredale is a ship that met its end on the Oregon coast in 1906.  

The skeletal remains create a playground of sorts for beachcombers at Fort Stevens.

35. Reflecting Elm

'Reflecting Elm'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I had a chance to cruise nice and slowly around Lake Sacajawea in Longview, WA, the other day -- just me, my camera, my head cold and my youngest boy sleeping soundly in the back seat.

For such a beautiful fall day, there didn't seem to be a lot of people around, so I was able to mosey along, parking randomly, and stepping out here and there to get a better photo of the leafy sunshine.

At one point, the wind picked up and elm leaves just rained down all over us and the shady street. It was so very peaceful and warm and lovely.

This little fellow landed on my car and I had a great time painting him. 

sold

34. Astoria Trolley

'Astoria Trolley'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I like this one. A lot.

Especially the bell on top.

Happy Friday!

sold

33. Sunday Morning

'Sunday Morning'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

"Here is a church, here is the steeple,

open the doors, and see all the people!"

This church with the lovely steeple is in Astoria, Oregon.

sold

32. St. John's Bridge

St. John's Bridge

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

When we take the long way home from Portland, we pass one of the loveliest bridges around, the St. John's Bridge.

I can't get enough of those Gothic arches - stunning. 

I just realized I've never actually been over the St. John's -- hmm, we'll have to remedy that soon.

sold

31. Sunday Drive

'Sunday Drive'

6" x 6" 

Oil on gessoboard

This past Sunday, we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in Astoria with my husband's family. 

As we headed toward home, this vintage Cadillac eased on by.

The lovely car caught my attention, and the passengers inside it made me smile -- four 'mature' heads, including a cute little bald one barely visible in the back. :)

School is back is session, and hopefully our lives will settle into a routine so I can paint a little more.
Thanks for sticking with me!

sold

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. :)

24. Young Blue Eyes

'Young Blue Eyes'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

These cute little Border Collie bundles were born a few years back on the family farm in Minnesota.  

I'm in love with their baby blues.

sold

23. Brown Barn

'Brown Barn'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Wow - over two weeks since I painted -- that's too long! 

Feels great to have a brush in my hand again.

This barn is near my sister's house in Mill A, Washington.

My kind husband turned the car around so I could capture this shot - the evening sun was making some crazy awesome shadows. 

I might do another version of this one - man, I love those shadows.

Update: After talking to my sister, I learned that this barn belongs to a very dear friend of hers. I like it even more now!


SOLD

22. Rotary Dial Hotwheel

'Rotary Dial Hotwheel'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

So, 'daily painting' is not exactly a reality for a mother of three boys ages six and under. It's more like 'fifteen minutes here, ten minutes there - painting', but it's all good. I get to be home with my monkeys and pursue my dreams all at the same time.

My littlest guy (16 months) likes to play with his cars on this window sill -- I didn't notice this one 'til after I had taken a bunch of photos. I like it.

And I think he likes the painting --

"Car! Car!"

A chubby little finger, pointing, over and over.  

So stinkin' adorable. :)

SOLD

21. Spotlight on Old Blue

'Spotlight on Old Blue'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

A weathered spotlight on a 1972 Peterbilt truck.

sold

20. June 14

'June 14'

6" x 6" 

Oil on gessoboard

Hmmm, another flag. 

They've really captured my attention.

Happy Flag Day!

19. Whose Broad Stripes

'Whose Broad Stripes'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A few Memorial Days ago; saluting the brave.

A slow start this week - being tired makes it very hard to get in the groove!
I tried and gave up on a handful of other subjects before finally settling on this one. I rediscovered this photo from five (or so) years ago and thought it would work nicely for the Stripe Challenge on Daily Paintworks.

This was so much fun to paint and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. The stars on the biggest flag were the most difficult part - super challenging to keep a star just the right amount of 'loose'.

It's so exciting when a painting comes out relatively close to how I imagine -- really spurs me on to the next. I love this kind of learning!

18. Engine No. 2

Engine No. 2

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Who doesn't love a parade?

Ours is on the 4th of July, the last day of 'Heritage Days', our town's annual celebration. 

Family and friends, beautiful sunshiny skies -- it's a highlight of our year, always.
This year it will be much more than that, I'm sure.
Missing you very much, Deana.

SOLD

17. Last Light

'Last Light'

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

This charming church is right around the corner from us - I have photos of it in nearly every light and weather condition. 

This light is one of my favorites.

After a solidly gray day, the sun drops below the cloud layer and momentarily highlights the land with warm, orange light. 

Long, deep shadows and brilliantly illuminated trees and rooftops. 

A lovely goodnight.

SOLD

16. California Poppies

California Poppies

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Did I mention that I bought new paint? 

Frugal-me was trying to use up my starter stuff before I moved on...but I kept getting frustrated. Ack! Why did I wait so long? 

This stuff is amazing -- and actually quite frugal!

I literally just copied (the amazing) Carol Marine's palette -- took my list to Utrecht and am now a very happy camper!

As a novice with oils, I had no idea where to start - Carol's tutorials on DPW have been invaluable to me. I especially appreciate the 'My Materials' one - if you're interested in oil painting and are clueless like me, I HIGHLY recommend.

Anyway, today's painting...I love, love, love California poppies. Yesterday, I snapped a few photos of them beaming at the incredible blue sky.

 They make me smile. :)

SOLD

15. Dusk on top of the World

Dusk on top of the World

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

A couple of summers ago, my husband and father-in-law rebuilt a washed-out road high up in the Willapa Hills of western Washington. 'Hills' being a grand understatement in this flat-lander's opinion -- the highest ones are over 3000'! 

I took our two (at the time) little boys up to visit the job site  - the drive would have been harrowing were it not a bright, beautiful August day. Once we arrived at the peak of this knob, the views were incredible -- we were, for sure, on top of the world. :) 

We stayed through a beautiful sunset and then my kind husband drove ahead of us back down the 'hill', so I didn't have to navigate in the dark. 

SOLD

14. Finnish Glass (Iittala) Votive Holder

Finnish Glass (Iittala) Votive Holder

6" x 6"

Oil on Gessoboard

Got new paint! 

Happy Birthday to me.

:)

Can't wait 'til tomorrow to play with it some more.

13. Jar, Blocks and Hymnal

Jar, Blocks and Hymnal

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

The morning sun through this frosted window is just so pleasant -- 

I grabbed a few things and tried to capture it. 

Adams Peanut Butter jar (partially filled with water), some of my baby's blocks behind it and all resting on an old hymnal.

The toys and hymnal are vintage, well used and loved -- my favorite sort of thing, and I have a strange fascination with those peanut butter jars! They're just so simple and substantial and sturdy. When the PB is gone, I use them to store raisins and other snacky things. And brushes and pencils and whatever I can find. It just kills me to let one go to recycling! I like 'em a lot. :)

12. Truck Shop

Truck Shop

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

In our small town, this shop built into a hillside is one of my favorite structures. A local logging company uses it for maintenance on their trucks and equipment. This is the narrow end, it continues to the right with half a dozen doors of varying sizes, all in a lovely faded red.

It reminds me of my childhood on the farm.

sold

11. Zero Fan

Zero Fan

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

I love these mid-century fans. This is not the first attempt I've made, and I'm sure it won't be the last. The shiny-shadowy-complexity is super challenging and (mostly) so much fun.  

This time around, loosy-goosy was the goal, but it was still difficult to put the brush down. I could easily get carried away and avoid all other responsibility for days. 

But, on to the next. Whew!

SOLD

10. Tomato, tomato

Tomato, Tomato

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

I have a small collection of vintage hand/shaving mirrors that I love - the less refined, the better. This is one of my favorites.

Even though the shocking red tomatoes jump right out and grab ya, I can't stop looking past them to the shadows. I'm kind of diggin' 'em.

9. Upright Fork

Upright Fork

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A little change of pace today. 

Painting as quickly as I can and trying not to get too fussy.

What do you think?

SOLD

8. Milepost 75

Milepost 75

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

A little more blue sky in May...

In May of 2010, my husband and I went on a weekend road trip in Washington state for my birthday. This painting is based on a photo I took as we headed east on I-90 and waved goodbye to the rain.

I actually really like gray and overcast, but nothing beats a deep blue sky with lots of fluffy, white clouds.

7. Mt. Hood in May (Re-do)

Mt. Hood in May

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Yay, May!

So nice to see blue skies a little more often.

This painting of Mt. Hood was inspired by a photo I took in May of 2009.  

The view is from the east, a side of the mountain I rarely see.


Update:
So, shortly after I photographed this painting, it took a nosedive onto my front step. In the process of 'fixing', I changed it up a bit.

Here's how it looks now:

6. Red Fishing Boat

Red Fishing Boat

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Painted from a photo taken on our Sunday afternoon drive through Astoria, OR.

This dock in the mouth of the Columbia is a good place to see (and hear) sea lions. They seemed to enjoy the sun as much as we did.

sold

5. Blue Sun Porch

Blue Sun Porch

6"x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

I'm finally feeling a bit better after being terribly sick.

And, the sun came to visit the Pacific Northwest over the weekend. 

Terrific medicine. :)

The family and I went on a lazy, meandering, Sunday afternoon drive through the hills of Astoria, OR. This is one of the many sun-drenched houses I admired from the passenger seat.

sold

4. Shades of Green

Shades of Green

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

From a photo I took at the Finn Creek Open Air Museum near New York Mills, MN.

Ah, Summer. 

3. Dad's Lunchbox

Dad's Lunchbox

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Daily painting number three. 

I'm maybe kind of starting to feel the love for the oils.  

That's infinitely more affection than I was feeling yesterday. ;)

My dad had a lunchbox like this when I was a kid.

One of my sisters gave me this one. I like it. 'Twas fun to paint.

SOLD

2. August in Minnesota

August in Minnesota

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

Ack! This is exceedingly difficult.

But I shall try, try again. :)

1. Oregon Dunes

Oregon Dunes

6" x 6"

Oil on Gessoboard

I'm so excited! (And a little terrified.)

After painting almost exclusively with acrylics for 13 (!) years, I am truly going to give oils a go. No more excuses! My supplies arrived today, and this here little number is my first effort. 

In order to continually develop my skills and learn as much as I can while chasing after my three little guys, I'll be doing small and speedy daily paintings. When I feel like they're up to snuff, I'll make them available for purchase. 

So, hopefully you'll be seeing many more of these, and, with any luck, they'll only get better. :)

sold

My painting today...

Mirror foods

 12" x 12"

acrylic on canvas

For a very long time, I've been wanting to do a 'painting a day', like so many fellow art bloggers in interwebland. I think about it constantly, attempt it frequently, and fail usually. Until today. 

Started and finished a painting in an afternoon.
Whew. 

No school today, kids are all (sorta) dressed, fed and happy. House is, well, worse than yesterday, better than Monday. ;)

I'm so excited. Yes, I see much, much room for improvement -- but, this is not a-painting-in-all-my-waking-hours-til-I-pull-my-hair-out. One day. :)

Overall, I'm very pleased with the experience. And I will try desperately to not touch it again. Even at midnight when the mistakes are shouting at me from another room. 

My real life prevents me from actually doing this every day, but maybe, just maybe, I can do a 'painting a day' once a week. 

Keep an eye out for more! 

(When I've caught my breath, and have a few of these under my belt, I'll be adding them to my etsy shop.)

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs...

Bergman Ruler

 I've been wanting to make a growth chart for many months -- in fact, I had one nearly completed -- and then I found Pinterest. (Follow me here, if you like.) 

Mine was white and gray and sorta cute, but when I saw the ones that actually looked like a ruler - I knew the white one was a goner. (Well, it actually still exists - it's on the back side of this one - but, it'll never again see the light of day.) 

Anyway, thankfully, I had only put a light coat of primer on the back side of my 1" x 10", so I sanded it a bit to bring out the wood grain, and then rubbed on a mixture of yellow, red and brown paint and semi-gloss glazing medium to make it look like natural wood again.

Century Schoolbook font had the exact number style I wanted, and after successfully installing it onto my computer (with minor self-congratulations), I printed, traced and painted. The 'Bergman Ruler' part was inspired by the design on an oldish ruler I found in my stash. 

(I'll add a photo once I get it installed and all the old measurements transferred.) 

Hometown

I saw a cutesy, vintage-y version of a hometown sign in the background of someone, somewhere's Facebook photo...and off I went. I thought about making one for myself, but there are two things I know -- 1) my sister Greta loves Sebeka so very much, and -- 2) it's always better to give than to receive. 

She lives 1537 miles from our hometown, and from this post on her blog, Gretabag, I gather that she likes the sign as well. :) 

I wanted the letters to be authentic, so I was thrilled when I found the Roadgeek fonts. (I used Roadgeek 2005 series 4B, if anyone cares.) 

I also discovered a new term: 'roadgeek'. One who is interested in roads and road trips. I am a roadgeek. (A stay-at-home roadgeek. See below.)

Let's go home already.

I first saw this phrase on HGTV's Secrets from a Stylist and for some reason it resonated with me. Well, several reasons, actually. 

a - It sounds like something my mom would say, therefore, it reminds me of her and brings back fond childhood memories. 

b - It's the thought most often running through my brain when I'm not at home -  even though I like to think of myself as super adventurous, spontaneous, ready to get up and go at the drop of a hat - well, I'm just not. Someday I'll become that super-fun free spirit, ;) but for now, I'm pretty content being a homebody. 

And c - it has deep spiritual significance. A little reminder that this world with its ups and downs, highs and lows -- this world is not my home.

And I like letters. And fonts. And signs.

 By the way, font is My Own Topher. And yes, my font collection has grown significantly in the last few weeks. :)

It's the one finished thing on my 'to finish' wall. :) 

By the way, I welcome comments and followers, fellow housework avoiders  and lurkers. :) 

What have you been creating lately?

Happy Happy Apple

8" x 10"
acrylic on masonite


Just because they make me smile.
And because of the sweet little chime.
When I was a kid, I didn't know these came with leaves. :)

Click here to buy.

Grandma and Grandpa Aho

18" x 24"

Acrylic on canvas



I recently visited my grandparents in Minnesota and took the opportunity to snap a few photos of this painting I did for them in 2002. I was asked to paint their portrait in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary, and after much thought and indecision about which era of their life to portray, I decided to make a collage capturing a few snapshots of them through the years.

I find portraits to be exceedingly difficult, especially when the subjects are so special to so many. Ah, who am I kidding, it's all difficult! I s'pose that's why it's so rewarding when something turns out how you want it to. Anyway, I did the best I could at the time, and as it is with most of my work, I see fewer mistakes as time passes. It's been nearly a decade, so I rather like it now. ;)

The central image is how I see them in my memories - Grandma especially. That long, dark, braid wrapped around her head every day was fascinating to me as a little girl. I was sure I would wear mine that way some day. The closest I got was two pigtail braids tied together on the top of my head in elementary school. Oh, and I also did some crazy wrap-around french braids in high school. Yeah, I'm pretty sure it didn't look anything like my Grandma's beautiful braid. :)

 This is Grandpa with two of my cousins, Lynnette and Jodie. He is adored by his many grandchildren, and partly because of his gift for storytelling. I can still hear him 'explaining' the origin of town names where we lived...."Men, "Ah-ga", "See, bee-ka". (You know what I'm talking about!) Still makes me laugh.

Here's Grandma as a young married woman with Armas, her first child, and then in more recent years, Grandpa helping her up the stairs. To the left is their home.

Grandma and Grandpa with my aunts Susan and Aila. (I think.) In this image of my grandma I can see a family resemblance to aunts and cousins that I wouldn't have otherwise noticed.

Ok, not a lot of detail here - I was working from a little 3"x3" snapshot - but this is my grandparents with all eighteen of their living children. A-maz-ing. There's my mom (Ellen) in the red shirt and yellow skirt, can you tell? ;)

As a family, we are so blessed to still have them in our lives.

They are living testimonies of the grace and love of our heavenly Father. 

Many Maples

12" x 12"

Acrylic on canvas

This is the one time of the year I don't appreciate the perma-green of the Pacific NW...I want more color!! It can be found in small amounts if one goes searching, but I decided to make a little of my own. 

Aside from the overly green landscape, I adore this time of the year. The smell of wood-burning stoves, a little crispness to the air, clear blue skies and mellow orange evenings. Ahhh.

But, honestly, the biggest reason I love fall...it means Christmas is only a couple of short months away! My true favorite time of year. My head is already spinning with ideas of how to decorate, what kind of handmade gifts to make, new treats to bake, the glorious music, family and friends, baby Jesus...love, love, love it!