109. Another Pretty Face

'Another Pretty Face'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Four for four! And, it's only Wednesday!  

Painting daily is super beneficial - I'm excited to see how I grow and stretch during the rest of the month.

It seems I'm on a bit of a floral kick - see, I'm stretching myself already! And, it's pink! I'm not typically a fan, but this pansy face got me. It was one of those that seem like a wiper almost all the way through, but, just near the end, it came together and I'm happy with the result. 

Thanks for checking out my work!

sold

108. Third Day in the the Sun!

'Day in the Sun'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Yahoo, three in a row for the '30 in 30' challenge!

This was another really fun one to paint - and who can resist a backlit sunflower? This one is growing in my sister's front yard - so warm, sunny, summery, warm ;) ...love it. But, to me, they also give off the first sneaky feelings of Fall...which I also love, but not quite yet! 

Speaking of Fall, today was the first day of school for my boys -- here they are all ready to go! (Second grade and kindergarten.) It is so cool to see them grow and experience these big milestones. I'm so blessed. :)

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107. Aloha to day number two!

'Aloha'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I'm two for two in the '30 in 30' challenge. On a roll! ;)

And, there is no Hawaii in my future, it's just the name on this sweet little vintage trailer. So cute. :)

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106. Two Black Eyes and 30 paintings in 30 days

'Two Black Eyes'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hey guys! Missed ya. :)

We packed a whole lot of fun into our last two weeks of summer vacation, and I'm actually looking forward to the boring ol' routine that the school year brings. Let's just keep the warm temps here for a while longer, k?

So, the super-energetic artist Leslie Saeta has issued another 'thirty paintings in thirty days' challenge and I have joined the fun. The challenge runs for the month of September, and thankfully, there really are no rules, other than to attempt a daily painting as often as you can and then link it up on her blog.  Thirty in thirty is a HUGE stretch for me, but I'll do my best. Who's counting, right? ;) I'll post a link to her blog frequently - it's fun to see what everyone is coming up with! And, if you like that, be sure to check out Daily Paintworks (where I sell my work), - they post a new crop of paintings every single day. 

Oh, about this painting - black-eyed susans. One of my very favorite flowers and thankfully, one of my neighbors has a nice little bunch. 

This was just plain fun. :)

sold

105. Color Guard

'Color Guard'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ack. This is why I don't paint people very often. They're tough!  

Truth be told, I nearly wiped this off in complete frustration last night, but, after sleeping on it, I muscled ahead, and I'm glad I did.

I could go on and on fiddling with it, but that's enough learning for one painting; -- time to move on! ;)

This scene is from our town's Independence Day parade -- the Color Guard starting things off. Ok, a confession. I cannot witness a passing of the colors or a rendition of our national anthem (no matter how poorly sung) without welling up. Even reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at my son's school assemblies turns me into a puddle! 

Lest you think I'm some sort of super-patriot, I do the same thing watching sports - the younger the players, the more pathetic I am. Don't let your small children go scoring any touchdowns or baskets 'round me, - I'm likely to burst into tears. :)  

Seriously, though - this sight at the parade brings all to their feet, as it should; - respect shown to the flag and those who carry it. 

Grateful.

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104. Two Squirts

'Two Squirts'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Whew! Summer is Busy! 

But, the best part is nearly upon us -- my parents and one of my sisters and her family are visiting from Minnesota! I can't wait to see them all this weekend and meet the latest sweet little niece. :)

In the midst of all the busy, I managed to sneak in a little painting today and boy did that feel good. I found these little squirts at a yard sale a few weeks ago. Squirt is one of my top three soda (I mean pop) flavors - but I've never seen the vintage glass bottle version. 

Love 'em - especially the twisty-glass one. 

Oh, and the sweet slogan - 'Never an after-thirst'. 

Wish I had one right now.

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103. Fair Barns

'Fair Barns'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A couple of weeks ago, my guys and I went to our local county fair. 

I've lived here for nine years and this was my first time - a travesty!

When I was a kid, I don't think we ever missed the fair - I lost many a burger-flipping-earned dollar trying to win cheap prizes at silly, rigged carnival games, and wandered through oodles of barns and buildings checking out animals and 4-H projects. It was the highlight of our summer! 

My current county's fair lived up to all my fuzzy, youthful memories. The weather was perfect, the crowds were light, and the fair attractions were spot-on. It was my boys first fair (that they remember), and it was really cool seeing it all through their eyes. The horse barns, the cute, cute goats, the alligator(!), the rides, and especially the food. Oh, wonderful fair food. I'm still dreaming about those beignets (they called them fritters). Oh, yum.

Anyway, as we left, the setting sun did a lovely number on these horse barns. Can't resist a long, long shadow. :)

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102. Fire Escape

'Fire Escape'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another scene from small-town Oregon, this time, Amity.

Oh, those shadows -- they just scream at me. I'm starting to not really see 'things' anymore, just the way they're lit. Obsessed. 

Beauty everywhere. 

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101. Star Chief

'Star Chief'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Our small town has a parade on the 4th of July - I captured this scene this year. The weather was perfect and my boys got a lot of candy. ;)

This 50's Pontiac Star Chief was just glowing in the sun - and, of course - you know I looove to paint the American flag. 

I have many treasured parade shots from over the years --  can't wait to paint more of them!

sold

100. Red Canoe

'Red Canoe'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hey! My one hundredth small painting! Whoohoo! 

Yes, another scene from the backroads of our state - so Oregon, don't ya think? I'm diggin' it. ;)

Oh, and because this is number one hundred, this painting will come all framed up for the winning bidder, -- just like this:

Thanks for hanging out with me so far - I can't wait to see what the next one hundred will teach me. Hope you come along for the ride!

sold

99. Lakeside Grain & Seed

'Lakeside Grain & Seed'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another scene from our drive home through rural Oregon.

An indulgence in my elevator obsession. :)

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98. Red Roofs

'Red Roofs'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hey all, I'm back!

Hope you had a great holiday weekend - we totally did. 

Our little gang went camping in southern Oregon - by a lake - yay! -- and spent an afternoon oohing over the redwoods in northern California. I've always wanted to see them and was not disappointed. Crazy awesome.

Our trip was busy, warm, sunny, exhausting and wonderful. 

My husband and I both like roadtrips - or even just driving around locally to places I've never seen. I love my spot in shotgun shooting the passing scenery and rural architecture. It just makes me happy. 

This sunlit scene was captured on our way home as we drove through Carlton, Oregon. Summer in a small town - love it.

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97. Evening Round Bales

'Evening Round Bales'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another scene from rural Minnesota in the summer. 

This trip home will always be one of my favorites - right near the end of it, my now-husband and I became a 'thing'. :)

That was nearly ten years ago, and, last week, we celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. Love that guy. :)

Anyway, back to the painting. I'm a bit surprised that I haven't painted round bales before, what with my obsession and all. I'm sure I have dozens of photos of them, and fond memories of running across the tops when they're all lined up in their tidy rows. We always called this kind 'big round bales' because we had a neighbor that made 'little round bales'. I haven't seen the smaller version since I was a kid, -- they sure were cute.

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96. Heading Home

'Heading Home'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ah, August in rural Minnesota. :)

Even though we all know summer doesn't officially start in the northwest until the 4th of July, some years the wait seems longer than others. 

So, in order to beat another rainy, gray day, I thought I'd paint myself a little sunshine. 

This is a photo my sister took a few summers ago in Minnesota - it transports me back there in ways I can't quite explain. 

The memories it evokes are unending; even the marks on the tar road make me homesick. (My husband gets a good laugh out of that one -- apparently the proper term is 'paved road'.) The hay rack, the fields, the telephone poles, the gentle hills...buzzing insects, humidity -- yeah, well, nobody's perfect. ;)  

Anyway, miss you, Minnesota, and hurry up and get here, sunshine. :)

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95. Banner and Horn

'Banner and Horn'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Yay, the weekend is here.

Enjoy. :)

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94. Star and Stripes

'Star and Stripes'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Same pinwheel, with the addition of a vintage flag.

I did a little painting of another sort with my boys this afternoon.

I have fond memories of finger painting when I was their age - great fun!

(I'm 'noraellen23' on instagram)

93. Pinwheel

'Pinwheel'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Red, white and blue all over my palette this week;

 hope you're feeling as patriotic as I am. :)

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92. Back Porch Evening

'Back Porch Evening'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is the back view of the Historic Borst Home in Centralia, WA. 

Its front side is beautiful and a little fancier, but I just love the simple architecture of the back porch. 

The long shadows and warm light of evening seal the deal. 

I want to go to there. :)

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91. Snapdragon a Day

'Snapdragon a Day'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Ok, I'm head over heels for this one. 

It helps that the last several attempts were complete duds. :)

I enjoyed it from start to finish, and, I'm so glad I planted these gorgeous dwarf snapdragons this year. I just love how they look against the bright blue of my 5-year-old's favorite Angry Birds t-shirt. ;)

In other news, school's out for summer! Whee! We made it.

Bring on the sun and swimming lessons.

sold

90. Doors

'Doors'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Wooden shop doors on a sunny day in Astoria, Oregon. :)

sold

You may have noticed that my painting has really dropped off in the past few months, and I guess I'd like to share what's what. Forgive me if this is TMI for a painting blog, just let me get it out there once and for all, and then I'll get back to the paintings. :) 

In early March, we learned that I was pregnant, and I spent most of my free time hanging out on my couch with afternoon/evening sickness. In mid-April, a first trimester ultrasound showed some abnormalities, and further testing revealed a severe heart defect and Down syndrome. The specialists were very concerned, and, sadly, in mid-May, another ultrasound showed that our tiny little boy no longer had a heartbeat. (Sixteen weeks gestation.) 

Needless to say, we've experienced nearly every emotion possible in the past few months, but, through it all, we've been so blessed and overwhelmed by the love and prayers of the friends and family that God has given us. 

We are humbled and grateful. 

In late May, I turned forty. (Um, what? Ok, still in denial, a bit.) As surreal as that seems, it's another reminder to stop and be thankful; to hug my three busy boys (7, 5, and 2) and my fantastic husband a little more often; and to appreciate once again that no matter how hard things are, one doesn't have to look far to find another with a greater struggle. I've gained a little empathy, a little compassion, and hopefully, I'll be able to give a little more to others as we were so blessed to receive.

Even though it's not the most important part of my life, painting is a big part of who I am, and I have missed it terribly. I'm so looking forward to getting back up to a few a week if I can ever remember how. ;) It's challenging and therapeutic (mostly), and when I'm not busy caring for my family, I'll be tucked into my corner, pushing around some paint.

Thanks for indulging me the sharing of this very personal information - it's better for me to just have everything out there -- and thanks for following my work.

 I hope I have many more paintings to share with you this summer. :)

89. Trophy Tower

'Trophy Tower'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Thanks to a neighborhood yard sale, I'm the new owner of these circa 1970 silver trophies. Love 'em! I stacked them on top of my vintage 'Derby Foods' box and had a great time painting them. 

I'm sure you'll see them again - old, shiny... what's not to love?

sold

88. Sunday in Seaview

'Sunday in Seaview'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This past Sunday, we took our three boys to the beach for the day.

It was glorious! 

Even though the weather app was telling us it was going to be 80°, I couldn't quite wrap my brain around it. Normally, a trip to a Washington beach (especially in May!) requires extra layers and rain boots - this was so the opposite and I loved every minute. Well, except the few seconds I attempted to walk in the dry, hot sand. ;)

We had such a wonderful time - warm sunshine with a steady wind to keep us from getting too hot, and plenty of shallow tide pools to keep the boys entertained. Summer Love.

sold

87. Cougar Pride

'Cougar Pride'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Sometimes I just love getting lost in the details. :)

This is my first grader's school and I thoroughly enjoyed painting it.
'Specially that American flag - love, love to paint the flag. 

And, I'm very glad I spent some time staring at it after calling it quits last night - something wasn't quite right. I finally realized that the stripes were paying tribute to two extra colonies! Considering this is a donation to the school's fundraiser auction, I should probably get the flag right. 

Well, almost right, - don't try counting those stars. ;)

86. Camellia in Canning Jar

'Camellia in Canning Jar'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Hooray, it's May! My favorite month.

Mother's Day, my birthday (it's a big one this year - yikes!), and the long, wet winter is truly and finally over. We'll still see plenty of rain, but at least we won't be shivering in it. :)

And May flowers! Or, in my neighborhood, May deer appetizers. 

I planted some annuals with my sons on Sunday afternoon and the local pests have left them alone so far, but I'm sure it won't be long. I'll have to try some of those homemade anti-deer concoctions. Any suggestions?

Happy May!

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85. Downstairs

'Downstairs'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another cute house in north Portland. 

SO green! 

I've lived in the PNW for almost 15 years, and I'm still amazed by how green it is year-round. (I took this photo in January.) Love it.

We're enjoying a similarly sunny day today, -- so great. 

Keep it coming, Spring!

sold

84. Stems

'Stems'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

It's my anniversary! My oil painting anniversary, that is. 

One year ago today, I painted and posted my very first small painting in oils!

I've had the time of my life, and I've learned so, so much. 

I haven't painted many flowers, or what I should say is, I haven't completed many paintings of flowers, because, well, they're tough! 

These little lovelies came home with me yesterday thanks to my sweet mother-in-law, and after seeing the roundy vase I knew I had to try painting them. To take the pressure off, I put the focus on my favorite parts -- the vase and stems. I gotta say, I'm diggin' those stems.  

Thanks for watching my progress this past year - I can't wait to see what the next one brings. :)

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83. Minnesota Morning

'Minnesota Morning'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

First off, I will apologize to those of you actually in Minnesota right now, -- I know you've seen more than your share of the white stuff this year -- sorry to bring you a little more.

This sunrise was on the day we left MN on our most recent winter trip to the area - it was January 2, 2010. And, it was a balmy -31°F. 

It's always sad to leave after visiting my parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, friends, etc., -- but, temperatures like that make heading back to Oregon just a little easier. :)

sold

82. Highway Ten

'Highway Ten'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is another one I've tried before -- they're so much more fun now!

I took this photo a couple of summers ago in Minnesota. This is Wadena, the nearest 'big' town to our small town. We went to school in our beloved Sebeka; for everything else, we went to Wadena. I couldn't begin to count the weekend hours I spent with friends, cruising endlessly over these streets. Even now, a couple of decades years later, I find myself looking at the passengers in other cars, expecting to see high school pals. 

My all-time fave DQ graces this shot, but right now, I'm really wishing I had my hands on a Hardee's Hot Ham n' Cheese. :)

sold

81. Haystack Six

'Haystack Six'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

'Twas August in Oregon, so one guy went shirtless on the beach. ;)

It was actually hot inland, but ocean breezes keep the coastal towns misty and air-conditioned. Still, a beautiful, bright day. 

Beachcombers and sunbathers enjoy the warm sand in front of Haystock Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

sold

80. Charred

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Whew! Over a week since I last posted - sorry 'bout that! 

We've been a little under the weather around here - hopefully everyone'll be on the mend soon.

I've been itching to paint something gold or brassy, and my father-in-law supplied the perfect thing - his old trumpet. It lived through a fire last year, and if you know me at all, you know I love it this way!  

All those extra colors and the green and blue patina - just so expressive.

Sold

79. Summer Red

'Summer Red'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I painted a little Summer today - I am so ready for it! 

Also, it's been too long since I painted something red. :)

This handsome barn is snuggled into the foothills of Mt. St. Helens in WA.

I am so envious of its rolling fields and southern exposure. 

Also, this is one of the first barns I've seen that doesn't have a 'face'.

That's all right - it still looks cheerful to me.

And warm! :)

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78. Monday Morning

'Monday Morning'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Our morning commute. Or, the six block drive home from school. :)

Dense fog settled low in distant canyons; sunbeams pointing long shadows towards beaming porches, and the lingering overnight frost giving spring lawns an extra glow.

Pretty loosey-goosy on this one --  I know, I spell that different every time, -- but that's usually what I need on a Monday. :) 

The sun actually stayed with us all day long, so I opened my window wide and enjoyed the smell of freshly cut grass and the sounds of kids playing outdoors. 

Ah, Spring. :)

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77. Small Drink of Water

'Small Drink of Water'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This tiny little pitcher -- the 0.25L mark is just visible near the top -- was a fun little exercise in gray. 

A little more subtle than I usually am - or at least it seems to me! :)

sold

76. September Sun

'September Sun'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This is another 'do-over' from last fall. 

Much better this time. :)

This lovely church sits near the tree lined shore of Lake Sacajawea in Longview, WA. 

It was so warm and sunny that day - perfect September weather.

sold

75. Three Elevators

'Three Elevators'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Somewhere in eastern Oregon, these lovely ladies stand tall and proud in their little brown valley.

I have attempted them before, in fact, more than once - hours and hours on something I *thought* would be so simple! (That seems to happen often.)

Well, thankfully, I've learned a thing or two in the last few months, and I finally got them to a happy place, and in a fraction of the time I spent before. Thank God for progress. :)

sold

74. My Smallest Fan

'My Smallest Fan'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I have three of these Zero vintage fans - this one is my smallest. ;)

I've painted one of them before, and thought it was high time I gave it another shot. Whew! The misshapen blade guards were quite the humdinger! 

Blade guards? Ok, just asked my husband - he said it's a 'shroud'. 

Anyway, the shiny, wiry frame that goes around the blades was a challenge to paint! :)

Thanks for stopping by - have a great weekend!

sold

73. Greener Grass

'Greener Grass'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This farmhouse is in lovely Yamhill County, OR, - a couple of relaxing, rural hours south of me.  

Driving through Yamhill County is always beautiful, but seeing this house on  its hilltop perch is always the highlight for me.

And the sheep...so bucolic.

I want to go to there. :)

sold

72. Sun Hat

'Sun Hat'

6" x 6" 

oil on gessoboard

Ah, summertime. :) 

I took this photo last summer while visiting my family in Minnesota. 

A blue-shirted farmer under a yellow sun-brella atop a vintage red swather? 

No way could I just drive on by that little scene!

 Btw, pronounced 'swatter', at least by all the farmers I know. ;) 

I've tried painting this before without success, but today my approach was rather loosey-goosey, as I like to say, and I'm much happier with the end result.

sold

71. Bug Light

'Bug Light'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Something new for me, a night scene. 

I snapped this photo last night as my husband and I were leaving a restaurant - I loved how the street light and all the other lights around really made this little bug glow. :) 

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70. Two Forks In A Jar

'Two forks in a Jar'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Isn't it romantic? ;) 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I prefer to photograph my paintings in natural light, so it was a mad dash to finish this before daylight disappeared, but I think I made it. :)

I could easily tinker on this for several more hours, but it feels good to walk away, to keep plenty of those imperfections around. 

sold

69. Window Shade

'Window Shade'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I took the photo of this lovely little scene while I waited at the drive-thru window of my bank. :) It was a gorgeous October day, and the geraniums were glorious. 

I can't complain about our current weather - it's been practically tropical compared to some parts of the country, -- but aren't we all about ready for some sunshine and overflowing flowerpots? 

Painting this was like looking at my own version of a SAD light. :)

sold

68. Seattle Sky

'Seattle Sky'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

We spent the weekend with family just north of Seattle. 

It's always a treat for the boys when we drive through downtown - they get such a kick out of the skyscrapers, and of course, the Space Needle. 

Ok, it's not only the kids in the car that love seeing the sights. ;)

I snapped this photo on our way home -- it had been a beautiful, sunny day, but by the time we hit the city, clouds were rolling in and everything was as it should be. :) 

sold

67. Memories of Mom

'Memories of Mom'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

This was a commission I did last week for a dear family member.

The kitchen tools were used for years and years by her mother.

You know I just can't get enough of that beaten-up sifting cup -- all the dents and dings -- the character of memories. :)

'Twas an honor to paint.

sold

66. Jar O Junk

'Jar O Junk'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

I painted it like I found it. 

Ok, so I wiped off a little dust. 

And, I placed it just so on my shiny turquoise table.

I'm kinda lovin' it!

I'm so thankful for all the kind comments I rec'd for my DPW interview - I feel so blessed! 

And, another sweet little highlight today - I won some notecards from the super-talented Elizabeth Floyd. She has a beautiful website and blog to go along with her amazing art. Check it out!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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65. Upstairs and some really great news!

'Upstairs'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

Another north Portland sunny street scene. 

This was just down the street from 'Overshadowed'.

I had a little extra fun with the shadows on this one. :)

Ok, on to the really great news!

Daily Paintworks, the site where I sell my paintings and where I learned almost everything I know about oil painting, is featuring me and my art for the coming week! As part of the feature, they interviewed me for their blog,
 they'll post about me on their Facebook page, and they'll give one of my paintings away on their site.

I'm so excited! And, not gonna lie, a little nervous about folks reading my interview. I've gotten over the fear of throwing my paintings at you every week, but talking about myself and why I paint? Yikes! 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to pass it along!

And just a little more about DPW  -- they post new paintings every day by daily painters from all over the world. I really love it. And, if you're interested in learning more about painting, check out their ArtBytes - they're inexpensive (some free) little tutorials packed full of great information. 

*Update* Click here to read my interview on the DPW blog.  

Thanks for stopping by!

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64. Tassled

'Tassled'

6" x 6"

oil on gessoboard

A fun little Minnesota summer sunset to start off my week. :)

Happy Monday!

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63. Thursday Morning

"Thursday Morning"

6" x 6"

Oil on gessoboard

My son was so disappointed when he realized he wouldn't get to ride the bus to school every day. We live too close. Instead, he's a 'walker', which means I'm a 'dropper-offer'. :)

It's not always fun to drag the younger ones out of their warm beds for the trip, but they don't seem to mind. Yesterday, I grabbed the camera and captured this scene. 

Yup, there's something about a school bus.

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