Still Life with Tangerines and Crock {Bountiful Observations no.46}

Still Life with Tangerines and Crock

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Every time I get behind a blank canvas, I get so excited about the coming opportunity to create something that shares my vision of beauty through my eyes. Then, when posting the resulting painting on my blog, I get excited about the opportunity to share it with you and the world at large.

Sharing and hopefully expanding on the idea that beauty if found all around us, even in the ordinary scenes that are our daily lives. Each painting is another addition to the open conversation we are having about art and beauty.

As we begin the new year and I further develop this series of chronicling seasonal changes through still-life paintings, thank you for being a part of my life. I feel fortunate that you are open to my work, how you leave a comment or send an email expressing your thoughts, and that we meet in this world, sharing a similar appreciation of life and all that makes it beautiful.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Quinces & Apple {Bountiful Observations no. 42}

Quinces and Apple

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

When I purchased these quinces from a local farmer's market, the guy tending the stall said that it was a rare person who knew what quinces were and who so determinedly made a selection of them, so he wanted to know what I was going to make with them.

I smiled, probably a little sheepishly, and said I was an artist and planned to use them in a still-life painting because I liked their shape and form.

Though maybe I will make this quince paste, and serve it with my favorite manchango cheese...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Petunias II - Second of a Triptych {Bountiful Observations no. 41}

Petunias II

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

I look forward to the day when Naomi begins to play make-believe and wants to start hosting tea parties for her dolls and stuffed animals.  In a way, I imagine these times will be full of color, chatter, and a sense of friendship, with a table set with flowers, an old and maybe chipped tea set, and some of the embroidered linens from my collection.

Maybe a scene similar to this will be set on her table...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Petunias I - First of a Triptych {Bountiful Observations no. 40}

Petunias I

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

The first of three, inspired as the fictitious centerpieces of a table set for tea with friends.

This painting began when the DC region was experiencing warm and sunny days, so much so that my petunias were thriving!  They were so beautiful, they deserved to be the focus of more paintings before the first frost occured.

I was drawn to their varying pinks and how they paired with the colorful and whimsical vases and bowls I have from the store Anthropologie.

Anthropologie has the wonderful aesthetic of combining vintage one-of-a-kind items with a colorful and hip feeling.  I just love going into their store and browsing, inspiration abounds, especially in the house goods section!

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Work in Progress: Petunias Triptych {Bountiful Observations Series}

{what is on the easel and the current setup}

Have you ever started a project, and once you were in the middle of it you realized it would require a LOT more time to complete? This happened to me last week when I began to work on the next painting in the Bountiful Observations series.

The DC region has been having such warm weather that my petunias have just been fantastic, and I wanted to paint them before a freeze occurs and kills them off. So instead of setting up one composition for a single painting, I was inspired to create three setups. All coordinated around three vases and some bowls I have from the cool shop, Anthropologie.

The first two paintings of the triptych are in different stages, somewhat near completion but not quite. And the third painting has been blocked in but I am still not satisfied, so will probably tweak it some more as this week progresses.

Next Monday I hope to have the first of this series ready to offer. So please stay tuned...

Autumnal Colors {Bountiful Observations no. 39}

Autumn’s Dawn

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

NFS - Collection of the Artist

This year I am learning to look at everything that marks the changing of the season, the leaves, the berries, and colors.

Before this year, I had never noticed the yellowish berries from a weed. They come from a silver-leaf nightshade plant, horsenettle, and because it has beautiful purple flowers I had allowed it to grow in my garden. During the summer I never got around to painting the flowers, so the berries have been a happy surprise and I loved how they added a bit of color to this composition.

Have you noticed anything new this year that marks the changing season?

UPDATE:  Steve and I decided to keep this painting in our collection, we tend to select one painting a year to keep in our private collection.  This way we also get to keep some of the best paintings for our own enjoyment also.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Heirloom Apples {Bountiful Observations no. 38} SOLD

Heirloom Apples

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Hello,

I am getting a late start this week, running behind a bit, and trying to catch my breadth after a VERY busy weekend. Saturday's Art on the Avenue arts festival was a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who came out and introduced themselves, it was fun getting to meet everyone in person.

Another fun aspect of the arts festival is that this painting of the apples was purchased by a nice couple first thing in the morning. I hope they enjoy owning it. These apples were picked at River Farm, they have an orchard of heirloom apples (the species has not been identified) of beautiful and tasty apples that make great cider and applesauce. Naomi and I dropped by one sunny morning and brought home about 10 apples, so far they have not made it into the kitchen because they are too lovely and I want to capture the simple beauty of these not quite perfect apples...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Nasturtiums {Bountiful Observations no. 37}

Nasturtiums

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}
Sold

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

The summer flowers are beginning to fade now that we are entering October. For this painting I gathered every nasturtium and bachelor button in the garden.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Autumn Marigolds {Bountiful Observations no. 36}

Autumn Marigolds

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

Yesterday I came across a list of things that exemplify autumn. things like sweaters, falling leaves, crisp apples, and pumpkins. The only thing I felt was absent from the list were the flowers that also bloom prolifically in the fall.

To me, all the russet tones marigolds are an important part of autumn, as are the dense bushes of mums and asters.

So I think my list for fall would look something like this:

sweaters

walks in the woods

the fireplace

falling leaves

crisp dry air

pumpkins

crisp apples

scarves

hot stews and soups

roasted root vegetables

and

mums & marigolds

...what would you add to your list?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Sunflowers and Lemons {Bountiful Observations no. 35}

Harmony in Yellow
Still Life with Sunflowers and Lemons

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

It seems to me that sunflowers are the most open and friendly of flowers, with their broad faces following the sun across the sky and how when they are bunched together, they just seem gathered as if in a group in pleasant conversation. Like ladies on a school day morning visiting after dropping off the kids.

Funny how some images will pop into the mind's eye.

However, I like it that connections are made and that looking at a sunflower reminds me of friends and acquaintances, creating a sense of familiarity in my life, and inspiring me to take notice of it. Painting a scene asks the same thing of me, to be more aware. And by actively raising my awareness, I feel as if my world becomes larger and more colorful.

This is an idea I hold true, that art inspires greater engagement in the world we live in.

Have a glorious day, my friend, and thank you for being a part of it.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Watermelon {Bountiful Observations no. 34}

Sliced Watermelon

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}
Sold

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

Have you noticed any signs of the changing seasons?  This past week I began to notice some, like acorns littering the sidewalks and longer shadows earlier in the evening.

Then I also began to notice that the watermelon in the garden had also quit growing in size.  The days were no longer getting hot enough to make a difference.  This watermelon was brought inside and sliced open, but before I cut it up to eat, I fell in love with the beauty of the red flesh surrounded by the light rind and green skin.

So into the studio it came...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Hydrangea & Crab Apples {Bountiful Observations no. 33} SOLD

Wishing you, your friends, and family a wonderful Labor Day holiday today!

Still Life with Crab Apples, Hydrangea, and Canning Jar

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

.............................................................................

This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Petunias and Apple {Bountiful Observations no. 32}

Petunias & Apple

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Painting this still life was like returning to visit an old friend I had missed so very much because the hustle and bustle of life had kept me away. Then once in the presence of this dear friend, I wanted to soak up every nuance and lilt of the voice.

I did this by slowing down and enjoying the experience, knowing I had the entire day to enjoy.

May your Monday be a good one! It is good to be back at work.

Liz

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Tomatoes and Corn {Bountiful Observations no. 30}

Garden Harvest

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}
Sold

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

One of the best gifts of summer are vine ripened tomatoes gathered from your own plants or maybe a neighbor's or even the farmer's market... they all taste extra sweet and juicy.  I love getting my hands dirty tending the garden and savoring the rewards of all the effort invested months ago is worth it.

Do you keep a summer garden?  Has it been a productive year so far?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Roses and Pewter {Bountiful Observations no. 29} SOLD

Roses and Pewter

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Framed painting

I am fascinated how some images impart so many thoughts and emotions, how art has the capacity to inspire exploration, investigation, and then provide a feeling of hope and happiness.

And then in finding this quote about roses, I realized that most anything can take you out of yourself and speak to your heart.

“The rose speaks of love silently,

in a language known only to the heart.”

What is your heart hearing today?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Black Eyed Susans & Cherries {Bountiful Observations no. 28}

Still Life with Pewter Pitcher, Black Eyed Susans, and Cherries

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

A benefit I hope my artwork provides, is that it leaves you feeling refreshed and calm. With the painting providing a deeper sense of meaning when the entire composition is observed as a whole, than if each object is individually absorbed alone.

I hope by viewing this still life today you are given an opportunity to pause and reflect, pause from a potentially hectic day and schedule, and reflect that there is beauty to be found in all things, and it only takes a moment to notice.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Echinacea {Bountiful Observations no. 27}

Echinacea & Ball Canning Jars

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

I believe all acts of creativity take you on a journey. I find that I may have a plan or hope of where I am going, however I never truly know where the journey will take me. This is why it is so important to LOVE the process.

One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things. ~Henry Miller

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Summer Strawberries & Zinnias {Bountiful Observations no. 26}

Summer Strawberries and Zinnias

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Do you ever associate a particular item with cheerful memories? For me, summer strawberries always stir memories of summer fun. I think of my childhood, family gatherings and reunions at a state park, and eating strawberry shortcake, sometimes two times in a day! One grandmother had a quite the yin for the soft, spongy, sweetness of angel food cake, and if strawberries were in season... well, it just seemed natural to have dessert as an afternoon snack and then maybe also again after dinner.

What do you think of when the strawberries are in season?

Roses & Wild Blackberries {Bountiful Observations no. 24}

Roses & Wild Blackberries

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Do you like wild blackberries? For me, wild blackberries remind me of summers during my middle school years, harvesting ripe, sticky and sweet berries from wild bushes in the empty lot next to our home. I think of my fingers turning purple from the overripe berries bursting and more berries being eaten than gathered, hoping to have enough to make a blackberry cobbler or maybe some preserves.

The blackberries in this painting were harvested from a little stretch of abandoned land along my morning walk. It was a gift of beauty and remembrances.

I paired the blackberries with more Queen Elizabeth roses from my garden in an atlas e-z seal canning jar, celebrating the abundance this season is already providing.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Queen Elizabeth Roses {Bountiful Observations no. 23}

Queen Elizabeth Roses

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}
Sold

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, this week's Bountiful Observations painting is of a bunch of Queen Elizabeth roses in a pewter mug.

I first got swept into the excitement of the festivities by reading about it on Vicki Archer's blog "French Essence". Then I began to find posts about it all over the blogosphere, one of my favorite posts covering the celebration was by Meg Fielding of Pigtown Design which covered the concert. In her blog post she also included the "Queen's" {aka Elizabeth Windsor} tweets!

Did you get swept up in the celebrations?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.