Promise of Spring

Happy Valentine's Day! Wishing you a day filled with sunshine and love!

Cookie Shot

When it snows, I always make chocolate chip cookies for my husband. They are one of his favorite treats. He works outside in the cold all day and deserves spoiling. He prefers hot chocolate, but I used a little artistic license here.

Have a great day!

Summertime

Today was my first day in my new studio (aka our spare bedroom.) It has a larger window, and I loved the extra sunlight. It is still a work-in-progress, but at least, I have a desk in there now. And I can paint!

I hope your week is off to a nice beginning!

Grapes and Figs

It has been cool and rainy here today. As I started this painting, the light was so soft and gray. I really tried to focus on capturing the quietness of the light and the mood. Rainy days are my most favorite.

I hope you're having a wonderful week!

Turquoise Teacup with Rainier Cherries

Another vintage teacup found on a fun day out "antiquing" with my friend Kim. We always find a few treasures, and I couldn't leave this little teacup behind.

I hope your week is off to a great beginning!

Still Life with Red Grapes

I did this study for a larger painting. I hope to be able to share it with you soon.

In other news, I've been having issues with my photos looking very washed out in Blogger. After much troubleshooting, I found that the problem was with my Google+ settings. If you are having the same issue, go to your profile settings page, scroll down to photos and uncheck the auto enhance feature and check the box for uploading your images at full size. This prevents it from altering or compressing your image, and the original photo quality is preserved. I only started noticing this a few weeks ago, so I thought others may be experiencing it, too.

I hope you're having a great weekend!

Tea Bowl with White Peach

I'm settling in to my summer routine groove, and I'm loving the late afternoon light for painting. And of course -- the A/C. It is already heating up in Texas! So, it's a treat to stay indoors and paint.

I hope you're having a great week!

Antique Sterling Creamer with Strawberry

Our weather has been stormy today, and I think it gave this little painting a moody feel. Painting during thunderstorms may be my favorite.

I hope you're doing well and enjoying a wonderful week.

Honey

Spring! It's here! There is something about a change of season that always puts, well, a spring in my step. I've been cleaning. And organizing. And wrapping up our tax year. A fresh start is always nice, isn't it?

I hope you have a great weekend!

March Hare

Sometimes, you just want to paint something because it makes you smile. Today was that kinda day!

Have a great weekend, peeps!

Rebirth

Private Collection

Mirror, Mirror

This little hothouse tomato appears to be gazing at its reflection in the bottle, doesn't it? Or perhaps it is just looking for the first sign of spring? Me, too!

I hope you're having a wonderful first week of March!

Rice Bowl with Blueberries

As I painted this yesterday, there was a mix of sleet and snow falling outside. It felt so cozy being snuggled up in my studio. I wish that I had selected a lighter background fabric, but there is always next time, right?

I hope your week is off to a wonderful beginning. Happy painting!

Hana Bowl

Available for Purchase

I purchased this little pottery bowl on our recent trip to Maui. We spent one day driving the scenic road to Hana, and I found it in one of the small villages along the way. The beautiful cobalt glaze reminds me of the white-capped waves of the northern shore.

I finished painting just before sunset this evening. The background may be a bit too dark, but I like the twilight feel of it. Dusk is my favorite time of day. So peaceful.

Crutchfield Pottery

Available for Purchase

Not long ago, I purchased a set of these handmade mugs from Crutchfield Pottery. At the time, I didn't intend to paint them. I just wanted a set of great mugs. They are so pretty, though. I couldn't resist! I contacted Mr. Crutchfield to ask permission to use his website link in my blog, and he very graciously agreed. If you are looking for the comfortable feel and the beauty of handmade pottery to use in your home, please check out his Etsy shop.

Rituals II

Available for Purchase

If you have been reading this blog for long, you know that white is my nemesis. One of my goals for 2014 is to become more comfortable painting it. Cross your fingers for me.

I hope you're having a great week!

LOVE

Private Collection

I found these little, vintage blocks on Etsy, and I've been dying to paint them. Don't you love Etsy? I know. Me, too!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm!

Simplicity

Available for Purchase

I was inspired by the way the dappled sunlight fell across this single pomegranate. I painted this piece in December, but I wasn't sure about posting it. Sometimes, I have to look at things for a while to decide if they are finished. In the end (at least for today), I like the simplicity and quietness of the moment.

It has been a chilly day here, but winter sunsets make up for the cold. Ours was so pretty this evening. I hope your week is off to a great beginning!

Rituals

Available for Purchase

Sitting down for a cup of hot tea is one of life's simple pleasures, isn't it? I love daily rituals.

We have been traveling a bit, so I have fallen behind on my blogging. I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove.  I hope you are doing well and staying warm.

Blessings

Private Collection

Seeing one year draw to a close and a new one begin always leaves me feeling introspective. 2013 was a bittersweet year for our family, but our blessings were abundant. For me, you're among those blessings, and I am very thankful. I appreciate your kind encouragement and look forward to seeing all 2014 brings.

Wishing you a very blessed and happy 2014!