English Bulldog

"English Bulldog" is a painting I recently sold at Gallery on the Green's "Dog Days" exhibit! The character of this little guy drew my attention. I never considered myself an animal painter but since the painting I did of our border collie "Remembering Tucker", I have felt a certain connection and people seem to respond favorably to my dog paintings.
I will never forget the first time I saw Rosa Bonheur's large painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of animals with people. The scale and life she portrayed in the painting is incredible. Since then I have enjoyed painting chickens and cows and will continue to paint animal since they move me in different ways than people do.

Cow Study and Outdoor Lighting

I found this magnificent spot in Amenia, a country road in a quiet setting filled with light, color, and rural life that one wants to write about, photograph and alas to paint!

This "Cow Study" painting is the beginning of a new series I will revisit. My vision is to paint large, abstract type paintings that will interpret nature's realistic view of the land and animal life. My drawing ability pulls me into seeing form and overlap of line and shape while painting allows me to focus on flat shapes, tonal and color interpretation and the fluidity and tactile ability to use paint!
Combining the two becomes magic when the scope of vision and use of technique blend simultaneously.
Behold the poetry of nature and ability of craft. I can only hope that my constant urge to make and share my ideas about art allows me to focus and move forward. Painting and sometimes the idea about painting removes me from life in many different ways. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. Obviously it is something I choose not to live without, though at times I have to rest.

Subtle Interior Views

This is a new series of subtle interior views. My dream is to paint the model outdoors in a beautiful landscape. For now I can play with the figure as a still life on a table, near window light, juxtaposed next to miscellaneous elements; the wall, a chair, doors, an interior view near the window looking out, etc.
All these elements help place the model in space and allow the artist room to construct a place and time. This kind of story telling and illustration is exciting to the narrative artist, always looking at the world as a stage!!

New Ideas , Old Sketches and Photography

Took some time away from the studio and recently went through old draws of numerous dated works. Wanted to document how my work has progressed and changed. Photography is a compelling medium! I worked with a video artist in Mamaroneck, NY for a while. Will never forget the shoot of a sail boat factory we did. The perspective of walking into the shop and looking up at tall ramps and tables constructed for these amazing vessels was mind blowing.
This shot of my figure drawing image with the photo impression of the landscape moves me to other mediums I forgot I loved. I remember my textile days, weaving yarns, dyeing yarns and sewing yarn with drawings!! Boy, where did my creativity go. To be young and have such a free spirit. Miss my dance classes too.

Spirited Sketches of the Camel

Here is a quick sketch of the camel I promised. How impressed I am with the amount of weight those skinny little legs can withstand!! I will entertain further studies with landscape in oils and will continue to paint this animal's quirky character and amazing strength and posture. The camel conjures up all kinds of memories for me, mostly spiritual with my catholic upbringing. It allows me to muse on the potential of the journey; be it symbolic or one of strength. A vagabond in it's own right, open to roam freely with the spirit of countless gifted passenger's!!

The Painted Horse

This painting was taken from a quick inspirational photo I found. The contrast of the markings on the horse captured my attention, as did the flowing mane and soft chestnut hair. The placement of the mouth may be a little low for the composition but I like the addition of the landscape suggested on top with a high horizon and sky line! I feel him moving downward toward the foreground of the painting!! As I see it, painting the "Painted Horse" was sheer delight.

Animal lovers and Painting Animals

This is my first painting of a dog ever. Tucker was a special border collie my daughter and her boyfriend Zach brought home last year. His sudden death motivated me to paint a lasting memory of his life! He was bold, clever, obsessive and very playful. My husband had an immediate affection for him and soon after everyone loved Tucker. This painting was a catharsis for me, a release of sad emotion and a sense of loss. I felt empowered painting this beautiful pose of this very unique breed of dog. He still had puppy fur and barely broken in pink paws. His spirit will forever live on in all of us. Hopefully Tucker and this painting has inspired me to paint more animals. Animal lovers are special people, they don't ask much from their pets but unconditional love is always given between these two species. Carry on Tucker, I will continue to think about painting more and different kinds of animals. A big warm thank you goes out to my dear friends Elizabeth and Eileen. Butch and I will always remember how much you both did for us on that difficult day!