Day 12 of the 28 in 28 - Shell of a Cake

I haven't paid snails enough attention.  This shortcoming should be remedied as I explore a new series of Hawking's snail.. who is on a bender creating contemporary shells for herself.. Today's experiment is a cupcake.. I do love the spiral shell that snails always sport, but the question occurred to me last week, what if snails could change out their shells, and if they could, what kinds of shells could they choose from.  Turns out the selection is just about endless.  So many possibilities.. I don't think the bender is going to end soon...

Shell of a Cake, oil on panel, 8"x8"
to purchase, please click here

detail of Shell of a Cake.. yum.

Day 26 of the 30 in 30 - "Spool of Gold"

Did you know that juncos are in the sparrow family?  There are 5 types of dark eyed juncos and they range across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.  And they form monogamous relationships... meaning they are one of those rare breeds that mates for life. :) One last little interesting nugget of junco info - They are often called the 'snowbird', as in the eastern U.S. they appear at the start of the winter and then flies north again in the spring!  So, Eastern U.S.-ers... enjoy them while you can, because they'll be gone soon!

Spool of Gold, oil, 6"x6", to purchase click here

Day 24 of the 30 in 30 - "Make 'em Laugh - Cosmo Brown"

When I am feeling inspired to paint my whimsical duck paintings, I am guessing that I am being influenced by my past occupation as a Children's Librarian. I worked as one for just over 6 years and  I have to say that it was truly one of the best jobs I have ever had.  Heck,  I got to choose and read beautifully illustrated books to happy, un-jaded little children every week.  What more could you ask for in a job?  And of course you can't beat the free dissemination of information that public libraries offer and defend every day of their existence.  Public Libraries Rock and don't you forget it.  
The title comes from the classic musical "Singing in the Rain", because at first I thought about titling it "Quacking in the Rain",  but just couldn't bring myself to this level of absurdity... And then I remembered this quote from Cosmo Brown, a character in the movie. -  "No matter what, never lose your sense of humor... keep smiling and make em laugh"... If you haven't seen the musical, check it out.   Its a classic for a reason! And I just remembered, the first time I ever saw this movie, I rented it from the library I was working in!  Yay! Love it when life brings you full  circle...

Make 'em Laugh - Cosmo Brown, oil, 6"x6", to purchase click here

Day 18 of the 30 in 30 - "Family Outing"

I had to revisit the duck family today.  I figured Sunday was a good day to check this sweet little clutch out again as they could be just coming back from church or maybe going to Mom-Mom's... I left this one very gestural as I was pinched and had to limit my time in the studio.  As an aside, it is really a good exercise to sometimes give yourself an hour (only) and finish a painting in that time.  Makes you plan and work efficiently, plus gives some good lessons along the way...

Family Outing, oil, 8"x8", $135, to purchase click here

Day 2 of the 30 in 30 - Little Miss Mei in her mary-janes

Happy Groundhogs day... and, thank you! to those of you who reached out with all your well wishes and good vibes!  Your love is very appreciated.  My guy is getting better day by day, and news from yesterday's appt. was mostly positive. So, whew on that front.

I am just getting around to posting now as today's schedule was also tricky.. another doctor's appt, this time for my teen-aged daughter, plus other Mom duties had me juggling my time.  I'm getting better at managing my time even when things are disjointed but it can be tiring!  I think I am ready for winter to ease up with the sickness, and the cold...  I know I'm not the only parent dealing with this right now, so, love to everyone else out there <3

Yesterday's painting was in honor of my son, so I thought that it was fitting to paint today's in honor of my daughter. She is a very strong and unique young lady who I am so proud of for all she is accomplishing right now.  There is also a soft and love-y side to her that not everyone may know about.. that feeling is what I tried to capture in this painting :)

This one, I can't sell yet either! Sometimes you just have to hold on to a painting for awhile...

Little Miss Mei in her Mary-Janes, NFS

Day 18 September Bird

I love it when a painting comes out better than you'd hoped... Today's bird was this way.. I have been so busy today preparing for my opening tonight that I thought, oh well, I may have to skip today's painting.  But then I got done with all the prep, and was faced with an 1 1/2 hours of extra time... I slipped up to my studio and this guy came out onto the panel... Gotta be thankful for small favors!

September Bird, oil on panel, 6" X 6",
to purchase please click here