Ballet

I love this picture, that my cousin Diane lovingly restored. It was taken at my ballet teacher's house to advertise her dance studio. That is 3 of my brothers, who were in tap dance at the time, wearing their costumes from a recital.

My dream at this age was to become a ballerina. I had my whole life planned in 4th grade: it included learning to speak French (we were taught how to write and say the ballet moves) and learning how to play the piano (they went together in my mind).

I started my lessons in an old building that had once been a theater. It had lovely tall windows that looked out on lilac bushes, we saw as we practiced at the barre. Wide wood plank floors and a wall of mirrors opposite the windows, that reflected the sunlight. Off in the corner, at an angle was an old piano, where our teacher's Mom sat and played. It was wonderful to have live accompaniment. She would play soft music as we imagined ourselves being leaves floating down or lively tunes as we practiced our twirling across the whole length of the room.

Some day I will paint that room as it still lives, wrapped in tissue paper, in my memories.

Sleeping Seed

My latest oil painting shows me how much I miss my garden right now. Like a seed dreaming in the ground during winter time. So many possibilities in one tiny pod. It carries within it the hope of spring and new life.

Seussy Tree

This started out with just random shapes and I worked on the first layer of painting them all in. I let it sit about a week and studied it and then came back and put in all the details that I think helped to tie it all together. I've been looking at "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss" and somehow this reminds me of his playful bright colors. I like it that way, never too bright for me.

Floating Color

Fish are lovely floating colors and so peaceful to watch. Meet Blue II, we gave him this vase we found at Goodwill with some of my son's marble collection to brighten up his watery world. The silly fish spends lots of time at the top when it much more pretty down below.

Botanical Awakening

Latest oil painting still in progress. This last week has been record breaking heat and I've been sick with a bad cold so missing my garden. First good thing I've done in days =]

Living Designs

One of the joys of gardening ( besides getting to play in the dirt!) is walking around the yard and finding flowers that have burst into bloom. Love the textures, the bright colors and how the sunlight emphasizes their beauty. It is so serene to be outside, with the wind blowing in your hair and listening only to the songs of the birds. I happily lose track of all time while I work until.....the first big spider gets too close !..then I take the hint and leave it be ...until the next time.

Iris Dreams

Finally ....came to the realization that I was using the wrong medium for what I was trying to create. After many very Bad acrylic paintings, I pulled out the oils. These colors were chosen mainly because they were the first six tubes that I could get open! With a sigh of relief and true joy I painted this in one evening. Feeling like I just woke up from a long horribly-colored dream.