Mary Gregory

my new website and blog

2012-01-22T22:51:00.002-06:00

I've moved! Please click here to be taken to my beautiful new website and blog.

acrylic prints

2011-12-12T18:49:00.006-06:00

Flock

Three on a Line

Pear

I've been in a whirlwind since August. Fig Marmalade, and all that goes along with it, has kept me busy. Anna and I went to High Point, NC in October and had a good show, met lots of great people and saw beautiful scenery. Now, to get ready for Dallas and Atlanta in January!

A new product for 2012 is acrylic prints. The image is printed directly onto the back side of clear acrylic so that you're viewing it through the acrylic. They really are beautiful and lend themselves to a modern space or mix well with antiques. There are 12 images available and two sizes: 10" and 20".

And...a new website is on its way. These prints, along with some new items, will be up and running soon. Stay tuned!

amber's toms

2011-08-29T11:39:00.005-05:00

My friend, Becky, who is turning out to be my best customer!, ordered yet another pair of toms, these for her daughter-in-law. Amber requested crowns and flourishes, a departure from my usual birds and butterflies. I was glad to get out of my routine and do something different. I think they turned out pretty cute and Amber needs good, cute shoes to chase after her cute, little toddler.

{I am really slacking in the picture-taking department. The lighting is terrible on these, and the last post's pics were taken at Pack and Mail with my phone. Life is a little hectic these days.}

bethany's toms

2011-08-29T11:32:00.003-05:00

These toms were painted for a special little girl who likes birds, these colors, and dancing. I think she did an excellent job with the color palette and I hope she dances her way through life in her new TOMS.

fig marmalade {aprons}

2011-08-24T20:28:00.003-05:00

Fig Marmalade offers two types of aprons: full aprons, made of ticking stripe, and utility, or half aprons, made of natural twill. My paintings are printed on the pockets. Both make the job or chore more pleasant!

fig marmalade {box prints}

2011-08-23T20:43:00.006-05:00

Another Fig Marmalade product...Box Prints. I print an image of my oil painting onto canvas and stretch it across a 4 inch deep wooden frame wrapped in jute webbing. A great way to add color and interest to a wall or shelf. Especially nice in a grouping. You know the saying, "The cobbler's children have no shoes?" Well, this artist has had no box prints displayed in her environment until last week. I am so very pleased at how they look on my studio wall. It makes me happy every time I walk in.

{click here to see more design options and to purchase}

rock, scissors, paperweights

2011-08-01T14:13:00.004-05:00

Okay, I know that's not exactly how it goes, but it seems to fit my latest art project. I used terra cotta clay and majolica glaze to make the pieces that I attached to river rocks; an idea that's been floating around in my head for a while and finally came out. I like how the shiny glaze contrasts with the smooth, natural rock. And, I have a thing about paperweights and other old-fashioned desk and writing accessories. The finer things from another era.

fig marmalade...officially launched!

2011-07-30T09:08:00.011-05:00

Fig Marmalade...a tangy spread of artful goods, officially launched at the Dallas Market Center in June. My daughter, Anna, and I made that trip and one to AmericasMart in Atlanta in July. Both shows were great and we are loving meeting our new customers and the other exhibitors. Here are some pictures of our Dallas booth:

{aprons}

{pillows}

{box prints}

{me and anna}

{more pillows}

{tea towels}

{totes}

{wine bags and utility aprons}

Next stop...High Point, North Carolina, in October!

the orchard

2011-05-22T22:38:00.002-05:00

We've talked about planting fruit trees for the last five years. Finally, on the windiest, hottest day this Spring, we did it. I'm not kidding...it was 101 degrees and the wind was blowing 100 miles per hour. I am sure it was no less than 100. Okay, maybe 60. We planted 7 peach, 1 plum, 2 apricot, and 2 fig. Only the thought of those juicy, delicious peaches kept us going. I should say, kept me going. David does not stop until the job is done. I, on the other hand, need lots of motivation. Fresh peaches will do it.

One fig. That's all. But, it carries the promise of a bountiful harvest someday. My mouth is watering. The figs will be for marmalade, but the best way to eat peaches is right by the tree, warm from the sun, juice running down your chin. Pure goodness.

I should show you the sequence of pictures I took trying to get this picture. Very funny. I am saving them for when I need a laugh. It was so windy (have I said how windy it was?) our hats kept flapping and flying off. I could hardy hold my phone out and push the button. David was not happy about the number of tries it took to come out with a decent picture. He will dig however many holes he needs to, but he will not stand still for however many pictures I need to take. We weren't laughing at the time (well, I was), but we are now :)

lala's toms

2011-05-16T22:12:00.003-05:00

My great aunt, Lala, just celebrated her 97th birthday and this is what I gave her. She loved my painted toms and dropped a hint by making sure I knew her shoe size. She loves birds and the color yellow, so this goldfinch on the ash grey toms is perfect. I wish I could see them on her. It's time to plan a trip to Arkansas!

{Why is this photo so small? I've used pictures from my phone before and they've been the right size. Well, you'll just have to use a magnifying glass to see the shoes because, after three tries, I obviously can't fix it.}

off we go

2011-05-12T07:53:00.000-05:00

I'll be at the Hico Antiques Fair, Friday and Saturday, with my good friends, JoCarol and Carol. The Love Boat (big white Excursion) and trailer are packed full. All of this to go into a 10'x12' booth space. Sounds impossible, but I guarantee we will make it work. If we can stop laughing long enough to get it set up. We laugh a lot. A whole lot. It makes what we go through getting ready for one of these worth it. It's only a two hour drive from Abilene, so come over - I hear it is a great show and a good time!

See you there!

home

2011-04-21T12:40:00.005-05:00

This is the spot where we built our house. Looking at this painting makes me wonder if we should have left it alone. We have cluttered it up. It's still pretty, but now there are cars, a fence, water hoses, a driveway, cats, dogs, bird feeders, people. All the things that go along with a house. Laughter, good times, gatherings, memories, friends, family, love. That, too.

this would be pretty...

2011-04-17T13:04:00.008-05:00

if it weren't so tragic. Will the entire state burn up before the wildfires are contained? No rain. So dry. And the wind. It is relentless. A fire broke out last summer on the property next to us and burned about 15 acres. Knowing the strength and stamina that it took to put out that small fire, coupled with the fact that breathing was sometimes impossible, multiplying that by thousands, makes it hard to fathom what the firefighters are living through. Some don't. PRAY FOR RAIN!

On the bright side, I can hang my husband's jeans outside and they're dry in 15 minutes. {Ladybird is concerned, too.}

But, not overly so.

if you're a cow...

2011-04-14T21:54:00.005-05:00

you want to live at our house. They have it made. In the shade. They are content because they've just finished off the last of my daylilies.

round bales in sunflowers

2011-04-03T15:59:00.002-05:00

We were driving home one evening and saw this field of sunflowers with round bales. It was truly a beautiful sight and I wish I could have captured it just as it was. Here is my attempt and even though it is lacking, it makes me happy to look at it.

indigo bunting

2011-03-28T11:52:00.004-05:00

sold

This indigo bunting was on our back fence and was startling with its bright, solid blue coloring. I've not seen one before or since he and his mate came around last Spring. They were here for a short time, gave us a little thrill and went on their way. Spring is coming and I'll be keeping watch. That is one of the keys to receiving blessings...just look for them. They are everywhere!

bess's lamp

2011-03-19T21:48:00.005-05:00

This lamp belonged to my great-grandmother, Bess. The shade isn't the original, but when I saw it in Uncommon Objects in Austin, I knew it would be perfect, as is, on this special lamp. Together, it's one of my favorite things.

framed eggs

2011-03-18T23:17:00.003-05:00

Birds' eggs are tiny, fragile little jewels. I enjoyed working on these and marveled at the detail and perfection of each one.

karen's toms

2011-03-17T10:51:00.004-05:00

I can't remember why, but I'm sure there is a good reason that the only pictures I got of these were taken in my car with my phone. What in the world?!

more pillows

2011-03-17T10:29:00.004-05:00

These two are large - 20 x 26 and 22 x 22 - and look great, if I do say so myself, on a sofa or bed.

eggs

2011-03-08T10:08:00.003-06:00

I painted these eggs on old ivory piano keys. Once again, combining my love of music and nature. I've got 13 framed and ready to photograph. I'll post pictures of them as soon as I take them.

Happy almost-Spring!

my new venture...

2011-02-28T12:27:00.013-06:00

I am launching a line of goods featuring my artwork! It will include pillows made of burlap and pillow ticking, purses and tote bags, aprons, cup towels and whatever-else tickles my fancy. I will officially launch in June at Dallas and Atlanta markets. Here's a sneak peak:

The paintings {this is my calf, Gingersnap} are printed onto canvas and top-stitched onto old-time-y pillow ticking, French ticking, and burlap. I love the mix of old and new: the nostalgic fabric and my more modern artwork.

I call this one "Look Up."

Isn't the back nice? Molly made my prototypes and I couldn't be more pleased.

My goodies and I will be here!!! Along with my faithful friend and cheerleader, JoCarol. Come if you can!

{about the name} my great aunt, Lala, used to make fig preserves (her mother's recipe) with citrus peel in it. She didn't call it fig marmalade, but according to recipes I found on-line, fig preserves with citrus peel is fig marmalade. I like the farmhouse feeling that homemade preserves suggests and it is fitting that I would name my line of goods with Lala in mind. She is an artist and has always encouraged me in all my artistic endeavors. Roxanne, with the endless ideas waiting just below the surface for a reason to come out, came up with the tag-line. That was a fun day, brain-storming on her pretty porch.

{about the logo} Beth is the talented graphic designer, she is also Roxanne's daughter, who came up with the perfect combination of vintage and fresh. She exceeded my expectations and was such a joy to work with that I hope to have more reasons to hire her in the future!

this is my Father's world...

2011-02-16T10:46:00.004-06:00

The weather has been especially harsh lately and I am a wimp, so I have not been going out for my usual walks. This morning was 50 degrees and foggy so I set out with a song in my heart and saw wondrous things::

a live oak in a field of waving, orange grass,

the last bit of dew clinging to these berries,

dried seed pods that look like silvery, gray petunias,

tall, dried, sculptural flowers,

this bare tree nestled in the dried broomweed,

the fog lifting and sunlight shining behind this tangle of vines and berries.

...He shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

more toms

2011-02-09T20:11:00.005-06:00

hannah's toms

Hannah's mom ordered these for her for Christmas. What a great idea!

taylor's toms

Taylor requested a doodle look for her toms with some specific elements...hearts, peace signs, and palm trees, etc - she lives on the coast. These were fun, though time-consuming.

We're freezing here and, although I love my Uggs, I can't wait for TOMS weather!

winter

2011-01-13T21:31:00.004-06:00

I was browsing through photos and came across some snowy pictures from last year. I believe we had four or five big snows and I took lots of pictures, downloaded them, but never really looked at them. This particular freeze frosted the trees, but not the ground and I love the way the golden brown grass and the frosty, silver trees look together. It hardly looks real, but this photo is not edited at all.

Nature is gift upon gift...the loveliest scenes, or even the most ordinary, are constantly changing with the weather and the light. More evidence of a loving God who delights in delighting us!

autumn

2010-11-23T11:24:00.006-06:00

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. -Stanley Horowitz

Thank you, Father, for delighting us with the beauty of Your creation everyday of the year and so sweetly giving evidence of Your existence and unconditional love.

nesting

2010-11-18T08:21:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast-approaching and I feel as if I just wrote these same words a few weeks ago...but it was last year. Time really does fly. It is nice to be able to capture a moment in time and hold it for a while.

Wishing you bountiful blessings and special moments this holiday season.

gingersnap

2010-11-01T21:36:00.004-05:00

This is my little calf, Gingersnap, nibbling at the rose bushes outside my studio. See why I can't get any work done?! One animal or another is always doing something cute and causing me to get side-tracked.

tufted titmouse redo

2010-10-15T22:21:00.002-05:00

...and here he is with his new yellow/green background.

moth

2010-10-15T22:04:00.003-05:00

This huge moth was in our backyard and my husband, knowing me so well, called me out there to see it. I couldn't wait to paint it. When I showed it to my 96 year-old great aunt, she identified it, but I will need to look it up to see how to spell it.

brave little wren

2010-10-15T22:00:00.003-05:00

This is kind of a stylized wren, but I think he's cute and has spunk. Wrens are some of my favorite birds because they are so brave and friendly. They sing a beautiful song, too.

look up

2010-10-15T14:00:00.005-05:00

This sweet little bird was on my bird bath and serves as a reminder to look up. It just so happens to illustrate a verse my friend, Beverly, sent to me this morning, "He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." Ecclesiastes 5:20

When life gets you down....look up.

blake's toms

2010-10-12T19:20:00.003-05:00

Another pair of TOMS. These were for a teenage girl who loves music and these colors. I'm so thankful for my girls who are always available to advise me on younger, hipper looks than I would be able to come up with. Thanks, Lily!

tufted titmouse

2010-10-01T13:16:00.007-05:00

I am feeling pretty smart right now. My paintings are small enough that I can scan them - I don't have to photograph and download them. Maybe I will post more often. I can see that I will need to crop the shadow in the future. I'm not sure I love the pink background. It was blue and I didn't love that, either. Any suggestions? We have lots of these little birds at the feeders and they are so sweet with their big, bright eyes.

technical difficulties...

2010-09-30T16:52:00.008-05:00

I really have been painting and working hard, but the problem is that the only pictures I've taken have been with my iPhone. And it is beyond me how to get them from there to here. So...until I figure it out or take more pictures with a different camera, I thought you might enjoy one of the loveliest things I've ever seen. This lily pond is in a friend's backyard (thank you for sharing it, Janice) and the dragonfly and lilies are real! Beautiful, is it not?

priorities

2010-08-16T11:37:00.005-05:00

Peachy Keen, 6x6 in., oil

Stacked Up, 6x6 in., oil

More Cherries, 6x6 in., oil

It's been a busy, busy summer, but I'm managing to paint some. Whoever came up with the idea of setting priorities was onto something. Like right now, my priority is to post on my blog and eat the fresh, Texas-grown cantaloupe we bought from the nice man beside the road. And...I got it done! Lots of things don't get done, but the really important ones do. More priority paintings coming soon!

pretty pepper

2010-08-05T21:46:00.004-05:00

Roxanne and I are challenging each other to paint everyday. We've done pretty well so far. The first day, I painted this and texted it to her, calling it 'Not a Pumpkin.' She texted her painting back to me and called it, 'Not a Pepper.' She had painted a pumpkin! Neither of us had any idea what the other was painting that day. So funny!

dana's toms

2010-08-05T21:24:00.007-05:00

Dana and I were friends in Dimmitt Elementary School. We haven't seen each other since those grade school days because she moved away. Now, we're facebook friends and she saw the Toms I posted there. She, who must be a really fun shoe-person, immediately ordered some and had them shipped to me. She gave me free reign, but said she liked bright colors. Dana is a school teacher and I want her to have them for the first day of school. Even though we were little, I knew that Dana was a true-blue kind of friend and I can only imagine what a blessing she is to her students. I hope her new shoes lighten her steps and take her to fun, happy places.

three of a kind

2010-08-01T17:02:00.004-05:00

Three of a Kind, 6x6 in., oil on linen

Finally! Once again, I've let life throw me completely out of rhythm and gone way too long without painting. The two attempts before this one were not good and I really believed I had forgotten how. I've been stewing and agonizing for weeks, just to give you an idea of how happy I am right this moment, and am so relieved that 'I'm back!'

more toms

2010-07-29T18:55:00.004-05:00

I am having fun with Toms! And, I especially love the fact that a child gets a pair every time I buy a pair.

toms

2010-07-27T11:28:00.008-05:00

My friend's daughter, Meredith, wore white Toms in her wedding. She asked me to paint on them and here they are. This was a fun project and I'm going to buy myself a pair today. The hard part will be deciding what to paint on them.

If you don't know about Toms, click on the link to find out more. For every pair sold, a pair is given to a child in need. A very cute way to help. And, if you want yours painted, I'll do it!

my "new" house

2010-07-15T12:01:00.004-05:00

After an outdoor painting session, Roxanne and I headed into my house for something to drink and I mentioned to her my dissatisfation with my furniture arrangement. I have one of those large, open spaces that I just couldn't get to "feel" right. Well...that's all it took for Roxanne's creative juices to start percolating. The more she looked and talked, the more excited we both got. She came out the next day and spent the entire day gathering and rearranging my things. We didn't buy a thing, just used what I had plus a couple of branches that we went down the road and cut. It was so much fun! Being with Roxanne when she is in creative mode, which is all the time, is like being at Six Flags. It's a thrill. And, I love how my house feels now. I'm enjoying all the things I've collected over the years in a whole new way. Thank you, Roxanne! There is more to show you and I'll post more pictures soon.

anna's wedding

2010-07-07T12:57:00.006-05:00

Here are a few photos of the wedding on the photographer's blog. Such a wonderful, happy night. Oh, and when you're on her blog, scroll down to see the bridal portraits.

Hoping to be painting and blogging soon!

happily ever after

2010-06-14T12:24:00.004-05:00

Our youngest daughter, Anna, was married last weekend in an outdoor wedding at our home. All the months of preparation and it was over in the blink of an eye. Just some remains of the day are left...and, most importantly, a happy marriage.

I'll post pictures soon.

introducing...

2010-05-23T22:19:00.010-05:00

...Gingersnap! We went out-of-town last weekend and I left my neighbor, Becky, in charge of our little farmyard. She called me and said that our neighbor on the other side, Mr Cox, called her and said that our momma cow and her calf were separated and needed to be back together. Well, she thought what I would have thought...Cookie's year-old calf , Kitten, had gotten out. She came and checked and they were together. The next day, she got another phone call from Mr Cox saying that the calf really needed to be with its momma. Again, she came and looked and Cookie and Kitten were together. We were confused. Adding to the confusion was his comment that the calf was brown. Brown? Our cows are black and white.

I calculated the time between getting her from the sale barn til now....about nine months. Could Cookie have had a baby? The vet who checked her when I bought her said she was definitely NOT pregnant. But, if Mr Cox says there is a brown calf, there is a brown calf!

Now, I'm frantic.....a baby calf, not with it's momma. That is not good. Becky is on her way home from town and assures me that she'll go right over and look for it. In the meantime, I call Mr Cox who says, "You have a calf. I just saw it back on your side of the fence with it's momma." We have a calf!

When I got home, I went to the Cox's to take them more eggs (that's another story) and thank them for looking out for things while we were gone. He asked me how Becky got the calf back in our fence. When I told him that Becky didn't do it, didn't even know there was a new calf, he and Mrs Cox just about fell over laughing. He never knew that Becky (and us) didn't know what the heck he was talking about!

About the eggs...on my way out of town, I put two dozen of them in a basket on the Cox's front porch. By the time they found them, something had gotten into them and broken 20 of them on their porch. All over the porch. Do you think maybe the Coxes are wishing we'd move back to town? When I asked them that question, Mr Cox's pretty, blue eyes twinkled and he said, "No, this is fun!"

Do we have the BEST neighbors, or what?

Thank you, Becky, Jackson, Alvin and Ruth!

happy eggs

2010-04-24T08:54:00.004-05:00

Just pictures today of one of my good chickens, Louella, and lots of pretty eggs. From the coop to the kitchen...pure goodness.

empty nest

2010-04-18T20:51:00.004-05:00

"Empty Nest" 6x6in. oil

...what I am about to have....

ladybird

2010-04-17T20:45:00.012-05:00

Since I don't have any artwork to show you right now, I'll tell you about Ladybird. We live about 3o miles out in the country and as I was driving home late one night last fall, I could vaguely see something in the road ahead. I slowed down and as I passed by, two big, brown eyes looked right at me through the car window. I pulled over and got out, but couldn't see anything. Before I knew it, this big Bassett hound had jumped into the driver's seat of my car and wouldn't budge. I tried to get her out to put her in the back seat, but she was NOT getting out. She was very upset...crying! There were no houses nearby and it was too late to knock on doors anyway, so I shoved (heaved) her over to the passenger seat and did what I always do.....I took her home. The next day, I ran an ad in the paper, but no one ever called to claim her. It was pretty obvious that she had been dumped, not an uncommon thing out here, sadly.

I really was not looking for another dog to keep at this time - we had plenty of pets already. So, I had her spayed and began looking for a good home for her. Months went by with no takers. Everyday, we got more and more attached, of course. She was a good dog from the start, except for being terribly distraught, but soon became one of the best dogs we've ever had. I can't imagine life without her...she is so funny just to look at and makes us laugh with her comical ways.

She's a good watch dog...

for about 10 minutes at a time.

She helps with chores...

Plays well with others...

But, this is mostly what she does....my kind of dog!

special gift

2010-03-26T07:54:00.003-05:00

My blog friend, Flower, knows how much I envy her her woods and moss; something they have a lot of in Oregon and we have none of in West Texas. So she sent me a box full of it! As I opened it, the sweet, moist smell of earth and forest filled the room and I was transported. I've made a terrarium, something I used to do as a long time ago, and I hope it will last in this moist, humid environment. The white violets and johnny-jump-ups were blooming when it first arrived. They are thriving, so maybe they will bloom again. I doesn't matter, though. The joy of having this little world on my table, lifting the lid for a whiff of one of my favorite smells is plenty good enough for me. Thank you, Flower, and thank you God, for the beauty of your earth down to the tiniest detail, even the ground beneath our feet.

new piano keys

2010-03-20T17:01:00.006-05:00

I thought it would be nice to try some other subjects on piano keys besides butterflies. These three are a result of that idea. I will definitely be trying other things in the future. The bird at the top was from a photo I took of a bird perched on an iron hanging basket on my front porch. It was back-lit in the photo and I liked how the silhouette looked so painted it that way. These will be available at The William and Joseph Gallery in Santa Fe.

I guess it's obvious that I'm ready for Spring........Spring-y subject matter lately. Today is supposedly the first day of Spring, but it couldn't feel less like it - freezing, windy and dark. Surely, not for long.........

Almost Empty

2010-03-12T13:44:00.007-06:00

"Almost Empty" 6x6 in.

This is the same little wren's nest that I used in the previous nest painting. Isn't it amazing how color and lighting change the mood? The possibilities (one of my favorite words) are endless. Sorry about the reflection in the photo...should have taken a better one, but....I'd rather start another painting.

flycatcher

2010-03-11T12:00:00.003-06:00

Two years ago, a family of swallows built a nest on our back porch. Last year, a family of flycatchers moved in and raised their young. The day the babies perched on the edge of the nest and the parents fussed and fussed at them to jump, I put all the dogs and cats in the house to give them as good a chance as possible to make it. They all did and the whole family has stayed around and are doing as their name implies, I hope; catching flies. On a cold, drizzly day, this one perched on a branch in the rain long enough for me to take lots of pictures.

(I'm not 100% sure this is a flycatcher. There is not as much yellow on its breast as in the field guide photo. Maybe because it's winter. If you know exactly what kind of bird it is, please let me know.)

nest

2010-03-10T16:24:00.008-06:00

Here's a little sample of what I've been up to. David found this tiny nest on the ground (we'd never take one out of a tree...the birds sometimes reuse nests from year to year) and brought it to me to either paint or put in my "dead area" as he calls it. I call it my nature collection. Whatever you want to call it, he finds the best things to put in it.

p.s. The eggs did not come with it. These porcelain eggs are just filling in. Hopefully, the little wrens that hatched in this nest will be back in the Spring.

jewelry

2010-02-14T22:25:00.004-06:00

I have a few pieces of jewelry that I am putting up for sale in my etsy shop. This one is a glass locket with an original oil painting inside. One side shows a pretty nest and the other, the word "nest." It is sterling silver with real pearls and gemstone. Adjustable from 16"-18".

I hope you (if you live near me) are enjoying the beautiful winter we're having. Five snows! Very unusual for us and I've enjoyed every minute of it. However, I am ready for some sunshine. Anytime now would be fine.

butterflies

2010-01-17T21:37:00.006-06:00

sold

I haven't posted pictures of my butterflies in a while, so here you go. They are painted on antique ivory piano keys. I use oils and it takes up to 7 thin layers of paint to complete each one. Very tiny and tedious. Every time I paint them I say these are the last ones, then I forget and start up again. I love music and nature and it makes me happy to combine the two in this way. I just delivered several to River Oaks Gallery in Abilene so there is a pretty good selection at this time. Better hurry - these could be the last.......but I doubt it :)

winter bird

2010-01-13T10:56:00.003-06:00

Just a pretty winter scene for you today. We've had three beautiful snows this year
and I've spent quite a bit of time at the window with my camera. The view changes every second and I don't want to miss a thing.

Ring Around the Rosy

2009-12-29T15:48:00.010-06:00

Click here to bid. sold

How do people paint and get ready for Christmas? I do not know. For me, it's one or the other. I'm enjoying Christmas more after the fact than before. All the hectic-ness is over and this week between Christmas and the New Year is always a nice reprieve for us. It has snowed twice, which slows things down even more. My favorite Christmas present: time to be still and quiet, time to reflect on God's goodness and what Christ did for all of us...every living soul.

Happiness

2009-12-10T19:06:00.003-06:00

Click here to bid.

This was a fun painting to do. I have a very large collection of pretty paper and it's about time I use it up (so I can buy more!) I call it Happiness because I was happy working on it and it makes me happy to look at it. I hope it does you, too.

Slice of Summer

2009-12-09T22:58:00.004-06:00

sold

Click here to bid.

It's freezing here and I'm longing for the days of flip-flops and cantaloupe. And eating cherries on the front porch, spitting the seeds out into the yard, hoping a tree will come up...

Turnip

2009-12-08T19:08:00.005-06:00

Click here to bid.

I don't have a lot to say about this painting except that I love turnips and I love these colors together!

In and Out

2009-12-07T15:49:00.003-06:00

Click here to bid.

Limes. One of my favorite fruits. I love it squeezed in my water, all over any kind of Mexican food, and especially in a real fruit, pulp-and-all popsicle. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Bucket of Roses

2009-12-06T20:26:00.004-06:00

Sold

Click to bid.

I made this arrangement for my daughter's graduation party several years ago and painted the picture from a photo. I always liked these colors together.

Out Back

2009-12-05T17:06:00.002-06:00

Click here to bid.

This round bale is in the meadow behind my house. I love how it looks in all kinds of weather and have countless pictures of it in snow, fog, etc. This picture was painted in the late afternoon when the sun was lighting up the tops of the grass in front of the bale.

Bathing Beauty

2009-12-03T11:36:00.009-06:00

sold I finally did it. I've opened an eBay store and will begin listing my paintings for auction as I get them painted. It is time to get serious about my painting career (other than just in my mind) and this is the next step. This painting is my first listing. And this post is my trial run for linking, etc. Here we go........

in with the old

2009-11-16T22:24:00.009-06:00

"Antique Breeze" 6"x6", oil, $120. Available at River Oaks Gallery, Abilene Tx

I love old things, usually more than new. Old fans are prettier and quieter. This one reminds me of spending the night at my grandmother's house with my cousins when we were really little. We'd all sleep in the same bed, facing the same direction, scratching each other's backs. Then, everyone would turn over and repeat. I think Mamaw was always in the middle so that her back got scratched from both directions. She deserved it. Window open, fan blowing, sweet memories....

new mexico apple

2009-11-16T16:33:00.008-06:00

"New Mexico Apple" oil, 6"x6" $120. sold

My daughter and her fiance' brought a sack of apples back from his hometown in New Mexico this fall. I nabbed this one because of the still-attached leaves and it waited patiently in my refrigerator until I had time to paint it. Too pretty to eat.

roses from my garden

2009-10-19T18:07:00.003-05:00

My rose garden is bursting forth with blooms these days and I am loving having fresh flowers on the table all the time. And the smell! The Peace rose is intoxicating. Enjoy...

foggy morning

2009-10-15T22:00:00.005-05:00

The mornings lately have been like this. I love how the weather changes the landscape and hope to paint some of these foggy scenes soon.

This (above) is my favorite.

My studio with its new yellow door.

Cookie and Kitten.

Minnie Mae is always so accommodating - posing just right. Oops...I forgot about my empty pots. Add to tomorrow's list.

By the time I had walked all over the property with my camera, I was as dewy as this rose.

new and improved

2009-10-01T14:48:00.005-05:00

sold

Well, I just couldn't let the cow rest in peace. It never felt finished so, even though the photo I was painting from showed smooth, new grass and no shadows (the morning was hazy), after lots of contemplation and good advice from my art teacher, Paul Friske, artistic license was taken, texture and shadows added. Here is the finished cow. May she rest in peace.

finally...

2009-09-14T19:58:00.003-05:00

"Breakfast" oil, 8x10

...a finished painting. After all this time. The photo is crooked - the horizon line is straight in the painting and I probably should have waited and taken a better one, but I'm impatient and ready to get back in the swing of things. This is my first attempt at a cow and I really enjoyed it so I will do more, I'm sure.

happy news

2009-08-28T13:44:00.005-05:00

Our family is about to be blessed with another wonderful son! Garrett proposed to Anna at a picnic on our farm that he carefully planned and prepared.

Off they went with a picnic basket full of goodies and a ring in Garrett's pocket. (We weren't spying. Really, we weren't. But I knew she'd want a picture.)

The charm bracelet, which he gave her first, spells out "Marry Me," but she was too excited to read it. On to the next step. Down on his knee, he asked.

She said yes!

We are planning a June 5th wedding for this sweet couple and are thanking God for His goodness and good gifts.

the girls

2009-08-27T20:18:00.002-05:00

Besides our pretty cows, we also have pretty chickens. Don't I have great subject matter for paintings? Soon, they will be laying pretty eggs; blue, green, yellow and brown. More food to paint, then eat.

my cows

2009-08-26T21:40:00.009-05:00

My husband called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me that our cow-man friend, Garland, knew of some cows for sale just like I've always wanted; Oreo cows. They were at a sale barn about an hour from here and would be auctioned off the next day, possibly headed for the meat packing plant! I wish I could have bought them all, but could only bring these two home, a mother and baby which I have named Cookie and Kitten. Aren't they pretty? As with all our animals, they are now spoiled rotten. I can hardly step out the door without them right by my side mooing for cow cubes. They sleep just outside the front yard fence like great big dogs. They are supposed to help with the mowing though I can't see much progress.

But aren't they pretty?

happiness

2009-08-25T14:56:00.002-05:00

"Happiness" mixed media, 6"x6" $60.00

I haven't picked up a brush in weeks so thought it wise to warm up with something fun and easy. I used paper from my huge collection, oil paints and pastels. Had a lot of fun and can't wait to get in the studio and do some more.

art opening

2009-08-10T16:20:00.003-05:00

Austin, me, and Becky in front of her beautiful mural-size painting.

A great turn-out - over 200 people.

Here, you can see Becky's work on the back wall, mine on the right and Austin's pieces on pedestals.

It was such a fun evening...lots of food and good friends. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and thank you to all who have supported and helped me in so many different ways. Family and friends are two of God's best gifts!

opening reception

2009-08-04T16:26:00.007-05:00

"Slice of Summer" oil, 6"x8" $130.00 framed

Hello, everyone! Austin, Becky and I are having a reception to open our show at River Oaks Gallery in Abilene Frame 'n' Art Shop, Friday, August 7th, from 6:30-8:00. Lots of pretty things to look at, nice people to mingle with, and good food to eat. We would love to see you there.

bird bath

2009-07-16T18:31:00.009-05:00

"Bathing Beauty" oil, 6"x6" $120.00 framed

This bathing beauty was at the bird bath in my backyard. Cowbirds are not my favorite, but she sat there a long time and I got lots of good pictures of her. She makes a good subject. She just better leave the painted buntings alone! They have a bit of a competition over food and nests.

my house

2009-07-10T23:05:00.004-05:00

I painted my house the other day. No, I didn't paint the house - just a picture of it. I've said before that I love houses and had hopes of becoming an architect when I was younger. My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Allsup, used to stay after school to look at the house plans with me that I had cut out of the Sunday paper. Wasn't that nice of her? I'll never forget it. Anyway, it became apparent that architecture might not be my thing (math: bad) so I'm happy just painting pictures of houses. No math.

grain elevator

2009-06-27T15:43:00.003-05:00

sold

Another landscape for today. Hope you are having a great weekend. We're cleaning out the garage - which doesn't make for a great weekend, but it will be great to have a clean garage.

yellow-headed blackbirds

2009-06-26T11:35:00.005-05:00

"Flock" oil, 6"x8" SOLD

My friend, Trudy, spotted these birds in her yard, knocked the screen out of her window and took a picture. Way to go, Trudy! These birds do not live here and were just passing through. So glad she looked out the window when she did and caught these pretty visitors.

round bale

2009-06-25T18:02:00.005-05:00

This round bale of hay is in the pasture behind my house and I love how it looks out there. It is about to fall apart so I knew I'd better paint it soon. I plan to make a few more attempts at it before it's gone and forgotten.

red pepper

2009-06-22T10:54:00.004-05:00

SOLD

Another vegetable. I feel more like the food network than a painter because I want to tell you about the hummus I made and ate with the pepper. It was delicious. Okay, back to painting...this pepper was almost luminous and so juicy - I hope it looks that way.

turnip on polka dots

2009-06-21T14:30:00.005-05:00

Here is a turnip for you. Pretty to look at and good to eat. If you've never tried them, you should. My sister-in-law, Kristina, makes the best.

western kingbird

2009-06-16T14:11:00.006-05:00

SOLD

I'm an avid bird/nature watcher so it is only natural they/it will find their way into my paintings. I am having fun trying new things, but have to admit to suffering when things don't turn out. That is where painting everyday comes in - it is easier to be emotionally detached when you know you will start another one tomorrow :)

crepe myrtle

2009-06-12T17:01:00.002-05:00

This was a bit of a challenge and I can see things I'd change, but in order to paint a picture everyday (or almost), I'm moving on. Well, for now anyway. I know I'll try to fix it someday.

just picked

2009-06-10T11:11:00.015-05:00

"Just Picked" 6"x8" oil SOLD

This is the first painting I've done on my own since the workshop. I kept hearing Carol say, "Paint everyday" "Don't be afraid" "Squint." So, that's what I did. Imagine my surprise when it turned out the way I'd hoped. This radish was straight out of the garden. I had just washed off the dirt and it was shiny and the prettiest red. It tasted good, too.

new art

2009-06-10T10:40:00.007-05:00

SOLD

value studies:

brush stroke excercise:

for fun:

SOLD

To say that I am excited would be the understatement of the year. I just got back from Carol Marine's workshop and am on a cloud. I feel as if the door has been unlocked and flung open and that I can finally, bravely walk through it and pursue this life-long artistic dream of mine. Thanks to Carol, one of the nicest, most helpful, knowledgeable, talented people I've ever met. And, thanks to the fun, nice fellow-artists in my group. I'm pretty sure it's unanimous - Carol is a wonderful teacher and we all learned a lot and had a great time! I know I speak for Roxanne - has she ever NOT had a great time?

see ya later

2009-06-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

My friend and neighbor, Becky, and I walk 4.5 miles as many mornings as possible on our country road and these coneflowers are blooming along the way. I worked hard scratching the soil and throwing out a pound of coneflower seed all over our property and have yet to see any sign of them. These grow in the rocky caliche beside the road and have never been tended to or cared for in any way. I'm sure there is a lesson here or an analogy of some sort, but since I have a million things to do this morning, I'll just leave that thought with you and let you put your own spin on it.

Roxanne and I are hitting the road in the morning - 5:30 (i WILL be ready) - and heading to Salado for a 3-day painting workshop. We signed up months ago and are excited to finally be on our way. We plan to return with new knowledge and skill! And maybe a treasure or two (Salado has great shops). Probably a funny story or...ten. Good food under our belts. Great memories........You know, all the things that come with a girl trip.

I hope your weekend is equally fun and full of goodness!

sunflower

2009-06-02T09:31:00.001-05:00

I watered the flowers on my patio last evening and then sat down to enjoy the view. The sun was setting and shining through this sunflower that came up on its own in one of the pots and the reflection in the water puddle caught my eye. Double delight!

paintings

2009-06-01T08:52:00.001-05:00

"Good Morning, Sunshine"

"Sheep May Safely Graze"

"Flower Farm"

Here are some finished paintings. These will be in Paul Friske's student show at the Abilene Frame and Art Gallery through the month of June. There are a lot of great pieces in this show - I was impressed with what I saw when I dropped mine off. (Shadows on the last photo are because I took it in the back of my car on the way. And the sheep in the second photo don't look so bright in real life.)

dogwood

2009-05-21T07:04:00.001-05:00

This dogwood tree is in a moss-covered corner of my great-aunt's yard in Arkansas. She has what she calls her haven chair right beside the window looking out at this tree, a bird feeder and bath, and a little flower bed planted strategically in view from her chair. Lala is 95 and has all the aches and pains that come with age, but she has shown me that, when you are forced to slow down from "doing," you can still participate in life by watching, praying, caring...a good lesson and one I hope I remember when I'm 95.

blue-eyed grass

2009-05-19T08:48:00.001-05:00

Just a quick little post to say hello and to make sure you don't forget about me! It's been a very busy time -all good - and I can't seem to blog and do anything else at the same time. I admire you people who can to do it all!

I've posted before about wildflowers and how much I love them, but this one is my very favorite. I'm not sure why except that they are the prettiest blue and so tiny. They are hard to see in the tall grass, but when you find one, it is a little thrill.

Enjoy your day and all the little thrills it may hold!

cows

2009-03-28T13:08:00.001-05:00

I left for Austin early one morning and this was the scene that made me stop the car and pull out my camera.

There are not many things more peaceful and pastoral than grazing cattle.

I think this one wanted to get in with me and go. I was tempted...

This one is my favorite; the bright, green, new grass...the trees and hills turning from green to blue as they recede into the horizon...the big, blue sky. You can almost see forever.

Talk about happy cows...and a happy me!

anna's birthday "card"

2009-03-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

When you live far, far from town, you have (get) to be creative if you are not extremely organized. Which I'm not. But, thankfully, I'm usually glad when I've gotten myself in a mess and have to get myself out creatively. This was the situation on my daughter's birthday (back in November). She loves to bake and play the piano - thus the cupcake and musical butterflies. Her room in her apartment is brown and blue and she loves pink. I covered the back of the painting with the same paper the butterflies are made of and made a pocket where we placed our sentiments and some money (which she requested for clothes). Whew...I think she liked it!

cupcakes and sweet peas

2009-03-18T08:53:00.000-05:00

This is old news, but worth sharing...David and I spent Valentine's Day in Austin. We walked along South Congress where there are neat shops and good restaurants. Ate lunch at Guerro's Taco Bar - the best fish tacos I've ever tasted!

Strolled past a little grocery called Farm to Market and David bought me these sweet, sweet peas. Here they are in a water bottle in the cup holder of the pick up. I always like things like this - the dainty, little flowers contrasted with the big, rugged truck.

Then, to our delight, we spotted this!

It's called Hey, Cupcake!

Look at the line. There were this many more people behind us.

Guess which one is mine. Yes, the chocolate with whipped cream inside and oozing out the top. It was even more delicious than it looks!

And, of course, live music. It's Austin. Music is everywhere. He was good.

My sweet peas at home.

It is so nice to be able to say at our age and after all these years (you young people out there reading this), that this was one of our best Valentine's Days ever.

little houses

2009-03-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

I love houses. All kinds. I had hopes of becoming an architect, but my high school counselor advised against it because of my poor math grades, my least favorite subject. Well, I don't need any math at all to design my little houses. These are probably more fun and less stressful than the big kind anyway.

The thing that made these so much fun to work on was my watercolor crayons and charcoal pencils. I don't know if these close-ups will allow you to see the detail but I am really happy with the effect.

Speaking of houses, consider supporting Habitat for Humanity with me so that everyone can have a decent home!

gameboards

2009-03-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some gameboards I've been working on. They are big - 24 x 24 - and come with nice, wooden checkers in a drawstring bag. They hang on the wall when you're not having fun with them and are $150.00 each.

this is why a painting-a-day will be hard for me

2009-03-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

Okay. I think I'm finished with this one and ready to move on. There are still some things............I need to quit looking at it! I think these will make a nice, little snack right about now. Out of sight, out of mind.

mandarins

2009-03-08T17:59:00.000-05:00

Oh, my goodness. What was I thinking choosing this busy background? Not a good idea for what is supposed to be a quick painting. By the time I got to the mandarins, I was ready to be done. But, they looked so pretty on this tea towel. And pretty always wins. Tomorrow's painting will be much simpler.

I just made a couple of little changes to the painting after looking at the photo. And since I don't know how to delete the first photo, you can compare and try to figure out what I changed. It won't be the last change - I've got to fix the "floating" one in the middle...

PS. I changed the title when I read the bag. I thought they were clementines.

paintings

2009-03-06T20:23:00.001-06:00

I didn't think I would post these paintings - I am still at the beginning of this art journey. I am so happy to be on the path with Roxanne who is at the same place in life regarding art. We've both been busy at our art "jobs," but have been yearning to explore our talents in fine art, namely oil painting. It is encouraging and motivating to have someone to share thoughts and ideas with. So...here is what I've done so far. My only goal/hope right now is to get in a lot of painting time and discover my style and what God wants me to express. I've never been happier and had forgotten how important, no, necessary, this is to me.

This little landscape is the pasture before we built our house in it. I'm taking an art class from Paul Friske (thanks to my other art friend, Marianne) and you can see his influence (if you look very closely!). His work is incredible.

This is a good example of how I naturally paint, but don't want to - too stiff.

This was fun! I'm trying to imitate the style of one of my favorite painters, Carol Marine - deliberate brushstrokes. It is a stretch for me because I tend to blend, blend, blend. She does a small painting a day, and if I'm able, I will, too, and post them as they come along.

Do you think that maybe I like the color orange?