Oh my goodness!   I can't believe it's been so long since I posted here.  When I began on FB, I really neglected my Blog.  Maybe for 2020 I will do better!  I think I will begin by posting my Christmas card for 2019...."Fiesta Poppies". 

  This watercolor reminds me of the technique employed by my master teacher, Jane E. Jones.  

I printed a few cards and sent some by email.  The unexpected bonus for the emailed ones was that friends wrote back!  Instant gratification!  I loved that!   So, I think I will continue to email Christmas cards even though I felt a little guilty about it.  The sentiment remains the same:  

May your Christmas have

special moments of stillness…

And Celebration.

Merry Christmas 2017

 Every year I try to paint a new watercolor to send to friends and family as a Christmas card.  "Winter Garland" is this year's effort.  It goes out to all my FB visitors with warm Christmas greetings. In the fall, the Texas Hill Country landscape is brightened by these colorful red, gold, purple, and yellow leafed vines climbing to treetops or cascading over stone walls.  Virginia Creeper, identified by its five lobed leaves, provides food for wildlife and Nature’s own decoration, just in time for Christmas.  I find it peaceful and comforting to see God’s Presence all around us and find it to be a reminder of the Joy of the Season.

 Thank you for visiting my posts and thank you for your words of encouragement and support.  Merry Christmas!!

Back in Time in Italy

On a painting trip a few years ago, we visited Cesi, very near the ancient Roman ruins of Carsulae.  Climbing the steep path we saw the blue banners hanging from windows, a vegetable garden, the bell tower.  It was like entering a small village as it has been for centuries.  Women swept and watered plants while it seemed most of the men were gathered in the cafe at the top of the hill.  I tentatively entered to the sounds of cheering for the Italian futbol/soccer team on the television.  It was great to stand and watch a soccer game in the brief camaraderie of kindred spirits.  But I did not linger long in the Italiano macho domain...instead, I joined the other artists outside on the patio overlooking the valley.  But, ahhh.  What a memory.

"Cesi, Italy"

You don't have to travel to Italy to share the experience....this painting will make it's debut at the Carriage House Gallery, April 12, for the Parade of Artists!

Texas Natives: Indian Blankets

Here's another wonderful Texas Native wildflower....the Indian Blankets....along with some Verbena.  I love these bright flowers that can thrive in our Texas heat.

Seasons

 Fall is my favorite time of year.  After the searing heat of summer, it's such a refreshing change when those first north breezes arrive.  And it's a bonus to see some new colors appear.  However, without each cnage that comes, it would all be the same.  I thought about this when sketching along a creek here in Kendall County.  This series of "Seasons" is the result.

News Feature!

In mid July I received a call from Gabriel Delgado of J R Mooney Galleries informing me that he would be writing an article for Explore  in which he would examine the inspiration and style of six artists.  He had chosen an artist from each of the galleries in Boerne and to my surprise, he had chosen me as well!  This was very exciting as Gabriel is well known for his writing skills and art expertise.  The September issue has just come out and on pages 30-31, you will find the article.  I am honored to be included in this group of six.
 Explore is a wonderful magazine that covers music, culture, history, faith and art in the Texas Hill Country. It can be picked up for free at local restaurants and businesses and/or seen online at  www.hillcountryexplore.com. 
Two paintings are spotlighted:

"Woodland Trail"

original-SOLD

giclee prints available

" A Good Place to Wade"

original and giclee prints available

Although we are still suffering from Summer's heat, you will be reminded that Fall is just around the corner when you see "Cypress Colors".

This painting was inspired by a sketch done in Guadalupe River State Park.  Did you know the the Bald Cypress trees change to beautiful shades of burnt sienna?  I love how they contrasted with the cool, clear water flowing by.  Ahhh!  My favorite time of the year!