It's good to get out and PAINT!

Lake Passage, plein air pastel painting, 6"x12"

Painted on the way home from Coos Art Museum Expressions West 2011 after attending the artist reception. It was one of the first sunny days in April and I'd been champing at the bit to get out to paint when hubby, Walt, was kind enough to pull off the highway at a beautiful spot called Eel Lake. I promised to paint for only an hour (well, okay it was closer to one and a quarter hours) where I knocked out this little piece. I loved that lake and want to paint there again!

Featured Painting at Art On Broadway

Inspirational photograph for the painting below

"Along the Way", 18"x18" pastel on sandpaper - SOLD

I painted this piece as part of the challenge Rae Campbell I gave ourselves as featured artists at Art On Broadway for the month of May, 2011. The show is titled "Another's Perspective" and contains work we created inspired by shared photographs, she in fused glass, I in pastel. I'm happy to report this painting "went to a good home!"

Revised Painting

Canby In Bloom, 6"x9" pastel (redux)

Canby In Bloom, 6x9" pastel (original painting)

There was a lot to like about the original version of "Canby In Bloom" but it didn't quite sing as sweetly as I had wanted. So after looking at the painting for a long time and mulling it over, I decided to unframe it and revamp the piece a bit. It is a stronger painting now and has more to say to the viewer. Can you see all the changes and do you agree with them? If you want to see the revised painting for yourself it will be at Art On Broadway where I'll be a featured artist for the Month of May, 2011.

Sweet Little Paintings

My pastel paintings of cupcakes are now hanging at Treat Vancouver, a cupcake and dessert shop. Imagine cupcakes that are fat-free and calorie-free! You'll find 'em here at Treat Vancouver, 210 West Evergreen Blvd. Suite 600, Vancouver, WA 98660, phone 360-750-0811. Oh, and they have great edible cupcakes and desserts, too!

Sweet Treats for Your Walls

Sweet 'n Sour, 6"x6" pastel

You can see this and more of my sweet little pastel cupcake paintings at Treat Vancouver now through Saturday, May 7th. Treat has the best cupcakes and desserts in town and everyone there is friendly. Located at the corner of Columbia & Evergreen, 210 W. Evergreen Blvd. Suite 600, Vancouver, Wa. Phone 360-750-0811. Be sure to stop by and 'Treat' yourself!

Hot Off the Easel

Three's A Crowd, 6"x6" pastel

Cross My Heart, 6"x6" pastel

Which is your favorite? Three chocolate cupcakes with assorted frostings jostling for attention on the cake stand or a red devil's food cupcake with candy heart fascinator? Tasty little treats for your wall at a bite-sized price. Wide wood frame, anti-reflective glass.

It Keeps Getting Better - more great news!

Plein air painting at Cultus Lake, Oregon

It's been several days since I learned the following and I still can't get the smile off my face.

I'm thrilled to have been invited to participate in the 13th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational in October, 2011! The event is a benefit for the Laguna Art Museum and includes a Quick Draw and Silent Auction as well as Collector's Soirée and Sale. It is an honor to be invited to paint with such a distinguished group of artists and I look forward to the opportunity.