Mother's Day Art

My mother-in-law is having several rooms in her house re-decorated. The lady helping her asked that I create 3 small canvases for her breakfast area. We decided on a pomegranate, artichoke and mango. Mrs. Allen loved them when I gave them to her as a mother's day present. They just got hung up and I wanted to show how nice they look in her kitchen. These are 8x8 thick gallery wrapped canvases, so they don't need a frame.

I also painted an extra set on regular canvases that are supposed to go to a local interior design shop - as soon as I find some good-looking frames for them. You know, with all my spare time...

Portrait Photo

I am getting ready to start a lovely portrait of a brother and sister. The mother found this beautiful antique lace and had the children's outfits made. Kudos to Kristin Smith for getting that "perfect shot" for the portrait reference photo. What you don't see, is me pretending to sneeze and falling onto the ground behind Kristin while she quickly snaps photos! :)

Of course, I will post the 24x36 oil portrait when it's finished. I can't wait to get started.

A New Gallery

I am pleased to announce that my work is now being carried at The Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, FL (between Destin and Seaside, Sea Grove and Watercolor). I am very excited about this new venue and the owner, Susan Tolbert, is a joy to work with. Visit their website at http://www.studiogallery30a.com/. She will be carrying my small works on tin (floral, oysters, okra), redfish and speckled trout on antique shutters, a large red snapper in an antique window frame and, of course, blue crabs (a best seller). Check it out, if you are in the area. I am looking forward to taking a "business trip" over there, as well! :)

Eddie's Rockfish

After re-connecting with my college roommate (Univ of Florida - Delta Delta Delta) via Facebook, she commissioned me to paint a "Rockfish" (Striped Bass) for her son's room. They live in North Carolina, so this is a fish not usually caught around Mobile Bay. After researching it in my field guides and on the internet, I was able to capture the form and color in the 10x20 painting. She said it looked great in Eddie's room.

Bayhouse Portrait

I just finished up this portrait of a client's mother-in-law's bayhouse. The painting is a suprise for her birthday. I was given some photos of the house and also photos of all the grandchildren sitting on the steps. I combined them for a gift that will be surely treasured. Doesn't it make you want to go there and sit under the shady oaks?

Shared Expressions Exhibit

My photograph, "Abba's Woods" was accepted into the "Shared Expressions" Juried Exhibition at the Mobile Museum of Art. This exhibition demonstrates the wealth of talent and diversity of interests among the artists of the Mobile Bay region. Invitations were sent to 10 arts organizations to select from their members work which best exemplifies the creativity and accomplishments of their respective media.

I took this photograph in Marion Junction, AL on a friend's property out in the country. They have lakes, fields, horses and this section of woods, where they go to pray. It was such a peaceful surrounding. The fact that a tree grew in the shape of a cross in such a Godly place, was amazing to me.

For more information on the exhibit,

http://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/index.php?sector=3&view=3

Artwalk Featured Artist - Lyon's Share Gallery

First Friday Artwalk-Lyon's Share Gallery

My youngest collector! This young man is 8 years old, loves to fish and purchased his favorite redfish with his Christmas money! After we all went crazy about how cute he was, my husband snapped this photo with the camera on his phone.
My mom and my surrogate mom, Sabe Fink (my best friend's mother that I've known since I was four years old) chatting in the gallery:

My husband Marc and my uncle Danny in front of the "Featured Artist" wall.

My newest peices - a huge tarpon on a antique shutter (French Mediterranean 1890's). Also a piece that incorporates many of the subjects I often paint, but in one long artwork. It's called "Bay Bounty" and has oysters, speck, redfish and a bluecrab (also on an antique shutter).

Here's another new piece. It's the first time I've done a flounder. It was so much fun to paint! He is mounted in an antique window frame. The glass has been removed and I replaced it with vintage, reclaimed tin roofing. On the old door panel hanging below the flounder, is a speckled trout. I had three speckled trout pieces (on various mounts) and they all sold.
Here's me, in front of the wall of artwork. That represents a lot of painting hours!
Thanks so much to Mike and Kelley Lyon's (gallery owners) and Patrick M. (gallery manager) for all their hard work in set-up, refreshments, sales and just being a jovial bunch! A great time was had by all.