Winter Sky

"Winter Sky, Brant Rock"

6x6 oil on panel

This time of year brings dramatic dark skies and glowing early sunsets. It's this particular combination that makes an old fashioned and quite ordinary cottage look amazing! I love how the shadows carve out the abstract shapes in the picture. I've been very busy doing some commissions which I am unable to post lest the 'surprise' factor be jeopardized. 
Wishing everyone love and blessings and a Merry Christmas.

Narcissus

"Narcissus"

Watercolor 10"x5"

The scent of the Narcissus bulb, their tall foliage and white flowers add a warm touch to winter.

I'm going to order some more to grace our "bird" window. 

the "bird" window

Winter Marsh

"Winter Glow" 

6x6 oil on board

I've been a bit reluctant to write about this but, this blog is about my real life, so I'll share. Little by little, I'm finding my painting mojo again. It's been a hard time and I am consumed with the chore of sorting and tossing and resolving the 'beloved flotsam and jetsam' of my dear Mama's and our family's life.

Report cards from grade school, every card/invite she ever received, newspapers containing momentous news events (Oy), bookshelves full of books and souvenirs. Precious family 'stuff' in the china cabinets. And photos, photos and more photos. 

I picked up some boxes and marked them with the names of my siblings and as I sort, I drop things into each box for them to enjoy along with things I think should be theirs. Because I insisted upon looking at every single piece of paper, they have left me to that and I don't mind except that the volume after 43 years in the same house is, um, voluminous. My dear husband is the God send to this whole task and is also on the receiving end of my prickly emotions :( Without his guidance (lists, lists, lists and advice and more advice)  I'd be lost. He is the left brain balance in my right brain world. 

So, I'm sad but, I'm grateful for my family and my dear friends near and far who continue to lift me up. Thank you all for your continued support.

About the painting. One thing I love about the winter is how the setting sun lights up the tops of the trees creating a beautiful complimentary color scheme. 

Drive By #3 Late December Light

"Late December" 4x4 oil on panel
SOLD

I painted this view, looking up my street, in watercolor once before and from that study, I did this, for day 3 of the 30 in 30 challenge. Problem is, I couldn't paint yesterday because I was working, so this is going up on day 4.  Leslie has it worked out so that we can add our paintings to the previous days posts within an allotted timeline. BUT, it has to already be posted to the blog, or it can't be uploaded. So I'm posting it and uploading it and getting right onto days 4 & 5 :D

Are you confused yet?  

Oh, what I love about the late winter is the fiery afternoon light.

Winter Woods Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser

Winter Woods 5x5
SOLD @ DPW Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser

I did this yesterday while the wind howled and the ocean roared. Another Nor'easter, making the lives of those ravaged by Sandy even worse. My heart goes out to these people. I had a similar experience during the Blizzard of 1978 when a huge storm wiped out the house I was living in (on a skinny barrier beach) and sent me into a bout with homelessness. Of course, I had places to stay, but no home and that is a lonely feeling. 
Carol and David Marine of Daily Paint Works are holding a fundraiser for the victims of the Hurricane and my painting has sold, so I'm going to put up another one. They are the most generous souls so go over and check out the paintings and help out.
Another fabulous art sale happening this weekend is at North River Arts Society. Their annual holiday sale draws crowds so get there early both days.
In true MSW fashion, I missed the deadline but will have all my small works priced right at my Open Studios NEXT weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 12-5.