Step Back in Time at the Avery House
Painted for the 34th Annual Historic Homes Tour to support Poudre Landmarks Foundation
16×20, oil on linen
framed
Sunflowers
8×10, oil on board
painted en plein air
Twirling Syd
A simple moment caught in time. A young girl sings a song and twirls an umbrella. A cell phone camera captures the moment. That moment is shared among friends. The artist eye sees that moment and the urge to paint is there.
I can see the painting in my mind’s eye. “Sure!” Mom says. “I’d love to see you paint this!”
We talk about what the painting could be, i throw out some ideas. Then, back in the studio, I dive deeper into the image and realize that so much is said in so little.
Pastel, 16×22
framed
Nothing to Wear
This painting was the final project for a semester of figure drawing. The painting was based on the theme, “the human figure as an expression of inner psychology”.
The idea for the painting stemmed from thinking about how children embody characters through costume and the evolution of this over time. As children they want to be batman, spiderman, a cowboy or a princess. They take on the costume as who they are. However, as we grow and become adults, we often take on masks/costumes to go about our daily activities, whether we want to embody them or not.
This concept was then coupled with a woman trying on clothes from her closet and finding ‘nothing to wear’ from the multiple outfits available to her. Here, she is dressed in a simple black dress and holds a mask to her face. Is she preparing for a night out? A day at work? What do we assume about her from the mask? How do we read her eyes shining through? Who is she behind the mask?
Pastel on Canson Paper, 21×18.5
Framed
Yucca Study
Yucca Study, oil on linen panel, 3×4
Bitty Bird
This little bird sits in my studio observing the day-to-day activities. He loves to pose, especially with bits of flowers.
Painted from life.
Oil on canvas panel, 3 1/4x 3 1/4
Along the Yampa River
Now available at auction on dailypaintworks.com (you will be re-directed to their website to bid).
In Your Embrace
This painting is based on a plein air painting made along the Poudre River in Fort Collins, CO. As I painted this piece, I thought about the strength of river, the tree and the power of love.
On display in the Denver Capitol Building June-September, 2018.
Oil on gallery wrap canvas 1 5/8″
36×48
On the Cob
Painting this corn on the cob reminded me of childhood summers and working in the garden with my Dad.
Curious
This little deer and I spotted each other as I walked along a hiking trail. We watched one another with curiosity. Who would make the first move. The image of its ears pointed forward, taking in every sound, hidden in the undergrowth stayed with me. Slowly, the idea began to resolve. The colors began to take shape, the pattern of light and dark began to emerge.
11.75 x11.75
pastel
framed
Aspen Meadow
As I was walking through this meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park, there was a light mist in the air from an early morning rain. Sun filtered through the spring leaves and bounced off the grass and mist, creating a soft glow. What a treasure. I often think back to that day, the light filtering through the aspens and the lightness I felt at seeing such beauty.
Painted from memory and imagination.
11×15
pastel
unframed
Spring is In the Air
An early morning mist hung in the air saturating the air with moisture. Spring began to unfurl it’s radiant color and perfume enticing every passerby.
Fort Collins, CO
9×12, oil on linen
plein air study
unframed
Devil’s Backbone
Painted at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space park in Loveland, CO.
8×10, pastel
plein air
framed
Breathing Space
Painted en plein air at Bobcat Ridge Open Space.
Fort Collins, CO
oil, 9×12
plein air study
unframed
Autumn Surge
Painted en plein air along the Yampa river during the Steamboat Art Museum Plein Air event.
Steamboat Springs, CO
oil, 11×14
plein air
unframed
Aspen Study No. 6
Painted en plein air during the Steamboat Art Museum Plein Air event.
Steamboat Springs, CO
oil, 5×7
plein air study
unframed
Rabbitbush Greeting Card 5×7
5×7 Greeting Card
Blank Inside
Printed in heavy-duty #110 lb cardstock.
Includes white envelope.
Set of Four Seasons Greeting Cards | 5×7
Set of four 5×7 greeting cards.
Includes one of each card and a white mailing envelope.
Blank inside.
Into the Fog Greeting Card | 5×7
5×7 Greeting Card
Blank Inside
Printed in heavy-duty #110 lb cardstock.
Includes white envelope.
Just Stopping by to Say Hello Greeting Card – 5×7
5×7 Greeting Card
Blank Inside
Printed in heavy-duty #110 lb cardstock.
Includes white envelope.
Autumn Leaves Greeting Card – 5×7
5×7 Greeting Card
Blank Inside
Printed in heavy-duty #110lb paper.
Includes white mailing envelope.
Single cards are shipped in a rigid mailer by First Class Mail.
Aspen Meadow Greeting Card – 5×7
5×7 Greeting Card
Blank Inside
Printed in heavy-duty #110 lb cardstock.
Includes white envelope.
Black-Eyed Susans
oil on panel
12×9
plein air
Schoolhouse
Perched on top of the rise, this old schoolhouse looks out over the tranquil Yampa River valley and Sleeping Indian Mountain. As I painted this scene during the Steamboat Art Museum Plein Air Event, clouds rolled across the valley and I imagined what how it felt to walk to school during the winter months when the land was being settled.
plein air
oil on canvas panel, 8×16
Steamboat Springs, CO
unframed
Heirloom Beauties
Heirloom Beauties was inspired by yet another trip to the Farmer’s Market. The good folks from Honeyacre Farm devote their loves to growing luscious heirloom tomatoes, meaty, flavorful bell peppers, and solid cucumbers the size my arm.
This still life was designed to create a bold statement. I wanted to work with bright cadmium paint and explore vibrant color. I choose a deep red backdrop to complement the tomatoes and stock for delicate texture to contrast the smooth tomato.
still life
8×16, oil on linen
unframed
Rabbitbush
While doing some plein air painting on a brisk January day, I came across this gigantic rabbitbush. It still had several of its colorful blooms. Startled by the sheer size of the bush and enthralled by the sky and frozen pond, I knew this would be my next painting.
I hoped to convey the drama of Colorado’s winter sky. Will the storm blow in or move on? I also wanted to create a sense of texture and the feeling of windswept space. By creating such a large bush, I hoped to instill a feeling of the size and magnitude. How old is this bush? What has it seen? How long will it remain?
studio
16×20, pastel
framed
Where the Wild Things Grow
During a trip up the Cache la Poudre Canyon, I came across this field filled with aspen trees. Although I wasn’t able to paint it that day, I knew a return trip was in order and soon the opportunity arrived.
Upon my return, the small aspen grove had filled wildflowers. As I set up my easel and began to paint, I felt as if anything could stumble up out of the river or through the grove of trees. While it would most likely be a deer, I couldn’t help but think of the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are” and my imagination went wild.
oil on canvas panel, 5×7
plein air
unframed
Bobcat Oasis
How many times have I pulled on my backpack and headed for a nearby park to hike, think, look and ponder? Whether I have a lot on my mind, or I just feel the need to get out into nature, Bobcat Ridge Open Space is a ‘go-to’ spot. There, I am free to wander, wonder and ease back into myself.
As I painted this cottonwood against the backdrop of the hogback, I thought of napping under the tree or having a picnic lunch. I reflected on the number of hikes I have taken through this park, and how it has become an oasis for my spirit, as well as an opportunity to connect with nature and myself.
oil on panel, 12×16
plein air
unframed
en plein air
Summer Sweetness
Can you feel the fuzz? Do you smell that sweet syrup of a ripe summer peach? Each summer, I look forward to peach season and picking up fresh peaches from the farmer’s market. After they grow and ripen in the heat of the Western Slope, they arrive at the market ready to eat. There’s nothing as delicious as a sweet summer peach on a hot day, especially when the juice drips down your hand…
11×15, pastel
still life
unframed
Peach Study in Pastel
I’ve been looking forward to summer and doing a peach study in pastel for a larger painting. Each year, Morton’s Organic Orchards sets up their fruit stand at the nearby farmer’s market. They begin with cherries that are so deep and dark in color, flavor and sugar that I feel ‘drunk’ after just a few morsels.
Following on the heels of the cherries, the peaches arrive. Clingstone peaches appear first – small and sweet. Then, giant freestone peaches arrive by the truckload, covered in peach fuzz. They line up, ready to be turned into pies and jams and in my case, ice cream and smoothies.
These little orbs of sweetness are surprisingly solid. I wanted the viewer to feel as though they could be picked up and held, as well as eaten.
pastel, still life, 5×5
Tributary
I have driven by this area countless times and never knew a gem was hidden away. We started the day at the break of dawn. From camp, we drove a short distance from our campsite, and hiked out to see what we could see. Following what I later learned were skunk track, I fell in love with this picturesque spot.
The sun was just coming up over the cliffs and began to filter through the trees. I listened to the hum and throb of the water, and watched the light shift and change, as I painted a perfect summer day.
oil on canvas panel, 16×12
plein air
unframed
You Sing to My Spirit Archival Print – Cascade Falls
Just as the sky began to lighten, I wound my way up the Thompson Canyon, and bounced over the well worn highway to the Wild Basin turnoff in Rocky Mountain National Park. Meeting other painters, we started up the trail with our 30 pound packs. About a mile in, the trail became steep and covered in snow. We carried on, and the reward was well worth the effort when we reached the tumbling Cascade Waterfalls.
As I painted, I thought of John Denver’s song, Calypso. The phrase, “You Sing to My Spirit” played through my mind as I painted next to the cascade of water. This larger painting was created based on the plein air study.
This Limited Edition Archival Giclée is printed on smooth 100% acid free cotton rag, natural white, heavyweight fine art paper. As an archival, museum quality paper, this print has a light fastness rating of 100+ years under normal indoor lighting conditions.
The print is shipped in a protective clear envelope with acid-free foam core, ready to present as a gift or frame.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist.
Size: 9×12 with a half inch white border
Limited to 250 prints.
Larger sizes available upon request.
Across the Pond
There are hidden gems everywhere. At a regular painting spot, the calm water created a perfect opportunity to paint this red barn reflecting off the water. The trees were in full summer foliage, creating a perfect pastoral scene…water, mountains, trees, a red barn, everything a painter could want!
9×12, oil on panel
plein air
unframed
Peace
The feed and grain is an iconic building in Loveland, CO. Each year, our plein air group paints at this location. The shapes and textures present a challenge to the painter. This year, the peace symbol caught my eye.
9×12, oil on canvas panel
plein air
unframed
Fall Glory
There are places we return to paint again and again. This is one of those places. Away from the hustle and bustle of town, tucked behind the hogbacks, Bobcat Ridge is quiet and serene. Fall lingers here, holding onto color until this snow flies. Tucked into a curve of the road, the sun warms the earth and the leaves glow. The beauty of fall stands in proud glory.
10×8, oil on canvas
plein air
unframed
Bobcat Autumn
Walk through the foothills of Colorado in the fall and the world alights in yellow, orange and gold. This pastel painting was inspired by a walk through Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Located in the foothills of Fort Collins, I return again and again for inspiration and the display of fall color as the leaves turn from green to orange, yellow and gold.
Pastel, 12×16
Winner of the Guerilla Painter Award – 2016 Pastel Society of Colorado Mile High National Show
unframed
Fall Afternoon
Each fall the trees beckon. “Come and paint me”, they call. “Look at how beautiful I am. Do you see how inviting it is in the cool shade of my canopy?” Inspired by a plein air painting session at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area just outside Fort Collins.
8×10, oil on panel
unframed
Beside Still Waters
Mist hung in the air. Clouds filled the sky. I rounded the corner, and was startled by the blaze of fall color. The trees seemed lit from within. I was drawn to the tumultuous contrast of rioting color against the mirror like smoothness of the river. As I painted, stillness hung in the air. Two fishermen worked their way up the Poudre River, calling out as they cast and caught fish. Completed en plein air.
8×10, oil on canvas panel
plein air
unframed
Just Stopping by to Say Hello Archival Print
This Limited Edition Archival Giclée is printed on smooth 100% acid free cotton rag, natural white, heavyweight fine art paper. As an archival, museum quality paper, this print has a light fastness rating of 100+ years under normal indoor lighting conditions.
The print is shipped in a protective clear envelope with acid-free foam core, ready to present as a gift or frame.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist.
Size: 8×10 with a half inch white border
Limited to 250 prints.
Autumn Leaves II Archival Print
This Limited Edition Archival Giclée is printed on smooth 100% acid free cotton rag, natural white, heavyweight fine art paper. As an archival, museum quality paper, this print has a light fastness rating of 100+ years under normal indoor lighting conditions.
The print is shipped in a protective clear envelope with acid-free foam core, ready to present as a gift or frame.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist.
Size: 9×12 with a half inch white border
Limited to 250 prints.
Spring Blossoms Archival Print
This Limited Edition Archival Giclée is printed on smooth 100% acid free cotton rag, natural white, heavyweight fine art paper. As an archival, museum quality paper, this print has a light fastness rating of 100+ years under normal indoor lighting conditions.
The print is shipped in a protective clear envelope with acid-free foam core, ready to present as a gift or frame.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist.
Size: 6×6 plus a half inch white border
Limited to 250 prints.
original painting, egg tempera, 6×6
Hibiscus Archival Print
In the Victorian era, the hibiscus flower represented delicate beauty. In Hawaii, the hibiscus is often worn behind the ear as a sign of a woman’s marital status and as a symbol of hospitality. In Egypt, the flower was used as a medicinal calming tea. As I painted this flower over four months, I was reminded of Buddha’s Flower Sermon in which words are not required to understand its meaning.
For me, the story represents that the world and all of beauty exists in the one flower and that nothing is permanent. And, that painting this flower contains all the lessons of painting within this one painting.
This Limited Edition Archival Giclée is printed on smooth 100% acid free cotton rag, natural white, heavyweight fine art paper. As an archival, museum quality paper, this print has a light fastness rating of 100+ years under normal indoor lighting conditions.
The print is shipped in a protective clear envelope with acid-free foam core, ready to present as a gift or frame.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist.
Size: 6×6 plus a half inch white border
Limited to 250 prints.
original painting, egg tempera, 6×6
Follow Cow Creek
It was a cool brisk morning in early spring. The snow had melted and the sun was shining down. The promise of summer was in the air. After a long hike, I returned to this scene. The light was perfect.
“Follow Cow Creek” was part of the “100 Years of the National Parks” juried art show in Estes Park, CO in 2016.
16×20, oil on canvas panel
studio
unframed
Autumn Leaves II
In a last burst of colorful glory, autumn fills the senses with leaves, wet soil and the hint of snow on the air. Autumn Leaves II revisits a pile of leaves, tossed on the ground in a multitude of color.
egg tempera, 9×12
unframed
You Sing to My Spirit
Just as the sky began to lighten, I wound my way up the Thompson Canyon, and bounced over the well worn highway to the Wild Basin turnoff in Rocky Mountain National Park. Meeting other painters, we started up the trail with our 30 pound packs. About a mile in, the trail became steep and covered in snow. We carried on, and the reward was well worth the effort when we reached the tumbling Cascade Waterfalls.
pastel, 18×24
Next Stop: Feed and Grain – Loveland, CO
It was hot! At 9 am, the ambient temperature was already reaching 90+ degrees. I searched for a spot in the shade, where I could focus and not fry my skin. Spying a level, shady spot next to the train tracks, I setup and began to outline the lines and angles of the old building. Not long into the painting, a train roared past, carrying shiny new windmill blades. Where once we were fed by the trains that carried grain, now the trains carry windmills to feed our hunger for energy. Although abandoned, the building will soon undergo a renovation and be transformed into a home for artists and galleries.
pastel, 12×16
plein air
unframed
Old Friend
Along my favorite hiking trails, I look forward to seeing particular trees. I’m drawn to their shapes, the curvature of their limbs, the shade they offer, or the feeling they invoke. Over time, I feel like I know them, and that they know me. I’ve had my eye on this particular bend in the trail. I like the way the tree leans over, toward the bridge and the rock, greeting those that pass. Just as people are unique in their character, so are trees. As I painted this tree’s portrait, I felt like I was painting an ‘Old Friend’.
pastel, 12×15
en plein air
unframed