CARRIE FALQUIST'S DAILY PAINT

Portland Rain, a minimalist, abstract cityscape

2007-06-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

18x24 inches
1.5 inch deep gallery wrapped canvas
subtle metallic shimmer through the piece eminates the feeling of the Pacific Northwest!

The Warmth of Your Embrace

2007-06-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

20x16 in on 1.5" Gallery wrapped deep edges. Bold, warm colors, jewel tones shimmer.

See this piece and many others on sale now in my eBay store!

http://stores.ebay.com/Original-Modern-Art-By-FALQUIST

"Today, I Found My Wings" a bold, contemporary metallic abstract

2007-04-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I Found My Wings c2007

18"x24" on 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas.

Up for auction now. Click here to visit my ebay store.

Part of my transformation and inspiration series.

Law of Attraction, an abstract red metallic heart painting

2007-04-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Law of Attraction c2007

20" x 30"

on 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

Up for auction now at http://stores.ebay.com/Original-Modern-Art-By-FALQUIST

Dreaming of Perfection, a bold, abstract metallic tree

2007-04-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm going through a personal journey right now, and the emotions from that are appearing in my work.

This painting is titled "Dreaming of Perfection" and what the camera fails to capture is the way the piece changes when the light hits the leaves on the tree. As you walk past this painting, the angle of the light will make it look like the leaves are shimmering on the tree.

Bold, vibrant colors along with jewel toned metallics make this painting really sparkle. It's a new technique I have started, and my clients are incredibly pleased with the results.

This, along with another dream sequence piece will be available in my ebay store.

Autumn Eclipse, A bold, contemporary Asian inspired landscape

2007-03-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

A feng shui inspired painting, large scale, 60"x20". Will make a bold statement on any wall.

Warm reds, golds, orange, lots of texture.

Horse on Purple - Daily equine color study on purple and blue

2007-03-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

I love this little horse. His form goes back to a more primitive style, which really pops against the bold hues of aqua and purple.

Hummingbird in Flight - a bright color study against a black background

2007-03-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today's painting is another bright and colorful hummingbird study.

5x7 on canvas panel.

One in a series of three.

Colorful Hummingbird - a daily color study of a hummingbird in flight

2007-03-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been blogging a lot on another site, so I apologize for not sharing more on my daily painter's blog.

Today's piece is to celebrate the gradual move toward springtime. It's a 5x7 painting of a hummingbird in flight. Lots of vibrant, rich colors capture the spirit of these festive little guys.

The sun is shining and my husband has been working in the yard all day. I am ready for spring and summer.... ready for fushia planting next Saturday and digging in my flower beds.

Band of Brothers - an abstract, knife painted horse equine painting

2007-03-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

"Band of Brothers" c2007

Click here to visit my ebay store

This past week has been crazy trying to balance my new workout schedule and painting. I think I've figured out how to get a few hours of studio time in every day, and should be able to get more time in as the weather gets nice enough to where I can move my easel and paints outside.

Today's painting is another knife/spoon painted horse abstract. I love this color palette, so calming, but filled with energy at the same time.

The other piece I had similar to this one was sold to one of my favorite collectors, a wonderful woman who is a veterinarian in Tennessee. She has a number of my horses hanging in her home, and thanks to her gift giving, her friends do, too!

I hope to have more listed tomorrow! We'll see how early I get done at the gym tonight, and if I get my preschool newsletter completed.

"A Lady Waits" an abstract metallic nude figure painting

2007-03-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

A Lady Waits is my latest installment in my red metallic series. I'm really enjoying the way the light works its way across these bold red paintings and reflects off the metallic teal, gold and purple accents.

This piece changes depending on the angle. At times, looking like a demure woman with a blanket over her legs, but then the light changes and you think.... could this be a mermaid with her scales shimmering in the sunshine?

"Lady" measures 16"x20" on 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas. It is available now in my ebay store, and comes varnished and ready to hang.

"Fruition of Dreams" a modern abstract tree metallic

2007-03-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fruition of Dreams was actually painted out of a response to some bad news I received. I was not chosen for an opportunity I really yearned for. But as I digested the facts, and got over my pity party for a an hour or so, I realized that this is what is meant to happen.

I'm following the principles of "The Secret" in my life right now. And I do believe that the universe gives you exactly what you expect to receive. With this opportunity, I would have been away from my family for 15 weeks, or nearly 4 months. And that part of the plan broke my heart. I had wrapped my mind around 10-12 weeks, and adding another month to that made the whole thing seem a lot less appealing.

And that's why it didn't happen for me. It wasn't the right fit for me and my family.

That's what today is all about. Creating my own opportunities. I'm moving past the fact that TIME CHANGE SUCKS and I didn't get a lick of sleep last night.

I got up at 5:30, worked out for an intense half an hour on my elliptical machine while watching a Dr. Phil episode tivo'ed from Friday. The baby is up and dressed, happily eating her breakfast and watching Sesame Street. My eldest daughter, despite a bit of a restless night is still slumbering, and I'm eating a yummy HEALTHY breakfast.

I'm going to drop off my three year old at school this morning, then the baby and I will be heading to the gym to meet my friend and lift some weights.

I've got a busy day planned, so I had better get to it! If you want to see more of this painting or any others I have available, come visit my ebay store!

"Portland Rain" an abstract, minimalist cityscape

2007-03-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of my studio these days. I'm able to focus on the wonderful world of creating the images in my head....

Today's painting is titled "Portland Rain", and it's a knife painted minimalist contemporary cityscape. After living in the Pacific NW for almost 10 years, I've come to really love the beauty in the rain in the city.

This piece is available in my ebay store. It's 18"x24" on deep 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas. The slashes of rain are a multitude of iridescent color.

"Ride Your Wild Horses" a contemporary abstract horse equine painting

2007-03-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

Again, a horse painting... always a horse painting! I love painting horses. This particular piece came to me while I was listening to Classic Rewind on Sirius Radio. U2.... brings back a lot of memories.

And as I was sketching for ideas to paint today... the lyrics "who's going to ride your wild horses" came on. The painting was born at that moment.

Lots of thick paint, movement, texture.

Available now in my ebay store, along with a number of other pieces.

On another note, a journey in my life came to an end last night. I was not selected for a project I had been waiting to hear about. But.... one more opportunity still stands in front of me. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

I will control my destiny, whether through that exciting adventure, or another. And knowing that, my heart is light, there is a spring in my step, and the paintings are flying off the canvas...

It's a good day!

"One Fish" an abstract bright yellow orange fish

2007-03-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

"One Fish" c2007
Click here to bid

This piece is a 12"x12" study of a fish, in bright yellows & oranges against a vivid blue. Canvas is 1.5" gallery wrapped, and ready to hang.

This item is ebay item number 120094646305

Starting bid is only $39.

"Rain Poppies" a bold abstract field of red poppies in the rain

2007-03-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

"Rain Poppies" c2007

Click Here to Bid

It's funny that on the most beautiful day in the pacific northwest in more than four months I choose to paint a scene that centers around rain! I thought the bright red abstract poppies contrasted beautifully against the dark chocolate background.

The shades of blue from the slashing rain combine to make quite a fluid, movement filled piece.

I'm so happy to be over my "painters block"and creating work that I enjoy. Have a lovely Tuesday everyone! We're going to have one more bonus day of beautiful weather, so I'll be taking the girls to the duck pond this afternoon again.

"Running on Air" an abstract equine horse knife painting

2007-03-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

"Running on Air" c2007

Click Here to Bid

Yes! I have found my mojo again. I'm painting, I'm inspired, I am feeling good! Even with my husband out of town all last week (blah), and lots of crazy crazy stuff going on in my personal life... I am feeling the creative bug.

So, painting... soothes my soul, boosts my spirit, and is better than meditation for calming my mind.

This piece returns to one of my favorite subjects. Horses. Bold horses painted with a palette knife and a spoon.... lots of texture, movement. Up for sale now.

"Birth of Spring" a jewel tone abstract tree landscape

2007-02-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

"Birth of Spring" c2007

Click here to bid

I'm inspired again to paint. So I'm running with it. Sleep or no sleep.

This particular piece is 20"x30" on 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas. It is up for auction now with no reserve.

Bask in the Glow, an abstract tree landscape

2007-02-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

"Bask in the Glow" c2006

Click here to bid

This particular painting is inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt, with rich bold reds, deep browns, and metallic gold.

Contemporary and modern, this piece will enhance many different decor styles.

20"x32" total size, on two gallery wrapped canvasses, 20x16 each

"After a Swim" a bold red yellow lab labrador portrait

2007-02-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

"After a Swim" c2007

11"x14" gallery wrapped canvas

This is painting number two in the series of dog portraits I'm putting up to help raise the funds necessary to care for my sweet old lab.

"Eager to Please" a contemporary chocolate lab portrait

2007-02-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

"Eager to Please" 2007

This portrait is near and dear to my heart. It is fashioned after my sweet Mollie Moe, a chocolate lab I have had for nearly 11 years.

Recently, Mollie has had some serious medical issues, and at one point last week, I thought I would have to say goodbye to my best friend. But, she has pulled through, and will some vigilant medical care, we can keep her comfortable and as healthy as possible for the time she has left with us.

To assist with this, I created a series of canine portraits, mostly labs that I will be listing this week.

All proceeds from these paintings will go towards the veterinary care Mollie needs to stay healthy.

Mollie, my chocolate lab

2007-02-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

I'm worried about my dog. My dog, Mollie, an 11 year old chocolate lab is sick. She's been sick before, in fact, through her entire life she has had a host of problems, including, but not limited to epilepsy, which would render her completely incapacitiated in the throes of a grand mal seizure.

The epilepsy has passed, but now she's having problems with her hips, she is losing her eyesight, and lately she has developed some really bad tummy problems.
Mollie won't eat. And that is NOT normal. My big fat dog loves her food, so not eating means she really doesn't feel well. And she's had accidents several times in the house in the middle of the night, again NOT normal.

So, today, she is spending the night at the veterinarian's office, while we wait for blood tests to come back in the morning and make a plan of action for treating her.
I'm in a hard place right now, and am trying not to worry about what the future holds for my sweet Mollie. With her hips, I made a promise to myself that I would not make her live out her life in pain. I decided that when she could no longer climb our stairs, I would face the possibility that she was in chronic pain.

But I'm having to look at the idea that my dog might not be around much longer. She's getting old, and it seems like she's going downhill.

It breaks my heart. She is my first baby. I have had her for three years longer than I've known my husband. She used to go everywhere with me when I was single, and slept at the foot of my bed. She snores incessantly, has terrible gas, and her eyes go cock-eyed when she's really tired.
In the vet's office today, I took a good look at her. At the grey that covers her muzzle, her eyes that are starting to get cloudy, and her tired, wobbling gait. I don't know what I'm going to do without her... and God willing, I won't have to find out any time soon.

But, I will do what's best for Mollie, to keep her from feeling pain, regardless of how much it hurts me. Because I love her.

Poppies in Perspective - large scale semi abstract field of red poppy flowers

2007-02-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

"Poppies in Perspective" c2006

Only chance to own this piece

Ok, so I have not been able to paint in over a week. And now, I'm creating a large order for a client of mine to hang in her boutique in Arizona, I've got some major things happening on a personal level, and I am itching to create.

Driving me crazy.

Hopefully, I'll be able to sneak away tomorrow morning and spend some "me" time in the studio. I need it. Desperately.

In the mean time, I have put up Poppies in Perspective for auction. This is the only time it will be available, if the reserve for some reason isn't met... it will be retired, meaning it will live in my house forever. I love this painting, and it resonates for me.

So, that said, if I can't find the right home for it, the piece will stay with me.

Click the title to be taken to the listing for Poppies.

"Desert Kisses" - modern, earthy heart duo

2007-02-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Only two days left to order your custom heart painting!

This particular design is one of my favorites. It's subtle, yet the black gives an impact to the overall composition.

If you look closely, you will see that the cream colored hearts have a shimmer of antique gold.

A timeless painting you're sure to enjoy for years.

Blues & Chocolate - a duo of hearts in brown, blue and cream

2007-02-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

There's only two more days left to order a set of hearts for your sweetheart. You can choose from four unique designs, and will receive one painted canvas, 20"x30" depicting two hearts on different backgrounds.

A lovely gift for someone special in your life.

Heart Paintings, new custom heart paintings for Valentine's

2007-02-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Heart Paintings

Custom work for Valentine's Day, Click Title to Bid

As I was finishing an order this weekend for a client, I received an email asking if I could create something special with a heart theme for a Valentine's Day gift. So yes, I'm offering custom heart paintings for a week.

You have your choice of four designs, as listed on eBay, and my turnaround time is 2 days. There is time to order for Valentine's and have the paintings shipped directly to your sweetheart.

"Waiting at Sunset" abstract horse equine painting

2007-02-03T09:39:00.001-08:00

"Waiting at Sunset" c2007

Click Here to Bid

Horses soothe me. Watching them, reading about them, and painting them. There is something magical in the silhouette of a horse that brings me peace.

Lately, my world has been out of control, filled with tension, and as a result, I've been more anxiety ridden than I normally am. So I painted horses the other day. And the knot between my shoulder blades lessened, my jaw unclenched, and I was once again content.

Dragonfly Sorbet, a new Daily Color Study

2007-02-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly Sorbet" c2007

Click the link above to bid

Again, back to my favorite subject of late. Dragonflies, a symbol of luck and transformation.

I've got my fingers crossed for both in my life right now.

Pygmy Goat Study

2007-02-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

"Pygmy Goat Study" c2007

Click title above to bid

So I recently chatted with someone who used to raise pygmy goats. And I looked them up.

Those are the cutest li'l guys I have ever seen! I had to paint one.

Here is my first of what will probably be many pygmy goat studies, because they make me smile.

"Centaur" A dark, moody study of a male centaur

2007-01-31T12:58:00.000-08:00

"Centaur" c2007

Click on the title above to bid

First, let me take a moment to apologize for my absence from my blog for a few days. I've got a lot going on in my life right now, and am feeling overwhelmed and incredibly preoccupied.

Add to that a case of "painters block", and there you have it. Not much new.

I did get a chance to work in my studio this weekend on a project I'm starting for a dear friend of mine. I'm being commissioned to create several large pieces for him, and am working out the kinks mentally for what would go best with his space.

This centaur is representation of that process this weekend. I worked at him until I got the right perspective and color balance. Now, if he was twice as big, it would be the finished product!

But, it is not, so this lovely 30x20 canvas is up for sale now on eBay.

Please, as always, holler with any questions. I'm always more than happy to chat with customers and friends.

Crimson Dragonflies - a symbol of transformation and luck

2007-01-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

OK, so today I'm having a hard time getting to my studio to paint. I've got a lot on my mind and am suffering from painters block a little bit.

It's funny how personally I can take the comments of others sometimes. I have a thick skin most of the time, but when I'm really concerned/stressed/excited about something, it doesn't take too much to jab at me.

And in the middle of what I hope to be a life changing process, I find myself wondering why the comments and agendas of others should matter. This is, after all, my journey, my life, and my dreams.

Ok, there. I boosted myself back up.

The dragonflies in this painting are representative of transformation, and a symbol of good luck. Both of which I am hoping for right now.

Love to all.

"Make a Connection" minimalist nude, dance texture

2007-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

"Make a Connection" c2007

Click Here to Bid

My moods affect my paintings. Duh, right? Of course, you say, mood will affect your paintings, with the use of light, color, etc.

But it's more than that. Yesterday, I was and still am excited by some things that are happening in my life, and this painitng is a result of what the canvas "spoke" to me. No, I don't think canvasses actually speak, per se, but I just started painting, and this is the vision I had.

It's a good sized piece, 20"x30", and represents two figures dancing. One, is the pursuer, and the other is pulling away. Interpret as you like, it's about the connections people make between eachother, hence the name.

Up for auction now.

Have a great day!

"A Tangled Web" Last chance to buy

2007-01-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

"A Tangled Web" c2006

Click Here to Bid

OK, so this piece has created a great deal of interest, but for some reason, hasn't found a home yet. It has been bought, then the person couldn't come up with the funds to pay, bid on only to have an error on my auction, and several folks have inquired about it.

So it's available one time at auction on eBay, and if it doesn't find a home, will be included in an educational fundraising auction for my daughter's school. This is the last week it will be available for sale.

The piece is three canvasses (a triptych) 28"x14" each, so the total size is 28"x42". It comes with staple free edges, and is ready to hang.

"Autumn Eclipse" a huge 60 inch abstract landscape diptych

2007-01-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

"Autumn Eclipse" c2007

Click here to bid

After a few days out of my studio working on another project, I finally was able to take some time and finish Autumn Eclipse, my latest large scale contemporary landscape.

This piece is filled with rich warm reds, oranges and umbers, highlighted with antique gold, yellow, and a hint of dark hooker's green.

The finished painting measures 60" wide, 20" tall, and is ready to hang with staple free edges.

If you are the first person to meet my reserve and you win the auction, shipping is free!

"Dragonflies Dance" a new dragonfly daily

2007-01-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

"Dragonflies Dance" c2007

Click Here to Bid

Don't have much time, just putting details down...

4x6 canvas panel

Blues, greens & splashes of red oxide.

Black/iridescent dragonflies!

"Waiting by the Sea", a daily equine horse color study

2007-01-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

"Waiting by the Sea" c2007

Click Here to Bid

No matter what I work on, the subject of horses eventually makes its way back onto my canvas.

Maybe because horses were the first thing I drew, my first love, and have always held a special place in my heart.

This is another daily in my Sea series, of a horse looking out in the distance, waiting for something. It's 7"x5" on canvas panel, ready for easy framing in any standard frame.

"Siren Song" a watery, mysterious nude

2007-01-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

"Siren Song" c2007

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I've been working with different glazing techniques, and Siren is a result of many hours' worth of experimentation until I found what I was looking for.

She appears to float through the blue green water, her reddish brown hair swirling around her.

Siren measures 30"x20", and has staple free edges, so she comes ready to hang.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this new series brings. #2 is in process on two canvasses, and will measure 60" long.

"Thinker" minimalist, abstract female nude

2007-01-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

"Thinker" c2007

click here to bid

Ok, so I'm not sure how I forgot to post this one. She only has one day left at auction, but "Thinker" is a different style for me, and I'm enjoying the freedom in more minimalist work.

She measures 14x11, and is painted on gallery wrapped canvas.

Antique gold background, with orange, red and black.

Lots of texture, and the paint is applied three dimensionally.

"Sea Horse" an abstract equine color study

2007-01-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

"Sea Horse" c2007

Click Here to bid

Here is the latest of my Sea dailies. I am really into the cool greens and pthalo blue with splashes of reddish brown. Such an energetic color palette.

This piece is 5x7 canvas panel, up for auction now.

"Dragonfly Sea" blues, greens, metallic accents

2007-01-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly Sea" c2007

Click Here to Bid

I'm back to painting some smaller daily works. I was stuck with a larger piece I started today, and to clear my head I created some color studies... turns out I have missed doing the smaller pieces on canvas panels!

This piece is 5x7 on a canvas panel and is up for auction now. Dragonflies have been one of my more popular subject, and this is a color scheme I haven't done before in this size.

"From the Fire" a new red abstract nude

2007-01-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

"From the Flames" c2007

Click Here to Bid

I have had such an amazing response to my Tempest series, that I took it in a new direction... I'm working on a Fire series, with bright reds, oranges, and gold.

This painting is 24"x24", Deep 1.5" Gallery wrapped sides are painted. Coated with a clear varnish.

It's up for auction now. And I'm having a 1.00 & 5.00 no reserve auction sale on select pieces. Visit my store for all of my current work!

"A Tree in Brooklyn" modern, contemporary cityscape

2007-01-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

"A Tree in Brooklyn" c2007

Click Here to Bid

This painting, as those of you who follow my work is not something you might normally associate with my style. This piece began with several layers of background color, then the metallic "buildings", and in the foreground a stark, black tree stakes his claim in this metropolis.

I love it. I love the subtle shimmer of the metallic glazes behind the strong lines of the tree.

It is 24x24 on deep gallery wrapped edges, and is up for auction with no reserve.

"Scorned" a new spoon painted nude

2007-01-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

"Scorned" c2007

Click Here to Bid

It's hard to capture movement on a small canvas sometimes. I am having such a delightful time working with movement, body shapes, color and texture in this new series of nudes I'm working on.

This particular piece is called Scorned, and depicts a woman in the midst of a rage. Her head thrown back in absolute fury, arm overhead, and fallen to her knees.... it is, of course, red.

She is 14"x11" gallery wrapped canvas, painted with a spoon and comes ready to hang. As with all of my smaller dailies, shipping is free.

"Abandon" bright, bold nude is relisted for two days!

2007-01-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

"Abandon" c2007

Click Here to Bid

I don't normally post the same painting twice, but this piece had an error on it's eBay listing and ended days before it was supposed to.

As a result, and as a courtesy to those who did not have a chance to bid, I have relisted the piece for two additional days!

Please email me with any questions. This painting is bright, colorful, lots of texture and metallic gold highlights. It is finished with a gloss varnish and the sides are painted and staple free.

It looks stunning alongside the next piece in the series "Invitation"....

"Invitation" c2007 a bold, abstract nude

2007-01-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

"Invitation" c2007

Click Here to Bid

I have like 20 seconds to type this, so all you're getting is a short description of the piece.

24x18, gallery wrapped sides

Bold brushstrokes, reds, oranges, warm tones, metallic bronze and gold highlights.

"Bronze Stallion" a miniature daily horse painting

2007-01-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

"Bronze Stallion" c2007

Click Here to Bid

I've gotten lots of email lately asking when I'm going to list another horse painting, so here is my most recent piece.

This little gem is 4"x4" on gallery wrapped stretched canvas. He's painted entirely in iridescent paint, so the entire piece really shimmers.

As with all my daily paintings, shipping is free while up at auction.

"A Tangled Web" large scale abstract

2007-01-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

"A Tangled Web" c2006

Click Here to Bid

As I move into 2007, I am making more room in my studio by letting go of some of my 2006 pieces with the best offer feature in eBay.

If you have had your eye on a painting, now is the time to bid or make your best offer. Some of these works will be removed from my store and put up for auction here to benefit local non profit organizations, or will be hung in my own home.... my inventory generally moves so quickly, I don't get to enjoy my paintings for very long on my own walls...

This particular work is a triptych, 28"x42", 3 panels of 28"x14" each. It comes with painted sides and ready to hang.

"Abandon" a bright, modern abstract nude

2007-01-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

"Abandon" c2007

Click Here to Bid

As an artist, I recognize that there is nothing so graceful as the curves on a woman's body. I suppose that's why the female form is and has been so prominent a subject in paintings for centuries.

I have been drawn to painting nudes lately, the form, to composition, the flow of the paintings have been inspired by old photographs, sketches from my life drawing classes in college (yes, I graduated 10+ years ago and still have some of my sketches), and pictures in my head.

This particular piece is filled with lots of bold brushstrokes, movement, and vivid colors, quite the contrast from my nude listed two days ago, which is cool colors, dark, and more moody.

It's a celebration, a woman dancing with abandon... hence the name.

It's 24"x18" on gallery wrapped canvas, and comes ready to hang.

As always, email me with any questions. Thanks!

"Sky Full of Dragons" abstract, colorful dragonflies

2007-01-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

"Sky Full of Dragons" c2007

Click Here to Bid

So the dawn of yet another year has inspired me to paint, and paint, and paint and paint. Today, I worked on a mural for my daughter's preschool, and now I'm heading to the studio to get some "brush time" before tucking my daughters in to bed.

My husband, bless his heart, takes over with bathing duties and bedtime winding down so I can get to the studio in the evenings.

I have a head full of ideas, and not all of them are cohesive, or even in a similar style. I found some great old black and white photos of women, which inspired yesterday's painting, and today I just went with the colors and let them flow as they would... filling a canvas with a rainbow of dragonflies.

Love them both, actually.

This piece is again 24x24 on deep gallery wrapped sides, so it's pretty good sized, and is up for auction now.

"Ready or Not" modern, edgy nude

2007-01-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

"Ready or Not" c2007

Click Here to Bid

I can't believe it's already 2007! I'm in a painting flurry, and on quite a creative streak, so I'm painting like crazy until I hit a stall....

This piece is 24x24 on deep gallery wrapped edges. Dark, earthy tones, very moody.

"Transformation" an abstract dragonfly

2006-12-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

"Transformation" c2006

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Another "sneak peak" of my 2007 new works... 24x18 dragonfly on gallery wrapped canvas. Lots of metallic colors, iridescent paints, copper, bronze, blue, pearl... plenty of texture and movement.

Dragonflies stand for good luck and transformation in many cultures... a fitting piece for the New Year!

"Playing With Fire" a bold abstract nude

2006-12-29T22:29:00.000-08:00

"Playing With Fire" c2006

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OK, so my kids haven't slept in FOREVER, so I am having trouble trying to stay up late enough to get my new work posted and write a bit in my blog.

Tonight is short and sweet.

I'm listing a couple of pieces from my new 2007 series a couple of days early. This piece is 24x18, and painted on a bright red background. The dancing figure is painted entirely in metallic glazes, with peridot, cream, champagne, copper and dark bronze lending depth to her body. Because of the iridescence, the painting changes depending on how you view her.

She, too is painted partially with a spoon, my newest favorite tool.

"Tempest Tossed" a framed abstract nude #3 in series

2006-12-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

"Tempest Tossed" c2006

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As I look back on this year, I find that it has been an amazing journey. From the sale of our first home together, to the first steps of our youngest daughter, the first day of preschool for our oldest daughter, to the first week I actually out-earned my husband with art sales... what a ride!
I am exhausted, frazzled, and happy to the bone.

To paint, to create, to call myself "artist".... what a joy. And to do this alongside my beautiful little girls... absolute bliss.

I'm excited to see what 2007 brings, and am working hard in the studio on my newest series' of paintings.

The latest piece (look for more of my nudes in motion, more Tempest, and a series I've started called Ice Princess....) is called Tempest Tossed, 12x12 and is actually FRAMED.
This one is already up for auction in my ebay store. Email me with questions.

"Tempest Rising" #2 in Abstract Nude Series

2006-12-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

"Tempest Rising" c 2006

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I can't believe it's been a WEEK since I last posted... sorry for that. The holidays got me all turned around and running behind.

But, I managed some good studio time, and that resulted in the next two installations of my Tempest nudes series.

This particular piece is called "Tempest Rising", and is a 24"x24" painting on 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas. It is available in my ebay store.

Also in my store are a number of items with the Best Offer feature. I'm doing an end of year studio liquidation, so if there is a piece you're interested in, make me a reasonable offer. I have some charitable foundations who are asking for artwork donations, and several pieces will be donated and no longer for sale by the end of the year.

Email me with any questions!

"I Still Hear the Music" Abstract Carousel Horse

2006-12-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

"I Still Hear the Music" c2006

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My dad wrote me a poem in college called "Painted Horses". To date, it is my favorite poem of all time. He sent this to me while I was away at college and we weren't as close as we once were.

When I was a little girl, my daddy and I had a special bond, then through the course of a host of family issues, coupled with my adolescence, we grew apart.

I moved back to Austin during my junior year of college, and my daddy and I found a way to connect again. We went to movies every Sunday and out to either a late breakfast or early lunch. It was our thing, and we did that for several years until I moved out to Oregon for a job.

My dad and I are close to this day. We don't talk every day, but we send eachother emails, and I know he thinks of me as often as I do him. I still remember painted horses, and the carousel he sent me through words... I love you, Dad.

"Winter Lion" an up close study of a male lion

2006-12-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

"Winter Lion" c 2006

This painting is not available

FINALLY.... I have ten minutes to myself so I can put something in my blog! It has been a crazy crazy week, with two sick kids, a husband working long hours, TONS of orders to get shipped out... I'm beat.

However, I am absolutely not complaining! I would rather be running around like this, scrambling to get the artwork that folks have purchased ready to ship than anxiously hovering near my computer hoping to get some buyers. This is GREAT.

It would be a little easier if my dear husband hadn't been sent out of town by his company this week. Makes things a little harder. But we're coping. I've got lots of projects set for the girls, and a sitter coming for a few hours in the afternoon towards the end of the week.

If all goes well, and the baby feels OK, the girls are going to grandma and grandpa's house for a few hours tomorrow so I can actually go paint in my studio... other than the gifts and last minute commission pieces people ordered as gifts, I haven't had a chance to just PAINT. And my fingers are itching. I have this disheveled angel in my head that really wants to make an appearance on canvas.... you might see her soon.

In the mean time, here is the lion I painted as a gift to my mother. I fell in love with him and really considered keeping him for myself, but it is Christmas after all... the season of giving and all that!

"Feel the Beat" an abstract heart painting

2006-12-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

"Feel the Beat" c2006

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I'm deep in the spirit of the holidays, and am feeling whimsical.

So.... more hearts. This one is 28x14 with gallery wrapped edges and available on auction now.

"Tempest" an abstract nude

2006-12-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

"Tempest" c2006

Click Here to Visit eBay Store

This piece is full of color, life and movement. And again, the subject in this piece is painted entirely with a spoon. I'm really finding a rhythm with the spoon as a painting tool, and am enjoying the progression of my work as I use it more.

The woman coming out of the ocean in this painting creates a wonderful shape and color contrast...

Available at auction in my eBay store.

"Pitter Patter" Black and White Heart Diptych

2006-12-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

"Pitter Patter" c2006

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There is a fine line between upscale art and "cute" paintings when the subject of choice is a heart. That has been my challenge the past few times I've worked with hearts as my focus. Several pieces have been started over, tossed out, painted over (kicked, stomped on) .... but this one is definitely a keeper, and one I'm proud to post for sale.

The bright hearts are painted with many layers of bright red, garnet and antique gold glazes over a stark black/white background.

The backgrounds arent' flat paint, however. They are painted with pearlescent paint, so they have a sheen depending on the angles you view them from. The pieces are accented with a bit of turquoise, and lots of coppery metallic glaze for accents, both in the rich warm copper color and a cooler patina hue. The entire piece will be glazed with a high gloss varnish for protection.

The result is a striking piece measuring 32" wide by 20" high on 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas.

"Dragonfly Swirl" a FRAMED abstract dragonfly

2006-12-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly Swirl" c2006

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Lately, I've been painting with a spoon.. I can't stop! The effects I'm getting (I'm hopeless with a pallette knife), are great, very textural, etc.

It is providing me with an outlet other than the brush, which has really stimulated me to create more work. All I want to do is paint, which is hard to do considering I have two small children at home.... but it's all good.

This particular piece is 12x12, gallery wrapped edges, and as a bonus comes FRAMED in a black frame with deep 1 1/2" sides. Would make a great gift for you or someone special on your list.

"Morning Run" large galloping horse on red and gold

2006-12-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

"Morning Run" c2006

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I hear the music inside a horse. Seriously, there is not much in this world sweeter to me than the sound of a horse nickering in the pasture, or their soft velvety nose. I saw this horse running across a field early one morning, and the painting was born.

I painted it from memory, the beautiful mare, tail high, running just for the sheer joy of it.

The painting is 24"x24", on deep (1 1/2 inch) gallery wrapped sides that are painted. Wired in the back for ease of hanging. It is available at auction now. Would make a great gift for a horse lover in your life, or... I'll let one of my collectors to the speaking for me.

"this one is fabulous, the movement is awesome....just awesome! The colors were meant for [me]....Each time you paint one it just seems there was a hole in my house waiting for it!" Kathy, TN

"Birth of Venus" a large scale abstract

2006-12-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

"Birth of Venus" c2006

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As I come into my own as an artist, finding my style, appreciating the ideas in my head, I feel comfortable exploring new techniques and tools to really bring out my cretaive thoughts...

This painting is a result of that. Not only is this piece not actually a square, it's full of texture and painting strokes created with unexpected elements.

I have actually been painting with a spoon for part of my new stuff! It is so much fun, and the freedom of not being able to control every stoke to the exact milimeter for placement is resulting in movement and life I didn't have before in some pieces!

I am really enjoying this piece, and know it will find just the right home. It's 42" wide by 28" tall at it's widest points, and is comprised of 5 panels... one 14x28 and four 11x14.

Please email me with any questions or comments. I love to hear from others!

New Abstract Heart Triptych

2006-12-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

"Love me, Love me not" c2006

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In my never ending quest to find interesting subjects to paint, I was exploring symbolism both in popular culture and religion. This series of hearts stems from my search. I'm working on a series of symbols and icons, a series that can hang alone or all work together, with icons from historical societies, ancient civilization, religious symbols and modern mysticism.

The hearts are on the whimsical side, painted in earthy, rustic tones, glazed lightly with an antique gold and pewter glazes, and the black of the highly textured hearts are highlighted with a light turquoise accent.

The three pieces can be hung alone, or mix and matched into different combinations. Each panel is 16x20, for a total size of 48" wide. Gallery wrapped edges painted black, and wired for easy hanging.

"Aries Ascending" a large scale abstract tryptich

2006-12-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

"Aries Ascending" c2006

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The sun signs are in my head lately, and I'm working on a new series of paintings dedicated to the astrological signs and their meanings.

The work is big, with lots of color, movement and texture. Layers of glazes, paint and metallic bits work together for an interesting effect.

This piece is up for auction now in my eBay store. It's 42 inches wide and 28 inches tall on gallery wrapped canvasses.

"Indian Summer"

2006-12-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

"Indian Summer" c2006

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I've got a thing going for trees right now. Possibly because all except the evergreens are now bare, and the stark silhouette of a tree against a winter sky makes such a striking picture...

I love the contrast of a beautiful sky at dusk paired with a sharp line of a barren tree.

Such was the inspiration for this painting. It's 8x10 on canvas panel. Ready to frame, and up for auction now. Use the link above to visit my listing and bid.

"Across the Savannah"

2006-12-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

"Across the Savannah" c2006

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Here's a new spin on my animal/safari paintings. It's a large scale abstract landscape with a small herd of giraffes running across.

Very modern, with touches of black and silver.

48" wide, on two 24x18 canvasses.

"Virgo Rising" a new large scale abstract

2006-12-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

"Virgo Rising" c2006

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After two days of being cooped up with my little girls and a stomach flu, I was desperate to escape to my studio yesterday. Thank goodness my mother in law was babysitting, because I was hit with the inspiration bug and painted all day!

One of the results from my painting frenzy was this large scale abstract on three canvasses, called "Virgo Rising". It's 66" (5 1/2 feet) long and 24" tall. I had a wonderful time working with color and texture, and letting the painting tell me what to do next....

It's up for auction now, so use the link above to visit the listing and see more pics.

"Night Flight" a FRAMED Dragonfly Painting

2006-11-30T07:06:00.000-08:00

"Night Flight" c2006

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For the holidays, I thought I would offer some medium sized framed paintings for easy gift giving.

This particular painting is a dragonfly on a dark (black) background, with metallic highlights and deep magenta/blue-green accents. Dragonflies are thought to bring good fortune, magic and vision. I think they are absolutely stunning, and whatever else they bring, they are beautiful, sparkling creatures.

This painting is 12x12, and comes framed in a deep edged black frame that can be hung horizontally or vertically, depending on what angle you want your dragonfly to fly.

I will also send this item directly to a gift recipient with an enclosed gift card at no extra charge. Just let me know at check out.

"A Tryst in the Forest"

2006-11-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

"A Tryst in the Forest" c2006

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This painting is all about color, texture, and movement. I was inspired by some of the beautiful colors on the leaves here this fall. Now, most of the leaves are gone, aside from the evergreens, and we're heading into what is predicted to be a pretty harsh winter, for us anyway.

I find myself missing the vibrant oranges, yellows, reds and browns as I drive my daughter to preschool, though I am enjoying the holiday lights that are springing up on the houses in our neighborhood.

The piece is two panels, total size 20x32, (each panel is 20x16), gallery wrapped edges painted black.

"I'll Keep Waiting" - one of 3 Heart/Love Paintings

2006-11-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

"I'll Keep Waiting" c2006

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So the holidays already have me giddy like a little kid. I love, love, love decorating my home, baking cookies with my girls and finding the perfect something special for those dear to me.

With that in mind, I went to my studio and created these modern, abstract heart paintings. They've got a contemporary color scheme, and are funky enough to hang just about anywhere. They make me smile, and I hope they make you smile, too.

All three are available in my eBay store.

"Strength" a Lion

2006-11-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

"Strength" c2006

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This painting is one of a series I worked on while my dad was recovering from heart surgery. He's a Leo, and a pretty typically proud one at that. Recovery hasn't been very easy on him.

Since we live 2000 miles apart, painting these lions is my way of keeping him in my thoughts, and at the same time, giving myself something to do so I won't go crazy!

This piece is up for auction, it's a 16x20 stretched canvas, and it comes framed, ready to hang.

Looking Left, a new series of horses

2006-11-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

"Looking Left" c 2006

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Well, after a brief bout of let's call it "painter's block" when it came to horses, I finally have broken through and created some pieces I really like.

I've done a series of three horses, a stallion looking right, a mare looking left, and a yearling running all on a bold blue/violet background.

Since my last horse series sold, I've gotten a lot of comments and requests to post some more, so here they are! This particular piece is 6x4 on canvas panel, ready to frame in any standard picture frame.

"Giving Life" last in a series of small nudes for awhile

2006-11-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

"Giving Life" c 2006

Click Here to visit my online gallery

Lately I've been feeling nostalgic about babies and pregnancy.... I can understand about babies, my youngest one is almost 15 months old, so I miss the tiny cuddly phase. Pregnancy, I don't have much to reminisce about aside from the fact that I was growing a little person.

With both kids I was horribly sick, I threw up the entire nine months with my first, had to be taken out of work, and was generally miserable. With Stephanie, the second, I only threw up the first 4 solid months, which was lucky since Sophie was only a year old when I got pregnant!

I got diabetes with both girls, and had to be on a strict diet, test my blood sugar, and all that. Labor with Sophie lasted 44 hours, and ended with 4.5 hours of pushing, to the point where I nearly got an emergency c-section. Stephanie's labor was much easier, 5 hours with 30 minutes of pushing.

Looking back at the pregnancies, it is hard for me to understand where this pining for doing it all over again is coming from. Then I look at my little girls and I remember WHY I did it, and the negatives fade just a little bit.... funny how that works.

So, long story short, this tiny little painting is a celebration of the miracle of giving life. For all we go through, all the dreams that come with it, and the sheer beauty of a woman about to become a mother. It's 6x4 on canvas panel.

A big shout out to all the mothers out there!

"Bashful" a modern abstract nude

2006-11-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

"Bashful" c2006

Click here to visit my eBay store

"Bashful" is one of my miniature nudes, a 6x4 abstract of a woman in rich blues and greens with antique gold highlights. It is one of those pieces that shows just enough that you know what you're looking at, but it's not so obvious that it takes a minute to figure it out.

As with all of my daily paintings, bidding starts at only $29, and shipping is free during auction. After auction, some pieces are available in my eBay store, and shipping is always free with Buy It Now.

***** Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I took some time to reflect on all of the wonderful gifts I have experienced this year. After moving into our new house in a wonderful, kid friendly neighborhood, I was able to take some time to rededicate myself to my painting. I started posting a few pieces on eBay, and selling privately.

I am thrilled to say that since July of this year, I've gone from selling a couple of pieces a month, to nearly a painting sold EVERY DAY between eBay, local clients, my website, and other online sales venues. I cannot believe that in less than 5 months, I have built up such a strong client base.

It is truly an honor to create every day. Thank you to all of my returning customers, your business and referrals are invaluable.

With my wondeful family, rapidly expanding business, and good friend surrounding me, this is turning out to be one of my personal best years. Blessings to all of you!

Weird Little Turtle

2006-11-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

"Turtle" c 2006

Click here to visit my eBay store

This funky little turtle was again the result of the shapes I saw after creating some backgrounds. I found his shape in the colors, and the outcome is this interesting little guy.

He's 4x6 on canvas panel. Bold colors with metallic highlights, varnished for protection. I love these canvas panels, because they are so easy to frame in a standard frame. They are also super simple to ship, which saves my buyers on s/h charges.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm off to peel potatoes for my famous mashed potato casserole with a crispy parmesan crust..... we're spending a lovely afternoon with my husband's parents, who luckily live only a half a mile away. I'm relieved to not have to be on the road this weekend wiht my baby girls and all the nutty holiday drivers!

"Joyful Dance" daily nude

2006-11-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

"Joyful Dance" c 2006

Click here to visit my eBay store

Lately, I've been trying to see where the canvas wants to "take" me, so to speak, and instead of going to the easel with a set idea in my head, I'm waiting to see what shapes and feelings I get out of the background colors.

This beautiful little lady came out of the soothing blues and greens I washed onto the canvas panel. She just makes me smile.

"Joyful Dance" is 12x6, canvas panel. Blues and greens with black and antique gold highlights. Available in my eBay store.

Have a great Thanksgiving, I hope you and yours are all happy and well.

"Bask in the Glow" an abstract landscape

2006-11-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

"Bask in the Glow" c 2006

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Somehow, I completely forgot to write in my blog yesterday. I almost wrote a post at lunch while the girls were napping, then something came up and I missed my opportunity.

As luck would have it, it slipped my mind after everyone was asleep, exhausted from looking at all of our Christmas decorations.

I just finished this abstract landscape, and am enjoying the little bit of Gustav Klimt feeling it gives me. It's two 16x20 panels, so the total size is 32x20, a substantial piece for a room.

As always, email me with any questions.

"The Bather" A Miniature Nude

2006-11-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

"The Bather" c 2006

Click here to visit listing

Well, it seems (fingers crossed) that I'm on the tail end of this nasty cold, and hopefully making a comeback to the world of the living. I sure do miss the days when I could just call into work, crawl under the covers and watch tv all day when I was sick! Being a stay at home mom, that just isn't an option, though my girls have enjoyed the extra tv time they normally aren't allowed to have.

I think we've watched our share of Disney movies this past few days.

In any case, I felt good enough to paint last night, and am working on a series of small nudes. "The Bather" is the first of several I'm going to be listing this week. She's 7x5 on canvas panel. Creating the small nudes has been a result of requests from previous clients wanting to have smallish pieces to give as a gift, or place in a certain spot in their home.

"Heaven Shines Down"

2006-11-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

"Heaven Shines Down" c 2006

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Well, this painting had sold, then the customer received it at home, and realized that she needed a slightly larger size for the space she was thinking about.

So, this piece, 20x16 is for sale again, and I'm working on another piece like it for her, but 24x18.

"Heaven Shines Down" is full of bold red/orange & yellow, lots of movement, color and brushstrokes.

Sorry for the short post. I've got the flu and between shipping out paintings and creating my holiday lights, I'm pooped.

"Zebra in Blue"

2006-11-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

"Zebra in Blue" c 2006

Click Here to Bid

Before I give the information for this painting, I just want to say thank you personally to all of you who have found, and are bringing my artwork into their homes. I have found that my work is selling more and more each day, and am so blessed to be meeting such wonderful people from around the globe.

To wake up each day and have my primary focus be to raise my beautiful daughters and pick up a brush to create art... I can't describe how much that fills my heart. So, thank you.

This particular piece is called "Zebra in Blue", and it's HUGE, 36"x36" on gallery wrapped canvas.

"Vanity - Ana's Rebirth" #3 in Abstract Nude Series

2006-11-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

"Vanity - Ana's Rebirth" c 2006

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THis is the third and final piece in my series based on a response to the rising popularity of eating disorders.

It is a celebration of a woman triumphing over anorexia (Ana), and coming into a new life as a strong, healthy person.

24x20, gallery wrapped sides. A portion of the proceeds to benefit an eating disorder foundation.

"Vanity - Metamorphosis of Mia" #2 in Abstract Nude Series

2006-11-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

"Vanity - Metamorphosis of Mia" c 2006

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I am FINALLY finished with this series of three paintings I created in response to the increasingly accepted practice of eating disorders. As a woman who has suffered through the grip of bulimia, and as a mother with two daughters, this subject is near and dear to my heart.

As with my first painting that sold, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this piece will be donated to an eating disorder foundation.

20x24, gallery wrapped edges, signed in front and back, wired for professional hanging.

Modern, edgy dragonfy series.

2006-11-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly Kaliedoscope" c2006

Another of my moody, modern dragonflies. Dark greys and blacks in background, splashes of color and a metallic silver dragonfly really pop.

I'm enjoying this series.

I am finishing two more pieces for my vanity female nude series, which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to an eating disorder foundation. They should be listed either tomorrow or the next day.

I'm excited to see the response. The first one really touched a lot of people.

Dragonfly in Technicolor

2006-11-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly in Technicolor" c 2006

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Ok, so call it an obsession, call it a phase... whatever works.

I am painting dragonflies like crazy, and LOVING IT!!! There are so many wonderful ways to explore color, reflection and highlights with this amazing subject.

This piece is Dragonfly in Technicolor, part of a new series I'm working on. There are four so far, maybe more to come. They'll be listed in my eBay store this week.

It's 4x6 on canvas panel. Email me with any questions and have a great day . Sorry for the short blog, I'm trying to get myself ready for an art faire this weekend, and have about 5 minutes before my littlest daughter wakes up from her nap!

Dragonfly in Mist

2006-11-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly in Mist" c 2006

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People are responding to my dragonflies so well, I've decided to continue to paint them for a while. I am loving how they turn out, the black shadows against the brightly colored background.... metallic highlights.

Thanks to all of you who have bid and/or purchased on of my dragonfly paintings. I look forward to sharing more of these fun pieces with the world.

This particular piece is 5x7 on canvas panel.

Dragonfly Sunset

2006-11-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly Sunset" c 2006

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Well, I thought I would have free moment yesterday to write in my blog.... apparently I was wrong. Between shipping painting orders from last week and preparing for an art faire this weekend, I had about 10 minutes to answer emails, re-list items on eBay and send out all my bills for the month.

In any case, I did finish a small series of dragonflies over the weekend. This particular piece is 9x12 on canvas panel, reds/orange/magenta with a metallic dragonfly cruising through the sky.

He's up for auction on eBay. Watch for the others to be listed this week as well.

Vanity - Abstract Nude

2006-11-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

"Vanity - A Celebration of Emaciation" c 2006

Click Here to Bid

This particular piece holds a special place in my heart. It's my response to the tragic glorification of starvation in the media. The effect caused by the adoration of women who starve themselves to 15-20% under a healthy body weight creates a host of unrealistic body image expectations in the young women in our country.

It breaks my heart, and I am hoping that my daughters won't be touched by this.

A portion of the proceeds from this sale will go to an eating disorder foundation.

Thank you and good night.

"The Dance" another equine study

2006-11-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

"The Dance" c 2006

SOLD

Well, I no sooner had this piece up than it sold. It shows that when I paint from the heart, other people connect with my work and feel the intensity I have for the subject.

This particular piece is an equine study in movement of an Arabian stallion prancing. I have always loved the grace in an Arab's movements, so delicate and light on their feet. (Unless it's a little dappled Arab named Beaver that I learned to jump on, she was like a Mack Truck on hooves!)

Anyway, I guess that I have always been touched by a deep connection to horses. It was the first thing I drew once I got past stick figures, that was what I pinned up on my walls in junior high, horse pictures from Horse Illustrated and Western Horseman, not photos from Tiger Beat or other pre-teen magazines.

I still love horses, any breed, any color. I love to watch them, listen to them, I love the sweet smell of their breath after eating hay, and their soft, velvety muzzles.

This horse pic isn't available any longer, but I have others in my eBay store, and will be posting more.

"Fire Blooms"

2006-11-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

"Fire Blooms" c 2006
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I have a thing about funky flowers. I mean, I love flowers in nature, flowers in paintings, especially flowers from my husband when he's not in trouble.... but I very much enjoy flowers in non-traditional settings.

Abstract paintings, to me at least, can sometimes feel "hard" or "cold". When you paint flowers in an abstract sense, it's hard to make them unfeeling or harsh. This particular piece is a diptych of 14x28 panels, the subject is two bold, fat, red blooming flowers that look like they are springing to life from fire.

What you can't see in the photo is the metallic gold hints, and bits of deep purple in the flowers themselves. It's finished with a high gloss varnish for protection.

Email me with any questions, as always, I love to hear from new people!

"Dragonfly on Water"

2006-10-31T07:07:00.000-08:00

"Dragonfly on Water" c 2006

Click Here to Bid

I was just chatting with someone who is bidding on several of my paintings, and thought, "How wonderful it is to be living in a time when connecting with someone on the other side of the country is this easy?"

This woman lives in Tennessee, and is a veterinarian and rides dressage. At the moment, she's purchasing three of my small equine color studies and waiting for the fourth to be posted. To share a quote from her "Horses. You see in them the color and magic that is there and you should be thankful, that is a gift!"

She saw the love I have for painting animals and natural elments. And when I paint them, sometimes it's realism, and sometimes they come out in technicolor... it is an amazing thing to have another person be able to connect to your artwork with the same passion you do!

"Dragonfly on Water" is 16x20, gallery wrapped canvas, available on auction at eBay.

"The Wild One" new Zebra Painting

2006-10-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

"The Wild One" c 2006

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It always comes back full circle... to horses and zebras. I guess you can't steer away from what you love.

This piece is called "The Wild One". 16x20, gallery wrapped. Available in my ebay store.

As always, please email me with any questions!

Equine Horse Color Study "Flying Leap"

2006-10-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

"Flying Leap" c 2006

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No matter where I go, I always come back to painting horses in some way...

This particular piece is called "Flying Leap" and is available at auction on eBay as we speak. My smaller pieces are shipping free right now, so it's an excellent time to get one for the holidays.

Many of my clients buy these daily paintings as gifts for loved ones, when they want to pick something really special.

Please email me with any question, or visit my eBay store to see this and other works of art available!

Have a lovely day.

More Dragonfly Paintings!

2006-10-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

DRAGONFLY SERIES c 2006

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OK, so it's a small obsession.... and they are so much darn fun to paint.

So, I did a series of three dragonflies, which can be purchased and hung together, or separately.

Lots of color, metallic copper and silvery-green highlights.

Too much to do tonight, I have holiday light box orders to fill, so I need to get to the garage and start making them!

Have a lovely evening everyone, and please contact me if you have any questions or comments. Or, if you would like more information on a particular piece!

Dragonfly Daily Painting

2006-10-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

"Dragonfly" c 2006

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I'm taking a small break from the enormous abstracts and getting back to some fun little color studies.

I am experimenting with some different techniques. This particular piece is 5"x7" on canvas panel. A dragonfly in a brightly colored sky with delicate metallic highlights. Available on eBay.

Smaller pieces on the way!

2006-10-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some smaller pieces to post this week, along with a couple of larger semi abstract works.

Tonight, I'm revisiting a favorite of mine. This is my all time number one zebra painting, and I still miss him....

He's living in a million dollar home on a lake in Chicago, so I think he'll be fine, but I still pine for him from time to time.

Born of the Sun

2006-10-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

As I sit here typing my daily blog, which by the way I've been trying to do since 10am.... my brain is clicking off a list of things that have to get done tomorrow.

When did my days get so short? How did I manage to LOSE TIME by leaving my 60 hour a week job? Sometimes I miss those days when I would get up, go to work, do my business uninterrrupted for the most part, make a list of what needed to get done the next day, come home and take it easy.

I think about how nice it would be to have regular scheduled (mandatory) breaks, overtime, lunches with friends, and a workspace where I would never find a random green crayon or some leftover Cheerios.

Then I think about how many laughs, steps, milestones and memories I would miss. I can breathe easily knowing my girls are being raised by a firm and loving hand, being taught the values I adhere to. They know their mommy is the first line of defense when there is a quarrell, an owie to be kissed, or a peanut butter and jelly to be made. I think about how soon they will be teenagers and will think that everything I do is lame, will want me to drop them off a block from school, and will be embarrassed when I sing or dance. Now, I can sing to Dora the Explorer, dance with my babies throughout the house, and make them giggle when I'm silly. And I realize that I'm exactly where I want to be. I'll just take a breath, and forge ahead on days like today.

I'm a wife, a mother, and an artist. Some days are struggles. Some months are tight, and sometimes finding time to paint means cutting out needed sleep.

But it's all worth it. Because soon enough they'll be off to school all day long, and I'll be counting the minutes until I can pick them up from school and hear about their days.

Until then, I'll paint when I can, play when I can, and do my best to balance both worlds.

In my art world, there is a new piece... "Born of the Sun", a triptych available in my eBay store. Three panels, 14x28 each, total installation 42x28.

A Tangled Web

2006-10-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

For some reason, this pic didn't post the other day....

It's another abstract triptych, called A Tangled Web.

42x28, gallery wrapped sides.

Available in my ebay store.

I'm exhausted, so short post tonight.

Long Day

2006-10-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

POPPIES IN PERSPECTIVE c 2006

I didn't paint at all today. But, the good news is that my husband got my new workbench built in my studio, which gives me 8 FEET of workspace, 3.5 feet deep.... yea! I'll be able to get crazy with some of my abstracts working on an elevated surface, instead of killing my back with the canvas on the floor.

I know, I'm feeling ALL of my 33 years tonight. It didn't help that my baby woke up at 3:20 am needing a diaper change, then my 3 year old came stumbling into our room at 5:15 saying she was awake and needed her yogurt, a banana and the Backyardigans.

It's now 11:30, and I'm going to go to sleep as soon as I get one last basket of laundry put away.

I'm not posting something new today, but rather a piece that has some news! "Poppies in Perspective" was selected to be one of the "big gifts" in indieholidays.com, which people are calling a better holiday site than redenvelope.com! It was a nice surprize, as the lady who runs the catalog emailed me and asked if she could include my painting as one of two featured items.

How wonderful!

Please keep the emails coming, I love to hear from all of you, your thoughts, critiques, anything!

Good night, I'm off to (fingers crossed) get some sleep!

- Carrie

Dreamcatcher

2006-10-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

So, this is definitely bigger than the paintings I normally do for my daily blog, but I have been painting a piece a day.... just on a much LARGER scale than I had planned.

I'm on a streak. This particular painting is four feet square, I call it Dreamcatcher.

You can't see all of the colors in the photo, but there are subtle hints of bright colors throughout.

I have it listed on by eBay store, email me with questions.

My baby is up from her nap, so I'm off of the "artist" clock, and onto "mom"! Take care.

Butterfly Effect

2006-10-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today's painting is a larger abstract piece. I call it "Butterfly Effect", and it's an abstract impression of butterflies taking flight.

24"x24", staple free sides, wired in the back for hanging.

The photo does not do the painting justice at all. Nor can you see the heavy texture on the piece. But, as with all artwork, seeing the work in person makes all the difference.

This item, as always, is listed on ebay. Please email me with any questions.