Silver Salmon-My Catch

I caught these fish in Homer, Alaska in August. Tyler, was the captain on our boat,"Daze Off", he took Stevie, some friends and his Mom fishing for halibut and salmon and whatever else comes out of that vast ocean. These fish are actually 10-12 lbs & about 30" long but in a 9 x 12 still colorful but much smaller. Being on the boat with Tyler was one of the highlights of our trip. Seeing my son in the environment he's calling home was so satisfying.

Blue Ribbon Corn 9" x 12"

This is probably one of my favorite sites at the fair. The vegetables and honey and jams is where 'love' is the main ingredient. The nurtured calf, prized rooster or largest pumpkin, hold a special place in our farming history.

Road Ahead 9" x 12"

As with many of my shapshots I am wandering, driving around with my camera close by looking for what may be the perfect shot. Where is this actual location? Delano? Montrose? where was that car located?

Blue Ribbon Rooster 9" x 12"

Besides our dog Huck, I love my chickens on our farm. I am so thankful they produce exquisite pastel brown eggs, which I use to make my favorite quiche recipe or egg salad on Art Spa Days at the studio. Currently, we do not have any roosters so after seeing this beauty at the Minnesota State Fair, I knew I would have to paint him.

Quilt from the Sky, Anywhere USA

The view of our local landscapes from the sky always an inspiration. Aerial views have always intrigued me. Either child or adult, looking out an airplane window is nothing less than miraculous.

On 82nd Street 9" x 12"

I pass the animals in this pasture every day and many times stop, open my car window, their heads turn and I greet them. Stevie and I lived on a ranch in Texas when our boys were born. His job was to take care of the Salers cattle and the Holstein's. Many of our evenings were spent driving around the pasture in the 'dually', watching which of the Holstein recipients were in heat. Sexy!

Red Beacon in a Sea of Green & New Life, Mama and Babies, Just Down the Road

These 2 pieces were the start of my "Local Snapshots" Show, although I didn't know it at the time. I was painting a commission for State Farm Insurance. It started when our farm was for sale and I believe in some way I was saving the farmstead by painting visions of farms, more fantasy then real. We didn't really want to move from this place and as the story goes, the farm didn't sell. So here we are, living on our farm.

On the Way to Seldovia & Driving to South Dakota

It was a blessing the sea was calm the day we were going to Seldovia, Alaska. I am a land person not a water person. We were passing the grain bins that day driving to South Dakota, on our way to our friend's place. These 2 painting are very similar to me, the mountains of Alska and the mountains of grain bins, both beautiful.

Rusty Car 9" x 12"

This was the same green colored car that I remember our family had when I was young. This is still a great old car now rusted in a pasture with cattle roaming around. Old and colorful and yet has a life beyond on a canvas.

Wood Shed and High Wires 9" x 12"

This was my first oil painting. I think it may be one of my favorites. I like the loose brush strokes which are similar to my acrylic work.

Patch of Blue and Rolling Hills of South Dakota

On my first visit to South Dakota, many years ago the beautiful rolling hills of South Dakota reminded me of the curvaceous parts of a woman's body. Here are 2 scenes of the gentle curves on the earth. Also inspired by "Patch of Blue", recently I had a piece of art in the "Breast of Show" exhibit, at the Hang It gallery in NE Minneapolis, part of, "Keep a Breast", a cancer awareness group. I was honored to paint the body cast of my friend, Liz. This same image appeared on the body cast. Liz, visited me recently and donated one of the body casts that she purchased at the "Keep a Breast" event, to the studio.

Matthew

9" x 12" Matthew is one of the young people I have worked/played with in my art classes. A couple of winters ago he and his classmates came out to my studio. They arrived in a big yellow school bus, I wasn't sure the bus would be able to drive under our willow tree, it fit under the willow with ease, the branches bending gently. We played in the new fallen snow built a snowman, visited the chickens, gathered eggs, had lunch and painted scenes from the farm in the studio.