Close-Up Details

Today I thought I would share some close-up detailed images of my paintings to show their texture. I use a palette knife to paint with to get a thick layer of paint, that is not always apparent from photos. These views show how textured they can get! I love the feel of thick paint and hope my clients like their unique look.

I do not varnish my paintings, because of the thickness of the paint, which is dry to the touch in 5-10 days, and safe for handling, but the layers are not 'hard' enough for applying a varnish for at least a year! Varnishing a painting too soon can cause problems for the painting down the line. I also prefer the look of a low-gloss paint film versus a glossy varnished-look. It is a more Modern look and fits my style. The oil paints I use have a rich, vibrant color all their own!

The bottom picture shows the depth of the canvas, which I paint on all sides. Most of my larger canvases are 1 3/8" thick (like the example above). And the smaller work (like 8x10 or 12x12) are 7/8" deep.

Serena & Lily- New Paintings

 Heartland Symphony

24x24

oil on canvas

Symphony

8x24

oil on canvas

Since February of 2014, I have been showing my larger paintings on Serena & Lily's Art collection site. They are a wonderful home decor company out of Sausalito, California.

While I still show my smaller paintings, up to 12"x12", on Etsy, along with some of my older work, I have really enjoyed the relationship with Serena & Lily and their professional site which reaches a whole new audience for me.


Have a look at my latest work here on my page.

New Work on Etsy

Have a look at some of my newest paintings on Etsy. I have been working on a series of farm-scapes that I have titled 'Symphony'. The top painting is Symphony in Green, and the bottom is Symphony in Yellow. Both are 8"x10", oil on canvas.

Terrain VIII

Terrain VIII

12"x12"

Available at Etsy

This is another in my abstract Terrain series. I love how they evolve as I paint, taking me in new directions.

Patch of Green

Patch of Green 6"x8." Available at Etsy

This was a fun little one. A happy farmscape.

Simple Living IV

Simple Living IV 16"x16" Sold

I painted this with a palette knife, with lots of thick paint, and bright color.

Blue and Orange

Blue and Orange 8" x 8" Sold.

After working on the mural restoration project at the Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth, I am now back in the studio painting! And it feels good. This is one of two similar country house paintings I did last week.

Promise of Living

 Promise of Living. Oil painting on canvas 24" x 24". Available on Etsy.

This is a larger version of a painting I did a few months ago, which was very popular and was sold by Serena & Lily Bazaar. The title comes from a piece of Aaron Copland's Tender Land opera. It is a simple image, but is painted in thick impasto with a lot of great texture. I always paint the edges, so it can be hung with or without a frame.

Spring Green 6" x 8" Oil Painting on Canvas. SOLD

This was a fun piece to paint, full of thick impasto and bright spring color.

Cool Gray Farm. 12" x 12" Oil on canvas. Sold.

I have been experimenting with a limited palette and was happy how the blue, green, and yellow just pop out against the cool gray of this scene.

In the Pink

"In the Pink" Oil painting on canvas 8" x 8" Sold

Farmland Quilt II

Farmland Quilt II 8" x 8" Oil painting on canvas. Available on Etsy

Farmland Quilt

Farmland Quilt, oil painting on canvas 8" x 8" Available on Etsy

I've been experimenting with a lot of color lately and have expanded my quilt ideas.  I'd love to do this one really large. Maybe soon!

Bright River

Bright River 16" x 16" Available at Atelier Gallery.

I love playing with color and shapes in my landscapes, and I was happy with how the electric blue river animates this scene.

Pasture Land 8" x 8" oil on canvas. Available on Etsy.

Three Friends Revisited

Three Friends Revisited 8"x 8" Available at Etsy

The Round Barn

The Round Barn 8" x 10" oil on canvas $85 on Etsy

Round Barns were popular in the mid- 19th century through the early 20th century, throughout the US. I remember seeing a few growing up in Indiana, and am thinking of painting a series of these unique beauties.

Quilted Land V

Quilted Land V 8" x 8" oil painting on canvas. Sold

This is another in my "quilted fields" series. I love the idea of patchwork colors on the farmland.

A Distant Prospect

A Distant Prospect 12" x 12" oil on canvas $200 on Etsy

I love the lonely barns out in the countryside. The edges are painted and are 1 1/2 thick, so it is ready for hanging, with or without a frame.

The House on the Hill

The House on the Hill 6" x 8" available on Etsy $55

I have been playing around with color combinations. I love how bright this one turned out, with the electric blue river.