Figurative

Painted during hi winds on the Crisfield City Dock.  Waves lapping, wind beating at my side, I turned from the lights of the water to what was behind me -a quiet little alley, that seemed unaware of the activity going on around it.  I was captivated and loved painting the sleepy little nocturne.  Gouache on illustration board, 9x6

On the second day of the 2024 Abingdon Plein Air Festival, we met at Nice Wonder Farms.  The views were spectacular, but as I wandered around looking for my first subject, I was struck by the tiny mushrooms popping up all over the lawn.  After much deliberation, I remembered to paint what captivates me and not what others expect of me, so I kicked off my shoes, sat down in the grass and painted this small little subject.  I am so glad I took the time, because an hour later, as the sun rose, these little treasures withered away, but the other views remained.  This piece sold at the pop up gallery that evening.  Gouache on illustration board 8x6 inches.

Painted on a cold and windy December morning in Crisfield, MD.  The wind whipped me back and forth, I could hardly get out of my car.  But here this house sat, seemingly undisturbed by the tempers of the day and I was struck by how much this reminded me of the coast of Maine.  Which made me squeal with delight, because I dream of Maine often.  The locals told me stories of this place and the history that it holds, I was left to pick my jaw up off the floor.   8x5 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

I am thankful that my morning commute is filled with paint worthy scenes such as this one.  Where the mountains are a different color every day, and as the atmosphere adjusts moment by moment, so too the song it sings.  If I were to pick a single spot to paint as a daily subject, this would be it.  There is so much that it can teach me.  9x6 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

I enjoyed painting this little restaurant in downtown Chestertown, MD during the paint their Plein Air Festival in the Spring of '23.  My hosts for the week were so hospitable, and the town was so enthusiastic about the event.  The owner of this restaurant said he likes to collect paintings done of his restaurant, and showed me his collection of paintings done throughout the years.  Such a cool way to support the arts!  4x6 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

I've been told memories of this place from when I was a little girl.  When the bridge really swung and I ran across it without a care in the world.  I was excited to take my family here and paint it during the 2024 Hanging Rock Plein Air Festival.  8x6 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

Up on a hill, outside of town, sits a house that overlooks a vineyard, with the blue ridge parkway as it's backdrop.  If I lived here, I would paint this every day!  9x6 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

November 2022, I love this scene in the community of Belmont, in Charlottesville, VA.  There's so much character in the homes, and a thriving restaurant scene.  I love walking these streets, and taking in every bit of it.  To capture it was a true delight!  8x5 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

Bre's Fountain (Sold)

Painted during the 2023 Chestertown Plein Air Festival in the afternoon of a hot day.  Tired and frustrated, I sat by the fountain that's situated in the middle of the town, eating my lunch, contemplating my existence.  I was unhappy with the two unfinished paintings attempted earlier - I was stuck in my head and had lost my joy.  Captivated by the light playing with the water, I decided that since I was feeling like a failure anyway, why not run and grab my gear and give it a shot, afterall, what was one more failed attempt?  I grabbed my largest canvas and dove in.  Leaving all inhibitions behind, I started throwing paint down, the mist cooling me, I laughed and giggled and found my joy in painting again.  Here I was taught a lesson -don't over think it, get out of your head and remember to have fun!  9x12 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

Painted during the 2024 Plein Air Abingdon Quick Draw Competition.  For my first time in the 3 years I've participated in the quick draw event, it was warm!  And on top of that, it was foggy!  Oh how I love the fog!  So what better subject than the Fairy Queen situated across from the Barter Theater!  I was able to complete 2 paintings during the quick draw, but this was my favorite.  I enjoyed walking along Main Street and seeing what the other artists had chosen for their compositions while I waited for time to run out. 8x5 inches, Gouache on illustration board.

I was greeted by this cheerful front porch on a sleepy side street in the heart of downtown Belmont, NC.  The owner of the home became the owner of this piece when he saw it on display during the ceremonies.  8x6 inches, gouache on illustration board.

The name of the the brewery is Jekyll and Hyde, situated at the intersection of 2 main roads in Gaston County, NC.  I thought that was clever and had to paint it.  8x6 inches, Gouache on illustration board.