Putting In

12 x 12

oil on gessoboard

Launching the kayak on a sunny day. I particularly liked the sun glowing through the plastic body of the boat. We don't need many excuses for getting out in our yaks, no matter the season, but we do need this ice to melt. Every year about this time, I just repeat to myself, "spring's coming".

The Spirit of Music

8 x 8

oil on gessoboard

A painting of "The Spirit of Music", a sculpture by Albin Polasek, commissioned to honor Theodore Thomas, the first conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  It sits now in Grant Park across from the Spirit of Music Garden where she oversees Chicago's Summer Dance series.

Mom

6 x 6

oil on gessoboard

A portrait of my sweet mother, taken from a snapshot. My parents passed away at a young age and so suddenly, we don't have any formal or even very clear photos of them. I was telling a friend how surprised I was to find myself remembering details as I painted this. This was done because of a challenge to "paint your parents" posted on the Daily Paintworks site, and I'm grateful for it because it's something I've wanted to do but have put off for a long time. So, on to Dad.

Saturday Market

12 x 9

oil on gessoboard

This gentleman was good enough to pose for a picture standing by his vintage scales at a summer farmer's market. There were many fun things to tackle in this painting besides the figurative work. The portrait, the fabric folds, the big smooth enamel finish of the scales, the jars of honey, the onions, and the plastic covered bread and lettuce, each carried separate challenges. I enjoyed the process so much, I almost regretted finishing it. Well, on to the next one.

Ice Ballet

5 x 7

oil on panel

It's been a busy Christmas season and happily, my son is still here for a visit during his school break, but since he was off and visiting others today, I took this opportunity to reintroduce myself to my paints. This little quick oil sketch is of a friend's granddaughter, gracefully performing her dance on ice. She's in that beautiful stage of growth where her child's body is stretching out toward early adolescence and I found her in the pose simply captivating.