Laine's Riverside Art

Paintings not coming through.......yet

2012-01-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have a week when it seems like everything you paint is just not quite like you thought it would turn out? This has been one of those weeks. I have several that I plan to work on improving tomorrow. If they step up I'll post them later. I have to tell myself what I tell students all the time. It's a process of improving. It's not really wasted time if you learn something. I also did a copy of an artist whose use of colors I love. It is probably the best work I did this week. His name is Elio Camacho. I had planned to take a workshop from him next month until I learned yesterday that he is conducting it inside instead of en plein air. I just can't imagine traveling to Tampa, Florida in the middle of winter and remaining inside~! I decided to wait and watch for his outdoor workshops. And no...I'm not posting that painting as it really is a copy of his work. I prefer to paint original inspirations which is what I hope you aspire to as you are learning to paint. Well it's after 9pm and I hear a really good book calling my name. Good night all

"An Angel In My Kitchen" 12" x 24" on 1-1/2" Gallery Wrapped Canvas

2012-01-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is the second painting in a series I'm calling "Earth Angels". She may be hard for me to part with as she looks wonderful in my kitchen.

"Three Brothers" 30" x 30" Canvas

2012-01-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

I actually have four brothers, but one lives in Charleston, SC so I rarely get to see him. The other three live here in the Nashville area. This past year I learned what towers of strength and generousity they are in my life. I've been wanting something new to go over my mantle in the living room. As I began to paint I thought of how much these three trees represent how I feel about my brothers. Strong, protective and always there when I need a shelter from my life especially this past year. I love you guys so much. Glad to be one of your sisters.
I especially love when a painting takes on a personal meaning. Slowly my home is becoming full of paintings I don't want to part with....how could I when they've become a part of my "story". What you can't see in the photo is how much texture is on this canvas.....much like my life~

"Victoria" 48" x 24" on 1&1/2" gallery wrapped canvas that needs no frame

2012-01-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

I painted this a few months ago while in Destin, but was never completely happy with it. I left it in my studio where I had to see it everytime I entered the room. Today I placed it on the easel and the magic behind the brushes just came through. It made me think of my oldest grand daughter who is so angelic herself, so I named it after her. I can see her in a young girl's room. I'd love to hear

what you think of her. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Looking for inspiration to paint

2012-01-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

I got up really early this morning. Didn't mean to but just couldn't sleep. I looked around my home for inspiration to get me painting. I spotted this beautiful pot of Star of Bethlehem blooming in my living room. I bought it about a week ago and I've watched it slowly open. If I had been smarter I would have removed the red paper, surrounded it with moss, and you just might have thought I grew it from bulbs myself. Too late~! The old concrete urn has a drain hole so I left it in it's original wrapping to prevent water on my table. Those of you who paint....I challenge you to paint your impression of this plant(yep~! you can use my photo) and send me your own photo.

Laine's Riverside Art: Laurie Pace, Texas Artist

2012-01-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Laine's Riverside Art: Laurie Pace, Texas Artist

Laurie Pace, Texas Artist

2012-01-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight I entered a small contest by posting what it means to create art to me. A couple of hours later I opened an e-mail by Texas artist Laurie Pace. I wanted to share her writing with you because she wrote so well what I feel. She explains why I encourage artist to use their own color choices and to add their own ideas when they are painting with me. In other words, they have my permission to use my painting as a guide to learn, but it is my hope that they will reach inside and pull out their own expression. I hope you'll check out Laurie's web site and enjoy her work and writing as much as I do. I also hope you will be inspired to paint, to tap into your Creator and share with others what He has inspired through you. Laine

Co-creator?

Thoughts of God's touch creating so much beauty in our world, puts me in awe of His artistry. As an artist, I feel so much responsibility to use my gift wisely and to allow Him to work through me as I am only a poor imitator of His dimensionally work.

Ladies at my summer workshop.

Painting in my own style, expressing what is important to me using line, color, palette knife and movement, is primary to the success of the work. Success that He was apart of the making. I can do nothing with out Him.

Encouraging other artists to paint from the inside out is often hard. 'Copying' a photo or image from the internet is hard to pass up at times, and I cannot say I have never done it because in the early years of the internet it seemed easy to use it as reference. Not fully copying it, but copying it where I should not have done it. You begin to realize it is not your work. It is not His work. It was something co-created by Him and another artist or photographer. For me to be a co-creator with Him, it is something that is inspired by my work, my photographs, or if I have a photograph for a commission... it is with permission to be a co-creator. Paintings completed without Him may be technically correct but they are not filled with any light or energy.

Feel prosperous in this new year and joyful that He is there with you as you do what your direction is in life. Do it with His spirit there fulltime. It is God-power, or God-filled energy. Abundance is there for the asking, and He will provide what we each need in life.

Words of my Heart,
Laurie

Read more: http://lauriepace.blogspot.com/#ixzz1iufVONdj

"Angel Gets Her Boots" 12" x 24" on gallery wrapped canvas

2012-01-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

I've started a new series of angel paintings I'm calling "Earth Angels". I think "angels" come in many forms and I want to paint them in their earthly clothing. My grand daughters wear boots often as do I. These happen to be a pair I bought for Tori but she wanted a different color for which I'm now greatful as I love them. They have lovely little turquise stones insterted around the top of them. I love the way this young angel is lifting her skirt so she can get a good view of her new boots.

3 paintings sold~!~! wooo hoooo~!

2012-01-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Just got a text that 3 of my paintings have sold~! yea~! Great way to start the day~!

A Heart For My Valentine~! Classes in Pulaski, TN

2012-01-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Location:
Cardin Distributing Company
1219 West College St.
Pulaski, TN

Class Times:
Jan. 24,2012 6:pm to 9:pm
Jan. 24,2012 1:pm to 4:pm
Jan, 31,2010 6:pm to 9:pm

Don't forget to call or e-mail me if you haven't already reserved a spot.
All three classes are filling quickly.

You are welcome to come a few minutes early to register.
You'll have three different paintings to choose from. This is to be a night oftapping into your creative juices. We won't be competing for a Monet award...just having fun~!

It's a new year and going to be a great one`!

2012-01-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

It's also a new beginning for me. Most of you know that my precious husband suffered a fatal heart attack 7 months ago as he was leaving a local golf driving range. I'll always be greatful his brother he loved so much was with him. I don't know how I would have entered this new year without your prayer, love, phone calls, notes and concern...oh, did I leave out great food? definately good food`! Please forgive me if I haven't thanked each of you personally. Many weeks all I could do was soak up your love and feel so lifted by your attention to me. If you look back and see the void in my posting the last year I hope you'll understand why I couldn't. Actually, I've done very little creating in any form. Last month I heard a speaker (who was about to turn 80) say she knew that her 8th decade was going to be her best`! Well, I turned 60 about a month ago and have joined her in deciding that this will be my best decade ever~! Since making that decision a couple of weeks ago, my attitude has taken a huge up swing. I'm painting again and for the pure joy of it, not just because I have a dead line. Big difference~! I'm also creating vintage jewelry with my sista' Mona and loving that also. What I'm not doing is keeping a super clean home. Notice I didn't say I've quit worrying about a clean home.. hopefully that will come next. winky I'm also learning to say no to things and places that aren't a priority to me thanks to Karen Moran (an amazing therapist) who was a co-worker and friend to me for several years.
My Brandy (daugher in law married to my son Rodney) took me to Destin Fl the week after Shelton went to heaven. I still don't know how she got me to go up in a para-sail. It was something I've always wanted to do but was too afraid. Well move over~! I'm now ready to try lots of new things drawing the line at jumping from a plane`! woa~! nope~! not even with a shute~!
I recieved a call this weekend from An Apartment In Paris telling me the t-shirt I painted the graphics for is a huge success. WOW~! won't my sons be proud that I have a t-shirt on the market...which is all they wore as teenagers. (no...not mine with an angel painted on it~! ha) Sylvia (owner of the shop) told me that so many people are buying these to give to people who are struggling with something in their life, be it illness or life changes that are painful. You can see the shirt under my blog "I've Got You Covered" and I'll have them available shortly for you to purchase here. If you're in a hurry, you can go to Sylvia's website and she will mail you one immediately. http://www.anapartmentinparis.net/
I also want to thank Karen Spivey who has been an angel in my life with her relentless energy for bringing art to Pulaski, TN. WOW~! Karen, your amazing~! She does this not only to bring women together and in touch with their creativity, but also to raise funds for the upgrading of the Pulaski Library. By the way, I went to a tea there last month`! If you haven't been, you absolutley need never miss one of these teas! Awesome~!

I've been so slack in scheduling classes these few months but am now back in full swing. If you're a past student watch for upcoming classes as I'll be scheduling them soon. And yes~! I am going to be doing some plein air classes again~! If you go to my site you can sign up to receive those schedules when they are available by "following" me.
Sorry for the lengthy post..I have been quiet for such a long time and I guess I'm trying to make up for it~! Love for all of you, Laine

"Rufus The Snowman" 16 x 20 NFS

2011-11-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Brought back by demand again this year~! This is a precious little snowman we'll be painting at classes starting right after Thanksgiving~!
Pin It

Still Holding Hands 16" x 20"

2011-10-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad were walking in the woods when my sister in law Charlotte sneaked a photo of them holding hands. I started this for their 60th Wedding Anniversary but wasn't able to finish it in time. When I thought I was through with it, my Mother told me I didn't have my Dad "chubby" enough so I had to go back and work on it a bit. He was so thin most of my life I guess I still see him that way. I'm posting the photo and then then painting I took from it. Thanks so much Charlotte for capturing what you saw through the lens of your camera.

'Angel Running Free on the Water" 8" x 8" with 1 & 1/2" Gallery Wrapped sides $150

2011-08-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

I Love the freedom of running in the water this little angel shows.

"I'd Rather Be Wading" 16" x 12" gallery wrapped canvas unframed $150.

2011-08-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

I can just see my grand daughters sneaking out of a party to go wading in the water. While they love to dress up, they thought nothing of getting their dress wet ....after all they can think about laundry when they have their own little ones. Childhood is meant to be lived in the moment.

This Lil' Art of Mine "A Walk Through Time" 8"x10" oil on canvas $95 includes U.S. shipping SOLD

2011-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Recently I painted with Susan (one of my painting buddies) at the Carnton Plantation in Franklin Tennessee. The arbors are beautiful in the formal garden. I could only imagine the comfort it must have brought to the wounded Confederate soldiers who were brought there for aide. Today it feels like a place of peace. If you haven't been there, it's well worth the short drive into Franklin.

This Lil' Art of Mine "Girl Talk" 10"x8" oil on canvas $95. includes shipping

2011-06-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

This was so much fun to paint. I love how the poppies remind me of girls chatting. These poppies come from seeds like Rachael Jackson planted at the Hermitage they come back each year showing off their awesome color. You can still see them at the Hermitage during their season which is early spring. I'm hoping to see them again this coming spring in my own yard as I'm planting lots of them thanks to a gift from local Nashville artist Diane May.

"The River Flows" 20" x 16" on canvas

2011-06-02T05:28:00.000-07:00

I love how the water flows over the little dam a couple of blocks from my home. This was the inspriation for this painting for a class next week at Hobby Lobby in Hermitage. I did another that was more true to this particular dam in that it had a a lot of stone on the right. The class in Hermitage wanted to paint a landscape but don't enjoy working with the palate knife as I had done the rocks.

"This Lil' Art of Mine" A Wave of Pink 8"x8" $95. including shipping

2011-05-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

I painted this rose from one my Mom gave to me. She was given a start of it about 30 years ago and has no idea what kind it might be. I love the deep rose smell of it and I especially love that it came from her.

"This Lil' Art of Mine"

2011-05-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new series I'm calling "This Lil' Art of Mine". None of the paintings will be over 8"x10" and many will be 8"x8". All will be for sale for $95. to the first person to contact me. That will include shipping within the United States. Many will be painted from my little Riverside garden here in Columbia, Tennessee. I have loved to garden most of my life which leaves me torn in the summer between gardening and painting. I try to incorporate both into my days as it leaves me feeling unsatisfied if either are left out.

Plein Air Workshop in our garden

2011-05-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Okay you ladies know we had fun Saturday~! I loved painting with you....it was just plain fun~! You give me so much energy~! I loved a note Debbie sent later telling me that she knew the colors had to be that bright because she had painted them herself. As promised, these ladies saw amazing colors in nature. When we are little and told that a tree is green and the sky is blue, we accept it and our brain fights us everytime we think we see other colors in those things. We have to retrain our brain to accept that there is a multitude of colors in this beautiful home we call earth. You ladies were amazing. I couldn't get over your willingness to jump right in and put paint on the canvas....especially those of you who had never painted before. I hope you're all believers now that painting is good for the soul. To see more photos log into my facebook and you'll find lots.

"I've Got You Covered" 24" x 12" $225

2011-05-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

I painted this at a time when I knew God was telling me no matter how deep my questions were... "He had me covered". It seemed like it was my angel standing ready to protect. It's available at "Merging of the Arts" in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. You can get more information from Kandi or Autumn at artconsultant@mergingoftherarts.com

Plein Air Workshop

2011-04-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting as much the last couple of weeks, but don't think I've not been painting. I'm working hard getting a lot of small paintings done of my yard to use as examples for a workshop coming up the last weekend of May. I've also been working on a painting of my Mom and Dad. It's really hard to paint someone you love. Ms. Hazel told me when I was painting my Grandmother that she could tell I loved her much because I was flattering her shape. When my Mom saw the painting I'm working on of herself and my Dad...she immediately told me I didn't have my Dad "chubby" enough. Ha~! She said her's was right. toooo funny, Back to the brushes. Hope you have a great day~!

"Wading in the Surf" 20" x 16" convas wrapped $275.

2011-04-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've been aching to be on the beach. Maybe after Shelton sees this painting he'll get the hint. Truthfully, I'm equally torn between my love of the beach and the mountains. This has a lot of palette knife strokes. I love the texture gained this way. Available at Merging of the Arts in Franklin, Tn artconsultant@mergingofthearts.com

A Bird In My Flowers 24" x 12" $300.

2011-04-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

This was so much fun to paint. It's been raining here off and on all day. We went to Summer Town early this morning to pick up some plants to finish adding color to our yard only to get home and not be able to work outside. Soooo out come the paints. This is taken from a photo I took in our yard last summer. It would look good anywhere you choose.

Paintings for Papa Boudreaux's in Franklin, TN

2011-04-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

Recently the designer of the restaurant Papa Boudreaux's contacted me about hanging some paintings for sale in their new location set to open this week. This is an awesome place~! The food is the best this side of New Orleans...and maybe even there. They have a 2 & 1/2 hour waiting line on the weekends in Santa Fe, Tn. I'm so excited to be a part of this. I'm posting 6 of the paintings that will be available there. They'd look great in a family or music room, or anywhere else you'd like to hang them.

"My Three Angels" 16" x 8" on artist board. $95 each or the group is $275

2011-04-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today I've finished 3 small paintings as a proto of a larger painting I need to have complete by Friday. The final will be on 3 panels of aprox. 70" tall by 20" wide. It's an antique padded canvas screen I found about a year ago in the basement of an antique shop. I had to beg the owner to sell it to me. Can't wait to work on it now that I have this part finished and love it. I call it "My Three Angels". I'd love to paint these for you and put names or initials of your favorite angels on the necklaces. They could also be hinged together to use on a table under a lamp.

Adorable angels painted on 8" x 8" $95 each ALL ARE SOLD

2011-03-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

I will be glad to customize your colors for any of these angels. These make great Birthday and Mothers' Day gifts.

"Barefootin'" 36" x 36" Galley Wrapped 1 1/2" needs no frame $695

2011-03-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

I've come to love painting on large surfaces. This reminds me of a creek I used to play in at my grand parents farm when I was a child.

"A Moment To Think" 18"x24" $275 Gallery Wrapped Canvas is 1 1/2" deep needs no frame

2011-03-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

This was so much fun to paint. Having a daughter in law, grand daughters and many nieces, I love painting women as graceful and beautiful, as I see all of them. Available aqt Merging of the Arts in Franklin, TN You can contact Autumn or Kandi at artconsultant@mergingofthearts.com

Wading in the Water 8x16 $125.

2011-03-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Just a Moment II $195 sold

2011-03-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

"On a Mission" 8" x 8" on board $95. SOLD

2011-03-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

I love the thrill of walking in the rain with an umbrella. I have a friend who also loves this, but without the umbrella. When she gets home, she soaks in a hot bath, then curls up in a blanket with a good book. Ahhhh

Hut in Africa 10" x 8" sold

2011-03-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

I painted this for a neighbor who brought back several fabulous photos from her trip to Africa.

"Just a Moment" 24" x 18" canvas $195. sold

2011-03-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

It always amazes me how relaxing painting is when it comes together.

Life is fun~! Especially the painting part.

Three Blooms 20" x 10" on board $95. Unframed it looks wonderful sitting on an easel.

2011-02-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

This was so much fun to paint. Again, I think you can tell I'm ready for spring to do what it does best....bloom~! I used a fabulous blue violet back ground with lime hudrangeas. When I photograped it I was surprised to see it showing both a deep blue as well as the violet I painted. I'm posting both because I love both colors. The violet is the only one I've actually painted. This is much like the colors I love in my garden.

Green Hydrangeas18" x 24"

2011-02-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

My lil' sisters Kay and Mona and Susan and myself spent the day painting together. After we set up inside we realized it would have been an awesome day for painting out doors.

Together Forever 16x20" Canvas $95

2011-02-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

The tropical effect is still showing through my paintings. I loved the feelings of peace brought on by the gulls sailing on the wind out my window.

Birds Eye View 11" x 14" $95

2011-02-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

I painted another day from the balcony of our room. We were about 80 ft. above the water, thus giving me a literal birds eye view. Today it's snowing here, this painting reminds me of the warm sun on my face. Come on Spring~!

Bahama Waters 8" x 10" $95

2011-02-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

I painted this from the ships balcony. I want to go back just to be able to paint those amazing colors. I held the painting up to the water when I had completed it...so sure I had painted the wrong colors. They were right on. I don't understand how they can be so clear and beautiful unlike our muddy little creeks here....which I also love equally.

Laine's Riverside Art: Spring has to be coming 16" x 20" oil

2011-02-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

Laine's Riverside Art: Spring has to be coming 16" x 20" oil: "Yesterday my lil' sister Kay and I painted all afternoon much to Shelton's amazement. He couldn't understand why anyone would miss th..."

Carnival Glass with Hydrangeas 16" x 20" oil $400. framed

2011-02-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my lil' sister Kay and I painted all afternoon much to Shelton's amazement. He couldn't understand why anyone would miss the Super Bowl. Thank God for Kay and her availability to paint with me. She saved me from football fate. We found some dried flowers still on the stems in my back yard and decided to use them as our latest subject. You'll see her influence. (remember she's the one born with the painting talent...I just try hard to keep up.) Hope you like it. By the way, Shelton wasn't the only one with foot ball fever. About 6pm we decided to go for some Mexican food only to find it was closed ...you guessed it...for the Super Bowl. We hit one more deserted restaurant before ending up at Applebees. We saved the best for last and had a great meal. Kay MADE me share a blonde brownie with extra ice cream melting on it before she'd let me go home`!

Laine's Riverside Art: Dreams II 16 x 20 canvas $300.

2011-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

Laine's Riverside Art: Dreams II 16 x 20 canvas $300.

"Purple Passion 16 x 20 canvas $275.

2011-01-31T18:02:00.000-08:00

Available at" Merging Of The Arts" in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. You can contact Autumn or Kandi at artconsultant@mergingofthearts.com to purchase or for any further information.

"Anticipation" and "Letting Go" : 24" x 48" $700.00 framed

2011-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

I've had tons of requests to do a man holding an umbrella to go with the woman we painted a few months ago. As soon as I posted it for a class this Saturday, I got calls to make it a happier ending so I did another with him holding roses behind his back. I was unable to get a great photo of the roses. They look much brigher in the studio. You romantics write the story you like best. Looking forward to painting your choice with you this weekend~! I still have a couple of spots open if you'd like to join us.

Laine's Riverside Art: Alone With The Stars 8x10" canvas $95.

2011-01-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Laine's Riverside Art: Alone With The Stars 8x10" canvas $95.

Alone With The Stars 8x10" canvas $95.

2011-01-21T08:05:00.000-08:00

Green and White Tulips 16x20" canvas $95.

2011-01-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

Much of this painting is done with a palette knife creating lots of texture.

Laine's Riverside Art: God don't make junk

2011-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

Laine's Riverside Art: God don't make junk: "A friend asked me to add these words for a very special young lady. I hope she always remembers that what it says is tr..."

God don't make junk SOLD

2011-01-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

My grand daughter Christina was running through the sprinkler with such delight when I "just happened" to have my camera in hand. When a woman asked me to create a painting using these words, I remembered this photo and used it as inspiration. I hope the young lady she had it painted for always remembers the truth behind the words.

Ain't Life Great~! 11" x 14" canvas

2011-01-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

In a hurry 11"x 14" canvas

2011-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

With all the snow we've had the last few days, you might think I'd have painted snow. I'm working on a couple of things for a young girl and this is one that came through.

Autumn 11"x14" $150. gallery wrapped canvas unframed

2011-01-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Dreams 12"x24" canvas $300.00 unframed SOLD

2011-01-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

Repurposed mirror

2010-12-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Crystal pulled in my driveway and couldn't wait to tell me about a "frame" she saw on the side of the road. When I saw it I thought "are you crazy"???? It was plastic, cream, pink and ugly, and it had a few jagged pieces of a broken mirror hanging on it. Into the back of her car it went...I might add "at her insistance". After painting it to look like old painted iron, I then coated the backing in chalk board paint and wa-la~!....an old broken piece of junk became a wonderful treasure for my studio.
I've always loved to have inspirational sayings posted and now I have a great place to display them. Thanks Crystal...let's go junking~!

Snowing

2010-12-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

It's snowing here in Columbia...not enough to make a snowman but enough to coat the roof tops and trees with a bit to spare sprinkled on the ground. I think of Jason Sanders and Kevin Minck (amazing local artists)who are probably outside painting the beautiful countryside, eager to capture the snow on canvas before it melts away. Though I love painting in plein aire, I think, given I have a terrible cold, I'll wait for a warmer day. I hope you're all picking up your paint brushes on this chilly day. What a great day to get started on something new. Don't forget to send a photo of your latest. Some of the photos you guys have sent I would be proud to hang in my home. Hope you've had a Merry Christmas and continue in the spirit through the new year.

Painting on display

2010-12-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

Imagine my delight when yet again I pulled up to a local gallery and saw one of my paintings displayed out front for their open house.

Laine's Riverside Art: Tina and Willow, Tori and Kaylee

2010-12-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

Laine's Riverside Art: Tina and Willow, Tori and Kaylee: "Brandy sent me a photo of my grand daughters walking their horses on the farm. As soon as I saw it I knew that it had to be painted......"

Tina and Willow, Tori and Kaylee

2010-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Brandy sent me a photo of my grand daughters walking their horses on the farm. As soon as I saw it I knew that it had to be painted....I just didn't know where to begin. I kept hearing Ms Hazel's words..."just get some paint on the canvas". Little by little it came to life. It was so much fun to see the surprise on the whole families face when Shelton and I took it to them last weekend for them to hang before their Christmas party. Yet another reason I paint. I love the expression of love I am able to give with a paint brush. I must admit it looks a lot better in their home than ours though it was hard to part with after working on so many weeks.

Fountain in Centinnial Park 11x14" canvas $95 unframed

2010-11-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was such an awesome day to paint outside ...or "plein air" as the French would say. My neighbor Susan, my sister Kay and myself headed to this awesome park in Nashville to join the Nashville Plein Air painters. We were surprised to see lots Harley Riders who were meeting there also. Not as peaceful as we'd hoped but sure was colorful. Nicole, I looked for your blond hair swinging behind one of them. We enjoyed lots of tourists and small children who were fascinated with the paints.

This is the painting I did while there and a photo of my pretty lil' sister.

Isolation: 24" x 48" $300. framed or $200 unframed

2010-11-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

I love the boat sitting to the right of the painting.

2010-10-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

It's 2am and all I can do is think about all I want to paint. My "sister" Crystal and I went to Ty Alexander's yesterday. What ????? you don't know about Ty's????? It is the most amazing Christmas shop I've ever seen. It's known for lots of awesome accessories year round, but at this time of year the whole place becomes Santa's playground. It's located in Lawrenceburg about a half hour out of Columbia. Crystal picked up a tree that is upside down...I know~! sounds crazy ... and it is....but in a real unique sort of way that takes your breath. It's huge at the top and small at the bottom. I'll post photos when she gets it up in about a month.
On the way home she saw an old french mirror tossed on the side of the road. The mirror was broken but it has an awesome frame that I'm gonna' make into a sign for my art studio. I know...you want to see...... give me a minute to get it painted. Oh I almost forgot the best part....Fried Green Tomatoes at Mt Pleasant Bar and Grill~! Yum yum yum.... another "sister" Pat and I ate there a couple of weeks ago on the way home from the same shop. What would a woman do without her "sisters" and Fried Green Tomatoes?...and I'm not talkin' about the movie...which I also love.
Have to get at least a little sleep since Mona is coming early in the morning. We're planning to paint a companion for the woman with the umbrella. We want to see a man with an umbrella holding roses. If it turns out ok....I'll let you see.

Blue Lady

2010-10-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

Santa's GOOD List~!

2010-10-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

This was way too much fun~! I can't believe I got it ready BEFORE the week of Christmas. I'm going to have prints available so you can write your own children's name on his "Good List". Rodney (my oldest son) asked me not to let his girls get it before we make the list. He's sure they won't put him on it. Not to worry Rodney~~~~ You'll always be on my Good List~!

Santa just got better...I had his left hand too large...much better.

Hidden Places 8"x10" canvas

2010-10-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Shelton and I found this awesome spot while searching for a detour around a bridge that is still out from the flood we had this spring. Somehow we ended up on a gravel/dirt road along a creek bed. All of a sudden he slammed on the brakes so we could get out to see this awesome waterfall right by the road. My sister Kay and I returned to it yesterday with our paints in tow. WOW~! it was even more awesome than I remembered~! When we got there we had so little time before dark so we started painting as fast as we could. I picked a spot where the waterfall was below and painted more of a landscape showing the leaves floating down the stream. We plan to return and the next time I'd love to paint a close up of the waterfall. A man in an art class told me once that he took a class where they had only an hour and a half to get on canvas what they saw. It's about making a decision and going with it instead of being so concerned with every little detail. It teaches you to make a decision and run with it. We did just that and both of us loved our results. We were like two little girls running back and forth from each others paintings to say either "great" or I think it needs ".........." whatever it needed. It most always helps to have a second pair of eyes because it's easy to get caught up in what you think you're seeing and miss the composition of the painting. Thanks Kay for making a wonderful day~! I loved every minute.

Places To Go 24"x48" on board $700. framed

2010-10-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Pin It

This is the painting the "The Hive" recently highlighted on their 25,000 member artist blog site. This afternoon Mona and I set up our paints in her garage with the doors thrown open. The next thing we knew my brother Tim came home and acted as our director...well....we let him think he was directing. Our minutes had turned into hours. It still amazes me how relaxing putting paint on a canvas can be. When we finished my sweet sister in law surprised me with her homemade chicken salad and a to die for oriental salad....as if that wasn't enough we topped it off with eggnog ice cream. Yep~! you heard me right. She found it at Publix and I think I'm in luuuuvvvv. In my family ice cream is the best dessert in the world. She was "too full" to eat hers so Tim and I ate for her. I mean ....really now....how can you be too ful for ice cream~! No wonder she's so little~! Thanks Mona for the inspiration to paint this one.

Red Church

2010-10-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

After painting outside with my sister Kay on Saturday....I was bit by "the bug" of plein air painting, soooo my neighbor Susan and I packed our paints as soon as we could on Sunday afternoon and headed to an old church close to where we live. She painted hers in rust colors and mine are in reds. Just like me to be thinking of Christmas already. This is the perfect time of year to give painting outside a go~! And then if you love it as much as I have this weekend.. ya might want to get someone else to clean the house~!...what house?????

His Colors

2010-10-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

My sister Kay and I painted plein air at Radnor Lake last Saturday. When I got home Shelton asked if the park was really that colorful. I was glad I had a photo to prove it. It was amazing~! I may have found a new love in painting.....outside~! It looked like God had taken giant puckets of paint and splashed them perfectly. Amazing ...His sense of color. This is my attempt to capture the moment of the reflection along the lake.

Me And My Shadow 16"x20" canvas

2010-10-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

This spring my brother Carl capured his little grand daughter Hope in an awesome moment as she was amazed by her shadow. This precious little angel visited me a few short weeks this summer and I fell in love. Her moment just had to be painted. I love you Hope, Aunt Laine
I've decided I should never post a painting until I live with it a couple of weeks. I finally noticed my little Hope looked like she had two left feet...sorry baby. I also knew something wasn't right with her jowl line so I took it to an artist friend (Darlene Shadden) who helped me see that even though I had it proportioned liked the photo, for painting you have to realize that sometimes photos lie about the diminisions. They often leave the person looking flat when painting. Thanks Darlene, I love this so much more now. I've left both for you to see the difference.

Ready To Play 16"x20" Canvas

2010-10-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

I painted this for a class in the middle of November. I have collected snow men for years and can never seem to get enough~! He ALMOST makes me ready for snow...I said "almost". His red and green hat and scarf are much brighter than my photo shows.

Hidden Spring 11"x14" on canvas $125.

2010-09-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I've been here....and I have....but only in my mind.

Mad Hen 11"x14" on canvas $75.

2010-09-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

This one is for my grand daughters Tina and Tori~! Just think how mad your chickens get when the dogs dare to even look their way.

Welcome Back 16"x20" on canvas $300 framed.

2010-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last week while riding in my car, the song "You Are My Oxygen" by Avalon came on. I found myself singing like I haven't in a very long time. I heard a voice whisper "Welcome back". I painted this angel this weekend representing the welcoming of God for me.

Another Time 16"x20" canvas

2010-09-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Recently Shelton and I were driving through the countryside in search of the perfect tomatoes. We happened upon rows of neatly stacked corn stalks. I was taken by the neatness and beauty created from such tedious labor. It showed me that we can create a thing of beauty no matter how mundane the task. And still I cut the giant stalks of cannas that threaten to take over my yard and "toss" them toward the compost pile. Maybe each of us enjoys our own method of creativity.

Mountain Top 8"x10" canvas $150.

2010-09-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Shelton and I went to my sister friend Crystals' condo overlooking the mountains. I painted this of the view from the dining room window. I think life isn't about finding yourself.....it's about creating what's already been placed in us.... allowing that creativity to surface. For me there are few things that are as inspiring to be creative than to be all alone with my man and my God in the mountains with a paint brush in my hand.

Flowers can't read

2010-09-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

I played around with painting a mum and a tulip on some pages torn out of an old dictionary. I know....not suppossed to tear pages out of a book ...but come on....really now....when was the last time you looked up a word on anything other than your computer? That's what I thought. I used to dry flowers in the pages of an old book. When I looked at this photo it reminded me of how wonderfull it was to find a surprise I'd forgotten from the previous summer.

Lost in the music

2010-09-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing to teach classes at an art shop near my home. The owner asked if I would do a musical instrument....so here goes. It was so much fun~!

Angel in Green Dress

2010-08-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

Painted in acrylic on canvas. 8"x10". $50. unframed

Painting with friends

2010-08-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Last night a friend from Florida and a neighbor painted with me. Sooooo much fun. It was neat to see how all three of us paint so differently. Thanks ladies for a fun night~!

Don't let go of me 24" x 48"

2010-08-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

One night my husband was doing his usual thumb exercises. You girls know what I'm talkin' about. It has to do with the remote control. I went upstairs and picked up my brushes and began to paint. My precious nephew had died in a car wreck a couple of years earlier. It sent me into a tailspin of questions for God like I’d never known. Shelton knew instantly that this painting expressed the longings and my reaching for the God I have loved all my life. We laughed as I later told him that I painted the body I also remembered. It's 24" x 48".

My Grand daughter Tina 16x20 painted on canvas with a plein air frame

2010-08-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

This was the second painting I worked on when I returned to this medium. It was to this day the hardest I have done. Tomorrow I'm taking it to my son and daughter-in-law to enjoy in their new home. I may have to paint another for myself. I'll miss it terribly in my own home. Tina was fishing with her Dad and her Uncle Rick who just happened to catch this shot of her. This little girlie girl loves to fish and hang out with her Dad and Uncle. She also loves to ride her horse Willow so having her boots beside her made the picture complete.

Loblolly's Shop in Columbia on Walker Street

2010-08-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I pulled up with a car load of my sibblings and sisters who are married to my brothers..(.it is Tennessee ya know~! ....just kidding) to my favorite shop which you probably already know about since I've talked about it for four years....what do ya think was on her front porch in a display but one of my paintings~! Thanks Ellen...this was so fun for me ...especially with my family along. She has it listed for $225. framed on canvas.

Waiting 37&1/2"x16&1/2" unframed

2010-07-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

Waiting
Framed $450.
Unframed $225.

I see angels as God's workers occupying both heavenly and earthly bodies. Somethimes what I call an angel is a person who God places in my life at just the right moment. My Pastor recently talked about God being ready to catch us no matter how far we think we are from Him. I painted this angel to represent my guardian in waiting.

I'm Wearin' Purple

2010-07-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

The Edge of Water

2010-07-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

I remember as a child visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Later, after my sons were born , it was a favorite stomping ground for them as well. It was then and still is one of my favorite places on earth. Rarely did we go that we didn't see at least one black bear and what a treat if we actully saw a baby with her. This is an 8"x10" canvas. It's for sale at $175. framed or $125. unframed.

Peace On The Water

2010-07-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of months I have been so distracted I have made very little time to paint. It seems everytime I would plan to pick up my brushes, something would come up or someone would call with an offer I couldn't resist and I'd lay them back down. I seriously began to wonder if I was not enjoying it as much as I thought I had been. This past week I've sat and stared at the canvas. I've heard if you just go to the type writer you will begin to write so that's what I did (only my type writer is a paint brush and canvas) and sure enough. Oh how I love this medium~! So the moral is "if you want to paint? just get some paint on the canvas~!" Thanks again Ms. Hazel. I sure do love you~! What a gift you've given to me.
This is on an 8"x10" canvas and is $150. unframed. I will be glad to have it framed for you at an additional charge.

Just After Sunset 36" x 36" canvas $325.

2010-07-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Waiting 24"x 29.5" canvas

2010-07-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

This one's gone to a new home.

Angel in the garden

2010-06-18T18:13:00.001-07:00

Angel in the garden

2010-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we used our garden to raise money for Columbia Cares. It's an orginization that raises money to improve the lives of people with aides or anyone needing assistance. I had painted another angel for this spot but decided it needed to be lime instead of my usual purple. Only a crazy person would be out at 6am trying to beat the rain and the heat 2 days before the tour....but here are the results. She was a hit of the tour~! Once Shelton was out helping me (giving advice which he's sooooo good at) and we heard rain falling right behind our home. We grabbed my supplies and literally ran for the basement. IT DIDN'T RAIN~! not even a drop. It stopped at the street behind us~! It was a bit comical after it was over. Ah....the things we do. Thanks to my friend and neighbor Susan Jones for the great photo.

Tina Turner / Indian Princess

2010-03-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight my little Tina Turner angel was adopted and given the name of Indian Princess by a new friend. Christie, I hope you enjoy her as much as I have.

Willa

2010-03-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Willa, I hope you love this as much as I do. It's on a 12" x 24" canvas.

Victoria

2010-02-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Love my grand daughter Victoria's long curly hair. 16" x 20" canvas

Mixie

2010-02-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

My grand daughter Victoria called and asked why I didn't post one of her "favorite" paintings of a rooster that I painted with her pet in mind. Here you go darlin'. 8" x 10" canvas. This little rooster went to a brand new home on a farm with lots of chicks. He should be very happy there with my little grand daughters to look after him.

Hidden Garden

2010-02-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is from a spot in my garden that is barely visible until you get right on it. 18" x 24" canvas

Snow Guardian

2010-02-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

This afternoon a friend called on her way to visit her grand children. She said she'd be on the road until midnight and it was snowing hard. As I picked up my paint brushes I kept thinking of her and asking God to keep her safe. 11" x 14" canvas

Angels 5

2010-02-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

These are all painted on canvas. The green background is 16" x 20". It's $125. The other two are 11" x 14". and are $75. each.

Grandma

2010-02-17T16:32:00.001-08:00

I painted this from a photo that was taken when my Grandma was near sixty. I loved going to see her in this little farm house my Gran-dad built for them to live in. I didn't realize how sad it looked .... to me it was an awesome home because my Grandma was there. I remember she used "plastic" curtains in the summer. They were very thin and covered with little flowers. I've yet to talk to anyone who remembers plastic curtains. She was right about her biscuits never tasting as good after her kids replaced her wood burning kitchen stove with a more safe electric oven. This is on an 11' x 14" canvas.

Four Seasons Angels

2010-02-17T16:28:00.001-08:00

This is the first in a series of four that I am painting. They are all 3' x 5'. I plan to use them on the back fence in my garden.

Which path?

2010-02-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

Shelton had been to a monastery in Kentucky for the weekend. He first chose the more narrow path and found it full of statuary. He was surprised to find the most used trail to be void of man made enhancement. Much like life..."the path least followed" is often the rewarding.