Teresa Madsen

Mini Schnauzer Portrait

2011-12-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

I painted this for my daughter in law as a Christmas gift.

~"Kayta"~
She's just as happy in real life as she looks on canvas :)

6 x 6

oil on canvas

West Marin Morning

2011-12-06T12:28:00.001-08:00

"West Marin Morning"
8 x 10 oil on linen

I've been horrible about keeping my blog current -
But I have been painting :)

Marin County Trip

2011-09-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking when it comes to posting on my blog...again! Amanda posted some pics of our trip, and thought I'd post a few photos as well. We must have covered the entire county in just one week! It was foggy the entire time we were there, with the exception of the places we painted inland such as the Matanzas Creek Winery, which was gorgeous! Hopefully I'll be posting some paintings soon :o)

California Plein Air

2011-08-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

Headed to Marin County, California to Plein Air paint with a friend for a week. Leaving in about 2 hours. Can't wait to get there!

It's About Time!

2011-06-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting my blog for far too long! A couple of weeks ago I took a trip to beautiful West Marin County California, I was able to attend the MALT art show, which was amazing! I also did what I love most, I painted. This is what I am currently working on...it is close to being finished.

Star Light Star Bright

2011-04-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

A nocturnal done from a painting of a favorite house in Tomales, Ca. This is a gift for someone very special. I hope to be posting paintings on a regular basis.

Life can turn you upside down and shake the living daylights out of you - it takes a while to get back on your feet :)

Where the Bufalo Roam

2011-01-22T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've been painting every day - But I've also scraped off at least a half dozen paintings which I call "Bombs".

I didn't want to return to the "Buffalo" piece I'd been working on until I got my "mojo" back - as of yesterday I felt that I could go back to the painting with confidence. Finally.

Here's a little update.

Where The Buffalo Roam - WIP

2010-11-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since I last posted! I thought I'd post a photo of my work in progress and let you know I am still here :O) This is an 18 x 36 - it's been slow going due to "life events".... things should slow down soon so I can devote more hours each day to this piece and finish it.

When I am feeling frustrated or tired I stop, if I dont, I make stupid decisions - I figure, better to stop and walk away than to wake up in the morning and say OMG WHY did I do that!?!! :O)

The color is a bit off in this photo - it isnt as "cool" overall, I took the photo in the evening in bad light ... I'll try to get a new updated pic posted soon :)

MIA

2010-09-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

A quick update - since I last posted my dear (step) Dad passed away, I loved him so very much, and I am now taking care of my Mother - I've been painting when I have time, and I make time every day, but it has been a heartbreaking 4 weeks.

Plein Air Painting In Jackson Hole

2010-08-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Plein Air Workshop Jackson Hole

2010-07-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Bill Davidson is an awesome teacher! I'm learning so much at this workshop!!

Here are a few pics of Schwabachers Landing where we painted yesterday - I cant tell, but the pics look overexposed on my laptop - when I get home this weekend I'll post more photos...

Wyoming - Gorgeous Country!

2010-07-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

These were taken en route from Idaho Falls to Jackson Hole - we went through Swan Valley - great views of the Palisades Reservoir and Snake River. These photos were taken while driving at high speeds lol :O)

Workshop starting today! Will post again tomorrow :O)

On The Way To Jackson Hole

2010-07-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we left for Jackson Hole where I am attending Bill Davidson's plein air workshop and my husband will be flyfishing the snake river - here are a few pics as we traveled through Idaho... We stayed the night in Idaho Falls at the Hilton Garden Inn - where we had an awesome view!

We'll be heading for Jackson in a few hours after checking out the falls - I'll post more pictures tomorrow :o)
<--Potatoes!

I couldnt get a very good photo of this gorge as we traveled over the bridge, (Snake River Gorge) but believe me when I say it was a MAGNIFICENT sight!
Then again, I think magificent is an understatement!

<--View From Our
Balcony

"Almost Home"

2010-06-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is a little 5 x 7 oil on linen panel -

Seems like I'm not happy with anything I have been painting lately - pressing on~~~ :)

I have been painting but this is the only one that I thought was worth posting :)

"Main Street Jewel"

2010-05-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 oil on canvas panel

Trying to capture the bright morning light ...

Sedona Sunrise - Finished

2010-05-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

I could work on this for weeks but am calling it finished.

16 x 20 Oil on linen

"Sedona Sunrise" - A Day Not Wasted Challenge

2010-04-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

The reference for this painting was graciously provided by Lee Brown of "A Day Not Wasted" for the April Painting Challenge. I started on this painting last week with the challenge ending today, and then to add to my "own" challenge I used a (much) larger canvas than I normally paint on...I can't say this is finished because there are a lot of areas that need to be addressed but I did want to get it submitted on time for the April Challenge.... I will post the finished piece after I put the last touches on it. :O)

"Sedona Sunrise"

16 x 20 oil on wrapped linen

"Pasco Canyon Ranch"

2010-04-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

This ranch belongs to my brother in law, it's many miles from even the smallest town. The house has all of the conveniences you could ask for, electricity is powered by a large generator, heat comes from a central wood stove. Bedrooms, bathrooms and a full kitchen my kind of "camping"!

"Pasco Canyon Ranch"

8 x 10 oil on linen canvas

"Summer House"

2010-03-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

"Summer House"
6 x 8 oil on linen panel

Painting & Indulging Myself

2010-02-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

I recently indulged myself and purchased 6 tubes of Vasari oil paint, let me tell you it was money well spent! I was impressed with how carefully it all was packed, and even more impressed with the gorgeous pigment.

The dry climate here in Nevada causes my paint to dry out very quickly, and as a result, I end up having to re-mix my colors daily, cringing every time I scrape off a mound and toss it - I don't like to waste anything.

What I have noticed with the Vasari oil paint is that it does not dry out like the other brands. So as I see it, even though they are very pricey, they are worth every penny....now I'm spoiled.

In July I am attending a 4-day workshop given by Bill Davidson in gorgeous Jackson Hole, Wyoming. My husband & a friend of his are also going to Jackson, they will be fly fishing the rivers & streams, if they happen to be fishing an area where we are painting we’ll use them as models, which would be very cool.

I’m also thrilled about visiting the Legacy Gallery – I haven’t had the opportunity to visit many galleries, so the thought of seeing work by the painters that Legacy represents with my own eyes is going to be life changing…well, that’s how I feel.... Did I mention I was excited? LOL

This painting is pretty much a fictitious place, I used a reference photo but I made some big changes along the way. It's a place in the high desert, the stream is dry in the summer.

"High Country Snow"

8 x 10 oil

"Inner Child"

2010-02-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is the finished piece - it's far from perfect but I'm leaving it alone and will probably use her as a subject again :O)

7 x 5 oil on masonite panel

Time Slips Away~~~

2010-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

I was going to put up a pic of the finished "Round Up" painting but time slipped away from me. I had to finish a new website project before leaving town tomorrow for 4 days...so I'll post that, since I think it came out pretty cool :)

Click here if you want to take a look at the website.

I need to get packed, and have a million other things to do before I leave in the morning, I'll post a pic of my finished painting Friday :O)

"Round Up" - Progress

2010-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

There's just a few small things I need to adjust on this painting. I'm bothered by the repetitive brushstrokes within the sagebrush, I think it is competing with the horse & rider, then there's a lack of depth in the distant background, and I need to work on the shape of the riders hands. Nice critique hugh? LOL

It seems the longer I look at this the more I pick it apart, anyone else do that with thier work?

9 x 12

oil on linen panel

"Round Up" A Peek

2010-01-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

There are several working ranches in our area and I was fortunate to get a few pictures of a round up from one of the family members. The mood created by the kicked up dust on the atmosphere is fascinating - I'm hoping to capture the calm movement and stay loose with my brushwork, as I tend to get caught up in details.

Here's a sneak peek :O)

"West Marin Light"

2009-11-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

"West Marin Light"

8 x 10

Winter has just barely arrived & already I am longing for the summer warmth and a trip home - So, I'll paint it :O) I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wish You All A Beautiful Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

"Finished Wild Horses"

2009-11-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

I could have worked on this for another year! (I know I am not the only one that's never satisfied) But I had to stop because it needs to be delivered next Thursday & needs to dry.

This is painted from a reference photo I was provided with, the surface is a portion of a military jet and it will be mounted on a custom-made oak base and encased in glass. I wish I could say more about it, but ........

I wasn't crazy about the Stealth, but it has significance. I really enjoyed painting this, but it was stressful due to the nature of the piece and I am looking forward to painting a 5 x 7 quickie to loosen up! :)

I forgot to mention a couple of real challenges in regard to the reference image. First, the photo was entirely black & white with the exception of the horses & Stealth. Second, the horses all had thier winter coats and there was no definitive light source present and no sheen to thier coats. Thankfully, I grew up around horses & went off memory for muscle placement, bone structure etc...

"Horses, horses, horses"

2009-11-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a web design for my sister and letting the "Wild Horses" painting dry a bit more. I plan on working on the final details of the Mustang painting today & tomorrow.

Anyway, here's a peek at the web design (it's "horse month" lol) - she raises & shows Paint Horses...pretty cool! I've had a lot of fun designing this for her.

Wild Horses Update

2009-11-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

I made a discovery while working on this piece - I needed glasses! *EEK* Edges that I "thought" were soft, were actually NOT, so after a trip to the eye doc for a checkup and a pair of glasses later I am back to work on it and seeing things correctly now.

I hope to be finished by this weekend, when I'll post the piece in it's entirety, there's an element in the sky that I haven't shown yet. :O)

Here's a close up -

Nevada's Wild Mustangs

2009-10-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a commission, so haven't been blogging much because I need to get this finished. Here's a peek at the unfinished piece - I can write more about it when it is completed - It is a gift for a person that is retiring & don't want to chance that they'll visit my blog thus spoiling the surprise :)

I'm working from a photo that was provided and the surface is, well, "different" - which was also provided. Each one of these horses is only about 2-1/4 in length, so it has been a real challenge!

More to come~

"Cupcake On Lace"

2009-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is my submission to Karin Jurick's challenge on her Different Strokes From Different Folks blog. I've never attempted to paint fabric, let alone lace, so this was a real challenge in addition to the cupcake. I had a lot of fun painting this!

"Cupcake On Lace"
6 x 6 on masonite panel

"Around The Corner"

2009-09-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is Shoreline Hwy in West Marin County, California - somewhere between Tomales & Point Reyes Station. There is always something beautiful around each corner!

8 x 10 on canvas panel

"Upper Burney Falls"

2009-09-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

The McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State park's centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but as they say, possibly the most beautiful.

It's a gorgeous walk to the bottom of the falls and the view from the bottom of the falls is spectacular! This is the "upper" portion of the falls which is equally as beautiful.

"Upper Burney Falls" - Work In Progress

2009-08-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I took a photo of the falls years ago when my husband & I were at Burney Falls - this is the upper part of the falls. I've been working on it slowly - my sweet little Mini Schnauzer has been ill so I've been taking care of him.

Anyway, I wanted to show you what I've been up to :) I should be finished with this soon & will post a photo of the finished piece.

11 x 14
on Ampersand-Gessobord

"Life Happens"

2009-08-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

This has been one heck of a month! I lost my internet for a week, I destroyed my blog layout by hitting "save" by mistake - and I haven't had the energy to work on it... until today. I like this new layout and I've backed it up :)

Now if I can come up with a decent composition and get it on canvas I'll be back on track.

O, how much simpler things would be
If eyes could paint or brush could see.
~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

Roma Ranch

2009-08-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

This one completly got away from me - This old ranch building is a favorite of mine - Next time I paint it - it will be Plein Air :) Once I am finished with the design jobs & home improvement projects I have going on right now I am taking a few months off to focus on painting.

I thought I'd post a pic of my new studio space - I went "coastal" which was a great choice - it is very relaxing in this room and I can focus with no interruptions :)

And last but not least ( Busy is an understatement) - I've turned my desert yard into a "green" getaway - 3 months ago this was entirely sand & rock with the exception of the trees. We poured over 10 yards of concrete, built the columns & fencing and laid down 650 sq ft of sod, there's still more to do - isn't there always? :) But it is SO nice to have morning coffee on the patio with the sweet scent of grass!! ...and no more sand! :)

"Taking A Dip"

2009-07-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was WAY late to send this for the last DSFDF challenge, but did finish so thought I'd go ahead & post it.

8 x 4 oil on Raymar canvas

Miniature Schnauzer "Ben"

2009-07-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston is in desperate need of forever and foster homes for lost and abandoned Schnauzers. The economy has slowed the pace of adoptions yet abandoned dogs are coming to them in record numbers.

I have 2 Miniature Schnauzers, so I have a HUGE softspot for these sweet little angels.

5 x 7 oil on board

"Miller's Pond"

2009-06-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Every year on Fathers Day there's a children's fishing derby at Miller's - This pond is in the middle of desert, and is an oasis amidst the dry landscape.

6 x 8 oil on gesso board

"My Son"

2009-06-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 oil on linen

This is the first still life I've painted in my new studio space and I have to say it much easier for me to concentrate - My Son gave this sculpt to me for Mothers Day last year and it really touched my heart, he is so thoughtful :)

I made a serious effort to remain loose with this. The cloth & the folds didn't come out quite like I wanted but I felt that it was incidental since the sculpt and how it makes me feel was the focus.

"Fresh Veggies"

2009-06-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

This painting is my entry for the DSFDF challenge "Summer Vegetables". I haven't done many still life's but I have to say this was a joy to paint!

"Rita's Yard"

2009-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 on Raymar canvas

A friend of mine has created a virtual oasis on her property - the lush greenery makes you forget you are in the Nevada desert... I have a bit more to work on but it is very close to complete.

"Sisters"

2009-05-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 oil on masonite

I was inspired to paint this after watching a movie called "The Whales of August" - It stars Bette Davis and Lillian Gish and tells the story of two elderly widowed sisters near the end of their lives, spending a summer in thier seaside house in Maine. The surroundings cause them to recall their relationship as young women, and the summers they had enjoyed there in the past.

It reminded me of my sister & I and the dreams we have of living by the sea.

Tomales Completed Piece

2009-05-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Finally finished! :) Summer has finally arrived here, it seems we go from winter to summer with maybe a week of spring like temps - today it's 92 when just a month ago the high was 38! Thank goodness for air conditioning...

I mentioned in an earlier post that I wanted to finish at least one painting every week so that's my new goal.

Tomales Church Update

2009-05-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! I've been busy! We have been working on a sunroom addition to our home, my sweet husband decided at one point that it would make a great studio for me, so between installing the hardwood floor, and all types of construction (there's so much more to it than I imagined) I have found a little time to paint. The thought of having my own space to paint with tons of light is really exciting!

Here's an update on the Tomales Church I've been working on... Once I am finished with this painting I want to commit to painting something new at least every week.

Tomales Church - Work In Progress

2009-05-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

12 x 16 oil on Raymar canvas panel

I want to capture the light in this painting. I am also paying attention to the various colors I see and putting them down even if they don't make sense to me - I fight with "what I know" - (or think I know) vs. what I see. I can't count the times I have heard "Paint what you see, not what you know." Being a logical person, that should be a piece of cake to put into practice...it amazes me how difficult it actually is. Must be a
left/right brain thing :O)

Horton Garden V. 3

2009-04-25T17:49:00.001-07:00

"Horton Iris Gardens"
6 x 6
oil on Ampersand Gessobord

I've painted this before and I wanted to re-visit it to see if I could capture the light. This is one of the places I painted when I took a workshop with Marc Hanson last year, it was a gorgeous setting.

Life

2009-04-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you know I havent dissapeared :) My Mother had surgery and I have been her caregiver for the last few weeks so it's taking most of my time. I've been working on a painting that I hope to finish tonight, painting has been my saving grace through all of the stress I've been experiencing... thank God for paint!

I also wanted to mention that having "followers" means a lot to me, it is so nice to know that there are people interested in my work. Thank you :)

Fresh Laundry

2009-04-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

Fresh Laundry

5 x 7

Oil on linen panel

I took a few of my favorite photo references and with the use of Photoshop created this composition - I really miss the ocean, the scent of the salt air mingling with freshly laundered sheets hanging in the breeze is intoxicating to me.

"Overcast" Tomales California

2009-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

I have spent a lot of time on this piece - I have been more aware of my color and value choices. Through the entire process I was reminded of things I have either read or have been told.

I was extremely fortunate last year in that I was able to attend a workshop in California with Marc Hanson. Marc is an extraordinary artist (seeing him paint was a privilege I will not forget) and he is a wonderful teacher – One of the many things he told us during the workshop was that we were being given a great deal of information it would take time to process all of it. He said that some of this information would process months, even years down the road and come back to us - he was right.

I am not saying, "I get all of it now", but many things he said during the workshop came flooding back - one thing he told me in particular was "Paint as if you mean it." - I have a tendency to be timid, I do not want to "ruin" my "masterpiece" - So with this painting I was keenly aware that it was a piece of masonite, and some paint - not a priceless work that would be hanging in the Louvre.

One thing that has become very evident is that it takes a great deal of control to hold back - and by "hold back" I mean remain in control of your initial vision and keep from diving headlong into details.

Still Busy - But Painting!

2009-03-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have only had a few hours to paint every day which is sheer torment - but I'm slowly making progress on this piece. I don't like starting & stopping, maybe I should just pull an "all nighter" & finish it ;)

Another WIP

2009-03-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is a painting that's been on "hold" since I became swamped, but tonight I'll be working on it. I have this thing for roads, I can't explain it, I just like the twists and turns of these old roads in west Marin County, Ca - This is just heading out of the town of Tomales going toward Point Reyes Station.

Busy, Busy, Busy..........

2009-03-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

"Peanut"
8 x 10 on linen panel

As a graphic designer I also have felt the steady squeeze created by the declining economy - but this last week things picked up in a hurry so I have been very busy and havent had much time to paint. So...I'm going to post an older painting of a sweet little dog I painted after I'd heard she'd passed away. Her name was "Peanut" and she was the love of my neighbors life. Noone knew exactly what mix she was but she had personality plus! I'd never seen a dog with "lips" and human like eyes, but I swear she looked just like this... My neighbor was thrilled with the portrait, commeting on how I'd captured her lips and we both shed some tears - those kind of moments are priceless.

Arabian Horses & Woody Madsen

2009-03-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that my dear Father in Law passed away recently - What you may not know is that he was instrumental in establishing the Arabian breed in the Northwest. I wanted to share this article written by Mary Jane Parkinson, which came out in the March Issue of Arabian Horse World Magazine. There will also be another article coming out in Modern Arabian Horse - I do not know what issue yet.

Woody Madsen was truly a rare breed, I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to know him.

Click on the image to view larger

Summer Warmth Update

2009-03-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those paintings that take MUCH longer than they should due to interruptions etc? This is one of them and what happens to me is I loose my momentum and forget why I was painting it in the first place. This needs more work, or maybe it has already had too much work - in either case, I'll let it dry and go back to it at a later date...I need to move on.

Tagged!

2009-03-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

I’ve just been tagged by Amanda Carder an amazing artist who, by the way, just had a painting juried into OPA’s National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils – which I think is a well deserved acknowledgement of her talent. Your work is gorgeous - thank you for the tag Amanda! :)

Now for the rules-

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules in your blog.
3. Write five random things about yourself.
4. Tag random people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged.

These are my 5-

1. I live in a town where the nearest Wal-Mart is 3 hours away.

2. I love the beach and grew up in Marin County where we always went to the beach on weekends.

3. As a young boy, my Father in Law moved from North Dakota to Washington with his Mother via a covered wagon pulled by oxen.

4. My Grandmother survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and stayed in a tent in Golden Gate Park until they could rebuild their home.

5. I am classic movies fanatic and I have a huge collection of DVDs – I listen to the movies as I paint, instead of listening to music.

I’m tagging these 2 people-

Ron Guthrie
Cathyann’s Studio

"Summer Warmth"

2009-03-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

This is a work in progress but I wanted to post since it's been a while - Between fits of coughing I've managed to get this far and hope to finish by tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to turning my clocks forward next Sunday, and am really looking forward to feeling the warmth of the summer sun once again!

This is a 9 x 12 on Raymar canvas panel

Painting When You Have The Flu...

2009-02-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

is not a good idea! I have had a bad cold/flu the last week and more than anything it's caused great frustration. I'm actually feeling better, but I have this lingering "brain fog" which has resulted in a complete failure to put together a decent composition. I hope to get something done this weekend - :)

"Sunrise Atlantis" - Reno, Nevada

2009-02-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

Most of my close friends know that I live in an area that offers absolutely no conveniences, such as shopping malls. The closest mall is in Reno which is a 236 mile drive (one way) Soooooo.....it's at least an overnight trip and we stay at the Peppermill in Reno which offers spectacular views from the tower rooms. Ok, I admit I love the room service and if I have to travel that far to shop, a little pampering doesn't hurt ;)

I love waking up to the Reno sunrises - sun spills into the valley and the tall buildings appear to be growing amidst the trees and the Sierra foothills cast beautiful blue shadows.

Lately I have experienced a difference in the time it takes me to mix my colors, and I am able to focus more on the values, which has been a wonderful realization! The Atlantis hotel seemed to stand alone from the view I had on this particular morning, and the sun created magic - I attempted to capture a wee bit of that in this painting.

8 x 10 on Raymar canvas panel

Church of St. Raphael - San Rafael, CA

2009-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

I went to school at St Raphael's from 1st through 6th grade and the memories of playing here came flooding back as I painted, it was a joy working on this. My sister took a photo near dusk and that's what I used as my reference for this painting. I love the warm colors in the sky playing against the coolness of the building.

8 x 6 oil on linen panel

San Francisco Victorian

2009-02-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

This was so much fun to paint! I actually didn't quite finish what I wanted to do before having to submit it to the Different Strokes From Different Folks Challenge - I may make a few changes, but all in all I am pretty pleased with the way it came together.

When painting structures I try to get one area correct, I then measure everything else off of that one (hopefully) correct area. This was great practice for me :O)

6 x 8 oil on Raymar canvas panel

Jefferson Memorial

2009-01-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

This painting is my entry for the DSFDF challenge "Jefferson Memorial At Night". I actually like painting nocturnal scenes and haven't done one for a while so this was fun!

5 x 7 on masonite

Day Break Beach

2009-01-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is actually Dillon Beach, California but I used a mirror image of the area which helped me look at it a bit more objectively since I know it so well. I wanted to stay really loose and focus on the values and shapes, which is a challenge for me, I always want to nit pick!

5 x 7
oil on masonite panel

Misty Morning

2009-01-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

This was painted using a reference photo I took while visiting my husbands parents in Washington - they have a beautiful place!
5 x 7
oil on masonite

"Father"

2009-01-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

A portrait of my dear Father in Law -

Woody P Madsen

Life's a Roller Coaster

2009-01-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine on WC said "Chin up, kid. Life's a roller coaster. Take it one hill at a time." I need to remember that.

6 x 8 oil on linen Art Board panel

Portrait of an Unknown Artist

2008-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

8 x 10 oil on linen canvas

Today I finished this portrait which was painted as a part of Karin Jurick's year end challenge on her "Different Strokes From Different Folks" blog. I received a photo of an artist to paint and she received mine.

I've never painted a portrait so I knew this was going to be tough, but I love a challenge! This was a great learning experience & I hope the artist likes what I've done even though I didn't capture an exact likeness :O)

If you recognise yourself let me know ;O)

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone a Beautiful Day!

English Bulldog - "Chico"

2008-12-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is a Christmas gift - I was concerned about being able to pull it off since I don't paint dogs regularly but am very pleased with the way "Chico" turned out :)

8 x 10 oil on canvas panel

Now I'm starting a portrait - I'm participating in Karin Jurick's Different Strokes Challenge - I hope the portrait turns out well, this will be my first!

A Place To Rest

2008-12-17T14:49:00.001-08:00

I've been drawn to these peaceful indoor scenes & I have so much fun painting them! My reference is actually a photo I took when visiting the Olema Inn at Olema, CA - This is a gorgeous place to stay!

8 x 10 Oil on canvas panel - $79.00

No Work Today

2008-12-12T09:52:00.001-08:00

This was painted using the reference image from Karin Jurick's Different Strokes Bi-Weekly Challenge - I placed the pair of boots in my room, trying to think "outside the box" for a change :)

6 x 8 oil on canvas panel $50.00

All Roads Lead Home

2008-12-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

I love to paint the roads along Shoreline hwy. These are some recent paintings, all of them are rendered from photos of West Marin. I'll be listing these for sale soon!