Dear California,

We had such an amazing visit to Pebble Beach!  Thank you for having such beautiful weather!  The crisp salty air and perfectly sunny days were just what we had hoped for!  We walked and walked and though our feet got tired, your beautiful scenery rejuvenated us.  We'll be back soon!
S

Before I was Yellow

It's crazy to see so many trees already changing to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow!  As I drove along Lake Minnetonka's twisting and curving shoreline yesterday, I was surprised to see so many trees that were in full fall color!  With the cooler temperatures and breezy days, fall seems to be here to stay.  How did it suddenly sneak up on us this quick?!  

I am in love with this weather ~ it's my favorite!!!  Get outside and enjoy it while it's here!

 

3 x 3 1/2 in., Valspar Paint Swatches :: Pond Moss & Secret Garden

Purify Yourself in the Waters of...

A trip to Lowes was all I needed to complete this little number.  Materials used were 2 Valspar paint swatches - generously supplied by Lowes painting department, an x-acto knife, and a lot of patience.   

I was hoping that beginning in September I would have a bit more time to start painting again......unfortunately, I'm quickly discovering that I have bitten off more than I can chew.  As a result, you may be seeing more of these little paper cuts.

I love the shadows and reflections made in water.  This was inspired by a few quick photos I took by the docks along Lake Minnetonka.

 3 1/2 x 3 in., Valspar Paint Swatches :: Dusty Spruce & Cool Splash

Busy Busy Bee

The last few months have seen an unfortunate case of BML (blogging momentum loss.) I've been distracted by a new job, and the sunny weather. New paintings will be posted in the near future ~ I'm thinking September.

Until then...

For all you art history buffs, I think you'll enjoy this music video by the band Hold Your Horses.

Taste of Summer

The sweet tangy flavors of these berries always get me ready for long, lazy summer days.  I can't wait to begin picking them in the months to come!  
I had trouble capturing the true colors...the background is more of a robin's egg blue which makes for a gorgeous contrast between it and the berries.  I will try again with different lighting and post it if I can capture it better.
Enjoy the holiday weekend - I'm looking forward to kayaking tomorrow with friends!!  :)

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas
"Strawberry Caucus" after Carolyn Finnel

Art-achoke

For the record I'm not a fan of eating artichokes; however, I love the flavor they can give certain dishes!  I think when it comes down to it, it's a texture thing.
I had a really difficult time photographing this one, I kept getting this awful glare and the colors weren't represented very accurately.  This photo is the closest I could get and it's still not quite right...but I'll settle. 
This is probably my least favorite so far, and was hesitant to even post it since the only thing I like about it is the title.  I could of spent more time on it.....but, I got bored.  : / 
Happy Weekend!

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

Avo to Guac

This post would of come sooner had last week's weather not been so gloomy.  The room I paint in is lit by natural light - that said, it can be a bit of a challenge when painting between the clouds.  But, enough said...the weather is BEAUTIFUL now!!!  As we move into summer I find it fitting to paint an avocado and to include the best guacamole recipe I've tried as of yet - YUM!  

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas
"California Avocado" after Sharon Shock

Guacamole

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup fat-free sour cream

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 ripe peeled avocado, mashed


Resist the urge to over mix the guacamole, it should have lots of big chunks.  This recipe is easily doubled or tripled!  

Summer's Craving

This week I busted out old habits by painting a landscape scene. With the last week or two being a bit chilly compared to temperatures we were having four weeks ago, I've been dreaming of days spent at warm sunny beaches.

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

One Pepper, Two

I am so happy that the weekend is here! After a super busy week + trying to get over the worst sinus infection...Friday hasn't sounded this sweet in quite a while! I thought jalapeño peppers would be the perfect subject matter for this week - they do wonders for clearing out the sinuses!

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas
"Hot Stuff" after Sharon Shock

Bananas, Go

I loved painting these! I've included a recipe for yummy banana bread below - enjoy!

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

Banana Bread

Ingredients

3 or 4 bananas, smashed

1/3 cup melted butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. With a wooden spoon, mix the butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4 x 8" loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve!

Red Bell

Each time I see a bell pepper at the grocery store or as an ingredient in a recipe, I always think of Edward Weston's photograph, Pepper, 1930 - see here. I think it is intriguing because without reading the title first it is difficult to discern what the subject is at first glance. That said, I chose to depict my pepper in a more traditional and easy to recognize manner of representation. Happy Weekend!

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

Melon Slice

Tim thinks that cantaloupe should be called honeydew because they're honey in color...... I just call it melon :)

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

R is for Rabbit

My subject for this next painting is a classic icon that not only epitomizes the spirit of Easter, but also the coming of spring.

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

Spring Cherries

Cherries sitting upon a plate are oh so pretty!

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas

"In the cherry pluckt at night,

With the dew of summer swelling,

There's a juice of pure delight,

Cool, dark, sweet, divinely smelling."

- Robert Graves

A Pair of Pears

A little support was all it needed...

3 x 3 in., oil on canvas
"I'll be your Friend" after Sharon Shock