Hidden Lake

 

I had focused on European travel for much of the last 20 years because the old buildings, art, and landscapes of Europe seemed to have more history than our country. At least the recorded history. I loved the old buildings and streets compared to the ones we have, which often seem disposable and too new. Also, oddly,  trips there were more cost effective than traveling to the west coast of the US from the east. With the events of the last year, traveling to Europe seemed much more difficult and I've gained more of an appreciation for home, so we took the opportunity to visit Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Bozeman with some friends. 

I've always respected nature, but now that has been amplified after seeing bison, deer, elk and bear (at an uncomfortably close range) living in the old forests of Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons. I loved seeing the tall pine trees and mountains together. I especially loved the budding baby pines who's tops were barely a foot off the ground, and will someday be over 200 feet tall. As much as I appreciate the age of Europe, I appreciate the life of these parks. Oddly, while I felt so happy witnessing it, I felt simultaneously sad that it is fragile and often subject to the actions and attitudes of people. Every animal seemed to have a soul of its own and deserves to live its life in peace. I'm sure braving the unpredictable weather there is difficult and the animals don't need us to make it even more difficult. I hope to capture the feeling of life and beauty that didn't seem real in this and future paintings. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Wine Club

 

For my birthday this year, we went to Greendance Winery in Mt. Pleasant, PA. Of course, even on my birthday, I am at work and in search of subject matter. This group of ladies enjoying their wine reminded me of my wine club that enjoys wine-centric outings a few times a year. Oil on 16"h x 20"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Teatime

 

A painting of an antique teacup and some macarons from Gaby et Jules in Pittsburgh, PA. Oil on 6" x 6" stretched linen. 

Yellow Creek Sailboat

 

After returning from a kayaking workout one day this summer, this sailboat was getting ready to set sail. It was photographed at Yellow Creek State Park near Indiana, PA. In all my travels, I have not seen such a robust color scheme on a boat. Oil on 16"h x 12"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Hayden Valley Bison

 

My husband and I recently visited Yellostone National Park and the Grand Tetons with some friends. One thing that surprised me was the amount of driving involved. I had read about it, but it did not sink in. I really wanted to visit the Lamar Valley, but to see it when there is peak animal activity, you have to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. We couldn't see it at either of those times because it was simply too far from where we were staying. One day, my husband and I explored the northern loop near the Grand Canyon and saw a sign for the Hayden valley only a few miles down the road. We didn't expect to see much, but when we arrived, there was a herd of bison in the distance. They approached all the parked cars in order to cross the street, and soon, they were weaving among the cars. They had sad faces but are probably happy exploring nature and roaming freely. Oil on 6.5"h x 9.5"w linen. SOLD.