Along the River in Estella

 

After a day of walking almost 22 kilometers, a clean river in which to soak one's feet is a welcome sight. There were only a few other people and two dogs doing the same thing when I arrived in Estella, so I felt the river was mine. The river in Estella seemed to have standing room only, as there weren't many rocks to sit and relax on. Zubiri is the best foot-soaking river along the Camino de Santiago. The weather in late August was perfect for perching on one of the copious rocks for a foot bath, and even for swimming for those who packed a swimsuit into their minimalist Camino backpacks. Oil on 12" x 16" stretched linen.

Available on my website

The Road to Carrion de los Condes

 

Though the walk from Fromista to Carrion de los Condes didn't have as many kilometers as other days on the Camino de Santiago, the walk seemed to take forever in the rain. Finally, toward the end, the clouds broke and allowed the sun to shine through. There was some foreshadowing of this earlier in the day when a rainbow appeared. Oil on 16" x 20" stretched Linen.

Available on my website

The Way to Fromista

 

The landscape varies a lot between Castrojeriz and Fromista along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. You start by walking up a huge hill that looks across a valley to the castle that seems to be at the same height. Then, you descend the hill toward a stark, yellow valley. I felt extra fortunate to see dramatic clouds that added dimension to the minimalist landscape. Later, some trees and villages appear, as depicted in this painting. Fromista has a quaint square and churches that keep one from resting even after walking 19 kilometers. Oil on 16" x 20" stretched linen. 

Aviailable on my website

Waiting for a Text

 

This restaurant worker in Spain seems to be ignoring her work while awaiting a text from someone important. It can be difficult to concentrate when you just want to hear from someone. But, the potatoes need to be peeled and the countertops need to be cleaned, so it may be time to get back to work. ;) Oil on 18"h x 14"w stretched canvas. 

Available at UGallery.com

Alfred and Sunflowers

 

This oil painting of my cat Alfred sniffing sunflowers was supposed to be 8" x 8" but I kind of like the unfinished, sketchy paint edges, so I may make it bigger. Like Stella, he appreciates plants. Like the other paintings in my "Cat Week" or now, "Cat Fortnight" series, 25% of the sale price will help local cats in need. If you are purchasing from my website, note that this is the correct image. Squarespace will not allow me to post anything other than portrait format. 

Available at The Fox Clark Gallery

Oyster Bar

 

I know, it was supposed to be cat week, and then that turned into cat fortnight. But I became preoccupied with events and commissions, so I took this little intermission to post the newest painting I recently sent to Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery in Portland, Maine. This Boston oyster bar is frequented by tourists and locals alike. There is no meal more refreshing in the summer than oysters and white wine or beer. Oil on 11" x 14" stretched linen. SOLD.

Stella and Sunflowers

 

Stella has had a long history with sunflowers. I painted a picture of her dragging one across the dining room table when she was a kitten. She is now twelve and still tries to smell and bite them when in close proximity to them. I made sure that she didn't do that when she jumped up to smell these ones from the farmers' market in an antique vase. But, I had to get a picture of her next to her favorite flower. And then I'm sure I took her for a walk outside to get some cat grass. She makes sure to eat her greens. Oil on 8" x 8" stretched linen. 25% of the painting's selling price will be used to help local cats in need.

Available at the Fox Clark Gallery

Sidewalk Cafe in Spain

 

I can't remember the name of this town, unfortunately, but it had a cheerful cafe street. I plan to paint more of its cafes soon. When I snapped the reference photo for this painting, I had just left a lunch establishment that was part of a small resort. People were roasting red peppers over an open fire. Resident Siamese cats watched them work while they relaxed in the shade. It was probably the most expensive lunch I had in northern Spain, but the rustic flavors of both the food and the coffee were worth the indulgence. It gave me energy for the next 10k of hiking. Oil on 14" x 11" stretched linen. 

Available at UGallery.com

San Sebastian Marina II

 

A painting of some of the colorful boats and colorful water of San Sebastian, Spain. Oil on 18" x 24" stretched canvas. 

Available at UGallery.com

Interrupted Nap

 

Stella the cat was abruptly awakened from her peaceful nap in the sun. The fur around her face exhibits "bed head" which makes her look even cuter than she normally does. This oil on 8" x 8" stretched linen is available on my website. 25% of the total price will be used to help local cats in need as part of my "Cat Week" promotion. SOLD.

Birdwatching II

 

Tiny the cat watching birds through the window is the equivalent of a sports fanatic watching football on TV. She thinks she can get the birds even though a window separates her from them. Her entertainment entertains me. Oil on 8" x 8" stretched linen. 25% of the painting sale price will go toward helping local feral cats. SOLD.

Cassis Marina

 

Since this will be visible on a Sunday, I thought I'd share the perfect Sunday destination, which is a painting of Cassis, France. It is a short train ride from Marseille, France for a day trip, though I recommend staying there to see it at all hours of the day. The town smells like the sea, cooked seafood, coffee, and wine. You will want to try all of those things while there in addition to some lavender glace. From the town center, you can walk to the hidden calanques or just hang out at the well-populated beach in town. Oil on 24"h x 30"w stretched linen.

Available at The Fox Clark Gallery

Portland Maine Harbor

 

I was excited to have had some paintings accepted for display at the Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery in Portland, Maine, so I took a trip there to gather some subject matter. I take my bike along on New England trips because it is much easier to stop when I see a photo opportunity, and it is much easier and cheaper to park than a car. During my trip, I biked around the Old Port for an entire morning, and then I took a ferry to Peaks Island for the afternoon. It was a refreshing day, especially after driving so far to get there. I painted this picture while operating my booth at the Westmoreland Heritage Festival in Greensburg, PA. I normally complete paintings over two or more sittings, but I liked the fresh, spontaneous quality of the colors and brushstrokes, so I considered it finished in one afternoon. 

Available at UGallery.com

Somewhere on the Camino Frances

 

I'm not sure where this is but it is somewhere on the Camino Frances. I loved the varied terrain and mix of complementary colors. The cool blue of the houses' shadow sides and the blue sky provided extra layers of contrast. The tomato towers broke up the horizontal lines in the composition. 

Many crops were growing in Spain when I walked last September. In addition to intentionally planted farms and vineyards, many sources of treats grew voluntarily beside the path. I didn't pick anything if it appeared to be part of anyone's property, but in the middle of nowhere, other pilgrims and I cobbled together snacks of blackberries, apples, figs, walnuts, and almonds. We didn't often have tools with which to crack nuts, but I'll always laugh when I remember one of my fellow pilgrims cracking almonds with the edge of a cutting board one night. We all probably should have been wearing protective eyewear. 

Available at UGallery.com

Tapas Night in San Sebastian

 

"Should we get more tapas here or try every other place on this street?" is always the question when in San Sebastian. There are endless tapas and they are as artistically presented as they are delicious. It seems that every region in Spain has its own signature tapas and varying ways of ordering/presenting them. In northern Spain, especially in places like San Sebastian or Pamplona, tapas are displayed similarly to jewels in a jewelry store. They are often under glass, and you point to the ones you want. If you know their names, you can tell the waitstaff, but often, they are ordered from a counter along with your wine or beer of choice. Each serving, consisting of 3-4 bites of food, costs around $3. While it can add up fast, I often just want a bite of food when out with friends instead of a whole expensive plate of something. For people who like to graze and try a bit of everything, this is a great way to dine.

In Seville, you often order from a menu. It definitely helps to have an English menu if you aren't a fluent Spanish speaker, or be prepared to do a lot of typing in Google Translate (download it in your language of choice so you don't have to worry about wi-fi or cellular data.) In Granada, the bartender creates individual tapas just for you based on your drink. In many places, you have no say in what you get. It is a fun surprise, and one can make entire meals by going from place to place, buying only drinks, and enjoying these artistic, or some may say scientific, presentations. 

Available at Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery

York Harbor Beach

Though I have been posting paintings inspired by last year's trip to Spain, I wanted to take the opportunity to show a painting I have at the Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery in Portland, Maine. I am excited to have my work in the gallery, which showcases work by so many wonderful artists. This painting was inspired by views of a 2022 trip to York, Maine. I went back this summer and hope to paint more views of the town. 

Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery

 

Solitude in Spain

 

I believe I captured the reference photo for this painting in Seville, Spain. There, the crowds were immense, which could be maddening during the day, especially in the hot weather. To make my mood worse, I witnessed the mistreatment of horses that carted tourists around the city for sightseeing. The tourists were often overweight, and the drivers of the carriages were impatient with the exhausted, hot, thirsty horses. One driver smacked a horse across the face with some kind of weird medieval-looking horse punishment instrument. This sight put me over the edge and it took everything for me to hold back. I don't speak the language, so anything I would have said wouldn't have been effective anyway. Any demonstration beyond words would have gotten me into trouble and I just wanted to go home at this point. Without an outlet for my rage, I was not a pleasant person to be around. I am still determined to devise a plan to support the rights of the horses in Seville. Please feel free to share any ideas.

At night, I was happy to see the quiet and cool streets. There were still many tourists in restaurants, but everything seemed calm in many areas, though there were still some streets where people walked shoulder to shoulder in search of their next drink or tapas. The person in this alleyway seemed to be seeking the same solitude or maybe just an escape from the people in the restaurant. Oil on 14" x 18" stretched canvas. 

Available at UGallery.com

Churro Shop

 

Churros is the breakfast of champions when walking the Camino de Santiago. I stopped at this cafe on the way out of Leon, Spain, and the perfectly fattening doughnut variation with chocolate and a side of coffee provided the energy to embark on the rainy walk. 

I unfortunately didn't give myself enough time to walk the entire Camino last year. I optimistically thought I could bike the Meseta, which would have allowed me to finish the Camino within four weeks, and then meet my then-husband for a post Camino vacation. I did not foresee illness, foot problems, or torrential downpours that would cost me days here and there. I knew those things could happen, but I ignored them, only envisioning the best possible outcome. Sadly, I accepted that biking the Meseta would not allow me to finish the entire 500 mile trek. After reassessing the situation, I decided to skip the middle by taking a bus from Najera to Leon. 

Many people think of completing the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela as a satisfactory pilgrimage, so I figured that it still counted. The night I arrived in Leon, I got down to business by washing all of my clothes in a real washer and dryer, and then I explored the town. During my explorations, I stumbled upon this churro shop and told myself I'd be back for breakfast the next morning. 

Available at UGallery.com

Chateau in Provence

 This painting provides a bit of a break from Spain, though it shares a similar aesthetic. Though the shadows in this painting look cool, I can assure you that it was hot everywhere, and a St-Germain Spritz always seemed like a good idea. SOLD.

Courtyard in Seville

 

This is a painting inspired by the courtyard of the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville, Spain. I enjoyed seeing the courtyards of the establishment even more than the actual artwork. 

Available at UGallery.com

Peony and Rose

 

I say this a lot, but this one was really fun to paint! I was happy to see some peonies in bloom at a nearby house, so I asked if I could pick one, and the owner said I could. I have never attempted to paint peonies in the past and I loved the way the neutral light pink petals took on the tones of the light and shadows that surrounded it. I also found a bottle of rose with a vibrant shade that complemented the flower well. 

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Saint Jean Pied de Port

 

This is a view from one of the stone bridges in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France. It is a popular place to start the Camino Frances variant of the Camino de Santiago. This town can be tricky to get to. I bussed there from San Sebastian and felt lucky to have made it alive and unharmed. Maybe it sounds a bit dramatic, but the bus wound along high, narrow, curvy roads. Many cyclists share the road, and it is a law that vehicles passing bikes must cross over the center line, or so I was told. This is terrifying because the driver has to trust that there are no other vehicles, especially equally large and difficult-to-stop vehicles, coming the other way behind the cliffs. And, of course, all vehicles on the road traveled at top speed. I made peace with the idea that I might not make it because I would have at least been doing something I loved. But, I made it. The scary road delivered me to this pretty town that began a physically and mentally tough adventure that is still not over.

SJPDP looks a bit like the Shire from Lord of the Rings. I couldn't tell if its festive feeling was a celebration of a new beginning or a memorial of our last day of comfort. People excitedly loaded up on French food to provide energy for the next day's hike over the Pyrenees and took the opportunity to purchase supplies for the walk that they may have forgotten at home. I bought a spork and took advantage of the cakes and ice cream that provided carbs for the walk to Roncesvalles. 

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View of San Sebastian

 

Last year before starting the Camino de Santiago, I took a short vacation in San Sebastian. I couldn't find a great way to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port, so I went with what seemed to be the cheapest option at first. In retrospect, it wasn't cheap simply because it created a mini vacation within the Camino adventure. But it was a great palette cleanser between real life and the arduous pilgrimage. The flight to Barcelona was less expensive and shorter than any other option. I spent one night at a Barcelona airport hotel and then took a short and inexpensive flight to San Sebastian the next day. After the mini vacation, I bussed to Pamplona and then to Saint Jean Pied de Port. I don't think there is an easy way to get to SJPDP, and this option allowed me to see one of my biggest bucket list destinations. 

I was first inspired to visit this town in college because Ernest Hemingway mentions it in The Sun Also Rises, making it seem luxurious. It did not disappoint. I stayed in a nice yet affordable hotel within a ten minute walk of the beach. I loved exploring the hills, the beaches, and the shops. Because I was getting ready to embark on the Camino, I of course didn't partake in any shopping, but I took the time to acclimate myself to the tapas bar culture. This segment of the trip became practice time for ordering the food I wanted in a language I don't speak, and while alone in places that are meant to be social. It was awkward. But, what is an adventure without awkwardness? My hotel bordered a residential area, and my favorite place was a small bar that served wine and tapas. It was frequented by elderly locals who all knew each other and engaged in boisterous conversations that I couldn't understand. They pretty much ignored me while I furtively observed their interactions as my evening entertainment. 

The view in this painting is located at the base of Mount Urgull, which holds the Sacred Heart Christ Statue at its peak. I hiked the hill in preparation for the Camino, as the first day of the pilgrimage is thought to be the most challenging. On the Camino, you are rewarded with gorgeous views of nature. In San Sebastian, the high climbs are rewarded with views of the Bay of Biscay, the town, and its boats.

Oil on 24" x 36" stretched canvas. Available At UGallery.com

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Gerbera Daisies and Espresso

 

I loved the red reflections that the flowers cast onto the shiny espresso pot. Since I started painting more still lifes over the past few years, I have come to love painting shiny objects and clear glass. They lend well to loose brushstrokes and abstract shapes. 

Available at the Fox Clark Gallery

Gerbera Daisies

 

It has been way too long since I've added new work to this blog, though I've done a ton of paintings this year. It feels good to be typing something of substance again rather than just creating a quick post for social media to accommodate people's shrinking attention spans. I find that is the case with my own attention span, at least. 

This year, I have worked on still lifes, commissions, and paintings from previous trips. Since February, I have gone on two trips that included sites in California, Maine, and Massachusetts, so I have a lot of new paintings planned. Though I had a lot of travel inspiration to work with, I was tempted by all of the flowers I encountered in grocery stores this past spring, so there will be a lot of still lifes in upcoming posts. This one is available on my website. 

Available at The Fox Clark Gallery

Lunch Time in Aix en Provence

 

This shaded cafe in Aix en Provence is full during lunchtime. Even though it is sweltering outside, people would rather be outdoors than in a dark cafe. The cafe interiors are a welcome sight on a rainy day, of course. But it is always nice to look at the effects that the sunshine creates on the stone walkways, buildings, and awnings from a shady spot. Oil on 18" x 24" stretched linen. SOLD.

Sunny Cafes in Aix en Provence

 

Mostly everyone was searching for shade on this hot day in Aix en Provence. Everyone except the couple walking toward me as well as myself, of course. Only the hearty dared to walk in the sunlight in search of the next cafe serving Aperol spritzes. Pro tip: everyone in Aix serves them! Oil on 24" x 20" stretched linen. SOLD.

Weird Years

 

There have been many life changing events during the past several years, which impeded my artistic productivity. I haven't been posting to my blog as much as in the past because blogging seems to have been replaced by social media or other websites. I plan to do a mass upload of all of my newer work in the near future. I also plan to have a couple of studio cleaning sales to clear space for new work. I haven't been as happy with my work during the past couple of years. Stress inducing occurrences seem to have affected my style. I feel that I am finally becoming myself again and I plan to share the new work that reflects that soon. In the meantime, this is one of the paintings that I completed in 2023. It was inspired by adventure on the Camino de Santiago. It is said that the real Camino starts after you have completed the walk. This has turned out to be a massive understatement. I believe I flew from Europe into a parallel universe.

This painting shows that you can take two different roads. One is the correct "way" the other will get you lost. It seems that I have been lost for many years and the Camino has put me on the path that I should have taken all along. There were many strange coincidences that have illustrated to me that things will happen when they are supposed to and that you should always trust your instincts, even if it makes you seem difficult. Oil on 14" x 18" stretched canvas. Available at Latrobe Art Center.

A Stroll Through Luxembourg Gardens

 

The Luxembourg Gardens in Paris was already in full bloom in early May. The park was empty when I was there, making it feel like it was all mine. Oil on 16" x 24" stretched canvas. Available at UGallery.com

Beach Haven Afternoon

 

This was painted from a reference photo that I took last year while visiting Beach Haven, NJ. My mother and I participated in the local Art Walk to try to branch out into new territory. We stayed a few nights and really enjoyed the perfect sand of the beaches and the slightly retro vibe of the town. On this particular day, there was rain. In the afternoon, the clouds cleared to reveal the pthalo blue and pthalo green sky. Oil on 9"h x 11"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Sleeping Seuss

 

Seuss the cat loves to nap in a sunny window. In this case, she was sleeping with our calico, Stella, who was basically acting as a blanket. Oil on 8" x 8" stretched canvas. The edges are painted raw umber and the painting comes ready to hang. SOLD.

View From The South Kaibab Trail

 

This is one view from the South Kaibab Trial of the Grand Canyon. The steep grades on each side of the trail can be disorienting, but the visual rewards were worth the anxiety. Just bring ample water if you ever do the hike! Oil on 18"h x 24" x 1 1/2" stretched canvas. 

Airport Mesa Trail Of Sedona

 

This is one of the many spectacular views one encounters while walking the Airport Mesa Trail in Sedona, AZ. It was my favorite trail while visiting the city. Oil on 14"h x 11"w cradled masonite. 

Sunbathing

 

My cat, Tiny, is great at multi-tasking, as she can bathe while also sunbathing. Oil on 11"h x 14"w stretched linen. SOLD.

View From The Crane Estate

 

In the summer of 2021, I drove to Massachusetts on a solo trip. I sometimes travel better alone, as I don't have to worry that my subject-matter-gathering isn't getting in the way of what would normally be a relaxing trip. I feel free to explore, change plans on a whim, and eat less than impressive meals on the run. On this trip, I was in search of small towns near Marblehead and Rockport, and everything in between. I drove toward Ipswich and loved all the food stands and the sights of families enjoying their vacations. I noticed a sign for the Crane Estate, which sounded impressive, so on a whim, I toured the grounds. I hope to go back and tour the inside of the estate as well as the connected beach. Oil on 12" x 16" stretched canvas.

Between Storms

 

This family enjoys some play time between storms in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. During September of 2020, we took a trip with friends, happy to be able to travel again. We made the most of all the nice weather, even if it was just a small amount of time between storms. SOLD.

Misty Stream in Yellowstone Park

 

 

 "Misty Stream in Yellowstone Park" captures the liquid light rolling off the hill into the water, and then evaporating into mist. I painted it from a reference photo I took near the Grand Prismatic Springs. Oil on 14" x 18" stretched canvas. SOLD.

Baltimore Boats

 

We visited Baltimore last autumn and had a great time exploring the Inner Harbor and The Walters Art Museum. There are great meals and sights to be had in the city. Oil on 16"h x 12"w stretched canvas. 

Ready for Battle

This painting was inspired by a sparring session at Broken Plow Western Martial Arts in Creighton, PA (near Pittsburgh.) The school hosts many classes, including German longsword. This is a link to the school's website. SOLD.

The Last Ones On The Beach

 

A mother and daughter are the last ones on the beach in Corolla, SC. This was painted from a photo I took during a 2020 trip to the beach. Oil on 12" x 16" stretched canvas. SOLD.

Raspberry Dessert and Teacup

 

The minty, almost lime green shade of this antique teacup complements the berry pink of the raspberries of the Gaby et Jules dessert well. It was difficult to paint this without taking a bite. But, I made sure to buy extra macarons to help me resist. Oil on 6" x 6" stretched linen. SOLD.

Red House in Indiana

 

The third painting in my "Around Town with Joplin" series. I distinctly remember taking the reference photo while walking my dog on July 4, 2020. I woke up early to go to the farmers' market and the day was supposed to be very hot, so I brought the dog with me to walk while the weather and sidewalks were still cool. We walked past this house that I had never seen before. The painting is available at The Artists Hand Gallery in Indiana, PA. It is 12" x 16". SOLD.

Springtime in Indiana

 

"Springtime in Indiana" is part of my "Around Town With Joplin" series of paintings that preserves scenes from my walks around town with my dog. She wanted to walk forever, but she also took frequent bathroom breaks. During her stops, I couldn't help but notice the scenery and take some photos. Oil on 11" x 14" stretched canvas. 

Alley in Indiana

 

This painting of an alley in Indiana, PA, was inspired by one of the walks I took with my dog. She was a husky and would never get tired, though she walked very slowly as she aged. We have probably walked on every street in town, and many of the alleys, such as this one. After she passed away, I walked in the same places as a way to remember her. Oil on 11"h x 14"w stretched canvas. 

First Trip to the Beach

 

I realize that my subject matter is all over the place these days. Some of the paintings, including this one, were painted early in the year for special events, and I just never added them to the blog. In other cases when my subject matter seems random, it is because places I've visited will pop into my head, and outside of teleporting there, painting them is the best way to revisit them since teleportation isn't possible (yet.)

This scene was painted from a photo that I took in Cape May, New Jersey many years ago. I often worry that people think I am a creeper for taking pictures of random families at the beach. But, it is for the purpose of preserving happy moments on canvas that I witness. I painted this for the Beach Haven Art Walk in New Jersey, but the painting did not sell there. It is on 10"h x 8"w stretched canvas. SOLD.

Pale Sunflowers

 

I loved the uniquely pale tone of these sunflowers that I purchased from a local farmers' market during the summer. Their dramatic looked seemed to match the tall vase that I also acquired during the summer. The painting is oil on stretched linen, approximately 16" h x 9" w. SOLD.

Farmers' Market Sunflowers

 

Over the past few years I have started to shift from painting fleeting moments from photos to painting still lifes in my studio. I still paint from photos, but with all of the cameras trying to do us favors by making everything look unrealistically perfect, I would rather record subjects with my own eyes. SOLD.

Yellow Creek Sailboat II

 

I'm not sure if Yellow Creek Sailboat II is actually the title of this painting, but it is available at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, PA. You can contact the gallery for price and shipping information. It is oil on 7"h x 5"w stretched linen. It was inspired by a colorful sailboat that I spotted while kayaking at Yellow Creek State Park in Pennsylvania.

A Fountain in Aix en Provence

 

After dinner in Aix en Provence, we would take advantage of the cool night air and walk around the city. Some of the squares were bustling with lively cafes and people walking from place to place. Other long and winding alleys were quiet, as they were probably inhabited by locals rather than tourists. Some of the alleys led to lively yet hidden squares, such as this one, which included a picturesque fountain. Oil on 24" h x 18" w linen.

Marseille Harbor

 

I finally had the chance to paint one of the photos that I snapped in Marseille, France from my 2019 trip. It sometimes takes me a while to figure out how I want to tackle a subject, especially if it is a new place to me. I am often challenged by figuring out what size a painting should be. I determined that 18" x 24" was the optimal size for this painting. It is available on the UGallery website. This is a link to my page on the site. 

Marseille felt different than other European towns. It was quiet in the morning and afternoon, but at night, the sidewalks were lively, hosting crowds of people at outdoor cafes who watched soccer games on TVs. We sometimes had to walk onto the street to continue on our way to the harbor. At the harbor, families, individuals, locals, and tourists mingled together. Kids had entertaining toys, including sparklers, while vendors sold their wares. We enjoyed the scenery and the abundant seafood.