Recent Blog Posts

Mold on Birdhouse Gourd

I harvested 28 birdhouse gourds in the fall. As they dried, they supported colonies of mold which made abstract designs. They reminds me of the markings on an Appaloosa horse.

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A Friend

This is a detail of an oil painting I’ve been working on; two faces representing friendship. I’m at an age where I value friendship more than ever.My friend and I met over a decade ago, working as care-givers for folks suffering memory loss.

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Recent Portrait in Grand Rapids

This model put in a hard day’s work, sitting very still and being scrutinized in all her features and all the effects of light and shadow. Six beginner portraits were created. This is mine.

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Van Gough’s Shoes

I recently saw a collection of original Van Gough paintings at the Detroit Institute of Art. The docents were very knowledgable and the painting very alive. Seeing them up close made me think, ” I can paint however I want to!” He painted so vibrantly and energetically. I appreciate that I am still alive to paint at 70, when he died so very young and in such loneliness and poverty.

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Bracken at Deep Lake, Yankee Springs, Michigan

This new oil painting measures 24″ x 24″. I used pressed ferns and leaves as stencils and then worked them into a diffused landscape. Deep Lake is my favorite swimming hole. It’s only 20 minutes from my house. I used to take my children camping there which usually included a hike to the Devils Soup Bowl, a glacial kettle in the middle of the forest.

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Portrait Class with Ken Cadwallader

I took and intensive class in portrait painting. We had three different live models and spent eight hours each of three days. It was well worth it.This one measures 12″ x 18″ and is painted in oil on canvas.

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