Blog

Since we spend more time in our homes in the colder months, its very comforting and cheering to appreciate the paintings that adorn our walls - especially ones that celebrate the visual pleasure of interesting knickknacks, charming vases, pots, plants and treasured heirlooms. As I go from being a western, high country painter to an eastern, low country, coastal painter, the genre of still life painting remains satisfying, and rich with color, shape and texture that transcend geography.

The 20x20 oil painting, "Memories and Bittersweet" was inspired by a antique pitcher that was my grandmother's, at least 100 years old. It was part of a "chocolate set" from Japan, with the little cups and saucers, all delicate and hand-painted. I had wanted to paint it for a long time, but couldn't find the right flowers I felt went with it. Then I saw "Bittersweet" from an ornamental shrub on sale and that was it. The undercoat of the painting is pure red that brings a contemporary feel to a treasure from the past.