Leah at Sea

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

This is my sister Leah, always at home on a boat.
I like painting with a large brush, and I like painting by simplifying form.  This can be a problem when I paint someone I know, because to try and get a good likeness it seems I have to resort to my size #1 and #2 brushes.  I am looking forward to getting back to my size #10 and #12s!

Patience

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

This beautiful Andalusian horse, waiting for the next command, seems to embody the essence of patience and nobility.

I'll Follow

oil on panel
6"x6"
sold

I love the upright tail feathers on this chicken, and the way her chick has the same effect on her as a rudder steering a ship. 

Bridled

oil on panel
6"x5.5"

sold

This close up view of a horse's face was difficult to paint, to put it mildly.  It was a challenge to have it work spatially without showing the entire structure of the head.   I do like this extreme close-up and searching view though.

A Respectable Bird

oil on panel 6"x6"

A turkey is an odd looking creature, with an almost reptilian head and those crazy jowls below!

As for the title, Ben Franklin came up with that. "For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

Family Reunion

oil on board
7.5"x 10"

sold

While on vacation my mom asked me to take a picture of my brother's shorts (because she really liked them) and I got an unexpectedly dramatic composition.  I think it also captures something of the continual busyness of our large annual reunions as well as the quiet, separate thoughts people continue to have in the midst of a large group.
I've been preoccupied with this for several days.  It has felt good to be working larger, but I'm already wanting to get back to some quicker pieces.