Oct 2, 2017

It's Been a While! . . . and good news

It's Been a While! . . . and good news



For several years pastels have been calling my name. Finally, I had to give in. There is something about a huge array of colors, already pre-mixed, just sitting there beckoning me like little kindergarten kids jumping up and down and crying out, Me! Me! Choose Me! How could I resist?

I have been juried into the Beaverton Art Mix (BAM) which is October 6 through 8, 2017. The accepted artwork is Wayward Winds Lavender Farm -- a pastel piece that I painted en plain air for the Oregon/Willamette Valley Lavender Paint Out in 2016. It won an honorable mention award in the Open Division.

The artist reception is Friday, the 7th at 5pm in the Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, Oregon 97005. I'll be there. Drop by if you are in the area. For all the details go to: http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/index.aspx?nid=1269




Mar 8, 2013

Better Late Than Never

 My "Cutest Studio in the West" right in my own backyard.

I thought I'd post a couple of photos of my studio. My sons helped me build it. We started on April 1st, 2004 and I told everyone I'd have it done by September. I had never built anything before, so when September rolled around and it was still in the beginning stages, I reminded everyone that I hadn't said which September! It was finished on April 1, 2007. It was a lot of work but it gives me so much pleasure. I am so thankful to my sons, David and Dan and the long list of relatives and friends who gave their time and energy to bring my dream to reality.

The little white, lacy Victorian iron bench on the front porch makes me smile every time I walk past it. It was worth every dollar I was so reluctant to spend on something so non-essential. I've received $100 worth of pleasure for every penny spent. A lesson well learned — sometimes the value received is more than the dollar amount spent!

My 'viewing' rocker in front of the window seat. 

I spend time gazing at my paintings from here. "Does it need more work or have I gone too far?" is my eternal question. I'll post my easel and painting set up later.


The Artist's magazine, October 2005 issue opened to H.C. Dodd's article, "Better Late Than Never."

On the counter between the french door and the English birdhouse is the October 2005, The Artist's magazine opened to an article about H.C. Dodd. The article is titled "Better Late Than Never." Dodd began painting when she was 67 years old and within a few years was teaching and winning top awards in national competitions. The day this magazine arrived I had been working on the studio which was only half built. I was really depressed because it was taking a lot longer than I could ever have imagined. And the thought had entered my mind that I was pretty close to retirement and "just what had I been thinking, to take on such a big project at that point in my life?!" I decided to walk to the mail box to calm down a bit and when I pulled out the magazine, it fell open to the page with the words, "Better Late Than Never." The letters were an inch tall and spread across two pages — It was like someone was shouting at me. I felt I had been give a loud message from God! I have never questioned my decision since that moment.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my creation.  I'll post again soon.

Mar 7, 2013

Spring Cleaning!


Now that my show is safely hanging on the walls of Cusick Picture Frame Gallery in Newberg, Oregon,  I've had the time to take a good look at my studio and realized that it was time for Spring Cleaning! A bright sunny day helps with that decision. For some reason it is easier for me to get inspired to clean and organize when the sun is shining.


So, off I go, with the broom and dustpan in hand. See you soon.

Feb 27, 2013

March Solo Show

I've been busy this month! I've put the final touches on 5 or 6 new paintings for my first solo show which opens March First. The invitation is below:

March 1 - 22
at Cusick Picture Frame
608 E First St., Newberg OR
Open Tues-Fri 10 am to 6 pm and Sat 10 am to 5 pm

Artist's Reception, First Friday, March 1 -- 5 to 9 pm

Drop by if you're in the area and check out my new work.


Jan 31, 2013

#30 Lone Oak, Manna from Heaven

#30 Lone Oak, Manna from Heaven, 6x6, oil on panel, (click here to bid)


Number 30! Whew, what fun. I have learned so much with this series. It's given me the freedom to try some things that I would never have tried if I had been working on one painting. There is a pressure to paint something that you know will become a finished painting — no matter if it is 6x6 inches or 6x6 feet. I've painted two night scenes in this series, which I have never painted before. I've tried some colors that I would never have thought of putting together. I usually tone my canvas with burnt sienna or raw umber. I've toned some of this series with bright yellow, bright cad. orange, bright blue, red, and pink to name just a few.

The most surprising thing for me was that on some of the paintings I would have a plan in my mind of the colors or mood I wanted to create. Then I would lay down the first stroke of color and everything would change direction and go to a place that I hadn't thought of painting. That was powerful! I guess I needed to learn to trust a bit more.

I don't know if I am finished with this series yet. I feel like there might be more down the road. So, I will leave it open to return to, not as a daily thing but when the Lone Oak calls, I will listen.

Stay tuned.

Jan 30, 2013

#29 Lone Oak, End of Hazy Day

#29 Lone Oak, End of Hazy Day, 6x6, oil on panel, (click here to bid)

When I started this "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge I had only planned to do five—spring, summer, fall, winter and a sunset. That was so much fun that I thought I could do the first half of the challenge with the Lone Oak. I never dreamed that I would still be experimenting on day 29! It's been fun.

Jan 29, 2013

#28 Lone Oak, Sunset on Field of Flowers

#28 Lone Oak, Sunset on Field of Flowers, 6x6, oil on panel, Sold, (click here to view)

I love sunsets and flowers — how great is it to paint them together? This is number 28 of the "30 Paintings in 30 Days" challenge. Only 2 more to go!