Painting of the Week

"Dutch Treat"

6x8 oil on panel

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My painting this week was inspired by a friend who gave me a bunch of tulips that allowed me to setup and photograph this still life. As flowers go, I really love tulips. I even like the stems and leaves. When they bloom in the spring, they make the landscape sing with color. There are not too many other flowers that say spring, just by looking at them. One of these days, I am going to make the long jaunt across the water to Holland and see these growing in mass.

The wooden shoes were picked up on one of my many trips to the local flea market. I always say I'm not going to buy anything, but manage to come home with something. That's like going to the ice cream store on the premise of taking something home to my husband. The old will power just isn't what it used to be. After all, one can never have too many still life objects or ice cream cones! Until next week......JB

Painting of the Week!

"Moonshine"
7x12 oil on canvas
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This little landscape was inspired by the Smokey Mountains and a trip along the Blueridge Parkway. I love that part of the country and am envious of all those who are privileged to live there. I try to make it to the Smokies once a year, preferably during the months of July or August as the heat is usually unbearable in Texas at that time.

I love the way the mist just comes out of nowhere and before you know it you can't see your hand in front of your face. It brings back memories of all of those scary movies you saw as a kid and you really are tempted to look over your shoulder, or did you hear footsteps, surely it was your imagination.

The locals are honest, tough people who are used to the hardships mountain life can bring. When you get back in the hills, there are few luxuries unless you count the hush of the forest broken only by birdsong or the rush of a mountain stream. I was once caught in a ravine taking pictures of a waterfall when a storm broke out. By the time we climbed out, the air was so heavy you could cut it with a knife and my lungs felt like they would explode.

So, if you get a chance to visit the Smokey Mountains stop by Ashville and Little Switzerland up on the Parkway. I promise you won't be disappointed! Until next week......JB