Still Standing--oil painting



Still Standing, oil (alkyd) on linen, 12x12

Since it was cold and icy, I slid out to my studio for the last couple of days.  This tree is down by my dock; I always stare up at it for a while before walking back up to the house.  I don't know if it's still alive--it's surrounded by other trees and I can't tell if there's any green at the very top; there's none on the lower branches.  I thought it was a cedar; now I'm not sure--the trunk is rather hairy.  I painted this from memory; the photo is a bit different.  I like that this is stark naked against the cold sky.

Maybe I should title it reforestation.  

Sketches for Still Standing

During the past year, I've thought of the tree often.  I like the one on the left--Crayola crayons on card stock.  Top right is hydrus watercolor, and lower right is, I believe, oil (it was painted from the photo). 

Behind the Facades

Behind Main Street Facades, South Boston VA
 alkyd, 14x11

I don't remember playing with blocks as a child but I enjoyed playing with my kids' blocks and Lincoln Logs.  I have a trunk filled with blocks in my workshop (and keep buying more); I still play.  This scene reminds me of my blocks of all colors, sizes, and shapes.

I've been away from blogging for a while--it was a hot month, a beloved aunt passed away, and I have a few paintings hanging in a group exhibit at MacCallum More Museum and Gardens in Chase City VA.  I have kept up with reading your blogs; I'll now get back to leaving my comments.

Christmas 2009

Peace, alkyd, 12x12

Two friends passed away during this Season--one was buried on the 16th and the other on Christmas Eve; I had known them since childhood.

Parties, decorations. and gifts are nice but friends, families, and memories keep you warm. I made it though my annual chaotic breakfast (egg-making is now assigned to a friend) and am looking forward to the new year.

This painting from 2008 is a scene from nearby Cedar Grove Plantation. My art group was impressed with the beautiful house; I've always loved being alone in the woods. The sun touched the handmade cross while I was standing near the cemetery. A friend, who's from this area, bought the painting and told me she treasures it--I am honored.