Ghost Dance, 8x10 Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, Red, White, Black, Gold

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For this abstract, I painted a canvas panel with beautiful gold gesso, then I mixed fluid acrylic paint with liquid pouring medium. I poured and manipulated until I got the result I wanted. I made a huge mess, as I always do with this process, but I like the result. 

Carmen

Pinwheel, 8x6 Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, Original Art

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I'm off an an abstract tangent now. I wanted motion in this one, and I think I got it. The background is creamy white, though it may look pale yellow on some monitors. 

Here are a couple of the giclees I have for sale in my shop. Click on the titles for sizes and prices. They are printed on high-quality canvas and look just like the originals.

Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens

Reflections on Breakfast

San Miguel Morning, 8x6 Oil on Canvas

$99, Click to Purchase

This is the sight that greeted me on our first morning in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The little bird posed obligingly on top of the dome. Bougainvilleas bloom profusely there, and there were many flowers I didn't recognize.

One night we went to Mi Casa, and heard incredible music; it was so good that there was no conversation or clanking glasses. The violin practically wept with the sound of moving Argentine music. It was worth the trip to hear something so profoundly beautiful.

One night we had a fiesta at the villa, and eleven Mariachi players strolled in playing their wonderful music. They had everyone dancing and our cook demonstrated how salsa dancing is supposed to be done.

So Festive

Surrounded by Mariachis

Beautiful Music

Pardon My Back, 24x18 Oil on Canvas

SOLD

This is the first in a series and it's a bigger painting than I usually post. I didn't pose these birds, they were standing exactly like this, so this was one of those paintings that got named before I started it.

While in the Everglades I got to see plenty of mangroves, mangrove forests and mangrove islands. What fascinating trees they are. They thrive in salty environments because they are able to obtain fresh water from saltwater. Some secrete excess salt through their leaves, and others block absorption of  salt at their roots. Their intricate root design makes a protective nursery for tiny marine life.

Serpentine, 6x6 Abstract

Had to loosen it up a bit after the previous post. This is acrylic paint and glue, truly mixed media. For some reason "Far out, Dude" keeps running through my head when I look at this one. Maybe it reminds me of a lava lamp.

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Eye of the Eagle, 6x6 Acrylic Abstract

I think this is a patriotic painting, with a slightly frazzled eagle. Maybe he is sick of the do-nothing Congress, or maybe he just suffers from allergies. I read that the United States is the most allergic country on earth. Is it the genetically altered foods? How about those hormones in meat and milk? Global warming and the highest pollen levels ever? Maybe my eagle is like that Indian in the old commercial--remember him, the noble man with the tear? Actually, that looks like a red tear running down Mr. Eagle's cheek. Is he sad, or is it just his allergies?

I know, you're thinking I've gone off the deep end...don't worry, it's nothing new, and I'm still treading water.

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Yellow Buoy, 6x6 Oil on Canvas Board

I'll be painting the Northwests' mountains and rocky shores in a few days, but I liked this little boat so much that I just felt like painting it yesterday. It was in a calm bay with no mist (we saw a lot of mist) and bright sunlight.

PURCHASE

Below are some pages from my journal depicting some of the things we saw during our trip. I added a running theme of coffee and ice cream, which provided sustenance quite frequently.

Night Flight, 6x6 Acrylic on Canvas Panel

There's a lot going on here, but it all suggests flight to me. I am really enjoying doing these abstracts, it is so freeing and creative. It's like a dance with paint.

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Ready For My Closeup, 24x30 Oil on Canvas

This painting is currently displayed in the Pieces of 8 art exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Florida. Our exhibit is called "Black and White and Red All Over" and features all different media and quite a variety of styles. This painting comes with a story, and the story just keeps growing.

This is my dad's cousin Florence Chumbecos, who was a chorus girl on Broadway. I had a couple of her publicity shots but didn't know her last name. My cousin Vicki, who lives in Virginia, discovered our side of the family a couple weeks ago. She never knew we existed, and we have been solving genealogical mysteries via emails to each other. Neither of us knew Florence's last name, but Vicki found it through some detective work, and she found an article written by Florence about dancing with Fred Astaire. It was just like the movies: the lead dancer got sick, Florence filled in and danced in the role for a year. Mr. Astaire was just like you'd think--the nicest of men. Here is the article: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/23388711

Vicki found this picture of Florence on eBay and bought it. Next we want to know when and where she died.

Stormy Deep, 6x6 Abstract

I've stepped way outside my comfort zone to do this one, and I'm so excited about it that I'm going to do more. The first thing I thought of was deep water in a storm off Bermuda, where I used to live. What a contrast to the misty grey scene I photographed at our beach in Florida the other day. It was beautiful in its own way too.

I'm happy to announce that I won Best of Show in the Contemporary Fine Art International show (www.cfai.co), "Summer Fun" for my painting Leap of Faith.

PURCHASE

On the Upside, 6x6 Oil on Canvas Panel

"Ocean"

Upside down, "Whitewater"

This is two paintings in one. Rightside up, it is an ocean scene. Turn it upside down, it is whitewater in a river. I am feeling very original today. This can be set on a little easel, or if framed, put two hooks on the back of the frame, and you have an absolutely unique work of art. What fun!

PURCHASE

Mystery Bird, 6x6 Oil on Canvas

I am not sure what this bird is, and if anyone knows, please let me know. He was hanging out in the Everglades looking so cute, I just had to paint him. I donated him to the Lagoon Fest to be held in October 2014 to benefit Oyster Restoration for the Indian River Lagoon.

I read in the paper that a large number of pelicans and manatees have died here on the Space Coast, and it's likely because of the sorry condition of our waterways. The Banana River and Indian River are polluted by runoff from pesticides and fertilizers, and this is good for no one. Our river used to be full of clammers and I never see them any more. I don't think a green lawn is the priority here. I think I should have pride in the sorry-looking lawn we're sporting these days. I'm looking at it in a whole new way.

PURCHASE

Elaine's Flowers, 10x8 Oil on Canvas

Some people in New Jersey and New York probably had gardens like this, and now they have destruction. It is so sad. We worry about hurricanes all the time in Florida, but who would expect this in the Northeast? To be hit by a snowstorm afterward is just unbelievable. My prayers go out to all the suffering people, and especially those who have lost everything.

NFS

Pool Bird, 10x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas

This bird looks like he's standing his ground, no matter what comes along. He's actually doing what all birds of his sort do, looking for fish. This is gallery wrap canvas, and all sides are painted.

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Nightlife, 8x10 Abstract Oil on Canvas

It's rather freeing to paint an abstract occasionally, and just "let go." This one has a dark and mysterious tone, depicting the shadowy yet vibrant atmosphere of a city at night.

Our painting group, Pieces of 8, is off to the North Carolina mountains again this week. We can't let Cindy continue to have fun up there by herself. After what I call the Summer of My Discontent, this is a much-needed change to recharge my batteries. This has been quite a year, and I don't mean that in a good way, so I am looking forward to our annual art retreat.

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Blue Funk, 5x7 Acrylic Abstract on Canvas Board

I see this as coming out of the blues into the light. This is an experimental work, using a stamp, pouring,   painting, and spattering. In other words, it was a lot of fun. Daily Painter Karen Margulis calls it a "detour" in her blog this week. It's good for the artistic soul every now and then.

PURCHASE

Fleurs Carmin, 7x5 Oil on Canvas Board Daily Painting

Plain petals make you want to paint them fancier, then the painting doesn't work. I had to control my nitpicking self to stay simple. I like the result. I made the petals plain and the title fancy. I thought just saying "Red Flowers" was pretty boring.

PURCHASE

Teeny Birdie, 4x4 Collage

I thought I'd see how small a collage I could make. This is only 4x4 inches. It's on stretched canvas and needs no frame.

 SOLD

Red Shoe, 8x10 Collage on Canvas

I just realized my last three posts have had a musical theme. I guess it's time for a change. This kind of shoe is meant to be admired for its beauty, but I still maintain it's not meant to be walked in. Ouch.

I was doing my Wii Yoga the other day, feet far apart in the "Warrior" pose, and my Roomba passed between my legs as it vacuumed the rug. Now, that's technology at its finest. What a great time to be alive.

 NFS

Tossed, 8x10 Oil on Gessoboard

This painting was one of three recently displayed at the Egad! Art Lab's "Agua" exhibit in Melbourne, Florida. It's quite a departure from my usual work and was a lot of fun to do. I simply called it "Tossed," but my mind kept saying, "Don't Throw Out the Baby With the Bathwater."

BUY