My Happy Place, 5x7

My friend Donna took this picture while I was doing the painting called "Riverside". The photo gave me such a happy feeling, I just had to paint it for myself. The sun was warm, the river was babbling, and occasionally a leaf would gently float down from a tree...(sigh).

NFS

Red Barn, 5x7

This barn was beside the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. The store itself was quite a step into the past. They have old Coca-Cola coolers, the big red ones; they have candy you don't see any more, and I bought a bar of Fels-Naptha soap, which gets paint off my hands very well. It was so nice to get away from annoying, hateful election ads. I have always had trouble controlling my sarcasm, and I wish I'd known that a woman could make a living sounding as sarcastic as possible in attack ads. They all sound like the same woman. Am I imagining this?

BUY

Riverside, 8x10

I'd probably be content sitting by this river and painting for several more days.

But I'm back in Florida, and for you Brevard County locals, I must tell you I visited The Laughing Mermaid shop today on Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie (it's across from the now-defunct Mezzaluna Restaurant). For the yummiest soaps, balms and other organic products, they are just the best! Everything smells fabulous and there are no harmful chemicals in anything. They sell clothing and jewelry and art, and it's just a fun place to shop, especially if you are looking for unusual gifts. That's my tip of the day. I love local shops with local flavors, no matter where I am.

BUY

Hap, 16x20

This is a portrait of my husband. I've been working on this between daily paintings, vacation, and workshop planning.

NFS

Departure, 8x10

This is a complete departure from what I've done lately, but it is still a North Carolina painting. The sun was shining in so beautifully on the wine and the pottery, I rushed to paint the scene. You don't realize how quickly sunlight moves until you try to paint it. Cindy has a whole collection of lovely pottery, which I really appreciate not only for its beauty, but for the fact that Cindy supports local artists wherever she may be.

BUY

River Cave, 5x7

The Pieces of Eight were scattered along this river, painting peacefully and (very unusual) silently. The water trickled and splashed, the weather was perfect, and a fine time was had by all. We were near Boone, NC and we spent the week so absorbed in our painting that we forgot to do any touristy things. Maybe another time.

BUY

Dappled Road, 6x8

This is from the mountains of North Carolina, a winding, bumpy road with great shadows and light. I had to stop in the middle of the road and take pictures. I love dappled, unpaved roads. It was just another beautiful day in the mountains for the Pieces of 8.

BUY

Grand Tetons, 5x7

Even though I just returned from North Carolina with the Pieces of Eight, I am posting this view of the Grand Tetons from a previous vacation. You will be seeing North Carolina paintings soon, as we had a wonderful time painting mountain streams and striking vistas. It was rainy and in the 40s when we got there, but warmed up to perfect weather as the week progressed. We had just as much fun as we always do, and that's a lot. We welcomed two new members and ate and painted and laughed. Below is the view of Grandfather Mountain from Cindy's place. Look for photos and paintings from our trip on the Pieces of 8 blog. Check in frequently, there will be some surprises!

Wind Dancers, 5x7

Some people paint a little picture like this as a 'warmup.' Mine was more of a cooldown, after painting something a bit detailed. These flowers reminded me of people dancing exuberantly and joyfully.

BUY

Cypress Knees, 5x7

Cypress trees are so pretty, and their knobby knees are so interesting. Lamps made of the knees used to be all the rage...long, long ago. These were growing at Rock City Gardens.

BUY