This painting is in honor of my friends, Faye and Harold Bowman. They love East TN and my Poga home place and "Howie" loves the snow...living in Texas now... the land misses them! I took this photo when Mike and I went to visit my Mom on a recent Sunday afternoon, the first snowfall of the year. It was beautiful. 
Faye shared with me her love of art and I learned a lot from her. Her work is precise and wonderfully done. She also shared a lot of wisdom, some quotes, books and poetry. The painting reminded me of a poem that she wrote down for me...My Hills of Dreams by Arthur Guiterman. He wrote many humorous poems but this one just feels like me. I guess that's why she gave it to me.

I never loved your plains!-- 
Your gentle valleys, 
Your drowsy country lanes 
And pleachéd alleys. 

I want my hills! -- the trail 
That scorns the hollow.-- 
Up, up the ragged shale 
Where few will follow, 

Up, over wooded crest 
And mossy bowlder 
With strong thigh, heaving chest, 
And swinging shoulder, 

So let me hold my way, 
By nothing halted, 
Until, at close of day, 
I stand, exalted, 

High on my hills of dream-- 
Dear hills that know me! 
And then, how fair will seem 
The lands below me, 

How pure, at vesper-time, 
The far bells chiming! 
God, give me hills to climb, 
And strength for climbing! 

Arthur Guiterman

This is my newest , painting. A 5 x 7 in oils on birch panel with several hours of work. 
On a trip with my friend, as I watched her taking photos of door knobs and both of us sharing the love of these old knobs, locks and keys; I photographed this one to paint. Many years ago, my brother Earnie and I think my sons Kenny and Johnny were with me. An old shed had withered away and fallen down with time. In the midst of the rubble, I saw an old hand made door with a lock like this one. I really wanted it! They tried to get it off for me but with no success. They were able to get the knob though. It is pictured above with enamel on the inside and a rusted knob on the outside. I have kept it all these years...more than 25. The glass knob was given to me by a dear friend, Harold Bowman. I have cherished it for years also. I have collected many old keys over the years, like the one I painted on the side of panel. There are so many little things to enjoy:)

It's scary to do a painting for a great artist but this little painting is for Cristy. It is 10 x 20 in acrylics. This size fits perfectly between the counter top and cabinets in the kitchen. I have enjoyed the one I painted for myself. The splash of color makes me feel good. "Hope this one lifts your spirits on down days and enhances your joy on your happiest days. Happy Birthday, my friend!" The title of this painting is "Family". Like the pumkins, pears, apple and flowers; in a family we have similarities and differences. It is up to us to embrace, nourish and appreciate all these.
I have painted some very detailed paintings in the past and know that I can do it but lately the more impressionist style has been in my heart. It is best to do what works at the time, just like following your heart in other life choices. Like all works of art, some really love it and some don't like it at all. That is what art is all about!
Whatever you feel like painting...just own it! ...and keep creating!

Cristy Dunn introduced me to this song. She has it on her web page in the original version. I knew it from many years ago but had never really listened to it...amazing! I've listened to it a hundred times since. I really love these versions with the beautiful message and photos.
Each morning when I get up, I go upstairs and look out the window to see what God has placed there to behold...this was today's. I am thankful...Praise for the morning!!!...and thanks Cristy!
...and this was on my  "Words for Moms" calendar for today- "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "  Lamentations 3:21-23

10 x 20 in oils...The Little Pumpkin That Could.

 I bought a little baking pumpkin in October to add some fall color to our kitchen. It didn't even last through the month until it rotted. I like it so much that I bought another one.

That little pumpkin is still here, January 4th...two months later. I've done four paintings of the litttle fellar and it must be waiting around for something. I think I'll do one more. 

​Let's see what happens...