Sanderling Study

Watching the flocks of Sanderling's chase receding waves, and then, to only run away from them when they return, has a mesmerizing effect on me. This is a little shore bird study, along with his shadow on the sand, reminds me of the warmth of the sun, the sea air, and how calming it is to watch nature at play.

Mugshot # 6 - Sherrie "the Kid" Hilliard

Sherrie "the Kid" Hilliard is well known for her beautiful, romanticized paintings of children. But don't let that fool you, as she specializes in snapping photo's of children, and then, going into hiding for months to paint, paint, paint.

Be on your guard, as it has been rumored that she is due to resurface next month, possibly in the vicinity of Hilton Head.

Clementine "Cuties"

I remember these little treasures of sweetness traveling within my lifetime of Christmas memories spent with family and friends. Safe and Happy Holiday season to all.

See my submission of this painting at www.dailypaintworks.com for "The Holiday Cheer Challenge".

HH Mugshot #5 - Kelley MacDonald

Hmmm... Kelley "MacGrins" MacDonald had me fooled. She had my back in the workshop, literally, she sat right behind me. I was so fooled by her smile, warm stories about painting, and how she managed to drive through snow, sleet and rain for days to attend the workshop. She may be notorious in Hilton Head for shooting at will, but her mantra is spot on, "Girls Just Wanna Paint".

Not just Jenny from the Block..Mugshot #4

Jennifer "JLo" Koach is not just Jenny from the block, that's for sure. Beauty, brains, and an entourage that would make "that other Jen from the block" shiver with envy. You go girl!

My Charleston Girls

 

"My Charleston Girls" represents a hope I have for my daughter to realize her dream of living in Charleston, SC, shopping for shoes, wearing her skinny jeans and heels, with her future best friend at her side.

Linda "The Joker" Popple - Mugshot #3

Linda is scary! I sat beside her during the week of the workshop, and although she does indeed disarm her victims with humor and laughter, it was rumored that her crimes were very serious. I was lucky to escape with only one snap of her camera shutter.

The Sweet Grass Tradition

As I earnestly watched this man carrying on the tradition of weaving Sweet Grass Baskets, I wondered what he was thinking at that moment, from whom did he learn his craft, where did he gather the sweet grass, how long has he been creating these beauties, and what was his name. Didn't have the nerve to ask him, but maybe next time.

Giving Thanks...

Late last fall, I discarded a Jack Be Little pumpkin, with the speed and precision of an All Star professional baseball pitch into the night of my backyard. Much to my surprise, this summer I had a bumper crop of Jack Be Little pumpkins growing from that discarded pumpkin. The germination of those seeds under some rather unfavorable conditions is pretty amazing to me. Giving thanks...

Lots of big old doggie breath, sloppy kisses, happy tenth birthday wish to my puppies. Love those guys.

"Babyface" - HH Mugshot #2

Regula "Babyface" Scheifele was last seen in Europe at an Apple Store, updating her Ipad 2, and downloading the latest apps. Her previous association was known to be with the notorious Hilton Head Gang. Do not be frightened if you spot her, invite her in, pick her brain for Mac information. Nice lady.

Sand Toy's

I love the beach. The salty air, and mesmerizing sound of the ocean are like a vitamin pill to heal those out of sync life challenges. Like a perfectly orchestrated piece of music, all seems to fit when visiting these magical places, a place to be thankful.

This little lady was mixing the sea water from one bucket with sand in the other bucket striving for that perfect consistency. Hmmm...wonder if she will love to bake one day.  What a sweetheart!

Notorious Hilton Head Gang Mugshot #1- Karin Jurick

As workshop attendees, our continuing challenge is to receive each Monday, a mugshot of one of the "gang" and paint them as we chose. What a great way to keep the warm comaraderie of the workshop going into the cold winter ahead, while continuing to put some fun miles on our brushes.  Although we are notorious, we are a talented "gang" to say the least.

To see the progress of this challenge, check out either Karin Jurick's blog or Maria Hock's blog.

"Steppin Out"

It is a pleasure to begin my blog with a painting entitled "Steppin Out" which I painted in South Carolina. I was entranced watching this guy play ball with his human dad on the shores of Hilton Head, and immediately knew I had to do a painting of him. He defined for me the phrase, "in the moment", as he joyfully romped and played. 

I was attending Karin Jurick's workshop which was held on the Hilton Head Island in November. I experienced a truly amazing reawakening of the right side of my brain. She lives up to her reputation as a gifted and generous artist, a true inspiration to anyone seeking to trust their intuitive sense to see and paint. When you listen to your intuition it connects you with a greater knowledge. So true for me!