Sunset In New Mexico

 New Mexico was my first home.  I was raised in a small town called Alamogordo.  After high school, I moved to Albuquerque to pursue a dental hygiene degree, then moved with my husband to Tucson, Arizona.  We frequently make trips to and from Albuquerque to visit family.  This painting was inspired by the New Mexico sunset during a trip back to Tucson.  I shot a reference photograph on Highway 26 between Hatch and Deming, New Mexico to help recreate the scene.  From the photo and memory, I completed this triptych panoramic view of a gorgeous New Mexico sunset.  It was done using oil paints on three 4" x 4" canvases.  

Lone Sailboat

"Lone Sailboat" was a plein air painting created in oil done on location at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California around early afternoon.  I took to this sailboat that was drifting by as I painted the water and the waves.  Painting from life outdoors is my favorite way to paint because it allows me to paint faster and more accurately. Painting faster helps to capture the colors of the ever-changing light and shadows.  I am inspired reading about the original impressionist like Monet, Renoir, Degas, etc.  Painting outdoors allows me to enjoy nature as well as finding inner peace. 

Moonlight Beach Sunset

One of my favorite beaches, because it lacks rocks in the sand, is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California.  I have enjoyed this spot during vacations to the west coast, and I have painted the beach and ocean other times.  This was painted in oil from a photo reference I took on our last day at the beach.  The sun had set, behind the clouds in the horizon.  Light from the sun had illuminated the clouds above in colors of pink, orange, and yellow.  It was a beautiful evening!

Two Red Pears

This still life came about after doing some research about symbolism and what certain fruit mean in oil paintings.  Pears can symbolize longevity.  My daughter Carli and my late son, Bodhi, helped me envision this piece.  The whole pear represents my daughter, and the sliced pear represents my short-lived son.  My intent in this piece was to let the observer know that sometimes art can be created through therapy from a tragedy. Painting is a form of my therapy.  Maybe this piece may have the same symbolic interpretation to others in a somewhat similar situation.  Whatever interpretation the viewer may have, I am glad you took a look.

Aquamarine Gemstone

My inspiration to paint this intricate oil painting was because my husband Jonas (a jeweler/graduate gemologist) bought the faceted aquamarine from an awesome stone cutter, John Dyer.  I photographed it in direct sun to show its beautiful reflections.  Painting this was soothing, yet challenging, and I had to use a very steady hand (my dental hygienist skills helped!).