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.

Kona Sunset

One of my favorite places to be is near or on the ocean.  This Kona Sunset oil painting was inspired from a picture taken from the last day of a babymoon trip to Hawaii with my husband.  Our last adventure during the trip was to take a boat with a group of snorkelers to watch the manta rays feed at night.  Maybe due to a full moon, the manta rays failed to show, but the sunset was of good use! 

I used a combination of warm and cool colors to add variety, drama, and movement.  It was so fun to paint this!

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis orchid blooms were the inspiration for this painting. Anything nature has to offer in its beauty, I love to emulate in my own version through paints. Before I painted this piece, I photographed the orchid in a bright room to find an image to show the beautiful petals in the daylight. I really enjoyed creating this piece using realism for the orchids and an impressionistic background.

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!).

Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach was the inspiration for this oil painting.  Located in Encinitas, California, it is one of my favorite beaches because there are no rocks in the sand.  I painted this in plein air, or on location last summer.  Wishing I was there right now!

Flying Saucer

"Flying Saucer" is an oil painting of a blooming echinopsis cactus.  It is a magnificent flower that usually stays bloomed for a day or two.  I painted this in an impressionistic style.  I love how big and beautiful these pink flowers get, about 7 to 8 inches across!

Bee and Poppies

   Our backyard garden in 2012 was the inspiration for this oil painting.  My husband took photos of this busy bee and the beautiful poppies.  I wanted to paint it.  I felt it was a good challenge and am happy with the way it came out.