Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
"Basket of Brown & Green Eggs with a Crock of Mums"
8"x10" original Oil on Linen mounted on Foamboard.The painting group was unable to meet on our usual painting day so I stayed in and set up a still-life of eggs I got from a friend's organic farm.
Jeremiah Farms is a goat farm located on John's Island. My friend, Casey, and her family raise goats and free-range chickens, they have cats and dogs, rabbits and a whole lot of fun! She makes the most wonderful Chevre with homegrown rosemary and herbs that I have ever tasted anywhere!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"Floral Entry"

"Shem Creek" and "Shem Creek Shrimp Boat"

The day was a little overcast (which is nice when it is still pushing 90 degrees in late September!) Monday, October 12, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
"Portrait Sketch - Kristin"
10"x8" Oil on Linen BoardKristin and I were painting together. She at her craft table, I at my easel. From across the room I tried to capture Kristin as she painted, but like me, she just can't sit still for long.
These spontaneous painting opportunities are promising to be wonderful exercises to stretch that "gesture" muscle and get the image down quickly.
I do like the "softness" quality of this one. It seems to exude her personality.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
"Rhapsodically Red Parts I & II"
40"x30" Oil on Canvas with mixed media

One day in an attempt to nurture the "artist within" I allowed my 18-month old daughter to "go to town" on two of my stretched canvases that I was planning to use for paintings at a later date. I would simply re-prime over her scribbles. To my astonishment, she designed her own masterful art. I washed over her work with turpentine which caused her marks to "glow" through the wash, and I loved the result! Her free-flowing spontaneous marks enhanced my "peek-a-boo" style abstract brush work. A collaboration indeed.

Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
"Slack Tide"
Friday, September 26, 2008
"Morning Sun at Fort Dorchester Historical Park"
The Charleston area is full of beautiful, natural historic sites and Fort Dorchester Park located near the headwaters of the Ashley River is one of them. This is a view looking down a pathway leading downhill toward the river. This path was once used by traders who came by way of the Ashley to buy and sell their goods and wares. This historical site was one of the first settlements in Charleston and was a thriving community until the British took it over during the Revolutionary War. It is being preserved and is such a lovely place to paint!
Please inquire as to the price and availability of this piece
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
"Tracie's Present Final Revision"
A final revision was necessary to change Kalyn's hair color from the "reddish" color that I had portrayed earlier to a more natural "Ash blonde/brown"
I also took the liberty of touching up her beautiful twinkling eyes. I am grateful for the opportunity to have captured this lovely family on canvas! Thanks, guys!!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
"It's Gettin' There"
"The Portrait" is coming along. The sister has been formalized into the group and is "up to speed" with her brothers. I developed the oldest brother (in front) a little more today, too. For those who know this family, I wonder if you can recognize them yet. I'm not tellin' yet 'cause I'm keeping it a secret until it's finished. Let me know what you think so far.
"Cedar Tree Study"

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
"Atop 'The Mound' - Sullivan's Island: View of Ben Sawyer Bridge"
My first time at the top of "The Mound" of Sullivan's Island.
It's strange to see this verticle piece of RealEstate emerging from ground that is at sea level. At the top, one can see the Intercoastal Waterway all the way across the Island to the Atlantic Ocean! Beautiful vantage points for painting!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
"Her Morning Walk, Her Morning Therapy"
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
"Summertime Sea Oats and Sky"
Check us out at Sak's Fifth Avenue!!
My painting entitled, "Little Yellow Kayak and Old Wooden Boat" sold from out of the Saks Fifth Avenue window; and I am thrilled!!
If you happen to be in the area, stop by the Market Street windows of Saks Fifth Avenue and check us out!! Be sure to let me know what you think.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"The Little Yellow Kayak and the Old Wooden Boat"
Painted "Alla Prima" $100. SOLD
These two boats were huddled together and the colors were magnificent! My eye was captured by the hot yellow next to the cool turquoise-y blues and the hot pink (faded red plastic) gasoline container.
It also appeared that the "younger" yellow kayak was keeping company with the "older" wooden boat as they nestled into the grasses waiting to be of use again.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
"Oyster Roast Long Forgotten - Revised"
This is the same painting as the earlier post last week, however, I went back in and "punched-up" some of the color and the contrast. I like how this turned out. There seems to be a definate "foreground" and "middle ground" in relation to the "back ground" now.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
"Marshide Cloud Formations"
The crushed oyster shell path leads out to a distant dock platform on the edge of the creek. On the other side of the creek one can spot distant Mount Pleasant. What a beautiful little spot we found!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
"The Red Door - Painting in Primary & Secondary Hues"
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
"All in a Row - An Avenue of Oaks"
Crushed Oyster
These eye-catching "tunnels" draw me to paint them every time.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
"Portrait in Progress - the Progress Continues. . "
Drawing and Color are a continual "exertion" in the process of portraiture. Actually, this portrait is a surprise for these kids' mother and father and I wonder that if they frequent my blogsite if they will recongnize their own children in my painting. And if they do, will they say anything to me???? HMmmmmmm, fun!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Thursday, November 29, 2007
"Autumn Inspiration"
The colors - spectacular! The day - clear and crisp! Just another perfect day to be out painting. As we were all setting up and finding our spots, I noticed that my three painting friends all together. They each inspire me every week, so I knew before I started that I wanted to incorporate them in my painting.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Talor's Portrait - Third Application
"Autumn Still-Life (with Wooden Basket and Glass Jug)"
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
"Second Application to Talor's Portrait"
Friday, November 02, 2007
First Application "Portrait of Talor"
36"x24" Oil on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
This is the first application or "underpainting" of the actual portrait from which I did the earlier study (note the smaller study in the background).
I'm pleased with how this turned out so far. . . I'll keep you posted on its development!
Monday, October 22, 2007
"A Break From The Storm - Folly Beach"
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
"The Pathway Home"
Feeling a little sunburned from an earlier painting I was working on at the Beach, I felt that it was time to call it a day and head out.
"Rocky Shore"
God gets all the Glory for this day!! What Peace! What Sanctity! What a sense of Calm I had painting. One of my painting friends, Susie, made the comment, "It just doesn't get any better than this." And she was right. Aside from the fact that we were in a gorgeous and rather remote location, the sun and clouds were bright and beautiful. The air temperature was comfortable and if we got a little too hot, we simply slipped off our flip flops and dipped our toes in the surf. The folks who live here own a little piece of Heaven on earth! I think I may have gotten a little too much sun, though. It's tough to leave paradise.
"Beach Front Path"
Looking around for something to paint, my eye caught sight of this beautiful little pathway from the homes beyond the trees down to the beach where I was standing. It was so nice this day: the hot sunshine beating down on me, yet I was being cooled by the lapping surf of the cool ocean
"Look At What The Tide Brought In"
It was such a bright morning this morning when this was painted. It certainly was a glorious day for painting! Oh! I almost forgot, the bundle in the foreground was an interesting item. It looked as though someone had tied four palm tree trunks together with what is now a very rusted cable. I wonder what its original purpose was.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
"Distant Charleston City Scape"
The sky was ever changing - I had to capture what I could and leave it alone. I loved the way the sand dune
"Gesture of a Tree"
Friday, September 28, 2007
"Seated Nude"
This is a little study of a beautiful young woman I'll call "Jennifer"
Figurative and portraiture paintings are some of my very favorites to create. I can't express just how blessed I am to be able to "do" the very thing that God created me to do. I feel so alive at this time in my life because of the privilege to paint and create works of art. And I get to paint with some of Charleston's FINEST artists!! Wow, can somebody pinch me???
"The Pink Door"
The Pink Door was an inspiration of our painting friend, Anne, who passes by here regularly. Although a typical Downtown Charleston one room house, there was something about the character of this Robin's Egg Blue building with the open Pink door. It wasn't difficult for Anne to turn us all on to this potential painting.
And "Who left the door open, anyway??" As we painted, we saw at least two of its residence come by to check the mail and then drive away. No body bothered to ever close that Pink Door.
I feel that this particular painting of mine is unfinished. I did have the where-with-all to bring my digital camera and snap a few shots for additional work in the studio. I think that I got a pretty good start though. I'll keep you posted on how this one develops. Until I complete it, however, it isn't for sale just yet. (Let me know via comments if you are interested in this and can't wait for further development.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Portrait of Talor
"Portrait of Talor" 12"x9" Oil on Linen
I am so thrilled with this commission to paint Talor's portrait. We did this little study in Washington Park this morning and I was very impressed with the self-discipline of this young lady.
Prior to and after the study in oil, we took many photographs all from which I will work to produce the 40"x30" painting (approximately). I will continually post updates of the painting's progress.
Click on Image to Enlarge
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Approaching Storm Over Charleston
Monday, September 10, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
"Still Life - Fruit on a white plate"
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Kristin and the Scarlet Blanket

Our second attempt went much better than the first (see "Saturday Morning Cartoons"). I'll give my little one tremendous credit for sitting relatively still as she is only a Four-Year-Old. She was still a "squirmey-wormey" but that's o.k. This was an excellent drill in putting down as much info as possible in the shortest amount of time without getting too caught up in the details. I'm proud of my little cutie. I only hope to do a "full scale" portrait of her someday soon. And yes, she was really into it. . . she wanted to see my progress and when I threatened to quit due to her "moving around" she quickly got back into postition without a sound! Can you tell that I am proud of my little sweet heart?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I invite your comments
I invite you to browse around ~
Please let me know that you were here by leaving a comment or two;
let me know which, if any, are your favorites.
Which are not.
Your feedback is so valuable to me.
Thanks in advance,
Enjoy!
Mary
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
"Still Life with Limes"

Monday, August 13, 2007
"A Cloud Study II"
"A Cloud Study II" 10"x8" Oil on CanvasBoard Breath-taking views were everywhere. The cloud formations were the highlight of this day! I also wanted to capture the mountain tops here. The "fog" that I saw in the valleys of the mountains created such a "mood." The misty mountain valleys made the colors so beautiful!
"A Still-Life Study in Green"
What a great exercise in developing greens using a limited palette without making the image flat or boring green. This is a dilemma that artists might find themselves in when it comes to painting a landscape of lush green trees and grasses in the spring or summer. How does one paint such a thing without making the canvas nothing but a green mass? This was a lot more fun than I had anticipated and I really liked the way this little gem turned out.
"Pathway to Knowledge"
This painting depicts a "driveway" of a beautiful home in which I and 12 of the most wonderful, inspiring artists stayed. Together we painted under the tutalage of Charleston Artist, Laurie Meyer. Laurie's instruction inspired and enlarged my own art experience to the degree that I feel as though another lifetime of knowledge was added to me as a result of this mountain experience. It was a bonding and learning experience like no other. Thank you, Laurie and Tammy!!! (KISS!)
Monday, August 06, 2007
"Saturday Morning Cartoons"
"Saturday Morning Cartoons" 10"x8" Original Oil on CanvasAlthough it was Monday that I painted this, the whole genre reminded me of 'days of old' when I was a kid and couldn't wait until Saturday mornings to watch Bugs Bunny cartoons. I asked my daughter to just sit and watch Noggin while I painted her but she just couldn't get comfortable so my little "squirmey-wormey" made this sitting a short one. Now that she's seen the end result, I think that the next painting will be more of a success. A look of delight brightened her face when she realized that she was the subject of one of my paintings.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
"A Day At The Waterfront"

Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
"My Secret Cove - Distant view of Fort Johnson"
"Heaven!" The hot sun, the cool ocean breeze, the children playing in the surf as their father cast for fish. . . what could be a more perfect day? . . . Painting it!!
I was so blessed by two little sisters who were having the time of their lives playing in the sand and sea. They would occassionally come over to where I was painting to ask me a question or two and then skip back off to their play spot. As their time on the beach came to an end, they both stopped by to offer me a hug good-bye and a beautiful flower that I wore behind my ear. I've just "painted" for you MY ideal day! "Heaven!"
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

What a delightful little girl!!! We produced this from life in about an hour and I enjoyed every MicroSecond of it!! (I love my job!) Maris was joyful and sweet even as we were encroaching on her nap time. I wanted to express that in her drawing: her personality is pure joy!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007

Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Tuesday, March 20, 2007



















































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