Visions of Gold

 

6x8in. oil on Ampersand Gessobord - sold

My husband's mom lives in a small town here in Nebraska. In her backyard, you can sometimes see the golden setting sunlight on the various houses. This evening was magical: wine coolers on the patio, bees buzzing about, the smell of summer in the air and general warmth was everywhere. I was enamored with the way the dappled golden light fell on this house. This painting went through many revisions - the values on the house versus the value of the dappled light was difficult to control and get right, but I think it all worked out in the end. I don't normally paint architecture, but this was a fun exploration into the subject matter.

Yellow Sky

7x5in. oil on canvas panel - sold

On our drive back from Estes Park we ran into some absolutely gorgeous clouds during golden hour. The clouds had a small break and the sun rays shone through the gaps. I honestly don't think I need to say more - this was absolutely breathtaking. 16/52

Cherry Limeade

 

7x5in. oil on canvas panel - sold; click to purchase stickers here

One hot evening during summer of 2022 while watching the television show Better Call Saul I had the wonderful idea to replicate the iconic Sonic cherry limeade as a cocktail. It was delicious, refreshing and gorgeous in the golden light. I simply couldn't resist painting this drink and I love how the red of the drink pops against the lighter background. I think one of my favorite pieces in this painting is the lime - you would never think to paint the pulp of a lime orange, but the filtering of the red liquid produced this very cool orange color. I have since lost this straw. 15/52

Going Home Study

7x5in. oil on canvas panel - sold

On a road trip to Phoenix, Arizona we had to drive through Colorado. Passing the border from Nebraska into Colorado at golden hour produced this absolutely gorgeous colorscape on the clouds. It had just gotten done raining and it was absolutely serene. This trip solidified in my heart that one day we will move to Colorado. There is just something about golden hour that brings a magical feeling. This painting is actually a study for a larger painting I plan on painting in the future. 14/52

Warmth

6.5x6.5in. oil on cradled wood panel - sold; click to purchase prints here

I am pleased to announce that this painting is finished. I went through a lot while making this painting, including a lot of wiping off progress. I think that's why it took me so long to finish it, it was so intimidating and it often won against my attempts. While working on this painting, I learned a lot and made myself proud - hard work often rewards a good feeling. Other than my Batman painting I don't think I spent this long on a painting before - in fact, it took me months to complete. I took this reference photo when my husband and I came home from our trip where we got engaged and I remember the clouds looking so warm and inviting, almost like "renaissance painting" clouds. Many more cloudscapes are in my future for sure.