"Pewter Tankard"

Acrylic Underpainting.

"Easter Daisy"

Oil on stretched canvas. 6" x 8"

On Easter, the railing at Christ Church is completely adorned with beautiful spring flowers. After the last of three Easter morning services, the congregation is allowed to come forward and "pick" flowers to take home. This daisy is part of a lovely informal spring bouquet put together by my daughter, Anna. Dyed egg also prepared by Anna.

Success! I can receive comments.

"Red Grapes on Pewter Tray"

Oil on stretched canvas. 8" x 10"

Red grapes are a staple in my house . . . an expensive one these days! The pewter tray was a gift from my students and my good friend, Jackie, who was also my excellent teacher's aide for five years.

I was told that several people have tried unsuccessfully to post comments. I have corrected the problem, so post away!

"Copper Teapot"

Oil on stretched canvas. 12" x 16"

April 17, 2008
Something was bugging me about this painting. It looked flat. So I applied a glaze to the cloth in the background. What do you think?

"Copper Teapot"

Black and white acrylic underpainting. 12" x 16"

I have been "studying" with Helen Van Wyk's DVDs and books. I came across Helen on PBS in the late 80's and was immediately drawn to her style of teaching and method of painting. Now that I have the time to apply the principles of painting that she teaches so well, it is very rewarding to prove them to work. I would have loved to have her take a peek and tell me everything I need to correct! This is a little larger than my last two paintings, so I'm taking much more time. I hope to post the finished oil painting soon.

"Shiny Copper Cup"

Oil on stretched canvas. 8" x 10"

This cup is part of a set. I may do the teapot next. Can you identify the blossom?

"Copper and Pittosporum"

Oil on stretched canvas. 8" x 10"

The previous 16" x 20" painting took many hours to complete - obviously not done in a day.  This copper pot is still a little weathered, but has more shine than the watering can. The pittosporum had a couple of sprigs of almost white leaves, which I thought would add interest and balance. The fallen white leaf was a happy accident. It fell exactly where I might have placed it. I'll figure out how to avoid the glare when taking photographs.

"Copper and Apples"

Oil on stretched canvas. 16" x 20"

This little copper watering can has an interesting shape and color.   I fretted over the copper, practically holding my breath until suddenly it looked like copper.