I’ve spent the last couple months working on large canvas paintings that can take weeks or even months to complete, especially when I work on several pieces at once. I love seeing a large painting come together over time. When I paint with oil I mostly work with a palette knife to build thick texture and then I go back in with brushes to refine the details. I’ve just shipped my latest commissioned painting – a big post-impressionist piece measuring 36″ X 48″ – off to its new home in North Carolina, and now I’m ready to do a new series of smaller paper pieces to post on my website.
I really enjoy painting scenes from around Alexandria and the DC area where I’ve lived for more than 25 years, as well as images of places I’ve visited. Currently, I only sell these collections from my website and because there are no galleries or art dealers involved the prices are very affordable. I especially love it when these small pieces of original art end up in the homes of friends, neighbors and people who are familiar with and have visited the places I’m painting – making these connections through my work is what I love most about painting!
So now, I have a clean new palette of gouache paint and I’m launching a new 30 Day Challenge to up my productivity and force myself to try some new things. Because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m donating 20% of sales from this Challenge to the National Breast Center Foundation, an organization that exists to improve the lives of women by removing barriers that prevent them from getting proper screening, diagnosis, and education about breast cancer. They are doing a lot to generate support and visibility for their important work throughout the month, including their annual Walk to Bust Cancer (run virtually this year!) that I’ve participated in with my family. I’m proud to partner with this important organization and support their work and I hope you’ll visit their website to learn about ways you to can help.
