Palette Knife Oil Painting - Red High Heels - Waiting

"Waiting"

6 x 6 inches, Oil on Board

I had a tough time with this painting...I've changed the background color several times...and the photographing this darn thing was difficult...some paintings are just problem children...

But I like the title...waiting...kicking a heel off and swing a crossed leg....waiting.

Snow Day

"Easy"

7 x 5 inches, Oil on Board

Snow day this morning in N. Texas. There is nothing on our local TV channels except for local news reports on this snow which has taken over the morning shows. Fortunately this snow won't last and it's not supposed to be too bad here....not enough for snowballs nor snowmen this time.

I was in San Antonio visiting a high school girl friend this past weekend and had a opportunity to visit the Greenhouse Gallery. Oh! It was neat to see some of the artwork of the artists I like, Dan Beck, Gregory Packard, Darcie Peet up close, brush strokes and the rich colors.

Palette Knife Daily Palette Knife Oil Painting by Texas Artist, Judy Mackey of a Woman in a Yellow Dress

"Yellow Satin"

6 x 6 inches, Oil on Board

The snow is all melted, the slush has dried and the roads have a film of dust and chemicals. My car is in terrible need of a good wash. I'm thankful that here in North Texas our winters don't hang around too long - a snow day is a pretty and quiet diversion.

Many of you touch upon this blog are artists. So I ask you - do you give your art away? Is it OK to do? Does it erode your professionalism? Does it cheapen your art?

Let me know what you think - leave me a comment.

Happy Valentine's Day - Original Oil Painting of Roses in a Vase

"Here and Now"

20 xy 16" Oil on Canvas

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

It's foggy and gray here in North Texas but the last of the snow should melt today. I was reading posts by a fellow bloggers this morning as I sipped my coffee and wanted to share them with you. I like reading Linda Blondheim's frank thoughts about painting, todays is about following other artists too much and losing one's own muse. And about creativity producing abundance...I know it sounds like I've just quoted her blog but Marelisa' Abundance blog has so many tips, ideas and topics that I'm sure you'll find something interesting to spark your creativity. And thinking of creativity and a lot of abundance, check out Melissa Langer's Life is Art...Art is Life Blog. Her pug and dog art and artful goods are fun and make great gifts but what I appreciate about Melissa is that she is a generous blogger who introduces all to new products, artwork, new sites of other talented artists.

Phew...now I'm going to go paint and see about getting a little productivity myself...

Here's some love quotes for this lovely Valentine's Day:

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu

Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there? Richard Bach

And most importantly, I should make this my mantra:

Do all things with love. Og Mandino

Hey, Who Dat? Said Frankie the Dachshund

"Frankie"

5 x 5 inches, Oil on Board

I borrowed a photo of a friend's dachshund, Frankie for this painting. I emailed him photos of the painting and he said he showed the real Frankie his painting and here are a couple of photos my friend sent back of Frankie seeing himself on the computer screen.

Since he said Frankie asked "who's that?" I borrowed the phrase made popular by the New Orleans football team, the Saints - "who dat?"

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for their Superbowl win this past Sunday.



Frankie in front on the computer screen...

Naaah, not that interested....

Palette Knife Daily Oil Painting of a Woman in a Green Dress

"Emerald"

6 x 6 inches, Oil on Board

I was out shopping today and was surprised to find so many items for sale for Valentines from candies and chocolates from every candy manufacturer to stuffed animals, plates, bags, clothes, lingerie, wrapping paper, romantic cards, funny cards, cards to give a whole classroom of kids...etc etc etc.... This sure has turned into a major gift giving holiday.

I just hope my Valentine remembers to get me a card or write me a love note :)

Red Stiletto Heels Daily Palette Knife Paintings

"Barbara's Heels"

6 x 6 inches, Oil on Board

I thought it might be cute to paint red high heeled shoes...Manon Doyle who has a cute blog posted a photo of herself in blue heels on Facebook which inspired me to do a heel painting...

Alla Prima Pink Roses Daily Palette Knife Oil Painting - I Have a Crush On You

"I Have a Crush on You"

6 x 6 inches, Oil on Board

Was thinking of old songs when I heard Rod Stewart singing on the radio, an old standard "I've Got A Crush On You"...perfect for Valentine's.

In my family, on Valentine's Day morning, my mom, sister and I would find those heart shaped boxes of chocolates waiting for us on the dining room table where we'd normally sit. A Red one for my mom and for my sister and I, Pink heart boxes. I think I miss that little family tradition a lot as I've become an adult. In Japan, where I grew up, Valentine's Day was the day a girl could buy chocolates for the boys they had crushes on, sort of like the Sadie Hawkins Day here in the U.S.

I'm feeling a bit sentimental and romantic this dreary rainy North Texas day waiting for Valentines....

Palette Knife Painting of Roses and Wine Glasses

"Roses and Wine Glasses"

6 x 6 inches, Oil on board

SOLD

I just finished reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Here are some quotes from the book:

"Don't Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."


"Don't Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."

The four agreements are quite simple and yet we tend to forget to follow them. I really recommend this book.