Sunset in North Carolina

My Nephew who lives in beautiful North Carolina took this reference shot and asked me if I can paint it.  I just loved all the beautiful colors in the sky that I took my oils out quickly.  Someday, I would love to do a sunset in pastels as well. .

Fury of the Falls

As you all know, I normally paint with pastels but I decided to paint a small landscape using oils.  As I was painting, I didn't like it so I started to rub it out.    I started to see the start of a waterfall....Is this what a happy accident looks like?   So I decided to paint my landscape another time. lol

Pointe slippers

I went to see "The Nutcracker" November 2016.  It was so magical.   To see these Ballerinas dancing on their toes was amazing!!  I can only imagine the incredible strength that they have to withstand their own weight on their toes... OUCH!! 
The Nutcracker is a must see...  I wanted to practice "color" so I painted this in oils... 

Rembrandt Study

This is my first portrait in oils.  And what a challenge it was!
I don't know how you all paint with oils! lol...I had so many problems mixing colors.  I decided to paint a self-portrait of one of my favorite Artist - Rembrandt.  As you know, he painted so many self-portraits and since I love his style I used this as a study for my next oil portrait.   The title is "Self portrait with a Gorget".   I was curious to know what a Gorget was....it's the Armor that protects the throat and shoulders.   I learn something every day!

West Virginia

The reference picture for this oil painting belongs to my Nephew
who recently vacationed in beautiful West Virginia.  I love traveling through here but I'm so happy that he was able to take this perfect shot.  Maybe someday I'll find this place and enjoy the beauty as well.  I enjoyed painting this scene. !!

Baiting Hollow Farm

I took the reference picture of this sweet horse in Baiting Hollow Farm vineyard on Long Island.  It's not only a vineyard but a horse haven.  The horses here have been given a second chance in this beautiful sanctuary.   You can clearly see these rescued horses were given so much love...they were once marked for destruction and now they are safe and secure.  When you buy wine from the winery, a portion of the profits support the horse rescue....So, if you're on Long Island it's a wonderful place to visit!!  And the wine is outstanding!!!

Massapequa Preserves

My daughter, Jennifer lives in Massapequa Park and only blocks away from the Preserves which is a total of 423 acres.  You can hike for miles enjoying the sounds of nature and walk around the many ponds around the preserves or like many people,  their bikes to get around.  In December, 2006, this preserve was named "Best Nature Preserve on Long Island."  There's fresh water fishing in several of the lakes and streams in the preserve.  You can see many beautiful and unusual plants around..Beautiful orchids for one !!  For those who do plein air paintings..this would be the perfect place...  I hope you like this painting as much as I loved painting it !

Long Island Winery

I took the reference picture from a winery on
Long Island... this barrel was in the backyard, which
I noticed when I was walking around the side of a huge
wrap around deck.  The barrel had beautiful
flowers on it which immediately caught my eye!!
I think the name of the winery was Roanoke
Vineyards, in Riverhead... I'm not sure, since we
visited a few wineries that day.....Excellent Merlot,
by the way!!!   and Music during the Summer months...Life is good !  
I painted this with oils..so basically had no clue what
I was doing but had so much fun trying.

Still Life - Oranges-Apple

I bought this Brass bowl and the three
brass goblets at a garage sale last
summer so I decided to use them in
this still life. I used my oil paints for
this one..However, since I'm still new
with this medium I had a hard time
painting apples, so except for one, I
replaced them with oranges. LOL I
I enjoyed painting the wine bottles .

Horton's Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located in
Southold, LI. It sits on a bluff
60ft above the L.I.Sound. Its
still an active aid to navigation
and has a little museum inside.
My friend Gene, who now lives in
Georgia, requested a painting of
this lighthouse. I enjoyed painting
this for him. A little bit of Long
Island to take back to Georgia!!