PAINTINGS FROM THE HEART

2012-01-28T13:44:00.003-06:00

This was a fun little still life I did last week, when my friend, De, came over to paint in the studio. It's so great to have a nice place to paint. Thanks to my "love" for converting his old garage, for me, into a great art space. It's wonderful to have a "handy-man" in the family. And has saved us many a dollar over the years. After 43 years, next month, "I think I'll keep him."

2012-01-13T20:18:00.003-06:00

Here's my Mom standing by my painting, "Walnut Street View", hanging at the Springfield-Branson National Airport. We wanted to see the new art show, and see how my painting looked, and where it was hung. I was pretty happy with the show. It will be up until March the 11th. There were quite a few people viewing the paintings the short time we were there. It's nice to have a great place to display local art. Thanks to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, the Springfield-Branson National Airport, and Drury College, for the opportunity. If you're flying in or out, or would like to see the new airport, check out the Sky Gallery. Free parking for 30 minutes in the short term parking.

2012-01-07T11:29:00.003-06:00

"Forget-Me-Not" (roses) I just finished touching up this fountain painting that I started at the October paint out. I'm a lot happier with the results. This is located on a nice patio, with a beautiful view of the lake and Ozark mountains. Many a wedding and reception have taken place here., as it's a favorite location. We've been having great, warm weather. Can't believe it's January. A good time to get some things done outside before Winter's wrath decides to hit us.

2011-12-22T21:43:00.003-06:00

This was a challenge to paint before darkness fell on this beautiful, quiet evening at Big Cedar Lodge Paint Out, 2011. I finally put a few finishing touches on it. It now brings me a warm, feel good memory of that night.

2011-12-21T21:46:00.005-06:00

This was fun for a change. I haven't done a horse in years. As a child I wanted a horse really bad, but we lived in the city and had no place for a horse, so I would draw my horses. All kinds. Happy to say I did eventually have some horses after we moved to Missouri. This is a Christmas surprise for my 15 year old granddaughter, Ashley. She's been asking me for a horse picture for ages, so I finally got to it. Better late than never.....
I'm looking forward to a house full of family on Christmas day. I hope all of my friends and family also have a wonderful, and warm Christmas.

2011-12-14T23:02:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to now be represented by Xanadu Gallery of Scottsdale, Arizona. Hoping for good things with this new partnership. Check out their gallery when you get a chance.

Oil Still life

2011-11-19T21:01:00.003-06:00

It was great to have a couple art friends, De Munden, and Cheryl Coen, at my Studio this week. We decided to do a still life for a change of pace. We had done quite a few plein air paintings all summer, and because of the weather it's time to move inside. It's fun to see the same subject through other artist's eyes. Here is my version. Now that my studio is a little more organized, I'll have to do more still lifes. I have many keepsakes, just crying out to be preserved in a painting. I'm looking forward to painting at De's studio next month. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

Big Cedar Paint Out, 2011

2011-10-19T21:24:00.000-05:00

I had a great time again this year. Everyone was so friendly, and the event was well organized. These are a couple plein air paintings I did at the Paint Out. "Quiet Retreat", 8x10", and "Infinity and Beyond", 8 x 10". I'll upload a few more real soon.

2011-10-19T19:57:00.000-05:00

Pretty day at Big Cedar Lodge, before we left Sunday.

Levi's Big fish.....BC Lodge

2011-10-19T19:53:00.000-05:00

2011-10-02T19:35:00.003-05:00

What beautiful weather we're having. This is a small plein air I did last week. The lake is really down, so there are rock ledges revealed that don't usually show. The water had washed large ridges into the stone. I'm busy getting ready for a workshop next week with well known artist, Matt Smith. He's from my home state, Arizona, so I'm curious to see how he does with these Missouri landscapes. Quite different than the desert. I've been caring for my mother, who I'm glad to say is doing much better. Enjoy these great Fall days. Till next time. Suz

2011-09-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

My beautiful grandkids helping me count out the Birthday years......LOL.
Kaytlin to my right, then Abby, Taylor, Ashley, Kayla Levi, and Todd.

2011-08-27T19:02:00.002-05:00

Summer is starting to come to a close. Most area schools are in session, so campers are getting far and few between. August was another hot one, so it's nice to now have a few nights in the 60's. Our little campsite is quiet and calm on these slow evenings. Only noise is the locust, occasional bird and rustling of the armadillo rooting in the front lawn. (darn rascal!) As I take Tilly, our dog, for a walk, I'm thinking to myself that we're pretty darn lucky to live here, and I should appreciate it more. We could still be living in the rat race of the big city. I don't EVEN want to think about that.
I have a small plein air painting I need to post, but I'll have to do it later. It's on my website now, and facebook. I'm hoping to paint again on Thursday with De and Cheryl. The big questions is always, "where".
We have one big weekend next week, and then our Summer job is about over. It's been a pretty good season with nice folks and happy campers. That makes our job SO much easier. So take care, until next time.
Suz

2011-07-01T19:07:00.002-05:00

June came in hot and heavy. Bob and I are working as park attendant/custodians here at Stockton Lake again. Other than the heat, we enjoy meeting the campers and seeing all the wildlife that wander through our park. I saw a doe and two, new, little fawns this morning. One of the little ones didn't know what to think about the pavement as they made they're way across the road.

The heavy part of June was the loss of Bob's oldest brother and a close neighbor. When it rains it pours as they say. It's not easy when we start losing loved ones. Just thankful they are not suffering, and in a better place.

Now this 4th of July weekend is a scorcher as campers are all scrambling to find a shade tree. I won't be out plein air painting until the heat lets up a little. Until next time, enjoy your weekend. God bless America.

2011-05-25T20:29:00.004-05:00

This is my painting that I started on site at the Dogwood Canyon. It's pretty close to finished. I see a couple little touches it needs before I'm ready to sign it. Tomorrow I'll take my ballet painting to enter the Springfield Regional Art's Council's show. The weather has been so crummy, and with all the tragedy in the state from tornadoes, it's hard to be in an upbeat mood for painting. My heart and prayers go out to all those families who have lost loved ones and their homes. I wish I could paint something to relieve their pain. Then I could feel some good purpose for this.

Dogwood Canyon update

2011-05-01T14:46:00.003-05:00

I was sad to see the flooding that happened at Dogwood Canyon last week, and all the surrounding area. Of course worse yet were the terrible tornadoes that have taken so many lives, injured so many others and demolished so many homes and properties in Arkansas, Georgia and Alabama. Our little town, Stockton, was devastated in the 2003 tornado, but nothing to the extent of these latest storms. My heart and prayers go out to all involved. It's taken years to recoup here, but I hope the new victims know there is light at the end of the tunnel of recovery.

De, Diane, Cheryl and I were glad that we made our little trip to Dogwood before the storms hit. I'll upload the painting I started there. I wish I'd had a little more time to work on it there. After flooding like they've had, the rocks may have been moved from the falls. We won't know until the park is cleaned up and open to the public again. I hope there's not too much damage to the bridges and structures.

I've had company, so I haven't worked on this painting since bringing it home. I like what I've got so far, so I'm half afraid to start on it and possibly mess it up. But there are some things that must be addressed. The large rock in front is not the focus, so must take the spotlight from there by darkening it and softening the edges. And then to draw eyes to the falls, need to lighten them and add more detail. I'll use the pallet knife on the other rocks along the shore to make them more believable. That's the part I enjoy. Using the knife.

The cold and rainy weather again today has kept us inside. A good time to catch up on the web.
Stay warm, and Happy May Day.

2011-04-18T22:22:00.004-05:00

It was such a long Winter I couldn't wait to get out of the house and get together with some art friends. Four of us piled into De Munden's van and headed South. De, myself, Cheryl Coen, and Diane Moore. The weather was looking pretty bad. Cold, windy and dreary. We took a chance and hoped the weatherman was right about it clearing and warming as the day went along. We were all bundled up with sweatshirts, jackets, ear muffs and gloves, and the Lord treated us with sunshine, and blue skies. It didn't take long before we were stripping off the layers of Winter clothes and putting on the sun visors. What a pretty site to paint. I had never been to Dogwood Canyon before, located just off 86 hwy, just a little South and West of Branson, MO. It's a lovely place to hike, walk, bike or ride the tour wagon on their paved path. There is a small fee, which I'm sure helps to keep the park in tip top shape. A nice little visitors center is at the entrance, with a snack bar and restrooms. It was hard to decide which waterfall to paint or which bridge. I got a pretty good start on a painting of a fall located about a mile and a third down the trail, before the light changed too much. Now I just have to find time to get it finished. With Easter coming up, and all the family coming here for dinner, it probably won't get touched until after that.

It was nice to meet some of the other hikers, and bikers at the park. Thank-you to those who stopped and made nice comments. That always makes me feel good about what I'm doing.

I was bummed last week when I didn't get my painting "Poetry in Motion", into the show at Waverly House Gifts and Gallery. Parts of the painting were just too wet. I'd hoped it would dry well while I was in San Diego for a week, but it wasn't dry enough. It's my own fault for procrastinating, and I just love to pile on the paint, ya know. Eunice, the gallery owner, may take it in after the show and it is completely dry.

I'll load a couple photos, and will try to post more often. Until then, enjoy the Spring. Susan

2011-03-20T21:30:00.003-05:00

I really enjoyed a nice visit to De Munden's new art studio today near Hermitage. She's a fantastic plein air painter, and I love to watch her work. It was also great to visit with art friends Diane Moore, Peggy Sibley and Cheryl Coen. We discussed life, loves and the art market. We're all hoping to get together in April to paint and capture the dogwood trees blooming in Dogwood Canyon. We're also looking forward to the up and coming Plein Air Paint Out in October at Big Cedar Lodge. It will be so wonderful to see and get to know all the artist that will come for the Paint Out. Visiting with all the guests from around the world is another plus. Praying for more beautiful Fall weather for the event. Jeanie Morris and her staff thought of every little detail to make the 1st annual event an unforgettable experience. I'm sure it will be even better this year.

Watching the girls paint today gave me a little kick to get back in my studio and get busy. I may have to get my pastels out and give my oils a rest. I do enjoy them, just more of a hassle to get them framed. But like a friend said, if you know that something is working, and people like it and want it......."Go with it! Duh...You'd think that would sink in....ha. Enough gossip for now. I'll upload a photo of De at her workstation. Suz

2011-02-19T21:02:00.002-06:00

Well we've survived a rough Winter so far, and now enjoying Spring like weather. Much needed after gloom and doom, and after losing my Dad in November. I'm finally feeling like painting again and have started a painting for the Spring show at Waverly House Gallery. Tonight after standing back and taking a critical look at my composition, I've decided to chuck the first attempt and to start over. I've been reading advice from John Howard Sanden, and he strongly promotes just starting over, rather than trying to correct and correct....It sounds like good advice, especially in this case.

On a good note, I'm excited to be mailing some prints of my work to Columbia, Missouri to be used in the new Patient Tower, at the Boone Hospital. The new Tower is to be finished sometime this Spring.

A thank-you to McQueen for winning the high bid on my painting,"Bear Creek Winter". A benefit for "The Arts in Education", in the SW Missouri area.

I've taken 4 of my paintings to Waverly House Gallery. They are shown on my web site.

Sorry it's been so long since posting, I'll try to do better. Thanks for looking and hoping to hear from you. Susan

2010-10-24T18:47:00.002-05:00

I just returned home from a great three day Plein Air Paint Out at Big Cedar Lodge, just South of Branson. The weather was wonderful and the fall colors were beautiful. I was tickled to meet some great artists, and enjoyed a demo by the Judge of the competition, and instructor of the 3 day workshop, Guido Frick. Jeanie Morris and her staff did a terrific job organizing the Paint Out, Show and Sale. It was fun visiting with all the guests as I painted on site. Everyone seemed to enjoy watching as we worked. It was even better when I was able to sell two of my pieces. I hope they are enjoyed for many years. I'll upload one of the sites I painted and sold. There were so many pretty sites, it was hard to decide on which to paint.

2010-08-01T14:28:00.002-05:00

Bob and I are working this summer as Park Attendants here at the lake, so I haven't had much time for painting. It's been so hot lately we're just looking forward to Fall and a cool down. I'll be ready for some more plein air painting by then.

2010-06-02T20:00:00.003-05:00

I'll be participating in an up-coming show starting this week. Springfield Regional Arts Council(SRAC), will be having it's 2010 annual Members Show. The opening reception will be held for the public during First Friday Art Walk, June 4th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Member's artwork will be the featured artwork during the annual membership meeting and Ozzie Awards held at The Creamery Arts Center on Thursday, June 16th. The exhibition will run through June 28th. I entered two of my newest paintings. A pastel, "China Rose", and an oil, "Marina Morning".

Stop by and see the show if you get a chance. The SRAC is located within The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway across from Hammons Field. Their number: 417-862-2787 or info@springfieldarts.org.

2010-05-12T21:23:00.002-05:00

It's been a pretty busy Spring. I had 10 days out West, and enjoyed the Spring bloom in the desert of Arizona, and nice visits with family. My Mexican cruise was cold, but we had a nice High School reunion visit anyway, and a good time with my long time buddies, Liz and Barb. It's amazing how friends haven't really changed that much in 43 years.

My May Day show at the Stockton Library came in with a big thunderstorm, but has had some encouraging comments and sales. The paintings will be up through May 29th. I was tickled to have the Church painting purchased and will be donated to the new church. I hope it is enjoyed by all.

Family health issues makes me appreciate each day that we have. We shouldn't take our heath for granted and enjoy time with family and friends every chance we get.

2010-03-06T09:46:00.003-06:00

Here's a start to the May show at the Stockton Library. This is the old Cedar County Jail, built in 1888. It had to be torn down after the damage caused by the 2003 tornado. It's located in Stockton, Missouri. The county moved the jail to the top of the Courthouse, and the Historic Society moved into the building years ago. I'll be painting more buildings from the Square of Stockton, that were lost to the tornado. We now enjoy a nice, new Square.

I'm enjoying this Spring weather today, and hoping it will last all week.

2010-02-23T21:46:00.002-06:00

Happy to say "China Plate" has sold already, so now I need to get another one done for the Waverly Gallery show. Chilly weather today, but nice sunshine for a change. It makes everyone feel better, including me. I lost a dear friend this week, but must remember life goes on, and I'll always have the sweet memories of him.

2010-02-18T22:48:00.003-06:00

It's been a long, cold Winter, but I finally got this small still life finished. We opened a new co-op Gallery in Bolivar, and it has been doing pretty well, considering the bad weather we've had. We have our second Opening tomorrow, featuring artist Deby Gilley. Everyone is welcome between 10 am and 9pm. There will be refreshments and a drawing for art.

I loved the color combination of the insulators and the antique plate, and feel it was a good grouping. I'll probably enter this in the Waverly House Spring show next month.

2010-01-20T11:27:00.003-06:00

January came in with a blast!! Just stayed in during the frigid weather. Warming up a little this week. We had a nice Grand Opening at the Art Sync Gallery in Bolivar last Friday. Now will be open Wed. thru Sat., 10am to 6pm. We'll be having a reception and special showing, on the 3rd Fridays of each month. I'll be working on Friday mornings till 2:00. Some of the artists will be working on their art at the gallery during their shifts. Come by anytime. We have some nice paintings, jewelry, and stained glass.

2009-12-12T21:08:00.003-06:00

We had a nice "Sneak Preview" of the new Art Sync gallery in Bolivar. There was a pretty good crowd last night, and this morning. Quite a few artists signed up to be members of the gallery, so they can display and sell their artwork. I sold a few cards, and notepads. This is a busy time, with Christmas coming so soon. Not much time for painting. Best to plan for slower times after the holidays. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas.
Suz

2009-11-12T22:48:00.002-06:00

Here's another study. Just a very rough start, but "Hey!" I kind of like it..... Might not do much to it. We'll see... I didn't get a very good photo of the scene, so may have to go from memory. Which ain't as good as it used to be...lol I wish someone would comment. Feels kind of funny talking to myself...?? Hopefully there's someone out there listening.

2009-11-12T21:43:00.002-06:00

Bennett Springs Plein Air workshop this year was really cold and wet, but we managed to get a few paintings started. I really enjoyed seeing and meeting the owners of MacCreeds Gallery, near Bennett Springs. They have a wonderful Gallery and had a lovely reception.

I have a few studies in progress from the workshop. This is one I started there.

November has come in with some beautiful weather, but all the pretty fall colors have fallen to the ground, so it's hard to get in the painting mode again. All the news on the economy is so depressing. I need to just turn the TV off, and remember what a beautiful area we live in, and all our wonderful family and friends. The Moon and the sunsets have been fantastic. I try to capture it on my camera, but it never turns out, so I try to soak up the moment into my memory, for future originals....... It seems impossible to portray Nature as it really is, but I keep trying. I'll upload another painting in progress soon.

2009-10-01T14:05:00.002-05:00

Fall is in the air, and I feel the panic to get as much done outside as I can, before the inevitable Winter shows up. I finished up the plein air painting,"Morning Solitude", and need to sign it tonight. It's of a pretty site located on Truman Lake, near Osceola, MO. The old road I painted from just disappears into the water. The views change as the water level goes up and down. Thanks to De and Cheryl for letting me in on this hard to find spot. I also received notice that I was accepted into a juried show at the Waverly House starting Nov. 6th. I entered my painting of "Walnut Street View". The show will run thru to Dec. 22nd. It is an annual fundraiser for the local Girls Shelter, so a portion of the sales and silent auction go for that purpose. More on that later...

2009-08-26T14:12:00.006-05:00

Friday, September 4th, 2009 is the date for the Art Reception at my One Person Show, on display at the Midtown-Carnegie Library, in Springfield, Missouri. The time is: Noon to 1:30pm Location: Corner of Central and Jefferson. Jefferson is a one-way street going South, so must come from the North to get to the parking lot. This show has been hanging since July 17th, and will be on display until Sept. 14th. It is part of the "Art in Public Places" program and is being sponsored in part by the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Stop by and say "HI". Buy a painting or two, and let the Library know you appreciate seeing the local artist's artwork.

Blackjack Plein Air

2009-07-08T15:40:00.005-05:00

July 8th, 2009

This was a quick painting done at the Blackjack area on

the Sac River just North of Stockton, Missouri.

It's a nice little sight where the river splits around two

small islands. Two other friends and I started early, and

quit before it got too hot.

ArtsFest 2009

2009-05-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

Sorry to say ArtsFest was a washout. It was cold Sat. and rained all day Sunday. A nice lady did buy two of my small paintings on Sat. A cute little girl named Abby bought a small sailboat painting I donated to the, "Art for Kids to Purchase". I don't know who got the frog painting, "Hanging On". I have another show to be in on Sat., 9:00 to 3:00 at the Bolivar, MO, Court House. My next project will be to place my art in: "Art in Public Places" in Springfield, MO. Sponsored by the Springfield Arts Council. There are many doctor, and lawyer offices wanting local art to display. More on that later. April showers bring May flowers......we should have plenty of flowers!!

Susan

"Quiet Time" At ArtsFest 2008

2009-04-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

This was fun to paint, and was taken from last year's ArtsFest. This artist was taking a little quiet time before the crowds arrived. Hope you enjoy.
Susan

"Early at ArtsFest"

2009-04-03T22:43:00.000-05:00

It's a busy month as I try to get ready for Springfield, Missouri's, Walnut Street Artsfest, the 2nd and 3rd of May. I thought I'd just have some fun with it this year, and paint some pictures of last years event. This one was the quiet early morning on Sunday, before the crowds started. The weather was perfect, and the street soon filled with thousands of folks out enjoying the weather and the arts. I have 3 others to finish, so the clock is ticking. I'll load the others as I get them dry enough to photograph. Thanks for looking. And love to hear your comments. Susan

2009-02-21T19:43:00.000-06:00

Feb. 21, 2009 "Fall At It's Best"

It's cold outside, so decided to get some painting done. This is another painting started last October. It's a view above the small dam, at the trout hatchery. I couldn't resist painting this fisherman. Although one fisherman left and another stood in his place, so I had to revise it a little. There were many fishermen and women coming and going, but that's what you have when you paint plein air. I just get in a "zone"....and look past them, and then hardly notice they are there. Those seriously fishing, hardly notice me too. "Touche" .

Fall at Bennett Springs

2009-01-29T21:04:00.000-06:00

This painting I started last October at Bennett Springs, Missouri. This is a popular painting and fishing site, as it sits just below the dam, where the trout hatchery has been for decades. There were many fishermen and women in the water in their waders. I decided not to paint them in this time. It's fun to watch them intently fishing. As I'm intently painting. It was another perfect day for doing both. This location is about an hour from my home, so it makes for a nice little get-a-way. I hope you enjoy it.

Susan

HA HA TONKA SPRING WATERS, OIL PAINTINGS, 9 x 12

2008-10-26T19:07:00.000-05:00

I painted this plein air (on site), at a pretty State Park, near Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. There was a cute otter feeding just a few feet from me. The color of the water is unbelievable. The ranger said the otters, stay all Winter in the warm spring waters.

2008-10-26T18:59:00.000-05:00

HA HA TONKA SPRING WATERS