Maine's Coastline

Ocean's Edge
16"x14" $275 framed

 Maine's coastline is as variable as the weather...rocky here, sandy there...smooth sailing one day, storm front moving in the next.  Hearty beach roses are among the flora and fauna that frame the sea, their beauty showing forth despite salty air and challenging conditions for growth.  I love sitting on the rocks watching the waves crash and the seagulls diving for dinner.  Sometimes a lobsterman cruises by, stopping to check his pots next to the colorful buoys.  Capturing the tides on canvas, the ebb and the flow, reminds me to remain flexible and moving, growing and loving every day.                                                                                   

Prout's Neck Tides and Roses
~~sold

SPLASH!!
24"x20" $450 framed

Cranberry Skies
27"x17" $750 Framed

Happy 2013--Happy Painting!!

Four new tubes of paint + one new brush = a happy day of painting!  New Year's greetings a few days late...but better late than never.  In this sunset painting, I was inspired by the dark tree shadows contrasting against the pink/orange glow of the setting sun on the snow.  Just beautiful!  A new year means a fresh start, new goals, new fun--and many new paintings!  I am pleased to be back in my studio after a holiday break, connected to my passion, and ready to see what 2013 brings!  I am grateful to my Lord who has provided this opportunity, and promise to steward it carefully! 
And, as is tradition at Dragonfly Arts, the first painting of the year is available for free to the first person who asks for it! 

On the Beach that Day...

Glorious weekend to mark the "end of summer" here in Maine.  I spent a bit of time at the beach...walking, reading, and even painting!  It was perfect!  That being said, I am ready for fall.  I love all the seasons, and look forward to casseroles, football, and the trees revealing their true colors.  As a momento to the wonderful summer weather we've had, I'm offering this little unframed 5x7 watercolor free to the first person who asks!  I am grateful to the people who have supported and encouraged my journey as a full-time artist...and grateful to God for His perfect provision each and every day for me to keep on keeping on!   

Prout's Neck Tides and Roses

The beach roses have begun to bloom. The warm summer sun has arrived. Time to head to the water's edge and relax. I've been busy painting several new pieces, and hope to post many of them soon. It's been a while since my last post...further evidence of time spent in front of the easel instead of the computer. Suits me fine, as I'm much more comfortable handling a paint brush than a keyboard. Now it's time to enjoy our short summer...time in the hammock, time at the beach, time with special friends. "Down time" is essential in the balance of life...but how often do we find ourselves on the cusp of a moment's rest, only to be pulled back into the "doing" mode that beckons so temptingly. My advice is to fight against the tendency to "get things done" and for a few weeks this summer create a sense of sabbath rest to feed your soul. The hardest part will be for me to take my own advice!! How will you refresh your self this summer?

~~16"x14" $275 framed

Prout's Syncopation

I am so ready for summer. Can't wait to get out to the water's edge to hear the waves crashing and see the sea gulls soaring. The thermometer is pushing 70 today despite some clouds. The seasons come 'round, 'round again...long winters turn into decadent springs. I read in Newsweek today that our brains are overloaded with information...knowledge that doesn't necessarily help us to make better decisions. What better way to clear one's head than to head out to the ocean (or wherever you find peace). Our minds are sharper and we are more truly ourselves when we take time, the precious time, to just be.

 ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Breaking Free

There is a rhythm to life. Ups, downs, ins, outs.

Watching the waves of the ocean today brought me to ponder the rhythm:
The year…its four seasons.
The day…its sunrise and sunset.
The tides…highs and lows.
The moment…breathing in and breathing out.
It is our choice to get in step with the rhythm of life. As the distractions take our attention away, we can always choose to come back to the focus of breathing, of waves, of sunrises and sunsets, and of summer making way for cool fall breezes.