Naming paintings

Sometimes I find that applying paint to canvas is the easiest part of the painting process.  Where I find difficulty is in naming my work, especially when a painting has come out of my head and imagination rather than from a live model or location.  This cowboy is a perfect example.  He still remains nameless.  Any suggestions?

High Key Watercolor Portrait

I started out as a watercolor painter then turned towards painting with oils.  Although I tend to paint more using oils, I occasionally feel the urge to break out the watercolors.  This was painted from a photo I took last month.  I wish I had taken more photos of this wonderful woman.

The Ocean is My Happy Place!

I grew up near the ocean, moved to Florida, and later on in life lived in Southern California followed by Oregon.  Whenever I felt a need to be more centered I would take a little drive and visit the ocean. I could sit for hours just watching the waves break and roll onto the beach.

I now live in the desert and to get to the ocean takes a bit of planning but with a painting I can be anyplace I want.  Here is where I am today.  

"My Happy Place"

36"x24" oil

First Nation Man

I am a juried member of Vanguard Artists and we just held a show, "Forty Years of Excellence" at the West Valley Arts Council Gallery in Surprise, AZ.  I was fortunate to have my two entries among the 80 painting juried into the show and one sold.  This painting, "First Nation Man" now has a new home in Vancouver, Washington.  

"First Nation Man"

16x20 oil

I Resolve!

My New Years Resolution was to keep my blog up to date.  Here it is February 1, 2017 and I am finally getting around to it.  I can use the excuse that life has gotten in the way of painting and of blogging and that would certainly be true.  But life is always throwing things in our direction.  It is our choice how long to hold on to what has been thrown at us.  Right now I have a strong need to have more balance in my life and painting does that for me.  It brings me back to my place of center and in turn helps me handle what life tosses at me.

Over the next few days and weeks, I'll post some of the things I've been working on.  I would love to hear your comments as feedback is a wonderful motivator.

Being near the sea has always helped me feel connected.  Since I'm not living as close to the ocean as I would like, I've recently been bringing the ocean to me.

"Breaking Wave"

18x24 oil on canvas