“Creation”

Originally, I had no plans to use glass in this painting. After the acrylic paint dried, I added metallic touches to give it sparkle. Then I decided to put glass in the center to create the feeling of an explosion of life, a feeling of positive energy.

I can see this painting in a modern living room. The warm oranges, yellows and golds provide a feeling of warmth and energy.   Dimensions: 24 x 48   Cost: $850.

“Acqua”

“Acqua” was borne of thoughts of the sea and sea foam. The feeling it conveys to me is peaceful and soothing; the glass beads add texture, and the suggestion of the invigorating nature of the ocean.

“Acqua” would be beautiful in a pastel colored or white bedroom.   Dimensions: 24 x 48   Cost: $850.

“Summer Breeze”

This painting began with the creation of red flowers. I added water to the painting, to see how the color would spread. The poppies took on a new and more amorphous life. I added other colors while the rag paper was still very wet, and loved the result.  

“Summer Breeze” would bring a soft, calming accent to any setting, especially in a white-washed, beach home.

“Inheritance”

This painting is based on a still-life in my studio that consisted of a small crystal candle-holder, pink glass grapes, a lace doily, a porcelain Edna Hibel doll, and a lamp that had been in the home of a favorite aunt.

I started with the lamp and grapes, adding images that simply felt right. Finally I added the gold veining to emphasize the delicacy that the antique lamp had always suggested to me.

“Inheritance” would be a lovely addition to a small entryway, alcove, or hallway.   Dimensions: 20 x 24   Cost: $475.

“Sunset”

This painting was the first in a series of florals painted to show the delicacy and transparency of flower petals. The background of this work is originally created paper, colored with oil pastels and metallic accents.

To me, this painting would be perfect in a bright hallway, dining room, sunroom, or the bedroom of any young girl who adores the color pink.   Dimensions: 8 x 8   Cost: $95.

“Bubbles”

The creation of “Bubbles” marked the first time I used metallic ink for accents in my work. The bubbles, which originally were formed by pouring tar gel in circular patterns, had initially been painted pink. I felt that they needed the metallic touch that the silver paint would add.

“Bubbles” is all about fun. It would be a delightful, whimsical addition to a little girl’s room, or a dressing room.   Dimensions: 12 x 12   Cost: $175.

“Primavera”

I was in the mood to create flowers, and applied white molding paste, using yellow to bring an element of sunshine. I placed glass in the centers, and then used the same glass to pile on the “grass,” creating depth and dimension.

“Primavera,” an outdoorsy, happy springtime expression, would be at home in a sunny kitchen that has similar color accents.   Dimensions: 18 x 36   Cost: $375.

“Autumn Arbor”

I love weeping willows, and wanted this work to be more representational than most of my other work. First, I applied multiple applications of molding paste and color. To create the feeling of bark, I layered and sculpted molding paste painted in many shades of brown. Fine shreds of paper gave the work texture. Finally, I chose to brighten the tree with yellow and orange, plus gold accents, Italian pebbles, and layers of 24K gilding.

This beautiful tree would complement both modern and traditional settings, and also is suitable for a long wall, as in a hallway.   Dimensions: 24 x 48   Cost: $925.

“Indigo”

While my designs tend to be free-flowing abstracts and floral designs, “Indigo” was painted to reflect the exact, architecturally-inspired works that my father used to paint. The pallet takes its colors from nature—the blue of water and the yellow of the sun.

“Indigo” would look striking in a contemporary setting, and especially dramatic on a dark wall.   Dimensions: 20 x 20   Cost: $425.

“Lilies”

This watercolor was based on a photograph taken at a garden wedding in the California wine country. I tried to capture the bright, happy mood of the table settings on that spectacular summer afternoon.

I can envision “Lilies” brightening any room where people gather, to add the type of softness and beauty that complements any décor.

“Hydrangea”

This work was based on a photo of a table setting at a countryside wedding that I had attended. I adore hydrangeas and their beautiful colors. The glass vase was a challenge to capture, with its understated suggestions of gray. Working wet-on-wet let me achieve the dreamy look of the background paper, and also allowed me to develop the colors over time on a day when the sun might have dried the rag paper too quickly.

The look of “Hydrangea,” like the other watercolors, is informal, suggesting a perfect kitchen setting, or any room furnished with white wicker.

“Spring Blossoms”

I was drawn to the square shape of this canvas, and to its deep side edges. I gently applied modeling paste to the surface of the stylized rose petals, before painting them in shades of pink, to add dimension. Gold was the perfect accent for the warm color palette.

A small three-dimensional painting like “Spring Blossoms” is an ideal addition to a small corner of a personal space, like a bedroom, dressing room, or bath.   Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 3   Cost: $250.

“Mocha Petals”

I had grown up with a dogwood tree right outside my bedroom window, and I’ve always had affection for this particular blossom. The painting was actually inspired by a dogwood tree that now blooms in my garden. The work also reflects the continuation of the wrap-around concept that I find myself using with more frequency.

The soft, pastel colors of the dogwood flowers would provide a sense of relaxation in a dining room or bedroom.   Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 3   Cost: $250.

“Fallen Passion”

To me, the marriage of purple, yellow and red is a natural combination—in this case, accented with gold metallic paint. The sharp purple glass added the cutting quality of intense passion. A heavy gloss brought out the brilliant colors.

This painting, to me, represents the essence of excitement and passion, and would bring life to any contemporary room.   Dimensions: 16 x 20   Cost: $375.

“Arctic Vision”

“Snow-covered tundra, windblown, misty, white wonderland” were the words my daughter, Jennifer, used to describe her vision of a painting that would be a perfect contrast for a wall painted in deep gem tones.

Heavy, opaque, white marble stones seemed like the ideal medium to illustrate the feeling of snow. A touch of silver accented the white and brought the snowy scene to life.

“Arctic Vision” would energize any contemporary setting, particularly on a deep, richly colored background.   Dimensions: 12 x 36   Cost: $350.

“Eternal Rings”

For this painting, I used several types of gel of varying viscosities, and the colors sapphire and amethyst. The “rings” are made of thick, opaque tar gel. After painting the undertones, I used heavy sandpaper, to bring back some areas of the original canvas, and added more color. The metallic accents combine both silver and gold. Mulberry and dusty blueberry-colored glass give the work shine and additional texture.

A markedly contemporary piece, “Eternal Rings” would be at home in a large setting, perhaps over a sectional sofa of complementary colors, or on the wall above a modern glass dining room table or a sleek buffet.   Dimensions: 18 x 36   Cost: $425.

“Roses”

The idea for "Roses" came one day when I was gazing at a crystal vase on my coffee table. As the crystal caught the setting sun, I envisioned a tall glass piece in shades of turquoise. Long-stem roses seemed a natural addition to the elegant vase.

I can see this painting as a delightful part of the décor in a sunroom, or in a contemporary dining area.   Dimensions: 16 x 40    Cost: $575.

“Asian Impression”

“Asian Impression” came about after I had spent the afternoon poring through collections by my favorite artist, Edna Hibel. I adore her use of vivid color, delicate form, and gold accents. The result was a combination of vibrant complementary colors, gold paint, and the rich warmth of deep brown glass. The abstract pen marks evoke a feeling of Asian calligraphy.

“Asian Impression” could be ideal in a setting that has an Asian feeling, or any formal setting that would benefit from an infusion of brilliant color.   Dimensions: 18 x 36   Cost: $350.

“Centerpiece”

Unquestionably the most vibrant of the summer watercolors I have painted, this work was inspired by a beautiful flower arrangement that I had received as a gift. The work began when I ventured to the beach alone, and was able to focus solely on my painting. The painting, done in parts, evolved over the course of that day—as each section dried—from late morning until dusk.

The “Centerpiece” watercolor would be perfect for a dining room or living room.

“Violet Visions”

Another in a series of paintings that highlight the transparency of petals, "Violet Visions" captures that beautiful see-through quality that wet petals get when light shines through them from above.

This work is perfect wall décor for a room with white wicker, rattan, or any type of summery-looking furniture.   Dimensions: 16 x 20   Cost: $135.

“Reflections”

This painting marked my first use of heavy layers of crackle paste and gel medium to capture the depth and feeling of water and its reflection. I added color, then layers of gel of different viscosities.

I saw the painting as a pond, and then created the shadows and lily pads, plus the small yellow water plants that naturally live in shallow freshwater ponds.

“Reflections” evokes the peace of a country setting, and would be at home in a traditional room, perhaps one with a traditional French feeling.   Dimensions: 18 x 24   Cost: $400.

“Sandy Beaches”

“Sandy Beaches” is my only work that combines tissue paper with a special glazing material. Polished mother-of-pearl and brown onyx stones, gold paint, and tiny glass beads in opaque gel created the textured backdrop reminiscent of the sandy seashore. The semi-transparent sea glass was actually retrieved during a walk along the beach.

The distinctly contemporary feeling of “Sandy Beaches” makes this painting perfect for a beach house or any room with an open, airy atmosphere.   Dimensions: 16 x 20   Cost: $350.

“Wisteria”

The romantic, cascading purple petals of the wisteria vine are simply stunning. To me, the flowers are reminiscent of grapes on the vine. Painting “Wisteria” helped me recall old Tuscan walls covered with wisteria as well as other memories of a journey to northern Italy years ago.

This dreamy painting would look beautiful in a room furnished in a more traditional manner. A living room or bedroom would be the perfect setting for this work.   Dimensions: 24 x 48    Cost: $875.

“Blue Water Flowers”

During the late days of summer, I found myself thinking about water, and the ocean, in particular. So just before dusk, one evening, I began to sketch. The shiny metallic blue represents the joy of the sea; the shine was achieved using a new type of acrylic paint that offers brilliant coverage and effect.

“Blue Water Flowers” is a bright work that seems to simulate motion. It would certainly add life to a family room or any place in which family and friends gather.   Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 3   Cost: $725.

“Gerberas”

This painting was inspired by the wonderful response I received when I painted “Spring Blossoms” a year earlier. I loved the idea of using a deep canvas to make a three-dimensional look. I also love looking at the Gerbera daisies that bloom in my own garden. To me, this is such a happy picture. The “Welcome, Spring,” feeling seems to jump right off the canvas.

This cheery and colorful painting would be a great spirit-lifter when placed in a kitchen or family room where everyone can see it.   Dimensions: 8 x 8   Cost: $175.

“Midnight Poppies”

Long ago, I painted a small oil on canvas depicting a field of brilliant red poppies. It has always been a favorite of mine, and I longed to recreate this work in a stylized, dramatic way. This version places the giant blossoms against a starry night sky, to add to the visual impact.

“Midnight Poppies” would be a spectacular addition in a contemporary or modern setting, particularly one with a bold color scheme   Dimensions: 24 x 48   Cost: $850.

“Peach Blossoms”

Tiny, pink-orange orchids--one of the hundreds of varieties of this type of flower--are painted especially to show the colorful contrast of the peach and yellow against the bright green leaves.

This painting would be beautiful in any setting that could benefit from the quiet softness of pastel colors.   Dimensions: 16 x 28   Cost: $150.