Eagle Eyes

"Eagle Eyes"

Original Oil Painting

30" x 30"

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Eagles are so intense! When I look at those eyes, I instantly flash back to my teenage years when I would come home late and mom would be standing at the top of the stairs waiting... Yikes!

Did you know? 

Bald eagles are believed to mate for life. A pair constructs an enormous stick nest—one of the bird-world's biggest—high above the ground and tends to a pair of eggs each year. The largest bald eagle nest on record was 9.5 ft wide and 20 ft high. It weighed more than two tons! 

With a wing span of up to 8 ft, a white capped head and tail feathers, such a magnificent, regal stance, the eagle is the proud national bird representing the United States of America.

Personally, I think the Eagle is a great example for us to follow...Stick with your mate, work hard to build a solid home, and take care of business! ; ) 

I will close with one of my favorite bible quotes. Isaiah 40:31

Moose Country

"Moose Country"

Original Oil Painting

30" x 30"

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I was so going to title this one "Moosterpiece"...but I refrained. : )

This painting gives you a little glimpse into my back yard. The place where you have to watch your step while going on walks, as there are piles of moose droppings pretty much everywhere. We have seen many moose throughout the years up here in the mountains and always get that sense of awe and wonder whenever we spot one. On one occasion though the feeling was more like gasps of terror... 

Our youngest daughter Evelyn was probably 6 years old at the time. She was standing with our dog at the end of our driveway when suddenly there was a rumbling sound and the ground began to shake. My husband was standing on the deck next to the house and looked up to see a magnificently huge moose, (much like the one in my painting), charging up the road and heading straight for Evelyn!  The dog began barking wildly as Evelyn stood frozen with fear. Her dad was yelling for her to run into the yard as he jumped over the railing of the deck to rescue her. As he was running toward her all he could think was "What an amazing looking moose... that I cannot let trample my kid!" Everything happened so quickly and for whatever reason, just before the moose reached our daughter, he peeled off to the left and tromped down the trail into the woods behind our house. Talk about a close call being a little too close to home!

Of course we can laugh about it now, and will always have that "remember the time you were almost trampled by a moose?" story. 

Living in the woods is definitely an interesting adventure and has provided us with many exciting memories.

: )

Reverence

"Reverence"

30" x 30"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

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One of God's majestic creatures perched high upon a cliff surveying the valley below. Is he marveling in awe struck wonder at the beautiful scenic view? Or is he contemplating the options on the lunch menu for the day? Hmmmm....

Sun Gazing

Sun Gazing

12" x 12" 

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

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There is a field of sunflowers along the highway just North of Spokane with thousands of sunflowers as far as the eye can see. Their golden faces smiling brightly in the warm glow of the summer sun. Actually I learned that while the sunflower is in the bud stage it tends to track the movement of the sun. But once the flowers open they always face East, some say this is to protect the sunflower kernel from scalding in the hot sun. I say, who doesn't love the feel of the warm sun on your back? : )

Because the sunflower has almost human like qualities it was a favorite subject to paint among some of the famous Europeans artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso. I like to paint them because they are so cheerful and happy!

I just happened to receive TWO beautiful bouquets of sunflowers this week...one from my hunk of a husband and another from my sweet sister. I am feeling the love!

Have a Beautiful Day!

But I always think that the best way to know God is to love many things.

Vincent Van Gogh

True Blue

"True Blue"

8" x 8" 

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

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This is the latest painting in the series I am doing featuring small hometown America. My little tribute to all the hardworking farmers who put their heart, sweat, and soul into providing nourishing food to the people of our country. I would like to shout out a big "Thank You" to all the farmers out there who are standing up to Monsanto and fighting to keep GMO's out of our food. 

Please support your local farmers!

Bountiful Harvest

"Bountiful Harvest"

Original Oil Painting

8" x 8"

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It's that time of year again...when all the wheat fields in the valleys surrounding us are being harvested. I just love the amazing contrast of colors in the light golden wheat against the dark soil and the blue sky. 

It's also the season of change as my husband likes to point out "the glow" from the warm pink hue that fills the air. The days are getting shorter and the mornings a little crisper. Recently while crossing the street I noticed a bright red leaf laying in the cross walk, which means that fall is quickly sneaking up on us. Time to break out the sweaters, pumpkin candles, and apple cider! It's also a great time to count your blessings and share your abundance with those in need.  : )

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” 
― Mother Teresa

"Fruit of the Spirit"

"Fruit of the Spirit"

12" x 12" 

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

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Galatians 5:22-23

 …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

There is so much negativity surrounding us these days. The news and social media bombard us on a daily basis and it can really make a person feel hopeless and helpless. 

I personally would like to stay focused on the positive and surround myself, my friends, and my family with words and actions that speak of encouragement and hope. If each of us did our small part every day the world would have to be a better place.

Wishing you a beautiful day!

The Splendor of Fall

"The Splendor of Fall"

12" x 12" 

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

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Have you ever witnessed such beauty in death as when the Fall leaves change color? What a magnificent display to behold! The vibrant colors swirling about as the breeze carries the leaves gently to their resting place. I am awed and amazed every year when Fall rolls around and then again in Spring when life begins anew. God is definitely the master artist in my book! 

Ecclesiasties 3:1-8

 To every thing there is a season, and time to every purpose under the heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.    

When I look at this scripture, I am reminded of how fleeting life really is. As I live more years, I am amazed at how fast each second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year passes. As the seasons continue to change, remember to make the most of your time.

: )

"Joy Ride"

"Joy Ride"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

10" x 8"

$145.00

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Who doesn't love the thrill and excitement of riding the carousel?

One of the most visited attractions in Spokane welcomes all ages to feel like a kid again and take a ride on the famous and historic Looff Carousel.  This fun and favorite attraction creates and brings back memories.   

Riverfront Park’s 1909 Looff Carousel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of America’s most beautiful and well preserved hand-carved wooden carousels. The Looff Carousel proudly features 54 horses, 1 giraffe, 1 tiger, and 2 Chinese dragon chairs and still has a brass ring to catch. If your lucky enough to catch the brass ring, you win a free ride!

This is another painting featuring the "best of Spokane". I've added a short clip of the Looff Carousel as a reminder that summer is just around the corner!

: )

Monroe Street Bridge

Monroe Street Bridge

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

12" x 12"

$165

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I'm currently working on a series of paintings featuring the "Best of Spokane" for an upcoming exhibit. This is a night scene of the Monroe Street Bridge, which is an arch bridge that spans the Spokane River downtown. The bridge was built in 1911 and at that time it was the largest concrete-arch bridge in the United States and the third longest in the world! I just love the  architecture of this bridge, it is definitely a work of art and adds so much ambiance to the downtown scene. 

I'm including a daytime image of the entire bridge so you can appreciate it's beauty. : )

Have a wonderful evening!

  

Duncan Gardens

"Duncan Gardens"

 Oil on Canvas

48" x 24"

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One of my favorite places to spend time during the summer is on a park bench overlooking Duncan Gardens. It is so amazingly beautiful it's overwhelming. I love to watch the people strolling along the paths...some walking their dogs, some with kids, who can't help but pick a flower, and others just walking hand in hand. Many times you will see wedding parties all dressed up taking photos. One year on the morning of our anniversary, Bob and I picked up some lattes and arrived at the park just in time to watch the sun rise over the trees...it was so peaceful. On another occasion we enjoyed a gourmet dinner with family, as the Spokane Symphony performed in the garden. Somehow it just seems that formal gardens and classical music fit perfectly together. 

There is a grassy hill alongside the stairs leading down into the garden, which is the perfect spot to lay out a blanket. Our daughter likes to start at the top of the hill and roll down to the bottom over and over again. She talked me into rolling down with her once last year...she was very surprised when I actually agreed to do it and afterward said "Wow! You never see moms do that!" She gave me the cool mom of the day award, which was totally worth that moment of awkwardness. : )

I'm so excited that Spring is on the way! Looking forward to another gorgeous season at the park and all of the wonderful memories it brings. 

Have a wonderful day friends!

Man's Best Friend

"Man's Best Friend"

24" x 18"

Oil on Museum Quality Panel

Private Collection

This commissioned painting is going to be a gift from the client to her husband for Father's Day. He is a civil war buff and she wanted to include the cannon, her husband, and their dog in the painting. The challenge; however, was to compose this piece from separate photographs! She was trusting my judgment, so with no direction, I was nervously hoping I could convey what she had in mind. Since I was basically at liberty to do whatever I pleased, I decided to throw in the "pup" tent and flag for added effect. Then I held my breath and crossed my fingers waiting for her response. 

Thankfully, (huge sigh of relief), she loved it! : )

I decided to title the painting "Man's Best Friend" because as I sat thinking about war and all the reasons humans fight...power, freedom, justice, money etc. the truth is, no one really "wins" when you realize what was "lost" to gain that victory. Where humans can be fueled by emotions such as hatred, revenge and betrayal, a dog on the other hand is all about unconditional love and loyalty. Regardless of our flaws, a dog will stick by it's owner's side with heartfelt devotion until the day they die.  

Below are some interesting quotes from famous people on the topic of war:

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

“All wars are civil wars because all men are brothers... Each one owes infinitely more to the human race than to the particular country in which he was born.” 
― François Fénelon

“It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.” 
― Aristotle

“I am afeard there are few die well that die in battle, for how can they charitably dispose of anything when blood is their argument?” 
― William Shakespeare, Henry V

“We are going to have peace even if we have to fight for it.” 
― Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The parties with the most gain never show up on the battlefield.” 
― Naomi Klein, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” 
― Winston Churchill

“It is the oldest ironies that are still the most satisfying: man, when preparing for bloody war, will orate loudly and most eloquently in the name of peace.” 
― Alan Moore, Watchmen

“In Peace, Sons bury their Fathers. In War, Fathers bury their Sons.” 
― Herodotus

“I love the name of honor, more than I fear death” 
― Julius Caesar

“Once you hear the details of victory, it is hard to distinguish it from a defeat.” 
― Jean-Paul Sartre

“I don't remember Moses writing, 'Thou shalt not kill.. unless you think you have a good reason.” 
― Willie Nelson, The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart

“If we don't end war, war will end us.” 
― H.G. Wells

“War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate” 
― Marvin Gaye

Have a beautiful day friends...and don't forget to show your dog some love! : )

I Think I Can

"I Think I Can"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

18"x 14"
Private Collection

Click here to purchase a print of this image.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I started this painting almost a year ago but it never felt quite right, so I tucked it away. Yesterday I decided to dig it back out and give it another go. This is a painting of one of my sweethearts Evelyn. It was her very first day riding her bike without training wheels. As you can see she was quiet nervous, but dad did a great job of giving directions. They had already been practicing when I arrived at the park and she was so excited to show me what daddy had taught her. As I pulled out the camera she said "Watch this mom!" and hopped on the bike. She got off to a wobbly start, then got it under control. She circled around and I was cheering away while snapping photos. As I looked over at dad he was choked up with pride, it was one of those unforgettable moments. Until the next moment when I looked back at Evie and...BAM...she had smacked right into a tree! It was like a record coming to a screeching halt. I ran over to ask if she was okay and she said "Yep, I'm fine.", "Dad told me to stop like that if I needed to." Apparently my husbands first bike didn't have brakes, so this was the alternate method of stopping! Of course he did tell her that using her brakes was the best method and should always be the first choice in stopping the bike. : )

Wishing all of you a wonderful day filled with LOVE for your family and friends!

"I'm Doing It!"

"The Tree"

"Happy Ending"

Summer Paddle

"Summer Paddle"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

14" x 11"

SOLD

The 30 day challenge ended last week and this is my first post challenge painting. After being away from home for two weeks I needed a bit of time to unpack and re-group. 

This painting is for my father-in-law's upcoming 70th birthday, (sssshhhh...it's a surprise!) This is one of his custom built canoes and they were christening it with a paddle around the lake. He is quite a talented fellow, as he has built several beautiful homes, canoes, and also takes special requests for custom knives on a regular basis. Not to mention the various projects like furniture, gazebos, and pretty much whatever you can think of. 

He tried to steal the painting I made for my husband's birthday, so I thought I should give him one of his own. : )

Happy Birthday Papa Brewer!!!

The Art of Life

 "So Precious"

 "Bright Eyes"

 "Peaceful Moment"

 "Sweet Feet"

 "Feeling Blessed"

 "Grandma's First Kiss"

"3 Generations"

Loraina Marie O'Neill

2-1-13

7lbs. 4oz

For those of you who have been following my blog you know we have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of our granddaughter. We were camped out at my daughter's house for two weeks as she had sporadic contractions throughout. It was a hectic time between trying to complete a painting every day for the 30 day challenge, homeschooling away from home, chasing after my 2 year old grandson and sleep deprivation due to sleeping on an air mattress! 

Little Lolo decided that she didn't want grandma to miss a day of painting so she waited patiently until the very end. Of course all of the hubbub was worth it and on Friday morning we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl.

I realize this is not a blog about a painting, but it is definitely about life's greatest work of art..and I did play a part in this creation. ; )

Have a wonderful evening!

30 Paintings in 30 Days- Ta Da!

30 Paintings in 30 Days- A look back...

So here we are at the end. Or is it just the beginning? 

: )

30 Paintings in 30 Days- Day 30!!!

"Celebration"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

6" x 6"

$100.00

Click here for purchase information.

We made it to DAY 30...Woo Hoo!!!

Today's painting represents the excitement of the many talented artists who took on the challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days. Congratulations to each of you who sacrificed a little chunck of life each day until the very end!

It was really inspiring to view the all beautiful, fun, and creative work produced each day. I enjoyed reading the blogs and making some new artist friends and appreciated all the wonderful comments shared on my blog. 

A BIG THANK YOU to Leslie Saeta for hosting this challenge and encouraging everyone along the journey. It was a really great growing experience!

The second reason I created this painting is to celebrate the new little bundle of joy that we will have the pleasure of greeting tomorrow, if not sooner! This of course is why I chose a lovely shade of pink for the background. (I sure hope the ultrasound tech was right!)

So much to be thankful for...new challenges, new friends, and new life!

Looking forward to the journey ahead.

: )

30 Paintings in 30 Days- Day 29

"Baby's 1st Shoes"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

8" x 8"

$145.00

I'm still stuck on the Valentine theme...see those sweet little hearts on these adorable, tiny shoes? It was either this, or the Valentine cookies we baked last night and I didn't want to be tempted by all of those delicious sprinkles!

Back in the day some mom's used to bronze their baby's shoes to preserve them. I decided to paint them instead! 

Today was the official due date for baby girl to arrive. We walked around Target for a while this morning hoping to entice her with cute bargains, but no such luck. Apparently she has a mind of her own..much like her mother. ;)

Or maybe she is just waiting for Grandma to be done with the crazy challenge so she can have my undivided attention.

30 Paintings in 30 Days- Day 28

"Roses Are Red..."

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

10" x 8"

$145.00

Click here for purchase information.

It's day 28 and we are so close to the end of the 30 day challenge! I am away from home and ran out of panels so I picked a few up at the store. The surface on these panels is so smooth that it's made painting on them difficult.   The paint just wants to slide right off! In fact, the dew drops I had planned to add would not stick without swiping off the base layer, so we have a dewless rose.

You may have noticed my last several paintings have had a Valentines theme... from sweet treats, to sweet flowers and even sweet little baby clothes. LOVE is in the air!

: )

30 Paintings in 30 Days- Day 27

"Lolo's Laundry"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

10" x 8"
$145.00

As some of you might already know if you've been following my blog, we've been staying with my daughter awaiting the arrival of her little one. We have been sleeping in the baby's new room which is full of sweet little hats, bows, tutu's and itty bitty socks. Surrounded by all of these adorable clothes and toys made me want to paint them. So I dug through the drawers and closet and came up with these. I am so excited to see her actually wearing them!

More contractions today, but she is being shy and not coming out of her womb.  

Funny thing is grandpa keeps driving back and forth across the state and the barista's at Starbucks halfway from here to home keep asking if the baby has arrived yet. Lol

 Two more days until the scheduled due date...I'll keep you posted!