Hydrangea, 18"x18" oil on canvas

Lovely Hydrangeas come in such a variety of colors. These happen to be from my neighbor's garden and are the white, light blue and violet shades. I loved painting them! This is 18" square on a gallery wrapped canvas and needs no framing for a more contemporary look. For purchase price of just $210, please contact me here.

PURCHASE HERE

"Sunshine in a Vase" - Oil on Canvas, 16x20x1.5

Lovely warm tones to brighten any gloomy day! This is on a deep gallery-wrapped canvas and requires no framing. All ready for hanging. Priced at just $395, you can make this purchase, by just clicking here. PURCHASE HERE

"Hot Stuff", Oil on canvas, 20"x20"

LOVE painting peppers - their fluid shape, and the variety of colors offers so much to be creative with. The warmth of these surrounding colors seems to be just right for "Hot Stuff". Priced at $350, this purchase can be made by clicking the 'purchase' button. . PURCHASE HERE

"Queen" Iris - Oil on canvas - 24" x 24"

Beautiful Purple Iris that pairs wonderfully with the white one on down the page. This is oil on canvas, 24" x 24". Contact me here for further info or purchase.  PURCHASE HERE

"Summer's Bounty" 6" x 6" each Oil on canvas

Ohhhhh, lovely tomatoes! I think of all the vegetables that I most enjoy painting, these top the list - but all sorts of peppers run a very close second. I like their form, their color, the satiny sheen of their skin. And as for peppers, well just the shape along is enough to intrigue any artist.
These little miniatures are perfect for that small area in the kitchen or dining room or small wall space. They also look wonderful on miniature easels that I will gladly offer complementary with purchase. Just $125 each painting. Please contact me for purchase or further information.
email Colleen here PURCHASE HERE

"Sicilian Glass" 16 x 20" Oil on canvas

This was a challenge to get right - but I persisted until I did. I actually love painting reflections and metal and shiny stuff - but it's not easy. I'm pleased with this one though. It will be shown in the show at Oasis Gallery in November.
For purchase info email me here. PURCHASE HERE

Spring Tulip & Spring Iris - 24" x 24" Oil on canvas

A stately white Iris and a beautiful red tulip herald the first signs of Spring. 

I could barely wait til' it felt 'Spring-like' enough to get these two paintings started. 

Inquiries can come to me here:

PURCHASE HERE

Peppers, Peppers, Peppers 30"x30"

I loved painting these peppers. First of all, I love their shapes and brilliant colors - and I like the depth that can be achieved by using glazes - of which there were *many* on these particular works. These are a beautiful pair and would do a lot to enhance a kitchen or dining area - a great 'color shot'. Contact me here.

PURCHASE HERE

Anatomy of a painting - White Iris - 24" x 24" Oil on canvas

I've been asked from time to time to post some of the steps I go through as I work on a painting. So, since I remembered to take photos today as I worked on this beautiful white Iris, I decided to go ahead and post the first six steps. Should I remember to take more photos as the details come to fruition, I will post them as well. 

PURCHASE HERE

Con La Luce del sole 5" x 5" Oil on canvas

"Villa Lamberti" is the title of this view of gentle, rolling hills of Italy. 5" x 5" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas. $110, please contact me here or click on 'purchase now' button to buy through paypal.

"By the Light of the Sun" is the literal translation of this beautiful sun-filled landscape of Italy. It's 5" x 5" on gallery-wrapped canvas, no need for framing. $110. Please contact me here or click on the 'purchase now' button to buy through paypal. PURCHASE HERE

I'll be featured at the Edmonds Art Walk on Thursday, June 18th at the "Resident Cheesemonger" store and again at the Everett Art Walk on Saturday, June 20th at the office of Mortgage Advisers on Colby Street. Both of these art walks feature high-quality work at affordable prices. I look forward to seeing you! Please do stop in. PURCHASE HERE

"Retirement" Oil on canvas 10" x 10"

This is where *I* will be one of these fine days . . on a warm beach with the summer breezes circling around me as I ponder the 'meaning of life'. Can't think of anyplace I'd rather be when (and if) I ever put down my brushes. I call this one "Retirement" and it's on gallery wrapped canvas so no framing is needed, but can be framed if desired. $225. Click on the Paypal button to purchase now. PURCHASE HERE

Upcoming Juried Shows for Summer

I've just received notice that four (4) of my miniature paintings have been juried into the "Edmonds Fine Art Festival" for June 19- 21 in Edmonds, Wa. This is a very prestigioius art festival and Ia m honored to again have my work shown here. In addition, another painting of mine, although not a miniature has also been accepted in to the "Bothell LiveArts Festival", one of the oldest art festivals in the area. This is my second year having my work shown with this fine show. The dates are June 27-28th.

If you get a chance, please try to stop by and see all of the wonderful original pieces at these two excellent shows. PURCHASE HERE

Canon Beach, Needles - Oil on canvas

This is a gorgeous photo that I just had to paint. I contacted the photographer, a woman from OR or her permission. Her reply was most positive, so I was excited to get started. That Oregon coast is something to behold if you've never seen it, I suggest a trip! Here's the photo reference (bottom) and my painting (top). PURCHASE HERE

"Mt. Rainier Spring Runoff" 24" x 36" Oil on canvas

It's completed now and has had a change of name - I always had in mind that this would be a 'Spring' painting of our incredible mountain, because it is so fabulous in the early Spring when the skies are clear blue, nary a cloud to be found - so I decided to just go ahead and name it that. For a larger view, click on the image. PURCHASE HERE

"Mountain's Out Today" 2' 3' Oil on canvas

Phase #1 - this has a ways to go, as you can see. Check back for updates and to coordinate text to images, read from bottom UP.

Phase #2
Trees, trees - everywhere! So MANY more trees to paint.


Phase#3 - Finally - one can see all the ridges in the mountain. Now, to work on the places where the tree shadows fall, and as soon as the slow-drying white is dry, I'll be adding shadows to Rainier also. And since the title "Spring Runoff" came to me last night, I thought I'd best add a stream - so there you have it, meandering through the trees. I might not work on this for a day or so, as I have two entries to get ready for the Magnolia Art Festival coming up soon. So much to paint, so little time. DOUBLE CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

Phase#4 - I quit for the day. Maybe more tomorrow. So, now on to a couple of paintings for the festival because for THIS day, I am alllllllll 'Rainiered' out! :) I am pleased with the way this is coming along and it does indeed seem to herald the coming of Spring.

Phase#5 - Almost done now. I've made some small alterations and am now down to the nitty-gritty detail work, the part that adds the 'sizzle' to a work of art. I do plan to finish that part this afternoon. Have to - the painting is being submitted to a healthcare facility for consideration. Anyhow, it will be posted as a completed work tomorrow, Monday the 6th. Phew. :)


A common phrase heard 'round these parts when the sun is shining, is the title of this painting. Those of us who live here and adore Mt. Rainier in all her glory are delighted to see her shimmering profile from anywhere in the area. Here's some local information from the National Park Service in case you're interested in learning a little more about this volcanic mountain.
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Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625 acres on the west-side of the Cascade Range, and is located about 100 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. Mount Rainier National Park is approximately 97 percent wilderness and 3 percent National Historic Landmark District and receives approximately 2 million visitors per year.

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range. It dominates the landscape of a large part of western Washington State. The mountain stands nearly three miles higher than the lowlands to the west and one and one-half miles higher than the adjacent mountains. It is an active volcano that last erupted approximately 150 years ago.

The park is part of a complex ecosystem. Vegetation is diverse, reflecting the varied climatic and environmental conditions encountered across the park’s 12,800-feet elevation gradient. Approximately 58 percent of the park is forested, 23 percent is subalpine parkland, and the remainder is alpine, half of which is vegetated and the other half consists of permanent snow and ice. Forest ages range from less than 100 years old on burned areas and moraines left by receding glaciers to old-growth stands 1,000 or more years. Some alpine heather communities have persisted in the park for up to 10,000 years.

Species known or thought to occur in the park include more than 800 vascular plants, 159 birds, 63 mammals, 16 amphibians, 5 reptiles, and 18 native fishes. The park contains 26 named glaciers across 9 major watersheds, with 382 lakes and 470 rivers and streams and over 3,000 acres of other wetland types. Of these vertebrates, there are 4 federally listed threatened or endangered species known to occur in the park, including 3 birds and 1 fish. Four other species historically occurred in the park, but their present status is unknown including: gray wolf, grizzly bear, Canada lynx, and Chinook salmon. PURCHASE HERE

"Artist Dinner, Tuesday - Before & After" 4"x4" Oil on Canvas

Accepted into Edmonds Fine Arts Festival, June 19 - 21, 2009

This is, just as it says - the artist's dinner from last Tuesday. I *adore* artichokes to eat, in addition to them being a particularly fascinating subject to paint. So, there you have it - a double duty vegetable!

These little gems are 4"x4" . They look so good together, don't they? Perfect for that little narrow wall or just perched on an miniature easel. PURCHASE HERE

"Pear Parade I" 6" x 6" oil on canvas

This charming little painting of pears is perfect for that little spot in the dining room or set on an easel in the bookcase - just the right size, and with earth tones that fit almost anywhere. This painting will be on display at the Edmonds art Walk, February 19th from 5-9 PM at HouseWares in the downtown area. I'll be there myself and would love to meet you if you are in the area and stop by to say hello. PURCHASE HERE

New Studio Dawg!

Here's the newest addition to my studio, and so far - he hasn't discovered the paint tubes! His name is Izzy, and he is an adorable Chihuhua & Miniature Dachshund mix. He was a most welcome Christmas gift from my young art students and I am so happy to have him keep me company while I paint. He's just barely 2 months old and weighs in at a whopping 1#. He is expected to be no larger than 7# at adulthood. BIG guy, huh? Is that not a *cute* little face?

PURCHASE HERE

Vigne au Soleil Oil on canvas - 4" x 6"

Vigne au Soleil means "Vineyard in the Sun" - the sun streaking low across the vineyard in late afternoon was irresistible to paint. So, I did. This painting, among several others witll be featured at HouseWares in Edmonds for the February Art Walk on the 19th, from 5-8 PM. If you're in the area, please do stop by, won't you? PURCHASE HERE

Vosne Romanee - Oil on canvas 4" x 6"

A lovely little city in the Burgundy region of France makes for a beautiful miniature vineyard seascape. This painting will be one of several featured at HouseWares in Edmonds, WA for the February Art Walk, Thursday the 19th from 5-8PM. Please do drop by and say hello if you are in the area. PURCHASE HERE

Apples in Brass, 12" x 12" Oil on canvas

Accepted into Bothell Live Arts Show, June 27-28, 2009

Deep red, beautiful Delicious apples set in a brass tub - just right to start the New Year! It's time to get out of the snow and begin thinking about Spring. Perhaps that's why we here in the Northwest think our winters are so short. We're still lamenting the passing of Fall in December and by January we're hailing the soon return of Spring. Now, how's that for an optimistic attitude?

This painting is for purchase by clicking on the 'purchase now' button through PayPal, or you can email me here for further details or with questions. PURCHASE HERE

Wishing all my visitors a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to all! PURCHASE HERE

Today I juried the art show for one of my community's schools, Seaview Elementary. It was really so much fun, and I adored seeing all the imaginative art! The have a yearly arts program called "Reflections" and the kids do some really neat stuff! I was given the task of judging the 3rd through 6th grade work. There were about 40-50 entries, I think. The other judge rated the younger kids entries, although we conferred about each other's choices. I must say, I was pretty darned impressed with ALL of them. One little young man in the third grade, stopped by and asked me if I was a judge. Then he proceeded to tell me just *exactly* how long it took him to do the inked in scales on his dragon's tummy. I had to give him a good score, if only for sheer tenacity!

Turns out (which I did not find out until after the judging was completed) is that the piece I selected for first place, also won first place last year as well. A young man of 8 - he has outstanding skill at watercolor as well as pen/ink. His entry was of the Titanic - and he had all the details done SO well.

Anyhow, it was a real fun challenge from my daily grind - and certainly as a great thing to ease myself out of the 'exciting election withdrawl' that I've been experiencing lately.

PURCHASE HERE

Behind Louella Cabin- Oil on canvas-11x14

SOLD
Just last month, I had the great pleasure to stay in a wonderful little cabin outside of Sequim, on the Olympic Peninsula in the very northern part of my beautiful state. The weather couldn't have been lovelier, and the cabin as charming as one could imagine. This painting is from directly behind the cabin, where there are hiking trails up the mountainside. Here's a link to the cabin, third one down the page on the right :
Louella
I think my next painting has to be of the Louella cabin itself and some of the other surrounding area. It was truly lovely and serene! If you're in the area, I highly recommend this historical old cabin for a short stay! You won't regret it. Email me here for further info or a custom painting of your favrite vacation spot. PURCHASE HERE

Just call him Mr. President !!!

THIS one voted for THAT one!
WooooooooooHoooooooooooo!
The USA is in very good hands, now.
I'm so proud! PURCHASE HERE

3 miniatures accepted in local juried show

Three miniatures have been accepted in to the Mountlake Terrace Annual Art Exhibit. I can't seem to find photos of them to post here, but they were all of food! Will let you know how sales go later. I might drop in there tomorrow because it's always a very good show with lots of high-quality art offered and I am pleased to ahve my work accepted there. PURCHASE HERE

3 accepted works!

These three miniature paintings have been accepted into a gallery show in Vancouver, Washington. They are "Lemons in Copper" 5" x 5" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, "Pair of Pears + Bosc" 5" x 5" also oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, and "Road Trip" 4" x 6" oil on board and framed.
Since they are for sale at the show, I'll let you know what the outcome is in a few weeks. PURCHASE HERE

Lambert wins online contest!

"Hope", a very special painting to my heart has been entered into the competition at ArtFlock and today I received notice that I'd won! So, thank you to all who supported my artistic efforts by voting for me. There'll be a new themed contest each month, so be sure to check back to see the other wonderful art. I called this one "Hope" because that's what we Northwesterners have to have a great deal of when a storm threatens a perfectly gorgeous sunset - as happened to me and I had to capture the diminishing sun as it glistened off the tops of the waves. This painting is for sale - $400. It is framed in a solid wood walnut stained frame and wired, ready for hanging and enjoying on your wall. You may purchase by clicking the 'purchase here' button. PURCHASE HERE

Washington State Lighthouses

These two are Lime Kiln in the San Juan Islands, and Mukilteo lighthouses respectively. Each painting is 9" x 12" and on 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas. Image extends around the edges, so no need for framing - has a very contemporary look, yet the work with traditional appeal. They are $225 each and can be paid for by using the 'purchase here' button.

Here's a little background on each of these lighthouses:

Lime Kiln
The San Juan Islands, located in the northwest corner of Washington State, are breathtaking gems on a gentle sea. Lime Kiln lighthouse is located on the west side of San Juan Island, the largest island of the archipelago. The lighthouse gets its name from the limekilns built nearby in the 1860s. Their remains can still be seen today, just north of the lighthouse. Lime Kiln was also the last lighthouse to receive electricity, waiting until the 1940s, after World War II. The light was automated in 1962, and a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire was built around the lighthouse. Today, the tower flashes a white light once every five seconds. The two original keeper's dwellings can be seen in the woods west of the lighthouse.


Mukilteo - Sitting on a historic plot of land, flashing a white light once every five seconds, the Mukilteo Lighthouse guides ships on their way to Everett, Washington. Native American Indians originally used the land in this area as a site for a camp during the winter months. In fact, Mukilteo is a local Indian word for "good place for camping."

On May 31, 1792, during his exploration of the Puget Sound, Captain George Vancouver anchored his ship and came ashore at the point and named it Rose Point because of the wild pink roses, which covered the area. Later, Lt. Charles Wilkes of the 1838-42 U.S. Exploring Expedition changed the name to Elliot Point. It was on January 22, 1855 that Washington Territory Governor Isaac Stevens met with 82 chieftains representing 22 local tribes at the site and ironed out the Treaty of Point Elliot. Through the treaty, the Indian wars ceased, the Tulalip Indian Reservation was established, and white settlement of the area began in earnest. A copy of the treaty can be seen today at the Mukilteo Lighthouse.

PURCHASE HERE

Sundown Showdown 8" x 24"

The vineyards of San Gimignano turn a beautiful purplish hue as the sun drifts down behind the distant hills. This painting is 8" x 24" and on gallery-wrapped canvas. $300. Use the 'purchase now' button to pay through paypal, or email me here. PURCHASE HERE

"Toscano Hay Fields"

The hay fields of Tuscany, glowing warmly in the early evening light - the sky takes on a yellowish hue, tinged with pink. Nothing prettier! This is 12" square and NFS at this time. PURCHASE HERE

Drum head painting - work in progress

No new daily paintings this week yet as I have been busy on a very special commission. I was asked to paint a 22" synthetic drum head to be used for display only on the front of a set of drums. The giftee wanted a view of the area he grew up in, the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. So, this is Saddlebacks Lake and about phase 4. I expect to finish it in a day or two. So, I'd say he's a lucky musician to have such a caring and thoughtful girlfriend as to do this for him, wouldn't you? Here it is finished and installed on the drum. Looks great, he says! PURCHASE HERE

Tuscany Patchwork 8x10" Oil on board

A fine companion piece for "Take me Back to Tuscany" posted just a few days ago
on the blog. $165 framed, ready for hanging. Click on the purchase here button or email me if you need further info. PURCHASE HERE

Take Me Back to Tuscany, Oil on board 8x10

Today's work is titled "Take Me Back to Tuscany" and I think anyone who's ever been there knows why. This is the view from Volterra in the Toscano region, a city of 1100+ people and situated midway between Genoa and Rome, about 150 miles from each. This painting is framed in a lovely walnut frame, ready for hanging at just $165. Click on the 'purchase now' button if you too, would like to be transported 'back to Tuscany'. PURCHASE HERE

Road Trip I, Oil on board miniature

SOLD - Today's painting is "Road Trip" and is the first in a series I will be doing. One of my favorite pastimes is to get in the car and just go - stop for lunch, paint if I have time, take lots of photos, and just enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Northwest! There's something about roads meandering off into the distance that I find intriguing and irresistable So, here's one - enjoy! $130 framed. Purchase now by clicking the button to Paypal. PURCHASE HERE

"Wine with Fruit" 5" x 5" oil on canvas, Small Format

A delicious miniature painting of wine and after dinner fruit displayed in this wide and heavily ornate antiqued gold frame. The frame is 4" wide and 2" deep. It sets off the work beautifully and would be exquisite in a dining room as part of a collection! Just $175, framed and with shipping/handling included. Please click on the 'purchase here' button to be taken to Paypal. PURCHASE HERE

"Lemons in Copper" 5" x 5" Oil on canvas

A great contemporary small format painting that just fits this great contemporary frame. The painting is three lemons just tumbling out of a copper pail onto a white linen tablecloth. Just $175, framed s/h included. Click on the purchase here button to buy through Paypal. PURCHASE HERE

"Garlic Crock" 5" x 5" Oil Painting

A contemporary small format piece set in a 3.5" wide soft silver frame, with a gold liner. The crock is a cool gray and would be beautiful in a dining room! Purchase price is $175, including shipping and handling. Please click the purchase here button to buy. PURCHASE HERE

"Two and a Bosc" 5" x 5" Oil painting

This is a small format piece in a large, ornate frame. The frame is heavy and 4" wide, 2.5" deep, and sets these pears off beautifully. It is a dark bronze color. The framed work sells for $175. Please email me here for further information or click on the 'purchase here' button below. PURCHASE HERE

"Got Cream?" 4 "x 6" oil on board - today's work

Ahhh, summer must be here - peaches showing up in the supermarket, and I've got 'em! Sooo, got cream? This delicious looking trio of peaches is available for only $100. Click n the purchase here button to buy it. PURCHASE HERE

Plum Crazy - 6" x 6" Oil on canvas

Well, this is not today's painting because I had to let the underpainting dry just enough to lightly drag the haze color of that plum on the work. So, it's what....yesterday's work? Maybe. Anyhow, this is available for just $100. So, if you're plum crazy over this work, click on the' purchase here' button and it's yours. . PURCHASE HERE

Lemon Love - Today's work - 5 x 5"

Now, here's a painting destined to make you pucker! I do love lemons! In fact, one of my favorite recipes is chicken breast marinated in the juice of three lemons, lots of fresh garlic and white wine. The chicken is just browned, then more lemon added - cooked in olive oil til done and then a lovely glaze made out of the remaining marinade. YUMMMMY! I digress, this 5" x 5" painting is available for just $100. Click on the purchase here button and paypal will make sure you get puckered! PURCHASE HERE

I'll be participating in the Wallingford 1st Wednesday Art Walk beginning on July 02 and continuing on through the month with my display at CUTZ Hair Salon, right across from the Wallingford Market. This is to be a fun event, I'm sure! Click here for more information on the art walk. PURCHASE HERE

Award Winner - Catherine Grabar

This charming young woman is Yekaterina Grabar (her Russian name) and she is a private student of mine. She won the very prestigious "Highest Achievement Award from the Art Department of Redmond High School", now her Alma Mater. Catherine had no idea she was to be given the award, so the smile I managed to capture on her face in my video at Graduation on the 11th of this month, is one of genuine surprise! All I can say is that she's a very talented painter and an extremely versatile artist. Yekaterina will be attending the University of Washington this Fall with a major in ....tah dahhhh.....ART!
GO CATHERINE! PURCHASE HERE