... no place like home

One of my favorite things to paint are homes. Now, if my family read this, they would say, "What??" Well .... okay - - to be honest, painting homes are the most challenging, which usually accompanies a little bit of stress and a little bit of procrastination ... BUT!! They are the ~MOST REWARDING~.
I love that people cherish their homes ... their childhood homes ... their parents' homes ... really, any place that holds special meaning, which usually comes from the warm memories contained within that structure.

I have this love affair with both of my grandparents' homes, as they have been the constant in my life - - never changing no matter how many times our family moved.

My one grandma is still in her home where we visit every other Sunday for supper, along with my dad and sister, and spend most, if not all, of our visit seated around the table where we solve the world's problems. :) We joke that a collective book should be written ... maybe someday.

This is her home that I captured in a children's illustration. Our little Cape Cod has had numerous renovations. My favorite was the buttercup yellow siding with black shutters - - I can still picture it when I close my eyes.

But, it is within those walls that I remember playing on the kitchen floor with my yellow toy telephone, taking pizza orders from imaginary customers ... watching Gram make homemade donuts and getting to shake the bag "real good" to ensure the sweetest donuts ever ... sitting on Gram's bed, as a teenager, listening to "Request & Dedication" on Sunday evenings, pining over a crush ... propping my daughter's bouncy seat on Gram's kitchen table to feed my new, baby girl ... washing dishes in the sink (because Gram doesn't need a dishwasher ... "she has us!") and watching from the paned windows as my son and dad play wiffle ball, just as we had as kids ... and sharing every Christmas Eve over Wagilia Dinner and breaking holy bread with Gram's blessing. See, this house is not just something that provides a shelter ... it is years of love & memories that bind those cinder blocks together ... that's the mortar that holds our family together.

And, I know what it feels like to have that home not be yours anymore to claim as a haven. When my other grandparents sold their home to move into a retirement village, I thought my heart would truly break in two.

I remember walking through the house after the movers took everything and having those childhood images flood my mind as I went from room to room - - a fire crackling in the living room on a winter's day, with a card table set up in the middle for a craft with Gram of sequins, straight pins and Styrofoam balls ... holiday dinners closing with family card games of PIG and spoons - the walls seemed to vibrate with laughter ... shoeing Pap from his bedroom to bunk with Gram, so that I could sleep in his cozy, twin bed, using the opened, paned window at the foot of the bed as an alarm with its cool breeze, warm sunlight and chirping birds ... taste-testing Pap's mashed potatoes on the back of our hand for enough salt and buttery goodness ... and spending hours on the back porch, swinging in between my grandparents and singing into the night by red-hued candlelight from Gram's cranberry glass globes.

My heart didn't break fully that day, but did so a few years later when my Pap passed away suddenly. I remember walking to the house, which was a long-winded trek from where I was living, and simply standing before it ... sobbing. That house still holds such a heartache for me that I've never painted it. Writing this now ... I am thinking that perhaps I need to do that.

I wonder if my customers feel as tied to the homes that they commission me to paint. I'd like to think so. But it is by my own heartfelt relationship to places that I love which draws me to capture that connection for others.

For the piece below, I was contacted by a lovely gal, Susan, who currently lives in Japan with her husband and children. She and her siblings, Tracy and Curt, wished to have their parents' home portrait painted as a gift for Christmas. What better gift than one that signifies "family."

Their wish was to have their parents' home painted for the winter holidays. I know that this home is completely different in architecture, but I visualized the home from Home Alone, and immediately wanted to capture a moonlit night ...

I painted the beginning layers of the night sky, and decided to go ahead with the sketch of the home before placing in the moon, as I did not want the moon obstructed from a peak of the roof.

Then, came the trees ...

... almost eerie at this stage. When I paint commissioned pieces, I usually send along progress photos, so that my customers can see how their painting is coming along. With this one, I confirmed with Susan (& Co.) that this was not a mistake - - I was not painting a Halloween portrait for them ...

(although, I was probably inspired to do so for all of the Halloween Candy that was laying around at the time!) ... it was just the beginning of layers.
With the initial background layer completed, I began to work on the brickwork.

When painting brick, it is all about texture and shading. I am not quite as timid when commissioned to paint brick as I was in the past ... there is always a learning curve and room to play to get it right.

Then, my favorite part of painting these home portraits ... embellishing, especially the winter homes. :)

And, after painting the foreground and covering it in snow ... Susan, Tracy & Curt's tribute to their family is complete.
"How beautiful! Thank you so much for everything! The progress pictures were a very personal, fun and unexpected touch! I can't wait to see it in person!"... "my parents absolutely LOVE their portrait!" - Susan W.

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.

~Maya Angelou

... winterscape ...

How appropriate to post this latest portrait, since it seems that as far as the eye can see -everything is, once again, covered in white. This latest storm took everyone by surprise - even the local meteorologist ... HUMPH! How does that happen with today's technology? Oh well - just another school closing for the books.

This home portrait was commissioned for the McCandless Family. As you can see, their home is a lovely, two-story BRICK dwelling. ... Oh my ... all that brick. I was anxious to challenge myself with this piece, as brickwork can be tricky to capture with all of its shadings of color and texture.


I settled on the above photo to use as a reference for their painting, as it gives a respectful perspective of this home's grandeur and grace. Of course, the final painting will have this home nestled in a winterscape.

If you have followed my previous posts, you will know that I must ... and I mean "must" ... paint to movies. It's silly, I know ... but movies tend to be my artistic muse when creating. Depending upon my mood and the subject that I paint usually dictates the movie selection. In this case ... I was feeling a bit English. I know - the house favors more southern architecture, but it feels a bit regal with its columns - and when "regal," I think England ... and well, you catch the drift.

So - the movie pic? The Holiday ...

Not only does this movie have fantastic actors (Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz & Jude Law) plus a bit of humor and so much heart, but it also embraces the beauty and coziness of winter that I like to keep in mind when painting this season. It's a must see if you enjoy romantic comedies ... one of my ultimate favorites!

So, with the film rolling, my coffee steaming and my pencils sharpened, I began sketching their home ...

The challenges here are angles, size and placement ... Thankfully, I do have an eraser!!

Now, I began the trickiest part of this painting ... you guessed it ... the brickwork. Yikes...

There may be an easier way to do this, as I create through trial and error; however, I find that in order to create the depth of shading and texture, I must paint in layers and then add in the detail of mortar.
This pic is taken on an angle, therefore it appears that the house is leaning in on itself - I assure you it is not. :)
Next, the windows and trim to give that cozy-warmth and detail.

It's funny ... one would think that a winter scene would be the easiest to paint, since everything is just white -- when in actuality, it is more time consuming, as the foreground must be created in order to lay the snow over top. Otherwise, no depth is achieved. At this point, the front lawn had not been painted yet ... what you see is blank canvas - not snow.

And, alas, the final painting ...

... a winter's blanket covering the McCandless's home in white, while warmth of golden light filters from within.

I consider this painting one of my greatest challenges to replicate, considering the brickwork, trim and detail. Because of this, it is one that I truly cherished ... thank you, Nancy, for the opportunity to confront my hesitations, explore my craft and create this painting for your family. It was an experience that I treasure.

Challenges are what makes life interesting.

Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

- Joshua J. Marine

... warmth & welcome ...

Calligraphy, n. the art of fine handwriting.

Do you recall having learned this in grade school? I remember clearly being fascinated with this art form and practicing it over and over again on our specially-lined paper in fourth grade. And, if memory serves me correctly, I recall having a wonderful substitute teacher one day during a handwriting lesson, and thinking that she was so much like this artistic expression by her lovely grace and kind attention that she demonstrated to everyone.

Mrs. Kuert was a substitute teacher back then ... funny how time goes by - - my son now sits in her kindergarten classroom (hopefully behaving himself!!). I couldn't feel more fortunate that his first year of school is under the guidance of such a gracious and warm-hearted teacher.

The Kuert family is one that exudes this generosity of spirit. Our community is also enriched by this family, as her husband, Pastor Kuert (as I call him, but I believe that he is better known as "Pastor John"), has led his church into tremendous growth and expansion over the years. He is a pastor that emanates such joy and kindness that even a simple chat outside the local market leaves one feeling uplifted.

Their adult children, Lisa and Jonathan, are mirrors of their parents in that they exemplify the very same genuine traits that makes one feel blessed to know them.

So, of course, when I was asked to create this painting for their family, I was happy to oblige.

(You may be seeing a pattern here throughout these posts ... a painting is requested and I am always happy to fulfill that request :) Keep that in mind to any of you who may be considering a painting - - I would be more than happy to get those paintbrushes going for you, too! LOL)

Mrs. Kuert wished to present her parents with a home portrait for Christmas ... decorated for Christmas :) Yay!

Once I began the painting, I decided to take a drive that evening at dusk (isn't that sky beautiful?) ... to drive by their home and see how they decorated for the holidays. Luck was on my side that they were not too far away. I was told that her parents still, in their 90's, trimmed their home inside and out ...

... how about that? Twinkle lights strung with care and candlelight glow gleamed from the windows creating such warmth and welcome. It was a beautiful sight against the snowy backdrop. I was so glad to have taken that little trip, as it was important to me to capture their style - their traditions.

Surprisingly, this painting took only one day. Home portraits typically take a few days to a week depending upon detail, size and of course, my schedule. It surprised me so much, considering the tiny detail and intricate lines of the home; however, it just flowed so smoothly. I painted from the time I awoke until midnight that night ... just couldn't put that brush down!

I always enjoy painting a winter's evening with all its cozy warmth ... and adding wreaths & bows were simply icing on the cake!

I am finding that the more trees that I paint, it is the evergreens which I enjoy the most. Creating the depth and highlight of the pines and dusting it with snow, seems almost magical. I've always had a special place in my heart for evergreens - as it is the same place where I keep my pap. His childhood stories of claiming large towering evergreens as mighty fortresses has stayed with me ... I suppose my fascination began there. But, I do imagine that within those heavy boughs of pine, pap's story goes on as tiny animals and birds take refuge, nesting ... and being a king of their own castle :)

So, I thank you, Mrs. Kuert, for the opportunity to create this portrait for your family. It was a delight!

I wonder why calligraphy is no longer taught in school ... I suppose it is due to the overwhelming material that must be presented in order to prepare for the required state tests. It is unfortunate that my children's experiences in school are so vastly different than mine. However, that is another topic for another time. Perhaps I will revisit this technique with my summer girls. Our book club/art camp is around the corner, and knowing how time flies, it will surely be here before we know it. That is a lovely thought isn't it? Warm summer days ... well, for now I'll enjoy the coziness of the season and refill my coffee cup to keep me warm!

Happy Wednesday!

Never lose an opportunity to seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

... thinking of spring ...

It was so cold this morning that school was delayed 2 hours ... so cold that when my daughter walked past me after taking the dog out, she caused a frosty air by crossing the room! ... so cold that all I want to do is curl up with my cozy plaid blanket, the latest book that I keeps me up at night and a frothy mug of hot cocoa ... as the saying goes - baby, it's cold outside :)

Thankfully, as I began gathering a few photos to present in this post, I began to feel a warmth that is very welcomed on such a chilly day - - a painting set in "springtime" is just the ticket to cast off Jack Frost and reflect on days dampened with morning dew, not icy flakes - budding blossoms, not stark branches. Winter certainly has its beauty; but on a day such as this, I tend to pine for the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the flowers.

This home portrait, yet another Christmas gift to be shared, came to me by a doll of a gal, Linda, who wished to present this painting to her parents. This was one of the largest home portraits that I have created - measuring at 18x24. I was thankful for that, as it allowed me gracious space to create the sprawling ranch and add the special details to capture their home.

Some of my most favorite days in the spring are ones that tend to be gray - warning that a rain shower is likely coming to pass. I'm captivated by the stark contrast of the bright budding leaves and blooms against the murky sky. It tends to leave me with feelings of a peaceful comfort, knowing that I will take a cozy refuge from the raindrops in my home, watching God nurture his gift to us - - the beauty of nature in season.

With this in mind, I decided on a grayish blue sky - not dark enough to be menacing, but enough to capture the sense of that peaceful comfort within their home.

This beautiful ranch had much detail to its design. From shaded brick to architectural panels and trim ... from decorative lighting to landscape and rock gardens, I wished to capture the essence of their home, noting how much it was loved and looked after, and more importantly, what it undoubtedly held behind its doors and windows - - family. memories. love.

Because this portrait was large scaled and the architectural design was ranch-style, there was ample room at the forefront to include a cherished quote or saying. Of course, I was thrilled when Linda chose the words ... "All roads lead home ..." They are of special significance to me, as you might have guessed :)

How fitting for this piece!

Thank you, Linda, for the opportunity to create this painting for your family - - a true joy.

Check back tomorrow - as I will be sharing with you a Christmastime home portrait created for a lovely family ... the Kuerts. :)

The day the Lord created HOPE

was probably the same day He created SPRING.

- Bern Williams

... reminiscing & embracing ...

Cherry Tarts.

When I think of cherry tarts, I think of Mrs. Cox. Why, you might ask? Well, this darling woman taught me how to bake my very first dessert in her Jr. High - Home Economics class ... of course it was Cherry Tarts :) And, I went home and made them over and over ... and over again.

Since my leaving Jr. High - some many moons ago, my part not her's! LOL - she transferred to my daughter's elementary school, and luck was on our side when my daughter entered her classroom in third grade. Mrs. Cox became a favorite all over again!

The saying goes, "like mother, like daughter," and it certainly holds true with this family. Her daughter, Sam, is fun-loving and a real sweetheart of a gal. Sam has also chosen a path in life to enrich the lives of children in her own classroom. These two women will surely have a hand in molding and inspiring young people to do great things in their lives.

So, when Sam asked that I create a home portrait & family tree for her mom & dad as a Christmas present, I jumped at the opportunity.

She requested a home portrait done in a winterscape and warm lighting from the home.



Because there was much lawn frontage, we decided to go light with the snow on the ground, and create a snow fall to enhance the winter scene. Golden light from the windowpanes exudes warmth and comfort held within the home - - I imagine a sweet smell of deliciousness wafting from the oven and embracing visitors as they are welcomed inside. It looks as though there might be a delay for school the next morning should the snow continue to fall overnight ... :)

Next on the list was their family tree. Sam decided on a 16x20 wrapped canvas, which allowed wonderful spacing for the branches and detail.

As avid birdwatchers, Sam suggested that I add something to embrace their hobby and love for birds. She also chose an autumn themed family tree, which is becoming one of the most popular designs. I personally favor this style as well, as I like to imagine which strong little leaves have survived the brisk fall winds before tumbling to the ground, decorating it in color.

And, then we have ... "All because two people fell in love ..." One of my favorite sayings. I love that Sam requested these words, as I've always felt that they encompass a marriage in strength and stature. Because these two people created a life together, they in turn created a family that continues to branch out, growing and flourishing year after year. Love that!

My daughter came home from school the other day and told me that Mrs. Cox pulled her aside to remark how she loved her paintings ... this just warmed my heart.

Recalling this, I just had a thought ... perhaps I'll surprise the kids with dessert tonight. I'm thinking -- you guessed it~ Cherry Tarts :) The kids will love making their own!

Happy Wednesday!

Memory is a way of holding onto the things that you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

- Kevin Arnold - The Wonder Years