Exterior World
“Margherita Pizza Deconstructed”, 30” x 22”
Replicating a traditional fresco, this painting represents a Margherita pizza featuring the Italian water buffalo, who’s milk is made into mozzarella cheese. The other ingredients are represented by a wheat field, olive branches, tomatoes, and basil. It is an homage to the farmers who raise our food and the cooks who turn those ingredients into magic.
“Nostalgia's Delight”, 24” x 18”
On Saturdays, my grandparents would pay each grandkid a quarter for pulling weeds in the garden and we were allowed to walk to the Ben Franklin Five and Dime on Main Street to pick out candy. We cousins would argue all the way, deciding how to pool our money so everyone got what they wanted.
“Persephone’s Return”, 24” x 18”
This painting shows all that is spring and a mother’s love. Persephone returns from Hades and her mother, Demeter is so relieved and happy that she allows spring to return once again.
“Marie's Roses”, 24” x 18”
Most of my grandmother’s garden work was utilitarian for food but as a young, married woman she planted a row of cliff roses just off the back porch and next to the kitchen windows. She tended the roses as her babies for years until they became a hedge wall. I can still see her face as she would pause in her chores or sit in her rocker, close her eyes, and become lost in the lovely fragrance.
“Dreams Demand Work”, 22” x 30”
This painting represents the beginning of a personal dream. To reach one's goal takes planning, gathering of resources, and possibly learning new skills. However, it also takes hard work and persistence to bring it to fruition.
"Blue Blossom", 10” x 10”
"Red Blossom", 10” x 10”
These origami cranes represent the vision of the "Dreams Demand Work" painting and hang on either side of the larger painting.
“Spring Poppy”, 20” x 15”
Poppies are one of my favorite flowers but simply will not grow in my garden. I plant fresh seedling every year but the bunnies eat them before they can bloom.
“Father Brown's Afternoon Tea”, 18” x 20”
I love tea and I love British murder mysteries. This is an homage to the “Father Brown” TV program where many of the mysteries are solved while sitting around the table for afternoon tea or during a lively game of chess. It has elements from Mrs. McCarthy’s “good” tea set and famous strawberry scones and Lady Felicia’s fox stole.
“Manchester Poppies”, 15” x 20”
When I started my own flower garden a friend told me about his mother’s poppies. Apparently, his father refused to tear down an old shed that marred her view from the kitchen so she cultivated a field of poppies in front of it. Years later, when the shed was finally in complete disrepair, it couldn’t be removed without disturbing the flowers and she refused to let them be trampled.
“Philbrook Cherubs”, 15” x 20”
These cherubs haul their fresh catch while supporting the main fountain at the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“New Growth”, 15” x 20”
The colors and shapes of my flower garden when the weather turns hot.
“Pumpkin Splash”, 20” x 15”
The shapes and colors represent the many species of gourds and pumpkins put out on display at the farmer's market.
“Dreams of Taos”, 20” x 15”
One of my favorite places is Taos, New Mexico and this represents all the places and people I encountered on a visit.
