Clueless Abstract

I decided to venture into abstract painting, stepping away from my usual landscapes and portraits. However, I struggled to break free from the confines of familiar shapes, finding myself fixated on circles. Despite experimenting with texture using thick acrylic mediums and iridescent paint, the end result fell short of my expectations.

Ultimately, I realized my true passion lies in landscapes and portraits. While I admire those who can craft wonders from a blank canvas, my imagination seemed to have taken a vacation. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic that with practice, my abstract attempts will improve, and my imagination will return in full force.

Light My Way

This little 3x3 painting was done on a whim. A doodle painting on paper canvas.

Little Red Canoe

This painting was inspired by a greeting card I received. I used acrylics with a watercolor application on a
9 x 12 canvas paper. If I could live in one of my painting this would be it. Where there is only breath taking beauty, nature, and tranquility.

Backwater Geese

This painting was inspired from the backwaters of the Mississippi River. One of the things I like about this painting is the complete feeling of relaxation.

Family Photos

Palasades park offers a great back drop for great family photos. I just wish the whole family could be there. My husband and I have seven kids and six grandkids together, makes for a challenge when wanting a family photograph. However, photoshop is a great tool to use bringing family together even when were not.

Scenic Paintings

These are some of my first paintings done on 9x12 canvas paper

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Mississippi Palisades Park

These are a couple photos I had taken while at Palisades park. I used Photoshop 5 to turn a rather dull picture into something more interesting.

The "Blue Woods" photo I used Photoshop 5. I created this effect by implementing the tools in full edit mode. Look in filters, render and then lighting effects and then select the blue omni. I enjoy discovering the different photo effects you can find with editing tools. Best to just dig in a see what happens. Experiment and see where it takes you or what can be discovered. 

"White-Throated Sparrow" and "Bear Woods"

Paintings were done on an 8x10 stretched canvas.

Clouds Of A Different Color

My family and I took a day trip to Savanna, Illinois to visit the beautiful Mississippi Palisades Park. While, driving I noticed these fantastic clouds with monochromatic tones and thought it was interesting.

Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge

My latest painting is of the Interstate 80 bridge, better known as the "Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge". My husband and I have a home not far from this bridge, so I thought it might be an interesting but challenging subject to paint. My favorite image of this bridge is as the night falls and city lights reflect off the water creating a kaleidoscope effect over the Mississippi. Originally, I wanted to paint the night scape but my camera (Kodak DX7590) was not able to capture the true essence of what I was seeing. The photograph that served as inspiration predates the bustling development and tourism surge in Le Claire, Iowa.

2024 Update:
Most mobile smartphones have cameras that capture images as good as a DSLR digital single-lens reflex) camera. Image of Fred Schwendel Bridge at dusk.

Creek Street

This painting was inspired from the famous Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska. It was also a gift to my folks since Ketchikan has been their favorite vacation spot for the past 20 years.

Forest Moss

This painting was inspired by a photo I found in a calendar. The moss and the waterfall was what captivated me. When I finished the painting I was happy with the trees but disappointed in the waterfall and the surrounding rocks.