Matt's House

Down the Ichetucknee

Starting on a large painting today - 6 ft x 2 ft! Capturing a favorite time and place- the beautiful Ichetucknee Springs. I have a long way to go until it's finished - but I made pretty good progress for just one day.

Unfinished

Another painting from a recent workshop, unfinished. This is what happens when someone else tells me what to paint! I have grown to like this picture though because of the colors.

Tropical Palms

Just a tropical scene painted during a recent workshop. I haven't signed it yet because I am not sure if it is finished. (11x14, acrylic)

Matagorda Island near Port O'Connor

Just remembering a summer beach and boating trip to Matagorda Island near Port O'Connor many years ago. (8x11, pastel)

The Mod on Post Office

Just a simple little painting to capture the little place where Jerry and I met - "The Mod" coffee shop on Post Office (Galveston). This was a gift to Jerry on our first anniversary.

Birds, Leaves, Shadows

Just something about this little abstract caught my eye. Painted a long time ago, from a magazine. (9x11, pastel)

Early work

Now this is really really old but I still like it! I think I painted this when I was maybe 19 or 20, from a Christmas card that I liked. I have always loved cardinals! (16x20, oil)

Sweet little cupcake

Sweet little cupcake on a sweet little canvas (6x6 acrylic). Too cute. I couldn't resist painting this from a magazine photo. Can't you just picture these on a little hoighty-toighty tray for a special afternoon ladies tea?

The Marshes from the Golden Isles of Georgia

This little piece reminds me of the beautiful and vast marshes and large heritage live oaks found all around the Golden Isles of Georgia. We have enjoyed many day trips exploring St. Mary's, Brunswick, St. Simon's Island, Jekyll Island and Cumberland Island. My friend Terry was visiting last weekend and took home a small 6x6 version of this same piece just to remember our girls weekend getaway to Jekyll Island!

Sea glass art

Here is another favorite. I love this Sea Glass art picture made from our 'collection'. Sea glass was collected over many years and from many different beaches and then arranged and fixed to a glass frame. One favorite place "sea glass beach" in Kauii. The entire beach was nothing but pieces of smooth colored glass of all colors. A collector's dream!

Jerry's Creation Just for Me

I just wanted to capture happy memories and the beautiful and colorful tropical arrangement that Jerry made for me while we were in Hawaii. Some of the flowers were handpicked, others were bought from a man selling them out of his garage! My flower-loving man just could not wait to put this together for me! (11x17, pastel)

My Grandpa's Apple Tree in Cambridge

Painted this tree from an old photograph. Such fond childhood memories in my Pa's back yard in Cambridge, Ohio. He had this big beautiful red apple tree, perfect for climbing, picking and eating apples.

State of Mind

Painted this when I was in my 20's. Everyone always asks - yes they are my feet! And no, I don't want to sell it. I like this statement because relaxation is so important ya know. (20x24, oil)

Teenager Art

I can't even believe I still have this one! I painted this when I was a teenager. It's kind of simple, but it is a happy reminder that I have always loved to paint!

One of my favorites

This is one of my very first pastel pieces, finished about ~ 9 years ago. I still love this composition. I'm mostly a self-taught hobbyist, but have taken a few informal art classes and workshops over the years. This was inspired by studying the techniques from one of my favorite artists Elizabeth Mowry.

The Required Pears

Okay, have you ever noticed that every artist must paint pears? It's a rite of passage, I guess. I don't really understand it, but anyway, here's mine. There, that's done!

A Valuable Gem

I have been wanting to paint an abstract diamond for awhile. The inspiration came from those dazzling magazine diamond ads and my own imagination. I was imagining painting the many facets and cuts of an intricate gemstone, one with all the colors of the world reflected in it. As I was painting, I thought about what it means to a woman to own and wear a beautiful diamond given by the man she loves. I am married to a real gem, a man who shows me love in every way and my life truly sparkles because of him. This painting hangs in my bedroom now and reminds me every day of what it means to be married to a genuine good, kind, caring and loving man. So hard to find, so fine and rare, and priceless.

Following a Dream

I have always been a creative person. At this time in my life though, it becomes even more important to me to follow this dream: to live a creative life on a daily basis in full color, value, light and shadow. I want to capture in some visual form my thoughts, feelings, cares, from my life, places I've been, people I love, the art and the beauty of this world. I have a little talent, a little experience, but a whole lot of inspiration in my heart!