"Luke Walton's LA Laker's Ball"

16"x12" oil on canvas

My basketball(s) are finally signed, yay! Unfortunately, this past July's event was cancelled. So, this painting will have to wait until next July. I hope I don't miss the event next year as I go back east about the same time this will take place. It would be great to have a photo op with Luke and the painting. I painted two basketballs, and he was generous to sign both. I'm planning on donating it for a silent auction to raise money for a local school.

"Sea Treasures"

5"x7" oil on paper

Each of these are 5x7 and will be framed individually. I'm having fun painting on paper. If I screw up I can throw it away. I have a series of fruit that I'm going to do and will possibly hang them in my dining room. I still have a blank wall and wanted a grouping of small paintings so thought this would be fun.

"Corks"

8"x6" oil on canvas board

I have a few people asking me to do wine paintings. So, I started with the cork and working myself up to to the bottle. I did this one last week. I did have great plans to make them more realistic, but they had a mind of their own. Sometimes you have to listen to the painting. Lately I've been painting on black painted backgrounds. I might experiment and paint them another color. For now the black is working for me.

San Francisco, Part 2

My lovely friend, P.K., she's gorgeous!!

Her lovely shoes...

Left to right: Pete, Airic, P.K., and me, Cheryl

Meeting a new artist friend, Airic

P.K. and I, I'm feeling a little short, I'm not wearing 4" heels only wearing 2" boots, lol!

My new artist friend, Pete. He's a wonderful person, 14 years younger than I, ugh! But what a gentleman...he's going to make a wonderful husband and father to a lovely gal, real soon!!!

Just a morning view from where I stayed...Don's place, thanks honey!

P.K. , Debbie and Pete

The first time meeting, having a great lunch!

Just a fun view of SF!

San Francisco Weekend, Part 1

Left to Right: Charles (birthday boy), Don, Pete and P.K.

I had an amazing experience this past weekend. I painted a commission piece "Shui" (pronounced "shwee") for my friend P.K's friend Don's boyfriend for a birthday gift. There's so many details, but to make a long story short, I ended up going along with her to SF and met all her wonderful friends, who are now mine as well.

Don gave Charles a surprise birthday party and above are a few pictures of him opening the commission painting I did for him. Charles was so excited that I believe he became quite emotional over the piece, making me tear up as well. WOW, it overwhelms me that something I created/painted gave so much joy to someone! And that is why I paint...

"California Poppies"

6"x8" oil on panel

Just a little painting all about poppies. I had lots of fun with this, again just experimenting. Might go back in and tweak a little, wouldn't be me if I didn't, hehe! Enjoy.

"Shui"

20"x20" oil on gallery wrapped canvas - COMPLETE!

I believe this is complete. I know myself though that I'll study it and tweak here and there for a bit. I found the perfect spot to photograph this. The colors came out pretty accurate. Well, onto the next project.

Here's a few things I've been working on...

"Pink Peonies" 36"x24" oil on canvas - complete

My mom has been patiently waiting for this. I have to let it go. Sometimes it feels like it's not complete, in this case, but after leaving it alone, for a long time, it's done.

"The Brown Family Home" 16"x12" oil on canvas - complete

This was a commission piece that I literally had to paint in 3 days because it was an anniversary gift and I had to ship it to Atlanta. I did my best in that time frame. I wish I had had more time. They were happy with it and at the end of the day that's what you want to hear. Imagine that, it's not about me.

"Shui" 20"x20" oil on canvas - in progress

This is a commission of Shui a Chihuahua. I'm still working on her, the photo came out more blue than actual painting. I'll get a better pic when it's finished. I've been enjoying this dog portrait. This is my first larger piece since starting with animal portraits. The others I've painted have been 6x8, so this has been a blast. I'm enjoying animal portraits, I just wish I had a few more to do.

"To Russia With Love"

16"x12" oil on canvas - complete

I've been very busy painting. I just completed two commission pieces that I'll post later and I'm working on another one. I can't wait to share those. I haven't posted because of computer problems (bought a new one), also my camera is dead (fell in a river) and have to use other resources for taking pictures at this time. The above picture was from my Blackberry. I just couldn't wait to post again. I've been using my daughter's camera, unfortunately she's away this weekend with her camera.

I loved this challenge of painting metal. So many interesting colors bounced off, plus paint chipped areas. A great study for me. I might take another pic as I'm not sure how this will post.