"The Pier"

Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey, Michigan.  A little jewel of a town tucked away in Northern Michigan.  Tourists and locals alike stroll these docks during the summer evenings, meeting up with friends to see the sunset.  A leisurely stroll back through town, maybe an ice cream at the local shop.  And in the soft shadows, some meander back up the gentle hills to sit in a rocker on their expansive victorian front porch enjoying an evening breeze.  If you are interested in purchasing images of the above, please click HERE.

Vintage Beauty

North Carolina still has lovely weather with the sun shining and the last of the orange leaves clinging to the tree branches.  Most are on the ground, crackling under one's footsteps.  Northern Michigan, although probably not quite as wintery as the above scene depicts, is most likely well on it's way.  If you are interested in purchasing images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank you.

Sand Castles

Listening to gentle waves lapping the beach, the cry of seagulls looking for food, and the sound of children building cities of sand is a perfect way to spend a summer's day.   Every summer we indulge ourselves with a trip to Lake Michigan, specifically Petoskey, a small, artsy town nestled around Little Traverse Bay.   This past summer, my girls laughingly shaped precarious sand castles just along the water's edge.  They carefully graced it with shells, feathers, sticks and a few treasured pieces of beach glass all of which was encircled with a moat, of course.  The finishing touch was sand drizzled wet and goopy-like over the top, the way Daddy had taught them years ago.   Careful, almost tedious work, playfully destroyed, stomped back into the sandy shore and washed back out into Lake Michigan.  If you are interested in images of the above, please click.  HERE.

The colors in nature were reproduced in natural dyes during (and before) the Renaissance period.  One could even argue that since dying had been going on for over 3000 years, the craft had been perfected by the time the Renaissance rolled around.  Granted, for the peasants, cloth quality and color were primitive, but for the status conscientious nobles and merchants it was quite important.  As I walked around the Carolina Renaissance Festival this year, I adored the detail and color the merchants displayed.  If you are interested in purchasing images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank you.  

Peacock Feather

Walking in and out of the artisan shops at the Carolina Renaissance Festival is truly sensory overload.  The colors, textures and designs are fabulous.  And what is more stunning that a peacock feather?  Maybe the whole plumage, but a macro of one isn't too shabby.  If you are interested in prints or greeting cards of the above, please click HERE.  Thank you.

Colorful Silks

These beautiful silks were beautifully displayed at the Carolina Renaissance Festival, located in Huntersville, North Carolina.  Over 500 costumed in-character actors strolled the 22 acres and the marketplace was filled with talented artisans.  I loved taking detailed photos of their wares.  If you are interested in purchasing images of the above (or other images of the Renaissance Festival) please click HERE.  Thank you.

Biltmore Orchids

Just one of many exotic orchids within the glass walls of the Biltmore greenhouse. If you are interested in purchasing images of the above, please click HERE.

Biltmore Statue

This statue is located on the vast grounds of the Biltmore Estate located in Asheville, North Carolina.  Truly an awe inspiring tourist destination. If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

The Biltmore Mansion

Nestled snuggly amongst the Appalachian Mountains, the Biltmore Estates radiates peace, love, and grace.  The Vanderbilt's created a slice of what must be "heaven on earth".  A slice which is open to the public 365 days a year.  Christmas is a decidedly special time, with the interior decorated for all to enjoy.  If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

Zebra B&W

The zoo is a particular fascination to me and the North Carolina Zoo is one of my favorites.  Wonderfully landscaped walking paths and the effort by the zoo to create as natural an environment as possible for these animals has made this a favorite place to visit for many locals and tourists. If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

The White Horse

I am fortunate to be able to walk by this beautiful horse every day.  He never fails to lift my spirits. If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

A Burst of Color

Nature does such a wonderful job displaying her flowers.  Why mess with perfection?  If you are interested in prints or greeting cards of this image, please click HERE.  You will be transported to fine art america.

Young Girl with a Yellow Curl

Soft watercolor was gently laid upon this image of a little girl.  This was her favorite little red dress and I know she tried to squeak three summers out of it, but it finally just go too short.   If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

St. Joseph, MI Carousel

This is quite a beautiful carousel just a few steps from the beach of Lake Michigan in the town of St. Joseph.   This was a crowded scene the day we were there and I was quite lucky to snap a photo without a person in the shot.  If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

Plenty of Apples

I couldn't leave the farmer's market without walking away with one of these bags of apples.  But which one?  So hard to choose.

Red Hot Pepper

While strolling the aisle at the farmer's market, this sassy red pepper really seemed to be saying "Cheese!"

Red Hot

A trip to the local farmer's market is always a feast for my eyes.  The natural light, the beautiful displays of food bursting forth from the wicker baskets is truly inspiring.  I just need to remember to not arrange the hot peppers as I tend to always touch my eyes afterwards!

Yellow Friendship Roses

This was a really fun painting for me to do.  I love dropping the watercolor onto the paper and loosely interpreting the image.  By nature, I am a sketcher, a drawer.  I love seeing the "hand of the artist" and that is why I often go back with pen and ink and define areas.  If you are interested in images of the above, please click HERE.  Thank  you.

"Winter's Blanket"

This is a homestead I used to drive by everyday in Petoskey, MI.  Although I am more than thrilled to spend my winters in North Carolina, I do miss the quiet beauty that a fresh blanket of snow provides.  The crunch of one's feet on the newly fallen snow and the crisp air fighting to get past the wool scarf are still very strong memories.

A Boy & His Guitar

So much emotion can be evoked from guitar strings.  Our innermost thoughts and feelings seem to float on air when the right chords are played.

"Happily Ever After"

These miniature horses were rescued by my sister.  They were in terrible physical condition and shy when they first came under her care.   But what a difference a few years can make.  These two are now happily living with a new owner and learning to pull a buggy.  Life does have it's share of happy endings.

Fall Reflections

North Carolina is my new home and am astounded by it's beauty.  I have lived in this state for a little over a year and have enjoyed each season.  But I think Fall is my favorite.

Spring is Here to Stay

I remember taking this photograph.   Northern Michigan is known for long winters and this was the first day we all KNEW Spring was here to stay.

Bay View Gardens, MI Bench

No one is sitting here now.  But people come here to watch the sunset over Little Traverse Bay, to reflect upon the memorial gardens that are scattered about.  This bench has been the refuge for many a soul seeking comfort and relaxation.

Charleston Workhorse

This pen & ink was done from a photo I took while visiting the historic district of Charleston, SC.  He put his sweet muzzle into my daughter's hand and gently blew warm air into it.  As if to say, "Charmed to meet you, ma'am."  She giggled and responded by scratching him between his ears.  We loved the clip clop of his feet as this gentle giant plodded away pulling the buggy around this delightful city for a leisurely tour of the historic homes and waterfront.


Note:  I need to figure out how to link to store.  Also, how do I not sell this original, but have it for sale for greeting cards, etc.? 

Pear

This pear was done two years ago and I am just now painting another to make them a "pair of pears".   I hope to get busy this winter and paint a number of fruits and veggies in this style.