Independence Day

Independence Day

Oil on Wood

10"X22"
SOLD

The day began with rowing to the dock where a few packages were collected from the shed. Then we stopped in at the store for a cranberry muffin and some chat with the boatyard boys who were on their coffee break. Fortified by that little sustenance and a generous helping of local gossip we rowed back to our end of the island to do a little reading and wait for lunch. Leftover lobster was made into lobster salad sandwiches better than we could have imagined, after which we sat on the deck soaking in summer and thanking our lucky stars (and stripes) that we were here. Together. And free.

Pink Peony

Pink Peony

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

This morning brought blue sky and bright sunshine for the first time since we arrived. To celebrate we had a big breakfast on the deck with our friend who had come over from the neighboring island last night to give us welcome relief from ourselves. 

She left and we all went in different directions pursuing our favorite warm weather activities. Craving exercise, I went for a long bike ride to the end of the island for the first time this year. Then I vacuumed up the winter from my studio and swept out the garage, finishing with mowing the lawn. Sometime while I was frenetically doing all that, Jan stopped by leaving a delicate bouquet of her last peony and two powder blue meconopsis in a coke can by the stove in our kitchen. Having seen yesterday's painting, she thought they might inspire. 

How did she know? It was just what I needed to send me into the studio for the rest of the afternoon.

Jan's Red Peony

Jan's Red Peony

Oil on Canvas

12"X9"

Finally I found my way to the studio for a few hours yesterday afternoon. Settling in to life on the island is never easy. No matter how much planning and shipping and shopping and list making one does, there are things that seem essential that are missing. On top of that, there is jet lag, mosquitoes, and then the weather, which this week has been grey and dismal. It takes awhile to remember why we are here. Sharing dinner with Jan who arrived with an enormous red peony picked that afternoon and presented in a beautiful blue bottle was just the reminder we needed. Friendship, natural beauty, and a simple meal shared. The stuff that island life is made of.

Still Moving

Still Moving

Oil on Wood

8"X10"
SOLD

It doesn't take much to make my day. 

Yesterday, my birthday, bagan as all days with a walk with my dog and then breakfast with a favorite friend, which is the best possible way to start any day, much less a new year. Off to Sonoma in time for some painting and a swim, and then a delicious dinner prepared by my sweet husband and shared with our dear friend and neighbor who brought champagne and a Princess Cake. I wished on three candles, one for each of our daughters. After all these years, still moving and loving Life. Simple perfection.

Still Life

Still Life

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

To be still. Suspend busyness. I aspire to more of that. 

Mother, Son, and Modigliani

Mother, Son, and Modigliani

Oil on Wood

8"X6"

A morning spent at the wonderful "Impressionists on the Water" exhibition at The Legion of Honor put me in a buoyant mood Tuesday morning. I left feeling refreshed, back in a simpler, slower time. Reluctant to reenter the real world, I wandered through the museum's labyrinth  of galleries seeing old favorites in a new light. 

Still Standing

Still Standing

Oil on Wood

10"X10"
SOLD

Clyfford Still fills the room and figures stand and glide as if choreographed, taking it all in. More moments from SFMOMA's last days last week. "Untitled" (formerly "Self Portrait") 1945 on the left, and "Untitled" 1960.