Five Kids on snowy hillside with sled

The picture quality is terrible because I've had to use the mac photo booth to take it. My computer goes to "the shop" today and I may be off-line for a few days.


KIDS SLEDDING is 4 x 5 inches, acrylic on canvas wrapped stretcher. Check out more of my ebay offerings. New miniature works weekly for the next 5 months... It is an experiment!

Self help book on couch in clouds

6 x 9 inches
Thank goodness for small moments among the holiday festivities where I can get away and paint. This painting brought a whole mood shift with it. Fabulous.
There is so much work to be done, the tools are right there, I just have to get my lazy butt up and off the couch to secure the changes. And often just the thoughts exhaust me. Time for a new year's resolution?

Christmas Couch Three Presents

6 x 9 inches acrylic on panel
Executed in a palette of mostly reds, this charming scene is not appropriately represented using my computer photo booth to document it. The glare is a reflection from the screen, which I can't tone down anymore.
Hope everyone is having a fine holiday season. I do feel, contrary to my low spirits, blessed by having so many friends and supporters this year. It's too early to recap how lucky I feel- so instead I will spare you and leap away from the computer today... coffee and stocking awaits!!!

Dream Lounge under full moon

This is  a chaise lounge chair. If it was only velvety red it would be perfect for a corner of my bedroom. I could "lounge" there all day and read self help books and munch on potato chips while my toe nail polish dried. No seriously- I would, if I owned such a chair, give up the bad habits of self help books! So instead I'd snuggle with my cats and needlepoint pillows with images of my chickens. 

Right now, these days, I do not quiete know how to maneuver. I know I am forgeting things and only getting the minimal done- like pick up a son at the train, feed everyone a meal, check the animals. My dreams are quickly filling up with water. I can't see my footing. Everything is about a foot deep under mysterious water. This painting, at 6 x 9 inches of acrylic on wood luan panel, was created today in that dull lull between errands.

Also- my eBay work has been selling. Still great deals. Today a really nice hen is going for $5. If you have a chance, check it out. That reminds me! I have to wrap and ship paintings and presents. My Christmas cards are inevitably turning into New Years cards... 

Oh- there is so much to do!!!! Thank goodness there isn't a chair like this to entice me.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

Seems like my computer is dying. It's doing all sorts of funny things and won't recognize my camera so I cannot post todays painting.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a new day.

Not exactly a holiday picture

MY computer is not recognizing my camera so this photo of this painting, in desparation, was taken using the camera built into the lap top. So it's not cropped well... sorry.

6 x 9 acrylic on primed luan panel.

Trying not to have a pity party... though with all the changes this holiday, I'm feeling sad and short on brilliance. Short on time too. So the idea of crying all day, in a chair with nothing but a box of tissue and a ray of light, is only a fantasy.

Before my computer dies I am hoping to spread the word on my ebay offerings. there is one small chicken painting that is really quiet divine going for $5 tomorrow. It's worth a bit more. Search for Tilly Strauss to see it and others. thanks... and go do the elf thing, create magic for your family, friends and neighbors.

Tiny wing in silver frame

Well- When you think you should start to fly, I imagine a small wing would feel appropriate. Paired with the Tiny Nest from a few days ago, I see the poetry of transformation. Both are individually 2.75 x 4.25 inches framed. Acrylic on primed cotton canvas. 

I have focused on painting just the leading edge of one wing. For maximum lift potential it needs to be strong and light. 

Lately, I have sought time for reflection. Pondering questions such as, for what purpose do I paint? Why does it need to be posted and seen? Perhaps it is by painting images of my toil and growth that I tap into a common memory. By letting others see and enjoy the work, I keep the flow of the Muse. Too much reflection and analysis might kill all my enthusiasm. Too much reliance on the market valuation will kill it too. These are unique times for me. I have never seen a fall in economy as I have these last few months. I have been painting full time for the last 5 years, and it has been a blessing and privilege. Thanks to all my blog readers who send me comments, encouragement, questions, and insights. I hope this week finds you with both wings and a cozy nest.