Grasslands II

I am still having fun with grasses! This painting is the signature piece for my upcoming show at Edmond's Fine Art Institute. The artist's reception is July 9 from 5:30 to 7:30; the show runs through July 24th. I invite everyone to come by, browse, and hopefully, enjoy the 20 works I have included in the show. I am currently working on the next painting that highlights the grasses of the prairie--this one is a result of a plein-aire painting trip to Mt. Scott in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge with my friend and fellow artist, Sharon Webster (sharon webster. blogspot.com). We had such a great time; the wildflowers were gorgeous and the bison cooperated by moving across the road at a reasonable pace.

Prairie Wind

I am fascinated with grasses and the way they move in the wind; the way that light catches the tips and creates so much movement and color. I have to be careful when I am driving because I find my eyes on the fields and not on the road! This painting is one of a series I am working on, so keep checking my blog for more prairie vistas.

Red Landscape

Who would have thought that this painting, which I put into "time out" because I thought it was too bold, would end up becoming so popular? Both of my children are claiming it, so I have had giclees made to appease them, and it was selected for a national exhibit (Oklahoma Art Guild's Oklahoma Friendly Show). I seem to work in two opposing palettes--soft pastels and bright reds and oranges. I am told by other artists that this is okay, and I am not bi-polar! I have painted two more red landscapes and can still paint the soft florals, so I guess my personality is stable. Anyone who would like giclees of the paintings on my blog can contact me at pharris220@sbcglobal.net

Summer Shore

I painted this seascape from a photograph of the North Carolina coast near Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base where we lived for three years. My husband would drive our Volkswagon beetle (Herbie) onto the beach; he and the children would fish while I searched for shells and sketched. It was a wonderful time, and painting this picture brought back many warm memories. I have also learned that it has been accepted into the Oklahoma Art Guild's national juried exhibition which opens on March 6.