Sandia Vista

The southwest has always held special place in my heart. Our family traveled through this region many times when we were changing locations due to military assignments. The vistas and the atmosphere near Santa Fe hold a fascination for me unlike any other region. The quality of light is amazing, and the changing colors of the desert and mountains are always a challenge. I spent many hours working on the warm and cool hues to capture the vibrancy of these landscapes. This painting is currently in Nault Fine Art Gallery in Midtown, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Arroyo

One day while driving along a highway in southern california, I saw this arroyo winding up a small canyon. The light was perfect, so my husband photographed it for me. Later, in the studio I completed the painting in one day using mostly palette knife. The painting is now in Dean-Lively Gallery in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Santa Fe Vista

I am fascinated by the play of light and color in the southwest landscape, especially the way the sky can change so rapidly. The movement of the clouds can both inspire and frustrate the artist. The hues and shades of the desert are constantly fluctuating, so you have to be quick!

Santa Fe Vista II

In this painting I contrasted the warm and cool colors that make the area surrounding Santa Fe, New Mexico so amazing. Our family criss-crossed the southwest many times on our vacations, so I have an abundance of photos and memories to work from. I am continually inspired by the beauty of these landscapes and the challenge to convey the emotional impact they have had on my art.

Sky Glow

I have spent many fascinating hours watching clouds, especially at the twilight time of day. I love the way they constantly change color and form. It is a challenge to capture something so fleeting. In this painting I focused on the emotional response to those last precious minutes of the evening. People have asked me if this is a landscape or a seascape. What do you think?

Prairie Vista

I have been so busy that I have neglected to post some of my recent paintings. These three pieces are ones that I had in a recent show at Dean-Lively Gallery in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Autumn Blaze

Spring Melt

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.

Summer Memory

Every summer our family traveled to Los Cabos, Mexico for a wonderful summer vacation. I always enjoyed walking along the shore in the late afternoon and early evening when the soft light created muted colors and the clouds seemed to glow from within. Remembering those peaceful times is a source of comfort for me, and I hope this painting produces similar feelings for you as well.

Into the Garden

This painting was inspired by one of my friend's gardens. Her philosophy has always been, "if one is good, twenty or thirty are better." Consequently, her yard is full of rich vibrant colors, shapes and textures. I marvel at how many plants she can get into one area, and how they all seem to "get along." I am inspired to emulate her, but I just can't get excited about the work required for such a beautiful garden. I would rather paint it than plant it.

Breaking Away

I started painting these tulips from a picture I took this spring in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The tulips were planted in straight perfectly aligned rows, and I thought how boring for the tulips. If I were a tulip, I would want to have more fun, so I let them rebel a little and gave them some freedom. I think they look happier and more carefree which is what I think spring is all about.

Rainy Mountain Vista

When I was working on this painting , I was reminded of Pulitzer Prize winning author N. Scott Momaday's autobiographical work "The Way to Rainy Mountain." I enjoyed sharing his story of the Kiowa heritage and the significance of the land known in Oklahoma as Quartz Mountain with my high school students. I hope I captured some of the mystery and beauty of this landscape.

Spring Fling

A popular park in Edmond, Hafer Park, was the subject of this painting. I photographed it on a a bright and sunny April day. It ws one of those days that makes you glad that winter is over.

Summer Song

Marigolds are one of my favorite summer flowers. They survive the intense Oklahoma heat and provide a bright spot in my garden. With their faces in the sun, they look like a choir. Summer song seems to fit this painting.