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.