Half Full Blown  8 x 8''

As all things go from bud to bloom, full to empty, and birth to another life, this peony series has given me a week of energy and painting satisfaction.  Must it end?

$200

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Presents

Presents  8 x10'' Oil on Canvas

This is the third in the Peony series.  Yesterday's post hinted at the presence of the gift of all the goodness in our lives, today's painting spells it right out!  There is no mistaking a gift with a ribbon..Perhaps when we dwell on the gifts we take for granted, they may prove to be the sweetest, of all.

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Presence

Presence    8x10'' Oil on Gessobord

The peonies have held up well for the week, and this is the second of three in this series.  They are opening gently and their subtle aroma, color and shape shifts are enthralling. Peonies have an elegance all their own.

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$225

The Light of My Life is You

The Light of My Life is You   6 x 6''   Oil on Gessobord

I felt it would be nice to get into the spirit of Christmas early this year.  Focusing on  everyday things and favorite memories pulled out of the closet each year, I am reminded that it's family that is the greatest gift of all.
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I have been selected for Spotlighted Artist on Daily Paint Works this week.  I will be giving away my painting ''not here...Here!'' to a lucky person who has purchased a painting in the last 30 days on DPW.  To read my interview with Daily Paint Works on their blog, click
here.

''not here...Here!''

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

In evidence unseen, her laughter whispered..''not here...Here!''

carolemayne.com

La Jolla Sunset

La Jolla Sunset  9 x 12 Oil

The 'set wave!' makes the biggest splash on the rocks and the one the painters and photographers keep their eye out for.  The radiance of the water in the afternoon sun was such fun to go out for.  When painting at the beach, you can't help but feel invigorated!

carolemayne.com

It's a New Day!

Pansies and Geraniums 8x10 - Oil on Gessobord

   Here is a new version of this scene I loved in Assisi.   After some time away from regular painting in my studio or outdoors, I have a new determination to keep my brushes wet and blank canvases ready. 

carolemayne.com

As Seen in Provence

Well, as Tialy's had seen in Provence!  I follow this blog and had to interpret this image of amber bottles for an upcoming show at SCOUT Home Furnishings in San Diego!

$175 ~ 8''x8 '' Oil on Gessobord

Like Sargent in Florence

Ok, so what I mean is that I was in Florence, like Sargent!  This summer I was thrilled to see the show ''John Singer Sargent and the Impressionists in Italy'' at the Palazzo Strozzi.  What a joy to see so many great paintings in a place where few tourists would go, just a few blocks from the Duomo!

This interior scene was in the convent where we stayed, so I set up a few things similar to Mr. Sargent's glowing interior painting, The Hotel Room.  I bow to his great genius, and offer my homage.  All of Sargent's paintings can be viewed at www.johnsingersargent.org.

11x 14'' Oil on Linen  $950.

Castelluccio

I felt so grateful to spend an afternoon in this mountain plateau in Italy this summer.  It is indeed more heavenly than you can imagine.

Castelluccio is about 30 miles northeast of Assisi.  Passing through Norcia, and up winding roads we imagined Ferraris would test-drive, our breath was taken away when we reached the overlook of the valley below.  I had to summon all my inner-patience as we made our way down to park in the valley floor.  We visually dove into the poppies, rapeseed flowers, and wildflowers. Again and again we praised those who had the vision to cultivate this land, and to the Creator for manifesting this fertile and gorgeous site.

Dodging the clouds and sunspots kept us in suspense all day, waiting for the perfect Divine Lighting to add spotlights to the scene!

Castelluccio 16'' x 20'' Oil on Linen

Faint Memory of Scents

These soft peach colored roses were found glowing in the Umbrian Sun.  The stones that make up Assisi are a duller version of this roses' color.   The memory of a beautiful morning walk is hidden in the scent receptors of my brain and the thought or sight of a rose can cause a joyous rush through those pathways!

8''x8'' Oil on Canvas 

 $175

Sing a New Tune

I love poppies and wanted this painting to have a lighter feel.  I like the intensity of the vase and the red petals against the blue gray background.

Sing a New Tune  12x12''  -   $250.00 

Portals to Ecstasy

What a superb time I enjoyed in Italy!  There was an abundance of everything one could imagine, flowers, fruit, artworks, holiness, and lush vistas.   My heart was opened to the kindness of souls and the centuries-old hardworking spirit of honoring and co-creating with Nature.
This doorway, like so many in Assisi,  transports me to another state of mind...where freedom and expansion reigns, and the awareness that we carry that portal within us at all times.  "Knock, and the door shall be opened..."

  ''Portals to Ecstasy''          8x8''         Oil on Canvas

Dream Catcher

I'm feeling like the owner of a sailboat named ''Dream Catcher''.   I'm about to sail off for a dream to Italy.  I'll be posting again in July with sketches of distant lands, breezes that have combed my hair, and hopefully a treasure or two!  Wish you were with me.
Ciao!

 ''Dream Catcher'' 8x10'' Oil on Canvas - $200

Dutch Masterpieces

I follow a blog called Tialys.  An English woman who lives in Provence and shares her passion for vintage finds.  She posted this iris and I used it for a painting demo this weekend.  I think  Irises and Rembrandt are at the top of  my 'Dutch Masterpieces' list!  8x10 Oil on Canvas $250. 

Standing for Peace

This is my Memorial Day painting, featuring the Lotus Towers of Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas, which have stood for over 60 years as a symbol of world peace.

$135  6x6'' Oil on Panel

Ristorant Mira

This painting was interesting because of the light falling on the front of the cafe and the bike.  I won't be stopping Monterosso al Mare on my trip next month, but always love to visit in my heart! 

20''x24'' Oil on Linen - $750

Hot & Sour

Today's drizzly San Diego weather conjures up a desire for Vietnamese Hot & Sour Soup! Instead of getting the cookbook out, I made 'visual soup' with shiny glass, silken onion skins, and a creamy white cloth. I hope you enjoy the taste. 
6x6''-  Oil on Panel-  $135.

Art is Alive in S.D.

Yesterday the phone just happened to take these photos, I confess, at the San Diego Musuem's Art Alive Event.  The best florists in town come to interpret the art in floral displays and it always is a joy to behold.  I hope I don't have to pay dearly for this art theft crime.  One look was not enough! 

Pouring Roses

These roses have come from my friends garden.  Spring comes faithfully to bring us Her gifts, and remind us of the energy that is resurrected, recycled, and retained by the Universe.
Throughout art history, designing with roses bring a richness and challenge all it's own...we can only approximate their beauty, really!

I wanted to brighten this image and so now we have ''37 1/2''.

Wine of the Mystic

Taken from the title of Paramahansa Yogananda's interpretation of ''The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, this drink refers to Spiritual Wisdom that make the seeker 'drunk with ecstasy'.  That's my kind of wine press!

Heart of Gold

This painting was an attempt to simplify a busy bunch of Freesia flowers.  I set them in strong morning light.   I hope you can almost smell their aroma!
 Heart of Gold 8'' x 16'' Oil on Canvas

Seduction

The fields where the poppies hide have 'called my name' a number of times since I first saw them.  I hope there will be some stray blooms when our group is there mid-June.  By necessity, I have become pretty satisfied with painting them, and letting my imagination go for a walk.
11''x 14''

Koi Garden

Here are the three paintings as they will look when framed as a triptych.  I've enjoyed the way these came together:  three different compositions that found their way to swim as one. 

Fairy Tail

Here's #3 in the Koi series.  Like all the 'fish' in my life, I have enjoyed being with them.
These will be displayed in an Oak Craftsman style frame, as a triptych, at Craftsman Revival in Solana Beach.  Tomorrow I'll post them side by side by side.

  8''x 8'' Oil on Gessobord

Basketful of Spring

Fresias and Pansies are calling out 'Spring!' in my yard.   They demanded to be painted on this glorious day.
8''x 8'' Oil on panel. $175

Circle Game

This circle composition shows that landscape formats can be used in many ways.  Abstract designs or fish need some structure, too!

Where in the World?

Where in the world would I find grapes so luscious?  These sunkissed grapes were found in Tuscany and embellished with a little imagination.