Sunset at Sugarloaf Cays

Sunset at Sugarloaf Cays was done as a demonstration in the art classes I teach at Suntree Country Club in Melbourne, Florida. The students really enjoyed learning how to paint sunsets. The composition was relatively simple and easy for the students to paint. It was done from a photograph taken in the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. My husband and I lived aboard our boat, Best of Times, for several years and spent a great deal of time in the Bahamas. This is just one of the many paintings that arose from our cruising life.

Le Chambre a La Meridienne

On our recent trip to France, we stayed at La Meridienne, a lovely bed and breakfast near Arles, Provence. Our wonderful hosts were Mary Jo and Philippe who entertained us in grand style. Philippe is an oil painter. I really wanted to do a painting at this charming chambres d'hotes, but was somewhat intimidated since Philippe was a painter. As you can see, I overcame my intimidation and did this little work of Chambre Cypres. The small olive tree on the right is one of several on the property. They surround the pool and all the rooms as well as the wonderful outdoor dining area shown in the photo.

French Estate

I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy and France. After we left Tuscany and Provence, we enjoyed a short visit with our friends, Jacqueline and Michel, in their lovely home near Toulouse. This painting is a portrait of their home. The media is pen and watercolor wash. The home is in a very beautiful setting with hundreds of evergreen trees. The contrast between the white house and the dark green trees is lovely. The home suddenly emerges from the parkland setting at the end of the long driveway. The terra cotta tile roof is a nice complement to the beautiful lawn and dark green trees. I really enjoy painting portraits of beautiful homes!

Ballet Slippers

This little painting, Claire's Old Friends, was done on a recent visit to see my granddaughter. Claire is devoted to ballet and is very proud of her worn out ballet slippers. I really enjoyed painting them and hope that you like Claire's Old Friends as much as I do. I love painting shoes and am currently working on a pair of riding boots. If you have some shoes with special meaning, I would love to paint them! Just send me an email at myartalacarte@gmail.com and let me know what you have in mind.