"Bucky"

"Bucky"
8 X 10

All my old pets seem to be on my mind alot lately. This is a painting of my first dog, Buckwheat, who we affectionately called Bucky. He was part of most of my growing up memories. I was probably about 10 when we got him. I think I got to pick him out since I was the youngest (Yay, me!) He is gone now, but I think of him often and miss him. My reference photo was probably taken by my sister, but I honestly don't know for sure!

"On the Track"

"On the Track"
Acrylic on Canvas
12 X 24

I have no interest in horse racing, but I really loved the reference picture I used and thought you all would enjoy it. I found this to be a very artistic photograph and looked at it as a challenge. My goal is to become more impressionistic. I love that style. I try not to think too hard when I paint, but to just enjoy the process. Reference by Margaret Townsend.

"Jessica's Mathias Alten"

"Jessica Mathias Alten"
Acrylic on Canvas
8 X 10
Sold

Mathias Alten's painting "Reflections" caught my attention with the colors. There was also a certain level of chaos to it that seemed to challenge me. I painted some parts of this with no clue what I was painting, but it somehow pulled together and gives me warm fuzzies when I look at it. I hope you enjoy my version and take the time to look at his!

"My Horses"

"Winnie"
8 X 10

"Sunday"
8 X 10

"Nic"
8 X 10

 Everyone who knows me, knows I love horses. I have since I was a little girl and never stopped. I remember dreaming about having my first horse and the hours I would spend pouring over horse magazines and catalogues.. I would add up the cost of what I needed to have a horse.

When I did finally did have the chance to get a horse, I was 14. Mom and dad had me pay them back the $1000.00 she cost.. and I did so with barely a thought. (Though it did take some time) I would've paid it twice over if I had to.

My first horse was a snob. She didn't like people for the most part and really didn't like to be ridden, but she was my best friend and though she frustrated me at every turn, I wouldn't have traded her for anything. I fell off her, got run away with, she escaped her pen ALL the time and she was hard to catch! But I probably learned more from her than any of the sweet horses I have been privileged to work with. She taught me about myself and about my capabilities and that if you stick with it, loyalty is an unmeasured gift.

My second horse was snarky as well and occasionally had an attitude, but she was so gorgeous and enjoyed being ridden. I didn't think I would ever sell her. She showed me what my training skills were capable of. Easy on the eyes and particular about her people.. She was a good fit for me. She also enjoyed children. Which is probably why she is now being used as a therapy horse in Missouri with her new owner.

My last horse was what I hoped to be the beginning of my grown-up horse dreams. She had the breed, the genes, the movement and was sweet, easy to catch, gentle and every other good word I can think of. She never held a grudge and would try anything I asked. But she did have a little pep in her feet. She was the perfect family horse and though she was more ordinary in color, she had the best attitude. We are lucky enough to be able to visit her and ride her on occasion as life takes us on a course different from young dreams.

Sometimes I miss them more than words can tell, but mostly I have wonderful memories stored up that I can look back on and that spur me ahead to a new dream with riding lessons for my kids, horses in the back field again someday and the joy of realizing new dreams and adventures.

"Jessica's Monet #11"

"Jessica's Monet #11"
Acrylic on Canvas
8 X 10

This is a remake of Monet's "Fishermans Cottage at Varengeville" and makes me want to go camping.. or fishing.. I would love to stay in a cottage by the sea!! Especially up high on the cliffs. We stayed somewhere like this at Prince Edward Island when my sister and I graduated high-school. Had the beaches to ourselves! It was such a nice trip. Love that some of these paintings of places far away can remind of of places closer to me.

I hope you enjoy!

"Lew's Pond"

"Lew's Pond"
Acrylic on Canvas
16 X 20
Commissioned

Photo by Brittany Willis

A sweet friend of mine requested a commissioned piece of her Uncle's pond to remember him by now that he is gone. She had a lovely photo she had taken for me to use. I knew it was special to her, so I tried to be as detailed and accurate as my painting style allows. I hope she and her family enjoys it for many, many years ahead and I like to think her Uncle would have been pleased to be remembered in such a way.