"Memories of Aunt Kathleen" - sold

7"x5" oil on gessoed masonite artboard

"Fast, away the old year passes; Fa la la la la,la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses; Fa la la la la,la la la la."
- Welsh carol



This is the second character requested in this paired commission. They are to be a gift for her dear friend who moved back to Ireland last year. I certainly enjoyed being a part of creating this gift, and being in on some shared happy memories.

I also made some more updates to my web-site just last night. Take a look if you have a moment! Let me know what you think of it!

"No More Cows...Off To Flannigans" - sold

7"x5" oil on gessoed masonite artboard

"God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road."
- Isak Dinesen

As you've noticed if you're following this blog- I've changed the name of this painting from 'Wellies" to it's new title. When a collector commissions a painting- I ask if they would like to name it - they usually have particular connections to the visual that are from a specific point in their lives (or their friends, if it is a gift). And I, as the painter, get to take part in an incredible bit of fun as we collaborate - and I get to hear their stories, their take on a particular scene. I feel pretty lucky in getting to take part in this!

I am painting two of the 'characters' from my recent travels to Ireland. My friend & I spotted this older gent in CastleIsland, Ireland. At her suggestion we stopped at Nelligan's for doughnuts and tea...and did a bit of people watching besides! This painting is already claimed by a collector who commissioned a version of her two favorite Ireland scenes. I have a step-by-step demo on my website to show you how this painting was created.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the first day I go in for radiation treatment. They'll be taking measurements for future visits so they'll know they have the right aim on future zappings. I'll be on a rather 'short leash' for about six weeks. It's an every day commitment during that time. It hardly seems fair that I'll be as though I'm sun-burned as heck and not even get out of this snowy place! hmmpf! I feel like I've been 'cramming for college finals' with all the information I've been reading about cancer. Well, that's all I have to say about that- I'm ready to talk painting again!!

It is indeed the happiest thing to be painting again!

Cliffside Sunbathing In Irish Wool

5"x7" oil on gessoed masonite archival artboard

"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body."
- Seneca

Here is another pair of sheep that I took the time to watch while taking a walk up to Brae Head on Valentia Island (Ireland) this past summer. Their pasture was right along the cliff's edge, partially looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, and partly over the channel between the island and Portmagee. Each pair, momma and baby, were so calm. Babies resting, mothers keeping watch, ever alert. Painting these woolly characters just reinforces my memory of what a wonderful day I had - and a most enjoyable long walk along the lane.

For purchase information, email me: roxannesteed@gmail.com

Follow That Star - sold

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite archival artboard

"Be still and aware of God's presence within and all around."
- 'Celtic Prayers from Iona', J. Philip Newell


I have some great news to share today- I met with my oncologist early Friday morning, and I will NOT be needing chemo. What a huge relief. I'm not quite through this journey yet though. I meet with a radiologist on Monday. But today's news is like having a 10-ton gorilla jump off my back. I feel as light as a 'pixie'! :-D

Now for the painting - This is my "Christmas card' painting to share with all of you. As a child, I always wondered how far away the 'star of Bethlehem' could be seen at night. Would I have been able to see it from the other side of the world (my 6 year old self would wonder)? I love being out in the country at night, far from city lights that dim the stars...when the sky is clear, and the stars light up the ground. It is so beautiful. How many children get to experience that any more....with the blinding lights of suburbia hiding all but the very brightest stars? And do they know of the Christmas story?

Crisp Morning Late Autumn New England Barns

8"x10" oil on Belgian linen mounted on archival board (Raymar)

"What pensive beauty autumn shows."
- William Wordsworth

Crisp Morning Late Autumn New England Barns

About This Painting:
We've been having some warm days here in New England, considering it's December. I took advantage of it today to get outside and paint over at Harkness Park. Even though the leaves are all down, there is a wonderful variety of grays in the woods! Wow! Nothing like fresh air and sunshine!

Media: oil on Belgian linen mounted on professional artboard
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)

How to Purchase:
send me an email

Naptime Lamb With an Ocean View, Valentia Island, Ireland

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite archival artboard

"So simple is the earth we tread,
So quick with love and life her frame,
Ten thousand years have dawned and fled,
And still her magic is the same."
- Stopford A. Brooke (1832-1916)



Here is the next one in the series! I like the poem, as it describes some of the simply delightful things that have always delighted us, held that big of magic for us, over the span of time. A walk on a beautiful sunny day, down the lane toward Bray Head, on Valentia Island this past summer held that magic for me.... The high pastures overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the channel between Valentia Island and Portmagee. The young lambs are so cute curled up by their moms!

For purchase information, email me: roxannesteed@gmail.com

Napping With Baaa-bee Lamb, Valentia Island, Ireland - sold

"O the sunshine of old Ireland,
when it lies
On her woods and on her waters;
And gleams through her soft skies,
Tenderly as the lovelight in her daughters'
Gentle eyes."
- John Todhunter


Oh it felt soo good to be back painting again today. I've been wanting to get back to this little series of lambs.... the mamas & the babies. On my summer visits to Ireland I love watching the lambs playing in the fields. On this particular day, there was a large group taking naps in the sunshine as a brisk breeze blew in off the Atlantic. I had taken a walk down the lane toward Bray Head, and the pastures that line the upper cliff edges overlooking the channel between Portmagee & Valentia Island were dotted with sheep! It seemed I caught them all at nap-time...and it was tempting to find a nice sunny spot in the field and curl up for one, too! They always bring a smile to my face!

Back on the medical front, I'm healing up well, post surgery. Don't know too much of what's to come next as far as treatment, but I meet with an oncologist on Dec. 11th. Until then, I'm working on staying healthy (eating right & exercising) and happy (by getting back to my work! I've missed painting). Things like this sure slow you down by default, but you start to realize what's really important in life, and count your blessings! Thanks for all the prayers, kind words & good wishes. It's been incredible support...and I've learned lots about breast cancer in the process as well. One in eight women will have this in our population. That seems like A LOT to me!