Cindy's Garden-Commission

36"x36"x2.5" oil on deep gallery wrapped canvas

Commissioned work

Commissions are such fun - and this one was incredibly fun- a friend's beautiful garden. Now she can have her wonderful blooms year round! No problems with deer, snow, etc.  The room has a long bank of windows looking out on the gardens. Our goal was to bring the garden indoors/extend the view so it could be enjoyed throughout the year.  When a painting is a major focal point of a room, color was the main thing we were strongly considering. The room has a blue-grey color theme, and her decorator suggested a strong pop of orange or coral...and by any chance did she know a local artist? My friend had always wanted to have a "Roxanne Steed" painting, but never could decide which one as she looked in her email box every morning at the things I would paint.  This gave me the chance to do something specifically for this very space - and really be the focal point of the room.  Taking on a commission is a special collaboration. You get to learn someones likes and dislikes, and together you come up with an idea that will greet them every time they come and go from their home.  In my next blog post I'll talk about the commission process and share the four studies I presented for consideration. They were the "jumping off" point to help us finalize our plan! She has come over to my studio to visit her painting while it was drying.  I always keep in touch with emails during the process, so they can see their painting "come to life". This week I'll be installing her painting in her home. I'm humbled and honored to have had this opportunity!

Kerry Grazing, Ireland - Valentia Island

24"x36" oil on canvas, 1 inch deep

For information or to purchase, click here. 

Heaven on earth.... 

Truly a delight for the senses. 

The breeze carries the sound of cows, grasses,  and the water in the channel as it laps the shore. 

I'm looking forward to my return this month...and I'll be accompanied by several artists and a few other creative types as well. We'll share the adventure with you! 

Mama's Got Yer Back, Cliffside Sheep, Ireland

10"x10"x1" oil on cradled birch panel

For more information or to purchase, click here.

Sunny days in Ireland are so brilliant! With a cool ocean breeze, it makes for a great seaside walk....or nap. This little one is cuddled next to mom...yeah, she's got his back, not to worry. 

Baaaaaaad-ass Sunbathing on Cliffs, Ireland - SOLD!

10"x10"x1" oil on cradled birch panel
For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

Every time I'm over in Ireland, I'm always amazed at how close to the edge of cliffs the sheep ramble over. I'd be dunked in the sea if I tried such a thing.  

Life is good, a little sunbathing stretched out on the grassy expanse, an ocean breeze, and a woolly jumper (haha!). 

Kerry Gold, Ireland, Sheep Grazing, Valentia Island - SOLD!

16"x16"x1" oil on cradled birch panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

It's definitely love at first site when I see the lambs and sheep out on Valentia Island. It's just off the coast of the Iverragh peninsula, on the south side of Dingle Bay.  Headed back at the end of June - I'm looking forward to seeing some of last year's participants, and meeting some new folks, too! This is such a magical place. 

GUARD in Dingle, Ireland; boats, Dingle Harbor

6"x6"x1" oil on wood 

This month I'm headed back to Ireland to teach a workshop. So in honor of that, I'll be painting as many Irish scenes that I can come up with through the month. 

Dingle harbor is a great place to find boats of all kinds, and all ages, and all colors!