Kissed by a Butterfly

I have a very artistic friend who takes amazing photos.  She waited patiently for a butterfly to land on one of her flowers and she was successful in capturing a beautiful moment.  I am so thankful Marsha Thomas would allow me to use her photo to create my interpretation of being kissed by a butterfly.

True Love - SOLD

Love Song - SOLD

I love a good love song! 

Mercy - SOLD

Mercy is a broad term that refers to benevolence, forgiveness and kindness.  In a article for the National Catholic Reporter, Vinita Hampton Wright reflects on what mercy looks like in everyday life.   Wright realizes that mercy is about small moments in most cases.  

"For example, mercy gives you his seat on the bus, acting as if he was about to get up anyway rather than making you feel that he is doing you a favor.  Mercy does not let out that sigh - you know the one-the wordless disapproval toward the person in the check-out line ahead of you whose card didn't swipe, or who can't find her coupons, or whose toddler is having a meltdown.  Mercy offers quiet sympathy and does not convey with her body language that this holdup is ruining her day.  Sometimes mercy chooses to not send back the food that isn't just right, simply because the waitress looks overwhelmed."

PEACE - GIFTED

I painted this large 36" x 36" painting for a show I am going to be in next month.  I found an internet based program that allows me to view it in a room.  Most of the rooms available for viewing are very contemporary but I think it gives a good example of how the painting could be used.

Seeking the Sacred SOLD

There will always be flowers for those who want to see them. - Henri Matisse

Acrylic 8" x 8" on gallery wrapped canvas

The Artist

I fell in love with a photo reference I found on Paint My Photo by Rosemary Clark2.  I loved the way the light played around the scene and I hope I was able to capture that.  Painting light is hard to do especially from photos.  I really like the spirit of this artist and hope I am still painting when my hair is white......actually it might be now but I know a very good colorist.

Blue Roses - SOLD

I've Got My Eye On You

The Challenge at Daily Paintworks this week was a bird challenge.  I usually paint a small painting every morning to "loosen up" so I thought I could paint this little bird from a photo reference from Wendy Sinclair.  I actually thought I could whip it out since it is on a 6" x 6" gessobord but I was very wrong.  Many times what seems like it would be easy completely fools me and it takes much longer to "get happy" with a painting because it does not come easy.  Some paintings just want to be painted and they come very easy.  I felt like this guy was mocking me.

Redeemed - SOLD

I do not want to paint sunflowers that look like circles with daisy petals.  Many times it is harder to paint in an impressionistic manner than to paint an exact replica, for me anyway.  To copy a picture is similar to coloring in a coloring book for me and I find my paintings do not have interest or individuality.  Some people call that being "tight" in their painting style. I fought that urge to paint the sunflower exactly like the photo reference I was using but I told my brush to be free and I think the sunflower was redeemed.

Holy Ground - SOLD

8" x 8" on gallery wrapped canvas (1 1/2" depth on sides - painted)

Absolute Chaos - SOLD

Well I have felt that my life has been in "absolute chaos" for the past month with my son, daughter in law and their 4 children staying with us during house renovations.  When you get older and have no children in your home and you settle in to little routines, having 6 people move in complete with legos, thousands of legos - well it can really change things around.  We actually made it very well.  I love them all and my daughter in law helps me organize and rearrange so that my life if more manageable.  I have kinda of a artistic personality that is not exactly like that.  They all left today and my house seems so much bigger but so much quieter...........too quiet.

Serenity - SOLD

I love the Serenity Prayer:  

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

courage to change the things I can, 

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Beauty and the Beach - SOLD

My friend and I visited Cancun a couple of years ago. We had been watching all the young ladies walk by in bikinis and lamenting the fact  that those days were over for us.  We remembered when we were the young girls who drank milkshakes and ate tons of fries and never gained an ounce.  Then we saw these three ladies enjoying the ocean and their friendships and they were totally comfortable with who they were and did not even care that their bikini bodies were long gone.  They inspired us!  They brought us back to reality and the fact that life and bodies change but the inner beauty and wisdom that comes with age is priceless.  I painted another version of these three about 2 years ago and the painting seemed to resonate with so many of us more "mature" women.

Three Amigos

This week the challenge at DPW was to paint fruit.  I set 3 apples in a roll on my drafting table and sat down to paint them in acrylics.  I was uncertain about the colors I was seeing in the shadows of the apples so I asked my granddaughter was she saw and she said, baby blue mixed with purple and white.  She was right on target.  She does this consistently.  She truly has a gift to see colors.  That is one of the hardest things for me as an artist to actually "see" not paint what you think you know.

4" x 6" canvas board

Living Faith - SOLD

I meet with a wonderful Spiritual Director each month who consistently encourages me to live faith and practice the presence of God.  

Color Me Happy - SOLD

My friends laugh at me all the time because they say I take picture while just walking down the street but one day I passed this flower pot outside a business and I fell in love with the flowers, the dark background of the building and the way the light was so bright on the sidewalk.  I painted this little 6" x 6" to see if I would like to paint a larger one and I do and I will.  It does make me happy

Catch of the Day - SOLD

One of my friends took a photo of another friend's grandchild after his great catch while fishing.  I fell in love with this little guy - his stance, his half smile and the way he was watching that fish so closely with a little question in his expression as to what to do next.  I always love painting children but because four of my grandchildren and their parents are staying at my house while their house is undergoing renovations, I have children more on my mind than ever.  I had forgotten what day to day energy it takes for parents to raise, nurture, feed, dress, bath, and answer one thousand questions on a daily basis.  I am so proud of my son and his wife and the way they handle this parenting quest every day with patience and love and Christian direction.  Wow!  I hope some small part of my parenting skills measure of to theirs and in some way I helped in this legacy.

Independence Day - SOLD

Every year my good friend and I go to the beach for a week and I am constantly snapping photos to use later.  (My daughter was with me one time and told me my photo shooting was getting out of hand).  Anyway, Deb and I saw this cute little girl playing by the water and she had on the cutest red, white and blue swimsuit with stars on the top.  I loved the suit and the little girl.  I am painting for a show coming up and I certainly wanted to include Ms. Independence Day.

Redhead - SOLD

I have been so honored to have been asked to paint several commissions for the last two months.  I have also been given some wonderful time with my grandchildren to teach them how to paint but today was a great day because I was able to sit down at my easel and paint something for me.  Rodney Campbell gave me permission to paint his lovely redheaded woodpecker.  Rodney captures nature at it's best and brings beauty to the most common moments.  Check out his Facebook page

Bailey - SOLD

When you have a little girl with such blue eyes it is hard to make sure you capture that sparkle.  Bailey is a little cutie and I know for a fact she is the apple of her Grandmother's eye.

The Boys - SOLD

I have had several commissions for Father's Day.  What a better way to capture special memories than a painting of favorite moments.  These boys are in the back of their pickup truck.  Looks like a day of fun.  Happy Father's Day!

For my artist friends,  you know how we learn something with each painting we do.  Well, most of you already practice this lesson I know, but this is a 8" x 10" painting.  I will never do a portrait that size again.

Jan's Gran - SOLD

So much joy in a little guy running on the beach.

Corky's Little Church - SOLD

Last month I painted a little white church that is on the road leading to the little church my husband is filling in for.  Our little church offers yard sales, bake sales and auctions every month to raise finances to keep their church going.  I offered the little church painting as part of one of those auctions and the response to this little church has been overwhelming.  There seems to be a "little white church" in so many or our lives.  And with this memory are memories of days gone by,  ministers, special moments and probably remembrance of our own spirituality.  A symbol that God is with us and always has been.  

Gilbertas and Daddy - SOLD

Nothing reminds me of Father's Day more about than two guys and a train going for a walk.

Never Grow Up - SOLD

Oh my Goodness - time goes by so fast and while I was painting this picture of Jamesdon I was so reminded by the song playing in the background from Taylor Swift - Never Grow Up.  These tender moments when a little boy is fascinated by picking flowers (probably for Mama) and the sweet, sweet things they say race by so quickly.  Recently I entertained four grandkids and it was utter chaos but tons of fun and during the multitude of nighttime rituals such as teeth brushing, potty time and getting pjs on, my little four year old looked at me so serious and asked, "Mimi, why do we have eyebrows?" They stop me in my tracks to just laugh.  And then seeing them all snuggly in bed and sleeping so sweetly  - I smile and my heart just wants to melt.  And the next morning My "little boy" comes to pick up his little people and he reminds me he will be 40 years old this year.  What????

I still remember what he looked like in his pjs sleeping sweetly.........................

High Key Church - SOLD

I wanted to try a more high key painting and so many people seem to respond to my little churches that I used one I have wanted to paint for a while now.  I would love to hear from you to see what you think.  

Sarah Jane - SOLD

There are times when I paint children that I just fall in love and this was one of those times. In the reference photo I was given to paint from it looks like God is shining down love from Heaven on this little jewel.

Her mother also provided a close up of Sarah Jane so that I could see her personality a little more and I painted this first to have her looking over my shoulder at the larger one.

Soccer Strategy

This painting is one of my grandsons and his friend who played soccer together this Spring.  The little girl is so good and it looks like she has some definite ideas for the next play.  I love her pink socks and pink ball.  She is full of "girl power".

12" x 16" oil on stretched canvas   $200

Still Life

The genre of "Still Life" describes a painting featuring an arrangement of inanimate, everyday objects, whether natural objects (flowers, food, wine, etc.) or manufactured items (books, bottles, crockery, etc.).  According to the internet, the Tate Museum Glossary puts it very succinctly, defining the subject of a still life as "anything that does not move or is dead.  

If you use that last description I might be categorized as a still life.  Last night I met with four other long time artist friends, shared a wonderful meal and then stayed up all night and painted.  One of my friends has a wonderful farm complete with her own private studio.  We literally painted all night and after a wonderful breakfast, I drove home (1 1/2 hour drive).  I am really tired and  I have truly not moved much since I returned home  except to post this painting.   I might be a little out of shape for this.............

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/still-life-ii/479764

Out of the Blue - SOLD

For my artist friends - have you ever just "felt" the need to paint something not knowing why you are drawn to it.  It might be the colors, the composition, the way you are feeling at the moment or you just want to try it.  Sometimes I paint something that I think is specifically for someone.  Maybe the painting will resonate with them and they will know it immediately or maybe it is just for me to have the opportunity to play with the colors and see what happens on the canvas. Sometime I find myself asking, "where did that come from?"  That is the way it was with this little painting.  It is very different than the things I usually paint.  I am experimenting with acrylics more and more and have found a new love for them and that is what I used with this.  

Do Dah Days - DONATED

Do Dah Days was celebrated in Birmingham this weekend and a friend and I walked around the park during the activity surrounding the set up.  We saw this gentleman walking his dog and we loved his white hat and pants and his little friend.  I am donating this painting to the Oasis Counseling Center Art Card sell that help to raise funds to help women, children and families have access to high quality mental health services. 

I rarely paint in acrylics  but I needed to this morning to ensure the painting would be completely dry for delivery by Friday.  I find I am enjoying the freshness of color and the quick clean up with water.  

Girlfriend Gifts

Recently someone commissioned me to paint a whimsical painting of her and her girlfriends for gifts for Mother's Day.  These little remembrance paintings became very popular with others.  If you would like to create a memory of you and your girlfriends, you can send me particulars of the event you would like to capture in the painting to paintingbythelake@gmail.com.  The small 6" x 8" original paintings are $25 + shipping or you can order cards, t-shirts or tote bags from my site at  http://fineartamerica.com/featured/girlfriend-gifts-marcia-hodges.html?newartwork=true

Jameson - SOLD

I simply love painting children and this little guy seems to be amazed as he looks out at the ocean.

Beach Awed

I took this picture while people watching at the beach in Destin.  This little love was with her family and she stopped and just stared at the ocean for the longest time as if she was in awe.  I wondered if it was her first time to ever visit the beach.  It brought back memories of me taking my children to the beach for the first time and up until that visit they had only visited water parks with simulated "waves".  My son who was probably about 3 or 4 stood looking out at the ocean just like this and asked me, "Mama, when will they turn the waves off?"

This is a 16" x 20" on gallery wrapped canvas and is available at Sunshine Village Gallery/Art/Antiques in Georgia.  The cost is $300.  If you are interested in purchasing you may contact me at paintingbythelake@gmail.com

The Old Home Place

This was my third painting at the Plein Air Paint Out.  The home on the Stamps farm was built in the 1800's and was a very stately presence on the 500 acres
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/the-old-home-place/476378

The Garden Gate

This is one of the pieces I completed when painting with the Alabama Plein Air artists.  Lovely setting in Montevallo, Al at the Stamps farm.  Lovely large farm with many areas to paint.  In the back of the house there was a garden surrounded by a white fence with beautiful little rose bushes here and there.  I love the peacefulness of painting outside.  It was rather funny that there were peacocks also on the farm that would periodically cry out with a loud noise...not sure they liked us being there.

This is a 9" x 11" oil on linen canvas.  

The Old Red Barn - SOLD

A couple of friends and I are planning a trip to Colorado to paint with a wonderful artist, Julee Hutchison.  We are very excited about this privilege but I, for one do not fee very confident with Plein Air painting so I painted this weekend with the Alabama Plein Air group to try and get some practice.  I love painting outdoors as the colors are so vivid, the air is wonderful and you can hear birds chirping.  The downside is that there are bugs that do not even care if you wear bug spray, the sun is very hot if you do not have an umbrella (note to self - BUY one!) and I am sure there were snakes nearby when I was standing near the tall grass. 

To see more of Julee's work visit http://www.juleehutchison.com/paintings.php 

Waiting My Turn

I am late getting my hummingbird feeder ready this year and because of that, I have not seen one hummingbird rushing by.  Usually they are knocking each other off the feeder and last year there was one who would go sit in the tree nearby and wait for his chance to have the feeder all to himself.  That was unusual as they generally are very aggressive toward each other.  I hope word gets out that I now have the feeder full with the red, sweet stuff so my little friends will visit.  I love them.

Beach Dreams - SOLD

This is the second time I have painted "Evie" - she is such a doll.  The first time I painted from her photo I gave the painting to her mother.  This painting is 16" x 20" and will be available at Sunshine Village - Gallery/Art/Antiques in Watkinsville, Georgia.  I am happy to be represented there and have several pieces ready to be shipped.  Stop by if you are in that area as art is always better "in person".

Take Me to Church - SOLD

Several times during the year I donate a painting to a good cause.  This painting is going to be auctioned in Northern Virginia for a Young Life event.  the organization provides Christian retreats for young people.

"Moo" - SOLD

I am really not sure what draws me to particular subject.  I did not set out today to just "paint a cow" but I saw a photo of this jersey cow by Bonnie Sitter and I liked the way she was walking around in the wildflowers and the way she turned her best side to the camera.

I Have a Bluebird On My Shoulder

I have been sick with the flu this week and have missed seeing my grandchildren but one of their toys just called out to me to be painted.  This is a little bear with a bluebird on his shoulder that I found at one of the many hospital gift shops I have visited around the country and the bear actually moves and sings the song with the bird chirping along.  Maybe it is magical thinking to think that something just wants to be painted, maybe this painting is for someone in particular, I am not sure but I believe in that Spirit and believe these fellows have a little bit of magic inside them.

Simple and Elegant - SOLD

The photo reference for this piece came from Paint My Photo and a photographer named  Viacheslavi. I love his photo references - he fades and blends his photos so that you do not have to even design your composition but just follow his lead.  He has a great eye for making even the most simple arrangement unique and beautiful.  I am so glad there are wonderful photographers out there who share their art with us painters.

I will say that even though the scene itself emanates simplicity, I did not find the painting very simple to paint.  For one thing it is always a challenge for me to paint glass.  You don't really paint glass, but what is behind it.  I find the challenge is to know when you have said enough without overdoing it.  Leave something for the mind to complete in the painting.  I also struggled with the background and could not decide what to do with it.  I tried painting it the way it appeared in the photo reference but it did not work at all the way I wanted it to.  Finally I decided to just wipe off and follow my inner creative sprit and what "felt right" without over thinking.

I was reminded of a time I threw out dying flowers from the deck  into the yard only to find that the next Spring they had taken root on the hillside by my home and were creeping down the hillside and looked wonderful!  When I showed them to my grandson, Weston, he said, "Mimi, sometimes things just happen".  Well, in this painting, "things just happened" and I like them.

Roses and Ribbons

I have been focused on flowers this week and I enrolled in a short online workshop with Richard Robinson from The Complete Artist.  Enjoyed the video demo but painting roses is very hard for me.  I am not sure if I just have an artist block toward them or I have just not spent enough time painting them but I find them hard to paint.  They are like little puzzles that have to be carefully followed to get "put together".  In addition, I am not a very detailed oriented, realistic painter so it takes a lot of decision making in regard to soft edges and lost edges and how to complete the painting using red without having your entire studio, clothes, hair, lunch, walls everything not end up red.  Red just has a life of it's own and once out of the tube be careful.....it crawls around

I'll Sing in the Sunshine - SOLD

I love sunflowers and these rainy, rainy days make me want to see the sun and flowers.

Spring Has Sprung - SOLD

Recently I was with a friend at a local garden shop and feel in love with this cute, little odd shaped white vase and I found two poppies that worked nicely in it - one green and the other one pink.  I was thinking about the way I could use these in a painting while my friend was looking at a little owl decoration.  She said, "you always see a painting while I see a decoration or gift."  We laughed because that describes us pretty well.  We "see" with different eyes.  I loved the way this painting turned out.  I painted it with a palette knife which brings a softness and all kinds of unexpected surprises with the paint.  I have very neutral paint on my walls and these colors just work there.  I hope this painting finds a home but it just might turn out to be mine.