MORE PAINTINGS • IMAGES FROM AROUND THE WORK INCLUDING PORTRAITS OF PEOPLE AND PETS!
"CORNISH RIVIERA" AND ROSAMUND PILCHER ~ When I was recovering from an illness a while back, a friend recommended British author Rosamund Pilcher. "You'll LOVE her," she said, going on to share that her books made readers feel like you were "inside the stories" as they gave detailed desciptions of settings and warm down-to-earth characters you'd want to have as friends.
Although this compelling storyteller passed away in April 2019, readers still love her heartfelt novels, "The Shell Seekers," "September," "Coming Home," and many of her short stories. When travelling, I often bring her books on tape and DVD to make a long journey more pleasant.
In 2002, when Doug and his buddies traveled to the U.K., at Scotland's Turnberry Golf Resort, I left them, heading south to Cornwall where I visited many of the settings the author introduced in her books. For three days, I stayed at Belyar's Croft in Saint Ives in a sea captain's home (now an inn), before reconnecting with my sweetheart and his two pals in London. I hiked "Land's End," visited art galleries, perused a World War II musuem, picnicked on a "pasty" on the harbor wall (left), and drank a shandy at "The Slding Tackle" ~ all mentioned in her books. What fun to make her stories and characters really come to life!
This MORE PAINTINGS page shares other settings and subjects from the Pacific NW (like the Everett, WA's Fire Department scenes and beloved golf settings) that are not featured on my PUGET SOUND and INLAND NW (SPOKANE) pages. On this page, you'll find Americana artwork themes all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii plus the United Kingdom, the former Soviet Union ~ and more. Portraits of people, pets and some Holiday scens are further down on this page. The theme for many of these works is the same as on the other pages, FALL INTO WINTER (+ HOLIDAYS).
FIVE REGIONAL GROUPS ~ AND MORE
I've divided this collection into five groups, some with sub-catgories. Each has two works highlighting neighborhoods, communities, and familiar regions. I've finished 100+ MORE PAINTINGS in my nearly 500-piece total collection ~ enough to rotate my artwork throughout the seasons and Holidays on this website. NOTE: I've also completed dozens of sketches for clients over the years, some found on my COMMISSION page.
THE FIVE GROUPS ON THIS PAGE INCLUDE:
NEW FINE ART, MY CREATIVE PROCESS AND ENTIRE COLLECTION PDFS
NOTE: Find ENTIRE COLLECTION pdfs after each of the 5 GROUPS throughout this page.
U.S.A. AND BEYOND • GOLF COURSES, CLUBHOUSES AND HOLIDAY GOLF SCENES
"PEBBLE BEACH GOLF RESORT" (MONTEREY, CA • PAINTED DECEMBER 2022 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X70-INCH)
Finishing 18 holes at Pebble Beach (PebbleBeach.com) was on Doug’s “bucket list” for over a decade when our pals Mo McFadden and Darrell Hunt suggested an early Autumn excursion to the resort to celebrate both of our milestone anniversaries put on hold due to COVID. Darrell mapped a stay at the luxurious beach view Inn at Spanish Bay with rounds of golf at The Links there, at Spyglass, and at Pebble Beach. It was truly the trip of a lifetime. When I puzzled over what to paint for our 2022 Christmas card, a friend suggested a Pebble Beach scene. I pictured the entrance to the resort with its gorgeous wrought-iron gate, a signature green shuttle busses, and Saint Nick, Doug and me ready to compete in a Wintery putting contest (poetic license here. Darrell made all the arrangements ~ including ordering a celebratory bottle of champagne waiting for us in our suite. Highlight ~ Golf was Dougie’s passion all his life and he was really good at it up to the final year of his cancer battle. His last three rounds at Pebble Beach in September 2022 were all in the the low 70s ~ and he enjoyed every second. This year's Holiday Golf card will be the last one in the series.
"THE OLD COURSE AT SAINT ANDREWS" (SCOTLAND, U.K. • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2002 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
I painted this festive golf-themed artwork to honor the Old Course at Saint Andrews (StAndrews.com), Scotland, the reputed birthplace of golf. There are actually two courses there, a new one and this much revered old one. This fun Holiday painting featured Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus decorating a tall evergreen perched on the stone bridge that connected both sides of the #18 fairway there ~ one of the more picturesque spots on the course. In the background of this piece, I included the venerable old clubhouse and Russack's famous golf hotel. Highlight ~To celebrate my husband Doug’s 50th birthday in 2002 (he’s a remarkable good golfer with a lifelong passion for the game), we traveled to the United Kingdom with two of his closest friends to play several of the courses that have hosted the renowned British Open ~ including this course!
• The Entire Golf Collection (Some Holiday) pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 18 paintings in this collection.
IMAGINARY HOLIDAY GOLF SCENES • SANTAS, ELVES AND SNOWMEN (LIKE THE HAZARD PIECE PICTURING PAL RIC METZER AS SANTA)
"SANTA'S HOLIDAY HAZARD" (IMAGINARY HOLIDAY GOLF SETTING) • PAINTED SEPTEMBER 2002 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS •8X10-INCH)
Oops! Santa Claus' golf ball flew on to the frozen pond ~ and he fell through the ice trying to capture it. Our feckless Saint Nicholas ~ finished at last with his annual Christmas toy delivery ~ was enjoying a much deserved game of golf when this little disaster took place. And he’s embarrassed, as it’s not a private moment as Saint Nick found himself surrounded by a gallery of inquisitive forest creatures. The brown bear, three squirrels, young fawn, two little rabbit “thumpers” and a flock of Holiday crimson red cardinals) were just a little surprised to find him in their middle of their skating pond (also known on this imaginary golf course as the “water hazard”). Better luck next time, Mr. Claus! Don’t you know, like all the rest of us golfers do, that it’s best to keep the ball on the fairway? Highlight ~ The fun image of Saint Nick was inspried by one of my husband Doug's oldest dearest friends, fantastic golfer-extraordinaire Ric Metzger who had just passed away the Summer before this artwork was completed in this likeness. Luckily earlier that Spring, Ric had joined Doug, me and Brent Orrico on an excursions to Scotland and England to play many of the British Open courses, turning out to be the favorite of the caddies on nearly every course he played. Ric's wit, charm and expertise got them every time!
"CANDY CANE LINKS CLUBHOUSE" (IMAGINARY GOLF SCENE • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2013 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)
These Candy Cane Links paintings are a grouping within the collection that I added a new piece of art to periodically for the last 25 years. I began creating them for Christmas card art honoring my passionate golfer husband when we first met in 1997 at Christmastime. These scenes are a well-deserved nod to the sport that he loves so much ~ and happens to have a God-given flair for. This collection of works featured Santa Claus in knickers (sometimes with Mrs. Claus), elves, snowmen, trains, golf carts and more. They also portrayed a number of actual settings like Saint Andrew's 18th fairway and the Simpson Golf Shop at Carnoustie which was a "must paint" setting for me with my last name. This painting portrayed a gingerbread candy-trimmed clubhouse with Santa Claus lining up his putt on the 18th hole in the background. A friendly snowman was nearby to point golfers in the right direction towards the first tee. I pictured Doug and me in the clubhouse enjoy hot buttered rums ~ the perfect after-golf Winter beverage.
• The Entire Golfing Santas and Snowmen pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 20 painting in this collection.
FIRE DEPARTMENT SCENES • EVERETT, ARLINGTON, WA AND BEYOND (LIKE THE RESCUE SCENE ON EVERETT'S WATERFRONT)
"HOSE #2 AT CHRISTMASTIME (DETAIL)"
(IMAGINARY FIRE DEPARTMENT• PAINTED NOVEMBER 1994 • 8X10-INCH)
I painted this fictional turn-of-the-century Victorian-style fire station decorated for the Holidays with two holly-filled Holiday wreaths hung on each side of the building and a large fir tree perched on the top (not shown in this detail of the art). Inspired by famed Americana artist Charles Wysocki, I created this piece for the Everett, WA Fire Department EMS Fire Chief Mike Lambert as Christmas card art in 1993. He liked the Holiday painting so much that he gave framed prints to his friends, family and fellow firefighters that year. When he was with the force, Mike owned several portraits of fire stations throughout Everett and this piece made a nice addition to his collection. Highlight ~ This piece celebrated the comraderie the firefighters shared at Christmastime and also featured two friendly Dalmation puppies.
"OLD STATION #2 (E.F.D.) " (EVERETT FIRE DEPARTMENT• EVERETT, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 1991 • 16X20-INCH)
The vintage Everett Fire Department Headquarters (EverettFirefighters.org) located at 2801 Oakes Avenue in downtown Everett, Washington, was occupied for the first time on June 25, 1925. In those days, the entire structure was heated with sawdust. Over the years, a few minor alterations were made to the exterior of the building. The bi-fold doors and small paned windows were replaced with more modern, easy to use door and the intricate art deco sconces flanking the entryway disappeared along with the flagpole on the roof. Other than these changes, the structure has largely retained most of its original character. Old Station #2 is registered as a historical landmark in. Notice the firefighters in vintage uniforms and the steamer and old fire engine in the headquarters’ bays. Highlight ~ The original painting was given to firefighter Michael Lambert (retired EMS cheif) and became part of the department's private collection on his passing.
• The Entire Fire Departments Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 8 paintings in this collection.
NEW ENGLAND AND THE MIDWEST • HOME SWEET HOMES
NEW! "FERRIS' FRISBEE FEST" (NORFOLK , PA. • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
This handsome Federal-style two-story was the home our niece Stephanie (brother John‘s daughter) and fiancé Ryan found in Virginia before starting their married life together. The couple met in San Diego when both were working there,and Ryan proposed to Steph in 2022. With a transfer in place for her Navy helicopter pilot to Norfolk, VA and their wedding set for February 2023 in San Diego near “Hotel Del,” the couple’s Norfolk house-hunting excursion culminated quickly with their choice of this Colonial beauty. Blessed with a welcoming interior and a huge friendly yard, my brother John joined Steph, Ryan and their dog Ferris on their journey east to help them get settled in new home. Highlight ~ I gave this special wedding gift art a “Ferris’ Frisbee Fest” theme with the couple hosting a party for their pooch ~ a frisbee in his mouth, of course! Guests included Steph and brother Tom‘s yellow lab Tugger from childhood days at Port Orchard. Joining Ferris and Tugger were golden retriever Chum and cockapoo Andy ~ part of our Simpson family gang in early Hayden Lake days. Note all the dogs’ initials in the balloons above the scene.
"OLD OLE ULVESTAD FARM" (CHOKO, MN • PAINTED OCTOBER 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
This vintage farmhouse located in Choko, Minnesota, looks much the same as it did when it was built in 1899 by Ole Ulvestad. Notice the black buckboard buggy behind the house in the painting ~ a common mode of transportation at the time, especially in this rural area. Although a bit weather-beaten, the construction of the house must have been very sturdy for it to be standing well over 100 years. Only the windows and perhaps the roof of the structure appear to have been replaced. This piece was commissioned by Patricia Hampton and featured her father’s entire family. Most of his eight sisters wore their “Sunday best” frocks sewn from the same red plaid bolt of fabric by their mother (back upper right) which was I am told was a very common practice in those days. Her dad was the little guy in the front row. An avid genealogist, this painting was inspired by Pat’s journey to the Midwest in Summer 2009 to see the family’s Minnesota farm. She commissioned this work as a memento and gave framed prints to her brothers and sisters as gifts at Christmas that year. Highlight ~ I was happy to allow her to use the art for the memory book she compiled on her family’s history. (Photo of the Ulvestad farmhouse courtesy of Patricia Hampton.)
THE SOUTHWEST (UTAH AND ARIZONA) • PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES AND HOME SWEET HOMES
"HISTORIC LITTLE HOLLYWOOD (PARRY LODGE)" (KANAB, UTAH • PAINTED APRIL 2019 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 11X14-INCH)
From the '30s to the '70s, the Parry Lodge (ParryLodge.com) in Kanab, Utah near Arizona was known as Little Hollywood. The Parry brothers (Chauncey, Gronway and Whit) photographed Utah’s countryside and then went to California to entice the studios into making Westerns and more on-location. For decades, stars like Tom Mix, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Henry Fonda, Joel McCrea, Frank Sinatra, Robert Redford and leading ladies like Dolores del Rio, Veronica Lake, Ava Gardner, Anne Bancroft, Maureen O’Hara and others were guests involved with projects. In 1928, the brothers purchased a New England-style farmhouse and converted it into a hotel with cottages to house the folks that came from California. The entire town got into the act as extras, wranglers and stand-ins to help projects run smoothly for their important guests. Westerns were Kanab's “bread and butter” ~ both movies and TV series. When these gradually waned, Parry Lodge went on to serve the public as a nostalgic reminder of its movie days ~ cottages named for stars and the dining room lined with signed photos of actors who'd stayed there. When I painted this, it was open in Summer with free nightly movies in its theater. Highlight ~ John Wayne installed a swimming pool just because he thought the lodge needed one!
"BUDDY'S HAPPY HAVEN" (ALTA MESA, MESA, AZ • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2021 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)
In January 2021 just after arriving at our little desert getaway, both my husband Doug and I got really sick ~ me much worse than Doug. My hectic year-long schedule of selling our vintage cottage, moving into a new home, a full plate of home improvement, and my very busy Holiday art season finally caught up with me. Our next door neighbor Cathy Cheatham assisted by her husband Bob were nothing short of "Angels of Mercy" during January. She helped Doug look after me, leaving hearty homemade soups, fresh fruit, healthy beverages and more at our doorway ~ not to mention offering to run to the store as needed and generally encouraging and caring for me in the kindest way. Within a few weeks, I was back to my best self, thanks to Kathy, her husband and Dougie. These fellow “Snowbirds” who lived on a lake in South Dakota in Summer, had an energetic little black terrier-mix dog. Beloved “Buddy” has always been a constant companion and the recipient of much shameless spoiling. Highlight ~ I completed this as a special thank-you gift for the couple ~ pictured Buddy among plants, flowers, and yard art in Kathy's courtyard gardens.
OREGON • PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES AND A HOME SWEET HOME
"SUN & FUN AT HAYSTACK ROCK" (CANNON BEACH, OR • PAINTED MARCH 1999 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
This seaside portrait of Cannon Beach was a special birthday gift I painted for my sweetheart Doug Ward in 1999 when we were dating our way to becoming a serious couple. A few months before in November 1998, we had vacationed with his family over the long Thanksgiving weekend at Cannon Beach, Oregon. The picturesque artists’ colony and beloved getaway has always been a favorite of many revelers who love the beach. For years, Doug’s family had enjoyed the Autumn tradition of spending Thanksgiving at this breathtaking destination. Among the vacationers in this ocean-side scene were Doug's son Kevin with his girlfriend Heather seated on a log to the right. Doug’s brother Tom and his parents Kay and Russ stood behind them. I painted Doug and me in the lower left foreground of this piece, gathering loose driftwood for a beach fire. Highlight ~ It was a sunny Friday after Thanksgiving and a brisk breeze tossed the colorful collection of kites into the sky.
"CHRISTMAS AT AQUILA VISTA" (ASHLAND, OR • PAINTED AUGUST 2016 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Italian for “Eagle View,” Aquila Vista, since construction began, has always enjoyed the sweeping view of Rogue Valley and Ashland, Oregon ~ sometimes from above the clouds. The two-story ranch-style cottage home was built on a hillside expressly to take advantage of this view. The lot was surrounded by a grove of Madrones, Pines and shrubbery that bursts into bloom every Spring. Note the little tree house tucked into the forest above this residence. This beautiful home was the perfect gift from Mike Hiller to his wife Karen upon their retirement. In 2016, Karen and I met when we worked for Eddie Bauer's Headquarters in the Seattle area. Years after we both moved on, Karen reached out to me to create this painting for her husband. Later I altered a print of the original, adding Christmas touches which replaces this original during the Holidays.The Hillers shared, “It’s been a wonderfully restful place to enjoy a glass of wine from one of the local vineyards ~ and wildlife, of course (deer, elk, bears, eagles and more).” They both love it! Highlight ~ For decades, Ashland has hosted its renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Ashland Independent Film Festival (A.I.F.F.)
OFF THE MAINLAND (ALASKA AND HAWAII) • PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES AND HOME SWEET HOMES
"PORT-A-PORT ALASKA" (IMAGINARY ALAKSA • PAINTED DECEMBER 1982 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
This trading-post-themed painting was completed as a Christmas gift for my dear friend Jack Marshall, who was pictured on the front porch of this rustic setting with his business partner at the time , Bob McClure. Inspired by fine artwork created the by the late iconic Americana fine artist Charles Wysocki, this piece was a montage of all of the important people, places and issues facing Jack at that point in his life. Most important were his three great kids Robbie, David and Kelly and his business associate with long-time close friend, Barbara Loomis. I’m pictured in the red woolen dress on the porch with a painting I also completed for his daughter Kelly as a Christmas gift that year. Highlight ~ I finished this fun piece after journeying to Anchorage, Alaska that included a meal shared at “Chilcote Charlies” at the foot of the rugged Alyeska Mountains.
NEW! "PICNICKING AT THE KIHEI COTTAGE" (KIHEI, MAUI, HAWAII • PAINTED MARCH 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)
This darling saltbox-style cottage near Wailea in Kihei on the sunlit paradise of Maui, HI, became home to one of Doug's buddies from Bellevue High near Seattle. Years ago, Jim Gordon and his wife Debi packed their bags once
and for all, choosing Maui as the perfect place to spend their retirement years. They created a little slice of paradise there. Debi was blessed with a very "green thumb" as evidenced by the lush and inviting gardens she created throughout the property that surrounded their cottage. When visiting Maui, it's always been a treat for Doug and me to see these two as they've treated us to several "field trips" to magical destinations we never would have discovered without them! Highlight ~ During much of the year, Jim's brother John and his wife Teri (a very accomplished artist as well) have stayed at their own nearby neighborhood island getaway, making it truly a family affair for the two brothers, Jim and John!
THE UNITED KINGDOM (ENGLAND, CANADA ~ AND BEYOND) • HOME SWEET HOMES AND PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES
"BEAUTIFUL BELYAR'S CROFT" (CARNOUSTIE, SCOTLAND, THE UNITED KINGDOM • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2003• ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
When I journeyed to England in 2002 with Doug and two of his buddies Brent Orrico and Ric Metzger, we were there to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday and passion for golf by playing many of the British Open courses. When the boys headed to the west side of Scotland, which included Turnberry and other courses, I boarded a train south for the Coast of Cornwall known as the “Cornish Riviera.” My destination was St. Ives, an artists’ colony where during my three-day visit, I stayed at the beautiful inn pictured here. The friendly innkeepers shared that it was a short walk to the center of St. Ives and boasted a magnificent ocean view from nearly every room. The stucco-and-stone three-story was surrounded by lush, colorful gardens lovingly tended by the charming husband and wife proprietors who did a fine job of making all their guests feel like ”family.” Highlight ~ This trip was more than a special birthday gift to my sweet husband Doug ~ it was the last time he was able to spend quality golf time with his close friend Ric Metzger who passed away shortly after we returned home. They are finally togther.
"WINTER WEDDING AT WHISTLER" (WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, U.K. • PAINTED SEPTEMBER MARCH 2017 • ACRYLIC •5X7-INCH)
This portrait of beautiful Whistler Village in British Columbia was completed to honor the marriage of some very dear friends of ours, Michele Rostron and Brent Orrico. Brent's extended family owned a vacation home in Whistler, British Columbia for many years. Thus, this iconic setting was prettiest place that Doug’s ski-loving pal could have chosen for his small winter wedding ceremony. As pictured here in this painting, the ceremony was held outdoors near the skating rink, and yes, Brent asked that I paint Doug and me into the scene among the ice skaters as unfortunately, it was impossible for us to join the couple. The crisp evening was lovely with light snow dusting Whistler Village. I pictured Brent and his fiancé Michele sharing their vows as his brother Dean officiated in Winter 2017. Highlight ~ Brent Orrico has been one of my husband’s best and closest buddies since childhood years growing up in the Clyde Hill neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington.
TASHKET, UZBEKISTAN • PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES
"THE OCTOBER REVOLUTION CELEBRATION PARADE" (UZBEKISTAN, FORMER SOVIET UNION • PAINTED FEBRUARY 1988 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
During my two-week journey in October and November 1988 to three destinations in what had been the former Soveit Union in October and November of 1988, our group of diverse travelers was incredibly lucky that our trip coincided with the annual celebration of the 1917 October Revolution (the overthrow of the Tsarist royal form of government in Russia. The artwork pictured parade marchers, a handsome crimson float and some of us our group of visiting Americans. The color everywhere that day was red, the hue most associated with "power." This was certainly not an accident, although "Peristroika" and the open-minded notion of coming together was at its heighth as Borbechov was in office at this time. I'm pictured with our small group of onlookers in a red sweater with tour organizer Ron King wearing his signature sunglasses. Highlight ~ With the help of Seattle Mayor Charles Royer's wife Svetlana, my original art was added to the work hung in the National Gallery of Tashkent by invitation of the museum curator who befriended us during our visit.
"THE CHILDREN OF TASHKENT" (UZBEKISTAN, FORMER SOVIET UNION • PAINTED FEBRUARY 1988 • ACRYLIC ON •8X10-INCH)
1988, I journeyed to the former U.S.S.R. with a group of about 25 Americans from Seattle on a good will trip. Tashkent had been chosen as a Seattle "Sister City" a number of years before ~ and Mayor Charles Royer's wife had grown up in this part of the Soviet Union. This community was one of three destinations we visited ~ the others being Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersberg). In Tashkent, my friends and I made friends with a group of local folks who welcomed us with open arms. We were lucky enough to spend an entire day at one of Tashkent’s day schools for children where we were entertained with dancing, singing and poetry readings in surprisingly fluent English by the youngsters. This amazed us all as our visit had been completely impromptu. I painted the Russian-style classroom where each prominently displayed a portrait of Lenin ~ reminding me of the United States in the 1950s with George Washington's portrait on the wall as well. Unique too was nap time during the school day there. Taking a nap actually meant sleeping in a bed where pillows were decoratively shaped into pyramids. Highlight ~ This painting of the school children was also hung in a gallery in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visit my BIOGRAPHY page for more information on this fascinating unique trip.
• The Entire Other Settings Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 22 paintings in this collection.
PORTRAITS OF PETS WE LOVE • POOCH PALS, CUDDLY KITTIES, AND MORE
"AUTUMN OUTING ~ BRYCE, SPIKE & PUMPKIN" (HIGH DRIVE, SPOKANE, WA • DECEMBER 2020 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)
When my youngest brother met his bride-to-be, she had a sweet black dog named Spike (the little black pup in the center of the painting). He became a member of their household in the first years of their marriage. When her furry little buddy passed away, once their two kiddos Scot and Izzie were old enough to appreciate pets, Jan and Bob enlarged their family with two rambunctious rescue dogs ~ a sleek caramel-colored male named Bryce and a huskier female they called Pumpkin because of the shades of her unusually gorgeous coat. The two latter dogs, often unpredictable and inquisitive, both experienced a number of unique adventures, like the discovery of a case of beer and a supply of motor oil in the garage ~ both with their names on them. Bryce also had a run-in with an angry porcupine, and I’m sure my brother and his wife have other stories to share. Nevertheless, all the doggies have been the objects of much affection over the years. Highlight ~ This fine art portrait, which was a Holiday gift for the family, lovingly honored all three of them, although Bryce died shortly after I finished this painting.
"FRIENDLY FELINES" (IMAGINARY SETTING, • AUGUST 1999 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Each year for decades when snow started piling up in the Pacific Northwest, our dear friend Linda Ebner and husband Joe spent several months at a Southwest destination that we love. Recently, the couple packed up and moved from their large patio home just down the lane from Dooug and me ~ downsizing a few blocks away to take advantage of the many activities that “Regal Park” had to offer (thus the sign in the artwork). They also expanded their household, adding a cat to their their small household. This sweet smoky gray rescue kitty quickly took over as the “ruler of the roost.” Yes, this friendly feline won her way into their hearts, so as a surprise birthday gift for Linda, I created this portrait of their brand new housemate. I also included the stunning Red Mountain landmarkin the background of this desert scene dotted with Spring wild flowers. Highlight ~ A year later when Doug and I joined them for dinner, out popped the kitty, now a "fatty," as she's cearly been spoiled rotten by the couple who loves her!
PORTRAITS OF PEOPLE WE LOVE • FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARTWORK
"THE WARD WEDDING PARTY" (ECHO FALLS COUNTRY CLUB, MONROE, WA • FEBRUARY 2004 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
To surprise and to honor my husband Doug four years into our marriage on our anniversary, I painted this portrait of our wedding party as a special gift. Here are the folks in the painting: MEN ~ Groomsmen Doug’s oldest son Matt, Doug's closes best buddy and lifelong golf partner Attendant Ric Metzger (who blessedly recovered from heart surgery in time to be in our wedding party), my sweetheart Doug, his older brother Best Man Tom and Groomsman son Kevin. WOMEN included Bridesmaid youngest sister Peggy Barton in the green blouse, Matron of Honor Robin Westbrook in the red blouse, Mother of the Bride Sally Mom, Beautiful Bride me, Maid of Honor sister Marilee Simpson in the blue blouse, and sister-in-law Jan Simpson. Highlight ~ I bordered this portrait with the Spring blossoms that filled our bouquets and were used to decorate the setting at Echo Falls Country Club in Monroe, WA on our special day, April 15, 2000.
"BACON, LETTUCE & TOMATO" (SEATTLE, WA • PAINTED FEBRUARY 1977 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
This early artwork celebrated "Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato," a jazz trio made up of Paul West, Gail Clements and Rolf Johnson. The trio delighted dozens of music lovers during the 1970s and 1980s in venues all over King County. Specializing in clever lyrics and harmony similar to the then extremely popular Manhattan Transfer, this popular group filled a special niche in the local music scene. When my sister and I discovered them, they were performing at the Terry Avenue Freight House in a vintage railroad car. Their stage was a platform at the south end of the bar. Every set of eyes in the packed place was glued to these three talented musicians ~ all of whom could carry a tune very nicely! Remarkable was their age span ~ Rolf was in his early twenties, Gail in her thirties and Paul, his mid-forties.
Over the years, we all became close ~ socializing together during their off hours. I dated Paul West for several years and Gail became a lifelong friend to my sister Marilee and me. Sadly, both Paul and Gail passed away in the early 2000s. Highlight ~ I created this art for Gail as a very special birthday gift when the trio was at the height of their popularity in 1977.
• The Entire Other Subjects Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 20 paintings in this collection.
HAPPY HOLIDAY ART • MORE CHRISTMAS AND WINTER SCENES
"LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!" (IMAGINARY HOLIDAY SETTING
• PAINTED DECEMBER 2019 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)
This snow setting was an imaginary one as our kids, Matt, Kevin and Leah were raised in King County, not known for its heavy snow like the one pictured in the art. Now completely grown up with kids of their own (left), when this was painted they had made their homes in Duvall, Bothell and Snohomish. I created two versions of this friendly little piece ~ one with our five grandkids and and another with Doug and me added. We gave our three framed prints of the kiddos-only version and used the one pictured here with us added as artwork for our 2019 Christmas cards. As I've done golf-themed Holiday art for our cards since 1997, this family scene was a unque departure, but we couldn't resist! NOTE: Since I finished this art, a final little guy was added to Kevin and Taryn's family, Harrison (photo lower left). Highlight ~ Youngsters in the painting: TOP pictured Leah's boys, Nathan and Connor Davies. BOTTOMl showed Kevin's kids, Piper Elizabeth and Austin with Matt's teenage daughter Addison (right).
"TURKEY WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS" (IMAGINARY HOLIDAY SETTING • PAINTED DECEMBER 1977 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
I've painted dozens of Holiday works over the years as I just LOVE Christmastime. My husband Doug has always referred to me as the Christmas Queen. For the past 30+ YEARS, I created special paintings for my Holiday greeting cards, that is until I married Doug in 2000. From then on, these seasons offerings became golf-theme snowmen and Santa images to honor his passion for the game. This early 1977 painting pictured all six of us Simpson kids with Sally Mom cradling my youngest brother Bob on her lap. Most of us are lounging on the comfy window seat, waiting for my dad Joe to unveil his "masterpiece.," Mr. Gobbler. Highlight ~ creative Sally Mom sewed each of us Simpson girls two set of corduroy jumpers which she paired with lace trim puffed sleeve blouses (left). Red jumpers usually came out at Christmas time and powder blue ones for the Easter Holidays. As we all grew older, she created matching red plaid taffeta Christmas dresses. These were immortalized for years in photos taken with Saint Nicholas at the Downtown Crescent Department Store.
• The Entire Other Happy Holiday Scenes pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 6 paintings in this collection. NOTE: These are in addition to the Golfing / Snowmen images above and other seasonal works in November and December on the INLAND NW (SPOKANE) and PUGET SOUND pages.
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