Charlottetown Colors

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Charlottetown Colors   8x10"  NFS

I painted this Tuesday morning but with the holiday festivities and prep, plus work (which I'm grateful to have), I'm just now getting this posted. This is a Christmas gift for a family member, so let's see if anyone in the family is reading this??? Ha! Painted this from one of Bill Oakey's wonderful photographs he took on a Canadian cruise. This shot was taken on Prince Edward Island. Will enlarge for our  Side by Side continued works. Hope everyone is staying sane and seeing friends and family and enjoying the frenzy!!! xoxo

Rocky Shore / Photos of C4 Workspace Exhibit

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Rocky Shore   11x14" giclee print 

Matted only: $155 + tax + $16 sh/h.

Framed with mat and glass: $225 + tax (TX only) + $25 sh/h.

Debbie Curtis at C4 Workspace in San Antonio was kind enough to post photos of my exhibit on Flickr and their Facebook page. I have 10 paintings hanging on the long wall and side wall, and 'about 12 smaller still life works on the front wall by the window. This giclee print of one of my pastel waterscapes is hanging there. "Rocky Shore" 11x14" print is matted and framed and hanging there. Will be painting soon!! Thinking bright colors and loose edges.

Alaskan Reflections #1

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Alaskan Reflections #1   11x14" giclee print on paper

16x20 matted. $155 matted + tax (TX only) + $16 sh/h.

Due to snow (for 10 minutes), and freezing temps in Austin, I couldn't make it to the First Friday reception for my solo show in San Antonio. :(   But enjoyed the comfy, cozy night in. Will reschedule a reception soon. The C4 Workspace does not have a Jan. artist so looks like I may have my 20 paintings down there for 2 months!! Woohoo. Today I attended the artists' reception @ the First Presbyterian church on Mesa where I have 6 paintings up thru mid Jan. Sold one! (Lake Travis 10 x 10" - blog Jan. 7 posting).  With the holidays and lots of new biz clients in my communications biz, I'm not painting as much.  But billing like crazy. Yeah!! Love looking at other artists work online to stay inspired. Love Lisa Daria's colors - check her out!!! Happy December. So much going on. My husband is making chili as I write. Too cool.

Deck View #3

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Deck View #3  8x10"

 Oil on 8x10" canvas. Framed size 12.5 x 14.5"  

$150 framed + tax (TX only) + $15 shipping.

Did this small study this morning from a photo taken from my deck. I have so many photos of our views as each day I am convinced I am looking at a uniquely beautiful setting. Time of day and seasons are so fun to watch. This kind of high key painting is new to me but I really like it. Larger version to come soon. Want to keep the large one simplified so think it is best to start small to find the essential elements. ...Oh yeah, always appreciate your support, feedback and sweet comments!!!!!

Hill Country Landscape

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Hill Country Landscape  6x8" 

Oil on canvas panel. SOLD. 

Painted this yesterday from a photo I took about a  month ago, late in the afternoon, after leaving one of the wineries in the Fredericksburg area - think it was Grape Creek Winery but can't say for sure. :)

Red Sky Mountainside

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Red Sky Mountainside 12x12" 

Oil on canvas $175 + tax (TX only) + $15 sh/h.

This is the first landscape I've done from my imagination Actually from a dream. Had to look at some photos of our trip to Colorado for tree references. I envisioned a really red sky. Was fun! Felt like another planet - very other worldly. Like Christmas on Mars.

Gourds Galore

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Gourds Galore 12x12" 

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. $175 + tax (TX only) + $15 sh/h.

I love these fall gourds - so many shapes and colors. Have oodles of them. They also remind me of one of my favorite towns in Provence - Gordes. Stayed very near there for a couple of weeks a few years ago. Loved it!! This painting started slowly but then came together in the end rather quickly.  So thankful for my lovely painting days with painting buddy Amy. Have you noticed I love teal?  OK, food painting recipe time. Since gourds are from the pumpkin family, here's a link to a Praline-Pumpkin Torte (cake) I've served at 2 different Thanksgiving feasts and was always a big hit. Enjoy.

Photos of Dual Views Reception

We had a great reception for our art show last Friday night, so decided to post some fun pics. I had 40 friends come along with Bill's friends, plus some newcomers.

Dual Views Invitation

Show invitation. Hope you'll join us!!

Sprague Lake Study

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Sprague Lake Study   6x8" 

Oil on canvas panel. $85 + tax (TX only) + $10 sh/h. 

Well, instead of working on my larger pieces, I felt inspired to start something new.This was a scene from our hike around Sprague Lake in the late afternoon. Such a cool way to spend a late summer afternoon. Just LOVE Colorado.

Moraine Park Study

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Moraine Park Study 6" x 8" 

Oil on canvas panel  $95 + tax (TX only) + $10 sh/h.

Love this peaceful afternoon scene in Rocky Mountain National Park near Moraine Park. Sure miss the weather. Thanks for the kind comments, ya'll!! 

Falls River Study

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Falls River Study  6 x 8" 

Oil on canvas panel. $85 + tax (TX only) + $10 sh/h.

During our recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, one day was quite cold and rainy so we were not able to hike in the afternoon. So we drove around and I found this lovely area in Horseshoe Park with a steam coming off Falls River. Hopped out of the car to snap this photo and got back in before the rain picked up. May try again with a more natural color scheme. I was drawn today to the triad of lime green, red orange and blue violet.

Emerald Lake Study

 

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Emerald Lake Study 6" x 8" 

Oil on canvas panel. $85 + tax (TX only) + $10 sh/h.

We hiked to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park a week ago.  Was gorgeous though we had to rush back. Enjoyed blue skies when were arrived but then we heard thunder. Dark clouds and cool winds suddenly came rushing in. We hiked quickly back a couple of miles in some sprinkling rain, then it poured the last 100 yards. I took 400 pics on our trip to Estes Park/RMNP. 

Nova Scotia Lighthouse

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Nova Scotia Lighthouse - SOLD.

17.5" x 23.5" pastel on paper. 

Here's a better photo of this pastel. It sold to Bill Oakey who took the photograph I painted from. Thanks, Bill. :)

Pedernales Falls

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Pedernales Falls  23.5" x 17.5" 

Pastel on paper. 33" x 27.5" framed with mat and glass.

$650 + tax (TX only) + shipping/handling. 

I created this from a photograph a friend took at Pedernales Falls State Park. I loved the image and enhanced the colors with my preferred color palette - at lease that was my intent. You can't really see the pink accent marks much in this photo unless you enlarge it. After having record heat this year, this image is very refreshing to me. Also, it's  not over worked. Knew when to stop this time. That's a HUGE lesson for me!

Cantaloup

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Cantaloup  8"x8"x1.5" 

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. SOLD.

Painted this last Thursday or Friday. Was in the groove. Love that!  We've now eaten the fruit - so starting anew.

Sunflowers

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Sunflowers 16" x 16" 

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. SOLD.

These flowers were a hostess gift from my friend Connie for our July 4th celebration. They were too lovely not to paint. Thanks, Connie for the inspiration!! I attended Carol Marine's exhibit/opening reception tonight at the Wally Workman gallery and it was WONDERFUL - so inspiring. Also attended the "What Does Texas Mean to Me" juried show at Austin Art Space. Also inspiring. Can't wait to keep painting. 

Nova Scotia Lighthouse /pastel

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Nova Scotia Lighthouse 17.5" x 23.5" 

Pastel on paper. SOLD

This is my interpretation of a photograph taken by Bill Oakey. We are working together again on our "Side by Side" series of works - my painting and drawing interpretations of his fave photos. Rare for me to have the light value as the dominant value but interesting. I also chose to do a split complimentary of red, yellow green and blue green rather than the very blue and gray and red photo - which is lovely on it's own but wanted to change it up. 

Mountain Spring 5"x7"

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Mountain Spring  5x7"

Donated to Arthouse at the Jones Center 5x7 Invitational 2009

Was trying a looser, more colorful and whimsical approach with this one, painting quickly from an old photograph. Not very realistic and that's what I like about it - it starts with the framework of a typical landscape, yet has an air of fun and whimsy - though subtle. Seems cheerful. I may do more like this. NFS

Vineyard Road

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Vineyard Road   5x7"

Oil on canvas. 

Donated to Arthouse at the Jones Center 5x7 Invitational 2009

I painted this scene of Benzinger Vineyards from a photo of our trip to the wine country in a 9" x 12" version a while back and have always planned to do a larger version. This is obviously a smaller version. Still look forward to doing a big one. My friend Bill Oakey purchased this little jewel at the Arthouse 5x7 show!!! What fun we had.

Rose Bud

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Rose Bud  5x7" 

Oil on canvas.  NFS

Donated to Arthouse at the Jones Center 5x7 Invitational 2009

I painted this last Saturday and am now just getting 'round to posting it.  Interesting angle looking down at the vase - really did enjoy painting this and the use of a darker background.

Fruit Basket

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Fruit Basket  16 x 16 x 1.5"

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. 
NFS.

Donated this to HeartGift Austin for their 2011 Fine Wine and Luxe Living fundraiser Nov. 13. What a wonderful effort!! 
This is one of my favorite paintings. Love the lighting and the background color and the detail of the grapes and the lighting on them. And I just love pears. These are kind of fattened. Maybe I will start a series of bulbous fruit paintings. 

Alaskan Reflections

©2007 Debbi Smith Rourke

Alaskan Reflections 24 x 36"

Pastel on paper. Framed size: 31" x 43" 

$1000 framed

Framed in 3" wide gold frame, with glass!

Contact me for purchase and local pick-up.

Giclee prints available. Contant me for sizes/pricing.

This pastel is framed in a lovely gold frame with UV glass and no mat. I had the image scanned so hope to have some giclee prints made. 

Cream and Sugar

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Cream and Sugar 8" x 10" 

Oil on canvas board framed in wide, decorative gold frame.
$175 + $35 sh/h

This painting currently graces the bar area in my kitchen. Happy to send pics of it framed. My inspiration for this came from an array of vivid colors that popped in my head one night. I saw a vision of glowing lime green surrounded by lots of white, with deep aqua around the outside. So I found some items around the house to design a still life that could mimic the same color combination as I don't typically paint abstract paintings. It worked, though this is clearly more traditional than my vision. But I love this look. Kinda Van Gogh-ish! Enjoyed painting with white - I don't do it often.

A Likely Pair

© Debbi Smith Rourke

A Likely Pair  8 x 10" 

Oil on canvas board. $110 + tax (TX only) + $15 sh/h.

Working in my studio is a pleasure. I'm enjoying creating new still life set ups. So many ideas, so little time. Finding out why odd numbers are preferred in painting. Composition is key - but each day is a new lesson. This looks very nice framed and now sits in my kitchen by the coffee maker. It could sit by yours, too if you like. :)

"For the Love of Art" art exhibit invitation

Pleased to have been a part of the "For the Love of Art" exhibit at Austin Art Space. Was the first art show I've been in since last summer. My parents and neighbors attended and a few more friends. Delightful evening. I had two works accepted. Red Pepper and The Proposal, both now sold!

The Proposal

 

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Proposal  12 x 12 x 1.5"

Oil on canvas. SOLD.

Guess she said "Yes." I submitted this to the Austin Art Space show "For the Love of Art." Yeah - it got in!! As did the Red Pepper painting earlier this month - called that one "One Hot Mamma." (Was all about your interpretation of love.)  In this painting, I learned it's best to complete the painting in one day (ala prima) if possible, for the simple reason of keeping the paint wet, loose and flowing. Otherwise I have to wait 2 days until it is dry to start again. This painting was also accepted into the Austin Lima Sister Cities Juried Show -  Oct. 3, 2009.

Three of a Kind

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Three of a Kind  8 x 10" 

Oil on canvas board. SOLD.

Just painted this yesterday. Haven't cooked the apples yet. Hope to get another painting out of them first! Also hope the photo shows the variety of hues and temperatures I worked to capture in the reds. Was fun. Love the depth - feels like you an just pick one up!

Red Bell Pepper

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Red Bell Pepper 8" x 6" 

(aka Red Hot Mamma for Love of Art exhibit)

Oil on panel. SOLD.

Today I got to do two things I love. Paint and cook. First, I painted this red pepper in my studio - and was quite pleased. Love it when the painting seems to paint itself!!! Then I took the pepper, cleaned it thoroughly, diced it and put in in my roasted corn and shrimp chowder. Yum. We needed something hearty for our colder evenings (had been pretty warm here lately, until now). Was a good day and we had a lovely dinner. 

"Lake Travis"

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Lake Travis 10"x10"x1.5" 

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. SOLD. 

This is a piece from a memorable paint out last summer with friends on the lake that I finally finished in my new studio. There were a couple things I wanted to touch up and now I love it. I definitely plan to paint a larger version of this piece.

Golden Meadow/Purple Mountains

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Golden Meadow/Purple Mountains  12 x 16"

Oil on canvas panel. NFS

I now have track lighting in my studio! Well one side is up out of 2 tracks. My husband put them up during the Fiesta Bowl last night. Yeah, Horns! I am adjusting a landscape I started on a plein air day last summer. So, until it's perfect, here's "Golden Meadow/Purple Mountains." This was a complimentary color study I did in Laurel Daniel's class. Simple but people seem drawn to it. (Gifted to my brother for Christmas 2009 since he love it so much.)