Fruit Plate

©Debbi Smith Rourke

Fruit Plate 6x8"

Oil on archival panel / framed in gold and black float frame

SOLD

This red pear and fruit is my favorite painting from Carol Marine's advanced workshop in Santa Fe. On the last day, she gave us tips on how to paint reflections. I brought this home and then lightened the reflections and darkened the background. Now I love it!! Here are some pics of my art buddies in the workshop. We had such fun!

Amy Hillenbrand on a painting break.    

         Pam Holnback with one of her paintings.

Nancy Hartley with one of her paintings.

Kelley MacDonald with one of her paintings.

The gals on a Canyon Road Gallery tour. Amy, Mary, Pam, Kelley and Debra. 

Yes, that shadow is me taking the picture.

If Books Could Cook

© Debbi Smith Rourke

If Books Could Cook    20 x 20 x 1.5"

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. 
$550 + tax (TX only) + $20 sh/h.

Also thought about calling this "Dreaming of Dinner." I have so many nice cookbooks that sometimes I prefer reading them to actually cooking. Not always of course, but there are days I prefer to contemplate new menus rather than prepare them. Was fun!

Oma's Coffee Mug & Creamer

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Oma's Coffee Mug and Creamer  10x8"

Oil on canvas panel. $115 + tax (TX only) + $13 sh/h.

I have always loved these ivory colored, swirled coffee mugs of Oma's. And I now I'm enjoying having 6 in my kitchen and one slightly chipped one in my studio. Had to go get the matching creamer for this painting. 

Two Shots

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Two Shots  7x5

Oil on canvas board. SOLD.

Two shot glasses - one with lots of detail in the crystal. Not too easy but always like a challenge. Well, I've heard other artists talk about, after a break in painting, feeling like they've forgotten how to paint. That's what this experience was like. After a frustrating beginning and satisfying finish, here's what I am pleased about: I finished a cool little painting. And I learned it's optimum to plan the color scheme first on my color wheel.  Cut crystal is not easy but this looks new and different for me.  Next one will have an even brighter background  color.  I'm being more adventurous and I'm posting again!! Happy Easter everyone.

Tomatoes & Pitcher

©Debbi Smith Rourke

Tomatoes and Pitcher   16x12"

Oil on gallery-wrapped canvas. 
NFS

Today was the second day of Laurel's workshop for our reunion and I was more rested. I chose a challenging still life and learned a new block-in technique. I eventually went back to drawing in my under painting with the dark neutral, putting in the darks, then adding color. Color is so much fun to pop in! Loved these little yellow tomatoes. I was painting along with Pam Holnback and Nancy Hartley and sitting very close to Kelley MacDonald who sweetly shared her paper towel trash bag with me. There were many wonderful paintings created that day!!!

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.

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.