Dusk on South Padre Island

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Dusk on South Padre Island   8x6"

SOLD

I just spent a glorious 9 days on South Padre Island, returning 6/27, 3 days before hurricane Alex blew in . Had a wonderful time and the beach was gorgeous.  I took tons of pictures. I'm not a big plein painter like other artists I admire who can walk on the scene and in an couple of hours, create an amazing painting. I prefer painting from photos in my studio - photos I take myself (mostly) and remember the inspiration from the location and the moment. Then I like to live with them, see which ones most inspire me, crop them and even do a few pastel sketches. That's my process and it works for me. And I love taking photos!! Imaging all the possibilities with each one - cropping, color and value options. :)

Oak in Wildflowers / Texas Exhibit at Austin Art Space

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Oak in Wildflowers  16x20"

Oil on canvas. $400 + tax (TX only) + $18 sh/h. 

Am thrilled to have a painting accepted into Austin Art Space's "What Texas Means to Me" Exhibit. This painting of mine is one of 40 works in the exhibit, which you can preview on the above link. Philip Wade was the juror. Reception is Sat. July 10! Woohoo. Yeehaa. And all those other Texas phrases come to mind. 

Bear Lake

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Bear Lake  / 16 x 16 x 1.5" 

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas.

$380 + tax (TX only) + $22 s/h. 

I delivered 21 paintings today, including this one, to the First Presbyterian Church for my art show with art buddy Amy Hillenbrand! She paints interiors - including a wonderful chair series, and another shoe series. I put in landscapes and still life works - couple in pastel and the rest oil. Thanks Laurie for hosting us!!! Hope you'll swing by - the show is up through July 18. 

Hill Country Vista

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Hill Country Vista   20x24" 
Oil on canvas. $630 + tax (TX only) + $18 sh/h.

I finished this last night. I enlarged this from a 6x8 study I did last year, entitled Hill Country Landscape, purchased by Bill Oakey. Thanks, Bill! Working larger is much more satisfying for me. So I am going to go find all my 6x8 landscapes and start doing larger, bolder versions! What fun. I just love the Texas Hill Country. This is from a photo I took near several wineries just east of Fredericksburg. That was a fun day! Hope you can see the subtle dark colors in the silhouetted trees.

Fall Countryside Study

©Debbi Smith Rourke

   Fall Countryside Study    8 x 8 x 1.5
Oil on gallery wrapped canvas.  
$210 + $15 sh/h in contiguous US

I love to take photos on road trips - when I'm the passenger that is! We went to Galveston last fall for my husband's family reunion of the Cantini family. Italian family reunion at the racetrack on the mainland - we didn't actually go into Galveston this trip. On the way back I was snapping photos a plenty. This one struck a chord with me and had to paint it. Hope to enlarge soon! 

Fall Morning

  © Debbi Smith Rourke 

Fall Morning  14x11

$235 + tax (TX only) + $ 17 sh/h.

Also available framed in gold - 20x17 framed

  

$295 + tax (TX only). Local pick-up recommended.

If you want it framed and shipped, 

contact me and I'll create PayPal button for you.

This won the Gold Award/Jurors First Choice Award in the Harvest exhibit @ the 360 Gallery in Austin. Thanks Bill Keese!! 

Original post: I am so grateful to have been accepted in the juried MAP (Multicultural Artists Partnership) member show that will be exhibited at the Austin Airport AIBA May 15 - Aug. 12. Yeah! The theme is Texas Sunrise and Sunset. Two images were accepted, including this one, view from my deck, and a photo I took entitled "Morning Moon Over 360 Bridge" a few posts down.  Love it when the universe helps me out. Want to stay aligned with my perfect path at all times.

Trio of shot glass paintings

©Debbi Smith Rourke

Lemon Shot  / Two Shots  / Shot of Lime
Originals 5x7 each / Contact me for prints of individual images or combo of 3.

The word it out - these were my three submissions to the Arthouse at Jones Center Annual 5X7 Fundraiser. What a wonderful event. I attended the Art Splurge last Thursday night and heard Friday night's Art Social was fun too. And these three all sold! Yeah new followers! Hoping when I find out who bought them, that they won't mind if I make prints of this combo shot. We'll see! Think they make a nice set for a bar.  Contact me if interested in prints!

Morning Moon Over 360 Bridge

©Debbi Smith Rourke

Morning Moon Over 360 Bridge

20 x 16 x .5"" prints of photograph on gallery wrapped canvas 

$235 + tax (TX only) + $15 sh/h.

I love to paint from my own photographs. Sometimes the photo is just too good on its own - I'm submitting this one to the MAP member show for AIBA. "Morning Moon over 360 Bridge." There wasn't room in the title for the fog.  May try to paint this image too, but really love the photo. No telephone lines. Just early morning awe. Remember, you can follow me on twitter too!  http://twitter.com/debsmithrourke

Lemon Shot

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Lemon Shot  5x7 
Oil on canvas. SOLD.

Last of the shot glass series. Moving on to more self-imposed art assignments: Side by Side series, MAP juried AIBA show, Spring in Central Texas theme for our Austin Art Buddies April Challenge , and "What Texas Means to Me" - juried show at Austin Art Space.  

Shot of Lime

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Shot of Lime  5x7

Oil on canvas. SOLD.

This started as 3 objects: shot glass, lime and a salt shaker. Was too complicated for the size so I wiped it off and simplified it and love it!! My favorite colors. Interesting that after I decided to quit drinking alcohol (better for my energy, weight, allergies),  I'm painting images that make you think of knockin' down shots on the beach during a tropical vacation.  Hope you'll follow me on twitter, too!   http://twitter.com/debsmithrourke

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.

Pears & Knife

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Pears and Knife  16x12"  SOLD.

Finally had a chance to paint today!! I did the underpainting for this a week ago, and set up the still life drapery several weeks ago. But as I have been busy freelancing and seeing my grandmother after she had a stroke on March 8 (and she seems to be perking up the last 2 days - yeah), I am back in the groove. I am SO thankful to be painting again!! :)

Moraine Park / ICM Exhibit Las Vegas

©Debbi Smith Rourke

Moraine Park   16 x 16 x 1.5"

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. $400 + $35 sh/h

This is one of my 3 paintings in the ICM 2009 exhibit in Las Vegas. Was a nice show. Am grateful my friend Kelly Aldous attended in my absence.

Mountain Meadow Study / Las Vegas Exhibit

©Debbi Smith Rourke

Mountain Meadow Study  6x8

Oil on canvas panel
$95 + tax (TX only) and $12 sh/h

The big artists' reception for the first ICM exhibit was last night in Las Vegas and unfortunately I was here in Austin. The exhibit continues thru April 1 at the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art. Check it out if you will be there! I have 3 paintings there, including this one, "Mountain Meadow Study," as well as "Fall Morning" and "Moraine Park.  Here's some press release info:

EXHIBITION OF “INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY MASTERS” 

TO PREMIER IN LAS VEGAS

February 9, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV - World Wide Art Books and the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts are presenting the first of three shows featuring the artists from the 2008 and 2009 editions of the annual art publication, International Contemporary Masters. Like the book itself, the exhibition will join together and celebrate the work of groundbreaking artists from around the world, who are paving the way in innovation and technique. The show will run from February 20 through April 4.

EVENT DETAILS:

The exhibition starts February 20 and ends April 4

Curator: Despina Tunberg

Address: Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts

450 Fremont St., Las Vegas NV 89101

Neonopolis Center Tel: 702 382 2926

I've had a relaxing weekend after a busy week of freelancing - no painting  yet. My sweet friend Karen Martin, part of our Santa Fe workshop and Austin reunion group, sent me a wonderful book - Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit. How kind is that! I also just bought four new lusciously colored background drapes / fabrics to use in some new still life works. 

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!!!

Lemons on Parade

© Debbi Smith Rourke 
Lemons on Parade 12x16"

$265 + tax (TX only) + $16 sh/h.

What  a whirlwind of a week!! Santa Fe art workshop women convened in Austin this week - starting with a gallery tour, lunch at Corazon and dinner at my house Wednesday night. Followed by a 2-day art workshop with Laurel Daniel at Laguna Gloria (AMOA's Art School). 11 attendees, 2 instructors and 3 husbands (including mine) were here for dinner Wednesday night. Had an amazing time. This painting was from the first day. I struggled with the initial drawing, but once I got it down, was determined to finish and not paint the same subject on day 2. Speed seemed to help - sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Tweaked it a bit when I got home. Think that still counts as Ala Prima. Will miss everyone. Had our last dinner out last night at Cantina Laredo. Bye everyone. Happy painting. You all do such lovely work. Can't wait for the next reunion!! Start planning.

Kissing Cousins

© Debbi Smith Rourke

Kissing Cousins  20x16" 

Oil on canvas. $385 + tax (TX only) + $25 sh/h.

Finished this yesterday in 2 settings - so almost ala prima. Love the bright colors and loose feel. Can't wait to paint more. Will be working on more "side by side" images from Bill Oakey's photographs.

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.