Mesa Verde Lookout

6 X 8
Photograph by Melanie Marquez

Oil

Looking out over the valley from Mesa Verde reminds me that this was used for protection to see when the enemy was coming in those ancient days. I haven't painted such a small painting in a long time. It was quick, but tricky to get the detail in.

Magnolia Tulips

8 X 10

Oil

My sister and I were recently in Waco where we saw these beautiful tulips. I'd love to have them in my yard but, alas, the deer would eat them if I did. I didn't realize before that tulip leaves are so many different shapes. Some are very broad and not growing straight up at all. Some are trying to be taller than the tallest tulips, but aren't quite making it. In the background are bushes, thick and beautiful. We enjoyed the visit there. 

Peace at the Dam

11 X 14

Oil

I like to reflect at this dam. I've painted it before from the opposite direction. I'll bet most people drive by it and never see it. The tree is intriguing even when the leaves are bare, and when there are leaves it makes me think of protection.

Surveying the Land

11X14

Oil

Riding at sunset is fun. The work for the day is done and everything is calm, even if you're eight.

Chasing Cows

10 X 8

Oil

Rounding up cows in any season takes patience, but it's a part of ranch life that I love though I'm never the one on the horse. I do love to watch it. Sometimes the cows hide in a thicket and the rider has to work around to get them out. 

Lower Angus Hill

24 X 12
Oil

Finding the place to make this picture was a surprise. The church we go to is at the bottom of this hill, but can't be seen from my location. I'm in front of another church whose steeple can be seen from that road. I'm on a hill across this small valley. This road is dangerous in any kind of treacherous weather, but people who normally live on the flat lands find it very scary. I wanted to put a pickup on the road, but any size I made it would be too large. It was fun to paint.

Watering Time

12 X 16

Oil on linen panel

Young girl with bucket getting water for her many pets. I struggle with figures, but keep trying. The windmill was a challenge as well. Straight lines require much finessing. 

Fall Evening

12 X 16

Oil

Evening walks help us enjoy the fall even more.