Welcome!!!

Welcome to my little corner of the universe.



My journey into the world of art began by watching Mom. She could work magic with a bit of paint and a brush. I was fascinated by how she could transform a flat blank canvas into a beautiful work of art. Now, several years later, I'm continuing in the footsteps I followed as a child watching Mom. Thanks for your inspiration and guidance!!!!



"If you don't try - you won't know you can...." Marie (Mom) Janssen






Thursday, December 31, 2015

Just off the easel .............

Recently finished this painting of a late summer storm.  Which just might be a good title for this one. 

Late Summer Storm (24" x 18")

This is a gallery wrapped canvas in a 1 3/4" deep floating frame.  Comments and critiques are always very much appreciated.

Thanks for looking.........

Saturday, October 24, 2015

U.S. Senator Bennet selects "Another White Combine Harvest"

I am honored to announce that U.S. Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado selected my painting "Another White Combine Harvest"  to be on display in his Washington, D.C. office for the next two years.


"Another White Combine Harvest"  (60" x 40")
(two - 30 x 40 panels)


Saturday, August 15, 2015

"Another White Combine Harvest" (60" x 40")

This past month I've been working on a large piece I'm calling "Another White Combine Harvest".  I'm using two 30 x 40 gallery wrapped canvases for this one.  It's almost finished  ... working on tweaking clouds and started working on the wheat field in the foreground.

 "Another White Combine Harvest"  (60" x 40")

Background Information About this Piece:
As wheat farmers living on the high plains of Eastern Colorado, we are at the mercy of the weather.  Large super-storms like the one in this painting can wipe out an entire crop in the matter of minutes.  Hail storms such as this are often called "The White Combine"  and so, the title of this painting.

Your comments are always welcome!
Thanks for looking.............. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

The Red Sundress (36 x 24)

Finished "The Red Sundress" today.

 "The Red Sundress"  (36 x 24)

Insights to this painting: 
The red sundress is more than a focal point of interest to bring a bit of color to the painting.

We are so small yet with confidence ~the red sundress~ we can face challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky; therefore the title, "The Red Sundress".  As you walk on the shores of life, face  challenges head on with confidence - but still hold onto your hat.  Another little insight to this painting.  Notice that she is walking along an empty shore away from the grassy dune.  It's OK to get out of your comfort zone.

Let me know what your thoughts are.................  Thanks!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

What's on my easel?

Finally had some quality studio time.  I've been practicing painting skies.  I'm nearly finished with my latest painting tentatively called "The Red Sundress".  I still have some final details to work on - not sure what to think of the rock outcropping above the dune grass - think I'll just take it out and extend the wave.  Also, the dune grass needs a bit, the reflection of the girl in the wet sand, and the ocean waves need some final details.  I have to remember not to overwork.

"The Red Sundress"  (36" x 24")

Let me know what you think - Thanks!!!

(My daughter thinks it's reminiscent of the painting I did a while back of the little girl with the red bucket looking wistfully at a stormy ocean, "There's Always Tomorrow" - now, all grown up)

BTW - I'm still working on Superman, but not ready to post the update...........................SOON!!!!
 

Sunday, February 1, 2015

"Will you still call me Superman?"

Made a few changes, and started working on Edna.  Making some progress.  I think the hands are going to be the most challenging.  Let me know what you think!



Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Idea for next painting: "Will You Still Call Me Superman..."

I'm a fan of 3 Doors Down.  In 2000 they came out with Kryptonite and the inspiration for this painting.  I don't know why, but felt the need to paint this..........

If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite.  

My idea is a couple that have been together for a lifetime.  He has been her Superman all these years and knows the answer to his question...................but asks it anyway.  I don't really have an actual model for this couple, but I call them John and Edna.


It's still in the rough stage and a lot to do, but it's a start

Monday, January 5, 2015

"Untitled" (48" x 24")

Finishing this farm scene commission piece.  Just a few tweaks, dry time, varnish, and done.  I had a lot of fun doing this one - especially the sky.  I'm always in awe when one of these super cell storms build up.  My husband and I are also wheat farmers, and can relate to the possibility of loosing a whole years income in just 5 minutes.
 
 (Untitled - 48" x 24")

Comments and critiques are always appreciated.