Stacking Them Up

This is the finished product from the process below.  I named it "Stacking Them Up" because the memories of my children growing up is stacked in these cups.  If you follow me, you know that I paint sterling because of the traditions and memories that are connected to each piece.  I love this painting and I am very happy with how it finished.
 24in x 36in
oil on canvas

Revere Bowl and Blue Blanket

This Revere bowl was a wedding gift from oh so many years ago.  When I got it as a new bride, I imagined it being filled with perfectly cut fruit, elaborate side dishes from Southern Living magazine, and all things beautiful and "foodie".  Funny thing is, while it has held some yummy and beautiful side dishes for family dinners, my favorite uses for this bowl have been holding Halloween candy for the neighborhood kids and it has been a perfect size for a mail bowl, too.   I love it how life works out like that...I have one grand idea, and a simpler solution gives me more peace and joy.
The colors of this one are simple and cool.  I tried to keep it basic on this one.
12x12inches
Contact me at mcmac31@aol.com if you are interested in this painting or any others.

Painting Reflective Pieces

I thought I would share my painting process.  These photos show the first few steps that I take when painting reflective subjects like these sterling silver cups.  I sketch my composition first in pencil on the canvas.  I usually go from a photo I have taken for the bones of the painting.  Once I wet my brushes, I always start with the darks.  You can see this in the top picture.  When painting sterling, you have to paint shapes, not a cup or a coffee pot.  I then begin to lay down my middle colors and begin to get specific...The middle cup has many blue hues, so I began to put more blue on.  The lower cup is lighter than the rest, but it has more browns.  That means that plan to add more green hues on the top cup.  I will continue to post pictures of the evolution of this fun painting this week!

Coming attractions....

We live in a charming small town in the Texas hill country, and our favorite bakery is called Bear Moon Bakery.  My kids love to spend Saturday mornings on the front porch of the bakery, eating sugary treats and watch the cars and trucks drive by.  I have thanked the owners of Bear Moon for creating a place that our children will remember and cherish for a life time.  Our youngest son is the lucky kiddo that quickly ate the duck cupcake seen above.  I am going to go bigger with this painting (about 24in x 30in) and I am so excited!  I will post the journey of this painting...stay tuned!

Piggy Bank on Books

Oh my goodness, these little pigs have kept me busy...and I love them!  The colors are luscious, and bright.  Can you see anything reflected in the banks?  They are both 8 x10 inches and painted on canvas with oils.

Each painting is 8 x 10 in and $130 unframed
Contact mcmac31@aol.com to purchase

Silver Piggy Bank, Books and Apple

This a "tip of my hat" to the first day of school!  My kids and I had so much fun shopping for back to school supplies.  I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like it is a right of passage to get all those new supplies and spread them out on the floor, and organize them in your new back pack!  I remember being so proud of a purple pencil holder in 2nd grade!  Silly, but true....

This little piggy painting has so much personality!  It is 8in x 10in on canvas.
$130 unframed
$160 framed as shown above

Rosemary's Trophy

This a trophy from the 1920's. My grandmother, Rosemary, did not have much as a child. She loved school and learning new things. She was a woman ahead of her time. This is an academic trophy that she won as a senior in HS that also came with a scholarship to Indiana University. She was a smart girl, and made her parents very proud! I love this trophy, because it symbolizes a turning point in her life.
oil  on 1/2 board
 11.5in x 14in

Asparagus in a sterling baby cup with lemon

I love fresh asparagus!  When I was setting this one up, at first, I only had the lemon and the cup, but isn't it better with the thick spears sticking out of the top?  It is about 34in x22in. Contact me if you have questions, please.  

This was the first week back to school for my three kids and thankfully they all love their teachers and are getting back into the grove of things.  One the first day of school, my computer was hacked and the AWFUL people that did it sent out a message that my husband and I were in London and had been mugged and that we needed money.  The email went out to hundreds of friends and family, and sadly a few people believed it.  It really bothers me that there are people out there that have no ethics, no boundaries, no consideration of others...Lesson learned, passwords need to be tough, and changing them is not a bad idea!

Holly's Sterling Coffee Pot

Holly's coffee pot reminds me of one of my dearest friends named Holly who loves to entertain!  She has one of those homes where everyone is welcome, comfort abounds, dogs and kids play, and beautiful dinner parties happen often.  My sweet husband and I have been in a supper club with Holly and her husband David for over 15 years.  A few times a year, we get together with 5 other couples and do dinner the old school way!  Everyone has a part in the meal.  The hostess prepares the main course, and everyone else gets to cook a BEAUTIFUL side dish, salad, dessert or bring wine and bread.  We use our china and our sterling.  We all eat too much, talk late into the night and we all help clean up!  These are some of my favorite nights of the year.  We have been through so many things together as friends...the birth of babies, death of friends and parents, illnesses, vacations, sick children, taking kids to college.  These are the conversations that create true friendships and provoke prayers and support.  Having a great supper club is a bright spot on my journey!

Three Baby Rattles in a Sterling Cup

I must admit, this painting is my favorite that I have done to date.  As with all of my work, I love it because of the memories it recalls.  I have three kids.  They are older now, and happily, I am free of the "baby stuff" that used to clutter my home.  Yet the memories of holding Holly, Reid and Ryan as babies are some of my most treasured thoughts.  The kids played with their sterling rattles.  They are dented and scratched by little cutting teeth.  I love these rattles because of their dents!  What good is a sterling baby rattle if a baby can't make it their own?  This painting is 12 in x 12in. Not for Sale
Custom painting of your sterling rattle and cup, $300.  Contact me with questions.

Edge of Mom's Bowl

How I love this bowl!  Believe it or not, this bowl is only about 5 inches around.  It is little.  Probably meant for holding mixed nuts on a bridge table from days gone by.  I remember my parents having a room full of friends down stairs, and all the kids played "dress up" up stairs!  We had a great time while the adults played bridge and laughed loudly.  The back ground is a grape/maroon color, but very hard to capture without a glare in a photo.  This painting is already sold, but I can capture your very favorite piece of sterling for you if you wish.  Contact me with questions.

Can you tell we have three kids?  This is a favorite of mine because it is so representative of three children in one family.  I left the colors very abstract on these cups, and I like the over all effect.  You will see paintings of the cups over and over again throughout my works...I like their shape and simplicity.  I have also started adding blog addresses of other painters I follow and admire.  When you have time, check them out!
12in x 10.5in
oil on 1/2in board

Sterling Baby Cup With Flatware and Lemons

When my kids were babies, I let them play with their sterling baby cups.  The noise that the cups made when they banged them on the table top or floor, brought surprise and joy to their little faces!  How much babies love cause and effect!  This is my daughter's cup filled with sterling flatware and a few lemons thrown in for yummy color.  Can you guess my sterling pattern?  Of course, my mom, sister and I all have the same pattern and I love it!  

18 in x 24 in oil on 1/2in board

$350

unframed