ruth's art

rain in the forecast

2011-03-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

I began this painting by letting the oil just run and kept adding glazes and finally, some impasto. I am pretty happy with how it developed.

small sky painting

2011-03-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

We have a big show coming up later this month and had a request for small paintings. This one is 6x6, but it has a big heart.

seascape

2011-03-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Since I grew up on the coastal area of Nova Scotia, I am familiar with the ocean but seem to avoid it. Well, I bit the bullet and did a couple and surprise, I like doing the sea.

Arctic CHAR

2011-01-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

I did another variety of trout, this time, and Arctic Char. They, of course, are native to cold waters and capable of going to great depths. The more I read about these fish, the more fascinated I am with them. Also, the differences between them. some go from salt to fresh water, some not. Some can live at 1200 feet in depth, others stay closer to the surface. The image is about 8x15 and they are matted to fit a 16x20 frame.

cloud spirit

2010-12-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

I began a painting of a Native American I had seen in a meeting. He had a fascinating face, and I painted it from memory - didn't like it. While lying at rest at my accupuncturist's office, I had a moment where I knew what I wanted to do with it. Funny how when you're quiet, these things come. His face is still there, but only if you look for it.

Ruth and the 36x36 oil of Turbulent Beauty

2010-12-06T05:49:00.000-08:00

This painting is currently hanging at the Bass concert hall along with a group of others from The Creative Arts Society. It was selected as one of 35 works to hang at the concert hall for 2 months.

cutthroat trout

2010-12-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Trout are the most silvery, colorful creatures on earth,especially the western varieties from the cold rivers like the Snake. I did 3 different members of that family and show one here. I have had prints made of one of them.

morning,noon and night

2010-12-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

I found this 3 panel screen with blank canvas just waiting for me. Had to get it and at my daughter's suggestion, did morning,noon and night skies. It would be a good thing for a massage therapist,child's room,condo dweller, etc. The dimensions are approximately 60" high and each panel is 24" wide.

Longhorn skull

2010-12-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

This is from a photo by Pro, Jeremy Green, and with his permission. I loved the contrast in his pic and think I did an OK job reproducing it.

Trout

2010-11-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

I think that trout, especially cutthroat varities, are so beautiful with their colorful bodies and the silvery flash in the sunlight. I hope you enjoy the look I tried for.

Red chicken

2010-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Always loved chickens, had a pet when I was a child. So, here I go painting a new one, with attitude.

cow skull on a fence

2010-10-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

This is a 16x20 oil on board and inspired by a photo by Jeremy Green and with his permission. I like the contrast very much and the ruggedness of it.

1920s fishing dory

2010-09-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

This is an old east coast type dory, the kind New Englanders and Nova Scotians went to sea in. Amazingly, before there were engines in them, the fishermen rowed for miles to find a school of fish. This one has a 1920s engine which has to be started by spinning the flywheel - by hand. A daunting task in freezing weather. This is done with oils on canvas, 12x16.

cruising

2010-08-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is a small but powerful painting of summer clouds in Texas. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat! 12x12

turbulent beauty

2010-08-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

the wildness of a brewing thunderstorm is awe inspiring. Am I repeating myself? Probably. I just can't live in Texas and not paint the skies.

thunderstorm

2010-06-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

Texas summer produce some intense clouds with an electricity you can feel on your skin. this is one of them. This image is 10x10 in oil.summer

thunderclouds

2010-06-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love thunderstorms and the clouds they produce, the electricity in the air is so refreshing and energizing. This prompts me to paint as soon as it clears.

wine bottles

2010-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

I don't drink-not a drop-but I think wine bottles clustered together are really interesting. I have done quite a few versions of this and find that people, especially wine buffs, like them. This image is oil/canvas and is 12x24,gallery wrapped

flowers and old gate

2010-05-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

I never consider myself a flower painter, but when spring rolls around, I can't seem to help it; I have to paint some flowers.

old cypress

2010-05-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

the cypress trees that grow alongside the lake are so huge and fascinating! I especially like the cypress "knees" that grow all along the base of the tree. They look like little people to me. This image is 16x20 on canvas/oil

thistle

2010-05-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

This is just a weed, at least everyone I know says they are, but I think that the color of the thistle is a wonder to behold. We have lots of them this year, due to plenty of rain during the winter and early spring. This image is oil on canvas and is 12x12.

Autumn aspen

2010-04-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I grew up with birch trees in the north east, and the Aspen must be a first cousin,they look so much alike. I like the sound of the wind in the leaves, especially in fall when the leaves are yellow. In summer, the leaves are a pale green underneath;almost a bluey green. Beautiful no matter what season. This image is 14x18 and beautifully framed.

Maine Farm

2010-04-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

Living in Texas in the summer can be trying at best, so each July/August I try to get out of Dodge and go to maine to visit great friends and get out of the heat. Most people like the coast, which is wonderful, but the interior of the state is pretty special too. One friend lives in the lake district of Belgrade on Great Pond. the "pond" is 9 miles long; some pond! This scene is above the lake, looking down.The farm is old, not sure of the age, but my guess is 150. Fresh produce appears at the roadside where one can purchase whatever is seasonal and leave the money in a coffee can. This image is in oil,20x24 and has been sold.

Racing the storm

2010-04-02T12:22:00.001-07:00

I was inspired by a photo I saw which took me back to the days in Florida when we would take my daughter's horse to the beach. He loved the surf and would make a mad dash for it. She and I would both take turns riding bareback and enjoyed the freedom of that and the wildness of the surf.
The image is 20x24,oil.

The dancer

2010-03-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

As a painter, I am very much a realist, but every so often I just do something more impressionistic and then I look at it afterwards and think,"Did I do that?" When I did this canvas, I was playing and being like a child. So here it is; I like the colors a lot. It's a smaller image, about 12x16 in oil.

Germanicus

2010-03-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Afew years ago, An avid horsewoman commissioned me to paint her stallion, Germanicus, who is a Freesian. He is a magnificent animal,huge,black,regal and he lets you know just how special he is. He has a haughty air about him but he can also be very sweet and engaging when you have treats in your pocket. He was a challenge to paint, but I did it and when I presented the work to the owner, she said she had wanted him running, soI had to do it all over again,and this is the result. I did sell the other one too, 2 years after a man had seen it in a gallery. I am available for commissions from other horse owners.

Big Bend,Texas

2010-03-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

If you live in Texas, as I do, you must go to Big Bend. It IS BIG, and it's beautiful in a rugged way. It can be sunny and hot in winter and then in the next hour, it can be snowing. My favorite time of the day is sunset when the colors are almost too brilliant to believe. In this painting, I am not exaggerating, they are that intense.
the image is 12x24,oil.

chickens

2010-03-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, we had chickens. I loved the sound they make when they are happy and contented , kind of a "kwaaaa,kwa,kwa", sound is how I would describe it. They have the best time scratching in the dirt for bugs and worms and eating grass. They seemed hungry for their salad in the spring. They are quite territorial as well, especially the roosters.
I have done several chicken paintings and have some prints as well as originals. Most of them are acrylic but it looks like watercolor.

Sintra in Portugal

2010-03-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

I was in Portugal with a painting group, and we decided to go to the ancient hill town of Sintra. I had heard about it, but nothing could have prepared me for it's magic! The bus strained up the mountain, the road being as wide as the vehicle, and suddenly, there it was! How it was built is another question. Bringing all that material up the mountain BEFORE vehicles were ever heard of. I painted just below a castle wall, out of the wind, and had a wonderful view of the town below. I had no idea I had an audience above me on the castle wall.
The image is 14x18,oil and framed.

Swinging

2010-03-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am inspired to do some different things, and my Goddess series shows that. This image I call "swinging" for obvious reasons. It's small,only 8x10,matted and framed. This is rag paper and watercolor pen.

Arrowsic/seguin, maine

2010-03-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

For years I had looked at this scene from the highway thinking how serene it was and wanting to paint it. Finally, one day I followed a small road and there it was. The barn is very old, probably close to 150,maybe older and there are several houses scattered around. It's surrounded by tidal marsh which to me is very mysterious.
This is acrylic on watercolor board,matted and framed. Image size 14x18

spring strawberry

2010-03-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

it's spring in Texas, and for a short time, we have strawberries. Not yet though. They come in may and only last maybe 2 weeks.
This small oil is 12x12 and has been sold. I can paint something similar however.

Robinhood cove, maine

2010-03-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

With invites from generous friends, I get to go to Maine almost every summer. Getting out of the Texas heat is a big motivator, but also staying with easygoing friends in their 200 year old house is another. It is divine there from the wild blueberries, the lobstah and the fog rolling in at night, it's all good.
I was attracted to this scene particularly to the contrast in color and the shapes of the boats. It's small,6x12, in oil.

Sunday morning; the girls

2010-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

One sunday morning last fall, I saw these 3 women sitting on the curb preparing to walk the trail. The rear view was interesting, so I asked if I could take their photo and they said Icould. This is the result of that meeting. I did adjust the fit of the pants however, as it was something the models might not like.
The image is 12x16,oil, canvas. this has recently sold. 11/10/10

Andalusian show horses

2010-03-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

I have had a long love affair with horses, which my daughter inherited. When she was a teen, we enjoyed the 2 horses we had at the time. It was one of the things we could do together where we weren't in opposition.
This image has been sold, but I can do more. I find them difficult with all the muscle structure, but challenging.

red roofs in Italy

2010-02-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Some of the villages in Italy just appear, right around a corner where you don't expect them. This one was just like that: tucked in under the trees with a great contrast of the red roofs and the green on the foliage.
This image is 16x20,oil,canvas,framed

spring flowers

2010-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

although I don't normally paint flowers, I do love them, especially when they are against a rugged background like a stucco wall or an aged barn. The contrast is striking.
This one is 18x24, oil, canvas, framed and priced at, or around, $350. THIS JUST SOLD. MORE ON THE WAY.

6AM Sunrise

2010-02-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

6 AM, airport bound, this scene blew me away. The sky was ablaze and I had to stop and take a photo. The image is 16x20, oil, canvas,

On the beach

2010-02-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

I love the colors in this one depicting sunset at the coast. This one is sold, but I can do something similar using your photos of your families.
This image is 16x20,oil and framed.

feeding the turtles

2010-02-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

This was on a Sunday morning which is a special time it seems for families. These little sisters had no idea I was taking their picture. The little one was still wearing her nightgown, plus a tiara which I declined to paint in. They were very serious about the business of getting the turtles fed.
The image is 16x20, oil, framed.

Grace

2010-02-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

sometimes I just have to do something different, and when I saw this great rag paper with it's brilliant color, well, I was hooked. There are shadowy shapes in the paper and I embellish them with watercolor pen, and there you have it. Grace is one of my favorites and shehas been sold. I have more paper, but there will never be another Grace.

Longhorn:"hugo"

2010-02-12T08:48:00.001-08:00

This big guy lives at a ranch in Cypress Mill, Texas, and often lays down near the road so people can admire him. He is huge, hence the name Hugo(I named him) and handsome. If I were a cow, I would be romancing him for sure.
The image is 12x16, oil on canvas. JUST SOLD!

walkers in the park

2010-02-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

I people watch all the time; always have. They fascinate me. These folks were strolling along on a sunday morning at Town Lake(now ladybird Lake). I liked the way the light was bouncing off them and how leisurely they were moving.
this is an oil on canvas,12x16.

desert rose

2010-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

this plant, the desert rose, is a succulent which has a body so much like a humanbeing, I cannot help but paint it. One man who raises them accused me of embellishing, but I had several photos I had taken of the rose and made a believer out of him.
This image has been sold, but I continue to do similar paintings. sizes range from 6x12 to 12x16.

pet portraits

2010-02-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

It seems there are so many pet lovers out there that some would want paintings or drawings of them. On a rainy day recently, I decided to do a colored pencil portrait. This one is about 9x12 and would sell for around $75, matted.

goddesses

2010-02-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

I am primarily an oil painter, but in the past year I have enjoyed doing what I call, Goddesses. They are done on rag paper and embellished with watercolor pen. Colors vary from Orange to blue. People seem to like them and they are affordable. matted and framed. Image size is appx. 9x12

Old trees at riverside

2010-02-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Near where I live and adjacent to the once Austin Country Club, is the site of an old farm. It's a beautiful 26 acres on a hill overlooking a creek and the golf course. When I used to play there in the 80s, there were cattle alongside the 18th fairway; now the cows are gone as well as the farmhouse. All that is left are 2 very old oaks. Looking between them is a faint view of downtown Austin.

Image is 16x20,oil

yellow poppy

2010-02-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Vacationing in Washington state 2 summers ago, I was overwhelmed with the colors of california poppies, red poppies and lavender mixed in. Brilliant! They were wild and everywhere. When I left Whidbey Island, after taking plenty of photos, I came home and painted both the red and yellow varieties.

This is an oil, on gallery wrapped canvas,30x30. Sold on 11.10.10