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These pink carnations were begging to be painted. The color was so deep and vibrant that it was difficult to capture. I think the warm color jumps off the cool, grey background. Just in time for Valentine's Day.

I am amazed to see how each beach I get to visit and paint is unique and has it's own character. This is the beach on Ocracoke. The dunes are higher and it doesn't have the crowds in September. I painted this one small on location but this is a studio painting.

This is East Beach in the Norfolk area of Virginia. Last April, I was honored to be invited to paint at a charity event supporting the children's hospital there. The beach is lovely and distinctive as it is lined with rock jetties. I am honored to be invited to paint for this event again this year. Can't wait!

This is a special bulldog that lives in Virginia. Last April, I visited and stayed with a lovely family while painting for a charity event. This was my host family's treasured pet. Hope to see him again soon.

This is another one from Bald Head Island. The morning light creates brilliant light on the sea grasses. Morning Light 8x8 oil on gallery wrapped canvas $350

Love the shadows on the dunes created as the light gets low in the sky. I think this is from a photo of the dunes at Bald Head Island, NC. Bald Head Island is off the coast of NC and is a favorite painting place. Dune Shadows 9x12 oil Framed in gold $500

This is another one of Provisions restaurant but this is what you see from the water. Boats pull up at lunchtime and everyone enjoys the water view. They are closed for the winter months. Can't wait until spring!

This is Provisions restaurant in Southport, NC. It's a favorite warm weather haunt that serves burgers and seafood. They close for the winter months as the seating is outdoors. When they open, it gets very crowded and there usually is a long wait. The benches fill up with people waiting and they line up out the door. Can't wait until spring!

This is another one from Ocracoke. It's a little shop in the village. I was attracted to the late afternoon shadows and bright light patterns on this quaint building. Afternoon Shadows is 8x8 oil in a silver frame. $350

This is a painting of the beach in Ocracoke on a cloudy September morning. 8x8 oil on canvas, framed in silver $350

January 1st means a new year and start of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I got a head start so let's see how many I can do. It's a great way to get me in my studio and painting every day. Who knows, I might even learn something new and get better. That really is the goal.  Here is "Afternoon Adventure"; a painting of a golf cart with the Bald Head Island lighthouse in the background. Bald Head Island is a favorite painting place and their only means of transportation is golf carts. It's always an adventure!

Most years I start with goals for the coming year. I also start January 1 doing 30 paintings in 30 days. This year is no different except for a roadblock two weeks into the new year. I am having heart valve replacement surgery on the 12th.  Prayers would be very much appreciated as I believe in the power of prayer. If you don't pray, send good healing vibes and mojo my way. I'll take it all. Or snap a picture of a heart in nature or wherever you see one and send it to me via facebook.

This will slow me down for awhile so you won't be seeing all 30 paintings in Jan. I still have goals and will try to get to some before surgery and others will just have to wait. The hardest part is knowing that the healing is not something I can hurry along. I will submit to the timing God has in place for me.

I look forward to more painting excursions in 2017 with talented artists friends, more shows to enter and participate in, more paintings to share online and hopefully, more venues to show and sell.

Wishing all the very best in the new year and join me in a commitment to renewed health and happiness!