Free! Take what you want!

Mark's Peppers

Little Yellow Pepper

As my husband and I entered our church Sunday evening we saw a box at the information desk. On it was a sign, "Free, take what you want." It was not signed so several people who were in that area began to guess who the generous person was. Someone present said that they knew who it was and we all praised his thoughtfulness. What a nice gift! Well, there were not very many people there and the box was really full, so I have to admit I was thinking...........Oh, what beautiful subjects to paint! How can I decide on so few? Do I really take what I want, or should I think of others and take only a few and leave a lot.......I just have to tell you that they were a tempting lot....right there in church! So I did a very thoughtless thing and took several of the most beautiful, unusually shaped and brilliant peppers that I have ever seen.....and the variety of kinds were amazing. The shorten this long and tedious story, I will say that I painted two today and I plan on painting more. I think I might place my picture in the same place as that box, and place a sign on it, "Free, to the thoughtful one who brought the peppers."

Tomato Break

Tomatoes and Cruet Bottles

A student in one of my painting classes recently brought some tomatoes from her garden to share with class members. What beauties! I immediately set them in a still life and began painting that afternoon. I couldn't wait to load my brushes with juicy paint and apply to the canvas, emulating the mood of the fresh, colorful, and tasty vegetables. It was a great day especially after I ate some of them. They enhanced a great sandwich.

Pink Pitcher and Strawberries - Original Oil Painting

This painting took more than a day to paint. I am pleased with the color scheme. I wanted to create a comfortable, warm, and enticing mood as I used the pinks and reds and their complements. It is a hot, high key painting -- one I am satisfied with. It is painted on 11x14 stretched canvas and unframed. You may purchase this painting or a giclee print at www.peacockgarden.com.