COZY AUTUMN AND FROSTY WINTER CELEBRATIONS TOGETHER!

FEASTIES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS ~ With Doug no longer beside me as my handsome escort, my sisters Marilee, Peggy and Sally Mom have kindly done a beautiful job of including me in events that celebrate this season. On Thanksgiving Day, Sally Mom and I joined sis Peggy and her husband Jeff and at their stunning lodge at Hayden Lake for a crisp, but sunny holiday. My sister Marilee and her new husband Ronnie are staying with me for Christmas ~ the first time in age. I am so happy I'll be making my way through the coming Holidays with people who love me as much as I love them, and who understand that occasional tears may dampen my joy and bring back poignant memories.

Highlight ~ The photo (left) pictures one of those memories, an after-dinner moment at my sister Peggy's Valley house on Christmas Eve before Midnight Mass.

THE RETREAT HOUSE ~ When my dad was still alive, we Simpsons made the trek from our Spokane Valley home up to the Immaculate Heart Retreat House on Moran Prairie for their inspiring carol-filled Midnight Mass. Remarkably, this pastorall setting is near where Doug and I moved in 2020. When researching venues for sis Marilee's Spokane mid-August wedding (Ron asked invited Doug to be his best man 10 years ago), I visited this still inspiring setting.

A MIRACULOUS CEREMONY ~ Their marriage ended up being held in our back yard on August 10th on a gorgeous afternoon. All our family had roles to play including Sally Mom as Matron of Honor and sis Peggy as Celebrant.

A MIRACLE ~ It was a miracle as Best Man Doug was 100% in every way ~ standing beside Ron, sharing his thoughts, joining us for dinner and all the festivities afterward. God gave Doug this one last magnficent day before he left us forever a month later. Miracles DO happen.

Perhaps this Christmas Eve may find Marilee, Ron, me and other Simpson's at the Retreat House again for Mass after all these years.

 

 

My "FALL INTO WINTER (+ HOLIDAY) collection introduces four NEW works. Each theme opens with art of a beloved setting from my "neck of the wood," home town Spokane and the Inland NW. Where possible, I've included websites in bold red tyype.

 

OVERVIEW OF RECENT WORKS ~ Below this collection, I've included a pdf sharing all my NEW artwork completed in 2022 and 2023. in the "Overview of More seasonal paintings are also featured on the PUGET SOUND, INLAND NW (SPOKANE), MORE PAINTINGS and COMMISSION pages of this website.

 

NOTE: Find ENTIRE COLLECTION pdfs after each image shared below on this page.

NEW "VINTAGE SHADLE PARK IN SEPTEMBER ('60S & '70S)" ( THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

As the North Side was a growing baby-boomer neighborhood after World War II, in 1954 the widow of Eugene Shadle donated a large parcel of land for a park, a small part of which was set aside for Shadle Park High School. The first new high school since 1932, the modern structure was finished in 1957 for  $2,787, 475 (expensive for its time) by Culler, Gale, Martell and Norrie. The new student body of over 1,300 chose green and gold for the school colors and Highlanders as their name. Eugene Shadle descended from the Scottish Henderson, and the colors echoed his Henderson tartan. Shadle’s signature crest was presented to the school by the class of 1964. It contained a crescent moon and star for the Shadle clan, a Scottish thistle for Highlanders, a grouse foot (game bird from the Highlands), and the Henderson clan with Spokane Falls across the top. This piece portrayed the entrance to the original school building, which was later significantly updated from 2007 to 2009. Highlight ~ The students pictured in this scene were friends I’ve made who attended Shadle Park High, graduating in the ‘60s and ‘70s. 

 

• The Entire Spokane North Side Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 43 paintings in this collection.

 

"MERRY CAROLERS AT SAINT MARK'S (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED MAY 2005 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This remarkable structure was built on the corner of Grand Boulevard and 24th Avenue on Spokane’s South Hill in 1950 near Manito Park. Architects Funk, Molander and Johnson designed this Mid-Century Modern church, giving it a distinct Swedish-style influence. Unique for its time were its A-frame lines and needle-shaped bell-tower with four angels. It was modern inside as well. Acclaimed Spokane artist Harold Balazs created the interior art and sculpture as part of the church’s unique design. This neighborhood Lutheran church made quite a remarkable statement for it’s time. It was considered to be a fine example of Mid-Century Modern architecture in Spokane. The property was particularly pretty during the Holidays, especially with snow dusting the ground. I pictured a diverse group of merry carolers in the foreground by the signature basaltic rock wall, welcoming folks to the Christmas Eve Service. Highlight ~ In 1955 when I was about to start kindergarten, Saint Augustine’s did not offer it. Some neighborhood moms suggested Saint Mark's and my mother Sally enrolled me there. I LOVED kindergarten, as we kids were constantly creating art projects with crayons, pastels, clay, plaster of Paris, finger-paints and more ~ shades of things to come.

• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 91 paintings in this collection.

 

"AUTUMN AT THE ADADEMY THROUGH THE YEARS" (CAPITOL HILL, SEATTLE, WA, • PAINTED FEBRUAR Y 2010 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS 9X12-INCH)

In 1880, Holy Names Academy (HolyNames-Sea.org) was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary under the guidance of Mother Marie Rose Durocher. In 1859, the sisters came to Oregon. About 20 years later. they established a school (23 students to start) in Seattle at Second & Seneca Streets. As the city and student body grew, the school relocated ~ finally settling for good on the east side of Capitol Hill. Albert Beitung designed the majestic structure in the neo-classical style, and in 1906, under the leadership of Sister Mary Leontine, ground was broken. Bishop Edward J. O’Dea presided as the cornerstone was laid in 1907. The building was dedicated in 1908. Originally housing 12 grades and a Normal School, the Academy grew, met challenges and adapted to the changing world. Staying abreast of the times, Holy Names Academy continued to offer an up-to-date college-prep curriculum, while grounding students in the values that have ensured its success moving forward. Highlight ~ This painting pictured staff and classmates from three generations: 1930s (navy serge frocks), 1950s (jumpers), and 1970s (plaid wool skirts and navy blazers). The 1970s group included guests from Spokane’s academy ~ thus the two different skirt plaids.

 

• The Entire Seattle Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 15 paintings in this collection.

 

"MERRYMAKING AT SAINT MICHAEL'S" (SNOHOMISH, WA • PAINTED MARCHL 2010 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVA • 8X10 INCHES)

This towering structure in the center of Snohomish’s historic district was once Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. The building was built in the late 1800s under Pastor Michael McCauley, and although the original Snohomish mission was called Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, when McCauley left the area in 1890, the church became Saint Michael’s. Located at on Avenue C, folks could see its steeple for blocks. I gave my portrait of the beautiful old church a holiday-theme, decorating it with holly garlands, evergreens, a dusting of snow and adding Christmas carolers on the sidewalk. Whenhistoric Saint Michael' closed its doors and retired as a place of worship, a community-minded couple (one was Snohomish Mayor Karen Guzak) converted the structure into a combination residence / studio / art gallery. She was serving as mayor when I painted this artwork in 2010. Highlight ~ The church was part of the Historic Holiday Tour of Homes presented by the Snohomish Historical Society the year I painted this piece ~ an event that highlighted not only the community's historic settings, but over-the-top Christmas decorating as well.

 

• The Entire Snohomish Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 27 paintings in this collection.

 

 

REVISED ~ "THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE (LOWENBERG ROBERTS)" (BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • MARCH NOVEMBER 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Loewenberg-Roberts House on First Avenue was designed by English architect W.J. Carpenter for Berhard and Harriet Loewenberg in 1889. Loewenberg owned a dry goods store nearby on Riverside Avenue, which floundered financially to the point that Loewenber was compelled to trade his home for another in the neighborhood owned by E.J. Roberts and his wife, Mary. Built in the Queen Anne Victorian style, Carpenter designed the house using a unique decorative blend of granite, wood and brick ~ resulting in an unusually beautiful home. In Browne’s Addition where many of the larger mansions had been converted into apartment houses after World War II to accommodate returning soldiers, remarkably, the E.J. Roberts House remained home to this family well into the 20th Century. Mary Moltke purchased it in the late 1990s and began an ambitious restoration project, re-opening it as a beautiful upscale special event center loved by many. Highlight ~ I added Great-granddaughter Molly Roberts Hannon and her cousin Maggie McCarthy Braeuer (both dear lifelong friendsl) trimming the tree on the second floor while I waved to arriving guests from the bay window below.

 

• The Entire Browne's Addition Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 43 (17 Browne's Addition / 17 Campbell House) paintings in this collection.

 

"CAROLING PARTY AT THE PRETTY PARKER PLACE" (CANNON HILL, SPOKANE, WA, • NOVEMBER 2017 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH

The historic Grombacher-Herrick House (commonly know as the Doc Parker House) was built in 1924 on West Shoshone by Joseph J. Lorenze, who lived less that a block away. Several significant families lived here, among them the Grombachers (music shop owners who also managed the Liberty Theater), the Herricks (Milwaukee Lumber Company and Palouse Oil & Gas) and the Winklers (Wm. Winkler Paving Contractors). But the fifth owners were the most well known. Dr. Robert Parker and wife Jeannie (Marcella) moved into the 2-1/2 story in 1956 and stayed for six-plus decades ~ raising their family of seven children. The Parker House was a classic brick Tudor-Revival with a steeply pitched gabled roof, narrow multi-paned windows and stucco cladding. These strong architectural elements were reminiscent of charming, comfortable English/European residences ~ indicative of the development of homes overlooking Cannon Hill Pond from the 1920s to the 1940s. Highlight ~ For decades, Dr. Parker hosted caroling around Cannon Hill in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve ~ opening his home afterwards to friends and neighbors. Guest of honor Saint Nicholas (usually a local firefighter) stopped by the crowd with a bag of treats for the kiddos. Former neighbors remember this annual tradition fondly.

• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 91 paintings in this collection.

 

"THE HAPPY HOLIDAY HOUSE (HARMON)" (SNOHOMISH, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2003 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Built in 1890, this Queen Anne-style three-story home took up most of a large lot in the Snohomish historic district at 322 Avenue C. When I took pictures of this residence years before painting it, the classic home was a deep forest green with crips white trim and had a matching scalloped white wood fence surrounding it. Some time later, the owners gave the Victorian a new color scheme of light yellow, trimmed with beige and chocolate brown. They also replaced the fence with a decorative wrought iron one. Brimming over with very special vintage homes of every size, shape and color, Snohomish has been a shoppers’ mecca for antiques and gifts for many decades. It's also filled with cozy B&Bs and fine restaurants for weekend visitors who make the trek up to this popular picturesque Western Washington destination. Highlight ~ This artwork featured in this Holiday-themed artwork pictured my extended Simpson family gathering to celebrate the season together.

 

• The Entire Snohomish Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 27 paintings in this collection.

 

"MERRYMAKING WITH MARY BETH'S FAMILY" (CAPITOL HILL, SEATTLE, WA • PAINTED DEECEMBER 1994 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS •8X10-INCH)

This painting was an alteration of a portrait I created of this brick two-story Federal-style mansion. The beautiful residence overlooked Lake Washington from the west side of Capitol Hill near Volunteer Park. My sister Marilee, who was employed with owner Mary Beth Ballantyne at Seattle's Fredrick & Nelson Department Store, shared the original artwork with her friend one day at work. The first painting pictured Mary Beth in front of her house welcoming my sister, friend Mary Zimbawa and me for a breakfast get-together she hosted every holiday season. That December 1994, Mary Beth’s residence was so covered with tiny white fairy lights that it was visible for nearly a half-mile. When Mary Beth saw my painting, she commissioned me to alter it into a "family" piece ~ adding her entire sons, daughters, in-laws, spouses and pets. We then created holiday cards with this heartfelt family portrait on the cover. Highlight ~ My sister still keeps in touch with her wonderful friend Mary Beth even though it's been decades since those Frederick & Nelson days ~ lots of good memories too numerous to count.••

• The Entire Seattle Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 15 paintings in this collection.

 

NEW! "AUTUMN BRILLIANCE AT ARBOR CREST" (SPOKANE VALLEY, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2023 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH

Particularly breathtaking during Autumn, brilliant foliage and colorful turning leaves have decorated the basaltic rock historic gatehouse every year. Located south of the stunning Cliff House on what was once the Royal Riblet Estate, I was told that this quaint structure served as the servants’ quarters when Riblet made his home there. This painting was created looking north at the back of the gatehouse draped in ivy. Purchased by Harry and Marcia Mielke years ago (Marcia helped me create this art by sharing stunning photos), the property stayed in their extended family, housing beloved Arbor Crest Cellars (ArborCrest.com). In addition to its premium wines and craft beers, this Spokane Valley has hosted its Summer Art & Glass Fest for over a decade, and more recently, November’s Holiday Marketplace. Pictured in the foreground were Doug and me with dear friends the Capryes and Frucis who’ve joined me at nearly every art event here since I began appearing in them over 10 years ago. Highlight ~ To the right, see a glimpse of the Mielke’s beloved black and scarlet 1931 Model 452 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Cadillac.

 

• The Entire Spokane Valley Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learned about all 18 paintings in this collection.

 

"LIGHTS A-GLOW AT THE MANITO CONSERVATORY" (MANITO PARK, SPOKANE, WA• PAINTED OCTOBER 2019 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Manito Park (TheFriendsOfManito.org) was a huge part of my life growing up in Spokane. My first 12 years as a youngster were spent in a small cottage and then a Dutch Colonial in the Manito neighborhood. The park was within walking distance. In the 1950s and 1960s, kids could take off most anytime they wanted and play safely there ~ with or without chums. After moving back from the Seattle area, my husband and I bought a brick bungalow near Manito Park and found it to be the gift that keeps on giving. As wonderful as old memories were, we found many new ones. A favorite was the “Holiday Lights,” a magical display of thousands of colored lights decorating the interior of the Gaiser Conservatory. I pictured folks I love gathering to tour the setting with cups of steaming cocoa. Highlight ~ Created by volunteers from the Friends of Manito, for years, it was open during the Holidays for all to enjoy, still at no charge when I painted this piece.

 

• The Entire Inland Northwest Parks & Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 30 paintings in this collection.

 

"ANTICS AT ANDERSON PARK" (REDMOND, WA • PAINTED APRIL 2011 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Anderson Park in the center of Redmond, Washington came about as a result of property deeded to the community in 1928 by School District No. 200 in 1928. Originally named Redmond Town Park, it was later changed to Anderson Park to honor Albert “Andy” Anderson, the city’s first superintendent of parks. Several beautiful rustic log cabins were built on the park's property. The structure pictured in this painting was constructed in 1939 and named for Adair, the wife of Ezra Sikes, who donated additional property to enlarge this setting in 1938, a fitting homage. Highlight ~ At the time, our kids were starting their young families, so I added our first two grandchildren Austin and Addison to this scene, picturing them playing in the brilliantly colored leaves that covered the lawn of this beloved park.

 

 

 

• The Entire Eastside Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 13 paintings this collection.

 

"THE CRESCENT AT CHRISTMASTIME" (THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTEDJULY 2009 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Crescent Department Store was THE place to shop when I was a youngster growing up in Spokane, Washington. It opened in 1889, the year of the big Spokane fire that destroyed a large portion of Spokane’s Downtown District. The store served faithfully for nearly a century until 1988 when it was sold to the F&N (Frederick & Nelson) Acquisition Corporation. A tradition with many Spokane families was the annual visit to the Crescent Department Store for pictures with Santa Claus. I was six when this photo was taken with my sisters ~ all dressed in red plaid taffetas sewed by my mother Sally. After photos, we stopped by the signature animated store window with its lights, baubles and figures ~ Santa, his elves and more that moved in time to Christmas carols. Highlight ~ At the 2014 Arbor Crest Art & Glass Festival, one of the employees responsible for the animated window stopped by to see my painting. He recognized the elves and colorful candy confections as those he created decades ago, sharing stories at my booth about his 30+ years at the beloved department store.

 

• The Downtown District Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all and learn about all 12 paintings in this collection.

 

NEW! "WINTER MAGIC AT THE GLOVER MANSION (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2023 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH

Known historically as the “Father of Spokane,” when James Glover built his grand mansion on Spokane’s South Hill, he chose fledgling architect Kirtland K. Cutter who had just begun his career there. In 1889, Cutter also designed the F. Rockwood Moore residence (demolished) near Glover’s, amid criticism by the local wealthy that these two new homes looked too “old and established” ~ which was actually Cutter’s goal. Accolades for the Glover Mansion by Dr. Seward Webb (son-in-law of W.H. Vanderbilt) gradually won Spokane over, guaranteeing Cutter a firm place in its architectural history. Although similar in many respects to F. Rockwood Moore’s house, it is unusual as the first two floors were constructed of granite instead of the prolific basaltic rock on the South Hill. Banker and partner to Moore, Glover wanted to make a statement with his home, and the interior is filled with imposing, yet comfortable details. Highlight ~ This painting pictured the setting at Winter with fresh snow blanketing the beautiful setting and its three welcoming snowmen.

 

• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 91 paintings in this collection.

 

"KRIS KRINGKLE COMES TO THE CLIFF HOUSE (ARBOR CREST)" (SPOKANE VALLEY, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2008 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

I painted this Holiday portrait of the Cliff House at Arbor Crest Cellars to honor a special tradition that occurred in the early 2000s in the Spokane Valley. An avid aviator who flew his small plane out of Felts Field decorated it for several years to look like Santa In his sleigh. On ChristmasEve (weather permitting) he would take off and criss-cross the skies above the neighborhoods in the Valley for about 15 minutes. Folks of all ages came out into their streets to watch and wave to Saint Nicholas as he made his annual visit late in the evening. It was magical ~ thus the theme for this piece. Royal Newton Riblet built his Florentine-style Cliff House Mansion to take advantage of the stunning view from his property’s perch overlooking the Spokane River. The grounds included a waterfall that continually recycled from bottom to top, a tram that went down his cliff to the river below, a life-size chess game and other marvels. When I completed this piece, the MIlke family owned the estate, home of Arbor Crest Cellars. The property with its three-story mansion, basaltic rock out-buildings and marvelous gardens later became the headquarters of Arbor Crest Cellars (ArborCrest.com). This festive fine art was created to promote the 2018 Cliff House Estate Holiday Art Show. Highlight ~ When Royal Riblet was living there, the cement factory far below on the riverside spewed harmful dust into the air, deteriorating his mansion’s facade. He sued ~ and the attorneys who won the first ever case of its kind were associates James Winton and my father Joseph A. Simpson.

• The Entire Spokane Valley Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all and learn about all 18 paintings in this collection.

 

"HANDSOME HANSEN HOUSE" (SNOHOMISH, WA • PAINTED MAY 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This 2-1/2-story residence with the half-timbered top floor gable and front porch was one of the most striking homes (both inside and out) in the historic district of Snohomish. The exterior of the residence was enhanced with river-rock masonry at its entrance flanked by two large planters filled with brilliant colorful foliage. It was the perfect subject for this Thanksgiving-themed artwork. \When my sister Marilee and I toured the residence during the Holiday Season in the mid-2000s, it was imaginatively decorated with vintage music boxes and toys, an antique Christmas village and much more. No one on the tour that year breezed through this home's main floor, as there was so much to see and marvel at. N.P. Hansen House was built in 1906 on a slightly sloping hillside at 1314 4th Street. Its lot was prominent just around the corner from Snohomish High School. Highlight ~ A favorite with visitors, this mansion was featured on the Snohomish Historical Society’s Holiday Homes Tour several times.

 

• The Entire Snohomish Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all and learn about all 27 paintings in this collection.

 

"DECORATING THE DOWN'S HOUSE" (PORT TOWNSEND, WA • PAINTED JUNE 2018 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The George W. Downs House was an absolute Victorian Foursquare confection ~ the perfect setting for this painting celebrating this most festive time of year! George Downs arrived in the harbor seaport town in 1881 and soon became a very successful Port Townsend’s lumber baron. He and his wife raised three daughters, Sarah, Cordelia and Cassandra in this handsome home which was beautifully embellished with ornate stain glass windows ~ including a large one of Saint Gabriel from a Tacoma church. It also had a “widow’s walk” in the center of the roof that enjoyed a panoramic view of the harbor. The house was altered slightly over the years, but by and large it retained its original grace, style and elegance. It's symmetrical beauty inspired this holiday portrait of "decking the halls with boughs of holly"! Highlight ~ One of the three daughters, Cassandra, lived in this residence well into the 1960s.

 

• Entire Port Townsend Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 18 paintings in this collection.

 

"CAVORTING AT CANNON HILL POND (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE , WA • PAINTED DECEMBER 2020 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH

Cannon Hill Park was created just west of Saint Augustine’s Parish where I attended grade school for six years. I painted a glimpse of it into the background of this piece. There was little property for playgrounds in the 1950s-60s, so in winter, the 6th-, 7th- and 8th-graders were allowed to skate on the pond during recess. The boys played hockey and the girls twirled and skated backwards (we all dreamed of joining the “Ice Capades”). The site of the Washington Brick & Lime Co. in the 1880s (used for many South Hill homes), when the clay deposits ran out, the Adam’s family (relatives of John Quincy Adams) donated 13 acres for Adams Park, later named for real estate developer A.M. Cannon. In 1910, the famed Olmsted brothers designed the park, including a large pond with basaltic rock bridges, two pergolas and a wading pool for children ~ no longer in place. Highlight ~ I filled this work with family and friends ~ including the Roberts, McCarthy, Shelledy kids and more. The Shelledys lived in the blond brick two-story bungalow by the right edge of the pond.

 

• Entire Inland Northwest Parks & Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all 28 paintings in this collection.

 

"SKATING SERENADE" (PORT TOWNSEND, WA • PAINTED DECEMBER 2000 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 16X20-INCH)

I was inspired to paint this large snow scene (a 16x20-inch canvas) years ago after touring Port Townsend’s Historic District in the mid-1970s. The quaint, lovely seaside port community has always been an inspiration and I have completed over a dozen paintings honoring this picturesque destination. One of my favorite Queen Anne’s there with the three-story “German Consulate” pictured here (also known as the Frank Hastings House). I planned this entire painting around it.
After positioning the mansion, I added a few imaginary structures and other details to the scene ~ railroad tracks, a whimsical Victorian one-room train depot, white clapboard church and a New England-style covered bridge. I pictured skaters twirling on the ice, sleighs filled with riders slicing merrily through the snow and positioned snowmen here and there around the landscape.After I finally finished this Winter-themed scene, I later completed a second smaller piece, “Cozy Consulate B&B,” that focused just on the mansion. I gave the second piece a Spring theme with pots filled with geraniums on the porch and alyssum and petunias in the gardens. Highlight ~ This ambitious Winter-themed piece of fine art took me well over 250 hours to complete over a span of ten years.

 

• The Entire Port Townsend Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all 18 paintings in this collection.

 

"WINTER WEDDING AT WHISTLER" (WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUNBIA, CANADA • PAINTED MARCH 2017 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X74-INCH)

This portrait of beautiful Whistler Village in British Columbia was completed to honor the marriage of some very dear friends of ours, Michele Rostron and Brent Orrico. Brent Orrico has been one of my husband’s best and closest buddies since childhood years growing up in the Clyde Hill neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington. Brent's extended family owned a vacation home in Whistler, British Columbia for many years. Thus, this iconic setting was prettiest place that Doug’s ski-loving pal could have chosen for his small winter wedding ceremony. As pictured here in this painting, the marriage was held outdoors near the skating rink, and yes, Brent asked that I paint Doug and me into the scene among the ice skaters as unfortunatelly, due to Doug's heallth concerns, it was impossible for us to join the couple. The crisp evening was lovely with light snow dusting Whistler Village. Highlight ~ I pictured Brent and his fiancé Michele sharing their vows with his brother Dean officiating on Saint Patrick’s Day, 2017.

 

• The Entire Other Settings Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all 24 paintings in this collection.

 

"VISTA HOUSE VIEW" (MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK, WA • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2010 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 9X12-INCH)

This artwork portrayed the historic Vista House (MountSpokane.com) on a gorgeous sunny day with friends, family and a group of eager young S.S.R.A. ~ including my nephew Scot and niece Isabell Simpson when they were just starting out in the racing organization. Located at the summit a short hike up from the top of the #1 chairlift, this granite stone cottage was designed by Spokane architect, Henry C. Bertelsen to blend with Mount Spokane’s stunning natural setting.
It was built in 1933 during the Great Depression with help from the C.C.C. (the Civilian Conservation Corps), headquartered at Riverside State Park on Spokane’s North Side.Renovated in 2002 under the direction of Mount Spokane State Park, it re-opened to skiers on Sundays and holidays, offering refreshments and a huge, friendly fireplace.
Highlight ~ During warmer Spring and Summer months, the Vista House has opened its doors to host weddings and other special celebrations. Although the rustic Vista House has its special charm, the view from the property is truly "the star" of these events when the sun is shining and the sky is clear.

• The Entire Greater Inland NW / North Idaho Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all 19 paintings in this collection.

 

As you can see by the artwork shared above and throughout this website, I've been busy in 2022 and 2023. Click on the 2023 / 2022 All NEW "Americana" Art Collection pdf to see all my most recent paintings. Even though I just lost my sweet guy in early September, I've learned that creating these can be to be a comfort and a blessingl during these tough days. I feel so lucky and grateful to have this gift that brings me joy ~ both to myself and others.

 

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