A MEMORY-FILLED FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
CREATING MEMORIES WITH MY FAMILY AFTER DOUG
BLESSINGS • Although sweet Doug truly gave it his all to stay on the planet, we lost him in Fall 2023. My family and friends have done so much in the months since then to help me put one foot in front of the other to heal. Kindness from those I love and those who loved Doug has made me SO grateful.
A MAGICAL EVENING • One of those special moments sparkled in the photo (left). When my son Kevin and Taryn came for a Winter visit with our grandkids, a fun side trip was an excursion to the Coeur d'Alene Hotel to see the lights plus a family dinner afterwards at the waterfront restaurant.
As Sally Mom's home at Evergreen Fountains was near our route to this destination, we paid her a visit, too. Luck was on our side as my sis Peggy was also there, making it an even happier reunion as you can see (left) by the smiles on all our faces. Thank you for taking our picture, Peggy!
This was our second trip to Coeur d'Alene as the first one happened a few years earlier with "GW," (Grandpa Doug). As the kids were older, the colorful lights really got their attention, and I'm sure he watched from heaven and was sorry he missed this. Afterwards at the Dock Side, we toasted "GW" who is ALWAYS in our hearts!
You'll find lots of settings with a dusting of snow in this 2025 FALL INTO WINTER collection of 12 paintings. The portrait of the Glover Mansion is the one NEW featured work shared on this page. Most are old favorites from all over Washington (Spokane, Snohomish, Port Townsend, and Redmond), but you'll also find a Carefree, Arizona setting. The first painting in each theme honors my home town Spokane. Where possible, I've included websites in red bold type and photos of each setting, so you can learn a little history and sometimes what inspired me to paint each piece.
OVERVIEW OF RECENT WORKS ~ Below this collection, I've included a pdf sharing all my NEW artwork completed in 2023 and 2024. As the season unfolds, you'll find NEW 2025 paintings added as they're finished. Find more seasonal paintings on the PUGET SOUND, SPOKANE (INLAND NW), MORE PAINTINGS and COMMISSION pages of this website.
NOTE: Find "ENTIRE COLLECTION" pdfs after EACH PAINTING shared below on this page. These pdfs are also included with every grouping on the PUGET SOUND, SPOKANE (INLAND NW), MORE PAINTINGS and COMMISSION pages of this site.
"DELIGHTFUL DINING AT THE CAMPBELL HOUSE" (THE MAC, BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED JANUARY 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
This painting was created to celebrate the Amasa Campbell House’s (NorthwestMuseum.org) formal dining room. The large room was roomy enough for large dinner parties ~ 20 by 25 feet ~ and featured an expansive table seating up to twelve, a grand buffet, a fireplace of Delft-style tiles and six large windows overlooking the grounds in the back of the home. This was the scene of many elegant dinner parties, although it served the small family of three as well (Amasa, wife Grace and daughter Helen).
To the right of the fireplace was the door to the butler’s pantry, which opened on to the kitchen for serving. This closet-sized room was where the china, crystal, silver and table linens were stored. I gave this artwork a Valentine’s Day dinner party theme with delicate heart streamers intertwined with the chandelier and fresh pink tulips and carnations as the floral centerpiece ~ a welcome holiday during Spokane’s long dark winters. Highlight ~ When the family required a servant to attend to their needs, they discretely pushed a small button located beneath the tabletop.
• The Entire Browne's Addition Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 34 paintings in this collection.
"PINK PALACE ON PACIFIC" (BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED JANUARY 2021 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
I have painted very few pink residences, as this color home is not easy to find in Spokane, Washington. Frequently, Spokane’s vintage grand houses were Tudor-Revival, Federal, Colonial or Prairie-style and constructed of durable materials like basaltic rock, brick, granite or stucco. In Port Townsend, Snohomish and Walla Walla ~ communities known for their historic Carpenters’ Gothic Victorians, visitors stand a better chance of finding mansions painted pink. But, lucky me. I discovered this inviting pink “palace” on Pacific Avenue in Browne‘s Addition near Coeur d’Alene Park. No doubt constructed many decades ago, little was available on its history. It may have been a single-family dwelling that was converted into an apartment house after World War II when the city encouraged this practice to accommodate returning servicemen in need of homes in which to start their families. Highlight ~ I gave this artwork a gardening theme with my husband Doug and me planting pink impatiens and hydrangeas in the front flower beds.\
• The Entire Browne's Addition Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 34 paintings in this collection.
"PRETTY PURPLE PALACE" (SNOHOMISH, WA • PAINTED MAY 2009 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
The delightful Allen House, located at 224 Avenue A in Snohomish, shines as a magical study of how to create intricate detail in a beautiful, unique way. Built in 1856, this two-story was one of the earlier constructed Victorians that I found in the Snohomish Historic District. Embellished with ornamental wrought iron marching across its roofline and second-story balcony, the home featured an imaginative color scheme of unexpected purple and Ceylon green with touches of cream on some of the trim. Later, this residence was given with a new color scheme, but I’ve always loved this unusual one ~ therefore, my inspiration to paint its portrait. A brick and masonry wall framed the garden, which was in full spring bloom with roses in its front gardens at the time I was working on this artwork. Highlight ~ I included my dear friends Robin Westbrook, Marcia Naeseth and sister-in-law Holly Ward decorating the Victorian with a garlands of hearts to honor of Valentine’s Day.
• The Entire Snohomish Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 27 paintings in this collection.
"THE ENGLISH ROSE TEA ROOM" (CAREFREE, AZ • PAINTED AUGUST 2007 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVA • 8X10 INCHES)
Situated in the heart of beautiful Carefree, Arizona, the English Rose Tea Room (CarefreeTea.com) provided authentic English cuisine in a truly unique and exquisite Victorian atmosphere. From a simple scone with Devon Cream to “The Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea,” there was something for every discerning guest’s palate. Generous attention was given to replicate the true feel of a formal English Tea Room as the owner/proprietor of this space, Jo Gemmill, spent much of her life "across the pond" in England. The gracious style that she created in her tea room was soft, feminine, romantic and authentic. Seated in their heart-backed chairs were longtime friends and associates Beverly, Fara and Natasha. I pictured Jo as the perfect hostess about to welcome guests. Highlight ~ Adjacent to the tea room pictured here, Jo ran a gift shop filled with dozens of authentic English teas, a huge selection of teapots and other one-of-a-kind gift items.
• The Entire Other Settings Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 22 paintings in this collection.
"ICE RIBBON AT RIVERFRONT PARK" (THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SPOKANE, WA • JULY 2019 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
In early December 2017, Spokane opened the first ice ribbon on the West Coast ~ a fun addition to Riverfront Park which was part of the updating plans happening on what was once the site of Spokane’s Expo 74 environmental fair. The ice ribbon promised a wonderful urban experience with its 16-foot wide 700-foot trail curling around the west end of the park. Fire pits, an ice lounge and more promised a great experience for skaters young and old. Summer offered roller-skating instead and other activities, so the ribbon could be enjoyed year round. An extra attraction was the gondola fixture that took folks over thundering Spokane Falls. Highlight ~ I filled this artwork with skaters enjoying the crisp winter day and pictured Riverfront’s pavilion and iconic clock tower in the background of this piece honoring the ice ribbon’s memorable opening day.
• The Inland NW Parks and Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 30 paintings in this collection.
"SKATING SERENADE" ( PORT TOWNSEND, WA, • 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 the pdf to see and learn about all 18 paintings in this collection.
"FUN & FROLIC AT THE MANITO FIREPLACE" ( THE SOUTH HILLSPOKANE, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 20061 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
At the west end of the Manito Park’s (TheFriendsOfManito.org) Duck Pond (also known as Mirror Lake), a massive basaltic rock fireplace was built in 1955 as a memorial to Lt. Lawrence Rist, an Air Force officer who was killed in action in the Korean War. For decades growing up in Spokane, my parents took our family ice-skating during the winter months on Manito Pond. At that time the city and local fire department took pains to keep the surface smoothly groomed for skaters. There was nearly always a fire blazing for folks who were chilled and in need of warming up and a hot beverage. I filled this scene with family and friends enjoying the day. Highlight ~ The Friends of Manito stewardship organization recently paved the long-time gravel pathway that bordered the pond, creating a much more user-friendly walkway for folks to enjoy in all seasons. A swan sculpture was also placed on the east end of the pond to honor the gracefull birds that used to call Mirror Lake their home years ago.
The Inland NW Parks and Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 30 paintings in this collection.
"CAVORTING AT CANNON HILL" (THE SOUTH HILL, WA, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED JULY 2009 • 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.
• The Inland NW Parks and Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 30 paintings in this collection.
NEW! "WINTER MAGIC AT THE GLOVER MANSION" ( THE LOWER SOUTH HILL • 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 snow blanketing the beautiful setting and lights shining from all its windows on three welcoming snowmen. When I finished the art, the Glover Mansion was serving Spokane as an elegant event center.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
"SNOWMEN ON THE SOUTH HILL" (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA, • PAINTED JANUARY 16 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Three friendly festive snowmen welcomed patrons to this beloved bakery a half block east of Grand Boulevard and Manito Park on Spokane’s South Hill. Whether the weather was chilly, as pictured in this piece, or warm for al fresco dining on the deck of the historic 18th Avenue setting, the Rockwood Bakery has always been a favorite of loyal patrons. For folks with a sweet tooth and discerning love of rich coffee and flavorful tea, from the day that the Rockwood Bakery opened, people have gathered there every morning to start their day. When my sister’s husband Ron was working on the hardwood floors in our bungalow near Bernard Street on 18th, he breakfasted every morning there. Highlight ~ In the early 1900s, this historic structure served the neighborhood as the Rockwood Market. It was the first to offer its customers meat lockers to freeze their large quantity purchases ~ perfect during hunting season in the Inland NW.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
"GINGERBREAD BOYS AT BILL BROWN'S" (REDMOND, WA • PAINTED JULY 2013 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
William “Bill” Brown was one of Redmond’s most popular, longest serving mayors (1919 through 1948). After Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates, he is probably the figure who exerted the most influence over this Eastside community. Among his many business interests in the small logging and mining community, he built a large square brick building in the center of downtown which housed a bar, sofa fountain, barber shop and mortuary on the main level and a dance hall on the second floor with cells for “ladies of the evening” all along the south side of it. Being far removed from the Seattle area allowed Brown to run "his town" as he saw fit. From 1924 to 1932 he also served as King County Commissioner. In 1916, Brown married Laura Duffy and built this charming Craftsman-style cottage for the couple. In later years, the structure went on to house a number of small businesses, from a hugely popular diner to a candy company to a beloved bakery and café.
Highlight ~ When I painted this portrait of the bungalow, it was serving Redmond as a café. I pictured my granddaughter Addison, her mom Heidi and me ready to head inside for a Holiday lunch.
• Entire Eastside Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 55 paintings in this collection.
"GATHERING AT THE GRANGE" (REDMOND, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2009 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
I completed this portrait of #322 Happy Valley Grange in honor of its 100th birthday in 2009. Founded in 1909, the clapboard structure was built in the rural pocket of small farms in Happy Valley just east of Redmond. The grange had just been given a “sprucing up” inside and out when I painted the evening mid-winter scene. It shows me and fellow artists, potters and other creators unloading our work for a holiday arts & crafts fair. The grange was the ideal setting for this event as it was adjacent to a bustling farm that catered to the neighborhood on the hill above. Two artists created the friendly snowman who kept us company that chilly winter night. I pictured myself with creative pal Robin Westbrook and sister Marlee carrying crates of our artwork and craft items to set up for the Annual Holiday Bazaar that was hosted by the Grange in the early 2000s. It was a wonderful cozy venue located next door to the Serres Family Christmas Tree Farm.
Highlight ~One of Hollywood's most famous and accomplished Oscar winning actors spent his youth growing up on a small farm in Happy Valley. Gary Cooper lived in the area with his family during the Great Depression years until the Coopers were able to move to Montana.
• Entire Eastside Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 55 paintings in this collection.
As you can see by the artwork shared above and throughout this website, I've been busy this year and last. Click on the 2024 / 2023 All NEW "Americana" Art Collection pdf to see all 19 of my recent paintings. Creating my friendly, charming pieces has proved to be an integral part of my healing process since the passing of my beloved Doug in September, 2023 ~ soothing on days when I've missed him the most. I am so grateful to be blessed with this gift of talent that still brings me joy, both to myself and others.
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