A MEMORY-FILLED FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
CREATING MEMORIES WITH MY FAMILY AFTER DOUG
BLESSINGS • Although my sweet Doug truly gave it his all to stay on the planet, we lost him early Autumn 2023. My family and close friends did what they could to help me put one foot in front of the other during those first FALL INTO WINTER seasons without him. The kindness of those I love ~ as well as those who loved Doug so much ~ has been invaluable. I am so grateful!
A MAGIC EVENING • One of those magic moments sparkles in the photo (left) after a Holiday dinner last year when my sister-in-law Jan turned the music up and all of us started dancing in the kitchen! 96-year old Sally Mom is with niece Izzy in the foreground, with Bob, me, nephew Scot, Jan and sis Marilee's hubby Ron filling up the room. A completely Impronmtu moment, but SO much fun!
THIS TIME OF YEAR • The coming months are all about magical moments like these where we find ourselves sharing comfort food and after-dinner activities with friends in cozy surroundings. Afterwards, a walk in the leaves or snow, snuggling in comforters with favorite movies, football games on TV, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and solving board games fill our evenings with fun and companionship.
HOLIDAY CHEER • Hot buttered rums, Tom & Jerries and eggnog do their part to keep our spirits bright. It's a wonderful time of year, so Let's FALL INTO WINTER.
My FALL INTO WINTER collection of 16 images features four NEW works ~ all from destinations in the Northwest. Also include in each themed group is a painting from of a setting in my beloved home town, Spokane. Where possible, I've included photos and websites in red bold type and photos, so you can learn more about each.
OVERVIEW OF RECENT WORKS ~ Below this collection, I've included a pdf sharing all my NEW artwork completed in 2023 and 2024. 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 PAINTING shared below on this page. These pdfs are also included with every grouping on the PUGET SOUND, INLAND NW (SPOKANE), MORE PAINTINGS and COMMISSION pages of this site.
"WITCHES ON WOODIES AT CORBIN PARK" (CORBIN PARK, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED JULY 2018 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
The Corbin Park Historic District has been a unique pocket of homes on Spokane’s North Side since the early 1900s when Daniel C. Corbin developed the neighborhood around the park. Oval-shaped Corbin Park had once been the Washington-Idaho Fairgrounds and Racetrack from 1886 to 1897. Later, this district was named on the Local, State and National Registers of Historic Places. This three-story Queen Anne was the very first residence constructed there, created in 1902 by prominent builder Harry J. Skinner for his family. He built several other homes in this neighborhood and on Spokane’s North Side. I gave this scene a Halloween theme with three witches dancing to the ghosts’ spooky serenade, lit by over a dozen Jack-O-Lanterns peppering the property. Highlight ~ Over the years, Corbin Park became THE Halloween destination with homes decorated from head-to-toe with the neighborhood hosting as many as 10,000 trick-or-treaters each Autumn.
• The Entire Spokane North Side Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 32 paintings in this collection.
NEW! "FULL CIRCLE SIMPSON RANCH" (MORAN PRAIRIE, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED SEPTEMBER 2024 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
In 2020, Doug and I moved to a home he fell in love with on Moran Pairie. We began an ambitious facelift as it was built in 1989 and desperately needed updating. We worked on every room on both floors for two years ~ and it finally became our "dream house." After my sweetheart lost his 6+ year battle with cancer in 2023, I finally cleaned out his file cabinets, shredding dozens of medical documents. Magically among them, I discovered an envelope of vintage photos dated from 1931-1945 by my grandmother Jessie. I compared these notes to those in her daily diary that she kept until we lost her to cancer in the mid-1050s. Amazingly, I learned our cottage was exactly where their ranch (farm house, barn and fields) had been on Regal Road near the Palouse Highway ~ FULL CIRCLE for me as all the pieces fit! Highlight ~ The picnic scene included (L-R) Grandpa Charlie Simpson, my dad Joe his in uniform, dogs Smokey, Whiskers and King, Jessie with one of her legendary pies, my cousin Jim Flemister with my dad’s sister Wanda and her husband Ed.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
"THE SPOOKY STEVENS HOUSE" (SNOHOMISH, WA • PAINTED AUGUST 2012 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Built in 1887, the Stevens House has always been one of the most classic beauties in the center of Snohomish’s historic district. Owner John F. Stevens was a famous engineer who worked for James J. Hill, CEO of the Great Northern Railroad. Known as “The Empire Builder,” Hill dominated his industry. Stevens’ considerable accomplishments include building a thousand miles of railroad for the Stevens Pass Highway, including the original Cascade Tunnel. Stevens Pass was named for him, but he also discovered Marias Pass over the Continental Divide. Later, with James Hill’s recommendation, Stevens was hired by President Theodore Roosevelt to finish the Panama Canal after the work there foundered, building the infrastructure necessary to complete that project. The Stevens House stands in the shade of two enormous trees in the front yard, presenting the perfect setting for this Halloween-themed painting.
• The Entire Snohomish Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 27 paintings in this collection.
"HARVEST CELEBRATION AT THE HOGG HOUSE" (PORT TOWNSEND, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2003 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVA • 8X10 INCHES)
This painting featured the J.B. Hogg House which I completed with a Thanksgiving theme. The decorative two-story grey-shingled home was full of quaint personality and one of the prettier historic Victorians for which Port Townsend has always been well known. At one point, the cottage was a group home to several Roman Catholic priests who enclosed the right side of the second floor to create a sleeping porch. Each year, the Puget Sound community took great pride in hosting a well-attended tour of its beautiful landmark homes. Cameras in hand, visitors arrived from all over the Pacific Northwest to wander the neighborhoods, explore the interiors and snap photos of the beautifully restored residences.
The perfect setting for a family feast, I pictured my husband Doug and me in the window enjoying a quick holiday hug before our guests arrive for Thanksgiving and a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings! The cottage was decorated with an Autumn theme with pumpkins, shocks of wheat and more. Highlight ~ This painting was my second effort at a portrait ~ the first one picturing the home as a snow-covered B&B created with a Winter theme.
• The Entire Port Townsend Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 18 paintings in this collection.
NEW! "VINTAGE SHADLE PARK HIGH IN SEPTEMBER ('60s & '70s)" (THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • 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. 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 32 paintings in this collection.
"MERRY CAROLERS AT SAINT MARKS" ( THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA, • MARCH 2020 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Christmas at Saint Mark’s (StMarks-spokane.org)! This unique 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 ~ giving it a Swedish-style influence. Unique for its time were its A-frame lines and needle-shaped bell-tower with four angels. It was modern inside and acclaimed Spokane artist Harold Balazs created the interior art and sculpture as part of its design. This neighborhood Lutheran church made a indeed statement for it’s time, considered to be a fine example of Mid-Century Modern architecture in Spokane. The property was particularly pretty during the Holidays, especially after a fresh snowfall. I pictured a diverse group of carolers in the foreground in front of its signature basaltic rock wall welcoming folks to the Christmas Eve Service. Highlight ~ In 1955 when I was about to start kindergarten, Saint Augustine’s parish had not implemented this program into their curriculum yet, so some neighborhood moms suggested Saint Mark's. My mother Sally enrolled me there. I loved kindergarten, as we were constantly creating art projects with crayons, pastels, clay, plaster of Paris, finger-paints and more ~ shades of things to come for me!
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
"HARVEST FEST AT HUTTON SCHOOL" (ROCKWOOD, THE SOUTH HILLSPOKANE, WA • PAINTED AUGUST 2021 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
When I painted this Autumn-themed portrait of Hutton Elementary School, it had just turned 100 years old. Near Rockwood Boulevard on Spokane's South Hill, it was named for mining millionaire and philanthropist, Levi H. Hutton. It was originally designed in 1921 by Archibald Rigg and partner Roland Vantyne in the Spanish eclectic style. Stucco walls, red tile roofing, the arcaded entryway and windows have always made Hutton stand out architecturally in the Rockwood National Historic District. Having recently been renovated, Spokane’s City Council placed it on the Spokane Register of Historic Places. The school was nominated for this special honor based on its contributions to history in the community ~ specifically in education and its uniquely handsome architecture. I gave this painting a "Harvest Festival" theme with booths offering freshly baked pumpkin and apple pies, displays of pumpkins for creating Jack-O-Lanterns, bouquets of friendly sunflowers, and T-shirts with an "H" on the front for “Hutton.” Colorful pumpkins, baskets of apples, wheat shocks and balloons in Autumn colors decorated this imaginary fundraiser for the "Hutton Hawks." The festival was about to begin with volunteers poised to welcome shoppers of all ages on a beautiful “Indian Summer” morning.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
MERRYMAKING AT SAINT MICHAEL'S" (SNOHOMISH, WA, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED MARCH 2010 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
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.
When historic 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.
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 fresh snow blanketing the beautiful setting and its three welcoming snowmen. When I painted its portrait, 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.
"MERRYMAKING WITH MARY BETH'S FAMILY" (CAPITOL HILL, SEATTLE, WA, • PAINTED DECEMBER 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 the pdf to see and learn about all 15 paintings in this collection.
"DECORATING THE DOWN'S HOUSE" (PORT TOWNSEND, WA • PAINTED JULY 2006 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
IThe 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.
• The Entire Port Townsend Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 18 paintings in this collection.
"MANRESA CASTLE IN MAY" (PORT TOWNESND,, WA • PAINTED MARCH 2010• ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Designed by Whitehouse and Price, this Colonial Revival-style clinker brick residence was built on the corner of Stevens and Shoshone in 1926 overlooking Cannon Hill Pond. History suggests that Hawley owned an oil company and he had this home created for his family. A later noteworthy resident was Dr. Harcus of Harcus & Aspray Radiologists, Spokane’s first large practice. In December 2016, Molly Meyers Jakubczak purchased the original painting and prints as Christmas gifts for each of her kids who had grown there. She had just finished an extensive “face-lift” of the home, with plans to list it for sale in Spring 2017 after 30 years in the brick beauty. In 2018, a new family with young children purchased the place and began creating memories of their own. The new family also has a large canvas reproduction of this artwork. I gave this piece a skating theme as Spokane always enjoyed four seasons. In Winter, Cannon Hill pond frequently froze, beaconing folks of all ages to spend the day on the ice. Girls twirled and did their best to skate backwards without losing their balance while boys engaged in some very spirited hockey matches. Hghlight ~ In the 1950-60s, older students from nearby Saint Augustine’s School spent lunch hours on the ice as there was a shortage of playground in those days.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
NEW! "SNOW ANGELS ON THE SOUTH HILL" (CANNON HILL, SPOKANE, WA •AUGUST 2024 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
In December 2018, I finished a portrait of Greg and Lori Arpin’s authentic New England farmhouse by Latah Creek. After 28 years there, the couple downsized to this Colonial-Revival cottage built in 1921 (garage 1922) a block from Cannon Hill Park. From its kitchen, they enjoyed a view of Cataldo Catholic School where Lori taught for decades. In 2018, I painted it to welcome the couple back to their old neighborhood. In 2022, I created the first Winter treatment of it as a thank-you gift to Lori for her help with my artwork projects and festivals in recent years. The scene pictured the cottage after a snowfall with Greg and Lori putting finishing touches on an angel snow statue while grandkiddo twins Charlie and Jack and granddaughters Aoife and Finley Rose (a new addition to the art ) created their snow angels. Hghlight ~ Phil Brooke, Sr., founding member of Paine, Hamblen, Coffin and Brooke, built this in the early 1920s, but soon moved across the alley to a larger Dutch Colonial on the pond. That Colonial stayed in the Brooke family as grandson Doug was living in it when I finished this art. Remarkably, Greg Arpin practiced law with Phil Brooke III for many years at the Paine Hamblen.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
"LIGHTS A-GLOW AT THE GAISER CONSERVAORY" (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2019 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)
Manito Park was huge part of my life growing up in Spokane. My first 12 years as a youngster were spent in a small cottage across from Cannon Hill Park on Lincoln Street and then a Dutch Colonial in the Manito neighborhood off Bernard. The park was within walking distance. In the 1950s and 1960s, kids could take off most anytime they wanted and play very safely at the much loved park with or without chums. After moving back from the Seattle area, my husband and I bought a brick bungalow a half block from 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 for a time “Holiday Lights” ~ a magical display of thousands of colored lights decorating the interior of the Gaiser Conservatory. Sadly, the rise of COVID killed this magical tradition. I pictured folks I love gathering to tour the interior with cups of steaming cocoa. Hghlight ~ Created by volunteers from the Friends of Manito (TheFriendsOfManito.org), when I painted this piece, it’s was open during the Holiday Season for all to enjoy at no charge, although visitors donated generously to the folks minding the entrance.
• The Entire Spokane South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 93 paintings in this collection.
"SKATING SERENDADE" (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. Hghlight ~ This ambitious Winter-themed piece of fine art took me well over 250 hours to complete during 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.
"VISTA HOUSE VIEW" (MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK, WA • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2010 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-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. Hghlight ~ 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 Inland NW Parks and Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 30 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 my most 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 dark days when I miss 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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