Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Turk's Cap, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013, SOLD

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

and 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Thank you for your support and friendship. Being able to share my work with you is a privilege I never take for granted. I especially appreciate that each correspondence we share brings the world a little closer. May this holiday season find you happy and healthy, and celebrating with your loved ones. 

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Gazing Ball Sparkle

Gazing Ball Sparkle, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Last week, Plein Air Austin met up for our last official paintout of the year at The Lookout, a wedding venue in the Hill Country. It was a bright, sunny morning and this deep blue garden gazing ball was sparkling irresistibly. I do love a garden, and I hope we can go back in the spring. Many thanks to Ann for having us out! 

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Autumn Blaze

Autumn Blaze, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

We have had some cold snaps down here (back in Texas) and the landscape has quickly made its transition into winter mode. The soft light of a gray day made the golden colors extra vibrant and dramatic last week. It was worth enduring a chilly, "wintery mix" to get outside and paint those beautiful transient tones. 

See more Small Works. 

Beach Shadows - Hawaii

Beach Shadows, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 

This is my last painting from my visit to Hawaii; and the quiet beach in this scene was a favorite "find" on my way to the North Shore of Oahu. I spent a delightful morning painting here, watching the clouds floating by and listening to the waves crashing into shore. It was hard to leave such beauty (and my daughter and son-in-law), and I am already looking forward to going back! :)

Monkeypod Canopies - Hawaii

Monkeypod Canopies, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 

SOLD

All over the Hawaiian islands Monkeypod trees spread their canopies like huge umbrellas. In addition to being really beautiful, the cool thing about these trees is that their leaves release nitrogen which fertilizes the ground below. (Most trees block the light which kills the plant life below.) So as the saying goes, the "grass is always greener" under the Monkeypod tree... quite literally.

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Waiahole Poi Factory - Hawaii

Waiahole Poi Factory, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

The Waiahole Poi Factory is right on the Kamehameha Highway heading to the north shore of Oahu, and it is clearly a favorite lunch spot for the locals. They serve island delicacies like Kalua Pig, Squid Lu'au, and Laulau with pounded Poi on the side. I had a great morning, painting across the street and watching people come and go. 

Poi: a Hawaiian dish made from the fermented root of the taro, which has been baked and pounded to a paste.

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Mountain Fog - Hawaii

Mountain Fog, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This is another painting from my misty day on Oahu. I love how fog settles on the mountaintops and mystically creeps down into the canyons. It's kind of primal looking and always makes me start humming the theme song to Jurassic Park. :)

Sadly, my fun to Hawaii came to an end on Saturday. Of course, I am happy to be home, but I hated to leave! I have more island paintings yet to come, so please stay tuned. 

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Misty Coastline - Hawaii

Misty Coastline, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Even foggy, voggy days in the Hawaiian islands capture the imagination. The mist settles in and adds a quieting layer in the atmosphere. On this morning, it grayed everything out to a lovely soft pink. 

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Azure Reflections - Hawaii

Azure Reflections, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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The light and colors of Hawaii are uniquely intense and very intoxicating. It's almost impossible to squelch the constant "oohs" and "ahhhs" that spill out of my mouth. I am very grateful to be here taking it all in. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

Waterfront Lanai - Hawaii

Waterfront Lanai, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Greetings from Hawaii! I am here in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, visiting my daughter and son-in-law for Thanksgiving. Of course, I just HAD to come a week early to get some painting in as well. :) It has been wonderful all around - having time with my kids and being inspired by the sights and scents of paradise. Each morning has greeted me with new and wonderful scenes that I will share with you over the next few days.

Can you imagine sitting on your lanai (back porch) and seeing this view every day? I don't know who lives here, but they sure are lucky!! Here was my view...

Marshland Creek and End of Show!

Marshland Creek, 36 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

Available at the Davis Gallery

This is the last week of my show at the Davis Gallery here in Austin, and I could not be happier with how it all went. The work is up through Saturday 11/16, so it's not too late to visit. Many thanks to those of you who have stopped by to see the work in person, or who have taken a look at it on my website. Your comments and encouragement mean the world to me and keep me energized. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

A Clear Day - American Women Artists Exhibit

A Clear Day, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

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I am pleased that "A Clear Day" will be presented in the annual American Women Artists that show opens this Friday night at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas. This exhibit is always a wonderful showcase that celebrates women in the arts from all over the nation. Friday is also "art walk" night, when all the galleries and shops in town stay open late for fun and festive time. Please join us!

American Women Artists 2013

16th Annual National Show and Juried Competition

RS Hanna Gallery

208 South Llano Street

Fredericksburg, Texas

November 1-22

Opening Reception November 1, 6 to 9 pm

Leaning In and a new workshop for 2014

Leaning In, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

These trees seemed to be leaning into the hillside almost as if on cue. It made me wonder what conditions caused them to grow like that. Prevailing winds? Whatever it was, the trees have great stability because of it. Nature is amazing.

NEW WORKSHOP:

I have just added a plein air workshop for next year on St. Simon's Island, Georgia. The dates are April 24-26, 2014. Register now with Mary Anderson at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery - 912-634-8414. I would love to see you there!

Row of Zinnias - finally, a plein air day!

Row of Zinnias, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Yesterday, I was thrilled to finally get outside for some plein air time after weeks in the studio. I met up with my buddies from Plein Air Austin at Boggy Creek Farm, a wonderful, urban market farm on the edge of town. These colorful zinnias caught my eye and I could go no further. We had a delightful time painting in between rain showers (which later became a much-needed downpour.) It was a good day and we all went home with organic veggies.

Ocean Walk and Sun-Drenched Corner

Ocean Walk, 36 x 24, L. Daniel © 2013

Sun-Drenched Corner, 24 x 18, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Dear Friends, Thank you for your support during the weeks leading up to my show. I have appreciated your kind emails and sweet words of encouragement. The reception on Saturday well worth the wait and anticipation... and so much fun! I have included a few photos of the gallery with the work installed and a few of the opening. I wish you all could have been there!

Smell the Roses and Twisting Turns

Smell the Roses, 18 x 24, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Twisting Turns, 18 x 24, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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From well-gardened corners to twisting marshland waterways, these familiar southern passageways speak to me of "home". Over the years, I have spent much time on the Georgia coast and it's imagery has become imbedded in my heart and mind's eye. I love to see it and I love to paint it even more. 

These pieces were in my show at the Davis Gallery, October 2013.

Spring Meadow and Summer In The City

Spring Meadow, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Summer in the City, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

These paintings each depict scenes that are so very, very Austin. "Spring Meadow" is a secluded "getaway" spot that is just outside the city limits but seems miles away. Meanwhile "Summer in the City" captures a favorite "night out" spot that is right in the heart of our fun downtown. It's nice to have both. :)

And you guessed it... both of these will be in my show that opens on Saturday! 

(Davis Gallery, 837 W. 12th, Austin, TX, reception 7 to 9 pm. Please come.)

Evening Benediction and Twilight's Quickening Ray

 Evening Benediction, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

Twilight's Quickening Ray, 18 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Oh, the night sky... it keeps us looking up, doesn't it? I am always mesmerized as the sun sinks on the horizon. Each moment offers a different variety of colors and shapes, only to be topped by the next. It never ceases to amaze. 

These two paintings will be in my show, "Landscapes: Interior-Exterior", at the Davis Gallery in Austin, Texas. The opening reception is THIS Saturday, October 5, 7-9 pm. Please join us!

Winter Grasses and Sitting Room Quietude

Glowing Winter Grasses, 18 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Sitting Room Quietude, 18x 24, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Silence is golden. 

Another pair headed to the Davis Gallery show in October. 

Marsh Dance and Afternoon Shadows

Marsh Dance, 24 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Afternoon Shadows (Waterloo Records), 18 x18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Reflections on the Georgia marsh reveal a delicate dance between trees, marsh grass and water. The undeniable rhythm of their movement is almost audible. Similarly, dynamic shadows (at our favorite record store in Austin) "step in time" daily as the sun travels across the sky. I love to witness these give and take, forward and back, "swing your partner" performances in nature's grand Do Si Do. 

These two paintings will be in my show, "Landscapes: Interior-Exterior" at the Davis Gallery in Austin, Texas. Reception October 5, 7-9pm. Runs through November 16. 

Skyworks and Kitchen Warmth

Skyworks, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

Kitchen Warmth, 24 x 18, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Places of warmth - both outside and inside - draw me hopelessly in. A field of golden grass, an exploding sky, a table streaked with sunbeams... each has the capacity to stop me in my tracks. And it's good to be stopped in my tracks once in awhile... 

These paintings will both be available in my upcoming show, "Landscapes: Interior-Exterior", opening October 5th at the Davis Gallery. 

Billowy Reflections and The Weekender

Billowy Reflections, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

The Weekender, 24 x 18, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Captured here are two Texas icons: the Guadalupe River which runs through the Hill Country and the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. Something about the color palette and the low focal point in each connects these two paintings. Sure, one is a nature scene and one is an interior, but both send the viewer's gaze (and the painter's gaze) into a thoughtful distance of repose. 

Hilltop Skies and Garden View

Hilltop Skies, 40 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Garden View, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Here are two more paintings for my upcoming show (yes, I have been stock-piling). Hilltop Skies is a typical Hill Country field in springtime, filled with wildflowers and big clouds. I say "typical" but there is nothing ordinary about spring in Texas. I can never get enough. Garden View offers a similar riot of color, but from a cozy cottage on the coast of Georgia. Both scenes speak to me of the comfort and peace of home. And "home" comes in many forms for each of us. 

Landscapes: Interior-Exterior

Davis Gallery, Austin, Texas

Opens October 5th, 7-9pm

Morning Blessing and Capitol Glow - upcoming show!

Morning Blessing, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Capitol Glow, 18 x 18, oil on canvas © 2013

These two paintings will be in my upcoming show...

Landscapes: Interior-Exterior 

Opening October 5, 2013 at the Davis Gallery in Austin, Texas.

The show will include landscapes of nature (my usual) AND landscapes of daily life (I've branched out to include interiors, exteriors and cityscapes). Painting for this exhibit has been a stimulating time of artistic stretching and personal discovery for me. I have been pretty much hibernating for these last few weeks and months to get the work done. Sometimes shutting down all distractions is mandatory. :)

After much thought about how to share these paintings with you, I have decided to reveal two images at a time - each from a different category. I had fun pairing them up and hope you will enjoy seeing their commonalities and differences. Please stay tuned!

A Big Commission and a Big Upcoming Show!

Field of Bluebonnets, 40 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

I know I have been a little AWOL, but I am back. :) I spent most of August hunkered down in the studio, working on a commission and lots of new work for a big upcoming show... 

First, the commission: This very large piece was commissioned by a patron who left Texas and wanted a painting to remember the big skies and prolific wildflowers of her home state. It was a delight to work on because these are things I love about Texas too, but more importantly, my clients were a complete joy. The painting is now happily installed, bringing a little bit of Texas to it's new home. 

Second, the show: I have been busily preparing a new body of work for my two-person show with fabulous artist, Sandra Langston, which opens at the Davis Gallery on October 5th, here in Austin. I will begin to post my work in the next few days, but wanted to let you know that it's coming. Below is a "Save the Date" - if you are near Austin, mark your calendar and please come. I do wish you could all come!

The Villa and fall classes in Austin!

The Villa, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

This lovely villa is the prominent feature at the Art School where I teach painting - one of my favorite places in Austin. When I painted this scene on the grounds a few weeks ago, I was delighted to see hordes of children there for summer art classes. It's thrilling and reassuring to see young "creatives" hard at work becoming the next generation of artists. 

When I asked some of them what they were taking, I got the funniest answers. One little girl answered that she "does it all" and has known "all her life" that she wants to be an artist. She was about 8... such confidence! Another one opened up her pink backpack and showed me what she was literally "taking" (as in, taking with her to the class). After all, who doesn't need their pink lunchbox, pink hairbands, and pink lip gloss for an afternoon drawing class? Ask a silly question... :)

Painter Friends in Austin, registration for fall classes begins today. I would love to see you out painting - Wednesdays at 9! :) Click here to register: The Art School.

Windy Bay - Door County Plein Air Festival

Windy Bay, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

This is my final installment of paintings from the plein air festival in Wisconsin. On my last painting day, I went over to a state park on Lake Michigan and set up my easel overlooking Newport Bay. Very quickly, the wind picked up and I was almost blown away. It was such a beautiful view that it was worth enduring the opposition! :)

Below is my painting from the 2 hour quick paint on Saturday morning. For this event, all the festival artists met up in a four block circumference at 9 am, and painted for two hours (with a buzzer to start and end us). Then we quickly framed the paintings in the backs of our cars and brought them to the auction tent where they were immediately auctioned off. It is a CRAZY scene!

Lilies in the Sunlight, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Door County Quick Paint - SOLD

Me, painting in the Quick Paint.