Murphy's

Murphy's, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Murphy's Tavern has been a local hang out on St. Simon's Island forever it seems... 35 years or more. It's a colorful place - both inside and out - and I've been wanting to paint it for some time. The other morning the light was just right so I gave it a go. I love those red doors! 

Many thanks to photographer Shirley Robinson for sending this action shot of me painting across the street from Murphy's Tavern. (A nice shady spot on a hot August morning!)

Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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Fishing off the pier on St. Simons Island is a favorite pastime for kids of all ages. I met Charles last week, doing just that. He came fully prepared with multiple rods and a cooler full of bait. After getting all set up, he sat and enjoyed the ocean breeze while waiting for the fish to bite. I have to say, I enjoyed that breeze myself - there is no place quite like the pier! :)

PS - I know this looks like it belongs in my "men at work" group. While that series was specific to my home renovations, I am still drawn to the concept... please stay tuned.

Posing with Charles and my finished painting. Thanks, Charles!

Men At Work - Series Collage

Men At Work - the collage!

Our renovations are finished!!! Here are many of our workmen, all together, representing months of work. From planning, to scheduling, to selecting materials and executing the plan... it's been quite a project. I've had so much fun painting these guys that I feel some new directions coming on, and I'm excited to see where those lead. Many thanks to our wonderful team of craftsmen!

The Boss and his Punch List - men at work

The Boss and his Punch List, 8 x 6, oil on panel © 2015

NFS

THIS is a happy sight. In Texas, we have saying, "get 'er done". It kind of encapsulates the overwhelming sensibilities at the end of any big job like this. Everyone is just READY to be finished. I am soooo ready. I loved doing it, loved making the choices, loved all the workers who crossed the threshold, love the results, AND now I'm going to love some peace and quiet. Thank you, Boss! It's beautiful. We could not be happier. 

The Electrician - men at work

The Electrician, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

NFS

You may have been thinking that we were finished with this project here, since I painted the clean up crew for my last post. No, that is not how it works. They clean up and then create a new mess. While each round does get you closer to the finished product, "things" happen. Suddenly, the electrical stops working in just one area. It's a mystery, but thank goodness, our handy electrician figured it out. Hair dryers can now be fired up without blowing fuses. All is well. 

The Clean Up Crew - men at work

The Clean Up Crew, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

NFS

Let us not forget the ever-important clean up team... At every stage of our renovation project I was almost as happy to see the area cleaned up as I was to see the new work. Call me crazy, but I like surfaces to be clean and paths to be clear. Thank you, thank you, thank you to those whose mission it was to clear the decks! :)

The Tile Man - men at Work

The Tile Man, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

NFS

Here is another one of my new BFF's from the house project. Since we were remodeling bathrooms, there was a fair amount of tile work that had to be done and this guy stayed busy. I think construction work might be where the quote "measure twice, cut once" comes from. Avoiding waste and do-overs is every contractors goal - it's true for any project though, isn't it? 

Old Water Tank

Old Water Tank, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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I have been spying this water tank for quite some time, and finally had the chance today to get out and paint it. As the sun lit up the tank against a cloudy sky, it absolutely glowed! It was a lovely combination of color and light. 

Swirling Sky

Swirling Sky, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

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A weekend trip to the Georgia coast brought me to this gorgeous marsh scene in "afternoon shower" mode. The roiling clouds were full but the distant rains never made it over the marsh to where I was painting. Dramatic skies like this always take my breath away; and it's a joy when I get to stop and paint them.