Scenic Switzerland ©

My son and daughter in law loved this scenic view in Switzerland. While painting each window, I visualized what each room in this house looked like. What a beautiful setting for a painting!
Oil on Canvas
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This Painting Is Available on Ebay Auction - A Trail to Treasure ©

Total tranquility after a day of kayaking on Europe Lake. The windowpanes show the reflections of the windswept leaves and chilly breeze steering us toward tomorrow. 

Oil on Canvas 6"W x 12"H

 $100 framed

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Tulip Time ©

I saw a poster that said, "The snow is a warm blanket for the flowers' long winter nap until Spring!"

It's hard to imagine that these beautiful tulips hibernate every winter and magically appear in the springtime in Galena.

Oil on Canvas 6"H x 16"W

This painting is available on ebay auction.

Bidding starts at $100 (Frame included)

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Rooster Run ©

A fun project! A combination of watercolor and pastel were used for texture, in addition to a special ingredient to create a bubbly effect near the bottom of this painting.  Can you guess?  You can email me at lindarubens@hotmail.com  if you think you know what the secret ingredient is or wait until you see my next post for the answer. We needed to be open minded especially when we heard that we were going to paint on sandpaper! Thank you, Frankie Johnson, for  exposing us to varieties of painting techniques. I was trying to look as confident as this rooster looked while I was painting him. His expression  and Frankie's encouragement kept me going.

Watercolor and pastels on sandpaper mounted on wood panel 6" W x 8" H

$50 unframed + $7 Shipping

Gift Shop Call ©

This little gift shop in Door County called out to me, as most gift shops do! This time we took lots of pictures of the outside with it's surroundings, instead of taking time to go inside. I had never painted a fence before and thought I'd give it a try. I learned about "ambiguity," and left some details out so that my viewers would be able to use their creativity and imagination to figure out what might be in that window!
Oil on Canvas  11"H x 14"W

This painting is available on ebay auction.
Bidding starts at $130
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My Grandson ©

My First Portrait!  My Grandson Two Years Ago!

From the minute he saw this heart-shaped tin, he had big plans for it. Where would it fit? He explored his Great Grandma's living room. I thought I knew where all the hiding spots were, but he outsmarted me!  Boxes and containers are the best toys.  I love his expression and tight grip. Since he's changed so much since then, I might need to paint another portrait soon. I think he might even like to help me this time!

That day, he was very attached to this tin.  

Ever since that day, I've been very attached to this painting!

It's not for sale. I just thought I would share this one.

Oil on Canvas

14"H x 18"W

"Bike the Drive" ©

"Bike the Drive," even in the rain, was an amazing way to begin this day. The raindrops and flow of light created a golden glow that inspired me to paint this picture. The slippery bike tires road onto my canvas.

Oil on Canvas 12"H x 16"W  

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Fall Favorite ©

What should you do at the end of a kayaking adventure on Europe Lake in Door County? Paint your memory! This view from the cabin created a colorful fall festival!  This was a good study about perspective and sizes of objects in relation to distances.

Oil on Canvas 16" H x  20" W

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Bidding starts at $150 or buy now for $170

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Central Park Glow ©

The picturesque beauty of this natural green landscape, wandering paths, and stories heard about Central Park from my daughter and son-in-law, led me to paint this picture. It was a good study in understanding the light source, where it comes from, and how it impacts the soft shadows. It also made me realize how many paintings I've done with shadows and reflections. I now understand the importance of the beginning stages of painting, the "wash." It's the best way to experiment with where to put lights and darks!

16"H x 20"W   Sold

Blue Sky Vail ©

Eleven thousand feet up, reached only by chairlift or skiing, is Two Elk Restaurant , a favorite lunch spot for us.  We always enjoyed this spectacular mountain view, while having our hearty lunch of slow smoked pulled pork or tangy barbecued brisket.  Vail is known for its 300+ "bright blue sky days." When I started painting this scene, I noticed how many different shades of blue and purple were reflecting in the snow.  I never knew snow was so colorful. The snowboards and skis seemed to be sharing morning mogul moments and planning afternoon air adventures.

Oil on Canvas 9"H x 12"W.

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Alta Wildflower Wakeup ©

 

Right before our eyes, these wildflowers seemed  to wake up, while being tucked in tightly in the majestic mountains of Alta, Utah. The sunlit pedals, spreading apart, drew shadows on nearby leaves, asking me to paint them! Not a Plein Air painting spot for me, since a moose was quickly approaching!

Oil on Canvas 12" x 12"

This painting is  available on ebay auction. Bidding starts at $150

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Skyline Skate ©

The biggest challenge while skating at Millennium Park is deciding what to focus on: The soaring  skyline with glowing city lights, the illuminating Bean with it's warped and multiple reflections of the city, or ice skating? After skating, I decided to capture it all by painting. It was a great lesson on where to add lights and darks to make the ice appear slippery and cold.

Oil on Canvas, 11"H x 14"W

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Parrot Pride ©

After hearing so many funny stories about this parrot from my son and daughter-in-law, I decided to paint his expression on my canvas. A great guest greeter!
Oil on Canvas, 8"H x 10" W  Sold

Forever Gardener ©

Painting at the Botanic Gardens, in the Rose Garden, was a day to remember! This statue seemed to watch my friend, Ginny, and me, as we attempted to decide which rose to paint. This Plein Air experience made me realize how quickly changes occur in nature! Not only were we aware of the ongoing moments of changing light and shadows, but also a bird deciding to pose on top of this statue's head, creating a whole new perspective!

Oil on Canvas, 8"H x 10"W 

This painting is available on ebay auction
Bidding starts at $120
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Visions of Vail Village ©

Vail Village! This covered bridge lead us to breathtaking views and felt our footsteps of anticipation as we began our skiing adventure. It also lead us to the best Hot Chocolate.  A fun way to end a day of skiing! The rainbow of reflecting Christmas lights on the snow helped create this winter wonderland. I needed to use my whole palate to paint this picture!

Oil on Canvas, 16"H x 20"W
This Painting is available on ebay auction. Bidding starts at $175
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Shadows of Italy ©

Light and dark shadows create this soothing and tranquil moment in Amalfi.

Oil on Canvas 12"H x 16"W   Sold

Soccer Dog! ©

When I "dog sat," I had fun with this little Dachshund playing with this soccer ball. He doesn't

like to play alone. I guess he's a team player! He actually posed for me for about three minutes and then kicked the ball into my paintbrush! Maybe he was trying to help me. He often stares, and I wonder what he's thinking. I had to capture his expression by painting this portrait. A dog as a live model is tricky!
Oil on Canvas 11"W x 14 " H.

Bidding starts at $120  or  Buy it now for $140
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Marina's Magical Waters ©

Many summer days are spent at this beach and Marina. After a sailing adventure, I decided it was time to paint this picture. I am amazed how quickly reflections change the whole atmosphere of a setting. So, spending a whole day there would be the best idea for a summer day!

 Oil on Canvas Panel 8"H x 10"W 

$150 + $10 Shipping

Summer Sunset ©

Reflections might only last a few moments, but create long lasting memories. The forever changing colors of this picturesque sunset in Saugatuck, Michigan inspired me to capture the moment.

 

Oil on canvas  12"H  x 16"W
This painting is available on ebay auction. Bidding starts at $150.
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