"Vineyard Commission"

Remember this sketch? This painting was inspired from the Vineyards of John Compagno. A couple of weekends ago, my husband and I went to Portland to see John's vineyard in person. For me, I can't paint something until I've seen it with my own eyes! It was inspirational for me to be there, and "soak" in the beauty of an autumn vineyard. I studied the knarly trunks that twisted in such unique and interesting formations and "sampled" the fruit that hung from the heavy vines. I touched the golden leaves with my fingers, and was amazed at how broad each leaf was--very similar to a maple leaf. After taking hundreds of photos, and "breathing" in the sweet vineyard for a few hours, I felt like I was finally ready to paint it! I sketched up a very rough outline for John to get an idea of what I was envisioning for his first painting, and after he gave the approval, I began to paint. Above is the finished painting, with a close-up of John's house and the texture. It's hard to get an idea of just how thickly I painted the vineyard rows in the foreground from the pictures...but it turned out quite 3-dimensional.

My husband, Matt, being the wonderful husband that he is--took all four children with him to Portland, thus giving me a quiet day to work. He's delivering the painting in person, just to make sure it gets there in time for the Wine Tasting Tour that begins tomorrow.

A Lavender Field Commission

This was a fun commission! The Nudlemans (wonderful Collectors of mine), referred their friends, Barbara and Walter Schwamb to me...whom then commissioned a 36" x 42" lavender field painting, with rolling hills and a "European" town in the background. The Schwambs asked me if it was possible to also include their two lovely daughters and favorite pet "Ozzy" to the painting. "Yes!" I told them, excitedly. I always love adding those special features that help personalize and give more meaning to the painting. Barb made it really easy for me, and sent me an actual photo of her girls (and Ozzy) walking in a field. All was approved yesterday, and the painting got shipped out today in time for Thanksgiving! This was the email she sent me in response to the picture I sent her of the painting:

Jen,

Just got back from Wimberley, and opened your email.....and I LOVE THIS PAINTING!!!! I am so psyched!!!! It really is perfect. I am so thrilled with the commission piece ~ thank you so very much....I can't wait to bond with it in person!!!

--Barb

"A Vineyard Tour"

Last weekend Matt and I went to Portland to visit the vineyard/ winery of one of my collectors, Dr. John Compagno. It was facinating to hear him explain the 'wine making process'. I hadn't realized what a labor intensive and time consuming process it is! I can tell John really has a passion for it. He invited me to roam about his vineyard for some painting inspiration, and I took about 400 pictures. I love the rich colors of a vineyard in autumn! Definitely my favorite season to paint. I plan on doing a series of Oregon vineyards, and will start with getting John some new vineyard pieces for his new home. There are a lot of large, blank walls that cry out to me for some adornment! :) John's house will double as a tasting room--so I plan on getting him his first vineyard painting in time for the Portland Wine Tour coming up on Thanksgiving day. Below is the rough sketch detailing the layout of the first painting. It will have lots of autumn color and lush vineyards, with Mt. Hood in the distance. I can't wait to get started!

"Trip to Paradise!"

We just got back from a family vacation to Oahu and Maui. We took our two older boys, and left the younger two with my parents. How wonderful it is to have Grandma and Grandpa nearby! And thanks to them...we were able to enjoy a blissful and very relaxing 10 days in Hawaii! The top picture is the scene just outside our condo. We were right on the beach! Needless to say, it was very hard for me to leave this sweet Paradise! Hawaii in October is the perfect time to go.