Rhia 1 /Rhia with Yellow Chair

Top:  Rhia 1, 24x30, oil on panel

Bottom:  Rhia with Yellow Chair, 28 x 22, oil on panel

OK, so I am taking a life drawing class....I hated figure drawing in college...maybe because it was at 8 in the morning?  Whatever, but I have never liked figure drawing, all the while totally believing that it is a necessary foundation for any artist.  Ok, so I thought I would force myself to pay for the class and endure it.  Lo and behold, I really love this class.  Go figure (pun not intended).  The next step is unavoidable for me, and that is putting those drawings to canvas and adding paint.  What is a painting anyway but drawing with a brush, and then 'pushing' it with color?  So, here we go...it is a learning curve, to be sure, and there is much to learn.  I know, for example, that I have taken liberties with the hands and feet in these two paintings of Rhia...and, frankly, also in the thighs...she is very thin...I never aspired to be a realist, but I would like to get the gesture and the feeling commuted from my eyes/hand to the paper or canvas...so we will see how that goes.  Feel free to comment positive or negative, I am open to all opinions.  Thanks for looking!

If you have interest in purchasing these or other works, please contact me.

Ripped from my Sketchbook: Triptych, 24x60, by Sharon Hodges

This triptych is another in the 'ripped from my sketchbook' series, thus the ragged edge motif at the tops of the canvases.  Does that work?  or not?  The modern landscapes do work as stand alones, as diptych, or triptych, depending on your preference.  This came up after I took my dog for a outing in a new park.  I am always amazed at what she sniffs out that I never even see, stuff that I would just pass right over, but that she is completely fascinated with...she is easily entertained and so happy with every scent that passes her way. Simple pleasures. 

Spring in the Valley, 30x40, by Sharon Hodges

I recently enjoyed a short trip thru the central Texas hill country, hoping to see field after field of our native bluebonnets.  I saw exactly three....bluebonnets, not fields and fields. :(  It was a bit early and it has been dry.  Nevertheless, the sun was warm, and I saw wonderful rocky outcroppings and glowing grasses, and meandering streams, the promise of a beautiful spring on its way, and I had to paint that feeling of the earth warming up after the cold winter.  (In a few months, we will be begging for those cold breezes, yes?) This painting is loaded with paint, thickly applied, lots of active brushwork.  I will post it on my website with the zoom enabled for better viewing.  This painting is currently displayed at Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas, TX. Contact me for more info. Thanks for looking at my work!

Basket Weaver, 24x24x2

Another of the native American series...a woman weaving baskets, this being a study for a larger piece that will show some of her baskets all around her...I think the forms will be interesting in the strong light.  My favorite thing about these paintings is the costuming, if you will...the opportunity to work with the colors and textures of decoration and draping of the clothing...not that it has to be luxurious, but just the layers and variety of fabrics and colors and the excuse to pile on the paint and smash it around...this will get expensive as these canvases get expansive, but I think the larger scale will be yield looser drawing...I am trying to get farther and farther away from the canvas with the brushwork...to the point of adding extensions to my large brushes... (can you say stick this brush into a 3-4 foot bamboo cutting?  Now that, friends, will get you away from the canvas!)

See my website for better views of this and other work. Thanks for looking at my art!  Best, Sharon

Woman with Red Scarf, 30x24

I am back to painting the native American series, and I like this one...she is strong, and proud, and handsome. I plan to post this on my website and activate the zoom feature, so that you can better see the brushwork.  There is alot of paint on this canvas.  I am especially enjoying the textural opportunities presented by the rendering of the clothing and hair ornaments.  Contact me for more info.  Thanks for looking at my work.  Kind regards, Sharon

Salon Woman with Accessorie Pomeranian, 30x24, by Sharon Hodges

I woke up with different brain cells firing today....and this is what came off the easel. Who knew? Definitely more abstracted than recent work and alot of fun. I may expand this as a series of paintings 'ripped from the pages of my sketchbook'. I love how paper looks when it is ripped off of spiral bound books...especially heavy drawing paper. This is painted with oil paints and oil sticks, like giant crayons. I LOVE those. Please visit my website, and contact me if your are interested in this or other paintings.

Proud on the Prairie, by Sharon Hodges, 54x48

My goal here was to show the proud native American Indian woman rising from the prairie...ok, so I got really carried away with all the textures and the layers of paint...if you don't believe me, look at this painting on my new website and use the zoom feature. I do love lots of paint. The feathers may be my favorite part, just layers and layers of bits of color. And I love the strong features of this figure. Painting faces is always challenging , but I am pleased with this one's expressive bearing...I'm going to keep working on this series. This painting is large, it stretched to 54x48, on gallery stretchers. Please contact me if you have interest in this work, and thanks for looking!

Mother and Son

I have always been intrigued with the first Americans, the native Americans, and stories of their lives were my favorite reading subject as a child. I often chose to write my school reports about these peoples, so it may not be surprising that I have finally chosen to paint this subject. It is intimidating. I am particularly interested in native American women, who had more critical roles in daily tribal life than many of us would ever have imagined. While I am not in a position to render a great deal of scholarly information on the subject, I am enjoying painting these women...they are strong featured and often have interesting clothing and ornament. This painting is 44x44, currently mounted on gallery stretched canvas. If you have interest in this painting, please contact me. Please also visit my new website.  This painting can also be seen on page 64 of the April 2011 Western Art Collector magazine.

Liza, 18x24, NFS

My husband and I were guests of our god-daughter's family last summer at Sea Island, GA, for a wonderful beach vacation. My favorite photo from that trip is of our god-daughter, Liza, when she was playing on the beach, writing her name in the sand. As this posts, Liza will be the flower girl in my oldest niece's wedding, so we will all be together in Florida for the big event. This painting is a gift to Liza's parents. If you have interest in other paintings or commissions, please contact me.

Retrieving Dilemma, 18x24

Still painting the retriever, and she has a real dilemma here. Should she keep the wonderful stick, or drop it for that great lime green tennis ball? Tough choice. This particular dog will try to put both in her mouth and will likely succeed. She has a great heart. I hope I have captured just a hint of the brief moment of her indecision. If you have interest in purchasing this or other work, please do contact me. Thanks for looking at my work.

Augusta and John, 20x24

If you have ever been blessed by a retrieving canine in your life, then this is a familiar and happy scene. This golden will swim thru the waves for her tennis ball for hours and hours and hours. Her 'person' (my dear friend, John G) waits on the beach to throw the ball yet again. I was trying to paint this from the dog's vantage point...had to borrow the neighbor's retriever for photos, as my own beloved labrador didn't get the memo that she hails from a long lineage of water loving champion retrievers. (She hates water and wouldn't even be tempted if I threw a steak out there!) Dogs are a favorite painting subject for me...it is possible that I like them better than many people, at least I understand them better.

(Sold): Addendum 1-11-11: This painting was commissioned by John's wife, Jane, as a surprise gift for him. It is especially poignant now, as we have all recently learned that Augusta (the retreiver subject of this painting is ill and may not be with us much longer, so we are all really sad about this. Augusta and John have one of those very special relationships.)

What Color is your Buffalo?, 24x30

Yes, I am still painting the large beasts of the western plains, albeit not in their native colors. My buffalo(s) are turquoise/ lilac, orange, etc, and it makes a good contrast to the early winter grasses, yes? I like the repetition of the hulking form, and would like to paint it larger, much, much larger...a herd, large herd of multi colored buffalo.....Thanks for viewing my work. If you are interested in purchasing this or any other painting, please do contact me.

Buffalo King, 24 x 30

Many thanks to friend & fellow artist Mark Malone who shared his photographs of buffalo from a recent trip to New Mexico. I've always be fascinated with these beasts...particularly their mass, their bulk, their texture. They are just great big hulks of power and texture. I like that. This particular buffalo was on a fenced ranch, and somehow I suspect he might not have appreciated that fence, but he at least accepted it for the moment. Please contact me if you have interest in purchasing this or other works.

Red-Gold Still Life, 30x24

OK, loved painting this still life.....and definitely need to paint more of them. Sometimes I think that the still life genre sounds so very boring, but honestly, I just loved doing this. I realize that the 'real' items are more 'still' than my brush work, but it is the brush work that brings it to life for me. Sold.

Chama River, 20 x 16

Thick paint, this may not dry til next year....but I like where this is going....it just feels right. It began from an old photo taken at the Chama River in New Mexico. The topography there is so wonderful...it is no wonder so many artists live and work in that area of New Mexico. I want to make more paintings in this genre...I just like the way the paint feels. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Cafe Cat, 20 x 16

I am enjoying painting with lots of luscious, heavy paint.....it really is all about the paint. Something is changing in my painting. We will just see where this goes. Sold.

Barcelona Ava, 24x24, (sold)

Friend Julie and family enjoyed a fabulous summer vacation in Barcelona, Spain. They were guests of a family and stayed on their estate outside the city. Evidentally, they were royally entertained and wanted to give the host & hostess a special gift. Julie sent me a photograph of the hostess, Ava, and her little dog, while they were resting on the veranda hammock. She asked me to paint the scene, and this is the result. So, this is Julie's thank-you gift to Ava and her husband! So much better than flowers or wine, yes???!!!

Trinity River Cactus, 14x11x2

This is a small work on panel, a study of cactus found along the river's edge last summer. My studio group is mounting a show at the Texas Discovery Gardens at the Texas State Fair. The show will be on display thru December 31, 2010, so if you go to the State Fair, stop by and see the show. The art show is free, and the building itself is wonderful, as are the fabulous gardens, and the Butterfly Exhibit. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, you can do so at the Texas Discover Gardens, or just contact me.

Untitled Commission-60x48x3 (sold)

This painting was commissioned after the client saw another work "Just a Country Song Waiting to Happen" which is on display at the Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX. Both paintings have a beautiful dress in common, but then they part ways. This painting is rich in symbolism telling a story of many important events in this couple's life together. The client requested that the painting contain the special dress, the colorful bow-tie that was worn by the groom at their wedding, and a special piece of jewelry, and a representation of their wedding date. I chose to perch the dress form's magic melon on a tight rope (because balancing marriage, career, family is like a tight rope, yes?), the melon being a fertility symbol. The eggs in the bird's nest represent the couple's children, and the nest the safety of their family. The groom's jacket hangs from the jungle vines (the jungle representing the challenges of his professional career). The yellow bird holds a scroll with their wedding date in the Roman calendar. A humming bird holds a strand of pearls representing one of the many pieces of jewelry the husband has gifted the wife for special occasions throughout their marriage. The blue dragonfly is a symbol of the warm hospitality that this couple continuously offers their many friends and family members. It was a challenging and rewarding commission. I was honored to work with this couple on their special painting!

Play Ball, 30x40

I totally love dogs and their consistent excitement about every little thing. This golden retreiver, like most, LOVES to chase her tennis ball...every time is like the first time. I hope my painting captures a tiny bit of that joy. I guess painting dogs, as subject matter goes, may not be considered 'high brow art', but I believe the human species would be alot happier if we approached our lives like dogs approach theirs. I will likely paint more dogs.
This painting is gallery wrapped linen, finished edges, so no need to frame. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me. Thanks!

Sun Goddess in Pink, 20x16x2

This is the third sun goddess this week, and I am enjoying the graphics of these compositions. This is painted on gallery wrapped linen, so no need to frame. (sold)

Sun Goddess in Black, 20x16x2

Hmmmm...the second of the current sun goddess series. She looks uncomfortable to me, but I can't sit still long enough to sunbathe, so what do I know? I am painting on linen w/ clear gesso, which allows the grey-taupe tone of the linen to show thru. I am experimenting with leaving some of that canvas unpainted. This is gallery depth linen, so no need to frame. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Sun Goddess in Green, 20x16x2

I have a good bit of reference material of people soaking up the sun in various degrees of undress. My favorite perspective is looking from the deck above...it was easy to observe the patterns, colors, and shadows without intruding on the individual's solitude. I plan a series of these...they could be interesting hung together, but each will stand on its own composition. I am currently painting on gallery depth linen, so no need to frame. (Sold)

Grandma's Kitchen, 20x16x2

I painted this from an old family photo. The lady in lilac was my maternal grandmother, and the other women were 2 of her 5 daughters. Grandma's table was always full of good, country cooking and conversation. My mom will enjoy this for Christmas. NFS

Cow and Calf, 16x20x2

These beautiful cows were enjoying a sunny day in south Texas. The light was crisp, and I liked the shadow shapes. This is oil on natural linen, gallery depth, no need to frame. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Strawberries and Orange Slices, 10x8, oil on linen

Spring is busting out all over, and we are really enjoying the fresh fruits right now. This is a small study, oil on linen, framed in a beautiful carved frame, silver finish....great Mother's Day gift???? If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Spring Peas, 8x10, (Sold)

Spring has been especially nice this year in north Texas. These early peas lasted just long enough to be painted, and then made a tasty addition to a fresh salad. (Sold)

Tuba Parade, 40x30x2, oil on gallery canvas

I totally love parades, and especially the bands...all of them, especially the giant tubas which remind me of stampeding elephants (and frequently sound similar to the pachyderms, ahem). It takes a special person to play a tuba, don't you think? This piece stands on its own, or completes a triptych of the Memorial Day Parade pieces: see prior posts of 'Memorial Day Bagpipers' and 'Canines on Parade'. All are painted on gallery depth canvas, completed finished to the edges, so no need to frame. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

The Diner, 60x36x2, oil on gallery canvas

A great diner is one of my favorite things. This one is in Dallas, owned by a friend of mine, and is just a great place for food and friends. The strong morning light through the back windows added an interesting touch to this composition, making all the condiments look like mini-landscapes (well, that's how it looked to me!). If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Unknown Father and Son, 60x36x2

This father and son shared a tender moment at the Dallas Arboretum last spring. This is, for me, a large work, and I am happy with the rendering of this moment. Thanks for viewing my work.If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Driving Miss Daisy 11x14

Old truck, old dog, what could be better? Enough said.
If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Sharon Hodges: Not Exactly Fishing, 24x30

Not exactly, but I believe these boys would have grabbed one if they could! It was a beautiful day with strong light dancing off the water and the boys...a good day.
If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Canine Unit on Parade, 40x30x2- (sold)

This is the second painting from the Nantucket Memorial Day Parade. Again a figurative piece, new for me, and I am pleased with this one. I love that the dogs show movement and aren't looking at us, heck, the dark one is running out of the frame!
SOLD.

Memorial Day Bagpipers 40x30x2

OK, yes, I am alive, albeit traveling, and trying to catch up on posting. Ahem. I shot some parade photos in Nantucket in spring 08, and loved several of them. I knew they could be interesting paintings, but I kept putting them off...probably because they are figurative. If you are following my blog, you will note these next few posts are all figurative...what's up w/ that? Generally, figures strike fear in my heart, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, and I like the graphic quality of these next few paintings. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Dogs of War, 30x40x2

Fabulous niece Tara recently sent a link of interest...seems that our military men and women often encounter abandoned, starving, or otherwise mistreated animals while serving their missions abroad. Understandably, the military does not encourage the bonds that inevitably develop and does not allow transport of these companion animals on military equipment. That said, the military personnel often develop deep, loving bonds with these dogs and cats, and do not want to leave them behind when their tours are over. International transportation of animals is a costly and paperwork laden endeavor, beyond the means of most of us; however, the SPCA International has set up a program to assist our troops in bringing their animals home to the USA. If interested, take a look at their site and click on the "Operation Baghdad Pups" button. Anyway the stories on that site inspired this painting. (sold)

Just a country western song waiting to happen...60x36x2

This is a large work, almost as big as me, and addresses the memory of a special occasion. I think most women can associate a particular dress with a turning point in their lives, and that's when the lyrics for a good old fashioned country western song start germination. Read into that what you will, as it could go many places! If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

See Spot Run!, 30x40x2

See Spot splash is more accurate, yes? And 'spot'? how many retrievers do you know named Spot? Not a regal name for one of the smartest working dogs on the planet, nevertheless, you get the idea. This is the start of something new for me, style-wise. First, it is larger (30x40x2)....I am happier painting in a large format, as the size allows for broader, more intense gestures.......and, instead of painting a 'picture', I am trying to capture the raw emotion in a specific moment. If you have ever had the pleasure of observing a well trained retriever on the hunt, you know exactly what I mean....these majestic animals yearn for the moment that they are released to retrieve, in this instance, a fallen duck....and the exploding joy of that moment is palpable. Let me know what you think....If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Got Fish?, 11x14, oil on linen (Sold)

This still life is painted on a super rough Russian linen canvas...I loved the texture, and it seemed appropriate for this prickly antique tackle. (Sold)

Green Grapes with Tea, 7x7 (Sold)

This little still life (canvas is 7x7) is framed in a lovely Larson Juhl custom moulding that beautifully complements the painting....a great gift for the tea drinker in your family. Thanks for viewing my art work.
(Sold)

"OK, you can scratch my belly now", 12x24- NFS

Hmmmm. If you have a dog, this pose is recognizable: on the back, spread eagle, ears flapping, ready for a belly rub. Our chocolate Lab, Sweet Georgia Brown Dawg, frequently assumes this position and just smiles and smiles until she gets our attention. My husband's 60th birthday is coming up, and I'm thinking this painting would be a nice gift....he LOVES this dog! This painting is done entirely with painting knives, and I enjoyed the process....I think I will try some more knife painting!

Well, are you gonna share?, 11x14x2-(sold)

I damaged my shoulder a few weeks ago....Holding a brush was actually painful, so I am painting with my left hand. This is challenging, but likely a very good exercise. It forces me to slow down, and frankly, I am pleased with this left handed painting. These folks were enjoying a spring day in Asheville, NC. I hope he shared the snack with his dog.

Cowboy on 'Donut with Sprinkles', 36x36x2

I totally love the rodeo...the cowboys, the animals, the characters in the stands, the kids, the clowns, the whole big, crazy spectacle. I especially love the odd names of the bulls, and this one is no exception. Eight seconds is a lifetime if you are on the back of a really agitated, massive bull like this one. The cowboy did not win this engagement. This painting is 36x36x2, on gallery canvas, no need to frame. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Tea for Three, 14x11

This painting is from the tea I was preparing w/ Friend Donna's beautiful antique Fiestaware. Of course, the initial plan was to photograph it, then paint it, but a quick cup of hot tea was irresistable. I like the lemon wedges in this one. This painting is being gifted to my friend Lavena Cheek upon her retirement.

Leaning Tower of Teacups, 24x24

This may be a breakthrough painting for me....The antique Fiestaware composition demanded lots of attention to the shadows, and a less impressionistic rendering. It was challenging, but I am pleased w/ the results. To purchase this painting ($500 + s/h), use the BuyNow button below, or email me. This painting was awarded the third place prize at the 2009 NLAPW juried competition. Thanks for viewing my work. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Artists of Texas

I am especially honored to announce that the Artists of Texas have extended an invitation for me to join their group. (I wasted no time before accepting!) This is a distinguished group of Texas artists whose high quality works encompass many different creative visions. Please enjoy the talents of these local artists by visiting our group Blog and Website.

Fiesta Teatime, 8x6

This latest work continues my still life series based on antique Fiestaware. I really love the shapes and colors, and tea time is a delightful break in any day. This painting is SOLD, but more of my work can be seen at the Artists of Texas show opening in Dallas, TX, Saturday, Oct 17, at the Dutch Art Gallery (Northwest Hwy and Ferndale) w/ a 'meet the artists' reception from 2-5. Please come and support your local artists!

Fishing Treasures, 10x8, (Sold)

My dad loved to fish, and I loved to fish with him. I painted this on the 16th anniversary of his death, Sept 16. My sister and I kept all of Dad's tackle, and these were a couple of his older wooden lures. The reel was actually his dad's, so it is meaningful to me.
(Sold).

Box of Pears, 14x11

A fellow artist bought this box of pears for her husband. I knew it would only be there for a short time, so I had to paint it. I loved the acid green-yellow of the box cardboard against the dark liner supporting each luscious pear. It was everything I could do not to eat them.
If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Silk Threads, 10x8

This is my first attempt at painting glass, and I now know that reflective surfaces are as challenging as I had always heard. That said, I think the glass rendering is reasonably successful here. Compositionally, I think I should have left the jar lid off, or moved the entire composition down on the canvas, as it fills cramped on the top. Side note: These are old wooden spools of silk thread, given to me by my mother-in-law. The colors and sheen were absolutely glowing. I also learned that painting single threads of silk requires something smaller than a one inch brush, ahem!
If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.