Hot off the Easel

Giraffe Untitled

2011-12-21T22:24:00.003-05:00

50x26 oil on linen. This is one of my centerpieces for Safari Club in Las Vegas. The perspective was one of my biggest challenges in this painting. I wanted the feeling of hight and distance.

Buffalo Roam

2011-09-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

8x10, oil on linen

Feeling a little USA today...

2011-09-12T12:31:00.002-04:00

Bison, oil on linen, 38x22

New work...

2011-08-25T08:58:00.003-04:00

This is a series of small paintings inspired from our summer. All 8x10

"Eye on the Prize"

2011-07-12T21:17:00.001-04:00

I need to add the measurements later. This is my first large African piece completed this summer. This was a very handsome couple and were being watched very closely by a pair of Black Backed Jackals.

"Approaching Eden"

2011-04-26T08:52:00.004-04:00

36x36 oil on linen. Herd of buffalo in the Serengeti. It's so much fun painting wildlife from a different perspective, literally!

2011-04-10T18:17:00.000-04:00

8x16 "Cooling Down"

New work.....

2011-04-10T14:36:00.003-04:00

8x16

2011-02-14T15:48:00.005-05:00

36x30 oil on linen More experimenting with this one. I have painted an arial view before but this time I included the horizon so your eye moves up through the painting and then back to the Elephants below. I am in the planning stages for a third one in the series. The frame is a new moulding that I created for this painting and the last painting of the Leopard. SOLD

New work

2011-02-14T10:19:00.002-05:00

Leopard 24x48 oil Combining portraiture and wildlife! I am revisiting this theme. The background makes it more dramatic whereas a landscape makes it more pastoral. I have always been enamored with the more romantic Africa depicted in Victorian times. Yet I feel this has a modern feel.

Simba

2010-11-20T19:31:00.002-05:00

28x18 oil on linen This is a gorgeous male Lion from the Mara Triangle. He must be a very powerful Male in his pride as he was mating with two females at the same time. Back and forth and back again!

A Short Summer

2010-10-28T21:38:00.004-04:00

I can't believe the summer is over and I've hardly had a post. I have been excited about a project that fell into my lap. A law firm contacted me about painting a portrait of one of the partners that is retiring. It was funny that they would want me after viewing my website. There are so many great portrait painters out there, why me? But I have been painting figures from life off and on my whole adult life but never for sale or commission. Matthew, my husband, and Oscar our eldest dog were my "Guinea Pigs".

Clash in the Colony

2010-05-20T08:09:00.002-04:00

30x22 oil on linen. This is a painting from a recent trip to Florida. Well worth the whole trip and the painting has been chosen for Birds in Art Exhibition 2010.

Downrigging

2010-02-26T13:42:00.002-05:00

16x20 oil on linen Something different, something more local. As a sailor I can't resist the wonderful atmosphere of a packed harbor. This scene in Chestertown really excited me.

Two Brothers

2010-02-24T08:50:00.003-05:00

24x50 oil I thought I would show this one on the easel because it helps to show some perspective on the size. There are a few slight compositional changes from the study.

Little Baby One

2009-12-10T15:54:00.002-05:00

6x8 oil on linen, This was so cute I could not resist painting it!

King of the Hill

2009-12-08T14:27:00.005-05:00

40x28, oil on linen....... Done!

Some Progress...

2009-12-02T14:21:00.002-05:00

I keep telling myself, "keep focused" Safari Club is around the corner and the holidays really get in the way! I'm working my way up this painting through the mid ground and next the sky.

Last Friday

2009-11-25T22:00:00.002-05:00

I have been working but slow posting as usual. I've worked pretty well This week but now interrupted by a holiday! I love Turkey but hate taking breaks from a painting just when I'm getting really into it!

Thursday's work

2009-11-20T16:58:00.002-05:00

Ivan

2009-11-19T21:56:00.002-05:00

10x8 oil, Another 2-3 hour Thursday night session.

King of the Hill

2009-11-18T16:20:00.002-05:00

I have decided to paint King of the Hill from my earlier study. I thought I would document the progress on this painting and this is how it looks a few hours in. My paintings don't look pretty from the start like my husbands (Matthew Hillier)!!

Elephant Family

2009-11-18T10:45:00.002-05:00

10x17 oil on linen This painting was completed a while ago but never got posted!

Lone Bull

2009-11-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

10x8 oil on linen Another small work......I'm hooked on these mini's......I'm stretching a large canvas today!!

2009-11-06T22:21:00.004-05:00

10X8 Oil on Linen A perfect lookout spot that I think is a favorite for cheetahs in the Mara. He spent a long time posing for me.

Yellow Billed Storks

2009-11-03T14:21:00.006-05:00

36x24 Oil on Linen

King of the Hill

2009-10-07T13:38:00.002-04:00

12x9 oil on linen This is another possible biggie. I can't decide what to do next but I'm having fun playing with these little ones!

Two Brothers

2009-10-01T11:53:00.005-04:00

8x16 oil on linen I have endless ideas from my last trip to Africa. I'm having trouble deciding on a centerpiece for SCI so I keep painting these small studies until a settle on something for a large piece.

Syncerus Caffer

2009-10-01T11:46:00.004-04:00

9x12 oil on linen This African Buffalo was madder than hell........it was either the flies or us. Maybe both!

The Reclusive Beast

2009-09-16T08:24:00.007-04:00

22x36 oil on Linen. The midday sun was long and hot. The most excitement would be seen in the early morning or late afternoon light. By 3pm I prayed for either clouds or rain, or both. Most often my saviour was a lone buffalo Male. He seemed to epitomize the hot, angy sun.

New small works!

2009-09-14T08:17:00.004-04:00

9x12 Oil

2009-09-14T08:15:00.001-04:00

8x16 oil

2009-09-14T08:11:00.003-04:00

6x8 oil

In this world nothing is certain ........

2009-08-14T13:52:00.011-04:00

but death and taxes! 24x46 oil I still need a title for this one. Hoarding the Prize? This lioness brought down this full grown Zebra with her two small cubs. It was a training experience for the cubs and an experience to watch!

Baobab

2009-04-23T22:00:00.005-04:00

28x36 A Baobab is like a tree from a fairy tale. They also call it the "Upside down Tree" When you paint one you have to forget everything you ever knew about a tree.

Spring!

2009-04-06T12:27:00.002-04:00

One of the nice things about Spring is the fog that hangs around in the morning. They even delay schools because of it. Another nice thing is the arrival of the Osprey. They made it back, safe and sound and are fast to work making nest improvements. Soon the female will be sticking to nest and we will know we have eggs!

My Beach Baby

2009-04-03T16:00:00.003-04:00

8x10 oil on linen board. Matthew and I share a favorite subject. Our son Patrick. Shout out to Naples Florida!!

Jasmine

2009-03-25T15:04:00.003-04:00

Oil on linen, 8x10 Matthew dragged me to a portrait session and I had such fun he doesn't want me to come back! I haven't done a life portrait in many years!

Masai Tribesman

2009-02-25T20:30:00.005-05:00

18x28 oil on linen This painting was a great excuse to use some different colors like a super red!! I did lots of figure painting in college so it was fun to brush up on some skills.

The Centurion

2009-02-16T13:51:00.003-05:00

26x18 oil on linen. This re-visits a theme I have painted in the past. Wildlife as still life.

Amaizing

2009-01-17T10:28:00.002-05:00

It's January and it's coooooold! The news is obsessed with this story. I know here in Maryland we are not suffering as much as other states around the country. But it is winter, after all! This morning our thermometer read 10 degrees. I took this photo from the front porch, still in my PJs. This pair of Swans and waterfowl mix are out there in the elements, everyday!

Bushbuck

2008-12-12T21:47:00.003-05:00

6x8, oil on linen

Waterhole

2008-12-12T21:41:00.004-05:00

9x12, oil on linen

Oryx

2008-12-12T21:30:00.002-05:00

8x16, oil on linen

Mara Cheetahs

2008-12-12T21:17:00.004-05:00

9x12, oil on linen. Here is a series of small paintings of Africa. I'm really enjoying working small for a change! This is a Cheetah family I have painted before. We had the pleasure of watching the Mom hunt and take down a small Wildebeast. It got away, this time.

The Spoils

2008-11-02T19:14:00.003-05:00

9x12 oil on linen, This is a study for a possible large painting. This lion pride is in Chobe and they are experts at killing Buffalo.

Ghost Ship

2008-10-23T11:37:00.005-04:00

24x30 oil on linen, Something different for me. It was fun painting the Schooner, Lady Maryland. On the horizon, sometimes you get this mirage effect in the summertime. The boat seems to be floating in air and you almost feel it could be a real mirage or ghost ship that disappears minutes later.

Mysty Glade

2008-10-22T13:37:00.004-04:00

24x36, oil on linen, North American Elk

Crab House

2008-10-21T21:57:00.002-04:00

9x12 oil on linen. This is another Summer time haunt. I love fall but hate the end of boating season!

Herman Krentz

2008-10-21T21:36:00.003-04:00

9x12, oil on linen. We literally stalk this beautiful Skipjack every summer and have seen it in every possible lighting situation. This is one of my favorite scenes.

Miss Louise

2008-10-13T08:02:00.003-04:00

8x10, oil on canvas. Last July I was honored to be selected to a group of Plein Air painters in "Paint Easton" competition. This was a real eye opener for me. I was humbled by the talent of painters from all over the country. Plein air painting is NOT for sissys.... 90 degree heat, 110% humidtity, and a thunderstorm. Some painters were out at sunrise and go till sunset....and even night painting! This painting is from a spot in Claiborn, MD where I spent many hours.

Pillars of the Community

2008-08-28T16:18:00.005-04:00

15x46 oil on linen. Again, I need to catch up on posts. Had fun doing this one!

2008-07-09T09:23:00.003-04:00

60x48 oil on Linen This Rhino turned on a dime.....next step is a full out charge.

Painting Dust

2008-07-08T16:40:00.002-04:00

I love painting large. Yes I am really painting but I am very aware of the camera!

The Prowler

2008-07-08T15:37:00.005-04:00

A couple of new paintings.... 30x40 oil on Linen

Evening Drinks

2008-04-05T09:51:00.003-04:00

28x18 oil on Linen. Watching the Giraffe drink is a great pass time in Africa. I'm always amazes me that they can get back up.

Zebra Mix

2008-04-02T10:06:00.004-04:00

24x50, oil on Linen, I'm re-posting this to group the paintings together. This painting depicts an average waterhole in Africa. It's common to see several species at one time and here we have Zebra, Guinea Fowl and Red-billed Quelea, a weaver like bird that flock by the millions....even billions!

2008-04-01T19:55:00.001-04:00

2008-04-01T19:52:00.000-04:00

2008-04-01T19:46:00.001-04:00

2008-04-01T19:29:00.003-04:00

New photos of our new neighbors. They haven't made a lot of progress but I think it is a slow process. Lots of eating and courting too.

2008-03-31T10:23:00.002-04:00

It's going to be hard to work today! I will try take more later this afternoon to show the progress.

2008-03-31T10:18:00.001-04:00

These photos are taken from inside the house and through glass. We don't want to disrupt them in any way....not today!

2008-03-31T10:09:00.002-04:00

9am and things are progressing......

2008-03-31T09:58:00.001-04:00

This morning, March 31st, we woke up and this is what we saw......one stick.

2008-03-31T09:13:00.004-04:00

Over the year we have observed lots of activity from everything but Osprey. A Great Blue Heron, Sea Gulls, King Fisher, Turkey Vultures and a variety of small birds. Yesterday we woke up to this! They were there all morning and Matthew even saw them mate on the platform!

Osprey

2008-03-31T09:03:00.002-04:00

Early last spring we asked our local dock builders, the Baileys, to put in an Osprey stand in front of the house. We have several nest locations near the house so it was quite a gamble.

Women in the Arts

2008-03-22T09:55:00.002-04:00

I had the honor of being asked to be the speaker this year at an event at Raymond James Financial head quarters in Florida. I really had to face some demons when I accepted the invitation to stand up in front of hundreds of people! I think I had a lot to say about Women and about Art so, .......good thing!

Waterhole Mix

2008-03-18T08:57:00.004-04:00

24x50, oil on linen. I love the mix and movement at a waterhole in Africa. Ten minutes later and it's all changed. It can be completely void of any wildlife at all. This painting is my centerpiece for a two man show at the Troika Gallery in Easton Maryland. The other man is my husband, Matthew Hillier!

Delta Morning

2008-01-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

14x18 oil on canvas

Opportunists

2008-01-17T21:12:00.000-05:00

This coming week I will exhibit at Safari Club. Here are two very different paintings that will be on display. 22x46 oil on canvas

A Veiled Reflection

2007-12-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

Oil on Linen, 24x30 Two St.Micheal Harbor beauties.

November sail

2007-12-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

I guess you could say we had a fantastic summer. Some would say a bit too fantastic! I have a passion for painting and big game is a big part of that. But there is a love from my past that was never forgotten. That would be Sailing! One of the greatest things about living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay. In a world divided by landowners,state lines and country boarders, it's a liberating feeling to glide through the water for miles and miles of beautiful landscapes, sunsets and the occasional Skipjack.

2007-04-17T22:39:00.000-04:00

All ready for the new tenants.

2007-04-17T22:32:00.000-04:00

We don't expect any takers until next year. We were just a tad late in the season and all the nesting spots have been chosen.

Bird Box, Eastern Shore style!

2007-04-17T22:22:00.000-04:00

Matthew and I with help from a neighbor had and Osprey stand installed in front of the house. Hopefully some Fish Hawks will take a liking to it.

Atlantic Breakers

2007-04-10T09:46:00.000-04:00

Matthew's oil, 24x48 Matthew finds the eastern shore of Maryland very inspiring.

Bush Fire

2006-10-23T22:32:00.000-04:00

30x36, oil on canvas We drove through hours of bush fire on both sides of the road. I knew when It would make a dramatic painting.

Botswana

2006-10-20T20:33:00.000-04:00

We are back from a very successful safari in Botswana and Zambia. We went with Matthew's cousin Pip and his wife Jan. We also went with our favorite travel companion, Johnny Mullane (on the roof). Appropriate since that's where he slept every night. We did a few nights ourselves....different roof, of course! Nothing like Africa to show you the way life should be lived. We loved sitting around the camp fire at night, trading stories and dreading the bush shower that was a necessity with the layers of Kalahari sand on our faces and in our hair. The game viewing was fantastic, lots of favorites and lots of firsts. We have inspiration for months to come.

Kitty Kitty

2006-10-20T20:26:00.000-04:00

Nxai Pan, Botswana

2006-10-20T20:18:00.000-04:00

Back at camp

2006-10-20T20:12:00.000-04:00

Stuck again. One of many road adventures. Lots of flats too!

2006-10-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Victoria Falls, Zambia

2006-10-20T19:48:00.000-04:00

The Chase

2006-10-20T19:32:00.000-04:00

Julia's-22x38, oil on linen- Lots of action is what this is about. It's fun to paint but hard to pull off. I did my best.

White Peacock

2006-07-27T21:44:00.000-04:00

Matthew's 24x48, oil on board. It's so nice to be painting again. We have moved into new studios and house, in a beautiful village on the water on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Life is good.

On the Move

2006-07-25T20:58:00.000-04:00

48x72, oil on canvas. This is a biggie. This is a Rhino we saw in central Namibia. He was a bit agitated I believe. I wanted the size of the image and the Rhino itself to give the impression of it's power and strength.

The Cobb

2006-07-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

9x12, oil on board. The Cobb at Lyme Regis is one of our favorite spots to see when visiting Matthew's brother in the West Country. This was the customs house in the harbor on the Cobb. This place was featured in the book and film, "French Lieutenant's Woman"

Amberley Chalk Pits

2006-07-21T21:34:00.000-04:00

5x7 oil on board. We are just back from another wonderful trip to England and Paris. It was all about family and friends but we did manage to squeeze in a couple of paintings. This painting was done in the South Downs.

Cedar Key

2006-07-21T21:26:00.000-04:00

5x7 oil on board. This painting is from Cedar Key, Florida. It was a great day and an even better sunset.

Leopard Descent

2006-03-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

16x24, oil on canvas This is a Leopard I saw in Namibia.I finished this painting in February and only now getting around to posting it. The beat goes on...

Royal Excursion

2006-03-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

18x24, oil on board- Last summer we spent 3 weeks in England. On our last day we took a boat trip around Portsmouth Harbor to view all the various military and tall ships around the world. They had gathered to celebrate the bicentennial of the Battle of Trafalger. The ship in the forground is the Royal Navy Cadet training ship, The Royalist.

Dreaming of Africa

2006-03-12T12:17:00.000-05:00

24x24, oil on board- I was one of those little boys who spent hours lying on my back staring up at the sky. I could see castles and dragons in the shape of the clouds. I saw these Marabous in Tanzania . For me they represent the spirit of Africa. Julia and I will be going on safari to Botswana this september. We can hardly wait!!!

Leopard Country

2005-10-18T11:22:00.000-04:00

50x30, oil on linen. I wanted this painting to be about a Baobab. The Leopard helps show the scale of this massive tree.

2005-09-21T12:17:00.000-04:00

Matthew's oil, 24x36 "A Tricky Descent" It was fun waiting for this large group of Bison to come over the ridge and start down this dusty slope. I knew it would be fun to paint.

2005-09-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

Matthew's acrylic, 10x24. "I came across these three male lions in South Africa. They had a harem of 23 females."

2005-08-25T15:59:00.000-04:00

Another Zebra by Julia, 8x10, oil on board. I guess I'm in a black and white mood.

2005-08-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

Matthew's 6x9 Buffalo, oil on board. "I saw these Buffalo in Zimbabwe. The light was fantastic but so frustrating. Just as the light gets really great, you are forced to leave the park."

2005-08-18T12:18:00.000-04:00

Oil by Julia, 16x24. Nothing shows heat more than images from Namibia. Intense hazy sun reflecting against the shimmering pans make an exciting painting.

2005-08-12T11:58:00.000-04:00

Snowy Egret in Surf, Oil by Matthew, 18x24- "I made a wonderful discovery on our recent trip to England. Little Egrets! Since I've been in America Little Egrets have populated Southern England. We saw a group of three every morning patrolling the shoreline. Although, this is an American Snowy, I was definitely inspired by those English Egrets."