Cardinal - Minnetonka Center for the Arts Holiday Show

Cardinal

6 x 6 Oil on Cradled Board

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I have paintings in several shows at the moment. Lots of paintings - and this little guy is one of them.

He is currently available at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. Holiday Show. If you are in this area it is worth a trip to see this wonderfully diverse show. It is wonderfully curated and I am always amazed at the magic that happens between the chaos of dropping off the work and the actual show opening.It is the perfect place to find that unique and creative gift for that special someone this holiday season. Gift the gift of art this year. It's a great time to start a collection for yourself or another. 

Oak Tree Hill - Landscape painting

Oak Tree Hill

6 x 6 Oil

165.00 Purchase here

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I had done another larger plein air piece of this view and thought it would make a nice little painting when your walls are begging for a little finery. In fact,  it would be great on the wall next
to a computer. A nice little reminder of a summer day when you are sitting at your desk. (I'm looking at my own blank wall as I write this!)

"Wise Guy" - owl painting by Kirkeeide

Wise Guy

6 x 6 oil on panel

SOLD

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

Another little owl painting in much the same style as my previous owl. Little studies that I want to translate into some larger pieces. Looking forward to this one - I already have framing in mind for this one. I know it may be a bit of the cart before the horse, but once together they create a whole package.

Higbee Gallery 6x6 show

 

Wading Pool

6x6 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

SOLD

 

Early Morning Flight

6x6 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

SOLD

It's been a while since I've painted this small and these two just got juried into the Randy Higbee 6" squared show in Costa Mesa, California! I'm pretty pleased to be included in the show and in the good company of  so many fine artists! If you're in the area stop in and check it out. The reception is December 7th and the show runs until Christmas.

The Treasure Collector - Crow on Jar oil painting - Deb Kirkeeide

The Treasure Collector

18 x 14 Oil

© 2013 Deb Kirkeeide 

This is a variation on the theme of the crow and the jar story. In this case, being fond of bright shiny objects I think he could be a collector of treasures. The question here seems to be whether he is hiding his new found treasures or taking them away.



THE CROW AND THE WATER JAR
A thirsty crow noticed a huge jar and saw that at the very bottom there was a little bit of water. For a long time the crow tried to spill the water out so that it would run over the ground and allow her to satisfy her tremendous thirst. After exerting herself for some time in vain, the crow grew frustrated and applied all her cunning with unexpected ingenuity: as she tossed little stones into the jar, the water rose of its own accord until she was able to take a drink.

Sandhill Crane - original oil painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Sandhill Crane

28 x 22 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I just finished this one in time to enter into a local show. Jury selections aren't revealed until December. Kind of a long wait for little ol' impatient me. I've been in search of some sandhills for years! I never seem to come upon them anywhere. My sister had a couple show up on her street. Luckily she had her camera in hand! But a visit to Nebraska during migration is definitely on my bucket list - hopefully soon.

The Visionary - small owl painting - Deb Kirkeeide

"The Visionary"

8 x 6 Oil
©2013 Deb Kirkeeide
SOLD

More birds coming your way! I've just painted a flock of them for an upcoming holiday show at The Minnetonka Center for the Arts. If you are in the area be sure to stop by - lots of beautiful for that special gift.

This is a small study for a larger painting that I have planned. Looking forward to diving into that one soon. This is on its way to the previously mentioned show next week. If you are interested in this one, let me know before Tuesday. $300 framed.

"Nevermore" raven painting by Deb Kirkeeide

"Nevermore"

18x16 Oil
Framed
$1800

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

A little something in the spirit All Hallows Eve....

The original concept for this raven painting was quite different! Halfway into the process, I was less than thrilled with the results and was about ready to offer it up to the powers that be. After taking a break to think about it I decided to just let loose and quit thinking about it so much. I figure I had nothing to lose. This is the result. It's gritty, energetic and a bit mystical. And I like that.

I'm not sure yet but I'm considering this for a juried show entry. However if you are interested, please contact me at kirkeeide@mac.com

Hydrangea Bouquet - Commission

Hydrangea Bouquet

7 x 9 Gouache

SOLD

I recently sold the previous hydrangea painting and was asked to paint a companion piece. 

Commissions always bring up an uncertainty in me. Perhaps it is related to being in advertising design and always feeling that I'm trying to "read" the client's mind and anticipate their expectations. Or it could be one of those times when we just plain old have moments of self doubt. Whatever the reason, it creates a different energy around the painting I'm creating. 

In this case it was trying to recapture the same feeling that went into the original piece but I didn't think it would be a problem. Well, after 2-3 unsuccessful attempts I finally came up with something

something that would match. Admittedly, there was something that bothered me.The flowers seemed too round. I thought maybe I was being too critical of myself and thought I'd let her decide. Well, my intuition was right! (I should have paid heed to that) So I was back to square one. 

 

I kept asking myself why this was so hard to capture what I was after. I then realized all that goes into a painting. It is more than just the paint or the technique, it is everything else. We are not machines. Painting is our voice. As important as our words and mannerisms. We respond to the mood of the moment, to our surroundings, our present state of mind, the light, the air, our energy - all factors that effect that expression.

In the case of the first one - I was in California surrounded by family, we were celebrating, full of love and excitement in seeing each other and meeting my newborn granddaughter for the first time. While I can look back on that time and bask in the memory of that time, the truth of it is we are in the present and there are other influences present.

As it turned out, (and quit being so hard on myself) I reworked the painting and my collector loved it.
It still doesn't carry the same energy as the first, but that's okay.

Lavender Fields Forever - Landscape painting, Deb Kirkeeide

Lavender Fields Forever

12 x 16 Oil
Purchase Here

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

On my recent trip to San Juan Island, WA we visited a lavender farm. It was beautiful. A nice relaxing spot to enjoy and explore a bit. The fragrant air, the slight buzz from all the bees doing what they do best and the color of the fields. I reaaallly wanted to set up my easel and paint but I didn't have it with me - nor did we have the time to stay. So I took lots of pictures and painted this. I love the colors and the textures in this one.

A Glorious Gathering - Floral Painting by Kirkeeide

A Glorious Gathering

12 x 10 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

$480 Purchase here.

There's something very satisfying about going to the Farmer's Market. Especially on a beautiful autumn day. The crisp air, the sunshine, stalls bursting with color and wholesome goodness. Besides the treat of fresh produce, (especially my favorite apples) I couldn't resist treating myself to a couple bouquets of flowers. After setting them out on my porch I couldn't just sit there and admire, I promptly set up my easel on the porch and started painting these beauties. I love how paintings remind us of moments we've had. I look at this one and remember that day so vividly.

Vacationing on San Juan and Vancouver Islands

  

Lime Kiln Point - San Juan Island

Peek A Boo View

I recently spent some time in the pacific northwest on San Juan Island, WA and Vancouver Island, BC. It's been hard getting back into my regular routine.

What a beautiful area! While I didn't go there to paint I did take along my paints to squeeze in some painting when I could. I think a painting trip back to that area is in order. The islands are beautiful. Lots of time spent on and by the water. Beautiful farms, rolling hills and small mountains, magical forests, coastal villages and friendly locals.

The first sketch is from an afternoon on Orca patrol from the shores of Lime Kiln Point on San Juan Island. The second is the view from the deck of the float house we stayed in while on Vancouver Island.

Needless to say it has been hard settling back into routine here. And I would really love to live there.

Except for the part where the neighbor who lives in his boat just down the dock, warned of earthquakes and possible tsunamis! Maybe the midwest isn't so bad!

Superior River - landscape painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Superior River

6 x 8 Oil

©Deb Kirkeeide
$165 purchase here

In it's previous life this was a not so great study I painted last year along one of the rivers that flow into Lake Superior. The other day I was playing around with cold wax medium and used this to experiment on. As it turns out, I like the experiments results! A bit more abstract for me but I like it!

The Red Gate

The Red Gate

8 x 6 oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide
165.00 Purchase Here

This is the second piece from Saturday's paintout. A little more abstract but I really had fun with this one. Upon finishing, a couple other artists and I had our wine and pizza and a lively conversation and I was done painting for the day.

The View Across The Road- landscape painting by Deb Kirkeeide

The View Across The Road

8 x 16 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

Purchase Here $600.00

Saturday was our annual paintout at Parley Lake Winery in Waconia, MN. It was also my first plein air outing of the year. Admittedly I'm a very fair weather plein air artist - too hot, too cold, too wet?

Ummm....not so much. I wait for the "just right" days. But this was a beautiful day, not only weather wise, the scenery, ambiance, wine tasting, wood fired pizzas and camaraderie made it a perfect day.

This was my first painting. A scene I had been thinking about since last year's event. Not of the winery itself but the view across the road. I love the rolling hills and open pastures in this area.

Journey To Avalon

Journey to Avalon

24 x 48 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

This painting has been a long time in the works. A couple years ago, over a couple glasses of wine,  my artist friend Diane Whitehead challenged me to try painting large.  So I took up the challenge! This is the second iteration , the first getting to a point where it was so slick with paint that it would

take no more. So I ditched it and started over. I'm just not used to painting this large and I found my arm hurt, I never seemed to mix enough paint and since it requires a different approach to get the desired results I spent a lot of time experimenting. This is my largest painting to date, and while Diane has stood on a ladder to paint her large scale paintings (12 feet!) I'm not sure I would venture too much bigger. But never say never - maybe with a personal trainer to build up my strength to make slinging those giant brushes easier!

About the title:
The Isle of Avalon plays a prominent role in many Celtic stories, including the Legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. My favorite version on this legend is The Mists of Avalon. Avalon, also known as Glastonbury, it has many associations to both Pagan and Christian stories. Legend claims it as a sacred site and in Celtic myth it is known as the home to an ancient and powerful goddess known as The Lady of Avalon. It is also home to the Chalice Well, a symbol to the feminine aspect of deity and it’s waters are believed to possess healing qualities.

Interestingly, one aspect of this goddess takes form as the Maiden Bridie, later know as St Brigid. She is the goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft and is often associated with the swan. It is also noted that the Isle of Avalon landscape bears the shape of a swan in flight.

The Swan indicates transformation, change and a new way of thinking, that will help you develop and grow, personally and spiritually.

The swan is the symbol for Avalon because of its representative nature in divine healing. First and foremost Avalon was a center for the healing arts and mastery over the elements. The swan represents similar mastery. They also mate for life, so there is some credence to the idea that in Avalon the partnership with the divine is eternal.

I didn't have all this in mind when I painted it but when I finished it was what showed up in my psyche. This one is framed in silver (another color, along with blue -  representative of Avalon)

Please contact me if you are interested in this one. I have entered it into an exhibition and should find out of its acceptance very soon.

Three Sisters

Three Sisters

6 x 8 Oil
$165 Purchase Here

A still life of the Peony sisters. I can't help but think of flowers as feminine entities. 

Always curious about the symbolic meaning of things, I looked them up. Of course, symbolism is subjective depending on your own experience and memories. To me these flowers epitomize femininity and beauty. I think they may be my favorite flower.

Coincidentally, I found this.

The peony also symbolized bashfulness. In Victorian times it was believed that mischievous nymphs hid in its magnificent petals. Symbolizing beauty and romance, the peony is often chosen for weddings. The same generous petals that earn them the symbolic meaning of happy marriage also earn them the symbolic meaning of compassion.

Peonies bloom during or directly after spring, they symbolize female fertility and beauty. In their full bloom, peonies have the symbolic meaning of peace. Sometimes peonies symbolize indignation.
It is the state flower of Indiana. The peony is the 12th wedding anniversary flower.

I kind of like the idea of nymphs hiding in their petals! I wonder if that's why I've seemed to misplaced a few things in my studio?

"Single" - Floral painting by Deb Kirkeeide

"Single"

8 x 6 Oil
Unframed
165.00 Purchase Here
©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I seem to be on a floral kick lately. Trader Joes had some beautiful peony bouquets recently and I got a lot of modeling and enjoyment from them.

Lilacs

Lilacs 
11 x 14 Oil 

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide.

 

This is another painting on clayboard. In my journey of experimenting the many types of painting surfaces out there, I am fascinated by how each one somehow "forces" me to paint differently. Maybe force is a strong word, let's just say it encourages new techniques and styles! For some reason clayboard wants wild and loose! At least for me. There is a lot of freedom in that.

This is a bouquet of lilacs that my neighbor so kindly let me pick from her garden.

 

Lilacs

Unframed

$450.00 

Click here to purchase.

Thank you!

 

 

"Daisy, Daisy" in handcarved, painted wood frame

          











Daisy Daisy
5 x 7 Oil
$165 Framed
Purchase Here

This is another painting of my daisies. They are both offered framed in identical hand carved, painted wood frames. They may be purchase singly for $165 each or as a duo for $264, at a savings of 20%.

Daisies on the Deck

5 x 7 Oil

$165 Framed 

Purchase Here

Daisy Duo  $264

Purchase Here

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Daisies On The Deck

Daisies On The Deck

5x7 Oil

©Deb Kirkeeide
 $165 Framed

I just love daisies and I recently planted some containers with them on my deck.  I couldn't resist making a couple studies of them recently. It's easy to get some plein air painting in after work when all you have to do is step out the door!

In All Her Glory

In All Her Glory

12 x 12 x 1 Oil on wood
On Hold

©Deb Kirkeeide

Since it has been a long cool, rainy spring here, I had to make a trip to the local garden center for a peony fix. For some reason this painting reminds me of a beautiful woman in all her glory. The many layers and colors, subtle and bold textures - certainly all the elements that add to beauty.

This, along with several other paintngs,  is going to the Art of the Garden exhibition at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. June 27 - August 1

Sunflowers In Carl's Vase

Sunflowers in Carl's Vase

11 x 14 Oil on clayboard

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

$485  Purchase Here

Painting on Clayboard is a little like painting the previous painting in gouache. You lay it down and it sticks to the surface. It's an interesting challenge and since I've got a few more panels, I'm going to experiment more with it. Every substrate seems to present its own challenges and requires a new technique - at least for me! I've been trying trying a lot of different surfaces lately, hopefully one day I will settle on what I prefer.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas

7 x 9 Gouache on Paper
© 2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I took some gouache paints with me to California hoping to get a few sketches while out there.

I only managed to do this one (the best laid plans!) I haven't used this medium for years and after  painting with oils it was a little different in technique and took a little getting used to. But I found it to be a fun way to sketch and I like the looseness of it. I plan to do more with this medium. Perfect for traveling - I think I might start carrying them with me in the car. It might be a great way to do a quick plein air without all the set up time.

A Birdy for Eva

A Birdy For Eva

12 x 12

NFS

This was fun. Putting a child's spin on my birds. This is my new granddaughter Eva's first painting for her room. I've just returned from a week out in sunny California getting to know this tiny little beautiful girl! I have a feeling she will inspire a lot of new ideas from me. This has lead to a few more ideas I've come up with for some child oriented art and products. I'm looking forward to expanding on this and will keep you posted as I finalize them.

The Sentry

The Sentry

8 x 8 x 1 Oil on cradled hardwood

Ready to hang.

©Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved

The Sentry - watching guard over all. Seems like a noble profession, but more likely waiting for the merest morsel of food to be tossed aside, whereupon the cry goes out and dozens more seem to appear out of nowhere!What would seashore memories be without these guys?

Reflections in Verdigris

Reflections in Verdigris

16 x 12 Oil  $750 Purchase Here

As beauty stands silent - 

reflections in verdigris

dance lightly on water

 ©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

Peony Bouquet

Peony Bouquet

12 x 12 x 1 Cradle Board

$650 Purchase Here

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

Something other than a bird for a change. (though there will be more) Perhaps it's the lack of color that I've been missing with this very long winter we've been having. 

The brightest spot in this spring, is the arrival of my granddaughter last week! Beautiful little Eva. It was a pretty exciting week. My son in law return safely after 6 months from his deployment, got about 6 hours sleep and the race was on! Their baby girl decided to make an early appearance! I can't even express how thrilled I am to welcome this little one to our family.

I've got about 3-4 paintings in the works that seem to be moving at a snail's pace. Maybe now that we have nice weather and a few other preoccupations are out of the way, all that creative energy will start to flow again and they might get done soon.

This is painted on 1 inch thick cradled board with sides painted to match the background and is ready to hang.

Happy Spring Everyone!

Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove

8 x 16 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide
On Hold

I love these birds. They remind me of being at my grandparents house in Ohio where I would often hear their soft call. To this day it brings me a sense of comfort. I was very happy when a pair showed up last spring and nested nearby. They and their brood would show up often near my feeder.

And since I am such a fan of folklore and symbolism here's a little bit about symbolism of the dove.

Although its song is heard throughout the day, it seems more distinct at dawn and dusk.  These are the “Between Times” – a time in which there is a thinning of the veils between the physical and the spiritual, the past and the future.  The dove can help you to use these times to see the creation process active within your own life.  The song tells you to mourn what has passed…but awaken to the promise of the future…It is the bird of prophecy and can help you to see what you can give birth to in your life.

Animal Speak, the spiritual & magical powers of creatures great & small by Ted Andrews

A Little Birdy Told Me

A Little Birdy Told Me

6 x 8 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

 $150 Purchase here.

Robin

Robin

6 x 8 Oil 

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

$165
On Hold

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
― Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ode to the West Wind 

I hold hope that spring is not far behind!  Just when I think I can actually smell spring in the air, we get a huge snow storm! I love the winter, I love the beauty of this winter wonderland left behind but I really am tired of shoveling right now. Soon, I think. In the meantime I will just keep painting the birds in anticipation of their showy color and their songs greeting me in the morning.

And now that the roads are clear please join me for the Spring Art Show at Squire House Gardens on

Saturday evening!

A Dream Of Spring

A Dream of Spring

10 x 10 Oil on Panel

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide
SOLD

A pretty spring bouquet of warm color for our snowy, white days here in Minnesota.

Yes, it has been a long time. I've come to realize that perhaps January and February are the months

to step back and take a break. I did visit my daughter in Utah and we attended part of the Sundance Film Festival. We heard some good music, saw some good films and I got to visit with my good friend and fellow artist Diane Whitehead. We had a great time catching up and spent the day in Park City looking for celebrities. The only celebrity (that I know of) we saw was Kenny Loggins. We saw his new band,  Blue Sky Riders. I thought they were great and really enjoyed the show.

I have a group show coming up March 9 - 22 at Squire House Gardens in Afton, MN. If you are in the area please join us for the reception on Saturday March 9, 5-9. I'd love to meet you!

Parley Lake Orchard

Parley Lake Orchard

9 x 12 Linen Panel

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I've recently discovered a few paintings that I haven't posted. This is from a paint out with Outdoor Painters of MN this past summer. We had about 30 artists painting out at Parley Lake Winery in Waconia, MN. I love this little winery. Great wine, great people and beautiful scenery. I opted to  paint from the orchard for this one.