Plum, Peach, Pear

A small study for a larger still life. The pears are from our tree, but they are still really hard.
6"X6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas.
lindamccoyart@live.com   copyright 2010 Linda McCoy

Haulin' Glass, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

His eyes were as blue as the cobalt marbles he was playing with. He liked the way the marbles clicked as they bumped into each other on the pebbly, cracked sidewalk. He carefully piled them into the toy truck his grandfather had repainted for him. Once red, now covered with hospital green, the red peeked through every ding and dent, refusing to be ignored. He looked up and saw his mother’s gingham apron through the screen door. “Put your toys away and come in for lunch.” He put the truck and the marbles in the old wood box along with his Hire’s Root beer bottle caps and some real caps left over from the 4th of July; which he was convinced no one would ever find.

He ate little lunch, for the Chicago summer heat was almost unbearable. He let the screened, wood door slam as he ran back down the porch steps to play. He continued to load the truck with marbles, beads of sweat appearing on his nose, even though the summer “crew cut” was supposed to keep him cool.

He looked up to see his sisters playing tug-o-war with their pet mutt “Blackie.” This went on for a few moments but he looked up again when he heard the dog growl. Something wasn’t right. The dog had foam coming his mouth and was swinging it's head back and forth angrily. He heard the screen door slam again as his father came on to the back porch. “All three of you get in the house now!” He was too young to know what distemper looked or sounded like but his father knew.

The shots rang out in the silence of that summer day; loud, piercing. The dog did not stop running. Up and down the stairs, growling, foaming. More shots, until finally the dog lay still. What had just happened? The gray paint of the porch now stained with blood. His mother and sisters crying in the bedroom, his mother’s head leaning against the top bunk bed. Bewilderment clouded his young eyes. He witnessed his father’s sadness at having to shoot the dog, mixed with relief that none of his children or the neighbor’s children were hurt by it.

The next day the morning glories that filled the wood and wire fence were spectacular. The smell of the back yard after the brief summer rain was comforting and familiar. He took the marbles out of the old wood box and put them again into the back of the toy truck. Click, click, click.

10" X 20" oil on gallery wrapped canvas.
The toy truck was made by Metal Masters, 1938 Diecast. Painting and story copyright Linda McCoy 2010
Lindamccoyart@live.com

And a cropped view. You can see this painting on a calendar by the Daily Painters by Clicking Here:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/dailypainters

Rigby, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

9"X12" Oil on canvas. Whew! it was a long ride to New York!    Private Collection

August Twilight, Watercolor by Linda McCoy

I will be at a "meet the artist" event Thursday night from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Artonsymmes Gallery.
You're invited!
http://www.artonsymmes.com/
Watercolor 24"X30" available through Artonsymmes Gallery

Lavender Pansies, Watercolor by Linda McCoy

Little flowers in the windowbox.

7"X7" Watercolor on paper

Engine 92, Chicago Fire Department, Watercolor by Linda McCoy

I grew up with firehouse lingo…still and box alarm, 211’s, 5-11 and 4 specials. The rig. Inspection days. 24 on 48 off. Smoke eaters. On rare occasions my sister and brother and I visited the firehouse; a big building with echo’s of fireman’s conversation’s bouncing off the walls. The firemen had worn out and throw-away recliners; green leathery things with holes in the upholstery to offer comfort in between calls or “runs.”

Firehouse coffee was as strong as espresso, I don’t think they cleaned the old coffee maker, just added more coffee. Hot mud 24/7. When the alarm went off (was this preceded by a ticker?) the bell was deafening. Yes, if they were upstairs in the bunk room they slid down the pole, one after another. Grabbing up gear and jumping into those big boots that had loops on top to pull them up they headed for the “rig.” Out the door with sirens and horns blaring, we watched as they left, not really understanding the danger they faced.

Sometimes we would hear of big fires on the television news, and would ask my mother “is dad at that fire?” The answer depended on where the fire was but my mother always reassured us that all would be well. She must have been beside herself with worry when she knew he was out of the “barn” but we never knew.

Back at the firehouse, (Truck 51 on Chicago’s south side) Muggs the huge German Shepherd dog prevented would- be intruders from taking the fireman’s dinner until they returned. No one messed with Muggs. I think they buried him near the firehouse with his own little headstone. One of the firemen wrote a little book about that firehouse and Muggs. My father drove the battalion chief for years at that very busy house.

At the end of his career at the CFD, he was stationed at Engine 92 on the south side. The hat is from that time period. The one from Truck 51 is battered and burned and probably still smells like smoke, as is the one from Engine 84 also on Chicago's south side, his first duty station.

This painting is inspired by a picture of my grandson that my dad took during our recent visit to Chicago to see my parents. He was delighted to be wearing this authentic hat, and I think my dad had a few stories for him.

Loud sirens, big red engines, hook and ladders that seemed to reach the sky, going into smoke filled buildings, yes- that’s a big hat to fill.


Watercolor 12"X16"

Bells of Ireland and Dephiniums

I started this painting awhile ago, see post of June 13th. I added a few more details, but somehow it seems the less I do the better.  The Chinese inks add texture, I just defined a few petals to identify the Delphinium's and Bells of Ireland. I took a week long watercolor workshop several years ago with artist Ted Minchin. He was a fabulous teacher, and I've tried to apply the things he taught. His watercolors had an abstract quality, yet you knew what the subject of the painting was. I was fiddling with some detail on a painting and he said to me "Linda, everything doesn't have to make sense." 
lindamccoyart@live.com

Strawberry Swing Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

I read a comment made by a collector that artist's shouldn't just put painting on their blogs without commenting on how the painting came about. So, here goes. I logged on to a great website http://www.faboverfifty.com/ started by a business acquaintance of mine. On her blog their are a variety of links, so I clicked on http://www.thelisaportercollection.blogspot.com/  On her blog was a post about a china basket that she liked from http://www.my-sparrow.com/  I ordered the basket, it was here within a week. I loved it, so while my daughter Bree was at the grocery, I asked her pick up some strawberries. She brought back huge bright red dipping strawberries. They were so perfect even the seeds were in neat little rows.  I set it up on a shelf in partial sunlight. Well, there you have it. How long did it take to paint? A week of applying many glazes of color; reds are a pain to paint because they are so transparent. Getting the shadow side of the basket gray enough took more than a little courage. Were the strawberries good? Unbelievably sweet.
Oh, come on Linda, why did you name it Strawberry Swing? In homage to a song of the same title by Coldplay.
8"X8" Oil on hardboard lindamccoyart@live.com  Sold

Elizabeth, Pastel Portrait by Linda McCoy

Elizabeth is a lovely young lady full of personality and energy. She was a delightful little model. Her mom was painted in the same dress when she was Elizabeth's age. The two portraits will hang together one day.
Pastel 18"X22" Pastel on paper. Collected

Sugarbowl and Squash Blossoms Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

Today was a really nice day. We met up with David and Rachel and did a little shopping at Findlay Market. A little early on Sunday so not all of the vendors were set up, but no crowds either. Several stands had squash blossoms which were pretty.  After shopping a little breakfast then on to Anthropology where I found this little sugar bowl. I previously prepared this board for another painting, but I was anxious to paint my finds of the day. A quick and fun little painting. The sugar bowl looks a little crooked. Maybe something you'd find at the Mad Hatters tea party. Oh well, maybe I'll fix it later. Then again, maybe not.
6"X6" oil on hardboard
lindamccoyart@live.com

Findlay Market lll, Cincinnati Ohio, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

This is my third painting of Findlay Market here in Cincinnati. The colors have not been enhanced, this is how it really looks. All the buildings are different colors with bright awnings. This is a great place to visit if you are ever here. It has a great European market feel to it, lots of produce grown by local Ohio farmers.
6"X6" Oil on hardboard
lindamccoyart@live.com

World War One Sewing Kit, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

My grandfather drove an ammunition truck in the first world war. He was in the 1st Division and was stationed Belgium and Germany. He was in the Army from 1917-1921. His honorable discharge papers say he was of “superior integrity.” I remember him as kind, gentle and soft spoken.  We lived in a two flat and my grandparents lived upstairs, so they were very much a part of our young lives. He died when I was eleven, and I remember the great sadness I felt.

On a recent trip back to Chicago to see my parents, my father gave me this little army sewing kit that belonged to him. It is battered from the war and missing it’s thimble. I wonder about the thimble. The simple answer is that my grandmother needed one and just used the one from the kit. Maybe it was lost in a foxhole while trying to mend his uniform or sew on a button. Maybe it was lent to another soldier. Maybe, it still lies in a field somewhere, buried for someone else to find. We are all grateful he made it home, so many did not.
Thanks for passing this on to me Dad, I'll take good care of it.
6"X6" Oil on hardboard.
Lindamccoyart@live.com

The Little Dog oil painting by Linda McCoy

So cute, but so very naughty while I was painting him. 4"x4" Oil on hardboard

Peony, watercolor. Back lit. 10"X10" Sennelier Paper

Sunlit Geranium, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

Sold 6"X6" Oil on panel
Lindamccoyart@live.com

The Little Gambler, Oil painting by Linda McCoy

Here's another little person. This is a small painting, 4"X4."

lindamccoyart@live.com

Geranium Shot, Oil painting by Linda McCoy

 You can register to win this painting free go to http://www.dailypainters.com/ and leave a comment

Just a little 6"X6" to get back into the swing of things. I rejoined the Daily Painters Gallery, and I'm glad to be back with such a talented group of artists. Oil on Hardboard

Little Engineer, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

When my son was small he loved this little train engineer. It was part of a set of little people, but he really had no use for the others. He took the little engineer everywhere, they were inseparable. He really doesn't remember it much now, tossed aside as he grew older, it's magic lost to noisy play trucks and cars. I remember though, sweet baby days, more miracle than magic.

4"X4" Oil on Hardboard Sold

Artist Gift

My brother and sister-in-law took a trip to China, they kindly brought back paints and Chinese brushes for me to try. Here I used them in a watercolor sketch of flowers purchased at the Farmers Market in Lebanon, Ohio. Delphiniums and Bells of Ireland, and a few other's I couldn't identify. I need to thank them again for this thoughtful gift.

I'm listening to Mark Knopfler's "Get Lucky." CD.

Findlay Market, Cincinnati Ohio

I'm reposting this painting, as it get's a lot of hits on my blog. It is currently hanging in the Fairfield Community Center in Fairfield Ohio.

Gift Box 2 Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

Some gifts just keep on giving. This little box was a gift from David and Rachel. I think it was from Smith & Hawken. It had seed tape inside, which we planted in a container on the deck. They have bloomed twice now. Whenever I pass by the table where this little box happily sits I think "I should paint that." So, on a very snowy, cloudy Saturday, here it is.

Velvet Gift Box, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

6"X 6" Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas. lindamccoyart@live.com for purchase info

Bells of Ireland, Watercolor by Linda McCoy

22"X25" Watercolor lindamccoyart@live.com for purchase information

Fab Over Fifty

I discovered a great new blog that is being developed by an acquaintance of mine.
http://www.faboverfifty.com/ I love it, just what we need. Geri Brin is the author and a great lady. Be sure to click on to the video. Log on and check it out!

Where am I?

I am busy illustrating a children's book. It is almost complete, what an incredible journey! Be back with Daily Paintings soon.

Flowers in Roseville Pottery, oil painting by Linda McCoy

Oil on Canvas. Private collections

Omnia Vincit Amor, oil painting by Linda McCoy

6"X6" oil on hardboard lindamccoyart@live.com   Sold

Hydrangea Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

I am so pleased to be represented by the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas Texas!
Many thanks to Laurie for introducing my work to the Gallery, and many thanks to the owner!

http://dutchartusa.com/

email DutchArt1@aol.com
or Call 214-348-7350
10233 E. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75238. at Northwest Hwy and Ferndale

Mom Always Liked You Best! Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

6"X6" Oil on Gallery wrapped stretched canvas
lindamccoyart@live.com

Lucy

9"X12" lindamccoyart@live.com

Hyacinth Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

6"X6" Oil on hardboard.

to purchase: lindamccoyart.bigcartel.com

Perfume Bottles and Geranium Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

6"X6" Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas.

lindamccoyart@live.com for secure paypal invoice

$100.00

The Fall Guys, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

6"X6" oil on canvas. $59.00 lindamccoyart@live com

Hydrangea, Watercolor by Linda McCoy

Painting is sold, but I posted it today as it is featured in an ad in American Art Collector Magazine.

Iris Parfait, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

9"X12" Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas. See you at:
Village Green Fine Art Fair Saturday June 20th 11am to 5pm Village Green Park 301 Wessel Drive Fairfield Ohio http://www.fairfield-city.org/
I also have 28 paintings hanging inside the Art Center. See you at the Art Fair!
Sold

Strawberries and Cream, Oil painting by Linda McCoy

6"X6" Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. Email me at lindamccoyart@live for purchase information.
Copyright 2009 Linda McCoy

Just Hanging Out, Watercolor Geraniums by Linda McCoy

8"X8" Watercolor on Sennelier Paper
$100.00 lindamccoyart@live.com for paypal invoice
Here's where I'll be hanging out on June 20th
Village Green Fine Art Fair
Saturday June 20th 11am to 5pm
Village Green Park
301 Wessel Drive
Fairfield Ohio
http://www.fairfield-city.org/

Mastectomy Law Change

Proposed Mastectomy Law Change

(written by a surgeon);

I'll never forget the look in my patients eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast. I remember begging the doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies.

So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank you' they muttered.

A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.

This Mastectomy Bill is in Congress now. It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important. Please take the time and do it really quick! The Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill is important legislation for all women.

Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.

There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support.. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.

http://www.mylifetime.com/community/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition/breast-cancer-petition

Blue Hydrangea

Watercolor 8"X8"

Sold

Where am I hanging?

Twenty eight of my paintings can be viewed in person at the Fairfield Community Art Center 5350 Pleasant Ave., Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 867-5300. This is a beautiful new facility in the City of Fairfield!

Laurie's Queen of Hearts

6X6 Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas. A little cake for someone special.

lindamccoyart@live.com

First Peony

6"X6" Oil on gallery wrapped canvas.
$100.00 lindamccoyart@live.com for secure paypal invoice

Lisianthus 2, Watercolor by Linda McCoy

8"X8" Watercolor on Sennelier paper.

$50.00 lindamccoyart@live.com for secure paypal invoice

Happy! Oil painting by Linda McCoy

"Mom, I like that painting"
"Bree,what is it about it that you like?"
"It's happy!"
Grape hyacinths, purple marbles 8"X8" Oil on hardboard $139.00 lindamccoyart@live.com for secure paypal invoice Copyright 2009 Linda McCoy 
Sold

Copyright Linda McCoy 2009

Reach ll, Geraniums, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

8"X8" Oil on hardboard. Sold   lindamccoyart@live.com

"Reach" Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

8" X 8" Oil on hardboard. Sold  lindamccoyart@live.com

Used Palette 1

Oh, it starts out neat enough... colors arranged in neat little rows around the edges of the tile. Smooth center free of brushmarks. Three piles of white so you always have clean white. (This lasts about 10 minutes!)
No raw umber, no burnt umber, no burnt sienna and no black. Maybe someday I'll add them. Not just yet.
I have twelve or so of these. 12"X12" ceramic tile
email me if you have an interest. $10.00 each PLUS shipping lindamccoyart@live.com

Dead Little Bird on Earth Day

Sometimes it's more about the story than it is the painting and so........
I had no intention of doing an Earth Day Painting even though I was aware of it. Running to a meeting at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble, I happened to glance down behind one of the pillars. There was a little dead bird, probably died looking for a nesting site in the neon sign above the door. Happily for birds, unhappily for the store maintence people they seem to like nesting in the "O" the best. She probably crashed into the storefront window and broke her neck. Not into bird forensics, this would be my best guess. I felt a little sad, such a perfect little thing, feathers still colorful even in death. I went into the bookstore and asked for a plastic bag. The clerk looked a little confused so I told him what it was for. "Of course I can find you a bag, but NOT a Barnes and Noble bag. So after rummaging around for a moment he came up with a plastic grocery bag. I went back outside and scooped up the bird. I went to the meeting, a brief conversation was had about the little find, one person really got why I picked her up in the first place. He asked me today if I had painted her yet, and better get to it before it gets maggots. Ok, here it is. A rather quick oil sketch, I placed the bird on the driveway near the ground cover which is in bloom with lavender color flowers, partially in sunlight. Back to the earth she goes, reduce, resuse, recycle.
6"X6" Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas

Daffodils, Oil painting by Linda McCoy, Copyright 2009

So perfect soaking up sunshine on Easter morning. Thin, transparent petals and the bright greens of spring.
6"X6" Oil on masonite. $100.00 lindamccoyart@live.com
Copyright 2009 Linda McCoy

Hydrangea's, Finished Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

Posted this painting earlier as a work in progress
16"X20" Oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas
$300.00 contact Lindamccoyart@live.com
Copyright 2009

The Agony of Female Mutilation, Oil Painting by Linda McCoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ0l9yDgN-8