Marilyn Miller's Studio

2012-02-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

Little Yellow Tulips

Oil on Canvas 6"x6" $75

Unexpected flowers this time of year bring such warmth! And Yellow is an added dimension of heart warming sunshine....

2012-02-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

"September"

Oil on Canvas Panel 30"x24"

When first a leaf of the Crab Apple tree turns brown and falls from the tree, the apples are still glowing red and the roses next to it are still in summer blossoming beauty.....

In Autumn, its branches bow low. Its beauty is rich in all seasons!

2012-01-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

New look.... What do you think? I like the idea that one can click on any picture and get information about it.... I would really appreciate your reaction to this possibility. I am considering a few options which may appear over the next week or so as I make a decision. Leave a comment or email me... Please!

Christmas...

2011-12-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

Nativity

Acrylic on Tri-Fold Wood Panel 72"x 96" $3700

I wish you a Christmas filled with Peace, Love, and Joy!

For the first time, I have been able to display my outdoor Nativity! I painted it a few years ago for a Church Christmas Concert after having had the piece rolling around in my head for several years before that..... This year it faces both the street and the new sidewalk to my studio. Merry Christmas!

Twin Falls IdahoTemple

2011-12-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Living Waters: Twin Falls Temple

Oil on Canvas panel 8"x8" $145

Christmas....

2011-11-26T14:24:00.001-07:00

Christmas Light

Oil on Canvas Panel 10"x8" $145

Lights, Colors, and a Lantern show us

The Christmas Train is gathering speed.

Let's enjoy the ride!

2011-11-17T09:30:00.001-07:00

Indian Paint Brush, September on Mt. Harrison

Oil on Canvas Panel 16"x20" $500

Grandmother loved Indian Paint Brush. She watched for it each season and celebrated it!

Now I love Indian Paint Brush and watch for it and celebrate it!

Three Paintings in Progress....

2011-11-03T23:55:00.000-06:00

Wood River September
Oil on Canvas Panel 16"x20" (Unfinished)

From an expedition to Hailey to visit Ginny Blakslee Breen, fellow artist and wonderful friend.

It is going to be difficult to continue with this painting because I really enjoy what is happening with the color and feel of it at this stage. Perhaps I can keep it at this feel.

The Cottonwood trees were as beautiful as I remembered. The leaves are very different. I had planned to paint a leaf or two on the canvas, but think I will not. Perhaps I will do another canvas of them. They are long, slender and very bright yellow.

Indian Paintbrush on Mt. Harrison

Oil on Canvas Panel 16"x20" (Unfinished)

How pleasing to find unexpected wild flowers on a mountain excursion! On a turnout near the summit of Mt. Harrison we saw much that was unexpected! Caves in the rocks just below this hill may have been cache sights for mountaineers of another day. This day, so late in the season was the first opportunity to come to the mountain. I expected no flowers and so was pleasantly surprised to find wonderfully red Indian Paintbrush at out feet!

Painted Lady
Oil on Canvas Panel 8"x10" $135

I noted the butterflies arrival, saw them on intense blue flowers in my neighbors garden for about three days, and then they were gone. I think they pass through just once a year. They were delightful to watch even though they were here so fleetingly.
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Paint is a wonderful substance! Oil Paint responds beautifully to being pushed and pulled around on a brush. Color is magical. The depth of color of oil paints is infinite. Harmonies are exquisite. Each color responds to its neighbor

When I cannot work, I feel deprived of the joy of seeing, smelling, and feeling colors and shapes developing. It feels like I have not painted for weeks...Finally today was a great painting day! I am not at all sure that the results look like I had a good day, but I feel like things are back to being right!

2011-10-11T21:47:00.000-06:00

First Autumn Leaf, Weeping Birch

Oil on Canvas 6"x6" $75

Walking in warmth

With just a bit of breeze foretelling winters depths...

First leaves fall. Sunlight yellow Birch...

Autumn Trees and Leaves...

2011-10-10T20:36:00.000-06:00

Weeping Birch Leaves

Oil on Canvas 6"x6" $75

On a walk with my little Chihuahua a few weeks ago we found irrefutable evidence that Autumn was coming in these few yellow fallen leaves. At that time the sun was still warming each delightful day. Then came last week and everything has changed. Since last Tuesday, we have had pleasant autumnal rain every day and a few wind storms. This morning started sunny and warm and has ended with soft rain and many leaves of every tree falling.

September

Oil on Canvas 20"x24" Unframed $1250 Framed in ornate gold $1600

Tree of Life images can be found in most cultures, times, and styles of expression. The ideas seem universal. In recent time, Piet Mondrian painted a series of wonderful tree interpretations which when viewed in chronological order as painted, give the viewer a greater understanding of abstract painting.
        My own "Tree of Life" is just outside my kitchen and living room windows. After I quite accidentally did a smaller version as a student demonstration, I really wanted to tackle this painting.
        As I have watched our family and others developing and branching, the imagery and personal interpretations have engaged my heart and mind.
        What do you see?

Tree

8"x8" $125

Thank you for looking at my paintings! I will appreciate your comments...

Slideshow of Studio Sidewalk!

2011-10-03T12:35:00.000-06:00

What an exciting day! When I arose at about 6:45am, the all-volunteer crew was already here finishing details and readying the path from the street to the door of my studio, to become a sidewalk! It was fun and amazing to watch it all happen. These photos were selected from the forty plus I took this morning as I watched it all unfold. Everyone worked so wonderfully to make it happen! The craftsmanship is beautiful. It is a signed work! My neighbors, Randy and Kathleen came and assisted too. Randy brought a 2011 penny to put in the concrete. It shines! And the signatures and leaf prints made by Kathleen all look great. I understand it will be ready to walk on late this afternoon....so it will be ready for our studio tour this Thursday!

Found Feather

2011-09-26T17:53:00.001-06:00

Found Feather
Sold

2011-09-12T22:48:00.000-06:00

Crabapple Tree in the Evening

Oil on Cradled Canvas Panel 8" x 8" $125

sold

This marvelous tree which I see out both the kitchen and living room windows was planted by my Mother in about 1950. I have loved painting its vibrant pink blossoms in the spring, but, though I look at it every day, all year, never thought of trying to capture the poetry of the whole tree until now. The apples are ripe, ready to begin falling, dinner for squirells.

Peace Rose

2011-09-10T06:36:00.000-06:00

Peace Rose
Oil on Canvas 15cm x15cm $75

Growing Peace Roses has been a family favorite for decades probably since the time my parents took us on a trip to the West Coast beginning in Portland, Oregon in time to visit the Rose Festival and see the Rose Parade in about 1949... Each year, my Father loved telling of his largest, "This size across....". rose. We have a photograph taken of my Grandmother Thompson looking lovingly at her first ever "Peace Rose".

Since those days, there has always been at least one bush of them in the little rose garden here. I was pleased to see this one a few days ago and record it in paint for all of us.

Desert Blossoming

2011-09-03T18:28:00.000-06:00

Desert Blossoming

Oil on Cradled Canvas Panel, 8"x8", $125

It is difficult at times to remember that we really are in a desert here... Our community Fathers did extraordinary work in making the valley beautifully productive by creating an irrigation system using our Snake River. The farming community and even we city dwellers benefit greatly from their hard work!

This rose was waiting for me in the garden this morning! I spent a wonderful tranquil afternoon in my studio exploring the rose and the day in paint!

Sunflower and South Hills

2011-09-02T20:19:00.000-06:00

Sunflowers and South Hills

Oil on Cradles Canvas Panel 8"x8"
Sold

Years ago friends moving to the West from the Eastern Coast and were amazed and fascinated by the Sunflowers growing wild all along roads and farmlands. They loved them. The first time I drew or painted them was as a gift to them as a thank you for showing me their beauty. Because they enjoyed these "weeds," I saw them with new eyes. I am always grateful to those who assist me to see better!

Sunflowers

2011-09-02T20:08:00.000-06:00

Sunflowers and Gold

Oil on Cradled Canvas Panel 8"x8" $125

Second try with sunflowers from a neighbors wonderful garden. Looser... More casual..... like.... sunflowers....

Grain Harvest is going!

2011-08-29T19:58:00.000-06:00

Fields White

Oil on Cradled Canvas Panel 8"x8"
sold

This time of year brings such visual feasting! I love seeing the colors of ripe grains both before and after cutting, It is such a glorious light vibrant yellow....

A few days ago I toured some of the farming areas around us and watched grains being cut, straw being bailed and trucks delivering and lining up for the next load. What activity! What beauty!

Summertime Still Life

2011-08-15T08:32:00.000-06:00

Daisies and Fruit

Oil on Canvas Panel 8"x10" $120

This began as the first demonstration piece for my painting workshop. I loved the colors of the fruits with gold drape and so decided to finish it. I also love painting French Jelly glasses, and daisies are a favorite flower. It all makes for a happy reflection of good days.

A new Walkway to the Studio!

2011-08-15T08:08:00.000-06:00

Part of a great working crew...

A few weeks ago my studio and I became the objects of a wonderful Service Project from the dear people of my Church! I had mentioned to a friend an impossible dream of mine to make a walkway from the street to my studio so that people visiting would be able to walk somewhere other than on the grass which is very uneven and dangerous.

Next thing I knew, I had a crew of people here laying it out and preparing it for concrete! I love it! It has a great inviting curve! I love the people who are making it! We are of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Burley 5th Ward!

From the street..... From the Studio door!

Seven Posts Challenge

2011-08-11T22:00:00.000-06:00

My Most Popular Post has consistently been "Mourning Cloak on Crab Apple Blossoms". I can not find it in my files so this is a similar painting done this year without a butterfly. I do love painting these blossoms each year that they bloom. The tree is now very old (planted in about 1949) and only blooms every other year. One year, as it bloomed, I was sick and feeling so sad until a Mourning Cloak Butterfly appeared and flitted about the blossoms for a time leaving me full of joy!

__________________________________

Most Beautiful Post ~ I lived with this painting for a few years before it found its home and I really enjoyed the serenity of the piece.

_________________________________________

Most Proud of this painting done as a commission piece for my dear friends in Switzerland. They have a home in the incredible little valley with these majestic surrounding mountains and they asked me create a painting of it. That alone brought me great joy! But while I was there, there were no mountains, just clouds. So I did it all from photos and what I felt as Karin and I took three separate tram rides to get to the summit of Mt. Titlis, the snow topped mountain on the far right of the painting. At the summit we met up with her husband, Daniel for lunch. He had climbed the mountain! It was great being there with them and seeing their encouraging responses as I made this painting. ________________________________________________

More Attention Deserved? I am not sure of that, but this is the direction I would like to be going with my painting and was just sure it would get a bit of notice.... _________________________________________________

This painting of Shoshone Falls has been Most Helpful to me because it was the first time in many years I had set up on location and made the painting there entirely. I found out I can do it!!! And I have done others since and love working outdoors, en pleine aire. I even purchased a French Easel and really enjoy working with it! _______________________________________________

I was Most Surprised by Success when this painting sold in the Auction on the Daily Paintwork site to benefit the catastrophe in Japan earlier this year. _______________________________________________

Because my faith (I am one of those dreaded "Mormons." Me and Mitt Romney..both very controversial...), I feel this, in today's world of unbelievers, might be my Most Controversial Posting. It was rejected from the Church's International Art competition in Salt Lake after many of my very dear and supportive friends encouraged me to enter the competition. I think I may have deleted the posting after the rejection. Still, it was a fine experience for me. Painting it was quite inspirational and a time of learning and of growing closer to my Savior. __________________________________________________

Nancy Laliberte and I were selected for a broadcast of "Artists Helping Artists"* last year and she has become a treasured and helpful e-friend. I enjoy a subscription to her Blog and she frequently comments on my paintings.

Recently she included me in a this Challenge. I was in the middle of a teaching project and could not get to it (partly because this is difficult!)

I received another artist's response to the same list today and it reminded me that I had not responded, so, here we go..... Thank you, Nancy! I almost found enough to do it....

In many ways, I think each painting I have done fits each category... Except I think I have never painted anything controversial.... I am a cautious old lady... and always have been. Perhaps some of my more religious paintings of Temples or of Christ. And I suppose anything can be controversial if the right, or wrong, person sees it....I have never had enough folks look or comment to make any piece "Popular". Four comments is tops anywhere on my blog.

* Great Blogtalk Radio show created and hosted by Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry, two wonderful painters, to assist all artists with the difficult task of marketing. They do wonderful work!!!! Click on the connection in my left column....Nancy's blog is there too...

In a Garden....

2011-08-05T10:51:00.000-06:00

"Jim's Archway"

Oil on Canvas Panel 14" x 11" $175

One of my demonstration pieces from the recent Oil Painting Workshop taught in my studio. My dear neighbors allowed us to invade their lovely garden. It is beautiful in every corner. I find the Stick Archway very inviting. Choosing which way to explore is always difficult ~ colorful vistas in every direction! Humming birds are everywhere and Jim keeps track of them individually! His children explore here daily and play wonderful games. Truly a Magical place.

Snake River Canyon near Murtaugh, Idaho

2011-08-05T10:46:00.000-06:00

Still a Work in Progress...

sold

The latest incarnation on my painting of the Snake River Canyon from near Murtaugh. Now all the steps I knew needed to be taken have been done. It is still not what I wish it to be so now I must look at it and let it tell me what is next....

Let's Paint! Oil Painting Workshop July 2011

2011-08-05T10:30:00.000-06:00

Merete with her Daisy Still Life Painting

Soni with her Daisy Still Life Painting Connor concentrating! Soni and Merete Drawing in preparation to painting in a neighbor's beautiful garden.

Already a week has gone past since our small Oil Painting Workshop, "Let's Paint!" I was very pleased with all that happened. What a great little group of painters! They were each happy to be painting and willing to try new ideas!

It was a first for me to try out some ideas for a workshop in Oil Painting. I was nervous, but I think it worked out and I am willing to try it all again! Each seemed to feel that it was a fun occasion, each seemed to feel they accomplished and learned. We had great times talking, working, and lunching.

I am very pleased with the paintings they each did, and pleased that each is individual!

A few comments from fine participants:

"This was the most fun time painting!... I plan on taking more classes too!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I believe I will continue to try to paint. ...I can do this ..."

"...a delight!!!"

Snake River Canyon near Murtaugh, Work in progress

2011-07-25T04:55:00.000-06:00

From Roger's....

Work in Progress 24"x30"

I have been trying, unsuccessfully, to take photos right after finishing my painting for the day. With the effects of a summer cold, I am too shaky to take a good picture.... but here it is so far.

...begining

2011-07-20T22:28:00.000-06:00

Painting with total concentration is a healing and exhilarating experience. I entered the studio today fatigued and in pain. Wielding the brush took it all that away and brought the joy of exploration, of shape making, and pushing color relationships,. along with the challenging attempt of putting my feeling about this place into those color, texture and shape relationships. The Snake River Canyon always inspires feelings of awe in me, at the powerful forces at work in the earth. I love this view of the river rushing through the bottom of this tear in the earth.... these walls of lava. (the blueness may be too strong.... or perhaps I will bring the other colors into relationship with the blues...).

Sketch of Snake River Canyon Near Twin Falls

2011-07-13T13:56:00.000-06:00

Found! A great place to work to paint views of the Snake River Canyon!!! A dear and most hospitable friend is building a wonderful home at this site (imagine arising in the morning to this view.... A-h-h-h....). I was able to spend a couple of hours here yesterday. Just enough time to do this very quick and rough sketch, begin a painting, and take a few photos. The site has many wonderful vistas I will enjoy exploring and interpreting the wonders of the canyon both here on the rim and down in the canyon. I see dozens of possibilities, and my friend is willing, even happy, to have me trespassing!

Iris, Peonies, and Poppies

2011-07-07T21:56:00.000-06:00

Iris, Peonies, and Poppies

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas 42"x 96"

$6500

Finished, at last! When a friend purchased my painting of a tulip garden hanging in our kitchen, my Mother remarked that would be OK only if I promised to do another floral to hang there.

I began this canvas soon thereafter and it did hang above our kitchen table for many years while she was living. I chose to make it large so she could see the colors. She had lost most of her vision to Macular Degeneration. I chose to use the flowers she had grown through the years because we both loved them so.

After she died in 2004, I started to rework it some, but had not yet completed the rework. I decided now, while the same flowers were in bloom, would be a good time to re-complete it. Today was the day!!!

Below are two detail photos of it.

Detail #1 of "Iris, Peonies, and Poppies" Detail #2 of "Iris, Peonies, and Poppies"

July 4th, 2011, Stars and Stripes

2011-07-04T13:56:00.000-06:00

Stars and Stripes

Acrylic and Crystals on Cradled Canvas Panel 8"x 8" $125

(Easel included)

sold

Memories of moments and times when the Flag of the United States of America has meant everything to me came back today while I have been celebrating our Independence Day today with millions of us and by myself.

Xeriscape Garden

2011-06-30T19:02:00.000-06:00

Xeriscape Garden

Oil in Canvas Panel 16"x20" $500

A wonderful neighbor makes most delightful plant arrangements which I see and admire throughout the year. This is their June look! I spent a delightful afternoon exploring the colors and textures with my paints today! I am sure I will visit it again with a different palette, or set of colors.

Pond on a Summer Day

2011-06-30T18:50:00.000-06:00

Pond on a Summer Day

Oil on Canvas Panel 16"x20" $500

I was pleased when a friend told me her Great Grandmother lived near this pond. She recognized it and remembers playing near and around it as a child. For me it is always a pleasant sight. I love the rhythms of the willow tree trunks in all seasons.

New Painting Started.... to be continued

2011-06-21T10:16:00.000-06:00

On the south side of the freeway going west is a small pond with trees which I have through the years enjoyed watching. I recently made the trip to see it from another angle and liked it too. Because of two big barking dogs, I chose to not leave the car, but sketched from the side of the road. This is from the end of painting day 2. I will be working on it again today! Anyone have suggestions for a title?

Water Falls into the Snake River Canyon

2011-06-14T21:40:00.000-06:00

Falls

Oil on Cradled Canvas Panel 8"x8"

sold

Tuesday was a glorious day to be painting in the Snake River Canyon at Centennial Park with other artists. This is my result...

It will be shipped as soon as the finish work on it is complete and the painting dry, about two weeks.

2011-06-06T11:34:00.000-06:00

Spring Creek

Oil on Canvas Panel 16"x20" $450 unframed

Friends Jan & Dennis have lived on this wonderful Spring and Creek for a few years and I have made the attempt many times to zip out to the spot and paint. I finally made it, but they are several states away for a time.... I guess I was able to make it to the Springs now because I am missing them....

It is a wonderful spot.

While this was done from one very quick sketch done on a very cold day and memory, I will go back and work En Pleine Aire (Painting outdoors on location) on another painting.

Crabapple Blossoms

2011-06-06T11:22:00.000-06:00

Crabapple Branch in Blossom

36"x15 3/4" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

$1050

(Payable in ten payments of $105, Email me, mrmillerstudio@msn.com)

It is finished! Below is the pre-finishing session. Because of the slow, cool spring, the wonderful pinkness lasted many more days than usual. Now the blossoms are faded and gone until 2013.... I miss their beauty, but love watching the squirrels eat the apples in the fall and through the winter. It is a wonderful tree all the year Perhaps I will paint it again in the fall with apples and squirrels...

Marilyn Miller Landscape Paintings 2

2011-05-25T10:12:00.000-06:00

1. Marsh Creek- 8"x10" -(unframed)- $100

2. Snake River & Mt. Harrison from Pelican Point- Private Collection, Rupert, Idaho

3. Mt. Harrison from Pelican Point- 14" x 32", Gallery Wrapped canvas- $675

4. Mt. Harrison from Scholer Park-Private Collection, Burley, Idaho

5. Patches of Snow on Harrison-Private Collection, Burley, Idaho

6. Winter, Bennett Springs, 20"x 16" (Gold Frame) $575

Marilyn Miller Landscape Paintings 1

2011-05-25T09:47:00.000-06:00

1 Winter Poplar-30"x 15" (unframed) $950

2 Three Islands: Snake River at Burley- Collection of Marriott Fairfield Inn, Burley

3. River View-Collection of Marriott Fairfield Inn, Burley, Idaho

4. Snake River from Massacre Rocks State Park- 14" x 32" - (Gallery Wrapped Canvas) $675

5. Shoshone Falls - 14 " x 32" (Gallery Wrapped Canvas) $675

6. Engleberg Valley, Switzerland -Private collection in Switzerland

7. Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park 60"x72" (slat frame) $7500

2011-05-21T15:58:00.000-06:00

A Few Days in May

Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas 32" x 14"

This has been a great year in the Crabapple tree! This is the sixth day it has been in bloom and the first day of sunshine with bees buzzing happily around in the blossoms. I love to make at least one painting while it is in bloom. It seems like a fine way to express my gratitude for the tree, its glorious color. I love watching it for hours while the flowers open dark, bright pink and as they get larger and the color changes to a very pale rose-pink. I enjoy hearing the bees working in it. When a Mourning Cloak Butterfly makes its appearance, it is even better. None this year....

I will continue working on the painting, but wanted to post it here as I am posting it on Daily Paint Work for a critique. This is a great opportunity. Artists are generous people in giving recommendations for improving ones work. I appreciate the opportunity and hoe for some good observations.

Your comment will be appreciated too!

2011-05-12T13:05:00.000-06:00

Wings Like a Dove

ACEO Card 2.5" x 3.5" $25

Something new from my past.... about 1967. My memory is has shown itself to be deficient many times, including this. My memory of doing this etching is very clear. I did it when I first found the verse in Psalms 55 shown as shown above on the new card. Then I pulled the etching out.... And look. It is completely different.

I wish to do a series of paintings using verses from the King James version of the Bible (this year is its 400th Anniversary and I love the language). I thought I would like to begin with "Wings Like a Dove" because I had done it before.... Now I see that I have not. I can start anywhere! I can hardly wait to see where this adventure takes me.

Lunch

2011-05-09T22:16:00.000-06:00

Lunch

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8" $125

Until I tried this, I thought I could paint.... I have painted vegetables before.... and quite liked the results.... The three little paintings below are from about 25 years ago. They are each 3"x3". And I still enjoy them, though no one else has ever warmed up to them.

I think I will let the "Lunch" painting dry, then go back to it and see if I can work on it more. I really wanted to post something today as I will be gone all day tomorrow. I chose to tackle the lettuce, pepper, and tomato in response to the new challenge on Daily Paint Works blog. Seemed like fun at the time, but became a real challenge. As punishment, I am going to turn these three culprits (the lettuce, tomato and red pepper), into chicken tacos.... That'll teach them!

A.C.E.O. Cards (Artist's Cards, Editions or Original)

2011-05-08T17:53:00.000-06:00

A few more A.C.E.O. Cards.... While battling Discouragement Demons, I have been drawing on a small scale again. They become a fine escape from reality as I concentrate totally on creating shapes and creating color compositions in the lines.... filling in the entire shape.

The cards are almost the same size as shown here. Each is an original, one of a kind drawing made using Metallic and Colored Ballpoint pens on cards 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

I would love to hear your suggestions for titles. I am wondering about making paintings in the same manner.... Any suggestions? I'd love to hear your ideas!

2011-04-14T13:34:00.000-06:00

White Chrysanthemum

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8" $125

This flower has held on for many days waiting for me to be able to do this painting.... It is greatly appreciated! Turns out purchasing it was a good investment! It still looks good.

This morning I decided it was time to try a project I have been wishing to do for months and decades. I took photos of the painting process as I worked on the painting. The resulting video is right below this note....This is a small project. I would really like to do it with a large canvas. I had painted the Chrysanthemum last week, so I knew pretty much how I wished to accomplish the painting.

I would really like to do something similar with a large painting as I am exploring the resolutions of all the questions which arise while working. One day.....

Painting a White Chrysanthemum

2011-04-14T13:26:00.000-06:00

Springtime

2011-04-09T21:48:00.000-06:00

Daffodil

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8" $125

Finding refuge from greyness of April snowstorms by snuggling up with the colors of a bravely blooming Daffodil.

2011-04-08T23:01:00.000-06:00

Empty Kimono

Oil on Canvas Panel 30"x12" $750

2011-03-29T19:01:00.000-06:00

Swallowtail & Syringa

sold

Crocus, despite cold weather...

2011-03-25T12:12:00.000-06:00

Early Spring Sunshine

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x6" $75

Despite the cold, grey, windy, snowy or rainy days, when the sun finally broke through a few days ago, out came these brave and cheerful flowers! All of us enjoyed those hours of sun!

"...Beginning...", a book of verses from Genesis 1

2011-03-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Years ago I began a small sketchbook of images made with watercolor on Pen & Ink, of favorite verses from the Old Testament. I have selected at least one verse from each of the books of the Old Testament. Some books like Genesis, Isaiah, Psalms and Proverbs have many more. I have made it through Genesis and Exodus... with several more pages blocked out and verses selected. I liked the finished pages from Genesis Chapter One well enough to copy them and make a small book. This week I bound the book! Here are some of the verses and my interpretation in paintings. The words are from Genesis, Chapter One, verses 1 (above), 3, 6, 9, and 11.

2011-03-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is the second, and last set from my little book, "...Beginning...". They are visual interpretations from Genesis, chapter 1, from verses 14, 20, 24, and 26, and Genesis 2:9.

Newest Art Cards

2011-03-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Snow....

2011-02-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Snow at Bennett Springs

Oil on Canvas Panel 10"x8"

sold

Looking through and working with an old sketchbook a few days ago made me wish to revisit painting from the sketch I did of snow on the mountain. I wanted to paint with more muted colors as I used in the sketch. The returning greyness of our days helped keep the colors of the painting quieter. I think it will be nice in a frame I have waiting for it.

The first painting I did from this sketch is more colorful. It is titled "Winter Springs", and is way back in the "Older Posts"

Trading Cards Again...

2011-02-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Trading Card #5

Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 2.5"x3.5" $35 Trading Card #5, (Reverse) Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 3.5"x2.5"

A lovely Saturday afternoon, I have been sitting, listening to the Opera and other wonderful music on my computer and doodling away carried off from any concerns by beautiful music and colors in flowing shapes. At the moment Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is on the air! As soon as it is finished, I must go back to the reality of cleaning house.... Perhaps I will post the two paintings I did in the studio this week....

Trading Cards...Trading Cards????

2011-02-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Card 1

Colored and Black Ballpoint Pen & Ink 3.5"x2.5" nfs

Card 1.5

Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 2.5"x3.5" nfs Card 2 Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 3.5"x2.5" nfs Card 2.5

Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 2.5"x3.5" nfs

I have seen Baseball Trading Cards all my life.... And I have read about artists Trading Cards and thought that it would be an enchanting thing to try, but have never bothered to purchase any of the cards.

A few days ago an invitation to join the Idaho Watercolor Society came with a pack of cards to trade at the next Meeting/Painting Session! So I have been playing with them. I would like to try some regular paintings on them too, but so far, I have loved doodling with pen & ink on them while listening to Charlie Rose or "Artists Helping Artists", an Art Program on Blogtalk Radio.

This time of year it is nice to be able to work on something small, intricate, and somewhat frivolous... these are just right! They are tiny. Shown about actual size... It is wonderful to pour my whole concentration onto a small piece of paper and let color and lines just flow with no predetermination.

They are such fun, I decided to do the backs also... so Card 1 and Card 1.5 are the same piece of paper, one front, one verso. Whoever gets them can decide which is which....

More Trading Cards!

2011-02-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Card 3

Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 3.5"xx2.5" nfs

Card 3.5

Colored and Metalic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 3.5"x2.5" nfs

Card 4

Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink 2.5"x3.5" nfs

Card4.5

Colored and Metallic Ballpoint Pen & Ink on Card 3.5"x2.5" nfs

2011-02-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Near Pomerelle Ski Area II

Oil on Cradled Canvas 8"x8" $135

From the same sketchbook as my former posted painting, same canyon, same day, looking another direction.

2011-02-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Near Pomerelle I

Oil on Cradled Canvas Panel 8"x8"

sold

A request for a series of small local landscape paintings had me thinking I would brave the cold today and go outdoors to paint, but found I am too wimpy to face a ferocious cold wind. So I found this in one of my sketch books and stayed warm in my studio!

2011-02-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Loves Red Rose II

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8" $135

I have long been considering doing a larger painting of a red rose in three stages with a very dark background color and including a pearl and some gold.

2011-02-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Red Rose 2

Oil on Canvas 6"x6" $85

2011-02-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Red Rose Opening

Oil on Cradles Panel 8"x8" $135

It was very pleasing to see my rose still viable today and that it is slowly opening! So while I was in the studio, could I have ignored its valiant effort to stay alive? So after i had played and altered the other two roses, I started this of the same rose five days later.

I can hardly wait for tomorrow to see if it is still beautiful.... If so, expect another painting of it tomorrow night.

A Red Rose for Valentine's Day!

2011-01-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Love's Red Rose

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8" $135

Give her or him a permanent reminder of your affection with an original oil painting on Feb. 14!

It comes with a free display easel (It needs no frame... ready to display on the easel), a matching greeting card and envelope (all you need to do is write "I love you!" and date and sign it), free gift wrapping, and free shipping.

If another color of rose carries your message better, look at the others available in the "Valentines Day" column of the left side of the page.

I wish you a very Happy Valentines Day!

Valentine Red Rose

2011-01-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Red Rose

Oil on Cradled Panel 6"x6" $85

Consider this original oil painting as a Valentine's Day gift. I will be happy to gift wrap it for you along with a matching greeting card with envelope, and free shipping in time for Valentine's Day.

giving.

For other colors of roses in a bit larger size see the Valentine's Day column at the left side of the page.

Day in the Studio

2011-01-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Mt. Harrison, Close Southwest View

by Marilyn R Miller

Oil on Canvas Panel 24"x30" $1450

Timpanogos

by Marilyn R Miller

Oil on Canvas Panel 16"x20" $500

Sunny Geraniums

by Marilyn R Miller

Oil on Canvas Panel 8"x8" $135

Today was the best studio day in months for me.

I was finally able to finish the little geranium painting. Its purpose was to bring a little color and light into the greyness of January. It should have taken a couple of hours, but with many interruptions, a lethargic painter, and a discouraging start, it took a week and a half.

After the last yellow was in place on it, I had a desire to whack into the beginning of "Timpanogos" with total abandon.That was a great joy. It may not be really finished. It was so exhilarating, I may attack it again... with more color. The wacky brush work was enjoyable and gave me freedom!

With that freedom, I pulled out another start from October, "Mt. Harrison, Close Southwest View", and gave it a new life with color.

Timpanogos, a new painting in progress by Marilyn Miller

2011-01-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Work in progress, I hope.... It has been difficult for me to get back into working after fighting a cold gone to bronchitis for several weeks. Yesterday I jailed myself. I went to the studio and was determined to not leave til I had put some paint on a canvas. I thought up some great delay tactics! All needing to be done, all semi-legitimate, but all just putting off what needed to be done. I finally did get this started and am now trying to decide if it warrants further work. What do you think??????

Maple Leaves ~ Oil Painting by Marilyn R Miller

2011-01-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Maple

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas 16"x20"

$500

I am trying some nes ideas from a couple of sources.... I would love to hear your response....

Mt Harrison, and the Snake River, Idaho

2010-11-05T18:18:00.000-06:00

Mt. Harrison

Oil on Canvas 8"x10"

sold

The river is so low that it looks like one could walk across and only get feet wet....

We are enjoying beautiful fall weather and colors. It was a joyful experience to take my Little Lili Chili Chihuahua for a walk on the new walkway by the river while I prepared to do this painting, and its six siblings.... all from the same place, all the same size.

Now, a few days later, there is much less snow on the top of the mountain and less sunshine too. It is still a most enjoyable, tranquil setting.

October!

2010-10-09T23:06:00.000-06:00

Leaf Whirl

Oil on Canvas Panel 11" x 14"

sold

I found this set of leaves on a walk last October and started the painting, but went on to other projects before it was finished. I have carefully kept the leaves from getting crushed or thrown out all year just knowing that I would get to it any day....

Finally! A few days ago I pulled it all together again and today, finished it!!

I wish us all a colorful autumn!

September Roses 15 & 16

2010-09-27T17:46:00.000-06:00

September Rose 15

Oil on Cradled Panel 8" x 8"

sold

September Rose 16

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8"

sold

September Rose 14

2010-09-25T03:09:00.000-06:00

September Rose 14: White Rose

Oil on Cradled Panel 8" x8"

$135

September Rose 13

2010-09-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

September Rose 13

Oil on Cradled Canvas 8" x8"

sold

September Rose 12

2010-09-22T10:44:00.000-06:00

September Rose 12

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8"

sold

September Rose 11

2010-09-21T20:30:00.000-06:00

September Rose 11

Oil on Cradles Panel 8"x8"

sold

September Rose 10

2010-09-20T15:44:00.000-06:00

September Rose 10

Oil on Cradled Canvas 8" x 8"

sold

September Rose 9

2010-09-18T22:14:00.000-06:00

September Rose 9

sold

September Rose 8

2010-09-18T10:33:00.000-06:00

September Rose 8

Oil on Cradles Panel 8"x8"

sold

September Rose 7

2010-09-17T06:58:00.000-06:00

September Rose 7

Oil on Cradled Panel 8" x 8"

$135

September Rose 6

2010-09-16T20:11:00.000-06:00

September Rose 6

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8"

sold

September Rose 5

2010-09-15T09:21:00.000-06:00

September Rose 5

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8"

sold

September Rose 4

2010-09-14T20:11:00.000-06:00

September Rose 4

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8"

$135

September Rose 3

2010-09-13T08:07:00.000-06:00

September Rose 3

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8"

$135

September Rose 2

2010-09-11T23:56:00.000-06:00

September Rose 2

Oil on Cradled Panel 8"x8" $135

September Rose 1

2010-09-11T12:24:00.000-06:00

September Rose 1 Oil on Cradles Panel 8" x8"

$135

sold

2010-09-09T19:36:00.000-06:00

Bennett Springs

Oil on Canvas 48" x 36" $5200

This painting began with a Plein Aire experience on a small canvas (8x10), either last summer or the year before. It is an interpretation of one of my very favorite places in our area on Mt Harrison where the road makes a major bend on the way to Pomerelle, our ski area.

The day I and my Aunt Glenna were there was a pleasant summer day with very little traffic and a gentle breeze. She read and I painted.

Now as autumn is all but here, I am thinking I will go back and do a Fall painting with the Aspen leaves beautifully golden.

I feel so fortunate to be able to respond in paint to the miracles of seasons, to the beauty surrounding us!

Daisies and 'Mums

2010-08-20T02:59:00.001-06:00

Daisies and 'Mums

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x6"

$75

Ah! Daisies, again! These are from the same bouquet as "Exotics". I just couldn't put them in the same painting...

2010-08-14T11:02:00.000-06:00

Pink Geranium

Oil on Canvas Gallery Wrap 5 3/4" x 5 3/4 " $75

Geranium plants are so colorful and reliable! Many of mine are still going after 20 years! I take them into the studio through the winter and while I am very happy to have them go back outdoors in the spring, still their colors and wonderful leaves are great during the cold months.

I even enjoy their distinctive fragrance... So I paint them to commemorate!

2010-08-12T22:29:00.000-06:00

Hollyhocks

Plein Aire - Oil on Canvas Panel 5"x7" $70

A neighbor about a block away has these in late summer. Joy to sit in the shade and paint them.

2010-08-11T09:33:00.000-06:00

Exotics

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x6" $75

Purchasing and painting flowers is a great thing. Cheerful and fun. These were in a bouquet of mixed flowers. I have no idea what they may be. They lasted for a long time and I enjoyed their colors and shapes.

2010-08-10T08:06:00.000-06:00

Daisies in a Red Porcelain Vase

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x 4" $65

The first daisies of the summer always bring smiles. My mother first planted these while I was a teen just because I adored them so then, as I do now. I have split them now we now have two bunches to keep simple joy abundant.

2010-08-07T07:20:00.000-06:00

Climbing Red Rose

Oil on Canvas Panel 11" x 14" $150

Here is a gardening success story! This rose bush was originally climbing the back wall of the garage on our patio. It nearly covered the garage every summer with wonderful, fragrant red roses just beside our sand box. It thrived until the Ash tree, shading the patio, got so large the rose was in constant shade. It still lived, but got weaker and weaker.

About four years ago I decided to try to transplant it. The first year in its new sunny location it was nearly mowed down, and had maybe one or two roses.... It has had a few more each year and this year produced 5 or 6 good canes each covered with the roses I remember from childhood! The painting is a celebration!

2010-08-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

"Full Rose"

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x 71/2" $85

Both this and "Pink Rose" are the same rose painted on the same day....a whole day devoted to gazing at and painting one beautiful rose!

2010-08-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

Pink Rose

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x6" $75

Imagine living inside a rose.... dancing from petal to petal....

2010-08-01T19:49:00.000-06:00

White Spring Violets in Red Crystal

Oil on Canvas Panel 6"x4"

$45.

With this post, I will be posting paintings already seen on a different Blog. I am facing a few new challenges and will probably not be painting much for at least a few weeks.

These will be some of my favorite canvases, ones that I have enjoyed living with over several months. I hope you will enjoy seeing them too.

And now, I know how to put "Buy Now" buttons so that if a picture comes up that calls to you, it will be easy to purchase it! Each will come gift wrapped (I truly feel that original paintings are a gift).

I love the gift given to me, to see and to draw and paint. I like to have the purchaser feel the joy of this gift by receiving it wrapped.

2010-07-26T15:40:00.000-06:00

" City of Rocks from Circle Creek Overlook"

Oil on Canvas 24"x 48"

sold

Detail of Wild Flowers which grow in the City of Rocks Area, southern Cassia County, Idaho

Detail of Sagebrush and Pinion Pine

2010-07-26T15:34:00.000-06:00

Patio

Oil on Canvas Panel 20"x 16"

sold

This seems to be a season of finishing projects for me.... It feels great. This one is only a few weeks, the next, "City of Rocks from Circle Creek Overlook", has been over a year!

Next will be my saw blade project and "Bennett Springs".

2010-07-20T06:19:00.000-06:00

Abstract One

Oil on Canvas panel 11"x14" $125

When a dear niece was a three year old, she loved playing waitress and would write down our orders in child scribble with a distinctive pattern. Beginning in the upper left hand corner of the page she worked in bumps she felt looked like writing working to the right edge. Then she would come back to the left with the same words. She would make about three or four lines of that, then go around the outer edges of the paper. I was quite intrigued by the operation and the resulting drawing.

I began copying them. They were just right for working on hot summer days in my south facing studio. At that time (she is now a grandmother....), I worked with watercolor and produced a large series. I still have one of them hanging in my studio. I have long wondered if the idea could travel to oil paint.

Yesterday was the day to try.... I have had a tube of gold oil paint for some months.

What do you think?

2010-07-12T21:39:00.000-06:00

" Heritage Abundantly Blessed"

8"x10" Oil on Canvas

sold

Finished with a glaze or two. Now I am working on the larger piece, 24"x30". I will be able to use the entire set-up! But now, I need to replace all the roses. That will happen early tomorrow morning.

"Heritage Abundantly Blessed"

(work in progress)

Oil sketch on canvas panel 8"x10"

First one, finished! Because the canvas is so small, just 8 x 10, I simplified it considerably. Perhaps I will need to do that on the larger canvas also.

I am glad I made this. Learning is good and I seem to learn more each time I pick up a brush and intently gaze at my subject. For internal harmony, one can do worse that look at roses all day....

2010-07-12T10:40:00.000-06:00

Still Life set-up for "Heritage Abundantly Blessed"

Today is very exciting for me! It is Monday, a whole new week ahead!

Last week I was able to prepare four new canvases for paintings I have long anticipated.

Saturday I contacted a friend who grows lovely roses and makes wonderful arrangements, asking her if she would do this for me. She agreed and this morning brought the roses in this porcelain vase.

All weekend, and especially this morning before I arose, I have thought of what I would like for the still-life and this is where I've arrived.

The bottom photo is as I had imagined it. The top one is as it stands now, as I will work from it. I have no idea how long it will take to finish the project. Perhaps I will post work-in-progress photos.

It has become quite biographical, including family, friends and my own background in symbols.

My rose growing friend and my younger sister were friends in High School, and she and I have become acquainted since I came back to Burley, so her roses and talents are special.

Other friends are represented by the candle stick (which was a gift from a dear friend in Salt Lake City) and the beeswax candle (which I was able to do. I dipped it while on my first trip to Switzerland).

The little coin purse was my father's. It is from Rock Springs Wyoming where he first worked as a pharmacist for his older brother. It holds coins he collected from New Zealand where he served as a missionary in the early 19330's. The scriptures are also his and also from his mission.

The doily was crocheted by my mother and the pearls were hers, a gift from Father.

The fruit and vegetables (to be added later) represent those grown by our family through the years.

Today, I must do as much as I can with the roses while they are still beautiful. All the rest can be worked through later. I prefer working from life, or, in this case, still life. I do have a set of 30 or 40 photos taken this morning as back-up.

I have long loved Dutch Still Life paintings and this is my attempt at a similar complicated set-up. I may or may not put in a butterfly to make it more dutch....

2010-07-03T23:51:00.000-06:00

"July"

Oil on Canvas Panel 11"x14" $150

2010-07-03T23:23:00.000-06:00

Iris and Poppies

Oil on Canvas Panel 20" x16" $500

Early summer jopy to see these two colors together, light blue violet with brilliant red-orange!!

(as Work in progress...)

2010-06-20T12:03:00.000-06:00

" Mexico City Temple"

Oil in Canvas Panel, Gallery Wrapped 16"x20" sold

Sometimes commissioned work is a special privilege, like this one. A dear nephew emailed to ask me to do this as a birthday present for his wife!

2010-06-19T21:09:00.000-06:00

"In the Garden"

Oil on Canvas Gallery Wrap 24"x30"

sold

This has been a project for a dear friend for many years.. She is a wonderful seamstress who made the dress in the painting for her daughter's baptism.

The dress is silk with layers of inset laces, details of embroidery, ribbons, and layers of underskirts. It is a masterpiece.

Now the beautiful daughter is a college student.... and I am finally getting the courage to say the painting is complete. Probably.