Caprese, an Italian salad, is the essence of summer flavors. Fresh plum tomatoes, fresh leaves of sweet basil, and freshly made mozzarella cheese–lovely! Served with slices of Italian sausage it makes a nice summer lunch.

I love to look at the colors of caprese. Dark green leaves and deep red tomatoes against the white mozzarella delight the eyes as well as the palate.

Original painting. Soft pastels on La Carte pastel board, 8.5 x 11 inches. Completed 8-30-2009.

Available $225 (matted and framed).

Posters, prints and greeting cards with this image can be ordered online.

Here’s my latest attempt at painting an interesting view of the Whatcom Chief, the county-operated ferry which connects islanders with the mainland. Every year when the vessel goes to drydock for annual maintenance, a different crew member chooses the paint colors that will be used. We’re nearing the end of these particular colors, since this year’s drydock will begin in a couple of weeks. What will it look like when it comes back? That question adds to the annual anticipation of the Chief’s return to service after repairs are completed.

Original painting. Soft pastels on Kitty Wallis paper, 8.5 x 11 inches. Completed 8-23-2009.

Available $295 (matted and framed).

Posters, prints and greeting cards with this image can be ordered online.

The south entrance to the nature preserve through the recently acquired Kennedy property is a lovely grassy slope with an wetlands area passing through. It’s important to groundwater recharge, and wells farther to the east draw from it. The soft colors of the grasses against the backdrop of everygreens is inviting on a warm day. A picnic, perhaps, or even an afternoon nap?

Original painting. Soft pastels on Schmincke Sansfix paper, 8.5 x 11 inches. Completed 7-28-2009.

Available $250 (matted and framed).

Posters, prints and greeting cards with this image can be ordered online.

This lovely poppy was bunched with cornflowers, iris, and other beautiful early summer flowers at a stand in the Bellingham Farmer’s Market one sunny Saturday morning. The colors were so intense and alive that I couldn’t resist painting them.

P.S. If these lacy blue flowers are not a variety of cornflowers, please let me know. Botany is not my strong point, though I’m an avid admirer!

Original painting. Soft pastels on Art Spectrum Colourfix paper, 8.5 x 11 inches. Completed 7-25-2009.

Available $295 (matted and framed).

Posters, prints and greeting cards with this image can be ordered online.

The trail on the Curry Preserve enters the grassy meadow here, and coming out of the dark woods into the bright field is often a very beautiful visual effect.

Original painting. Soft pastels on Wallis white sanded paper, 8.5 x 11 inches. Completed 7-6-2009.

Available $250 (matted and framed).