Art by Mary Rochelle Burnham

Broken Egg II , Oil, 5x7", SOLD I don't know why I decided to use a different technique to paint this egg. I tend to be an intuitive artist, allowing my unconscious to direct me. I was very happy with yesterday's direct approach and I am equally happy with today's result using layers. Following are photos I took of my process: Stage One: I toned the panel with a combination of cadmium red light and yellow ochre. I added a small amount of indian red to draw with and to add shadows. I lifted color using my brush and mineral spirits for the lights. Stage Two: Here I added darks with ultramarine blue, manganese violet and Van dyke brown Stage Three: I begin the mid-tones of the background scumbling with ultramarine blue, manganese violet, prussian blue, white, naples yellow and alizarin crimson. Stage Four: I add cadmium red light, cadmium yellow light and zinc yellow primarily in the yolk of the egg. I combined these co...

Broken Egg, Oil, 5x7", available It has been awhile since I have done a DPW Challenge. This was engaging for me on so many levels. I look forward to doing another.

Morning Over Oak Creek , Color pencil, 2.5 x 3.5", available The view out my front window at dawn.

A New World Opens , oil on wood panel, 25 x 27" available A new world opens for this toddler as he discovers the joys of reading. A new world opens for my husband and myself as we depart for Sedona, Arizona this Friday. Having lived in Michigan all of our lives, it will be the biggest move, yet and the most exciting! "Where one door closes, another opens".

The Sentinel Study, acrylic, 5x7" available This is a small acrylic study of a larger painting of mine. I love the fresh approach I took with it. Simple is often better.

Portrait of Hayden, Oil, 16x20" SOLD "Portrait of Hayden" is a recent commission that I delivered a couple of weeks ago. Hayden's grandmother was very specific about how she wanted her grandson portrayed. She was a joy to work with and loved the finished portrait. This gorgeous antique frame was what she chose to have the artwork displayed in. I love the blend of the past, present and future. On this note, my husband and I are about to embark on our new journey. We were both born and raised in Michigan, lived our lives here with our families and now, we are on the cusp of moving lock, stock and barrel to Sedona, Arizona. We will be heading out at the end of the month and have been working on selling all that we will not be taking with us. At this juncture of our lives, we are downsizing and simplifying. Who thought it would be so much work? Unfortunately, it does not give me much time to paint, so please understand if my posting is scarce until we settle. I so ...

Eggs , oil, 5x7" available This is my submission for the Shadow Challenge by Laurie Miller. The rules are simple;  Shadows can be really fun to paint. Find a subject with a dramatic shadow and be sure to make the shadow an important part of your composition.