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Azul Alla Prima

Azul Alla Prima

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2007

 

Playing with the plein air premise of completing a canvas in one sitting yet layering color in the classical style, this blue wonder extends the floral portrait series.

 

2nd Place, Santa Clara Art Association, October 2007.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


A Subtle Gentility

A Subtle Gentility

oil on canvas

18w x 18h

© 2007

 

A soft, almost chalky rendering of a peach rose offers gentle color.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Peony

Peony

acrylic on canvas

24w x 24h

© 2007

 

This open, delicate, colorful peony blossom invites interest.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


State (Flower) of Grace

State (Flower) of Grace

oil on canvas

24w x 18h

© 2006

 

Happiness, hope, spring, renewal. The California poppy, a resilient native plant, shows up each year in gardens and driveway cracks, on hillsides and roadsides.

 

Award of Excellence, "Visions from the Heart," 2007.

 

Private collection.


Family Portrait

Family Portrait

oil on canvas

16w x 20h

© 2006

 

A trio of California poppies sway in a gentle wind.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Peggy's Roses

Peggy's Roses

oil on canvas

18w x 24h

© 2006

 

When a patron declares “that’s my painting” just after the initial sketch onto the canvas, an artist listens! A hint of traditional technique in a thoroughly contemporary composition gives this painting a natural feel.

 

Private collection.


Easter Choir

Easter Choir

oil on canvas

14w x 11h

© 2006

 

I can't wait for spring. I'm tired of being cold and I'm tired of all the plants being cut back to sticks. Bring on the daffodils, bring on the lillies, I'm ready for spring! This little oil study captures the first bulbs' contributions to the season and has a fresh, songlike charm.

 

Private collection.


A Dozen Red

A Dozen Red

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2006

 

Two people dear to me are shy. No matter that they're magnificent, beautiful people in a world of beauty, they're shy. Here, two red roses in a crowd of red roses tuck themselves behind the others so as not to appear too showy.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Blooming Confetti

Blooming Confetti

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2006

 

This pointilistic portrait of a mum blossom against a dreamy field of green has the energy and vitality of a lively conversation. As a play on the word "mum," the entire flower was painted while chatting on the phone. Painted in warm pink and apricot, it adds a jubilant pop of color to any room.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


My Cousin to the East

My Cousin to the East

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2006

 

This sun-kissed oriental poppy in tomato red has been smoothed with drybrush technique over underpainting with painting knife. The combined techniques gives depth to the painting and brings more to the painting than "just another pretty picture."

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Remembering Helen

Remembering Helen

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2006

 

This portrait of a humble petunia in its decline is an homage and remembrance to my mom, Helen, who died of Alzheimer's disease in 2003. Every spring mom would plant petunias along the walkway for a little pop of color and she'd go out and water with the green hose; still, the seasons change and the bedding plants would decline in the year's natural cycle.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Paradise

Paradise

oil on canvas

20w x h16

© 2006

 

There's a reason everyone loves Hawaii. It's fabulous. This painterly interpretation of the exotic, lush bird of paradise plant recalls warm ocean breezes, lazy days and dreamy island nights.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Callas for Kandi

Callas for Kandi

oil on canvas

24w x 18h

© 2005

 

The herald trumpets of spring, callas are a robust reminder of the power of the creative spirit.

 

Private collection.


Gladiolas Akimbo

Gladiolas Akimbo

oil on canvas

24w x 18h

© 2005

 

Hearty stalks of delicate blossoms in a happy palette of rosy oranges and lemony yellows create an open and inviting mood. Painted for the sheer pleasure of putting brush to canvas, this arrangement has a loose, feminine feel like a sundress on a warm June evening.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Thinking of Genevieve

Thinking of Genevieve

oil on canvas

24w x 18h

© 2005

 

A hot pink mum with rose gold highlights captures the enthusiasm of youth and its impulse to celebrate beauty in the joy of creation.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Oh, Peggy!

Oh, Peggy!

acrylic on canvas

10w x 8h

© 2004

 

Lovely as petals unfolding, these apricot-kissed warm, regal plumeria petals bring a smooch of color to smaller areas.

 

Private collection.


Dinner's Comin'!

Dinner's Comin'!

oil on canvas

24w x 18h

© 2005

 

The humble butternut squash blossom heralds the end of lazy, long, hot days lounging on a hammock. Open to the first crisp hint of harvest season, these simple garden stars linger between summer and autumn.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Welcome Home

Welcome Home

oil on canvas

24w x 20h

© 2005

 

The rose bush by the front porch basks in the sun and produces dozens of blossoms each year. Here, a close view of one sizzling hot pink blossom shouts "welcome home!"

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Purple Dawning

Purple Dawning

acrylic on canvs

24w x 20h

© 2004

 

Asymmetrical placement of the figure on this canvas creates visual interest and heightens the drama of this blossom. The chiaroscuro effect dazzles in any setting from Victorian to ultra-modern. Be advised: this is not a timid piece!

 

Private collection.


Garden Fireworks

Garden Fireworks

acrylic on canvas

16w x 20h

© 2004

 

A daring dahlia pops with red and yellow among its lush green garden setting like Fourth of July fireworks in the night sky.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Spring Day, Sunday

Spring Day, Sunday

oil on canvas

18w x 24h

© 2004

 

The charm of this floral portrait invokes a smile as sun kisses the delicate, buttery petals of the iris and shadows are cast in complimentary lavender against a lush green background. There's no doubt that summer approaches when the iris proclaims a jubilant and decisive end to winter's drudgery.

 

Private collection.


Flame Fleur

Flame Fleur

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2003

 

From the mind's eye, the marriage of flame and flower combine to create a powerful, hypnotic explosion of energy where petals of fire unfold from a central point and expand into infinity.

 

Private collection.


Dreams of Cabo

Dreams of Cabo

acrylic on canvas

14w x 11h

© 2004

 

Ei! Super-pink petals of bougainvillea dance in light and shadows in Los Cabos, Mexico. Attractive and flamboyant as the resort towns on the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula, this smaller work dances to the rhythms of the lapping waves along the beach and the mariachis in the lounge.

 

Private collection.


California Poppy Smile

California Poppy Smile

acrylic on canvas

24w x 20h

© 2004

 

The "Cup of Gold" California poppy opens against a moody background, warming its environment with its inviting, golden hues. This close study of our state flower, which grows wild and covers whole hillsides, celebrates the west, the Golden State, and its promise of personal freedom, cradled in a culture of warmth and goodness.

 

Private collection.


Gossamer Blossom

Gossamer Blossom

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2004

 

Illuminating the canvas with teal and subtle pink, this variation on the iris captivates one's attention. Its diaphanous quality suggests angels' wings at rest.

 

Private collection.


Blue Flower Burst

Blue Flower Burst

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2003

 

Ruffled pale blue petals burst forth explosively flaunting subtle peach highlights, emoting the spirit of imagination and the captivating force of creation.

 

Private collection.


Video Zombie

Video Zombie

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2003

 

Hot pink petals tipped in white open onto the canvas in a hypnotic, modern approach to represent the fun and energy of youth. This hippie-techno painting explores the relationship of nature to technology.

 

Private collection.


Descanso

Descanso

oil on canvas

14w x 11h

© 2003

 

Two peach blossoms with shades of burgundy, from Los Angeles's famed Descanso Gardens, convey a gentle, longtime lovers' walk-in-the-park feel. A comfortable hug holds the roses to one another while they unfold to the world around them.

 

Private collection.


Sweet Viola

Sweet Viola

oil on canvas

20w x 16h

© 2003

 

This happy little blossom was the first bedding plant to grow our first spring in our house. It represents the simple beauty of a life well lived and the goodness that can come from a little nurturing and a lot of love. The original now resides with one of ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” families.

 

Private collection.


Viola

Viola

acrylic on canvas

24w x 20h

© 2004

 

Zingy lime highlights add pep and personality to the lush purple petals of this tender viola in an acrylic study of one of spring's favorite blossoms.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.


Soft Focus

Soft Focus

acrylic on canvas

10w x 8h

© 2004

 

This blocky, drippy close view through rain-streaked window creates a lovely, intimate peak into an afternoon thunderstorm.

 

Original available for purchase. For more information contact artist Ketra Oberlander directly.