Siena, Italy

Siena Window, oil on linen, 9x12, $500, Gallery East

We arrived in Sienna, a charming picturesque medieval town. The main street is lined with shops of jewelry, linens, leather, glassware along with bakeries, pastries, gelatos, wine, olive and olive oil vendors. A local specialty is a dense cake, Panforte di Siena, made with candied fruit, nuts, cinnamon, and cloves. The most exciting annual events occur on July 2 and August 16. The Palio is a horserace around the Campo, a cobblestone paved central city court shaped like a scallop seashell. Each of the 17 districts sponsors a horse who must be blessed by a priest in the main chapel or church of that district. The horse must win by any means, with or without its hired jockey, foreigners and mercenaries looked down upon by locals. Crammed into the piazza and surrounding shops and caffes are 50,000 spectators.


The Piazzo del Campo is seashell shaped, slanting downward toward Palazzo Publico. Buildings around the Piazzo are convex on one side and concave on the other. The Duomo or cathedral is built of striking black and white striped marble with lavish pink and white marble façade and an ornate interior. Side streets offer charming arches, steeply pitched bricked and cobble stone streets, siena and ocher colored buildings with green or siena shutters as shown in my painting above. Definitely an artist’s paradise!

Anne of Florence, Italy

May I share with you how I painted a portrait of Anne, our Guide to Tuscany, Italy? Anne is a tall and elegant woman from Florence with classic Italian features and olive skin tones. She has lovely dark hair and eyes with a long, sculpted face similar to Sarah Jessica Parker. Her bone structure is quite evident. She was fashionably dressed in a black wool beret, flowing cream crocheted scarf, olive quilted down filled coat, black leggings with exquisite to-die-for black leather riding boots with fold-over rim at the knee. In addition to all the information about the enchanting region of Tuscany, I focused on memorizing Anne’s appearance. Above is the pencil sketch I did mostly from memory.

To Paint Anne I first sketched my drawing onto an Ocher toned canvas board using watercolor pencil for easy correction. I pre-mixed the portrait color palette which I learned from Daniel E. Greene of North Salem, New York. To learn about this you may purchase Daniel Greene’s oil portrait instruction video from http://DanielGreeneArtist.com. Next, I began painting the darkest values progressively moving to middle tones and finally light values and highlights. I decided to try a neutral grey middle value background, because I had such a strong pattern of light and dark in the figure. I am so glad I made that choice as I love the timeless feeling it gave the painting. Another new experiment for me was to paint the crocheted scarf with a palette knife, another happy result. I’m quite pleased with this portrait and hope that you enjoy it as well. As always I love to receive your comments.

Identity: How we become unique individuals

You’re cordially invited to a unique worship and arts opportunity.

Broomfield United Methodist Church pastors have decided to incorporate visual art into some worship experiences to coincide with a series of messages about Identity: How we become unique. Ruth Soller, Broomfield oil painter of fine art portraits and architecture has agreed to have a three to five minute video filmed in her studio showing how she begins a self portrait and then showing how she finishes the painting. She will address the question of how we see the image of God. This video will become part of the worship experience and will tie in with the message on Sunday, February 21, 2010. Soller’s original oil portrait paintings including her Portrait of Rosa Parks will be on display during this event. Three worship services on February 21st will include the video and paintings, 8:30 am and 9:45 am are contemporary services with guitar, piano, and drums accompanying contemporary songs and 11:05 am is a traditional service with organ and hymns. Location is Broomfield United Methodist Church, 545 West 10th Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020. 303-466-1719

The public is invited to attend. Refreshments are available before and between services; and dress is casual. Please feel free to call Ruth at 303-469-2072 with questions or for more information.

I would love to see you there.

Identity: How we become unique
Broomfield United Methodist Church 303-466-1719
545 West 10th Avene, Broomfield, CO 80020
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
8:30 am, 9:45 am Contemporary, 11:05 am Traditional

Create an oil painting from your travel photos in three steps

1. I selected this candid photo which I took in a cafe. I found this scene compelling because of the warm colors surrounding the girl contrasted with the light and cool colors surrounding the man. I have desired to paint a cafe scene for quite some time.



2. Next I drew a rectangle in my sketchbook in the same proportions as my canvas and gridded the rectangle into thirds vertically and horizontally. This helps in placement of the figures and making sure that the focal point is in a visually appealing location. I sketched the scene in pen and ink in order to eliminate any unnecessary details and to translate the image into three main values--dark, middle tones, and light. You may use pencil or charcoal for the sketch and you need not include as much detail as I used.



Tavola per la colazione, oil on linen, 9x12, $450, Available 303-469-2072

3. You may notice that I moved the teapot and sugar bowl in order to create a small still life in the foreground and to add ambiance to the scene. I moved the figures closer together for more implied intimacy. I decided to include more of the paintings on the wall behind the girl and in the mirror because I thought the images were interesting and the colors related well in my composition. Notice how the diagonals of the tables lead the eye into the scene. I used the same gridding technique with watercolor pencils on my canvas to help with the transfer of the drawing onto the canvas. With all major decisions made before I picked up my paintbrush, the painting proceeded smoothly. Here is the final oil painting.

I encourage you to begin to turn your favorite memories into attractive paintings by following these three steps.

Best of Florence, Italy

1. Piazzale Michelangelo. From this hillside you have splendid views overlooking the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and all the beautiful golden toned, red tile roofed architecture of Renaissance Florence. You may also view the expansive villas built by the nobles of Florence.

2. Galleria dell’ Accademia: Michelangelo’s David. This is the most beautiful and moving statue I have ever experienced. Michelangelo chose to carve David poised in expectation, focus and concentration immediately before David felled the giant Goliath with only a strap and five smooth stones. David fully trusted that God was on his side and that He would prevail.

3. Duomo. Each city’s largest church is called its Duomo or Cathedral. Florence architect Filippo Brunelleschi made it his life’s work to build the world’s largest dome to cover the cathedral. The work was completed after 16 years of construction in 1436. The Battistero or baptistery has three sets of bronze doors designed by Andrea Pisano and Ghiberti.

4. Galleria degli Uffizi. This museum contains superb Renaissance sculptures and paintings from the 15th Century to 17th and 18th century European artists including Rubens, Canaletto, Van Dyke, Caravaggio and Rembrandt. I was particularly amazed by the rich, pure colors of Doni Tondo (c1505) by Michelangelo, a circular portrayal of the Holy Family.

5. Piazza della Signoria. Florence’s most famous square contains the Neptune statue with bronze water nymphs adorning the fountain.

6. Ponte Vecchio. This 1593 bridge crowded with forty silver and gold jewelry shops is one of Florence’s most famous landmarks.

7. Piazza Santa Croce. The Franciscan Gothic church of Santa Croce contains the tombs of Michelangelo, philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, composer Gioacchino Antonio Rossini, and scolar and humanist Leonardo Bruni. You may visit the monastery leatherworking school which provides students training to produce the fine leather goods renowned in Florence.

8. Santa Maria Novella. This church was established by Dominican friars in 1221 as a small chapel Santa Maria delle Vigne. Architect Leon Battista Alberti blended existing Gothic elements with new Renaissance features when he completed the intricate marble façade in 1458.

9. Museo Nazionale de Bargello. This fortress-like structure was built in 1255 as the government headquarters and later in 1865 became a National Museum of Italy.

10. Il Porcellino. The city emblem is a bronze statue of a wild boar. It is believed that if you rub the nose of the boar it will bring you good luck and ensure a return visit to Florence.

Florence Biennial International Contemporary Art

It was a wonderful gift and blessing to be able to travel to Italy and participate in the 2009 Florence Biennial, where my works were very well received. The USA Biennial artists met the afternoon after the Opening Ceremony, introduced ourselves to the group and talked about our experiences. Of the seventy USA artists exhibiting at the Florence Biennial, over fifty traveled to Italy to attend. We agreed that we would like to keep in touch with one another and to plan group shows in the USA in the near future. I truly enjoyed meeting artists from around the USA and the world. Some results of these conversations include being invited to exhibit in an international show in Fiji in June 2010 and discussing a potential portrait commission. One USA artist was invited to have a solo exhibition of more than twenty of her large photographs in a gallery in Florence. I returned home with more than 600 photos which will serve as the inspiration for a new series of paintings. I am very thankful for the opportunity to represent Colorado USA in this exciting venue.

Top Ten Holiday Stress Busters

1. Select foods purposefully. You can improve health and energy by planning food choices in advance. Rather than trying to drastically change your eating patterns or going on a restricted diet, try replacing the least nutritious food you normally eat with healthier choices. Being a visual artist I was thrilled to learn that fresh fruits and vegetables with the most intense natural colors—reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples-- also contain the most vitamins and nutrients. They are also great subjects for still life paintings. I am also gratified that recent studies find numerous health benefits from coffee, dark chocolate, and red wine ( in moderation). Nuts including almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain protein and healthier fats. Whole grain cereals and breads are great sources of fiber and B vitamins. Salmon and tuna are rich in Omega-3 which can also be taken in fish oil capsules.

2. Restful sleep is restorative. If you find it difficult to get restful sleep, it is definitely worth a doctor’s visit and some detective work to discover why and to correct the problem. If your schedule or your boss allows, a twenty to thirty minute power nap in the afternoon will improve focus, concentration, and mood. Productivity will improve with your alertness.

3. Add activity to your daily life. An exercise program may sound intimidating and may fall by the wayside. Adding one active pursuit that you will enjoy in place of one sedentary habit can make a huge difference over time. Do you truly enjoy watching the evening news? Would you enjoy a brisk walk outdoors more? If you have arthritis or joint issues water aerobics is a low impact way to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Yoga, stability ball exercises, swimming, bicycling or horseback riding will each improve core strength while reducing anxiety or depression. Select any activity that fits your schedule, current fitness level, and budget and you will reap abundant benefits.

4. Nutritional supplements. You may find vitamins and supplements in endless variety and price ranges. My experience is that less expensive off-the-shelf vitamins are helpful. Currently, I take a one-a-day multiple vitamin, calcium + vitamin D supplement, vitamin C, and Omega-3 fish oil soft-gel capsule daily. I seldom get colds or flu since taking these supplements. I have been experimenting with rose hip tea which is said to build resistance to the flu as well as provide numerous vitamins.

5. Meet with your creator. Prayer has been an important daily part of my life for many years. One of my only attempts at multi-tasking is prayer walking each morning. I spend time in praise, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication during these walks. This practice results in centering my mind for the new day and getting me started on a positive note. I also communicate with God during the day and evening. Meditation would have the same benefits as well as listening to inspirational or praise music.

6. Build relationships. I confess to being an introvert; so I must make extra effort to achieve friendships. I think that although I am quiet and reserved, I am a faithful and loyal friend. Building a wide support network of family, friends, and acquaintances in a variety of settings is a key to managing anxiety and depression. Choose positive activities in which you have mutual interests such as church small groups, sports teams, hobby or professional clubs, continuing education classes or civic organizations. Set a goal to meet and converse with one new person each meeting.

7. Nature heals. Discover ways to spend time enjoying nature and the outdoors. Gardening is a productive and healing activity. I love to visit Denver Botanic Gardens to photograph the variety of flowers during various seasons. Colorado is a spectacular state for so many outdoor pursuits such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, rock climbing, swimming, rafting, spelunking, hang gliding… Oops, I am getting carried away!

8. Be kind to animals. Did you know that people who own pets have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol? Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is a great way to save an animal’s life and to improve your quality of life. I promise that a dog will be a faithful companion and a constant motivator on your daily walks. I find grooming and riding a horse to be both calming and exhilarating. Here is my little stress buster Mindy whom we adopted over ten years ago.

9. Learn a new skill. You are never too old to learn new tricks, as long as you are willing to practice regularly in order to retain what you are learning. I have taken workshops or classes in figure drawing, watercolor techniques, oil portraiture, ballroom dancing, and even horseback riding. No matter what your interest, there is likely to be a class or at least a DVD to teach you more. Vocal or instrumental music works wonders for relaxation and stress reduction. I find that listening to classical music while driving keeps me calm in traffic and in a more positive frame of mind.

10. Read actual books. What better way to escape from your worries or problems than immersing yourself in a novel or mystery? Surely I would like to learn and understand more about plenty of subjects. Lately, I find myself spending far too much screen time. I think I can become a more interesting person by exchanging TV and internet time for book reading time. How about you? Let me know how you beat stress in you daily life.