Coal Miner

​​Painted c. 1958-1968
​​9" x 12"
​​Oil on canvas

The strongest reason to appreciate this work is the miner's eyes and smile. His blue eyes relax you and you'll soon be mimicking his smile. Really. Click on the picture to see a larger version. Then just keep looking. The eyes and smile draw you into the picture.  Keep staring. Soon, you'll find yourself relaxed and smiling too - or at least you'll have a smirk on your face.  It's impossible not to be affected by this piece.​

And, although the painting appears to be made with charcoal, it really was oil paint - a testament to Sydna's abilities.​

And, you can buy a copy of Coal Miner for yourself in our shop.​

Posted on April 24, 2013 .

Gazing Man

​When it came to painting depictions of people, Sydna's strength was creating the subject's eyes. This is no exception. The man's eyes are very warm, and fairly deep in thought, with the power of wisdom behind them. It's an amazing accomplishment in this work.​ And, at first glance, you think the subject's eyes are black. But, after greater inspection, you realize his eyes are an incredible deep blue.

See Sydna's other individuals in our people collection.

Or, get your own canvas reproduction of this piece in our shop.​

​Painted c. 1958-1968
​​10" x 14"
​​Oil on canvas

Posted on April 23, 2013 .

Woman in Hat

Painted in 1977
​9" x 12"
​Oil on paper

​​A few things make this Sydna unique in her body of work.  First, the original media was oil on paper - not canvas.  This was very unusual since Sydna mostly used canvas for her oil works.​ Sometimes she used burlap or felt. On a rare occasion, she used wood.  But, paper was quite unique.  From a distance, it looks like colored pencil. But, upon closer inspection, we were surprised to see it was, indeed, oil.

Another unique item in this piece is the double signature.  Maybe she intended on using a small frame for the item and only the top signature would be seen.​ 

Posted on April 22, 2013 .

Flowering Bonsai

Watercolor pieces are a rare Sydna creation. But, this one is wonderfully composed and mellow - an impressionistic flowering bonsai tree.  Sydna had an affinity for the orient due to her numerous vacations there.  As we add more of her work to this website, you'll notice her attraction to the far east.​

Canvas reproductions are available in our shop.​

​Painted in 1970
​​9" x 12"
​​watercolor

Posted on April 21, 2013 .

Flowers in Milk Jug

This painting is a wonderful example of Sydna's expertise in still life.   It has balanced composition, a harmony of colors, and keep's your focus on the flowers, while appreciating the overall work. The milk jug is very well done - great highlights and shadows. And, you'd think the red background would be too jarring. Instead, Sydna created a mellow piece you can envision in a European country cottage.

Sydna was proud of this painting and I know she'd be happy your seeing it today.  Thank you.​

See more of our Flowers Collection here.

And you can buy a canvas reproduction in our shop.​

​​Painted in c. 1958-1970
​10" x 14"
​Unsigned, ​​Oil on canvas

Posted on April 21, 2013 .