". . . a brush with nature"

Vintage toys are more than collectible antiques — they are cherished memories . . . and oh, the stories they have to tell. If given the time and opportunity, as well as more than a passing glance, these treasures of a bygone era, of someone’s long forgotten youth, can become precious once again. That’s why my husband and I are fascinated by them, decide to “rescue” them from second hand stores and antique shops and why I chose to celebrate them in a series of still life paintings. We cherish our found treasures and I hope that by painting them, they become cherished again by the viewers of my art.

At least, I hope old memories are fondly remembered, and perhaps shared with others. At least, I hope these paintings . . . these toys . . . will make you smile.

“She nestles over the shining rim,

Buries her chin in the creamy sea;

Her tail hangs loose; each drowsy paw

Is doubled under each bending knee.”

I think this excerpt from “Milk for the Cat” by Harold Monro (1879 – 1932), fits my painting, “Spilled Milk” pretty well, but it wasn’t the inspiration for the piece. If you’d like to find out what three things inspired me, you can find out more in the January 2025 issue of my Hughbanks Art Newsletter.

Thank you for taking a look!