Ria Hills - daily pastel paintings
I am a self-taught pastel and oil painter. I was born in The Netherlands, raised in New York and presently live in rural Massachusetts. My work can be found in private collections throughout the United States. You can learn more about me here.

If you want to see AVAILABLE paintings on one page click here OR click through the links below which are updated on a regular basis.

STILL LIFE
three apples
knitting/coffee
breakfast
paper bags
crumpled bag    
cherries

kiwifruit

onion bagel
bagged onion
red peppers

peeled orange
blue apple
orange/bananas
bowl of fruit
toy whistle
3 pears

fishing lure
wild roses
pitcher
floral vase 2
floral vase

LANDSCAPES
mini landscape 2
mini landscape
west coast
bike path
the woods
under the jet trails
texas sky
before the storm
along the river
night flight
French village
four trees
lonely tree
Tuscany trees
cypress  tree
clouds
waterfalls
roadside cottages

PORTRAITS
drumstick girl
Jimi Hendrix
inner guidance
pleasure of rain

melissa
Alone
Frank Zappa
portrait in velour
a taste of rain
waiting
geisha

ANIMALS
white dog
border collie
corgi
boston terrier
abstract koi pond
a horse
abbey

If you are unfamiliar with pastels you may appreciate to know that pastels have survived for centuries. Some famous artists who used pastels and who's work is still around today are Leonardo da Vinci, Maurice Quentin de La Tour, Rosalba Carriera, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt.

5/15/2008

 

garlic still life

garlic bulb daily pastel painting
8" by 8" daily pastel painting, unframed

Definitely a food I can not do without.

I'm entering this in a local art show this weekend but if you are interested in purchasing it please email me.

$150 including shipping.
Click here to purchase through paypal.

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5/12/2008

 

billowing clouds

morning coffee daily pastel painting
5" by 8 1/2" daily pastel painting, unframed


I've always been drawn to clouds. When I was a child my mother and I spent countless hours watching the different formations. We didn't have much in the way of entertainment in those days ;-)




$150 with free shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

click here to purchase through PayPal.

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5/08/2008

 

grieving statue


grieving statue daily pastel painting

8 1/2" by 5" daily pastel painting, unframed
surface: watercolor paper

I painted this in 2006 and recently decided to sell it. It was part of a series of cemetery statues. My goal was to bring life to them by adding color to the stone.

This particular one is part of a tombstone in Italy. Her arms were resting on the top edge.

$150 with free shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

5/06/2008

 

hot cocoa daily painting

mug of cocoa daily pastel painting
7 1/2" by 51/2" daily pastel painting, unframed

I stay up fairly late at night and although I always enjoy a cup of coffee, if I had it late I'd be up 'til morning. Hot cocoa is a nice alternative.
This piece reminds me of a chilly winter day when a hot cocoa is the perfect drink.
The original has a bit more contrast. I'll try a new scan in the morning.


$150 with free shipping and handling in the US
to purchase please click here.

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5/04/2008

 

jam sandwich

peanut and butter sandwich daily pastel painting
7" by 5" daily pastel painting, unframed


I finally got around to finishing this piece. It was one of the biggest challenges I've had in a while. The grape chunks are really big so I'm guessing if you take a bite it will be very sweet.



$150 with free shipping and handling in the US.
click here for purchasing information

This weekend the Blackstone Valley Art Association of which I'm a member, had their spring show. I won first place in my category for my Whistle painting and honorable mention for Pleasure of Rain.

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5/03/2008

 

­ Painting Giveaway Winner


We have a winner for the free painting giveaway!
Actually I have 3 winners to announce. Since I received many entries and nearly the same amount for each of the three paintings to choose from, I decided to have my mother draw 2 more names from the basket.



The winner of the painting "French Village" is Joan from San Jose, CA.


The painting "Mini Landscape" will be going to Diana in Seaford, NY.


Adam from Corpus Christi, TX will be receiving "Blue Apple".

You will be receiving your paintings next week.

It was fun seeing the different names and places arriving in my "mailbox". Thank you for your emails and the nice comments. Some of your names were familiar and some of you have purchased paintings from me in the past. I am happy to know that you are still watching my blog. New watchers - welcome.

For those of you who didn't win this time I'll be having another Free Painting Giveaway in June so stay tuned!

I’ll send an email to my mailing list to let you know when the next giveaway starts.
Thanks for participating!

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5/02/2008

 

goldfish daily painting

goldfish daily pastel painting 8" by 5 1/2" daily pastel painting, unframed

I think it's a goldfish.
When I'm limited on time a fish is a perfect subject and I really enjoy painting them.

$120 including shipping in the US
Please email me for international shipping rates.
click here to purchase through PayPal.

Stay tuned for winner of the painting giveaway. I'll make the announcement tomorrow.

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5/01/2008

 

seated nude daily painting

cloud formations daily pastel painting
There's still time to sign up for the Free Painting Giveaway which ends today at 3 pm EST.


10 1/2" by 9 1/2" daily pastel painting, unframed

It feels so good to be painting again!
The original has a bit more contrast but this image represents it closely.
The background was painted with my new pan pastels. It was applied with a small foam pad. Kind of like applying eye shadow - the pigment is in a very fine powder form. It actually says in the instruction booklet "not for cosmetic use". haha . . I'm guessing someone may have done that and tried to sue the company after having a severe reaction.

The model is someone whose stock I use quite often - with her permission.

For sale at my newly hosted and updated website. Please click here to view. I'm sorry about the inconvenience but I will be directing all future posts to the new site blog soon.

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4/30/2008

 

shades of autumn daily painting


Although this is not a new painting, it has never been posted. I painted this autumn landscape last year and forgot to put it on the blog for some reason.
It is available for sale. For more information on this piece, please click here.

There are 2 days left to sign up for the free painting giveaway! My mother will draw the winner on Friday, May 2nd at 5:20 EST.
The winner will be announced Saturday (May 3).

For the time being my posts here and at my new blog will be duplicates. I'm sorry for the inconvenience if you subscribe to both but I promise that by the end of the week I will resolve this.

I have some other news about a new web shop. I don't normally advertise on my blog but my entrepreneur daughter Melissa (her friends call her Missa), has opened a great little shop devoted to the sale of beautiful sterling silver charm bracelets which she designs and creates.

Rather than writing about it more you can click on the image below to see her work.

wrist rebel loaded charm bracelets

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4/29/2008

 

p and j sandwich - WIP

I started this pastel painting before my hand injury and so I think it's just right to finish it before I start another, although . . . it causes me great anguish to work on. It's just so difficult to get the textures looking real.
I also have a commissioned piece to work on which will be finished on time. I had my doubts but the cortisone shot really made a difference.

It's Free Painting Day. You can view the choices at my new blog and more information on how to be the possible winner.

Some of you may have already received an update through the mailing list. I'm sorry for the redundancy. I plan on updating the rss feed to the new blog soon and you will not get duplicate announcements after that.
Thanks for your patience!

4/26/2008

 

new blog address

Hi everyone!
It's been way too long since my last post OR my last painting. The good news is that I saw the orthopedic surgeon yesterday and she shot some cortisone at the base of my finger . . . oouuch! But in 3-5 days she said I should be as good as new.

In the meantime I found a new host for my main website and I also plan to move my blog over. I will change the rss feed for my subscribers so there's nothing you need to do on your end. I'm hoping that this change will free up more time for painting. Less web time - more work!
I will be sending a newsletter to subscribers once the change is complete. I plan to keep this blog open for a few months. If you are already a subscriber there's no need to add yourself to my new mailing list. I already updated it. You always have the option to opt out but I'm hoping you'll stay with me. I will be more regular with my paintings shortly.

If you visit the new blog you'll see that I'm going to be offering a free painting soon! A random drawing for the painting will be selected by my 93 year old mother.


I've been slowly working on this nude in oils during my recovery period . . . at a snails pace actually. Occasionally I switch to my left hand . . not easy since I'm right handed but I'm always up for a challenge. Holding a brush is much easier than a pastel stick with my tendinitis.
I hope to complete it within the next couple of weeks.
To my subscribers, thank you for staying with me.

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4/10/2008

 
Hi everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted yet. I'm still having problems with my hand but I am going to see an orthopedic surgeon next week. I sure hope she can help me! For those of you waiting on commissioned work I promise you'll get your paintings on time.
In the meantime you can check out my new blog dedicated to my future New Mexico painting trip.
(I'm still working on the design)

It's 70 degrees and sunny here in New England. Finally nice weather!
Please stay tuned. . .new work is coming.

3/31/2008

 

Sedona shacks

Sedona shacks acrylic painting
30" by 24" acrylic painting, unframed
painted on stretched canvas

A number of years ago my son and I traveled to Sedona, Arizona. I took a picture of these shacks at Red Rock state park. The flowers were an addition from my imagination.

I don't normally post older work but since my finger is still healing from the tendinitis, I made it an exception. It's really awkward using my left hand but I'm hoping that with less use my finger will heal. I've read that "trigger finger" is more common among women although I don't know why.

$540 including shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

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3/12/2008

 

taking a break . .

Not that I want to but a few days ago my middle finger (of all fingers) on my right hand swelled and had pain shooting through it at the slightest movement. I had an x-ray taken and although it's not broken I do have a severe case of tendinitis. The doctor said that it needs to rest and I have a splint on it. I hope it heals soon because painting keeps me stable ;-)

Buy my art

I do have some news! I recently set up a print account at redbubble.com.
You can click on the above image to visit the shop and see what's available. What's nice about ordering a print is that you are not limited to size as in the original painting. Some of you have been interested in larger pieces and now they are available.

I ordered "Dogs in Goggles"


as a mounted print for my daughter. It arrived
this week and the quality of the print is exceptional!
I've ordered from other companies
and have never been satisfied.

I hope to be back at the drawing table and easel soon! 'til then.

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3/04/2008

 

cloud formations

cloud formations daily pastel painting
6 1/2" by 10 1/2" daily pastel painting, unframed

I always enjoy clouds. They can be a bit distracting when I drive though.

$100 with free shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

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3/03/2008

 

casita

casita daily pastel painting
7" by 5" daily pastel painting, unframed

A "sketch" for a more detailed painting.
My sister and I are traveling to New Mexico this summer for a painting vacation.
The casita we will be renting is in Abiquiu with views of the spots Georgia O'Keeffe painted. I'm really looking forward to the trip!
This is a painting of the casita without the patio. I wanted to abstract it a bit to maintain the simplicity.

$100 with free shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

3/02/2008

 

CT pastel society award

I was very happy to receive a Jack Richeson Award at The Connecticut Pastel Society's member show yesterday for my "Raven" painting.



This has been a goal of mine for the past 2 years.
The competition is fierce! I wasn't sure about entering a surreal painting since I haven't seen any surreal work in the member shows. I debated over entering a piece that I thought the judge would like (as if I'd know!) or one that I felt best represented my work. I went with the latter and I'm glad I did.
The show will be open from March 1 thru March 21 at Gallery 53, Colony Street, Meriden, Ct.
The reception took place yesterday and I saw some amazing work by other pastel painters.

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2/28/2008

 

spring cleaning SALE


Hi everyone!
OK . . it may be a little early for spring cleaning but I clean when I'm inspired. Years ago I only painted when I was inspired but since I've been "painting daily" I've learned to just set up my tools and paint regardless of how I feel. Once I start I'm always happy to be working.

I've been cleaning up the studio and making room to store my paintings which are still available for sale. I could use more space for new work so I thought I'd have another sale.
You can view all the available paintings here on one scrollable page.


You can take 20% off which ever piece you are interested in buying.
Just email me with the name of the painting and I'll send you a PayPal invoice.
Shipping is still included in the price.

The SALE will end on March 31st.

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2/24/2008

 

Border Collie in goggles


border collie in goggles daily pastel painting

5" by 7" daily pastel painting, unframed

I had to paint another granddog in goggles and yes, there was actually a photo! I still have 2 more dogs to go.

This is Abbey, who belongs to my son Jesse and his girlfriend Kay. She's such a beauty and the smartest dog I've ever met. I'm including a photo of her so you can see how beautiful she is.

To purchase please visit my ETSY account.



OR you can buy all three paintings of dogs in goggles for a grouping for $300.
Please send me an email of you are interested.

border collie in goggles daily pastel painting

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2/21/2008

 

Corgi in goggles


dog in goggles daily pastel painting

5" by 7" daily pastel painting, unframed

This is Felix, my mother's dog. It seems that my daughter gets a kick out of the dogs in goggles because there's still one more to paint.

I'm grateful for these photos because it's fun to paint these.

To purchase please visit my ETSY account.

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