Green Country Living — Winter Edition 2023

Walk-in closets allow homeowners to store treasures in style

Home offers stunning views from wraparound porch, bay windows

Seller touts perfect balance of privacy, community

Artist adds bright colors to variety of art forms

Editor Elizabeth Ridenour

Contributing Editor Angela Jackson

Layout & dEsign Joshua Cagle

WritErs Cathy Spaulding, Ronn Rowland, PHotograPHErs Chris Cummings, Shane Keeter, Cathy Spaulding

adVErtising dirECtor Joe Mack

adVErtising saLEs Kris Hight, Angela Jackson, Therese Lewis

Green Country Living is published by the Muskogee Phoenix. Contents of the magazine are by the Muskogee Phoenix. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Muskogee Phoenix. Green Country Living, P.O. Box 1968, Muskogee OK 74402. email eridenour@muskogeephoenix.com - Editorial: (918) 684-2929

Advertising and distribution: (918) 684-2804

Mike and Stephanie Plant find their perfect

to downsize.

Photo by Shane Keeter

Modern Far M house oFF ers

Joy & convenience

Couple finds perfect home for downsizing

Stephanie and Mike Plant had long imagined downsizing as their children finished school and left them with an almost-empty nest.

When the youngest became a senior, they began seriously considering selling their five-bedroom, three-bath home on

the south side of Muskogee and purchasing a smaller home.

“We were looking in Muskogee, but we’d also driven around this area over the years and looked at houses and dreamed,” Stephanie said. “I looked at this house just to get an idea of what I’d really like to have.”

By Wendy Burton • Photos by Shane Keeter

The 2,500-square-foot modern farmhouse was updated before it was listed for sale, including fresh paint throughout and all new lighting.

It turned out to be exactly what she wanted, and they bought the house in the rural outskirts of Fort Gibson in October 2022.

“Five minutes after I left, I called Mike and said I loved it,” she said. “I really didn’t expect to fall in love with it.”

Stephanie said the previous owner had decorated beautifully, and it appealed to her sense of style.

The 2,500-square-foot modern farmhouse was updated before it was listed for sale, including fresh paint throughout and all new lighting.

Stephanie and Mike said they didn’t have to and wouldn’t have wanted to change a thing. In fact, their former residence, a traditional farmhouse style, Stephanie said, was already furnished in a seamlessly matching look.

The only slight inconvenience of keeping all their existing furniture is the size of the newer sectional they brought with them, they said.

“It’s a little large for the space, but we’d shopped for that couch for over a year,” Mike said.

A firepit sits center of a large outdoors sectional.

Mike and Stephanie Plant find their perfect home to downsize.

So they kept it, and it does provide ample lounging space for visiting family members. With seven mostly grown children and a few grandkids between them, they need the seats.

The open floor plan was a selling point for the same reason.

“Our old house was bigger, but it was closed off, so when we’d have family over, they’d all be in separate rooms,” Stephanie said. “We really wanted an open floor plan like this so everyone could be together.”

The journey from traditional farmhouse to modern farmhouse followed a bit of a rough path for the family, though.

“Our old house sold fast, just a week after it was listed,” Mike said. “We weren’t ready.”

The family stayed in a hotel for a short time, then moved into a vacant house owned by Stephanie’s parents that was being renovated at the time.

“Oh, it was awful. We moved into a house with no floors, just concrete slabs, drywall dust everywhere, one bathroom,” Stephanie said.

Consequently, their appreciation for the move-in readiness was elevated to new heights.

“I told them it would make them really appreciate whatever new house we bought,” Mike said, laughing. “But our old house always seemed to have something

But our old house always seemed to have something that needed to be worked on, too. So it’s nice to come home to a place where we don’t have to fix anything.

— Mike Plant

Porcelain wood-look tile covers the main living areas, giving the durable floor the traditional look of hardwoods.

that needed to be worked on, too. So it’s nice to come home to a place where we don’t have to fix anything.”

Perhaps that’s one reason Stephanie is especially delighted with the flooring throughout their home.

Porcelain wood-look tile covers the main living areas, giving the splendid look of traditional hardwoods with the hardiness of more durable porcelain.

“You can get it wet, and it doesn’t ruin it. The dogs can run across it and not scratch it,” Stephanie said, then laughed. “And when you have a house full of visitors tracking stuff around, you can’t even

tell it’s dirty.”

The carpet in the bedrooms is a slightly higher pile than average, giving it a soft, luxurious feel. The multi-hued, neutral color scheme fits everything well.

The updated paint throughout was already in just the right shade of gray, something Stephanie knows well.

“You have to be careful with gray paint. If you get the wrong one it looks blue,” she said. “I learned to go to Sherwin-Williams to get the best shade. I’m sure this is their Repose Gray, but Dovetail Gray is a good color, too.”

With light cream doors, trim, and

cabinets throughout the house, it’s a bright, airy space. All the doors from the entry to the exit and in-between are 8-feet-tall, making the spaces seem roomier, Mike said.

Stephanie likes a clean, clutter-free, peaceful environment, she said. And while she lamented the lack of closets outside of the four smaller bedrooms in their new home, she loves the vast number of cabinets in nearly every room.

The bathrooms, a pullman-style master and Jack-and-Jill style second bathroom, both feature room-length, double vanities, and tall, roomy cabinets. The master has a massive center drawer for hiding away

The rustic-look dining table that seats eight was found online, and the industrial metal chairs, painted cream, came from a different online store.

ABOVE: The master bath features a perfectly organized walk-in closet.

LEFT: The kitchen island separating the kitchen and living room has two leather barstools .

grooming tools and other manner of things usually cluttering up counters.

The kitchen has the same style cabinetry, all in cream with neutral speckled granite countertops, leaving her cooking space spic and span with everything tucked away. A “butler’s pantry” of sorts off to the side hides the microwave, more cabinetry, and food storage from view.

The large kitchen island separating the kitchen from the living room has two leather barstools and plenty of storage.

Black matte, industrial or farm-style light fixtures, door handles, and drawer pulls bring a small sense of old-fashioned farmstyle décor to the space.

The small mud room just outside the kitchen and next to the laundry room features a built-in bench with baskets underneath for any number of easily hidden items. The coat hooks above it, though, are not really for hanging anything on, Mike and Stephanie said, laughing about Stephanie’s tendency to remove anything

hung there and tuck it away.

Continuing their personal preference for unburdened surfaces, the master bedroom is orderly from the décor to the floor. Also smaller than their previous home, the couple said the coziness suited them well.

The master bath also features a sizable soaking tub, perfectly organized walk-in closet, a toilet area separated by a sliding barn-style door (the only one in the house, surprisingly), and a separate shower with subway tile at one end.

This bathroom features room-length, double vanity, and tall, roomy cabinets.

Master bath has a sizable soaking tub.

The carpet in the bedrooms is a slightly higher pile than average, giving it a soft, luxurious feel.

Again, the light fixtures are slightly industrial, matte black finish, including the chandelier over the tub.

Upstairs is one bedroom and a walk-in closet—the youngest’s room for now, but perhaps a game room later. Stephanie said she can picture a perfect play area with storage space for their three grandbabies to enjoy some day.

The room is dormered, with a few nooks and crannies for storage here and there. Tall, white bedroom furniture and a stylish

heavy-wood vanity with mirror storage and plenty of drawers round out the décor.

Stephanie said much of their furniture came from Mathis Brothers, one of their favorite furniture stores, though she enjoys shopping for pieces online.

In fact, back downstairs, the rustic-look dining table that seats eight was found online, and the industrial metal chairs, painted cream, came from a different online store, she said.

The last big reason the couple chose

their new place is the exterior amenities. Nearly two acres of land, partially privacy fenced with an elegant, covered porch that is roomy enough for a large outdoor sectional and dining table, give them a place to enjoy spending time together.

Stephanie said she plans to put in a pool. Mike said he doesn’t. They laughed and said they’ll figure it out someday. In the meantime, they’ll enjoy their pretty, peaceful palace just the way it is — clearly designed just for them.

FEATURES

» Price: $299,000.

» Size: 5 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,416 square feet.

» Windows: Vinyl

» Interior: Granite counters, vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans.

» Flooring, carpet, tile, wood.

» Heating: Central — gas.

» Appliances (included): Dishwasher, disposal, microwave oven, electric oven and range, gas water heater, plumbed for ice maker.

» Laundry: Washer hookup, electric dryer hookup.

» Fireplace: Wood burning.

home sold itself to Burns family

House markets unique features, easy access to Tulsa

Allison Burns wasn’t initially sold on the house at 2704 Shelby Circle, but was when she saw the home.

“We were planning on doing a new build,” she said. “And it just kept getting pushed back and pushed back. So we just kept an eye on the market to see what popped up, and this popped

up.

“I looked at the pictures and said, ‘That’s really nice. So I had my husband go look at it. I said, ‘If you like it, make an offer on it.’ I usually trust his opinion on it.”

The five-bedroom, two-bath house ticked off enough boxes that she and her husband Larry purchased the property.

By ronn roWland • Photos submitted by Betty BlacKWell

The five-bedroom, two-bath home on Shelby Circle has a little bit of something for every member of the family.

“One thing we like is that our son’s bedroom is located right next to ours,” she said. “If there’s a problem, we don’t have to go to the other side of the house.”

She also enjoys the fact that there are separate walk-in closets in the master suite.

“He has one and I have one,” Burns said. “That way there’s no complaining about storage space.”

The Burnses purchased the home in

September 2021 after looking in other areas to live.

“I was working for Cherokee Nation and wanted to live close to Tahlequah,” she said. “I was working in the medical field and wanted to remain close to there. But when my husband saw the house, he said, ‘Just take a look.’ That’s all it took.”

Upon entering the home from the front, there is a wide entryway with bedrooms and a master bath off to the left,

but proceeding forward must be done with caution.

The living room is sunken, and the dark wood floors hide the step down.

“That’s why I have the sign right at the step,” Burns said. “I have it on a chalkboard, and I change the warning seasonally.”

Once in the living room, you notice how white everything is…it helps with the natural light that comes into the area

ABOVE: An aerial view of the property shows a second driveway that accesses a garage inside a privacy fence and an in-ground pool.

RIGHT: A heavy wooden front door greets guests and residents.

FAR RIGHT: An entry way with a wooden floor allows guests and residents a place to take off and hang up coats and hats.

ABOVE: A sunken living room allows for plenty of entertaining space or family down time.

LEFT: A curved wall in the living room provides ample distribution of warmth from the fireplace.

ABOVE: The person preparing meals can look out the window to see what the weather’s like.

BELOW: The galley kitchen offers plenty of storage space and ample room for more that one person in the kitchen.

A cute little breakfast nook just off the kitchen allows plenty of natural light through the bay window.

from the sliding glass doors leading out to the backyard.

“It was that way when we moved in,” she said. “We haven’t changed a thing.”

One unusual feature about the living room is that the hearth of the fireplace is curved. The ceiling is vaulted, but not equally.

“The unevenness doesn’t matter,” Burns said. “The vaulted ceilings still keep the room cool in the summer.”

When it comes to the location, Burns can’t express enough positive features about the neighborhood.

“The neighborhood’s so quiet,” she said. “And it’s really easy access to Tulsa. I mean Broken Arrow’s 35 minutes, and that’s really nice. We’ve never felt unsafe and we’ve felt comfortable outside.”

The kitchen has an island that sits flush with the step down of the living room. Burns says that’s no problem.

“It’s great for entertaining,” she said. “The stools have to be a little taller than most, but that’s really not a problem.”

There is a small laundry room right next to the kitchen, then two steps down there’s a workout room with a window that looks out onto the front yard.

Burns said all the appliances, except for the washer and dryer, came with the house. They purchased the washer and dryer from Lowe’s.

ABOVE LEFT: The master bedroom has dual walk-in closets and access to the master bath.

ABOVE RIGHT: The homes many bedrooms provide ample space for a growing family

ABOVE & RIGHT: A workout room faces the street and you can close it off with a sliding barn door.

“We’ve never felt unsafe and we’ve felt comfortable outside.”

— Allison

The backyard is very spacious with a swimming pool and plenty of yard space for animals to run around. There is a two-car driveway that leads to the front of the house and another driveway into the backyard in which access can be closed off with a privacy fence gate.

The Burnses put the house on the

market in September and are renting a property in McAlester. Both she and her husband work for Caring Hands in McAlester.

One of the reasons they decided to move was family.

“My family’s down that way,” she said. “That’s a lot closer to my siblings, so it’s more convenient in that

way. When we originally moved up here, my husband’s mom and his sisters live up in Joplin — so this split the distance.”

While looking around the house, one might think the Burnses did a little upgrading.

“We left everything the same,” she said.

LEFT: A guest bedroom has enough space to accommodate a young visiting family.

BELOW: The master bathroom has a shower at one end and a bathtub at the other.

Winter Winter Winter

Y O U R G U I D E T O Y O U R G U I D E T O YOUR GUIDE TO H

O M E H O M E HOME

S E R V I C E S S E R V I C E S SERVICES

Neo-Victorian dream home

Neo-Victorian home’s bay windows overlook pond

ith shingled siding, a wraparound porch and five bay windows, Murl and Darwin Tackett’s home recalls a more laid-back time.

The three-story NeoVictorian house was custom built in 2003 by Tony Faddis of Tahlequah.

However, Murl Tackett had been dreaming of the

Whouse for much longer.

“I carried that plan around for 15 years, I guess,” she said.

The house sits on a tad less than two acres, overlooking a pond and is engulfed by pecan trees. Tackett said she loves the lot.

Guided by a wood fence, the spacious wooden front porch wraps around the side and becomes a wood deck in back.

By cathy Spaulding • Photos submitted by darla cantrell

FEATURES

» ADDRESS: 1408 Deer Run Road, Muskogee.

» ASKING PRICE: $435,000.

» SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,389.

» LOT SIZE: 1.96 acres.

» BEDROOMS: Four.

» BATHROOMS: Two full, two half.

» HEATING AND COOLING: Electric central heat and air.

» APPLIANCES: Dishwasher, disposal,

electric cooktop range, oven.

» FLOORS: Wood.

» OTHER FEATURES: Two-car garage with storage, ceiling fans, granite countertops, pass-through gas log fireplace, storm shelter safe room.

» SCHOOL DISTRICT: Fort Gibson.

» INFORMATION: Darla Cantrell, Century 21 Clinkenbeard Agency; (918) 869-6547.

A neo-Victorian cottage rests on the banks of a pond near Fort Gibson. Previous owners say the view is just dreamy.

“It’s got that big pond behind,” she said. “Sitting on the balcony overlooking that pond is just dreamy. And we’ve got two purple martin houses. In the springtime, that’s just wonderful.”

Tackett said she and her husband liked to sit outside anytime “that wasn’t too cold or too terribly hot.”

“Usually in the morning and evening, we’d sit out and swing in the swings and watch the birds,” she said. “The front porch is covered, the back porch was a balcony, so if it was raining, we had to go on the front porch.”

They also saw all kinds of wildlife, particularly deer and rabbits. Of course, the pecan trees attracted plenty of squirrels, she said.

Inside, much of the main floor features cherry-stained hickory floors.

Tackett she loved the floors and abundance of windows.

Bay windows are in the kitchen, breakfast nook, master bathroom and two upstairs bedrooms. The living room wall facing the pond has two stories of windows and a sliding door that opens onto the deck.

The interior also features historic style touches, such as a white Colonial wood mantel. White shelves and bookcases are on both sides. The gas-log fireplace passes through to the formal dining area.

Pecan trees surround the house, as shown in this aerial view.

A pond reflects a three-story house, which features a wrap-around balcony and back porch.

ABOVE: The living area combines both space and a cozy feeling.

LEFT: Shelves and cabinets are on both sides of the fireplace.

The formal dining room, done in pink, also features a white Colonial mantle. A crystal chandelier hangs from a recessed ceiling.

The kitchen surrounds a central island with a wood-block countertop. The other kitchen countertops are black granite, which blends in with the electric cooktop stove. They contrast with the white subway tile backsplash.

It features built-in General Electric microwave and double oven and built-in Bosch dishwasher. It also has a stainless

steel sink.

White cabinets and shelves, along with a black and white checkerboard floor give the kitchen an old style look.

A bay window by the kitchen features a padded bench, just begging to be a breakfast nook. The bench features storage underneath.

On the other side of the main floor, the master bedroom has a built-in ironing board and his-and-her walk-in closets.

The master bath features hexagonal subway tile floors, his-and-her sinks and vanities and a separate shower. Bay windows surround the clawfoot tub.

Wood banisters follow the stairs to the other two floors.

“Usually in the morning and evening, we’d sit out and swing in the swings and watch the birds.”

— Murl tackett

Sunlight shines through two stories of windows in the main living room.

Upstairs offers a balcony view of the great room. There are three bedrooms of different sizes, from cozy to expansive. Two have bay windows. One bedroom opens into an attic. The second full bath is upstairs. Space at the top of the stairs can be a sitting area, play area or mini office.

The bottom floor features a huge

laundry room with a pellet burning stove.

A 12-foot by 18-foot safe room offers protection from tornadoes, plus space for many other uses.

“It’s a storm shelter, but Darwin used it for his music studio; and the boys, my grandsons, slept down there,” Tackett said. “So it was

kind of a playroom, game room, whatever.”

A rock porch is outside the bottom floor.

A two-car garage on the bottom floor has enough space for a third car, motorcycles or riding mowers.

The backyard slopes down to a pond.

A kitchen featuring a bay window and stainless steel appliances surrounds the island with a butcher-block counter.

An upper bedroom has a ceiling fan and bay windows.

RIGHT: A clawfoot tub and bay window add elegance to the bath.

BELOW: The master bedroom offers a view of the backyard.

LEFT: The elegant dining room features a two-sided fireplace and crystal chandelier.

BELOW: The master bath features a separate shower.

m a l l T o w n

e l c o m e F o r t G i b s o n

F o r t G i b s o n

FEATURES

» ADDRESS: 9 Beckman Drive.

» ASKING PRICE: $749,900.

» SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,974.

» BEDROOMS: Four in main house; one in guest house.

» BATHROOMS: Four in main house; one in guest house.

» HEATING AND COOLING: Geothermal HVAC, multiple units.

» APPLIANCES: Main house features gas range top, double ovens, dishwasher, trash compactor, ice machine; Guest house features electric range, dishwasher.

» FLOORS: Hardwood, tile, carpet.

» OTHER FEATURES: Three fireplaces, multiple covered porches, courtyard, granite counters, crown moldings, vaulted and 10+foot ceilings, custom cabinetry, lots of closets and built-ins, 4+ car garage spaces, extensive parking and driveways, mature trees and an interest in the pond.

» LOT SIZE: 1.75 acres.

» SCHOOL DISTRICT: Muskogee Public Schools.

» INFORMATION: Holly Rosser Miller, Interstate Properties, (918) 348-9848 or email holly@interstateproperties. com .

coZY neighborhood GeM

Beckham Drive offers privacy, community, beautiful home

ne of Muskogee’s best kept secrets is a neighborhood tucked away on the westside. Just 16 houses on two streets — both called Beckman.

“What I love about this neighborhood, is that you have to know it’s back there. No one is just ‘driving by,’ so you get a ton of privacy,” said real estate

Oagent Holly Rosser Miller of Interstate Properties. “Plus, it’s a rare treat when a house on Beckman goes on the market. Homeowners tend to stay put for years.”

Barry and Kelly Watson, the current homeowners at 9 Beckman Drive, have been there for 13 years, raising their girls and putting their own touch on this unique and inviting home.

By holly roSSer Miller • Photos by VaSt Media

Barry and Kelly Watson, the current homeowners at 9 Beckman Drive, have been putting their own touch on this unique home for 13 years.

“The entire house is one story, so no stairs to contend with,” said Kelly, who was recovering from a torn ACL back when they purchased the home in 2010. “I also loved the soaring ceilings and how much natural light comes in. When I walked in for the first time, I could see a beautiful future here.”

When you walk in the double front doors you are greeted by gorgeous formal living room with tons of windows along the west wall, a massive crystal chandelier and stately gas fireplace. Across from the formal living sits a spacious dining room with windows overlooking the front courtyard. The heart of the house is the family room and French kitchen, which are separated by double-sided fireplace.

“We have had so many gatherings of friends and family here.”

— Barry Watson

Visitors walking through the grand double doors of the 9 Beckman Drive are greeting by a stunning formal living room with an abundance of natural light.

The 1.75-acre property boasts a backyard with raised gardens, a shared pond, and views of rolling green lawns.

ABOVE: A massive crystal chandelier and stately gas fireplace adorn the living room.

LEFT: A double-sided fireplace separates the family room and French kitchen.

“We have had so many gatherings of friends and family here,” Barry said. “Kelly loves to cook and entertain, and there’s room for everyone when we get together.”

“Even though the house is large, it has a cozy ambiance that makes everyone feel welcome,” Kelly said. “When people show up to my house I always want them to feel at home.”

A couple of years after they moved in, Barry and Kelly built an additional house

that attaches to the main house via covered porch so Kelly’s parents could have their own private space. The additional one bedroom house has a full kitchen, living room and two-car garage. The doorways and hall are all wheelchair accessible, and the spacious bath features a roll-in shower.

“They built the guest house so that it could be beautiful but still accommodate whatever needs might arise,” Rosser Miller said. “It’s perfect for a family who maybe

“They built the guest house so that it could be beautiful but still accommodate whatever needs might arise.”

— Holly rosser Miller

ABOVE & RIGHT: A covered porch attaches from the main home to Kelly’s parents house.

ABOVE: Part of the backyard is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence.

ABOVE: The primary suite of the main house features a private library/office with floor to ceiling bookshelves.

RIGHT: French kitchen sits next to the family room separated by a double-sided fireplace.

A bathtub sits in front of a green stained glass window.

has aging parents or grandparents, but even other family members or friends of any age.”

The primary suite in the main house is a sweet retreat after a long day. It features a private library/office with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a spa-like bath with oversized tub and shower, plus two individual sink and closet areas.

The bedroom is massive and features an art deco fireplace and chandelier sourced

from Tulsa’s historic Mayo Hotel. Tons of windows covered by custom plantation shutters allow as much light or privacy as needed.

The outside is just as lovely as the interior. The home sits on 1.75 acres and backs up to a pond shared with their neighbors.

“Part of the backyard is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence where I have enjoyed my raised bed gardens and sitting on our covered porches with my parents and kiddos,”

Kelly said. “But I have also loved looking at the peaceful rolling green lawn that adjoins our neighbors and the view of our shared pond. I love the sense of community that we have on Beckman.”

It’s that sense of community they will miss the most. “Our lifelong friends live all around us,” Barry said. “Our girls grew up in this house, and I know whoever makes this their home will be blessed by their time here just like we have been.”

Spacious dining room sits across from the formal living room.

Garage on property can store up to four cars.

The home sits on 1.75 acres and backs up to a pond shared with their neighbors.

Jennifer Moore finds a cozy place to knit in her easy chair. She enjoys knitting while watching TV and chatting with her husband.

Art comes in many forms for Moore

Artist creates using watercolor, pastels, knitting

Jennifer Moore puts color in just about anything she does.

It blends into her watercolors, pops up in her pastels, winds through her knit sweaters.

She has done watercolor for five years.

“When I first started, I was with the garden club and Sandy Rosson was having us mess around with watercolors, so I went and bought all

the stuff,” she said.

Moore developed her ability by painting watercolor postcards for her mother, who was dealing with Parkinson’s Disease.

“I would just mail them every other day, just as something fun for her,” Moore said. “All of this upped my game and helped me develop. That was just a good learning technique on a small scale.”

By cathy Spaulding • Photos by chriS cuMMingS

Her first cards were simple, such as an almost childlike snowman picture. The cards got more detail and depth as she did more. A painting of Christmas ornaments shows shading and glow. She became skilled enough to win awards for her art. A watercolor she did of her daughter, Arden, took first place in the 2019 Muskogee Area Art

Guild contest. A landscape with clouds took an honorable mention in 2021. Another painting placed second in 2021. It features her husband and son chatting at the Kitchen 324 restaurant in Oklahoma City.

ABOVE: A watercolor

Jennifer Moore did of her daughter placed first in a recent art show.

LEFT: Jennifer Moore knitted an array of wraps, stockings and sweaters using a variety of yarns and patterns.

“I took the photo and thought it would be fun to do the glass and windows and all the reflections.”

— Jennifer Moore

Jennifer Moore traces her love of painting to cards she painted for her mother. She said she painted and sent a different one every other day “as just something fun for her.”

“I took the photo and thought it would be fun to do the glass and windows and all the reflections,” she said.

Moore paints all sorts of subjects. One painting features a closeup of her hands cutting an apple. The fruit reflects in the knife blade. Another painting shows her makeup table. The black fingernail polish on her hand contrasts with the red lipstick she holds.

Her watercolors have a depth more likely seen in oil paintings.

“I probably don’t use watercolor in the correct way,” she said. “It’s usually not as intense. It’s usually very kind of seethrough and watery. I use a lot of layers and a lot of paint. I will build up and build up and build up.”

She said her watercolor style “kind of

evolved just from playing around.”

Meanwhile, Moore’s pastels, an art she learned from area artist Patty Bradley, also have depth and color.

“With pastels, you get right to the color,” Moore said. “You have a stick for every single color. You can blend, but you don’t have to. You get really immediate results, as far as color.”

Unfortunately, pastel is easy to smudge and can come off the paper if someone just touches it, she said.

Moore majored in art history and graphic art at the Oklahoma State University.

She said she has to undo some of the things she learned in graphic design when she creates art with her hands. Painting is a looser medium.

“When Covid hit, I started watching YouTube videos and just went down the rabbit hole and became obsessed.”

— Jennifer Moore

ABOVE: Moore captured her husband and son enjoying a conversation in an Oklahoma City bistro. BELOW: A landscape took honorable mention at a recent art show.

A painting Jennifer Moore did of Oklahoma City’s Plaza Court captures the area’s midtown vibe.

“The graphic design makes me very tight in my art, not very loose,” she said. “That’s something I try to work on. I have not succeeded yet.”

Moore now puts color into knitting, which she picked up several years ago.

“When Covid hit, I started watching YouTube videos and just went down the rabbit hole and became obsessed,” she said. A checkerboard sweater with

alternating pink and rainbow squares proved hard, Moore said.

“By the time I was finished, I really wasn’t fond of it just because it caused me so much heartache,” she said. “Now, it’s one of my favorites. It’s soft.”

Yarns have different levels of softness.

A loosely-knit navy sweater maid of mohair and silk is especially soft. A patterned blue sweater made with Icelandic wool is not soft at all.

“I’ve never worn it, because it’s super itchy,” she said. “It could work as a coat.”

Moore said knitting is more mobile than watercolor. She keeps her yarn and projects in baskets, so she can knit almost anywhere. She especially likes to knit while watching TV with her husband in the den.

“This gives me satisfaction of doing something, and we can hang out together and its quiet,” she said. “I’m normally in my pajamas.”

A Jennifer Moore pastel captures a fruit’s reflection in a copper pot.

Jennifer Moore has an eye and hand for detail, whether it’s pastels or painting, including — top left, a red apple; top right, a pastel of a China vase; bottom left, a painting of a sliced fruit; bottom right, Moore’s make-up table.

Each sweater takes about two months to knit, she said.

“It’s not something I can just whip out.”

A unique sweater features rainbow colors alternating with black. It came from the company Knit Collage that hires women in India who produce wool yarn with sequins, yarn and other items woven in.

“The yarn is very nubby and thick and thin,” she said.

Moore also knitted a Christmas stocking for her son’s fiance’. However, said she’s not fond of knitting regular socks.

“Needles are so tiny, they hurt my hand,” she said.

A current project is another sweater.

“Kind of sweatshirty,” she said. “It’s just plain soft wool, Italian.”

The patterns are good about having detailed measurements. Some allow “ease” to fit loosely. Others have “negative ease” to fit tight.

She looks forward to using other yarns.

“Cashmere would be luscious, maybe for mittens or something,” she said. “There are so many out there.”

A patterned dress and vest set is one of Jennifer Moore’s creations.

A throw was one of Jennifer Moore’s first knit works. She began knitting big time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Moore shows versatility in her clothes. They include top left, a colorful dress; top right, a soft striped knit sweater; bottom, a pair of smocks.

State of the City

Mayor Marlon Coleman lauds Muskogee's recent achievements.

Photos by Cathy Spaulding

'the tuSkegee airmen' Showing

Film actor Cuba Gooding Jr. brought celebrity to showing of "The Tuskegee Airmen" at Muskogee's Roxy Theater.

Photos by Cathy Spaulding

Swon BrotherS Benefit ConCert

Colton and Zach Swon mark their 10th year of Salvation Army benefit concerts by making it free.

Photos by Cathy Spaulding

ChamBer hoStS ag appreCiation LunC h

Dozens of chamber members, agriculture leaders and business leaders filled the market's deli restaurant during the come-and-go lunch.

Photos by Cathy Spaulding

ChriStmaS tree Lighting

Depot Green buzzed with activity even before lights went on for Christmas tree lighting.

Photos by Cathy Spaulding