Maureen A. Girard

iPhone Covers

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:59:00 +0000

I'm slowly getting into the age of technology! I will now be now be offering several of my more popular images on iPhone covers. Please let me know what you think!

All my best,

Maureen

Eden - Tree of Life iPhone Cover

Days Like This to Open at the Emporium

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:25:00 +0000

"Days Like This" runs from June 2nd through July 4th at the Emporium Gallery. The Gallery is located on the second floor of the wonderfully ecclectic Emporium, located at 15 Water Street in Mystic, Connecticut. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Come jumpstart the summer with us. We will be having a reception this Thursday, June 2nd from 6 pm to 8 pm. I hope to see you there!

The Emporium Gallery Show

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:42:00 +0000

Bonnie LeMay and I will have a Gallery show at the Mystic Emporium from June 2nd through July 4th. She was asked to share a bit about ourselves and our work for local publicity. Personally, I think the only thing she left out was my shoe size. Enjoy!

"Days Like This"

Many days of friendship and mutual life philosophy allow these two artists to collaborate with ease in this emotionally expressive exhibit. Bonnie LeMay and Maureen Girard became friends several years ago upon participating in a local arts organization. They soon discovered they share similar thought processes and humor in addition to their artistic aspirations. They have been represented in many of the same galleries as well as other venues, offering encouragement as they witness one another’s evolution. Often remarking with a chuckle that “we must be related somewhere”. Both find art and a good friendship have helped sustain them through many of life’s ups and downs.

While their styles are uniquely individual, each shares a reverence for nature and delight in mystery. It is this common bond that allows them to draw inspiration from earthly imagery as well as other worldly possibilities.

They consider themselves “natural artists” since early childhood. When asked how long she has been involved in the arts, Ms. LeMay replied, “Not being an artist is unimaginable to me, I have no memory of ever not being an artist!” Ms. Girard has honed her craft over the years as well and has developed her mixed medium style with images of mythic overtones and symbology.

Bonnie LeMay is an alumni of the Lyme Academy of fine art. She blends her classical background with a diversity of medium, predominantly a contemporary impressionistic style.

“Days Like This” offers an expressive reflection of these two Connecticut artists. Bonnie, “Currently my paintings reflect a desire and or a need to simplify, to be immersed in atmosphere, rather than detail and busy work. Emotional content is important. The trick is knowing when to leave it alone as in “Enough Said”.

Both Maureen and Bonnie agree, so much is gained from detaching from the outcome of a piece (with the exception of certain commissions). Often the art reveals itself to the artist as it emerges. Maureen - “You never know what to expect. For me the journey is often as exciting as the outcome! Expect the unexpected and let it evolve. That’s something we not only enjoy about art but life as well.”

Fragments and Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:03:00 +0000

Without intending to, my artwork, for the most part, has always been about finding balance. My images are of intertwining images and nature. We all do it. We all struggle for it. Whether it's finding peace within myself or juggling what must be done versus what I would like to do, finding enough time to eat right and exercise. And I never thought I'd need to schedule time apart from the ones I love simply to allow them the freedom to be themselves. Lately, my work seems to have become more surreal and it's elements more fragmented, but it's still all about finding balance.

Balance and Breath

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:04:00 +0000

Sometime back in November, I realized that once again I had come to a major crossroads. When I looked in the mirror I didn't see the usual light-hearted, playful, goofy Maureen staring back at me. Life is full of compromise and what used to work didn't seem to anymore and the strain was obviously getting to me. After looking through a few photo albums, playbills, miscellaneous collectibles and giving it some serious thought, I realized that I haven't been doing the simple things that I enjoy and it was time to just stop and take care of myself.

My most popular paintings these days are of figures in meditation or yoga. I first began the practice back in 1978 but later joined the aerobic craze in the late '80s. It was time for me to practice what I paint. Once again, I'm walking daily and a couple of times a week you can find me at the gym in a "warrior" stance or bending over in "downward dog". Ironically, it has inspired me to come up with some designs for a new line of clothing. Not to mention that I'm starting to recognize the image in the mirror too!

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:56:00 +0000

I always think of Mr. D. this time of year. When I wasn't painting in Desmond's class you could always find me in the music room. Actually, was there most of the time. Band, theory, chorus, stage band and rehearsal. Including my study halls. Many of them were spent sitting on top of the file cabiniets in the practice room probably playing Bandances for the millionth time with my stand all the way up as far as it would go.

Anyway, one morning we were winding up theory 2 when the topic rolled around to the Easter holiday. The class was small and it turned out most of the students were Catholic as was Mr. D. Many had given up chocolate or candy for Lent and someone asked him what he had sacrified. When he replied that he hadn't given up anything everyone was surprised. He said he'd made a conscious choice years before. When I asked him why, he replied that making a mundane sacrifice did not benefit anyone but himself so instead, he chose to go out of his way and do one nice thing for someone every day.

All these years later I try to do the same.

Happy Easter everyone!

A Little Help from Your Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:17:00 +0000

As an artist you will develop your own style of painting. Sure, you play with different subject matter or try new materials as you evolve but eventually you will become the master of your paint brush and will need to frame your latest work of art. Craft stores have become extremely popular and why not? Going into A.C. Moore and selecting a frame off the shelf gives you instant satisfaction and you can move on to your next project. Right? I try to keep my framing consistent. You'll find that it's easier to hang for a show, your clients will know what to expect and you can get great deals if you become friends with your framer! Just a thought!

Beyond the Veil Available on Amazon.com

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:39:00 +0000

My new 2010 calendar "Beyond the Veil" is now available through Amazon.com!

http://tiny.cc/TInDL

2010 Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Well, I finally finished my new 2010 calendar. Beyond the Veil features a variety of images as well as subjects. It is produced in full color and measures 11"x 8.5" when closed. Click to preview the images. Only $16.95 each!

Fears and Frustrations of the Creative Process

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:44:00 +0000

"Creativity" is actually a problem solving method for the mind using "artistic" materials to convey a thought. I say "artistic" loosely because just about anything "functional" can be made "artistic". Most people don't understand the behind the scenes drama that goes into making a piece. Be it a play, book or painting, the process can be a bit daunting. Think of it as a dance or like reading a book. I never like starting a new one but once you're in it, it captures you and you can't put it down. Sometimes all it takes is just getting though the first chapter and let the rest fall into place. Elizabeth Gilbert knows just what I mean.

Creative Collaboration

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:26:00 +0000

I can't say that I've ever really had artist's block. I am more likely to run out of time or energy before I have artist's block. I have a list a mile long of subjects that inspire me and even as I sit here, more images continue to flash though my brain. On occasion I will stare at a blank canvas wondering if I should create a close up or if I should start with a sketch or maybe just start and let the image evolve. I admit that I have paintings that I have considered completed, only to look at them and add something later on. Right now, I actually have several paintings that I've started and came to a standstill. They sit there because they are missing something and I haven't figured out what yet. To someone else they might look done but to me they are missing ... something. Several times Bonnie & I have kicked around the idea of each of us starting a painting and handing it to the other just to see how each of us would complete them. A creative collaboration of sorts for fun. The funny thing is, that even thought our processes are different Bonnie & I somehow subconsciously inspire each other. In the past we have unknowingly painted some of the same subjects at the same time without knowing.

Goodbye Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:28:00 +0000

This has been a strange year weatherwise. I mean, there were a few snow storms at the beginning of the year which was nothing unusual but it gave way to a long damp spring. Then it became one of the rainiest summers on record. There were a few warm days but it was never enough to dry everything out and there was always a shower or two for the weekend. Actually, the mosquitos weren't even bad. Probably because most of the rain washed the larvae away. I kept hoping that I'd get to paint my deck this summer. This week I had to turn on the heat, the trees were in full color, rose bushes were still in bloom, pumpkins are being picked and I was driving home in the snow! How wild is that!

Appearance at A New Page!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0000

For the first time, I will be setting up my tent at A New Page on Saturday, September 26th. Located I will have a variety of prints, bookmarks, mugs and other gifty items. Location details are below. But if you have time, please stop in and say hello!

A New Page

1060 Newfield Street

Middletown, CT, 06457

Phone: 860-346-6544

http://anewpage.ning.com/

Glasswing Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:54:00 +0000

In another couple of weeks, my wonderful step-son and his lovely bride-to-be will be welcoming in their son Jack. Unfortunately, due to conflicting schedules we don't get to see much of each other, so our usual mode of communication has been via the internet. About a week or so ago, I went on a family quest in search of the perfect crib. We picked out a really nice one that will convert into a full size bed and will grow along with him and Sammy picked out some great bedding to go with it. Afterwords, we all went back to their appartment to put it together. I had never been to their place before and I couldn't help but notice their collection of dragons. Calenders, posters & collectibles. Dragons galore. So I decided to add one more to their collection....Sorry guys, but this one is for Jack! :)

Emily

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:21:00 +0000

It's been a whole year already since I lost my beloved Emily. She was extremely loving, very trusting and patient with me. She loved everyone and greeted them as if they were someone special. She truely didn't have a mean bone in her body. Even when my jealous Chloe would pick a fight, Emily always let her have her way and would give her kisses. There is still an emptiness where she used to be. I think of her often. Mostly when the world is quiet and before I fall sleep. I was truely blessed that she picked me.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Bookmarks!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:53:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce that I now have eight new bookmarks available. You will find them on my Etsy store until my new website is up. They are also available at A New Page in Middletown.

Friend me on Facebook!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:57:00 +0000

I now have a new Facebook page for fans of my artwork to view new pieces of my artwork, news announcements, discussions, events and more. The page is a little sparse now but I have several new things in the works. Please stay tuned!

Find Your Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:58:00 +0000

Find your passion!!! Actually, that's been on my mind a lot lately. But who says that you need to have just one!!!

Although I have always been a artist, these days painting is what most people know me for. But to be honest, painting is really only one of my passions. When I was ten, I saw a woman playing the flute & I decided that was something I really wanted to do. By the time I was half way through high school I had taken up the saxophone as well and had graduated to first chair piccolo. I was so into it I had even passed up going to the prom because it fell on a night that I would be performing with Mitch Miller at the Bushnell. Back then, I continued to take regular classes in painting but it came second to my love of music at the time. Although I don't perform at the Bushnell anymore, it didn't keep me off the stage. From there I entered the life of community theater and performed such shows as The Boys Next Door, The Orphans, Jesus Christ Superstar and countless Shakespearean plays. I know my passions. Although I paint more often that I do the other two, but I find that I do need them all. And taken in turn, each is another expression of myself.

What's yours?

Art and Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:29:00 +0000

Like many other people I would really like an Iphone. I find it amazing to have all of that technology at my fingertips. Music, phone, camera, internet and painting. Wait! Painting you say? Yep. Just take your little Ipod and download the brushes application. No setting up your canvas, brushes and palettes. No lugging wet canvases. Art on the go. Certainly an interesting concept and one that appeals to me with my busy schedule.

Green Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:16:00 +0000

This is my latest of the nature spirit series. That makes three but I have several more in the works. This one happens to be one of the smaller images measuring only 7x5". Don't let anyone fool you. Although larger paintings have more area to cover which means I use more paint and materials, I find that smaller images are far more difficult to work on because of the confined space. The lighting didn't cooperate this afternoon so there is a slight reflection at the bottom of the image giving it a purple tint to it. But the rest of the image is very close. Enjoy!

Celtic Portal

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:03:00 +0000

I have always found Celtic art fascinating. All the intricate weavings seem overwhelming until you break them down. I had started the painting of the roses quite some time ago and there it sat unfinished. The original image was supposed to be a ring of rosess with a label type quality to it. But when I pulled it out of the closet, I thought that it would make a much better window. It's a simple golden Celtic knot with roses.

Blessings,

Maureen

Book Review - Whipsers in the Sand

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:25:00 +0000

I read a lot of recorded books. Mostly because I spend most of the day on the computer & by the time I get home there is always something that needs doing. Besides, it makes my ride home more fun! Anyway, I usually pick up a book because I find it appealing not just because one of the characters is an artist. I love mysteries and thrillers. I didn't even know that Luisa was a watercolor painter when I picked up Barbara Erskine's Whispers in the Sand. Anna has always dreamed of going to Egypt. Her great aunt had been there, kept a diary of her trip and returned with a bottle that she has always treasured. Now that Anna's divorced she decides to go on the trip of a lifetime. It's a very intriguing tale with mystery, magic, romance and drama.

Setting Atmosphere Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Silence. It's almost impossible to find. You're more likely to find tranquil nothingness during the middle of the night but you'll still be aware of the night sounds as you fall to sleep. Regularl I try to find time to sit still, be quiet and listen and I do find a few moments of peace. But sooner or later daydreams and fleeting thoughts start to intrude and then I start the all over again.

For the most part, I'm the kind of person who needs to have background noice. I mean, the tv is usually on while I'm cooking dinner and I'd be lost without listening to my audio books when I'm driving. It's no different when I settle down to paint. I'll organize my pallet and set up my easel. Then I'll make a cup of tea and turn on the tunes. What I listen to depends on my subject matter. Chances are, if I'm working on a meditation piece you won't catch me listeing to U2 but to something more Enya-esque. Daniel Lanois, Loreena McKennitt, Johnny Lang and Big and Rich are some of my favorites. Care to guess which one I was listening to when I painted the lion?

Want to know more about art licensing? Ask Tara Reed!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:27:00 +0000

In this economy I, like many other artists have been looking for alternative ways of selling their artwork. Due to travel expenses, most of my art shows and festivals are local. I've always wanted to take my artwork beyond the boarders of Connecticut and have the opportunity to sell internationally. Online galleries and shops have made that a reality for me but I still wanted to broaden my horizons. After giving it much thought I decided to start licensing my artwork. For those of you who would like to learn more, Tara Reed is a licensed artist herself and she offers many helpful tips to those of us just getting started as well as showing what pitfalls to avoid. She also has several ebooks available but most importantly, Tara sets aside time each month in which you can ask her questions directly and join her in a tele-conference. She also interviews other artists so you can get a feel for the industry. Her next tele-conference is Wednesday, April 15th 5:30 pm (pacific) / 8:30 pm (eastern). The call is free if you listen but she does have recordings available. Click here to learn more about Tara Reed and art licensing information.

A New Page - New Location and Events

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Girard) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:11:00 +0000

My sister, her mother-in-law, my father and I all celebrate our birthdays with in days of each other. Since we were all together for the weekend, we decided to celebrate by going out for a Sunday brunch. Gene was in front of the TV when I mentioned it to him and asked him if he was coming with us. With a look of shock he remarked, "But, your birthday isn't for another two weeks!" To which I replied, "Uh, no. It's Friday." He promptly flew into a panic and announced, "It can't be! I don't have a present for you!"

The days went by and still there were no gift bags brought into the house. That's okay, I thought. I don't mind if we just go out to dinner. But by Thursday, I had come down with a nasty cold and what's the point to going out to a fancy restaurant if you can't taste anything. Besides, I knew what he was going to get me anyway. Every year he frets about what to get me and every year he ends up at Yvette's. "A New Page" gift shop where he buys me a figurine for my collection. (I actually didn't have a collection until he started buying them there, but hey, I can't complain!) And, sure enough, when Gene came home from work on Friday, he was carrying one of Yvette's blue scented bags!

Yvette Page is a deeply compassionate person with a warm and vibrant personality. She had always dreamed of having her own business. So, it only seemed natural that she would open a gift shop which promotes the well-being of the body, mind and spirit. There you can find books, items for self help, unusual gifts, reiki and always good conversation. For the last several years, A New Page has occupied a storefront on Main Street in Middletown. As the store grew, so did Yvette's vision and she soon realized that she would need to relocate. After months of planning and renovations, A New Page has finally opened its doors at 1060 Newfield Street in Middletown. Her signature interior design maintains the quaint relaxed atmosphere from it's previous location but with the added outdoor space it will accommodate more activities including a labyrinth, drumming circles, several gardens as well as other events.

12 - 6 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
11 - 6 pm Thursay, Friday
11 - 5 pm Saturday
12 - 4 pm Sunday