Just Painting

Drive By

2012-01-26T23:30:00.001-05:00

6x6 oil on gesso board

This is the shadow of our car against the concrete barriers as we pass through Providence, Rhode Island on our way to Naples. The hardest part of the entire trip is packing and leaving the house the day of travel. So many loose ends. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

Coincidently, it's time for bed.

Painting A Day at the Von Liebig

2012-01-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

Debbie who hasn't painted in years really 'got' it.

My first Painting A Day Class at the Von Liebig was great. My students just happened to be snowbirds from Massachusetts! I did a demo of the slices of lime and then they did their paintings which turned out very well. Of course we knew some people in common and my girls were very good about bringing their sense of humor and leaving their inner critics AT HOME. I was impressed and we had fun which is the main thing.
We all have an inner critic telling us how 'not good' we are at what ever it is we might be trying when we step out of the box. I emphasize shutting down any and all doubt immediately and enjoying the process. Life's a journey not a destination ;)

My next session is in two weeks. Click HERE to sign up and be sure to check out the supply list in the sidebar to the left of the class description. Actually, I put in the link to make it easy.
Be nice to yourself today and enjoy life!

Chris 'kicked it' by including the translucent cup of limes.
Very Brave!

Narcissus in Brush Pot

2012-01-11T21:09:00.002-05:00

16x8 Narcissus on canvas panel $350

This cool pot made of recycled brushes and glazed in ceramic was a Christmas gift from a dear friend who knows me well. I painted this on Sunday but haven't been able to edit it and post it until tonight. I am running around last minuting in preparation for our scheduled Saturday departure for Naples.

Don't forget to check out my Painting A Day class beginning Thursday the 19th at the Von Liebig Center for the Arts in Naples, Florida. It's only $25 and is a three hour lesson on how to complete a small painting in a 1-2 hour session. Bring your sense of humor and leave your inner critic AT HOME!

Jackson and Reagan- 12x12 commission

2012-01-06T21:54:00.003-05:00

I picked up my new MacBook Pro last night and I am making my first post from it. I really LOVE it.

::::sipping the kool-aid:::::::::: and I think I'm going to like it more when I see what it can do :D

This commission was done for a lovely woman who befriended me while I was on my Painting Safari by the River last September. Lots of people walk their dogs there and I met them all.
I delivered it yesterday and she was very pleased.

New Years Day

2012-01-02T19:02:00.001-05:00


Corita Kent's 'Rainbow Swash' Iconic Landmark Gas Tank on Boston Harbor 8x8 oil on cradled panel SOLD Happy 2012. I wish every one of you, along with my dearest family and friends a fresh outlook on life, more kindness given and received, more moments lived in the 'now', more compassion for all living beings, more satisfaction with the 'little' things that happen daily and joy from inside. I am blessed with much yet, sometimes I see the glass as half empty when it's half full. Why? It's human nature. I don't believe that it's realistic to be happy, happy, happy every moment. Life's a tapestry of good stuff and not so good stuff. I have to remind myself to look at the gifts I've been given in the people I care about, the world I live in, and the gift of being able to translate light and form into my vision of what I see. I so appreciate the journey that this blog has taken me on and I am delighted at all the comments and visits I received and the relationships that have come from being a part of a global art community. I wish for all of you to find your bliss, whatever it is and let it light you from within. That's the only happiness that's lasting and satisfying. This iconic Gas Tank at the edge of Boston Harbor was painted in 1971 by Corita Kent and was eventually torn down and rebuilt. Each company, the latest being National Grid, has elected to repaint it as she did. The GJWP December Challenge which I chose, was Local Landmarks and I am impressed at what the girls came up with!! Also, My MacBook Pro is on order and I am still limping along with my Dell which runs for about 6-9 minutes and freezes or crashes. Slow going but I'm about to join the Mac Cult. Pass the kool-aid please :D

AWOL on my Blog

2011-12-23T16:45:00.000-05:00

Santa Tea Light 6x6 oil $125 available at Homegrown Arts & Crafts

Technology. Love it or hate it it's here to stay. My computer is experiencing some issue that causes it to freeze up after it runs for about 5-7 minutes. I've run every diagnostic test that I know of and can't remedy the problem. I don't think I have to tell any of you how stressful and upsetting computer problems are, so please bear with me here while I work it out and if anyone wants to email me with suggestions or advice. I'm listening. Meanwhile check out my work at Homegrown Arts and Crafts in Duxbury on St. George Street. Such a wonderful little shop with many beautiful and unique gift items.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Frosty Kisses (win this painting) :D

2011-12-16T09:27:00.001-05:00

The Winner of this painting is Karen Jenks!!!

'Tis the season to give presents and this painting is up for grabs. The hitch? If you are already a subscriber to my blog, send me an email confirming that. If you are not a subscriber (yet) go to the little box on the right and subscribe and then send me an email and your name will also go into the "hat" for the drawing. IMPORTANT: put 'win this painting' in the subject line. I will put all the names in a "hat" and draw one on Tuesday. Because my subscription service gives me no information other than the number of subscribers, I'm going to be switching to a new service and I want to take you all with me and reward you at the same time! :D
I hope all of you are having a wonderful Holiday Season however you celebrate and that, and I KNOW this is a REACH, we all carry the loving caring spirit that we feel during this time of year along with us as we head into 2012. What the world needs now is Love.... where have I heard that?

Stacked Jelly

2011-12-12T21:19:00.001-05:00

6x6 oil on RayMar panel $100 plus $10 S&H (click to buy)

Kelly and Susan are usually slamming each other with jelly on Donut Mondays but today Kelley did a beautiful rainbow sprinkle number while Susan painted a fabulous chocolate frosted on a nifty patterned plate. I just ripped a jelly in half and stacked one piece on top of the other and then stuck a munchkin in there just for fun. I have a plethora of reds and was able to get these glorious glowing tones in my jelly using Thalo Red Rose, Quinacridone Red and Quinacridone Magenta mixed with Cad Yellow Med for that hot orange. I like to sneak up on the donut girls, unexpectedly. Guerrilla Donut Wars, you might say.

Commercial Street, Provincetown

2011-12-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

8x8 oil on gatorboard $135.00 & $10.00 S&H

This is a painting I started a few weeks ago and was finally able to get back to the few little touches it needed. I initially thought that the figures were the focal point but it looks like I really, really love the red storefront (I do). It's up to you to decide. Today's studio work ended up being a wiper but I can start it again tomorrow. Think candy.

Girls Just Wanna Paint Opening

2011-12-03T19:30:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who came out last night to support the Girls Just Wanna Paint show.

It was fabulous!

Standing left to right: Sally Dean Mello, Kelley MacDonald, Tori Brega, Jeannie MacFarland, Mary Sheehan Winn, Joan Brancale, Paula Villanova. Seated left to right: Bonnie Hobbs, Lisa Daria Kennedy, Page Railsback, Nancy Colella.

Joy

2011-11-30T20:55:00.001-05:00

6x6 oil on gessoboard

"Your painting is a wonderful image of doggy joy. Heck, it's a wonderful image of joy period."

This comment was left on the previous version of this painting by reader, Shirley Fachilla, whom I thank for pressing me to repaint this in 6x6, the preferred size for our GJWP challenge paintings.

While I was painting the 12x12 I was thinking, "if this isn't JOY, What is?"

Stop by and meet the "Girls" and see our show this Friday evening.

Scooter

2011-11-28T22:07:00.001-05:00

Scooter, "Eye On The Ball" 12"x12"

Although it is to be gift to Lindsey and David on their wedding next Sunday, I feel reasonably safe posting this painting of our Grand Daughter's Yorkie, Scooter. They don't read my blog. I know. Huh?

Also, come to our Soiree next Friday evening and see 80 of our challenge paintings displayed at the James Library.

Today! Studio Drop In 1-5

2011-11-26T10:57:00.001-05:00

Struttin' Her Stuff 6x6 oil

SOLD

STUDIO SALE 1-5 TODAY!

Come visit me at my Studio at 83 East Water Street, Rockland.

Call 617-671-9900 if you need directions.

Open Studios and A Critique

2011-11-22T10:24:00.000-05:00

Our 20th!! Annual Open Studios was a great success!

The good news is if you weren't able to attend you have the next few Saturdays to make it up to yourself. I will be keeping my Studio open to visitors up until Christmas on a drop in or call ahead basis. My black Subaru Outback will be parked nearest to the street with balloons tied to the roof racks and I will have refreshments for all, after that climb to the 4th Floor! Hours will be 12-5.

In other news- I'm delighted to have received a critique from Tony Moffitt on his Artist.Blog.Critique which you can read in it's entirety here. Getting an objective critique is SO VALUABLE and for those who have been waiting for the new blog template I promised you, well..he thinks it would be a good idea too ;)

Tootsie Pops

2011-11-16T11:19:00.002-05:00

Tootsie Pops 6x6 oil on panel

Who doesn't love Tootsie Pops? The candy is sweet and tangy and mixes beautifully with the chocolate middle. I spent yesterday at the studio finishing up the BIG painting, painting this one and have a third one in the works.

Open Studios is this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5. My inventory this year includes Prints priced from $20-$75.

Google 83 East Water Street for directions to my building. Enter on the left side and chug up the stairs to the 4th floor where I am the first studio. I'll have refreshments to revive you, chairs to sit on to catch your breath and lots of paintings of all sizes. This is the last time I will be offering such low prices on my larger works so get there early :D

A BIG Painting

2011-11-12T22:21:00.001-05:00

Just so you don't think I'm slacking, here's a peek at an almost finished 16x20 painting I've been working on. Painting on this very rough canvas takes a lot of paint and a lot of careful brushwork. I so prefer the smooth surface of panels. I like the texture here though.

One more thing...I ordered my Open Studios cards late and although I will still mail out about 100 of them, please note that my studio is Open NEXT Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 in The Sandpaper Factory at 83 East Water Street in Rockland. Lots of great paintings will be available at low (clearance) prices. Something for everyone and a bunch of new paintings too! Tell everyone and bring your friends, kids and dogs (if they're social) ;) I look forward to seeing you.

Today my brother, Jamey came to my studio to add some 2x4's between the studs in my wall for my little props. He also makes the fabulous Pochade boxes. He's the MAN! Thank YOU Jamey!

Figure Study

2011-11-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

10x10 oil on Raymar

Inspired by Kelley's postings from her exciting week spent in Karin Jurick's Hilton Head workshop I worked up this figure study (WIP) of a couple I saw walking at Slide Rock in Sedona last Spring. I plan to add all the highlights and detail that Karin includes in her beautiful figure paintings. I love seeing older couples hand in hand like this. So sweet. I didn't have much time to work on it before I came up to New Hampshire to visit my little boys. Ryan will be 8 next week. Time flies.

Advocate Cottage

2011-11-03T08:05:00.001-05:00

Advocate is a tiny village 'Down Shore" as they say up in Nova
Scotia. Don's Sea Captain Grandfather and some of the other relatives are buried in the old cemetary down there and it is one of the places we 'ride' to each time we go to Parrsboro. How many times do you think I asked Don to stop or turn around so I could get this shot? I was lucky too. My camera's battery died and I had my old Sony Cybershot along and used it as a backup. Don't you love the classic 1950's teardrop windows in the door? You see lots of them up there as well as the no front steps no matter how high off the ground the door is.

Piano Lesson

2011-10-31T18:23:00.000-05:00

The James Library which is this the subject of this month's Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge, is a fabulous little gem in Norwell where we will hang our first GJWP show next month. I think we have about 80 paintings. Very exciting for us. If you're in the area please come to our opening reception on Friday, December 2 from 6-9 and meet the artists. This lovely concert hall is upstairs at the James and while I was taking photos of the room this young man came in and started his piano practice. Unfazed by moi, the paparazzi.

Over Economy Mountain

2011-10-28T10:15:00.001-05:00

When we go to Nova Scotia we take day trips along the beautiful Fundy Shore. Going South from Parrsboro to Truro we cross Economy 'Mountain'. This is the view from the summit which expands as we descend the hill, to a vista of water and red mud, depending on where the tide is. I never get tired of this area and if it weren't so darn far away, I'd be going up there more often than we do. Stay tuned for a larger canvas I'm working on. I'm busting out!

Reagan in The River

2011-10-25T14:25:00.002-05:00

This is a little dog I met recently down in the dunes by the River. I got that birds of a feather vibe from her human right away and she eventually asked me to do a painting of Reagan and Jackson in that setting. I did this from a photo I took of the two dogs in the water. Just playing around with the looseness and working with shapes and color. I think my favorite part of this is the way the light shows the shape of her head.

Five Islands Barn

2011-10-21T18:08:00.000-05:00

Five Islands Barn $125 plus $10 Shipping

I love the dramatic light in this painting which was the point to begin with. My patient husband stopped dozens of times for me to take photos on this ride down to Five Islands last summer. I photographed every barn we passed from multiple angles. Typically I tell Don to drive down the road and turn around which gives me a chance to shoot quite a few pictures. When I showed him this painting he said, "Oh Yeah, I remember it." A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right? Click on the buy link to purchase.

Honey 'Dew' List

2011-10-18T12:34:00.001-05:00

$125 plus $10 S&H click to buy

So, Susan Roden and Kelley MacDonald are locked into their donut wars but I have snuck up on them showcasing yet another local donut franchise. The little donut holes are called Dew Drops at this place ;)

That's why I called it the "honey dew list". Clever eh?

Also, as soon as blogger works out the bugs in their new template, I'm going to switch from my favorite black background so that I won't have to use pastel colors for readability. It looks good on the blog but when it goes out in email it's on a white background and difficult if not impossible to read. Click on the buy link to purchase.

Geraniums

2011-10-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

"Geraniums" 6x6 $125 Plus $10 S&H

I am toast after spending the entire day vacuuming and washing laundry and rugs because 'the girls' have fleas :( It's not their fault though, they picked them up on our vacation to the Cape, the only place they've been outside our home, but trying to eradicate them is a cyclical nightmare. Neither of them is too keen on the combing and powdering ritual and they run when they see me. Fleas are the creepiest, most disgusting insects EVER.

This is my painting from Saturday's paint out at Kennedy Country Gardens Fall Festival which was great fun. Click on the buy link to purchase.

we are SURE that the vacuum cleaner is coming to get us

Busy Busy Busy

2011-10-08T20:37:00.000-05:00

One of my many participants

Kelley helps a student paint donuts ;)

I'm tired from my busier than usual week but I just want to post some photos of our artist in residence day at Furnace Brook Middle School demo (letting the kids help paint the paintings) on Friday. This is a parent sponsored program that takes place the first Friday of each month. Kudos to the parents and the teachers and the wonderful kids we meet there.

View from inside one of the many greenhouses

Today I spent the day at Kennedy Gardens Fall Festival with some of the GJWP ladies. This premier garden center has a spectacular display of plants and anything and everything to do with gardening! It's always fabulously beautiful but they went all out for this 3 day event and you can see it in the wonderful displays of Pumpkins and flowers and classic cars to name but a few highlights. Food and music too. Don't miss it.