Sherrie Russ Levine Blog

From Study to Studio: Winter Arrangement

2012-01-16T11:56:00.000-06:00

I just finished this 24" x 30" studio painting of a winter arrangement in natural light and I like how true to the study it turned out. My new year's resolution is to paint larger and to find what really sparks my inspiration. So far things are off to a good start and I'm sticking with it...what are some of your new year's resolutions?

Winter Arrangement

2011-12-19T23:16:00.003-06:00

I've changed gears and have been working on a lively still life series in the studio! To warm up to some larger works I did this little piece for the Huntsville Museum of Art's Gala Art Auction in February. I'm so excited to have this one and a couple others like it in this year's event.

Above title: Winter arrangement study, 6x6, oil on gesso board.

Here's a sneak peek of the 24 x 30 in progress. The next one will be a 30 x 40. I'm lovin' working big in the new, roomy studio!!

Opening of the December 2011 6Inch Squared Exhibition and Sale

2011-12-11T12:43:00.000-06:00

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Sharing this amazing creativity. This video warms my heart and puts my in the spirit of the season. I spotted my two pieces in the middle of the clip...who's can you find? Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!!
www.randyhigbeegallery.com

6 Inch Squared Show: Fall 2011

2011-11-11T13:43:00.000-06:00

"Mist at Point Lobos", 6x6 inches, oil on canvas.

I'm thrilled to have 2 pieces accepted into the "6 Inch Squared Show: Fall 2011" at the Randy Higbee Gallery, located in Costa Mesa, California. This is a collection of the finest artists in the United States and I'm honored to be included among them. The Gala Artist's Reception is December 3rd from 5-9 p.m. and the show runs through December 23rd. For more information go to: www.RandyHigbeeGallery.com

"Annie's Place", 6x6 inches, oil on canvas.

New Digs...

2011-10-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

...as of this past September the Levine Nest is empty, and I've taken over the bonus room and moved my STUDIO up there. After having hardwood floors installed and returning from California, I've been moving in for the last three days. Now I'm ready to start my Field to Studio works based on the studies I brought back from my recent trips to Italy and Carmel. Finally I have breathing room and I can spread out...in fact my dog "Summer" is doing just that after we finished everything Tuesday night.We were bushed!!!
Title: Coastal Waves Study, 8x10 inches, oil, location: Carmel, CA (on the table easel next to the big easel)

On Location: Scott Christensen Workshop

2011-10-21T09:15:00.001-05:00

Day one's painting at Rocky Point before the class began.

Painted yesterday at Point Lobos in the mist! The American Impressionist Society's Exhibit & Reception is tonight at Mountainsong Galleries in Carmel and then the workshop wraps up! It's been a spectacular week with great, inspiring views.

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Location:Carmel, CA

Day Four: On Location in Italy

2011-09-23T11:05:00.001-05:00

My favorite painting of the trip was here in Orvieto, Italy. This was in the piazza del Duomo before our light lunch in this amazing cafe beside the church.

...from our terrace at Hotel Oasi.

...from the top of the island at Lake Trasimeno. I've had an incredible trip that I'll never forget, arrivederci Italia!!

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Location:Orvieto, & Lake Trasimeno

Day Two: On Location in Italy

2011-09-22T15:44:00.001-05:00

This 6x8 study was done in early morning on the high road that overlooks Cortona.

On day three a cold rain storm forced us to run for cover and set up under the shelter at the theatre. The highlight of the day was getting to order a cappuccino and paint at the same time!

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Location:Cortona

Day One: On Location in Italy

2011-09-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

Buongiorno from Italy! I'm in Cortona with Lori Putnam and Toscana Americana on a whirlwind seven day painting tour of Tuscany. Here's a painting from day one. Ciao, more to come!

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Location:Cortona

Painting Among Friends

2011-09-09T18:28:00.000-05:00

"Morning Coffee View" by Sherrie Russ Levine.

Recently I invited a few good friends and "like minded artists" to our lakehouse on Tims Ford Lake in Lynchburg, Tennessee for some much needed R&R! It was so inspiring to be with such creative women and a dream of mine to have an artist retreat there. We really let our hair down and got up early one day to paint without ever having to leave the porch! Here's a few more...

"Little Red Barn" by Nancy Rhodes Harper

"Cove Study" by Lori Putnam

"Early Light, Tims Ford" by Thalia Kahl

Also there were Mary Malone and Bitsy King who both light up a room wherever they are. Thanks for the memories...I can't wait to capture the lake's beauty again, among friends!

New Works at AULD ALLIANCE GALLERY

2011-08-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

Annie's Blooms, 18 x 24 inches.

This and other new works are now available at AULD ALLIANCE GALLERY here in Nashville. I painted this from life inspired by the gorgeous blooms I took home after a day of painting on location at Annie Goetze's farm in Franklin. To see what else is new visit AULD ALLIANCE GALLERY to see their updated website that is in progress!

American Impressionist Society Show Entry

2011-07-22T14:16:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled that my painting "Bella Vista" was accepted into the 12th Annual National Show of the American Impressionist Society held at Mountainsong Galleries in Carmel, Oct 15-Nov 15, 2001!

Morning at Annie's Place

2011-07-16T16:15:00.003-05:00

"Annie's Place" I , 6" x 6", oil on canvas

"Annie's Place II ", 6"x 6", oil on canvas.

Worked on location in sunflower fields this morning at Anne Goetze's farm in Franklin. These are in gold floater frames so all the edges are seen. Thanks for letting your artists friends paint on your beautiful Tennessee farm Annie!!

Day Three - Last day in Paradise

2011-07-13T22:28:00.000-05:00

"Where heaven meets the Earth", 9 x 12 inches, oil.

I found this spot in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet and was inspired to paint this tranquil marsh scene on my last day in South Carolina. The seafood doesn't get any better or fresher than it does in this part of the world. While I worked the local fishermen were going by and the hum of their boats was so relaxing!

Day One - On Location

2011-07-12T08:50:00.000-05:00

"Coastal Refuge", oil, 9 x 12 inches.

Found this secluded spot to paint yesterday that is an "alligator protected habitat" while in North Litchfield Beach. I had lots of visitors on the bridge I was on because everyone new to stop and look for gators!

my plein air set up

a very curious visitor watching me paint!

Carter House Charm

2011-06-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

Beautiful summer day here in Franklin, TN. So I went out and took advantage of it this morning and painted this for the upcoming "Captured: History on Canvas" art event & sale, at Carnton Plantation, July 15-17. For more info visit: Battle of Franklin Trust title: "Carter House Charm", 9 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.

"Morning on the Square"

2011-06-07T12:47:00.000-05:00

Met up with The Chestnut Group to paint at The Confederate Monument in downtown Franklin yesterday morning. It's always a lot of fun to paint in public as a group and the quaint atmosphere of Franklin is priceless! The Chestnuts are preparing for the upcoming show "Captured: History on Canvas", July 15-17, 2011, to benefit "The Battle of Franklin Trust" at Carnton Plantation in Franklin. For more information visit: www.battleoffranklintrust.org

title: "Morning on the Square", oil on canvas, 9 x 12 inches.

What does Plein Air Painting mean to you?

2011-05-27T13:01:00.000-05:00

For me it means to paint on location, capturing the atmosphere or mood of the moment. I want the viewer to feel exactly what it was that made me take a second look at the scene, and to make an emotional connection with that response. After thinking about this post I discovered I just revised my artist statement and while updating my website I also discovered this article "The Value of Original Art" . This is deeply meaningful to me and I wanted to share it with anyone who creates, teaches and represents Original Art! The above title: "Morning Skyline", plein air painting in oil, 6 x 6 inches, Sold.

Moody blues at Cheekwood

2011-05-18T14:38:00.000-05:00

Do you like to paint on a gray day? I love to because you can really see muted colors and the painting is about your subject, not the light & shadow. While out at Cheekwood yesterday on "Chestnut Tuesdays", I wanted to paint the sculpture at the reflection pool because the grayish blue color of the water looked so different than it does on a sunny day. I'd rather paint on a cool, overcast day anytime over a hot summer day wouldn't you? title: "Moody blues at Cheekwood", 9x12 inches, oil.

Painted my heart out yesterday with Lori Putnam!

2011-05-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

Finished this piece in Lori Putnam's "From study to studio" one day workshop. Title: Tuscan Light, oil, 20 x 24 inches.

Here is the study I chose to enlarge and the pencil sketch of the composition in my sketch book that we were to complete. The larger work was quickly painted to be as accurate to the 2 value pencil sketch as possible. What an invaluable task, I'm so grateful for Lori's generous spirit!

Low Country Charm

2011-04-22T16:51:00.000-05:00

Who's planning a trip to the beach this summer? I am and I can't wait to feel the sand between my toes on the arrogantly shabby island where I grew up in South Carolina. The inspiration for this piece came from the creek view at the north end of Pawley's Island, and it will be going to the upcoming Harding Art Show on May 5-7.title: Low Country Charm, oil, 8 x10 inches.

HARDING ART SHOW, May 5 - 7, 2011, Nashville, TN

2011-04-13T14:39:00.000-05:00

These "Little Gems" in 6 x 8 inch bronze frames provided by Randy Higbee at kingofframe.com will be in the upcoming HARDING ART SHOW at Harding Academy, May 5-7, 2011 here in Nashville. For more information please visit artshow.hardingacademy.org

Dappled Light

2011-04-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

Inspired by the early morning dappled light in Tuscany, this studio piece was done with the palette knife and I'm pleased to announce that more of my latest works are now at The Auld Alliance Gallery in Nashville, Tn. Title: "Dappled Light", 18 x 18 inches, oil on canvas.

What's on my Easel...

2011-03-25T12:49:00.000-05:00

This study was inspired by a dear friend and neighbor's photo from her recent trip to Italy. I thought she captured a great composition and a moment in time when she was waiting on her husband to find her during their brief separation while walking through the hill town of San Gimignano in the rain. Grazie mille to Dr. Sheila Meadows for giving me permission to reproduce her masterpiece! Title: study for "Rainy Day Umbrellas", 8 x 10 inches, oil on canvas.

Announcing a fresh NEW signature for Spring!

2011-02-22T18:52:00.000-06:00

Here's a fresh new arrangement for Spring and a fresh new signature to go with it! I'm dropping the "S" in my signature to simplify it's legibility; and, since there are two of us with the same name and spelling in the art world, this will clearly be a distinction without being too much of a change. So, starting today I'm going to spring ahead and sign all my new works "Russ Levine" with the hopes of bringing in an early new season!

Title: Spring Bouquet, 16 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.