I Love Good News That Comes in the Mail

Today, I fought the cold wind to go out to the mailbox.  I always look forward to getting anything to do with art; such as magazines, etc.  However, today I got a notice that all three of my oil pieces ( "Just Another Pretty Face", "Holland Tunnel Glow", and "Looking at the World Through Psychedelic Glasses") were accepted into the 2013 Biennial Juried Exhibition at Roanoke College's Olin Hall Galleries. What an honor that is for me!  Since switching over from pastels to oils, this is the first time I have entered anything into a juried show, so today is a good day :-)  The show runs from March 15th through April 5th, 2013.  So, if you are in the area, stop in!

Window Display with Reflections

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This display is in the window of The Electric Company Artist Co-Op, a new and wonderful venture in Bedford, Virginia.  The pottery was made by Dan Perkins and is really quite beautiful, with or without the sun shining on the pieces.  I love the reflections on the glass as well as the old building across the street. I found painting this a little bit of a struggle for me...So different from what I've done previously in oil.  I think it would have been a little easier in pastel, but I'm committed to trying new things and developing my skills using oils.

Belly Rubs and Tourist Wishes

10 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

In Asia, the belly is considered one's spiritual center. When one rubs the Buddha's belly, it is believed to bring luck and well being.  This Laughing Buddha is carved out of stone and sits in Singapore. He must have heard quite a lot of stories and might actually be laughing at the many strange wishes and requests people ask for.

North Wind Huddle

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

This little painting was done rather fast.  My goal wasn't to get an exact rendering, just the "feeling" of the cold wind at the beach in Maine. We had all the clothes in our suitcases on, and it still wasn't enough to keep us warm.  It's 22 degrees here this morning and if I remember correctly, it felt like 22 or less there, and that was the beginning of September, not January.  I've painted this scene before in pastel, but thought of trying it again in oil...Like I said, just a quick one..and just for the "feeling."

Monhegan Dawn

12 x 8 Oil on Arches Oil Paper

To Bid on This Painting:

On the last trip I took to Monhegan Island, Maine, I got up at dawn and walked the Island taking photos.  That had to have been the best and most inspiring time I've had in a long time.  When I started out, it was relatively dark, and on an island without street lights, dark is REALLY dark.  As the sun came up though, the colors around me were absolutely beautiful, and I'll never forget them.  Manana, which is an uninhabited island right off Monhegan, glowed an almost florescent orange.  What a sight!  If I ever win the lottery..I should say, if I ever play the lottery and win, the first thing I would do is buy one of these houses. It's like taking a step back in time.  I was just reading The Beekman 1802 Blog, and was totally blown away by a quote from Brent:  "Although we give a lot of importance to the crossroads, the U-turns, the speed bumps, and the forks in the road that mark our journeys, sometimes intersections, sleepy and quiet, are equally profound."  How beautiful!

Pose and Don't Smile!!

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

So...I said "Turn so I have your profile and don't smile!"  I wasn't expecting him to look so sinister, but I really like it.  Maybe it was my tone when I said to stop smiling, and I can almost hear what he was thinking. My main goal when I painted this was to convey that feeling.  It's all in the eyes!!

10,000 Blog Visit Milestone Giveaway

In honor of hitting the 10,000th visitor mark, I am giving away a free copy of my book to one lucky blog visitor.  All you have to do to enter is go to my Website, www.pastelpaletteartworks.com.  Go to the tab "Specials" and enter to win.  If you are among the first 10, you will receive a free small Giclee print of your favorite painting on my blog.  

Tucked Away

SOLD

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

I love this cottage that was nestled in the woods in Maine, but what really attracted me to it was the play of light in and around the trees.  I've said it before, but there is something wonderful about the light there.  I think it has to do with the atmosphere and being so close to the ocean.  If it wasn't for all the snow, I'd be living there.  That being said, I sure wish Virginia would get a little...It just doesn't feel like winter without it!  I think they said it might reach the 60's this week.  That's just plain unfair!!

Barney Two

SOLD

Here's Barney again.  I posted another version of him a few minutes ago.  Don't you just want to cuddle him?  I know I do :-)  I'm sure Tallulah (my Sproodle) would have other plans, however.  I'd love to see the two of them play together. Lula is probably the fastest dog around, and I'll bet Barney would give her some competition.   Thank you to Barney's family for letting me paint him.  As I said, I really enjoyed it.

Barney One

SOLD

This adorable Goldendoodle (Yes, it is a GOLDENdoodle) was done as a commission, and I thoroughly enjoyed painting him.  I enjoyed it so much that I painted two. I am posting the other as well.  I thought I misheard the owner when he said he was part Golden.  Apparently, the mother was a Golden Retriever and the father was a black Poodle.  You can tell who had the stronger genes :-)  Barney looks a lot like my Sproodle, (Springer/Poodle), Tallulah. You can't beat a Doodle for a pet.  They are extremely smart and sooo cute and I think Barney might win the cutest Doodle contest.

By the Slice

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

What better way to start off the New Year than with a slice of pizza?!  Actually, a better way to start the New Year is to PAINT a pizza.  I should have placed a bottle of champagne next to it, but thought of it too late :-)  I said it in my last post but it warrants saying again:  Thank you for spending time with me on my journey this past year and for providing input and encouragement.  The blog has had almost 10,000 visits!  I am going to have a special give-away when I reach the 10,000 mark, so keep checking.  I'm almost there....Happy New Year Everyone!