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!

Art On the Go

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

I really love watching Plein Air painters at work.  They are usually so engrossed in what they are doing, they don't even focus on the crowd that is watching them.  I, on the other hand, always feel I have to talk to everyone.  (I can hear all my friends saying "Surprise, Surprise.")  I also tend to feel like I'm at an audition and people are judging every stroke I make.  My plan for 2013 is to change all that and just go out there and paint.  Bugs are another issue.  I'm the one you will see running around swatting at insects with my brush...A friend told me that Listerine keeps the bugs away.  Well, I sprayed it all over me and the bugs loved it.  Meanwhile, I smelled "Minty Fresh" for weeks, as did all my art supplies.  So, resolutions for 2013...Paint Plein Air and really enjoy it, and start talking to the bugs.  Maybe they'll get bored and go away :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  LET'S HOPE 2013 IS A SAFE, PEACEFUL ONE!!  Thank you all who have visited my blog and who encourage me to keep on 'keeping on.'  Love you All!

Merry Christmas!!

This painting was done on December 19th, 2009 during a huge snowstorm here at Smith Mountain Lake.  At least it was huge for Virginia.  That storm wound up closing roads and schools for quite a while, mostly because we are not prepared for that amount of snow.  I know it was over a foot.  Up North, a drop in the bucket...

I wish you all a safe holiday.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Let's hope 2013 brings us all peace.  (I would insert a peace sign, but there isn't one :-)

Ho! Ho! Ho! ..Or Not!

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This "Santa" man looked like he had the world on his shoulders as he walked by me at the Hotel Roanoke.  He was dressed the part, though.  He had on a red velvet jacket and, of course, the hat.  His wife was leading the way and the interesting thing is that she was not dressed "Christmasy" at all.  As a matter of fact, she looked rather plain, so I wonder what the scene was like at their house that morning as they dressed.  Whatever it was, I so enjoyed painting him!  Bah Humbug and Merry Christmas all rolled into one.

Christmas at the Pump

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

I'm thinking that this was a trial run for a Christmas trip.  This was the day after Thanksgiving.  Do you think his wife made him wear the sweater? The temperature was 70 degrees and it was Winter Park, Florida.  I liked his "cowboy" stance :-)  This is what happens when I have my camera and have time to kill.  Most people just fill up and go, but I look for photo opportunities...This is the second, and I promise the last painting done at this gas station.  You notice I didn't say "any" gas station....just "this" gas station.

This painting is being auctioned at Daily Paintworks.  If interested in bidding, click on the DPW Link on the right and go to the Auction page.

2013 Smith Mountain Lake Calendars

GOOD NEWS!  My 2013 art calendars have all sold out at The General Store here at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.
MORE GOOD NEWS!  Since they were so popular, they have ordered more and they are available now.  They can be purchased exclusively at The General Store, and they go fast so hurry in if you are in the area.  They are located at 213 Scruggs Road and their phone number is 540-721-3009.

Waiting, and More Waiting

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This was "Flu Shot Central" at the doctor's office.  It was close to closing with just a few people left to get their shots.  Aren't Smart Phones great?!  Before we had them we had to rely on magazines that were years old to keep us amused while waiting.  Quite often, you would be reading something that you found interesting only to flip to the next page and find that someone had ripped out a recipe or something.  This woman never looked up once, and we were there for quite a while.  The older woman behind her kept getting up and pacing.  No Smart Phone :-)

Still Life with Reflections

9 1/2 x 7 1/2 Pastel on Wallis Paper

This is a departure from the oils I've been doing. This is an older painting, but I really do like it and thought I'd post it again.   I usually don't paint a still life, but I was attracted to the way the light from the Venetian blinds reflected on the pottery.  I must admit, I did enjoy painting these flowers, but not as much as painting quirky people.  Not sure what a psychiatrist would have to say about that, and I probably don't want to know. 

Rolling Along

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

There is a great trail in Winter Park, Florida, made specifically for biking, running, skating, dog walking, and just plain walking.  This was the day before Thanksgiving, and the weather couldn't have been better.  It was cool and sunny.  Perfect for any outdoor activity.  As these two women passed us, I snapped a picture.  The painting is a quick study of that moment.  For me, painting these scenes takes me back to each person and place, like listening to music and remembering exactly when and where you were when you first heard it.

Tallulah, Queen of the Couch

Oil on Arches Paper for Oil

12 x 16 Matted

They told me to stay off the couch.  Technically, I'm not on the couch...I'm above it.  If they look at my expression, I'm letting them know that and they better not mess with me.  Comfort is my number one priority.  I've got 'living for the moment' down.to a science.  These humans just have to follow my lead :-)

This painting is being auctioned at Daily Paintworks, DPW.  If you are interested in bidding, go to the DPW link on the right and to my Auction page.

Sharing the Earbuds

8 1/2 x 11 Oil on Canvas

This must be the greatest grandfather, and he must also be partially or totally deaf if he is listening to his granddaughter's music.  He looks too peaceful for it to be Rap...I know that my father would not have been sharing my earbuds (if they had them back then).  He allowed me 1/2 hour to listen to Rock and Roll in the car, and then we had to switch back to classical or opera.  Even my children, when they were growing up, complained about my music in the car.  They hated that I played "Alice's Restaurant" on the way to their grandparents' for Thanksgiving each year, and really hated Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones.  Now they appreciate my taste in music, as I appreciate my father's.  Thankfully, we all change and hopefully grow...although I still love the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan :-)  Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving!

The Meltdown

5 x 7 Oil.on Gessobord

I'm not really sure what was going on with these two people, but the body language really struck me.  The young woman's pose reminded me of "The Scream," by Edvard Munch, and the man looked really aloof.  This was at an outdoor festival.  Perhaps the woman didn't like the music playing or couldn't decide what piece of pottery to buy...a drama queen type.  Whatever it was, they were an interesting couple to paint. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hat Trick

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

I loved doing this painting!  I tried working on this once before, and it was one of those days when I wasn't satisfied with anything I did; but today, it just happened.  I really felt like painting, and that seems to be when things work out for me.  What a great sense of accomplishment I get at times like this :-)

One World Trade Center

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

The new Trade Tower was still under construction, but certainly stood up tall and proud Downtown.  The reflection of the sky on the windows was really breathtaking.  I debated about putting in the construction bins along the street, but decided to keep them as they draw one's eye to the tower.  I wonder if the construction workers thought of that when they placed them there....

This painting is being auctioned at Daily Paintworks, DPW.  If you are interested in bidding, please go to the DPW link on the right and then to my Auction page.

An Acorn and a Parrot

8 x 11 Oil on Arches Oil Paper

An acorn and a parrot were on a Brooklyn brownstone stoop...Sounds like the beginning of a joke, doesn't it?  These two were certainly excited about Halloween.  The parrot must have decided to take his parrot head off.  I'm not sure why, but I love the wisp of hair sticking straight up :-)  His costume actually reminds me of Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean."  More flamboyant pirate than parrot...They are both so cute!  Smile on my face painting this one ...

Sketching the Masters

SOLD - DONATION TO HURRICANE SANDY RESCUE RELIEF FUND

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

Another New York moment!  It was hard to find a quiet spot at the museum, but this woman did.  She was tucked into a place where she wouldn't have people gawking at her or stepping on her, and she was really focused.  There's no better way to learn from the Masters, and how lucky to have access to that wonderful art.  This donated piece was sold and 100% of the sale went to The American Red Cross Hurricane Rescue Fund.



Hurricane Sandy Donation Update

UPDATE: 

Both of the paintings I put on auction with Daily Paintworks to benefit Hurricane Sandy Relief have sold.  I want to thank everyone for their interest in my work and for helping to get all of those people who have lost so much back on their feet.  Every little bit helps!  Please continue to watch my blog for future events and to keep up with my new work.

Again, Thank You!

Grand Central Haze

SOLD

Matted 8 x 10 Oil on Canvas

I don't know why, but I've started about three or four different paintings and have walked away from them for a while because I'm not satisfied with them. I know when I go back later on I'll get inspired again, but for now, it seems better to just put them aside and wait.  This piece, however, was fun to do.  It started as what I considered a failure, and wound up as something that I really like.  For me, it captures the feeling of midday at Grand Central Station. 

Train Spotting

9 x 12 Oil on Canvas

12 x 16 Matted

One of my favorite subjects, Rocky.  He's the comedian who stuck his head in the water in one of the previous paintings I did.  Here, he seems to be getting a better view of his trains.  It was pointed out to me that Thomas the engine should be in front, but obviously Rocky has a different take on it.  I go with his interpretation...Be Your Own Man :-)  I love this kid!

Hurricane Sandy

UPDATE:  "Glorious Fall" has sold!  Thank you for your donation to help those in need.

To all those who have suffered damage during Hurricane Sandy, my thoughts go out to you and your families.  I have joined other artists on Daily Paintworks in a Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser.  I have added two paintings to the Fundraiser.  One is entitled "Glorious Fall" and the other is "Sketching the Masters".  Currently, there is a bid on each of these.  If you would like to bid, you can either wait until the paintings show up on the widget on the right, or pull up www.DailyPaintworks.com, and put in my name.  If you go to the Auction screen, you can just pick either of these and bid.  This is such a great way to help those in need, and get a painting, too!   100% of the proceeds will go to a relief group of your choice. Thank you, and again, my thoughts and prayers are with you all Up North.  

Attentive Listener

10 x 8 Oil on Arches Oil Paper

This is the same figure I did in the painting "Chillin" but more of a portrait than a study.  I generally don't paint portraits, but lately I've been really attracted to them.  It's my "What have I got to lose" theory.  All through this, my mantra was "It's only paper..."  I must say, I really love the way this turned out.  I tried hard to capture the subject's persona, not necessarily trying to get every detail down.  So...Here it is :-)

Glorious Fall

SOLD - DONATION TO HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

12 x 16 Oil on Gessoed Artist Canvas

Fall is one of my favorite times of year.  I could almost smell the dried leaves and crisp air while I was painting this.  Add the smell of roasted chestnuts, and it would be a perfect world...Oh, wait!  That's New York City.  I used to love passing the vendors selling roasted chestnuts.  Well, this is in New Hampshire at a Shaker Village my wonderful cousin took me to.  After this weekend and the storm that is coming, I imagine most of the leaves will be gone. With what the Weather Channel is predicting, I hope the house is still there :-) 

Just Another Pretty Face

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

You are probably asking yourself what kind of strange artist would paint something like this.  Well, it was the challenge of it that attracted me.  My daughter had a conference in Washington and took a side trip to the Smithsonian.  She sent me some photos, and what immediately interested me were the shadows.  This is Ecocene's Big Bird.  I suppose he is related to our Big Bird only not as yellow, and has apparently been on Weight Watchers.....

Tourist Heaven

11 x 7 Oil on Arches Paper

This tour bus passed us as we were walking from the hotel to the MET.  If I could have flagged it down and hopped on, I would have.  We thought we knew where we were going, but wound up walking way out of our way...What felt like miles out of our way.  I really loved the man looking up with his mouth open.  In the city, that's probably not a good thing.  One never knows what might fall in :-) 

Rockin' At the MoMA

8 x 11 Oil on Arches Paper for Oil

Well, it was hard to decide if I wanted to pay attention to the artwork or this couple.  They were a distraction, I have to admit :-)  I followed them around at a distance for a while, trying to get a good photo of them from the front, but settled on this rear view, which I really love.  I'm glad they chose the MoMA to visit.  They really seemed into the art.  It was interesting to see the looks they got from the other visitors.  It obviously didn't bother them, and I'm glad.  I'll bet if the other male visitors could have gotten away with pants that tight, they would have been thrilled :-)

Chillin'

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

 

This is the husband of a wonderful local artist who just happens to have a great face to paint.  I think I was told that he doesn't like his picture to be taken, so that just encourages me to take that picture and paint him as well.  In fact, I might paint him again because I have a wonderful close-up, too. :-)  I'm pretty sure he knew I was taking photos of him here.  He totally ignored me, probably hoping I would go away.  Not very likely...Love that pose!

Painting Behind Monhegan School

8 x 11 Oil on Canvas

This was such a fun trip!  It is wonderful just being around other artists and being out in the salt air.  I learn so much from seeing what other artists choose to paint.  It's interesting to find out what captures their attention.  What I think of as mundane, others will make into masterpieces.  This was a perfect spot and a perfect day.

Cowboy Boots and Short Shorts

8 x 10 Oil on Arches Oil Paper

I was doing an outdoor art show and these two teen girls strolled by in their boots and shorts.  I'm relatively sure they coordinated their outfits before leaving for the day. I'm always amazed that kids (and perhaps some adults) think they are being so original...exactly like everyone else.  During the 60's (Yes, I'm dating myself), my "original" uniform was faded, ripped jeans, tie-dyed everything, straight long hair (a la Mary of Peter, and Paul fame) and sandals, even though my  feet were freezing in the winter :-), or black tights and black short skirts for dress...That's what pretty much everyone wore in the Village in New York.  Yes, originality at it's best...OK..I'm really feeling old now!

Free Spirit

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

 

I have done many versions of this gentleman and I say each one is my favorite, but this is definitely my favorite ... until the next.  I never get tired of painting his face.  It's so expressive and, to me, wonderful.  He was walking in Roanoke when I saw him.  He has that weathered look which I find fascinating.  This is as close to a portrait as I will probably get.

Golden Fall Morning

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

There are a few days during the year when the view becomes spectacular.  This was one of them.  These are the hard paintings to do because it is difficult to do justice to nature.  I painted this landscape from my studio at Smith Mountain Lake.  Believe it or not, the rusts and oranges were brighter than they appear here, so much so that when I tried to capture the colors, it wasn't believable.  This is pretty close, though :-)

Claytor Nature Study Center Plein Air

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Our art group, Artists on the Loose, spent a day at Claytor Nature Study Center last week.  What a beautiful place that is.  There is so much to see and paint, but we were attacked by stink bugs, so our day was a little shorter than it could have been :-)  This was a very fast painting done in between swatting and running.  I thought about doing more to it at home, but am going to leave it as is. Not too bad for painting on the run....

Layer Upon Layer

14 x 11 Oil on Canvas Board

I really love this view at the Museum in NYC.  What really attracted me to this scene were the silhouettes on the third level.  I'm not crazy about canvas board because it seems to absorb all the oil and I had to do layer upon layer...as in the name of this painting :-)  I'm extremely happy with the way this turned out considering the architectural angles and the fight with the canvas...I think I might do it again on a different surface just to see the difference in the way it turns out. 

Pumpkin Heaven

9 x 12 Oil on Artist Canvas

Better to paint a lot of pumpkins than just one.  My theory, at least!  I was tempted to put a face on a few, but decided against it.  I really love this time of year, but miss the cold, crisp days up North.  We'll get them, but they just don't last long enough. 

Shari, Blowin' in the Wind

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

This was a quick little painting, but sometimes those turn out the best..  There are a few things I could go back in to "fix" but will not because I love the looseness of this, and if I go back into it, it will become a "portrait" and will lose its spontaneity. 

Clowning Around

5 x 8 Oil on Artist Canvas Sheet

11 x 14 Matted

The boots were obviously meant to keep Rocky's feet dry, but no one thought to provide him with a swim cap :-)  This is my cousin's grandson who is too cute not to paint.  He is the same child that I painted on the slide.  It's getting to the point where I can't wait until he visits my cousin because I then get more opportunities to paint him.  If and when he returns to Australia, his real home, I will really miss these fun paintings.

Rat Messenger, New York City

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

Crazy, huh?!  We passed this rat sitting across from Trump Tower in New York City, displaying his message to all who walked by.  Apparently, they pop up with different messages at different times.  When I lived in the City, I saw a few rats but they were scurrying across the avenue and heading for the subways.  They usually didn't wear aprons with messages on them :-)  Some were pretty big, but this guy must have been a couch potato....

Playground Tete-a-Tete

7 x 5 Oil on Gessobord

This started out to be my cousin's son and grandson, but morphed into unknown people.  I've grown to like them, though.  After you work and re-work so many times, your subjects become friends :-)  I almost gave up on this and thought about wiping it off, but changed my mind.  I'm glad I stuck with it.  It serves as a study for another piece, perhaps morphing back into my cousin's son and grandson....

Sailing on Smith Mountain Lake

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

I never get tired of painting this scene, and I've done it year after year.  Another of our glorious windy days which are perfect for sailing.  We have wind here in the Spring and Fall, but usually in the summer it's difficult to move.  You just bob around.  This happened to be a rare windy day and there were a lot of people out there taking advantage of it.

One Too Many Cupcakes

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

Who could resist this?  A man asleep on a bench outside of a cupcake shop.  Well, this was just too good :-)  What fun this was to paint. 

Tallulah's First Birthday

A slight variation from my artwork, but Tallulah deserves a post to celebrate her first birthday.  It's especially exciting because that means she is closer to being an adult Sproodle dog, and less like teenager :-)  At least one can hope... She thanks those that sent cards and gifts.  They are much appreciated.  OK..tomorrow, more artwork ...

Looking at the World Through Psychedelic Glasses

10 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This gentleman was enjoying the Smith Mountain Lake view through his thoroughly awesome psychedelic glasses.  My daughter, who realizes what crazy things interest me, used her cell phone to snap the picture.  He seemed oblivious, which was a good thing.  Taking pictures of people is a really touchy thing.  His glasses were a bluish green with what looked like spirals in them.  Very Cool!! 

OOF - Say What?!

SOLD

 

5 x 7 Oil on Gessobord

There was a line to get to the information label on Edward Ruscha's painting called "OOF,"  and each person left with a smile and quizzical look on their face.  I must say, it was striking when one walked into the room where it was hung at the MOMA.  My main focus in this little piece was the women peering at the information.  "OOF" was painted by Ruscha in 1962.  He said "I was interested in monosyllabic word sounds that seemed to have a certain comedic value to them."  I know I walked away smiling :-)

Holland Tunnel Glow

 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

Believe it or not, the Holland Tunnel has the most beautiful glow at certain times.  The last part of our trip into NYC was a challenge due to a terrible rain storm, but once inside it was so quiet and peaceful.  Not much traffic.  Just this golden glow...and then we exited to thunder and lightening and rain so heavy we couldn't see.  We really would have liked to go back in.  Bet not too many people say that!