Come Make Art With Me!

I just updated my "workshops" page above and listed all the new classes I'm offering at Workshop13 in Ware over the course of the next few months.  I hope that you will take a look and find something that interests you.  I'd love to meet you!  

Please feel free to "like" and "share" this on Facebook . . . "the more the merrier," I always say.  :)

Delivery

"Backlit Birches" in its new "forever home
50" x 40"
(watercolor on cradled aquabord)

Last week I delivered my commission to its new home.  It will be hung here above the fireplace, but for now, we just placed it to get a feel for how it will look.  We were all pleased with its size relative to the space and the way it reflects the underlying color of the neutral walls.  It's always fun to see the culmination one's efforts displayed in its new space.  A big "thank you" to Lynn and my clients for this wonderful experience!  Oh, and I'm about 5"10' just to give you an idea of the scale.  :)

Below I've included some photos of the painting at various stages.

Have a great weekend!

Figuring Stuff Out

paper loops - graphite - work in progress

Not much to report here . . . just been working on some value studies.  Have a good night and thank you for taking a peek.  :)

paper loops - watercolor on aquabord
6" x 6"

"Basket Of Raspberries"
5" x 5"
watercolor on aquabord

This is my second piece in my little raspberry paintings. My series is not yet up for auction until the final painting is completed. Stay tuned for final piece!

Thank you for viewing my work!

Artist Appreciation Month

Black Lab Lending Light Figure
by Patience Brewster

I was recently made aware that August is Artist Appreciation Month and am celebrating this month along with other artists including Patience Brewster, by sharing the names of artists who have influenced my work.  If you are not familiar with Patience Brewster's art, you should definitely visit her site.  I own a few of her Christmas ornaments and they are delightful, whimsical, detailed figures --  it's like meeting up with old friends every year as I unwrap each ornament to hang on the tree.  

"Demitasse with Pear" - watercolor - 21" x 28"
by Marla Greenfield

Of course I studied my art history in college and was completely in awe of the masters and their genius.  Specific artists whose work I was enamored with are:  Jan Vermeer (LOVED my "Dutch and Flemish Painting" class with Professor Upton) . . . and Vermeer's beautifully rendered, serene interiors . . . Andrew Wyeth (of course! That palette, the emotional depth, need I even say more?) . . . Winslow Homer (those moody New England seascapes and sparkling Carribean paintings), Thomas Eakins (his delicate handling of watercolor) and Edward Hopper (watercolor architecture, those compositions . . . yummy!)

A few years ago, I took a watercolor class with Marla Greenfield and at the risk of sounding overly dramatic, she changed my life.  Her approach to rendering light made a huge impression on me - she is a wonderful instructor, please view her work, you won't be disappointed.

In addition to Marla, there are many contemporary artists whose work has inspired me in various ways as well -- and they're permanently listed to the left of this post.

"Toledo House II" - graphite on paper mounted on panel - 12" x 16"
by Charles Kanwischer

Lastly, I wouldn't be where I am today without my early art teachers including Ms. Bullock and Mrs. Hutchinson - who instilled a love of art in me from early on . . . and my art professors at Amherst College: Charles Kanwischer, Robert Sweeney and Carl Schmalz.  Prof. Schmalz was a successful watercolorist and unfortunately passed away before I got the chance to thank him and share my current work with him.  He was a dear, dear man. Robert Sweeney is an oil painter and is the person who taught me the importance of value underpaintings and studies (not to mention my love for still life) that have influenced my current work greatly and Charlie Kanwischer taught me printmaking: a love, excitement and appreciation for, I still have.  Charlie's brilliant work in value is awe-inspiring and I think of him every time I draw.

"Roman Still Life" - oil painting - 32" x 36"
by Robert Sweeney

I am constantly humbled by the genius of my contemporaries and those who've come before and am happy to take this opportunity to thank them for continuing to challenge me to become a better painter.

Thank you for reading my post and have a great day!

Approval!

"Backlit Birches"
50" x 40"
watercolor on aquabord

Hello all . . . I had a fantastic meeting on Friday with my clients who commissioned this painting for their new home . . . and everyone is happy! Yippee!  So this is its official unveiling. 

This painting is very large, so unfortunately photographing it is a little difficult - you don't really get all the details, but hopefully you get the idea.  I'm pleased with it and think it's pretty cool in person (if I do say so myself).  :)  Might I add that I'm very grateful to Lynn and my clients  -- this has been a wonderful experience: thank you, thank you, thank you.  I grew so much as an artist and am excited to try my hand at some very large aquabord watercolors in the very near future.  Below are some photos from early on.  I think it's neat to see the way paintings evolve.

Have a great day and thank you for stopping by.

Redware Winterberries

"Redware Winterberries"
8" x 10"
watercolor on aquabord

Click here to bid.

Not that we want to think about winter, but this is a piece I did for my April show and just decided to put it up for auction now!  Thank you for stopping by.

Series of Three

work in progress
5" x 5"
(watercolor on aquabord)

This is the second painting in my little raspberry series.  I'm still working on my large commission . . . but am wrapping that up this week.  Thank you for stopping by.