North River Arts Society Art Sale

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Every year the North River Arts Society has a wonderful art sale. There is fantastic original art, prints and tons of other items all priced just right for the upcoming holidays. So if you want to start your shopping early and are tired of giving out those traditional boring shirts and ties, come on by and add some spice to your gift giving.

I will be selling framed originals, unframed originals, some prints in these fantastic little stand alone easels that sit right on a small coffee table and coasters.

Many of my first-rate artist friends will have their gorgeous items there, also. Somehow I always end up spending part of what I earn cause I just can't help but grab that scrumptious landscape at it's marvelous price.

Get there early as it's always a popular event!

Golden Light

The Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod will be having their annual Member's Show to be held at the Brewster's Ladies Library-1822 Main St., Brewster Ma. The opening reception is November 6th, from 3-5 and the show runs through the 30th. I have entered this little 8"X8" fall piece (and it is for sale). The lighting was extraordinary that day casting a golden glow on the river. I found this fall fantastic for painting with our unusually warm crystal clear weather and gorgeous skies. Made up for the fact that the leaves on the trees, although still stunning in places, were not quite as vibrant as past years.

126 Front Street

I finished this piece a while back and hope to enter it in some upcoming shows. There are many elements that are represented within the painting that depict the contrast between gaiety and innocence and the desperation of our social times.

The subdued tones of the worker's attire reflect the resignation of the figure to his situation in life. In addition, he is surrounded by the crumbling, faded brick building.

Although currently trapped behind bars, the children's lighthearted pink painting on the door suggests that there can be hope for the future.

Arts On

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There is a great event happening this weekend for anyone interested in some fantastic silent auction prizes, a tasting of some premium wines or a tour of some very talented artist's studios. Should be a lot of fun! And all to help support a wonderful arts organization...

A New Leaf

Out walking yesterday on the first day of fall and came across this remarkable brilliant red leaf on the ground. First brightly colored leaf I had happened upon this new season. "How appropriate and beautiful," I thought. After I picked it up and studied it, I looked up and around trying to find which tree or bush it had come from. The only other red leaves I could find were a patch of poison ivy. I had already been holding the leaf for a few moments and grazing it gently with my fingers when I came to this realization that I may have ruined my day. I gingerly tiptoed up to the poison ivy patch for a closer look making sure not to inadvertently touch the nasty stuff and much to my relief, my leaf was somewhat different. So I took it home and did a painting of it...Anyone know what it is?

Also, I am testing out the different grades of Uart Pastel paper. This was done on the 800 grade. I found it very much less granular. It doesn't allow you to scumble as much as the lower grades. And gives kind of a fuzzy effect and a mushy feeling. Getting tight details is a little hard. Good for if you want to not be too tight with your work.

Anyone looking for a plein air umbrella? I have a new box that has a specific umbrella that works with it. So my other very lightly used one is up for bids. Comes with carrying case and accesories...

plein air umbrella

Crabbin'

It has been at least 30 days since I dropped my middle child off to college. There is a definite missing piece around the house without him here. While watching the late night news if I hear a sound, I absentmindedly think it is Jarrod coming through the door, only to be disappointed that it is the house settling in for the night. I miss those hilarious, animated midnight stories of his adventures or misadventures of the day.

I made my first fall dinner of home made beef stew the other night. One of his favorites. And felt guilty eating it without him present. My husband and youngest child did not have the same concern.

Time really does fly by too fast. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I captured he and his friends “crabbin” in the pool tides. I know he must now yearn for those lazy summer days when his only concern was making sure his fingers weren’t pinched by the wary crustaceans. Now his responsibilities are studying, grade point average, professors and girls. Of course, he is also having the time of his life taking in incredible Penn State football games, clubs and just hanging out with a slew of brand new friends.

So while I do have my extreme moments of melancholy, I only have to imagine Jarrod now in a group of Penn State friends laughing infectiously as they walk the narrow paths of the campus and I feel much better.

Beginning of Summer

Available at

I had done a small 8"X8" plein aire piece for a fundraising event at the North River Arts Society, Out of the Box (or OTB). In that event, everyone is given a small square formatted board to work on. When I was out painting it, I thought it would be nice to actually compose the scene in a long horizontal format, so I used the plein aire piece and my reference to complete this larger painting. I couldn't post my larger piece or even the smaller piece until the Out of the Box event was done, because part of the fun and mystery of that event is to keep secret who the artist is who did the painting until bidding has ended. Well, the event ended this past Saturday night with a great party, absolutely fantastic Choclatinis and lots of happy people leaving with their newly won artwork.

So here is my longer 13" X 27" composition piece...

Wellfleet

Recently made a trip to Wellfleet to deliver some news paintings to the Kendall Gallery. I love Wellfleet. It has such a free spirited character about it. Where else can you jump in the car and catch a movie at the Drive-In Theatre or pick up any floatie you could imagine and head to the beautiful unspoiled sandy beaches?

The Kendall Gallery has a warm charm of it's own with a wonderful assortment of artwork featured in the main gallery and when you venture out to the back, an outside sculpture garden that offers little nooks and crannies and quiet spots to sit and contemplate and which also leads you to a second beautiful gallery area and frame shop.

The owner's, Walter and Myra Dorrell, always make you feel welcome, comfortable and at home. Walter's watercolors always amaze me. He creates striking rich colors in his paintings that defy the medium.

It is a joy to be included in this gallery. Thanks Walter and Myra!

Class

Recently finished teaching a great class to a fantastic group. We had a perfect weather day one day and headed over to Scituate Harbor to the little beach tucked in by the Y.C. I was so thrilled with how great the class progressed. Funny moment of the day was when I, the teacher, was critiquing a painting and stepped backward and didn't realize there was a nice size rock behind me. I never realized you could actually force your body to fall in slow motion. Actually landed pretty softly. The only thing bruised was my ego...haha.

For Pastels Only on Cape Cod

Available at Kendall Art Gallery, Wellfleet, Ma

I went to a lively opening of the For Pastels Only on Cape Cod show sponsored by the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod. The show is being held at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth through the 27th. The space is quite beautiful. It is a renovated bank and has some really interesting architectural elements which made for fun viewing. There are even paintings hung in the old vault room which still has the original vaulted door. I was honored to receive The Landscape Award sponsored by Liz Haywood-Sullivan, especially since Liz is a fellow pastelist and wonderful friend. Richard McKinley and Margaret Dyer were the Jurors of Selection and Awards and I, along with my fellow paparazzi artists, were thrilled to meet Mr. McKinley first hand. (He must have been blind by the end of the night with everyone taking turns to have their picture taken with him.) This is the picture that I was lucky enough to win the award for...

This show has now been extended, so for anyone down near the Cultural Center, it is now running until July 7th!