Fall Focus

~Inspiration from the fabulous, Mary Todd Beam

I'm spending some time revitalizing my art by creating a series of mixed media pieces. I am largely inspired by all of nature and by Mary Todd Beam. She is a wonderful teacher and artist! Autumn always feels invigorating to me as the temperatures moderate and nature puts on it's most colorful show.

In contrast to our beautiful fall weather, I'm deeply saddened for all the people who are suffering under the ravages of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. I pray for your safety and recovery.

xo

Whimsical Series

A few seeds were planted last year about creating a series of paintings around "fake landscapes or fake nature" and ever since I have really fancied the idea. It was an interesting journey to see where those first seeds would take me. 

While creating a number of these paintings, I listened to a wonderful album by Mark Kelso with Linda Worster called Grief & Grace. While at first it seemed a little odd to me that this music would feed my whimsical painting, but it must have been just what I needed at the time. Marking art is very much a part of my spiritual journey. There is a great sense of peace and calm now that wasn't there when I began this project. Thank you universe!

Blooming in Stockbridge

It's been a busy spring so far! I recently dropped off three more paintings at the Red Lion Inn Gift Shop in Stockbridge, MA thereby completely their orders for the short term. I love going to the gift shop because there is such a variety of beautiful items made by local artists and artisans. While there, I was told the art photo necklaces are selling well and that means I will need to be making more of them soon though.

These paintings were created in watercolor but with many layers of glazing. This technique produces quite a different look from the usual transparent loose flowers. I enjoy painting using both techniques and have started some looser paintings currently. I like to mix things up from time to time.

Poppy, Sunflower, Shasta

The Red Lion Gift Shop carries a number of my paintings, mini journals, art cards and art photo necklaces. The Good Purpose Gallery in Lee, MA also carries mini journals, art cards and the art photo jewelry. I am looking into selling the smaller items online again and will keep you posted about developments in that area.

Today feels like a summer day - time to take a break and a long walk.

xo

What's New for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, literally four days from now. While outside my window there's a twenty inch blanket of fresh snow from this week's blizzard, Spring will still come. And as Spring bursts forth, I am busy creating new mini journals, art cards, jewelry and small paintings for The Red Lion Inn Gift Shop.

Serendipity at work again... I will also add a few larger paintings to my inventory there over the next couple of months, as I paint them. I will be sure to pop some on here to show you what I'm working on next. Happy creating and Happy Spring!

xo

Handmade at the Hollow

As the holidays draw near and we start to think about choosing just the right gift for our loved ones, an opportunity presents to support your neighborhood small businesses while purchasing high quality and unique gifts under one roof.

I'm happy to be included in a wonderful group of artists, artisans and makers who are preparing for this fun event on NOVEMBER 26 in downtown Albany hosted by The Enchanted Florist of Albany and Downtown Albany. Among offerings at my booth will be Art Cards, Mini Journals with original tiny paintings attached (ACEOs) and Small Works - original paintings ready to hang. Still in development is a surprise new item I hope to be adding to my collection that day.

Grandbaby Love

Look who's here! This sweet boy has arrived and we were all thrilled to meet him.


Photo courtesy of Christine

At the Core Art Exhibit

 

 

I have always been drawn to spiral shapes found in nature. In this exhibit, At the Core, I celebrate spirals and how they may appear in our lives. Symbolic spirals are one of the oldest geometric shapes found in all cultures throughout history. They are truly timeless and universal.

In terms of birth and growth, the spiral can be found everywhere in nature beginning from the core or center and expanding outwardly. Some spirals represent a path leading from our outer consciousness inward towards our souls. Movements between our inner and outer worlds are mapped by spiraling rings both individually and collectively.

“The human mind always makes progress, but it is a progress made in spirals."
~Madame de Stael 

 

 Gerald M. (Jerry) Tuckman collaborated on this exhibit providing each painting with a title and an accompanying poem. We met in 2014 when Jerry and his wife visited my studio at NUarts during First Fridays Artswalk. Our first collaboration was for Autumn Alchemy at the Whitney Center for the Arts.

 

 

Artisan Marketplace, Lee, Mass.

On Saturday, June 18th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM you will find me at the Artisan Marketplace being held in the Spectrum Playhouse right around the corner from The Good Purpose Gallery in Lee, Mass. In addition to mini journals and art cards, I have painted some small works, matted and ready to frame.

Here's the FaceBook Event Page for more details. I'm really looking forward to this event and having the chance to hang with a great group of other artists and artisans. See you there!

Art Cards - blank with matching envelopes

Mini Journals

Art on Lark - Rescheduled to July 16th

I am also super excited about this year's ART ON LARK happening in Albany, New York on Saturday, July 16th from 11 AM to 6 PM. Among the many booths to stop by is Albany Center Gallery's booth showcasing this year's juried artists, including me.

This from the Albany.com website:
 "Art on Lark is an annual summer street festival that celebrates local art and artisans in Albany, NY. One day each year in June, the city’s historic Lark Street is shut down to traffic and transformed by artists' displays including painters, photographers, jewelers, sculptors, ceramicists, live performances, and music. Shoppers can enjoy all the regular businesses Lark Street has to offer including cafés, restaurants, gift shops and bars, as well as over 50 local artists popping up for the day with their individual booths. Attendees can also enjoy food, drinks, live music, and the best of Lark Street!"

Here are my paintings that were chosen for this show. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the art, hearing the music, seeing loads people and just enjoying a great day on July 16th. Hey, if you are in the area...it will be a fun way to spend a few hours.

 

Granbaby Love

Photo credit Christine & Chris

While I'm devoting a great deal of time to making art these days, there is always LIFE happening too and what could be sweeter than the anticipation and joy of waiting for a grandbaby (except actually meeting the little one)? At least for me this is huge, something I love so much and that warms my heart as nothing else. You have met grandbaby #1, Samantha. Now we are awaiting grandbaby #2.

Blessings!