Great Bay

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

4" x 10"

(framed dimensions 10" x 16")

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My husband and I spent an afternoon at the Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, NH a few weeks back.  A lovely spot...even in the cold of winter.

Sights and Sounds

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

11" x 35"

(matted and framed to 24" x 48")

$950.00 plus shipping

To purchase, please email

kathy@kathymallat.com

These five are members of The Swingin' Vermont Big Band.  We happened upon their outdoor performance on Church Steet in Burlington while visiting our daughter there last fall.  Since I took many photos that day, they have been the subject of several paintings.

Some people have been curious about my painting process, so I snapped a few photos along the way while painting this piece.  The photos were taken with just the light clipped to the top of my easel, so there's a bit of a glare, and the colors appear much warmer than the actual painting above.  Hopefully, you can see past those issues to my thought and painting process...

I keep a stash of paste paper I've made (a process for another post!) on hand so that I have a variety suitable in both color and design for whatever idea comes to mind.  I liked the long strokes of this piece and thought they'd work well in representing the flow of music from the instruments I was about to paint.  Above is generally my set up...my laptop with my reference photo on the left, my limited palette of acrylics front and center, and my water and brushes to the right. After lightly penciling in my subjects, I blocked them in with a light wash.

I continued to build up layers of color, keeping them fairly thin to allow the texture of the paste paper to subtly work its way through.

I tend to work in applications of similar colors...first all the skin tones, then all the hair, then all the instruments etc..  That's partially a habit from my days illustrating, and also a necessity since the acrylics on my palette dry rather quickly.

With the faces pretty much complete, it was time to attack the technical aspects of those instruments. 

Yikes!

Next, it was on to the black neck straps and white shirts...which, of course, were not simply black and white!

I saved the sunglasses for the last detail to complete...kind of the icing on the cake for me! I really worked to let the paste paper act as reflective lenses in their glasses.  Fun!  Lastly, I added a touch of green in the background to give the painting some depth, and to 'pop' the musicians just a bit. 

And, there you have it!

Piano Man

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

8" x 8"

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Last month I had the privilege of sitting in on a Salmon Falls River Friends of Music monthly jam session.  While I'm not musically inclined, I do love painting those who are, so I brought my camera along.  This painting is from a photo of Al Porsche, a most talented piano man.

 Trumpeter

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

8" x 8"

(matted to 12" x 12")

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There was no striking light to work from in this photo, but I still couldn't resist giving it a try.

Wistful

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I began painting this man's skin using some leftover paint I had mixed for my previous post. It wasn't long before I realized the paint's cool tone was all wrong for this piece.  I should know better than to let my frugal ways get the better of me at the easel.  Lesson learned.

 Winter Blues

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I created this sheet of paste paper (in the background) quite some time ago, but I just never seemed to find an image for the over painting that felt suitable...until now!  

 Wrapped

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

This girl was standing among a crowd of people in the background of one of my reference photos.  I looked at that photo many times before realizing she was even there.  Fun to find such hidden treasures to paint!

Emerging

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

12" x 12"

(framed dimensions)

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There were a lot of firsts for me with this painting - one of them being those water droplets. It took me a bit to figure out how to make them appear as though they were rolling off the skin rather than growing from it, but I think I finally got there.



 Stargazer

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

Oh, I had FUN with this one!  The only bit of frustration was in scanning the image for this post. No matter how much I tweaked things, I just couldn't match the deep, rich turquoise blue in the background of the original.  Try to imagine it, will you?

Bright Eyed

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

The real challenge in working from this reference photo was the intense bright light that washed away some of the edges and facial features.  I really had to work at painting what I was seeing rather than what I know to be true, especially where the mouth and teeth were concerned.  I so wanted to finish that top lip!

A Feather in His Cap

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
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This cowboy's hat has the feel of many a hard day's work. I guess the cowboy does, too, for that matter! But the hat was the reason I chose to work from this reference photo of mine. The feather was an added bonus for painting.  I must say I enjoyed every second of my time at the easel with this one.

Windblown

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I'm having such fun with this series of portraits! This gal is another from the group of musicians at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine.  She was actually playing a harp, but it was the challenge of her accessories and those fly away strands of hair that I chose to focus on.  I knew the painting was complete when I caught myself attempting to push the hair from my own eyes as I worked!

 Shine On

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I'm not going to lie.  I felt very much in the weeds with this painting.  I was excited by the strong light in the reference photo I had taken, but quickly realized the difficulty in tackling it and trying to capture a likeness as well.  As soon as I let go of the latter, things began to take an upward turn, however.  And, when all was said and done, it did end up looking a bit (kinda, sorta, maybe just a little) like Derek - nephew and twin brother to Jesse (see 1/2/11 post).  Just kinda, sorta, though...

 At One

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

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This musician was one in a group of several at the Common Ground Fair a few years back.  It was his intensity that I was looking to capture in this painting.

The Sky's the Limit

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

This is a painting of Jesse, one of my twin nephews.  As I painted in his beard, I chuckled to think how we all still refer to both he and his brother, Derek, as "the boys".  How time flies...

 Man in Black

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

"14 x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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I was reliving our Grand Canyon trip via photos recently and happened upon a shot that included this fellow.  There's something about a cowboy's true grittiness that I find appealing to paint.



Minnie

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

22" x 18"

(framed dimensions)

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This was commissioned as a Christmas gift by a friend who jokes that her parents treat their adorable little dog, Minnie, better than they ever did her.  I've heard competition between 'sisters' can be fierce!  ;) 



Oh, Christmas Tree

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 8"

(matted to fit a standard 14"x11" frame)

$110.00 plus $10.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

We had plenty of snow for last year's tree excursion. With the exception of a flurry or two this year, we've had no snow to speak of here in southern Maine...yet!

Nature's Own

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

5" x 3"

nfs

We've had snow flurries here on and off the past few days which put me in the mood for painting some winter landscapes.  A quick look back through my reference photos revealed this little gem - a favorite that I have painted several times before.

 Bowl Full

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

15" x 18"

(framed dimensions)

$125.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

My intension for the studio today was to start in on a piece I've been commissioned to paint.  I got distracted by the light streaming in through our kitchen window and onto the fruit bowl, however, and had a sudden urge to paint that instead.  The commissioned painting will be next, though.  Really.

 Around the Bend

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 8"
(framed dimensions)

$65.00 plus $10.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

One last fall scene. This view was on a walk back to our camp from Nat's bridge.  I'm missing summer already.

 The Finale

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

16" x 13"

(framed dimensions)

$150.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I took the reference photo for this painting on our last camp visit a few weeks back.  I zoomed in on this cluster of trees along the shoreline just to the right of Uncle Charlie's camp.  It was the strong light that caught my eye...even from such a distance.

Hat's Off to You

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

4" x 4.5"

(framed dimensions)

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We helped to close up our family's camp a few weeks back.  While there I had planned to collect a pocketful of acorns to bring home.  It seems the squirrels and chipmunks beat me to it, however, since these two acorns were all I found.  They were still worthy of a painting, though...no matter how small.

 Memories Unleashed

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

18" x 18"

(framed dimensions - painting size is 6"x6")

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  My grandmother was a concert pianist and music teacher. She also loved to sew. She taught my brothers and me a bit of each.  We all took piano lessons from her (some of us persevering more than others!).  And, often when we spent time at her house she would pull out her button box and we'd hang out at her dining room table learning how to sew buttons onto scrap pieces of fabric.  I'm not sure my brothers really cherished those sewing sessions, but I remember them fondly.  That old tin cigar box held a vast assortment of buttons...all sizes, shapes, textures and colors...and all for the taking! I came across that box recently (still filled to the brim with buttons) which sparked the idea for this painting.  Given my grandmother's musical side, this particular paste paper background seemed a logical choice. 

This one's for you, Gran!

Chief

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

15" x 17"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

Another portrait of a Salmon Falls River Friends of Music member.  Chief Noda generally rounds out the evening's concert with stories that make you roar with laughter, and music so beautiful it makes you weep. A truly talented and gentle soul.

 In the Moment

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

18" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

This painting is from a photo I took at the Salmon Falls River Friends of Music concert last spring. Ben Werth is a talented young musician who captivated the audience with his fine performance.

 Cool

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 12"

(framed dimensions)

$150.00 plus $30.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I chose to work from this reference photo today for the challenge of the straw hat.

Turns out a challenge is exactly what I got!

Phew!

Fine Tuned

Mixed Media

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I paste papered over some old sheet music a while ago.  I was curious as to whether the paper would accept the paste, and, if it would hold up as a painting surface.  It seemed to work well on both counts.  Of course, the music has a copyright date of 1931, so how long it will last is anyone's guess. The musical notes added an interesting dimension, though.  It's a song titled "By My Side" with lyrics by Dorothy Dick and Bert Lown, and music by Harry Link and Chauncey Gray.

Wired

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

12" x 10"

(framed dimensions)

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Candy Corn sure looks innocent enough. I admit to nibbling on a few as I painted this piece, and before long it became evident that the jar wasn't the only thing in my studio that was wired!

Yikes!

Up and Away

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 20"

(framed dimensions)

$150.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I had a blast painting this one. I had no idea if I could pull of the weightlessness and transparancy of those bubbles, but somehow it just...happened!  I love those easel moments.

Green Living

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

12" x 12"

(framed dimensions)

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We see lots of turtles when we kayak on the lake.  Most of them slide into the water as we paddle by. This little guy stayed put, though, which made for some great photos.

Painted Painter

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

8" x 8"

NFS

Earlier this week, I received the news that I've been accepted as a member of the daily painting site, Fresh Paint Daily Painters.  Needless to say, I am thrilled to be among such a talented and prolific group of artists. This latest venture prompted me to finally create an image for my profile. I've grown tired of looking like the rest of those gray silhouetted folks! Because I am a painter, it seemed appropriate to create my own portrait. So, that was how I spent my easel time on Thursday. Since I've painted both of my daughters sporting their sunglasses, I decided to make us a trio and do the same.  

Tootin' His Own Horn

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

18" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

Another painting inspired by the Swingin' Vermont Big Band.  I liked the challenge of working with a variety of textures.  Figuring out the composition was an interesting process, too.  I'm happy with the close up view that I settled on for both this painting and the previous post, Brass Section.  It's a fun twist to have the focus on the instruments rather than the musician.

 Brass Section

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

18" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$250.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

Church Street in Burlington, Vermont has become one of my favorite places to visit.  There's always so much going on there. It's a visual feast! As my family and I strolled along there a few weeks back we happened upon a musical performance by The Swingin' Vermont Big Band.  They were awesome, as were the couples who dared to break out in dance right in the street.  Fortunately, I had my camera. I'm glad to have the photos to work from in my studio.

 Keeping On

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 12 "

(framed dimensions)

$125.00 plus $10.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

We have a spindly little peach tree in our side yard that we planted years ago. It's never grown beyond its almost five foot stature. The top was snapped off when our first cat attempted to climb it. Yet, somehow each year it manages to produce at least a dozen perfect peaches from its two little limbs.  Quite spectacular, actually. I decided it was time to honor it with a painting.

Harvested

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

18" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus $20.00 shipping
To purchase, please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

The Common Ground Fair was held a few weeks ago, and although the weather was a bit too overcast for photos, it did inspire me to take a look back at some of my reference photos from previous years.  Of the hundreds I have to choose from, this one fit the mood today. 



 Hanging by a Thread

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 11"

(framed dimensions)

$95.00 plus $20.00 shipping
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While exhibiting my art at the Bangor Public Library a while back, a patron presented me with this lovely paper crane he had made from a magazine page (hopefully not one belonging to the library). 

It hangs in my studio.

Still Smiling

Mixed Median on Arches Cover Paper

26" x14"

(framed dimensions)

Private Collection

It's always a bit daunting when attempting portraits of people I feel passionate about.  When I painted our daughters, Meg (All Smiles posted 2/28/10) and Erin (pictured here), I so wanted to capture not only their likenesses, but their personalities as well. I am extraordinarily proud of the bright, thoughtful, determined young women they have become. 

Can you tell?

 Great Escape

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

21" x 21"

(framed dimensions)

$375.00 plus $30.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I had fun working with a limited palette for this painting. The obvious challenge was the abundance of colors in the marbles. I'm amazed by what can be created when starting out with just eight colors. It's so much more interesting to work this way rather than just squeezing pre-mixed colors from the tube. 

The marbles in the painting are mine from childhood. My mom sewed the marble bag for me and, though it's not visible, she even hand embroidered my name on the front.

Downtime

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

(painted on all four sides - ready to hang)

15" x 60"

$1200.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

I've been itching to paint this boat scene since photographing it in South Freeport, Maine.  Last month's workshop with Carol Marine left me intrigued by the idea of working with a limited palette. I experimented a bit with a few smaller paintings before launching into this much larger piece. As it turned out, having more room to move about on a large canvas made it easier for me to see how the mix of colors worked together. It also made any color adjustments easier as well. And, actually, I'm just as pleased with the variety of colors I created on my palette as I am with the finished painting!

Beach Bum

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

12" x 10"

(framed dimensions)

$100.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

Unlike the shells, stones and feathers painted in an earlier post,

I couldn't take this guy home with me from the beach.

He hung around in the sand long enough for us to become pretty good friends, though!

Last week I participated in a three day workshop with Daily Painter,

Carol Marine.

To read more about it, click here.

Beach Finds

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Stock

14" x 11"

(framed dimensions)

$110.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

It was fun to paint these few keepsakes that had I slipped into my pocket during a walk on the beach last week.

The walk on the beach was fun, too!

Blown Away

Mixed Media on Archival Paper

10" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

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I couldn't resist one more go 'round with the dandelions. 

This piece is made up of three 2"x3" sections painted on a single piece of paste paper I created during a workshop session last fall with master bookmaker, Nancy Leavitt.