Yes!

I'm still here!

And I'm still creating!

But, I'm moving in a direction that's new to me

(where no paint brushes are involved!).
YIKES!

I've been taking photos along the way

 and will begin to post everything once I get my bearings,
so please check back.

See you soon!

sweet

Jingle All the Way

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
SOLD

'Tis the season, and I'm enjoying every second of it!

Gone but Not Forgotten

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 10"

(framed dimensions)

NFS

Point of View

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

18" x 16"

(framed dimensions)

$120.00 plus $25.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the side bar)

This photo was taken during a trip to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont this past summer.  Meg and I both had our cameras that day, and she was kind enough to share her photos with me when we returned home.  I believe this photo may have been one of hers.  Meg always has a good eye for finding an interesting point of view.



Last Light

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I've passed over this particular reference photo many times over the years while in search of a little inspiration for the easel. Then, for some reason it seemed to jump out at me over the weekend and I couldn't wait to give it a try.  Strange when that happens. I had a blast with these colors, though. 

Bling

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

It took me a long time to work up the courage to attempt this portrait of my niece, Krista.  Sometimes I want to achieve a likeness so badly it can make for a paralyzing session at the easel.  Consequently, this one took much longer than usual to complete, but I finally got there.  Phew!

Tenderhearted

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x14"

(framed dimensions)

$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

This painting is from one of the many broad reference photos I took of the crowd at this year's Common Ground Fair.  In it, I happened to capture this fleeting, yet tender moment.  I love when that happens.

Perfect Pairing

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

13" x 11"

nfs

This painting served as the image for the invitation to my first

Fine Art ~ Fine Wine

open house/studio 

held on October 15, 2011.

Scroll on to see more...

The event was held at our home in Lebanon, Maine.

I provided the art while Richard and Anita Carle, proprietors of Prospect Hill Winery in Lebanon, offered a sampling of their fine wines.  

Inside, friends and family gathered for some good conversation.

Over 100 of my paintings were exhibited throughout our home and my studio.

Guests browsed about stopping to sample the wines along the way...

and enjoy the wonderful array of treats provided by my great pals!

My longtime friend and neighbor, Jane Mulligan, won the Perfect Pairing doorprize.

Everyone was anxious to see whose name would be pulled to win the bottle of Propect Hill red wine.

Congratulations, Bob!

While everyone was dog tired by the end of the evening...

we all agreed it was an event worth celebrating!

My thanks to everyone for making the night such a memorable one!



Silver Lining

Acrylic on illustration board

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I am not a fan of thunderstorms, however I do find exceptional beauty in thunderheads.



 Benched

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the  sidebar)

I've been away from the easel for a bit and have got some catching up to do.  I captured this duo while visiting the Shelburne Museum in Vermont recently.  If you've never been, I highly recommend it.  We spent an afternoon there which, we quickly discovered, was not nearly enough time.  So much to see! 

Quick Fix

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

These days it's pretty easy to spot someone so engrossed in some form of technology that they're unaware they're actually posing for a reference photo opportunity.  That was the case with this gal.  I didn't think she'd mind.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

$110.00 plus $20.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

More often than not it is kayaks that we see on the lake these days.  It was nice to watch this guy paddle quietly by our camp one morning in a good ole trusty canoe.



Row Your Boat

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

The idea of water seems pretty inviting to me given today's hazy, hot and humid weather. 

Full Bloom

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

25" x 21"

(framed dimensions)

$390.00 plus $40.00 shipping

(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I lost my way with this one mid way through and came very close to adding it to my reject pile.  I'm glad now that I resisted the urge, and hung it there with it.

Mutual Adoration

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

20" x 20"

(framed dimensions)

NFS

This is a portrait of our youngest daughter, Meg, and her beloved pup, Linus.  I painted it a few months ago but have kept it under wraps (quite literally) until today since it was a gift for her birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGHAN JOAN!

Stand By Me

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

21" x 21"

(framed dimensions)

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

Great to put a few of my larger brushes to good use (both on and off the paper)!

As for the wine, well...there's nothing like a little celebration after a successful session at the easel.

:)

 Ready for the Plunge

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

11" x 13"

(framed dimensions)

$100.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I had fun with the variety of textures here.

 Lost and Found

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 16"

(framed dimensions)

SOLD
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I don't believe I'll ever tire of painting marbles!

The Point

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 17"

(framed dimensions)

SOLD

This is a bit of the property our camp sits on as seen from the bridge. It was painted from a reference photo I took last year toward the end of summer.

Small Brain Curd

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
SOLD

John is a long time friend, and one in a group of four talented musicians known as The Small Brain Curds.

This painting is from one of their recent performances.

Aglow

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

Another view inside our town hall.  The light  from the stage cast a lovely, warm glow throughout the room.



The Gathering

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

My previous post showed the outside of our historic town hall.  This post gives a feel for what was going on inside those walls last Saturday evening as the musicians who make up the Salmon Falls River Friends of Music performed.  In years past, I've always pointed my camera toward the stage.  This year I chose a seat along the side which gave me an interesting view of the performers as well as the audience.  I love this man's relaxed demeanor.

Meeting Place

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

15" x 19"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus $30.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

One of the best things about old New England towns is their meeting houses.  Lebanon's town hall is no exception. It was built in 1833 and is still used on occasion for various events including the annual Salmon Falls River Friends of Music concert which was held this past weekend. The building creates the perfect ambiance for this musical event with its tall windows, old fashioned lighting, long benches, creaky floors and enthusiastic music goers.

I must credit my daughter, Meg, for this particular reference photo.  She wandered with my camera for a bit and took some great shots.  I love the angle of this photo.  It makes our little ole town hall seem rather grand, don't you think?

 Crisscross

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

I didn't want to walk away from my easel on a sour note after spending days on a larger painting only to have it end up in the dud pile.  sigh  So, I pulled up a reference photo from my archives and let loose with my paints taking a few artistic liberties along the way. It turned out to be a fun and relaxing way to end last week's
not-so-successful session.

Don't Look Now

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

These two mules seemed to have such a great connection that I felt a bit like an intruder as I painted.



 Gentle Man

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

I love it when I scour the backgrounds of my reference photos and discover a moment in time I hadn't intended to capture...but did.  This is one such moment.

Calm

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

10" x 16"

(framed dimensions)

$115.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

I'm happy for these summer days to be just around the corner...at long last!

This scene is from a series of reference photos I took last summer while visiting our daughter in Vermont. 

Swing Singer

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

While this singer performed beautifully with the
Swingin' Vermont Big Band,
it was her swing era persona that most intrigued me.  She gave me loads to work with!

 Sweet

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)
SOLD

These Jelly Beans were the perfect excuse to mix up some bright, bold colors. What fun!

Back to Back

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

12" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

I passed by this back road scene on my way to an appointment.  Although I was running a bit late, I just couldnt resist pulling off to the side for two quick reference photos.  It's amazing that I had enough to work from since I didn't even take the time to roll down my car window!

 Gearing Up

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

I always get inspired to paint when I revisit my reference photos from our trip to the Grand Canyon. While the views of the canyon were spectacular, it's the images of the mules and the riders that ultimately get me to my easel.

 All in Favor

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

$100.00 plus $20.00 shipping
(see Purchasing Info on the sidebar)

This is my attempt at the Daily Paintwork's "chicken challenge".  I ran into a technical glitch so I was unable to post it on that site. I thought I'd at least give it its due here.

Sure Sign

Acrylic on Arches Cover Paper

4" x 4"

NFS

Florals are definitely not my strong suit. However, when this tiny pitcher filled with miniature daffodils arrived on our desk at work, I couldn't resist giving them a try. Thanks, Peggy!

 Introspective

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 another face in the crowd from a photo I took at the Common Ground Fair in Unity Maine last fall.  So fun to paint!

Just Ripe

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

My paintings are each done in acrylic on a handmade paste paper base.  This was my first attempt using the Golden Open acrylics which, I quickly discovered, have a completely different consistency than the heavy body acrylics I typically use. Since my intention is to use these open acrylics (which have a longer drying time) for some plein air painting this summer, I'm hoping I can adapt with a little practice.  We shall see!

Bottoms Up

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

21" x 21"

SOLD

These are two of our fine feathered neighbors that began frequenting our yard last summer. They are usually joined by a flock of guinea hens.  Wow...are they ever noisy!

 Under Lock and Key

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

SOLD

I'm not sure why, while at the top of a mountain with 360 degrees of beautiful views, this padlock on the door of the warden's cabin seemed to capture my attention.  Odd, to say the least. I'm glad I snapped a few photos, though.  It was fun to paint.

Off Season

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

22" x 18"

(framed dimensions)

SOLD

A few weekends ago, my husband and I took advantage of one of the first real spring like days to hike Blue Job Mountain in Strafford, NH.  There's a fire tower at the top with some wonderful views including that of snowcapped Mt Washington.  At the base of the fire tower sits the warden's cabin which, in spite of its padlocked door and boarded windows, still seemed inviting to me.

Spotlight

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

The surprising thing about working with a paste paper background is never knowing exactly where, or even if, the texture will present itself when the painting is complete.  This is a case of the latter. 

 Keeper of the Beat

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

SOLD

This is a painting of Rich Magnuson, yet another fine member of the Swingin' Vermont Big Band, and one with whom I've had the pleasure of a bit of correspondence since the debut of my SVTBB paintings.  So nice when life runs full circle like that.  Or, as Rich so aptly wrote...when art inspires art.  Thanks for providing a bit more inspiration, Rich!

 Larger than Life

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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

We had a large window installed in our kitchen a year or so ago.  I just love the light that streams through it.

 Sparkling Wine

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

SOLD

Allow me to explain the little specks all over this painting. It's all good...really! Toward the end of my recent, and very loooong paste paper making session, I happened upon a container of glitter and figured...eh...why not?!  So, on the last sheet of paper, while the paste was still wet, I experimented by generously sprinkling the glitter over it and allowing the paste to dry.  To my amazement, most of it actually stuck.  Even more astounding was the discovery that most of it stayed in place, and still 'glittered' even after being painted over (though it doesn't show here, it does sparkle on the actual painting...hence the title!). Only when I stepped back from the completed painting did I realize that the glitter which had not remained in place was now stuck to everything in my studio...the floor, my easel, scanner, brushes, apron, desk top, kneaded erasers, etc., etc., etc..  You name it...it glitters. Oh, my!

Maine Maple

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

14" x 14"

SOLD

Come this time of year, our neighbors, Jim and Jane, tap their maple trees and boil down the sap in their sugar shack. Over the years, we've spent many an afternoon there sipping maple sugar tea over good conversation and, on occassion, a bit of live music. This painting is from a photo I took there a few years back.

Great neighbors...great times...great memories!