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
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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
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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
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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

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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

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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

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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
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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

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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
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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
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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. 

Wishes

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

22" x 18"

(framed dimensions)

$200.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

It's been a busy few months which has kept me from my easel, although I did document many moments along the way with my camera.  I'm happy to have captured lots of inspirational images to work from. 

It feels great to be back painting again!

All Smiles

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

15" x 27"

(framed dimensions)

Private Collection

I had fun working on this portrait of Meg. I painted from a photo I had taken of her down on the waterfront in Burlington last fall. I played around with different ways to crop the photo before finally settling on this composition. While I tend to work vertically, I wanted to capture a lot of Meg's hair in this painting, so this horizontal structure seemed the most interesting choice.  Hope you approve, Meg!

Incognito

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

17" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus ship/tax

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

On a good day, a painting just seems to paint itself.  Not today!  Though I'm happy with the end result, I kept finding myself with my nose inches away from the easel while working on this one...a sure sign that I'm over thinking each stroke.  Once I got myself to back away, things rolled a bit easier.  Phew!  This particular paste paper seemed suitable for the background since I shot the reference photo of this fan as she listened to a performance by Dave Mallett at the Common Ground Fair. 

Home Made

Mixed Media on Arches

27" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$225.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

Flower Child

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

20" x 20"

(framed dimensions)

$325.00 plus ship/tax

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

This painting was done from one of many reference photos taken at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine last fall. This fair is an annual three day event just loaded with inspiration, great music, and wonderful organic foods. 

Cornered

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

26" x 14"

(framed dimensions)

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kathy@kathymallat.com

This painting is from a reference photo I took some time ago during a stay at my home away from home in Dixmont, Maine.  I always seem to find inspiration there...

Boys will be Boys

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

17" x 33"

(framed dimensions)

$425.00 plus ship/tax

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

During our trip to the Grand Canyon last spring, Steve and I took a day trip to the Hoover Dam.  We went down to the shore of Lake Mead where we happened upon this group of boys having some water fun together.  Ah, youth!

Conversation Peace

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

26" x 32"

(framed dimensions)

$850.00 plus ship/tax

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

This was a great painting to work on. I had taken several photos of these two gentlemen last summer. They were unaware and appeared to be deep in conversation while leaning against a tall granite post. I shot all of the photos from quite some distance, capturing their full body stances. Initially, it was their positioning and body language that interested  me.  It wasn't until many months later, when I zoomed in on the their faces, that I realized I had captured a little snippet of time in one of the photos when neither was speaking...yet the simple gesture of that one hand, and the direct eye contact between the two seemed to speak volumes. It was then that I also noticed the tip of the flag waving off in the distance in the upper right corner of the photo. That's when it all came together for me, and I knew exactly how I wanted this composition to play out. Once again, the paste paper background seemed to provide just the right amount of energy to the finished painting.

To see the progression of Conversation Peace as it was being painted, click here.

Ice Cold

Acrylic on Arches Cover Paper

16" x 21"

(framed dimensions)

$165.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com

Puppy Love

Mixed Media on Arches Cover Paper

17" x 15"

(framed dimensions)

$185.00 plus shipping

To purchase please contact

kathy@kathymallat.com