Zinnias in the Flower and Garden Show

12"x12"x1" deep oil on cradled archival panel

  This time of year, the zinnias are the showiest things in our garden.  I love the oranges, reds, and bright pinks all vying for the most brilliant of the bunch. I'm trying to paint them as often as I can before the frost takes the last of them. 

I'm also hosting my own online "Flower and Garden Show" with an auction, which is a wonderful opportunity to select some very nice gifts before the 'holiday crush' begins in the local shopping centers. I hope you'll take a visit, and share this with friends who may enjoy this as well! Some of these are fresh off the easel (the zinnias above), and some are ones that were tucked away "in the vault" and still need to find 'their forever homes'. They are sold unframed, but I offer framing - contact me for available choices and prices. Or you may have a favored local framer. Or, some may be displayed unframed.  Your choice.

Click on the image to go to the auction page for that painting:

 

Commissioned Paintings - Giving Your Buyers Some Choices

Commissioned pieces are so much fun for me! Helping someone commemorate a special time in their life is truly a delight...and I don't take it for granted that I'm very lucky to be able to do that and share in that joy!

When I got the call to take on this project, my new collector had a wonderful reference photo from her travels. I knew I would be able to have some real creative fun with this! First was to take her photo and play with some possible focal points. By changing up the values and color of certain items; flowers, walls, cast shadows - the photo could be interpreted a bit differently.  I made 2 different color studies (smaller, but to scale) and photographed them along the way as I painted. That way if I went too far and didn't like the changes...I already had a version of where I coulda/shoulda stopped! 

Here's an example- before I added the cast shadow joining the two buildings, I had this area with no shadow down the center walk-path. 

 

The second painting I'll have the focal point on the right side of the painting. First I'll have it be on a small grouping of white flowers that happened to be in the original painting. 

 Then, I decided to carry the design of the white flowers up to the turquoise-blue door on the right, for a bit more impact, like this:

Now, that my buyer has had time to peruse some ideas, she has pulled together her favorite parts. This is what I enjoy about a commission - making it a collaboration. So they understand the choices along the way, each party taking the time to enjoy the process.  

Now, I'm off to work on scaling up this drawing:

 

onto my freshly gessoed panel. 

If you follow along on my blog, you'll get to see what my clients have selected .....oooh- this is going to be fun! (I love this part!).

 

I'll be leading a sketchbook workshop in Ireland this September. Mark your calendars for September 11-18, 2016. Bring back a personal treasure that you'll be sure to enjoy! I'll be updating info here on my website, shortly!

 

 

 

 

End of Summer Paintings, Blues, Deux, and Transitions

30"x24"x1.5" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

To purchase "Delphinium Blues", or for more information, click here.  

The colors in my summer garden are long past now, but I'm just getting around to sharing the new of what I made of it! First - a whopping bundle of thank-yous to my hubby (my personal garden guru) who had the good foresight to try delphiniums one more time! We usually manage to kill them off, pronto. But this time, their survival mechanism kicked in, so that they could actually look great in the yard for a while AND get to be in a painting! 

16"x20" x1" oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas

For more information, or to purchase "Deux, S'il Vous Plait" , click here.  

 Summer in New England is rather delightful. My back deck is always beckoning, hydrangeas have been spectacular this year! The good thing is, there are always plenty to cut for another painting!

Like this one:

 30"x24"x1.5" Oil on deep gallery wrapped canvas. 

For more information or to purchase "Transitions", click here. 

If you haven't guessed it by now, or you are new to my blog, you know that I love painting flowers from life. This batch is nearing the end of the summer season, and funny thing, all these came from the same bush! Sort of symbolic, I reasoned. We all go through our seasons in life. "Transitions" really resonated with me, as we've been through some of life's big transitions this year, among them; travel, a funeral, a wedding, and some new work changes my hubby is taking on. This painting really is my heart-felt favorite of the year. 

But then, there are small pieces that I do love, too!

 

10"x10"x1" oil on cradled birch panel

For more information, or to purchase "Deep Blue and Copper" click here.  

Some of the last hydrangeas of our summer garden are in this bouquet, before an early frost got to them. They are just one of my favorite garden flowers - I'd miss them like crazy if we didn't have them! So I paint them, so that we can all enjoy them year round. I do hope one of these resonates with you, too!   

 

Provencal Pears and Orchids

24"x18"x1" deep, oil on gallery wrapped canvas

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

Life is short,

Break the RULES -

FORGIVE quickly, 

KISS slowly, LOVE truly,

LAUGH uncontrollably, 

and NEVER REGRET anything that made you smile.

 

I'm so in love with this orchid plant...I painted this one the night before I flew down to my mom's in Florida last week.  I went to stay with her during surgery, and give her "moral support" for a few days.

Who knew that this one single white orchid could bring me so much delight during a cold snowy winter in Connecticut? And pulling out the table cloth from Provence brings out the warmth of "far-away" places, allowing me to dream and plan....not only how I want to spend summer, but what I want to bring into my life....for the duration of the journey. 

Color, joy, beauty, great memories, and anticipation of greater things to come.  

Orchids and Apples

20"x24" x 1.5" deep cradled birch panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here.

"Tenderness is greater proof of love than the most passionate of vows." - Marlene Dietrich

Sometimes those small, kind gestures can show how much you are loved and cared for. No need to be stingy with them, you won't run out...in fact, you will receive multitudes in return.


 

Fuchsia - Day 23 of #jan30in30 - experimenting with aquabord

 

4"x4" oil on aquabord (product by Ampersand)

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

This piece was a bit of experimentation and not entirely on purpose.  The first time I laid oil on this panel I realized I had something different. I thought it was a gessobord panel (a product made by Ampersand). Then I realized it was either claybord, or aquabord, other products also made by the Ampersand company for other painting purposed. And yes, they spell board as 'bord' in their product line. Then I remembered, I had bought these little aquabord panels to try out with watercolor...and NOT oils. It is so absorbent, it pulls the oil right out of the paint. It makes it quite impossible to move...however, it does cause it to dry incredibly quickly (which could be handy in certain circumstances).  I remember a good friend had brought two claybord panels to a plein air competition, and her paintings were beautiful...and probably the only oils hanging in the show that were actually dry! I don't know that I'll try that again.  It's do-able, but not my favorite way to work. I like painting wet into wet, and allowing certain colors to mix & mingle, and this was much more challenging to paint on, even if it did have an interesting effect. 

And the flower itself? A single Fuchsia blossom - they grow wild in huge hedgerows over in southwest Ireland. (The same lovely plants that we buy at the nursery in hanging baskets and promptly kill off because they seem so delicate!)  Every summer they are just one of the many wildflowers that charm the fairies in this magical place! 

 

My Finest Summer-ACEO-Day 5-#jan30in30

3.5"x2.5"

Click here to bid!

 

Just thinking back on favorite days from previous summers, and there was one particularly sweet afternoon. We end up working in the yard/garden during the summer weekends, as it's a really beautiful place to be.  Hubby had cut some of the random foxglove flowers that had popped up in the garden and had put them in the watering can on the front porch.  This man not only brings me flowers, he grows the special ones that I love....that no florist can provide!

 

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide. 

ACEO-Pink Power Peonies - 30 in 30 Challenge!-SOLD!

3.5"x2.5"

Click here to bid!

Welcome to a brand new year! My yours be filled with flowers, beauty, and love. Well, I've gone and done it now...taken the 30 in 30 Challenge from fellow artist, Leslie Saeta. Each January she holds a challenge for fellow painters, - 30 paintings in 30 days...with no one to be accountable to except our own selves! I've been wanting to do one of these...30 days straight is indeed a big challenge...life does get in the way from time to time. But here goes!  I'm not choosing a theme, other than "My Favorite Things". I'm hoping to do a variety of sizes - small ones on busier days, especially while simultaneously working on commissions, or larger pieces.  I'm also sticking to most of my favorite themes; flowers, gardens, marshes & woods, France, Ireland...as well as some things I've just been wanting to experiment with! 

So here goes - one of my most favorite things- flowers from my garden to start off the 30 in 30! I'm looking forward to a lovely gardening season this year, some awesome travel & painting (won't you come along?), and a wedding in our family! May your new year be filled with joy and delight!

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide.  

So, each year I have time to make just a few of these...and there's never any leftover. Here's your chance to join in on the fun and have one of these dear little mini's.  If you've just GOT to have it, and you can get to it before the first bid is placed, you may buy it out-right (and avoid the whole bidding process) at the buy it now price.  AND, my gift to you, FREE shipping!

ACEO - Peony Ruffles-SOLD!

3.5"x2.5"

Click here to bid!

Another absolute garden favorite is our white peony! It's fragrant, and would make the most exquisite perfume (in my humble opinion)! It's not over-powering, delicate...but able to hold its own among others in the garden.  Perfect for a wedding...that's what's on my brain lately. I'm down in DC, painting while my daughter is at work this morning. Late this afternoon, her sister and I are going to join her for wedding dress shopping!! Yes, we have a wedding to plan in our family!!! Happy times!!

  

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide.  

So, each year I have time to make just a few of these...and there's never any leftover. Here's your chance to join in on the fun and have one of these dear little mini's.  If you've just GOT to have it, and you can get to it before the first bid is placed, you may buy it out-right (and avoid the whole bidding process) at the buy it now price.  AND, my Christmas gift to you, FREE shipping!

ACEO - Sweet Peas in Summer - sold!

2.5"x3.5"

Click here to bid!

Sweet peas are another of our garden favorites. My husband manages to choose some really lovely varieties...the fragrance is heavenly!

  

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide.  

So, each year I have time to make just a few of these...and there's never any leftover. Here's your chance to join in on the fun and have one of these dear little mini's.  If you've just GOT to have it, and you can get to it before the first bid is placed, you may buy it out-right (and avoid the whole bidding process) at the buy it now price.  AND, my Christmas gift to you, FREE shipping!

ACEO - Sunflowers and Hydrangeas - Sunny Blues - sold!

 

3.5"x2.5"

Click here to bid!

I do love having a great variety of flowers in our garden. Two more of my favorites are our hydrangeas and sunflowers!!

  

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide.  

So, each year I have time to make just a few of these...and there's never any leftover. Here's your chance to join in on the fun and have one of these dear little mini's.  If you've just GOT to have it, and you can get to it before the first bid is placed, you may buy it out-right (and avoid the whole bidding process) at the buy it now price.  AND, my Christmas gift to you, FREE shipping!

ACEO - Red Zinnia Sunlight - sold!

3.5"x2.5"

Click here to bid!

Zinnias are one of my summer garden favorites! They are so bright and sturdy! We've planted them in tall and short varieties....never met one I didn't like!!

  

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide.  

So, each year I have time to make just a few of these...and there's never any leftover. Here's your chance to join in on the fun and have one of these dear little mini's.  If you've just GOT to have it, and you can get to it before the first bid is placed, you may buy it out-right (and avoid the whole bidding process) at the buy it now price.  AND, my Christmas gift to you, FREE shipping!

ACEO - Your Love is Like Lilacs in Sunshine - sold!

2.5"x3.5"

Click here to bid!

Yay! It's that time of year again...when I paint these little ACEOs & offer them up for bidding on eBay! They are so much fun, and make a sweet gift for a dear friend, a teacher, a fellow gardener, or...perhaps yourself!

  

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide.  

So, each year I have time to make just a few of these...and there's never any leftover. Here's your chance to join in on the fun and have one of these dear little mini's.  If you've just GOT to have it, and you can get to it before the first bid is placed, you may buy it out-right (and avoid the whole bidding process) at the buy it now price.  AND, my Christmas gift to you, FREE shipping!

Pocket Full of Posies

 

8"x8" oil archival panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

In a world where everything seems to have gone awry, 

you're the one who understands the importance of beauty in our lives, simplicity, a bit of wonder

in each day....and trusting in goodness. 

You're the one with 'a pocket full of posies', the glass more than half full, seeing an opportunity around every corner (and having the nerve to act upon it). 

And if you think that has never been there for you...well, you do have to actively seek it. It is there, sometimes in the unlikeliest places.

  

Sweet Summer Roses

16"x8" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here.  

Wow, the heat wave finally made it to Connecticut! It was pretty steamy even in the shade.  Lucky for that and some lemonade.  Summer goes too fast around here to ignore it just because of the heat.  I was determined to soak it up while I have the chance.  After all, the roses were calling my name! 

Brilliant Susans In The Garden

16"x8" oil on linen mounted on archival panel
For more information, or to purchase, click here.

Humidity's rising, which is perfect weather for swimming if you ask me! This summer has been a real beauty in the garden.  The black-eyed Susans and the peegee hydrangea are loaded with blooms. Some of the roses are making a second round of blooms. Best news of all, one of the roses we transplanted earlier this summer has officially survived, YAY!! It's putting out a few blooms just to prove its worth! It was getting shaded out in its previous location, so it was time to give it a new home! 

Peonies in the Sunshine! - Mentoring Mondays

 

12"x12" oil on archival panel

Click here for more information, or to purchase. 

Got to share another bouquet with a fellow artist on "Mentoring Monday", a class I teach at my home/studio/gardens. Here we dragged the table out into the sun, while we stood under the cool shade to paint. (Love this garden my hubby & I designed, all that hard work is paying off in fun painting time!). "Peonies in the Sunshine". New diagnosis: POCD....peony obsessive compulsive disorder. 

Peonies and Pears (large)

30"x24" oil on 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas

For more information, or to purchase, click here.

The peonies have been heavenly this year! My only 'beef' is that they don't last long enough...especially if it rains! Right after they first opened, we had several days of rain...so of course I started cutting bouquets (trying to save them). Umm, yeah, several bouquets. Well, perhaps more than several. My husband was sure I had lost my mind. A neighbor kid coming around to get a petition signed, saw the table full of bouquets and asked, "Wow, are you a florist"? 

Okay, it's official - I am obsessed with peonies! Is there a support group?

Lilac Season - Floral Bouquet

8"x10" oil on .75" deep wrapped canvas

For more information or to purchase, click here.  

There it is, purple cones of tiny flowerettes, all ganging up to make a mass of fragrance wafting on the air. Spring finally made it to New England, and now it is starting to go by so quickly. Blossoms fade and drift to the ground, painting the path with what looks like pink snowdrift. 

This is our set-up from the Monday Mentoring class I teach (this past Monday's class).  We'll skip the Memorial Holiday class, but I'll offer the first three Mondays in June for plein air classes here in my garden!  

Yield to Beauty

 

10"x8" oil on gallery wrapped canvas (edges are painted)

For more information, or to purchase, click here.

It has been raining for a long while now...and chilly for days on end. I'm told it's Spring...and of course this is normal for New England. 

I'm holding a memory of last summer, of every summer, when sweet peas bloom, fragrant and delicate. The warmth of the sun lifts this sweetness all around you. You can't escape it!

"The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it,"  observed Oscar Wilde.  I think he's got something there! Be good to yourself, friend!