Me and My Paintings

Merry Christmas, 2011!

2011-12-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

‘And now we’re slowly heading towards winter, and many dread it, but Christmas is wonderful, it’s like the moss on the roofs and like the pine and the holly and the ivy in the snow.’ - Vincent van Gogh

Joy L

2011-11-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

For the November challenge theme of "Joy" for our Girls Just Wanna Paint group, I opted to paint one of the terrific ladies I work with, Joy.

"Early Autumn at the James Library" 12 x 12

2011-11-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

Since this blog is titled "ME and my Paintings," I thought I would add a little more background about me, the author and artist. This is the first painting I was able to paint since breaking and dislocating a couple of fingers in October while training for the NYC Marathon which I ran successfully on November 6. A minor accident but with more daily impact than I cared for, painting was not going to happen until I at least had my cast removed and even now, my hand is not fully recovered but I can hold a paintbrush. I finally completed this painting for my painting challenge group, "Girls Just Wanna Paint," just in time for the opening of our show this Friday night at, you guessed it, the James Library in Norwell. There will be lots of wonderful small sized paintings by this talented group of ladies who, well, just wanna paint!

The Opening for the GJWP Show!

2011-11-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

We are girls, and we just wanna paint...and....we're having a show of our work! Hope to see you at the opening!

On Commercial

2011-10-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

I'm about a year late in posting this, but this was my painting from our 2010 Jeep Trip with Kelley MacDonald, Mary Sheehan Winn, and Ros Farbush. The Jeep Trip has become an annual event since the first year we borrowed my husband's Jeep and travelled off the beaten path to find Edward Hopper's former home in Truro, MA on Cape Cod. We found it, and painted it...(it appears earlier in this blog, December 31, 2007) and ever since then, we have planned this all important trip, although we now venture to Provincetown and paint all day. Hopefully I'll post this year's painting soon.

Colorful 12"x12"

2011-08-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of Fishies

2011-08-07T12:33:00.001-07:00

This is Kenny, the really cool cat and model for the "Girls Just Wanna Paint" July Challenge. Kenny belongs to Page Railsback, painter extraordinaire who hosted our July meeting. It must have been a tough day for Kenny, dealing with all those mice, birds, and dreaming of fishies....'cause he sure slept pretty soundly while we all convened....

"Windmill to Windmill" 8'x 8"

2011-07-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

This month's challenge for Girls Just Wanna Paint was "Foreign." Ros, Kelley, Sandy and I took a day trip to Kinderdijk and roamed about and in the historic windmills...totally cool.

It's Just Me

2011-06-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

This month's challenge for Girls Just Wanna Paint was self portrait....dang...a tough subject in my view, and this was my third attempt.

Get on The Bus

2011-06-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

To get to Senator Edward Kennedy's wake at the Kennedy Memorial Library in August 2009, bus transportation was provided from the JFK/UMASS subway station. When I boarded the bus, I saw this gentleman with a green tie covered with shamrocks and asked if I could take his picture. He politely responded, "sure." I didn't expect the photo to come out with the rest of the wonderful group of people. I hope they don't mind that I painted them.

This Saturday is First Saturday!

2011-06-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

A Couple of Classics

2011-06-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

My brother and his buddy are great hockey fans. They went to the Winter Classic which was held outdoors at Fenway Park in Boston on New Year's Day last year, and this image struck me, so I painted it. I think it sums it all up.

Fluffy Girl

2011-05-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

I was a bit stumped when I learned our painting challenge for my Girls Just Wanna Paint group for April was "fluffy." What the heck? Then I remembered my fluffy scarves that I really love but don't wear so much anymore...and voila...instant subject.

The Hob Nob, Route 301

2011-02-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Hob Nob is an outdoor drive-in diner on Route 301 in Sarasota, Florida. I had to go there the first time I saw it which was some time around 1986...I'm glad I took photos of it because they remodeled it to what it looks like in this painting...at least it's not that much different. I may get around to painting the "old" Hob Nob one of these days...

"Plastic Glasses" 6"x6"

2011-01-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

The challenge was "Glass" for Girls Just Wanna Paint for January. Ok, so I painted plastic...I began this at a food court in Boston during last week's blizzard (long story) and wrapped it up at home with some changes...not many glass bottles available at the food court so I figured I would throw my glasses into the composition...then I realized they were plastic also...I did another painting of some glass sunglasses, however, it's not quite finished yet and I kind of liked this one...so, it will need to be with good intentions that I offer this subject...

Christmastime at the Little Yellow House

2010-12-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

I actually painted this a couple of years ago on New Year's Eve but I came across it in my studio and decide to hang it back up inside my house, and re-post to my blog. Wishing you warmth and serenity this Christmas and New Year.

Guardian Spirit 10"x10"

2010-12-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

The theme for December's Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge is "Spirit." This, of course could be interpreted in a number of ways. I chose to use for my model an angel lawn ornament that I bought from the clearance rack at Lowe's at the end of the summer. Not that the event was so spiritual mind you, however, it's just that I like angels, and I thought she was pretty cool looking. She's guarding my studio now though, not my garden so much...maybe I'll find another. (And geez...I do need to rephotograph her...the complexities in the background to the upper right are not quite so dark...I am using borrowed cameras at the moment to shoot my paintings and photographing them late at night after work and painting...I am going to try to reshoot a couple this weekend).

China Pearl

2010-11-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

This painting was done on location in Chinatown in Boston one Saturday with a few other painters. I don't paint in the city enough.

Trio 6"x6"

2010-11-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

In coming up with an idea for the theme "Fashion" for the Girls Just Wanna Paint Blog for the October Challenge, I kept leaning towards clothing, shoes, and models, and I ended up painting nail polish (plus a painting of a sewing machine...maybe I'll post it, haven't decided yet). I wish I spent more time and attempted all of the above, I still can, it just won't be in time for the challenge!

Midday, Guanajuato 22"x28"

2010-09-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is from a photograph I took while on a day trip to the city of Guanajuato in central Mexico while on a weeklong painting trip to San Miguel a couple of years ago. I liked the activity in the photo so I decided to paint the scene.

Louie the Lobster

2010-09-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Louie was the result of a day of diving for some friends of my daughter...the result was some very good lobster and scallops. So good! Anyway, as Louie was languishing, I thought he should be painted.

"Sol" 6"x6"

2010-09-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

For our August Girls Just Wanna Paint Challenge, the topic was simply, (or not so simply) the sun. I wasn't sure what approach to use or how I wished to portray, or at least indicate the sun...so I just sat at my easel and started painting...it was fun. Very different from how I have been approaching subject matter where I often have something sitting in front of me to reference. Nice to take a different direction sometimes.

Sunflowers

2010-08-28T17:02:00.001-07:00

Moment of Zen 6"x6"

2010-08-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

For our July "Girls Just Wanna Paint" challenge, the theme of "Fin, Fur, or Feather" begged many options...I even considered an alligator from some photos from Florida. I opted for a more domestic choice, and painted my cat, while she's asleep.

Summer Flavors

2010-07-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

I needed to paint a summer dessert for my challenge group, and I had begun a painting as part of a lesson with some fantastic flowers and a very colorful background. It just looked like it needed some fruit, one of the original summer desserts, so it all pulled together.

Miss Sally

2010-04-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

My entry for the April "Girls Just Wanna Paint" challenge. Sally Dean was my subject and I love her colorful paintings...I hope she likes my take on her. This was my 3rd attempt. I won't lie.

Taking Off

2010-03-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

I love to fly...most of the time. Every time I see a plane, I wonder where it's going and I dream of travelling again. I almost called this "Cheap Sunglasses," but "Taking Off" made more sense. I painted this for our on-line challege group, "Girls Just Wanna Paint." and the challenge was "Dream."

Artists Who Blog

2010-02-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Kelley MacDonald, Sally Dean, and I will be talking about blogging this Thursday night at the Art Complex in Duxbury, MA. The three of us feature our art through our blogs, but we each have different individual goals and focus in our process. It will be fun, informal, and in a beautiful setting with wonderful art. And it's free.

Little Light

2010-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

This little 6"x6" painting was for last month's "Girls Just Wanna Paint" Challenge...It's the only time I paint this small, but I have to say, it's been a good experience. Because I'm not accustomed to painting real small sizes, I made my own little challenge up and decided I wouldn't use any small brushes...well, I do start with a large round and I keep with that for the most part. I have used smaller brushes, but not tiny...I just don't want the image to get "uptight..." an easy thing to do.

2009-12-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

I have a show of my paintings coming up for the months of January and February at the Paul Pratt Library in Cohasset, MA. If you're in the area, please stop by for the opening which will be Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Would love to see you!

Peace on Earth

2009-12-24T23:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing all a beautiful Christmas and happy New Year. For my Christmas Card this year I chose an image of my late grandmother's house where I have many fond memories...

Don't Leave Home Without It 6"x6"

2009-12-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

This is my contribution to this month's "Girls Just Wanna Paint" challenge. I just plain ran out of time and ran to my studio and fortunately, had my cell phone with me since the subject this month was "Telephone." I have a REALLY old telephone, dial model that weighs about 10 lbs but I just can't find it...I was SO excited to paint it...arghhh...

Luxury Room, Plasma TV

2009-11-16T05:33:00.001-08:00

One Sunday morning last summer, my husband and I took a ride by the beach. This motel (I've changed the name) had just remodeled and when I saw this photo shoot going on outside, I screamed at my husband to pull over so I could take a picture...interesting way to promote the place...

Fishy Wishy

2009-11-13T18:47:00.000-08:00

My daughter asked me if I would paint a propeller for her rowing club's fundraiser. I said, "What the heck...why not..?" and so I did. I struggled with getting the time to do this, trying to come up with an image, and then, executing the image. Well, aren't I almost all done when I ask my husband if we had any spray varnish at home and he thought we did. So he brings the spray stuff up. Something doesn't look right but I figure, I'll try it anyway. I start spraying and, wait a minute, THAT'S not clear! That's white! I had to repaint it.

Big Red Glasses (Pablo, Frida, and Me) -detail

2009-10-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

It's great to be back in the studio...at least a few hours a week. This is part of a self portrait...it may be all of it...not sure yet...but I wanted to post it anyway.

Painting Hiatus and Something New

2009-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you have read in my comments, I have ended my year of painting as my main focus. With the advent of a new full time job, plus classes in web development, painting is not in the forefront in the practical sense, but it is always with me, whether I am actually painting or for now, just seeing. Anyway, I agreed to join fellow blogger and friend Kelley MacDonald's suggestion of a challenge among her painting posse...with the title, "Girls Just Wanna Paint." Each month one member of the group comes up with a subject for each of us to paint at a size of 6"X6" independently for a range of interpretations. This month, Kelley provided each of us with a starfish and Voila...above is my version. Please visit: http://girlsjustwannapaint.blogspot.com/ to see some of the other entries. They should all be posted soon. 6x6 is not a size I'm used to, but it seems doable right now.

A Day in the Garden

2009-06-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

So I was invited to paint at the Garden Tour for the Scituate Arts Association today and I was initially excited until I woke up and saw the weather which is cold, raw, and misty...great. It turned out to be a great day though and my painting sold! The Summer House which is the subject of my painting is the former garage which is now a guest cottage. The interior is beyond delightful. It is packed with absolutely beautiful things. What and eye for decoration this owner has!

A Southie Street Corner

2009-06-14T17:36:00.001-07:00

I challenged myself to paint this view in South Boston. The old houses are so interesting with their sometimes inconsistent decoration and in this case, on a steep hill. Each house is so unique.

Looking down from Garita 11"x14"

2009-06-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

When I went to San Miguel de Allende, we stayed at Casa Schuck a couple of times which is at the bottom of Garita which is pretty steep. The last time we went, we booked too late and had to stay at Casa Cordelli whichi is owned by the same folks but is WAYYY up the hill. It was really nice but I love the locale of Casa Schuck...especially when dragging painting stuff along, but I guess that all depends on where you're painting.

Pemberton Places 20"x20"

2009-05-17T18:20:00.001-07:00

On the first fantastic day of the year (sunny, no wind, 70+ degrees), Kelley, Ros, Ros' friend Ginny and I set out for the very end of Hull, replete with many cottages and former cottages, all so unique.

For Sale on the Tamiami Trail

2009-05-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

The former "Twistee Treat," currently resides in Sarasota, Florida along U.S. Route 41, locally known as the Tamiami Trail (the segment of the road that goes from Tampa to Miami). It is closed and for sale, but the sign out front still proudly states, "Vote Democrat, Thank U." Because this is reduced by quite a bit, it is hard to read. I am really drawn to quirky structures such as this one.

A Kodak Moment

2009-05-08T16:25:00.001-07:00

Last May my daughter graduated from law school and her boyfriend took this photo of our family. I thought it would make a good subject for a painting as a genuine "Kodak moment," not a formal picture by any stretch...it could be any family. But it's not, it's mine.

2009-05-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

"Painting is just another way of keeping a diary."

--Pablo Picasso

I'm probably a week away from posting anything, but that doesn't mean I haven't been painting! Hope to finish up some pieces soon...so little time, so much to paint!

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

So in honor of Earth Day I have recycled this painting I did last summer at Maggie's farm. I thought about how our habits have changed since I was a kid and remembered that our moms used to wrap our sandwiches in waxed paper...no plastic bags yet, in fact, waxed paper bags were a novel invention when they arrived! We also didn't have rolls of paper towels to use either. Take out coffee cups were probably around, but not in the numbers they are today. I'm not sure these are all bad things, they produce jobs for people, disposable cups and dinnerware cut down on water usage and potential for spreading some kinds of bacteria and illness, but I wonder which is worse? I've also become what I've mocked, shutting out the lights each time I leave a room...now I just have to remember that front door light!

On the Mend

2009-04-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

I'm glad to report that my daughter really is on the mend after breaking her foot in February. Yesterday was her first full day without crutches. She is most disappointed because she had raised money for a charity foundation to get a number for the Boston Marathon and she will now not be able to run because the race is next week. She was so disappointed because her number cannot be deferred to next year's race, however, she will be able to run in the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall which is a good race. (I did it in 2007 and it a fantastic race). She still has Boston in her blood though and will try again at some later time. This painting got into a juried figure show scheduled to open at the end of this week.

Vanilla, Shelter Kitty #2

2009-04-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Another kitty from the shelter. "Vanilla" was so sweet and posed for me while I took her picture. I hope she gets adopted soon. This is also posted on the "Art for the Animals" blog. http://artforshelteranimals.blogspot.com/.

More Portraits from the "Familiar Faces" Show

2009-04-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

Here are the rest of the paintings from the portraits show which includes paintings of people who have lived and/or worked in my little town long enough to become truly familiar faces. Here is Larry...

Here is Camilla...

This is Bob...

And this is Garrison. This painting is not in the show but was painted during the painting sessions with the group.

Bunnymania

2009-04-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks, a colleague from one of my past jobs and I thought it would be fun to make some bunny lawn ornaments as Easter decorations and after a zig here and a zag there, we finally have some bunnies to share! After doing some research, we used exterior MDO and exterior paint so they are ready for our New England weather. Each bunny is unique and is named, signed, and dated. The bunnies were on the road today and were photographed sunning on the beach! A couple of them took up residence at local garden centers where they may find other homes. The bunnies pictured from left to right are: Funny Bunny,Diamond Girl, South Shore Boogie Woogie, I See Spots, and Jackrabbit Pollock. Dot already moved to her new home. I wish the pictures were better so the patterns were more easily viewed, but they are still pretty cute.

here is a front view of "Diamond Girl."

..and the back view of "Diamond Girl."

Front view of "South Shore Boogie Woogie."

..and the back view..

A Sneak Peak

2009-03-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak at a couple of the portraits for an upcoming show we'll be hanging Friday. A small group of us are painting familiar faces from our little town. This is Andrew...

...and this is Shirley...

Shelter Kitty and Juried Show

2009-03-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

After weeks of meaning to get to a local shelter to photograph some animals to contribute to Sheila Tajima and Carrie Jacobsen's blog, "Art for the Animals," I finally went to one today. This is a wonderful way to contribute to the welfare of the animals by making a painting and donating it to the shelter for them to use, perhaps to sell, auction, or donate to potential shelter pet owners. If you're like me, you want to take all the cats or dogs home but of course, we can't. We can, though, perhaps make a difference in this way. I'll see how it works out for this particular shelter. They were very pleasant and the cats were awesome...and very curious!

I was really happy to see that my painting, "Eat at Joe's," was placed in the window of the Scituate Arts Association's charming gallery for their Juried Show! It is a small but lovely gallery in the "downtown" section on a picturesque harbor.

Two Minute Poses

2009-03-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

I really have been painting, but I won't have anything to post for awhile. I found these sketches I did in an evening drawing session awhile ago and thought, what the heck...I think I'll post 'em. as the title states, they were two minute poses...I don't know why I don't take advantage of this opportunity more often, it's clearly beneficial and it certainly wouldn't hurt to get a little more practice in...plus, it's a fun group.

Snow Day

2009-03-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

8-12" of snow was predicted for today and it arrived as expected. Home all day, I found an 11x14 canvas and some white objects and placed them on a white background...I think it will be a good idea to paint still life set ups more regularly...a great excercise in seeing and drawing...and, last but not least, coloration...I also looked down at our welcome mat and liked the way the packed snow emphasized the pattern. March in the northeast isn't for sissies.

Eat at Joe's

2009-02-27T09:55:00.001-08:00

I started this one about 2 years ago and put it aside. It started out with alot of energy as they always do when painting plein air. Something happened to it in the studio and I just couldn't make it come alive. I almost scrapped it but decided to work on it again recently. I think I would love to paint this building again plein air with the knowledge of what happened when I decided to finish this one later. I think it is possible to tweak paintings later after the initial session, but like anything else, it is a learned skill to know how to do that without taking away that original spirit. I do like this painting, but I liked it better in the beginning. We'll see what happens next time.

Mexican Mementos Work in Progress

2009-02-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I visited Kelley MacDonald at her cool studio and she set up a still life of pottery from a painting trip to Mexico for us to paint from a couple of years ago. I am still working on this...but I just didn't want to wait another day to post an image, so here it is!

Who Moved My Cheese?

2009-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Managing change. That's what I've been up to lately. A couple of weeks ago I was hit with a vile stomach flu, albeit self-diagnosed, and it came with all the pretty things associated with that particular illness. After a few days of complete lethargy following the bug, I learned I was laid off from my part-time job along with 369 other people from my company. Oh well. Since then, I have painted a few times with a local group of painters, creating portraits of local familiar faces for a show in April at our town library. Portraits have been a change for me too, and although I am pleased with most of the results, I don't want to post them until the show happens. Maybe it's superstitious, but it just doesn't feel right. In between these sessions, I am sharpening up my resume and determining my next professional course of action. Looks like I may be facing less time in the studio again with the full-time work that at this time I'm seeking, although, at least I'll be able to afford it. Is this a little like O.Henry's "Gift of the Magi?" Like anything else, it will simply be change, and I will adjust.

Let Freedom Ring

2009-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

On the eve of the inauguration of a new president, I remain hopeful that our country be a model for promoting peace, well-being, and dignity for all. Very best wishes Mr. Obama as you begin your new role as our President.

(detail from "Field of Honor," posted 6/28/08)

My Work in OnTray Magazine

2009-01-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

As of today, lucky magazine readers in the Boston area will get to see a 2 page spread of my paintings in OnTray Magazine, a periodical that is distributed to restaurants and many other locations in the Boston Area. It features many of the wonderful eating establishments we are lucky enough to enjoy plus places to go and things to do in this area with a focus on enjoying life. Publisher Joe Chinzi appreciates fine arts and has been featuring an artist in each of the recent editions. The January-February edition also features my studio mate, Kathi Dugan in an additional spread. Thanks Joe for including us in your wonderful magazine!

Out of This World 30"x30"

2009-01-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

I did this painting for a show with the subject being trees. I saw this scene while walking through the town graveyard with my husband and daughter last fall; it's an historic graveyard that dates back to Revolutionary War times and has nice views of the harbor and the historic downtown area. In all the years I've lived here, it's one spot I don't remember ever visiting previously, but it's really about as lovely as a graveyard can get. I looked up at the trees and considered painting several different views but decided on this one that included the elegant monument. I added the jet plane because I had seen them pass by several times and considered the dreamlike state I can be in when gazing upward. As I was painting this recently, I wondered about painting the monument, but then after seeing the death and devastation that is taking place in the world on the news and considering the escape of being on a plane and the cycle of nature with the trees turning, it made sense. It got rejected from the show...but I still like it.

Sunoco I (?)

2009-01-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

I started this painting for a show about trees, and I took the original photo last fall at Scarsilloni's Sunoco station in Scituate, MA with this in mind. I began this painting and it never felt quite right, so I never really finished it and submitted different one instead. I do like this in spite of a few issues I have with it, one of them being that the entire time I was painting it, I felt like it needed to be larger. This one is a strange size...somewhere in the range of 13'x 17" or so...not sure where I got the canvas...but I'm thinking of trying it again only much bigger....I would like to see what happens to the technique since I prefer to use big brushes, could be interesting.

First Night

2009-01-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

This really isn't an attempt to be Kincaide...but it was New Year's Eve, and we were experiencing a snowstorm and sub freezing temperatures, and the glow from our little outside Christmas tree was just so appealing in the snow...so what's a girl to do? Paint! ...and why not paint the storm? (glad we have digital cameras..it would have been really miserable out there, not to mention dangerous...for me and my paints!)

So...I looked at my palette at the end of my painting session at the studio today...I worked on 2 paintings including the one posted today and I wondered if anyone else works with such a haphazard arrangement of colors? I went to a seminar recently on how to present my artwork and it was funny sitting with other artists and seeing how their note taking resembled mine...a little like my palette, all over the place. I guess that might help me to understand why I did not pursue accounting as a career....(I could have though...really!)

Happy New Year!

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas and peaceful and happy New Year!

A Special Occasion

2008-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

I think it was the Commodore's Ball. It seemed as though my parents went to so many formal occasions when I was growing up. I believe it was as much fun for me to watch the whole preparation process as it was for them to attend these events. My mother had a dressmaker who made some of those gowns for her and I thought each one was more beautiful than the last. She had a beaded necklace woven into the shoulder of a one-shoulder gown that I thought was spectacular...me, who lives in blue jeans and sweat shirts. She also had some "glass slippers" that I thought were just amazing. I wonder how I came to be such a slacker?
Anyway, I came across this snapshot of them and thought it needed to be painted.

Nina at Winnepesaukee

2008-12-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

On a trip to N.H. in October, I took a picture of my daughter taking a picture of the landscape. It became a painting...

St. Paul's in Hingham Square 24"x24"

2008-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

I actually painted this last summer and I never posted it because there are several things about it that bother me. Conversely, there's alot I like about it too...and although I have signed it, I keep looking at it and seeing things I would like to change...perhaps I will post an updated version later. (which will include straightening out the steeple....!)

A Game of Tag

2008-11-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Looks like I was "tagged" by one blogger (thanks Camille Olsen!)

and received an honorable mention from another (thanks Carol Schiff!)

...ok, I'll play! Although it is not directly connected with my painting, by including links for other artists, it creates a nice little network of artists for others to easily view by clicking the links...now I hope I can get the links in place properly...so here goes.

The rules:
1. Put a link in your posting to the person who tagged you.
2. List 7 unusual things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 other bloggers at the end of your post (*including their blog links*) and comment on their blogs to let them know they have been tagged.

My story:

· I took up running in my 50’s and I've completed 2 mountain races, (one an extreme race) and one marathon. I have held the distinction of coming in last in 2 races, (the extreme mountain race and a 5K several years ago! I would like to point out, however, that I did complete both! In fact, I have never dropped out of a race...but I would if I thought I needed to).

· I went to see the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 at Madison Square Garden and the Rolling Stones at Boston Garden in 1969

I make my own Christmas cards each year which include scenes that have some personal meaning to me. In 2004, after wanting to travel for so very long, I travelled across country, went to Italy and Mexico but my Christmas card included a scene from the end of my street and the Christmas decorations I see there.

· I started an ecology group in high school and together with a wonderful advisor and the group began the first newspaper recycling program for our little town. (this was VERY many years ago!)

· I was the Medium Size Christmas tree in my kindergarten Christmas pageant.

· Our last 2 cats were rescues, they were homeless before coming to us.

· I am married to a guy who can make the best raviolis from scratch.

I am therefore tagging the following artists whose blogs I check regularly:

Kelley MacDonald's Daily Paintings

Mary Sheehan Winn

Passions of an Odd Chick

My Paint Box

Liza Moves On

Art By Deborah Ross

Marian Fortunati

Open Studios!

2008-11-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a wonderful art filled weekend courtesy of The Fourth Floor Artists in Rockland, MA. This will be the 17th Annual Open Studios for us (my 5th) and it's been keeping me and my studio mates really busy preparing our work and studio. It promises to be yet another great way to spend the weekend...and what better way to escape today's economic headlines than to take in some beautiful imagery? Take a look at the website for our organization to see our story:
http://www.4thfloorartists.org/index.html.

The Independent 16"x20"

2008-11-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

While travelling through Guanajuato last spring, Kelley and I came across this little group of burros and horses. This one wasn't actually pink, purple, aqua, etc... just when he ended up on my canvas. I had been meaning to paint these guys for awhile but after perusing Frank Gardner's blog last week and seeing his "True Blue" image, I was inspired to get going on this little painting...I think it's 16x20 or so. Check his blog entry:

http://frankgardner.blogspot.com/2008/11/election-day-finally.html

On the Set 24"x24"

2008-11-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

My son, the filmmaker on the set of one of his films. I must admit, this is from a small photograph of him from a web site, but I really liked the image...I think it's ok because I know the subject...I don't know who to credit the original photo to, but I will as soon as I find out.

12/6/08-So, I learned that the photographer is Patty Allen. Thanks Patty for taking such a great photo and letting me paint from this! For me, it really summed up what I saw from his filmmaking activity!

54 Squared 24" x 30"

2008-11-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

A '54 Corvette and me....I love old cars, I love Nantasket Beach, all those elements just seemed to be an image possibility for a painting.

Size Does Matter

2008-10-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

For someone who usually paints at least 24" x 24" and recently 30" x 40", trying this horse at 5" x 7" was a different experience to say the least. I

know that Rembrandt painted some small paintings, and very successfully I might add...but I'm not sure that I will be doing this size on any kind of a regular basis...trying to keep an open mind.....

Weir River Cow 26"x26"

2008-10-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a friend to exhibit some paintings at a local farm day for Weir River Farm that is run by the Trustees of the Reservations. It's so close by and it is a place I had never visited before. They had lots of animals there, so I went back after the show and painted this cow and some horses. I was glad to discover this wonderful place with its distant views of the ocean and the beautifully cared for fields and animals.

Late Summer in Lynn's Garden 24"x24"

2008-10-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

What a magical, peaceful place Lynn's garden is. A neighbor's chickens enjoy crossing the road and venturing into her yard from time to time as I realized when I turned around and saw the eyes of one of them peering at me through the plant stems! Another time I was treated to a parade of wild turkeys walking through...it's easy to feel far away when visiting her yard.

Good Weather and Good News!

2008-10-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

After a crazy summer with wild and sometimes violent rainstorms, autumn so far has been particularly beautiful this year. The foliage has been remarkable and nature is so inspiring so my husband, daughter and I went to New Hampshire this week to pick apples, and above is a picture of them at Lake Winnepesaukee. The picture below is from Rockland, MA near my studio where the colors are also stunning.

The good news is that I learned yesterday that I was accepted as a Gallery Artist Member at the South Shore Art Center, a designation at a local art organization in Cohasset that offers gallery space, shows, events, and classes. It was a juried process so it was a valuable experience organizing and presenting my work and I'm so glad to be a part of this level of membership. Looking forward to being a part of this group and participating in some exciting events!

Late Summer at Sea View 18"x24"

2008-10-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

"Sea View" is one of those dollhouse-like cottages that I often wonder if average size people can fit inside. Apparently they do, because in this colony of cottages at Chase's Ocean Grove in Dennisport, MA on Cape Cod, we met a few tenants and the interior spaces were wonderful. This location felt like it could bring on instant relaxation even though it was after Labor Day and most of the visitors had travelled home.

Kitty 11" x 14"

2008-10-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

One of the gals I used to work with asked me if I would paint her cat and of course, being the cat fan I am, I did. We used to talk about our cats all the time so it was nice to finally see what she looks like! I was happy to paint Kitty.

Break Time 30" x 40"

2008-09-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Each summer, one of my brothers who lives in Ohio, packs up his car and moves to Eastham on Cape Cod for a couple of weeks. All of my brothers play guitar and another one of them always travels with at least one guitar, but in this case, two. I think the guitar in the foreground is an acoustic bass because it has 4 strings. When I saw the guitars left among the chairs, I took a bunch of pictures. I just thought they looked so cool. I may not be done painting guitars yet!

(10/1/08-I just found out the names of the guitars: Takamine Santa Fe, Martin D35, and NYP acoustic bass).

North End Street Corner 15" x 21"

2008-09-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

This was painted a couple of months ago on a trip to Boston's North End with Ros. I wished I had planned it better and included more of the Cafe Dello Sport's sign, but it was a bit late when I realized how I had set up that piece of the view. I finally think it's finished but admittedly, I need to take another photo of it, there's so much glare on it. I just wanted to post it. I hope to update the post later.

Fenway Park from Landsdowne St. 24" x 24"

2008-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to paint Fenway Park for a long time and I finally did it a couple of weeks ago. I love that it is right in the city and has all these great angles and signage that can be seen from the street.

Houses at Thomas Park

2008-09-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

I started this a couple of years ago, wasn't wild about it, and decided to try to finish it. I spent a couple of hours on site and met a lot of people. One that wanted me to paint another nearby house and then someone I used to work with...it's a small world.

Marylou's

2008-09-17T15:04:00.001-07:00

...it's right near my studio and I have wanted to paint it for a long time. We've had such great weather here in the Northeast for the past week or so I finally made it happen.

Brilliante Weblog Premio-2008

2008-09-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to learn that I was one of seven to receive the Brilliante Weblog Award from Elizabeth Floyd Studio. Thank you Elizabeth!http://elizabethfloydstudio.blogspot.com/

As a part of receiving this award, I need to pass it along to those bloggers whose work I admire and enjoy viewing. I have included the work of 7 artists who vary widely in terms of style, focus, and direction in their expressions of creativity. This includes those who paint everyday objects and places in their own unique way, or those who paint the beautiful things and scenery in our world, or even deep subject matter in which the visuals may initially be disturbing, but thought provoking. All of them use art as the potentially powerful medium that it is, capable of lowering blood pressure or raising the consciousness. Paint on everyone, and congratulations!
--Paula

Artslice at: http://artslice-painting-a-day.blogspot.com/

Deb Ross at: Art by Deborah Ross

Mary Sheehan Winn at: http://marysheehanwinn.blogspot.com/

Kelley MacDonald at: http://kelleymacdonalddailypaint.blogspot.com/

Karin Jurick at: http://karinjurick.blogspot.com/

Robin Maria Pedrero at:"Pocketful of Colors" by Robin Maria Pedrero

Luciano Figueirdo at: http://driveoffthecliff.blogspot.com/

All awards have their rules... the "Brilliant Weblog Award" is no exception. I'm excited to pass this award on. You are all truly "Brilliant" artists and bloggers.

Rules of Acceptance:

1. Put the logo on your blog

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

6. Participation is entirely voluntary (of course!).

7. Have fun...honoring the bloggers who inspire you regularly.

Jack

2008-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is my painting of Jack, the late pet of fellow blogger Karin Jurick who painted Jack and posted his picture on her blog. http://karinjurick.blogspot.com/ Another blogger also painted Jack and sent it to her with a note to expect more from other painters! Thus, an idea for a new blog was born, and she started "Different Strokes from Different Folks" with a call for entries for anyone who wished to offer their own interpretation of her photo. She has a plan to post a new photo weekly for those who wish to participate. I know I want to be a regular part of this wonderfully creative idea and community. Please check out this special blog: http://differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com/ Thanks Karin for this truly wonderful effort!

Maggie's Farm: Verse 2

2008-09-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

The cow posed graciously for me....

The sheep were a different story, but they were awesome nonetheless...Thanks again to Colchester Farm, (not really Maggie's Farm!) they put up with me dragging my easel back and forth from one side of the pasture to the other...following the animals around(!) This farm is lovely and they had the most amazing collection of sunflowers. I wanted to paint them, however, it's not often that I have such a great collection of farm animals to paint. Some very large pumpkins too! I photographed a haystack they are building out in the front at a couple of different times of day. It would be nice to paint them...Monet painted his plein air, I will probably need to paint them in my studio, using my photos as a reference. It will be good to see how they turn out! Check out the farm's website: http://www.colchesterneighborhoodfarm.com/about.html

I thought I would include a picture of Simba...the hard-working farm cat. Must be that painting, when I brought it home, my cat's first order of business was to walk on it as well. I guess they approve of it. Oh yes, the cow is 24"x20", the sheep, 20"x20."

Sunny Afternoon in P-Town 24"x18"

2008-09-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

Visited Provincetown on Sunday for what was probably one last time this summer. Another quickie painting but fun to do. I think it is obvious that I added the 3 larger figures later in the studio. The guy sitting in front of the shop was sketched in quickly while I was at the actual location and I like the way he looks the best. Next time, I will try to put all the people in using gesture type sketches while I'm on site...I think that will be a vast improvement. Looking forward to that.

End of Season 20"x16"

2008-09-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

This was a quickie done at Nantasket Beach this weekend which is sadly, what we New Englanders consider to be the "last" weekend of summer...

Maggie's Farm

2008-08-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

It's really not Maggie's farm...but Maggie works there and she told me about it! The animals were doing what they do best, moving around (rather than pose for these sketches), but that was part of the challenge...and the fun....The colors didn't reproduce that well here, they are more vivid. (Thanks Connie for allowing me to paint at your lovely farm today)! The goat is 20"x24", the chickens 20"x20".

Grampy's Room

2008-08-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Modern medicine is an amazing thing...

Little Compton Cows

2008-08-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

The cows kept moo-ving around...a little tough to capture but fun nonetheless.

Janet's View-Work in Progress

2008-08-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

This painting started off beautifully loose and became too uptight somehow. I'm not done with it just yet though....

To Serve and Protect 12"x9"

2008-08-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

My Best Side 12"x9"

2008-08-12T14:42:00.001-07:00

Life is Good 12"x9"

2008-08-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

These aren't the best photographs of the paintings; I will need to try to reshoot them...

McGoo's Pizzeria revised

2008-08-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at my painting so long I need to take a break from it. There were a couple of issues I had with this painting when I posted it previously but I have made a couple of changes. (I won't say where...) I conversed with one of my studio mates via email about what to change and I had to laugh...it's kind of cool that we can send images and messages off electronically.

McGoo's Pizzeria

2008-08-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

I used to drive past this building in Southie on my way to work some mornings. I have always loved looking at it but painting it was another story. I was standing on a hill opposite this building and the vantage point was challenging to say the least. I was looking up at parts of it and down at other parts while the road to the left, Dorchester Street sloped down and being one of those unique buildings I love so much...not all the windows are the same size! (at least on the storefront) Anyway, this one was not for sissies...and I should really try it again just to see how it comes out. I met alot of nice folks while I was painting it; that's one of the perks of plein air painting.

Jo's Nautical Bar

2008-08-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

Jo's has been at the end of Hull for as long as I can remember. It's one of those quirky but charming places that become local landmarks and I liked this view with the windmill behind it. I've been told that they open and close at random hours and I have been in there a couple of times when they did happen to be open. It's a unique place.

Catherine

2008-08-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

A family friend asked if I would paint a picture of his late mother. This is from a photograph so I hope it conveys her appearance in a way that is pleasing to her family.

Peace Garden

2008-07-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

This painting is not quite done yet but I wanted to look at it on-line for awhile in addition to in my studio. Rather than paint the buildings or happenings in the North End of Boston recently, I turned to my left and saw this grouping of statues in St. Leonard's Peace Garden. You might think that since the models weren't moving, that they would be a little easier to capture! I'm glad I tried this, but I need to step back for a bit and work on something else. I signed it, but when I looked at it a little later, I thought...hmmmm....

High Fashion 24"x24"

2008-07-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Blog Day to me! Today marks the anniversary of my first ever blog entry one year ago! I love this process and the ability to easily view the art of so many others both finished and in process. Anyway, this painting is on Newbury St. and while I was painting, I was filmed by the crew from TapouT, the martial arts show on the Versus Network. I'm not sure why I was included in the shooting, maybe I look like a contender. Anyway, if they use the shots, I will be in the one of the episodes at the end of the season!

Madonna on Dorchester Street 24"x30"

2008-07-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

While looking around trying to determine what to paint, I was considering the usual, all those buildings that seem to be unique to the Boston area that house people and businesses. I was parked in front of Marion Manor, a nursing facility in South Boston and Ros had already set up down the street working on a street view. I didn't think I would see anything from that vantage point that I really wanted to paint that day when I noticed the statue of the Blessed Mother, a visual oasis with street signs and flowers around her and one of the buildings that I find so typical of the area. Here's my view.

Garden Magic

2008-07-12T17:57:00.001-07:00

Painting in Lynn's garden is always a treat...and a challenge. Flowers are a real excercise for me because as Ros pointed out in one of her classes many years ago..."God already made the flowers pretty..." meaning...we had to translate them to the painting in a way that made an image that reflected our own creativity....man, is it difficult...but this is my latest try. The actual colors are deeper and more intense (with no glare!) so I will attempt to reshoot this...(again!!!)