"Pink Frosted" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Pink Frosted" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Who can resist a frosted donut with sprinkles?  Not me!  I started off by painting my canvas with a wash of pink and then allowed to color to peek through.  This was a fun one to paint as I ate the model shortly after the painting session was over :)

This is likely my last email for 2012 so I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope 2013 brings you good health and much happiness.  Thanks for sharing my artistic journey and I appreciate all your kind words and encouragement.

With warmest regards,

Laurie 

"Coming and Going" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Coming and Going" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

Last Saturday, I spent the afternoon at a "Buy Local - Read Local" event where I sold copies of my book, "Paint the Town!  An Artist's Perspective on Westford, Massachusetts."  It was a fun afternoon of chatting with customers along with other local authors.  I decided to paint during the event since many people are curious and enjoy seeing a painting in action.  I had started the painting the day before and was able to almost complete it during the afternoon...it just needed a few finishing touches at home.

I have exciting news to share.  On Thursday, Dec. 20 at noon (EST), I'm going to be co-hosting a radio show called "Artists Helping Artists."  Leslie Saeta started the show back in 2010 and it is a great resource for artists - lots of topics on marketing, sales, social media, etc.  The topic for Thursday is "Organizing Tips for Artists … Getting Ready for 2013."  It will be a new experience for me and I'm looking forward to it!  You can listen to the show live, or a recorded version afterwards, by clicking here.

"Sunny Day at the PCA II" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

I wish I had taken a picture midway though this painting.  To mix things up a bit, I decided to go completely funky with the colors and try to get a pop art type of look.  I painted the building various shades of purple, the sky was yellow and green, the grass and trees were pinks and reds.  I HATED it.  It just didn't work.  So, I let it sit for a few days and decided that the funky colors were my under-painting and I'd just go ahead and paint it using realistic colors.  After all that, I'm quite happy with the final result.

In other news, congratulations to Susan Taylor who won my monthly give-away for December!  Each month I randomly select someone from my mailing list and give them a gift.  Click here to sign up for my mailing list for your chance to win!

"Sunny Day at the PCA II" is a 10 inch square painting and is available for $140.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using paypal or here for other payment options. 

"Where's Kit-Ten?" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Where's Kit-Ten?" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

I occasionally do some cat sitting for a friend.  I'm not entirely sure that she still has a cat.  In my last 4 day cat sitting job, I never saw the cat.  Every time I saw that some food was missing from the bowl, I was relieved as I figured that cat was still alive.

One afternoon, I went searching for "Kit-Ten" (a.k.a. Stanley or Smudge) and spotted the light streaming in from the living room window.  Great light...I knew I had to paint it.  I would have preferred to have Kit-Ten sitting on the couch to add some interest to the painting, but that wasn't going to happen.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday.  As a reminder, there is still time to order a house or pet portrait for the holidays.  For more information on ordering a custom painting, click here.  I also have 2013 Desk Calendars available and for folks with connections to Westford, MA, my Paint the Town Book makes a great gift.
 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I don't have a new painting to post this week but just wanted to share a bit of news on a few topics.

Photo by Pat Alto

"Sunny Day at the PCA"

First off, in my last post, I forgot to give credit to Pat Alto who took the photo of the antique chandelier.  The PCA's art auction fundraiser was a great success and raised almost $4,500.  My painting, "Sunny Day at the PCA" was well received and found a new home with Lizette and David Greaves.


Marie Doctor won my monthly give-away for November ... one of my 2013 Desk Calendars...congratulations Marie!  For those who don't know, sign up for my e-mail list and you're automatically entered to win in my monthly drawing.


Finally, I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 

With warm regards,

Laurie

"Sunny Day at the PCA" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Sunny Day at the PCA" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

very sad chandelier

This coming Saturday, the Parish Center for the Arts is holding an art auction fundraiser to raise money to restore the original chandelier that hung in the main hall many years ago (see photo above).  

The original pulley system is still in the attic.  The chandelier had to be lowered down to light it (first candles and then oil) and then pull it back up.  We don't know its exact age but it was manufactured between 1840 and 1870.  One cool feature you can see in the photo is that the top of the chandelier is lined with glass mirrors which helped reflect the light.  

If you are interested in attending the art auction, you can read more about it here.  It will be a very fun evening and an opportunity to purchase some fantastic art.

"Sunny Day at the PCA" is my donation for the auction.

"How Do You Like Them Apples?" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

I am still on an apple kick although I'm sad to say that apples are now a bit out of season so the good juicy, crispy ones are harder to find.  I learned a thing or two about painting apples in the past few weeks.  I was a bit afraid of the multicolored apples but then learned to like painting them a lot better than the solid color apples.  I also learned that apples really come in a multitude of colors...pinks, reds, oranges and a full range of green.

For this painting, instead of laying out the apples in a geometric pattern (like I did for Sweet Sixteen), I just randomly placed them.  As always, for added interest, I try to make each apple slightly different in color, size, distance between them, etc.

In other news:

I still have some 2013 desk calendars available...they make a really nice holiday gift.  You can buy them at Art on Main, or, online by clicking here.

And, if you're starting to think about the holidays, a house or pet portrait makes a really nice gift so now is the time to make that request.  For more information on ordering a custom painting, click here.

"How Do You Like Them Apples?" is a 10 inch square painting and is available for $140.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using paypal or here for other payment options.
 

"Sweet Sixteen" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Sweet Sixteen" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

Apples have been on my mind lately and are my "go to" fruit for the fall.  My son and I traditionally go apple picking in early October and have always had a great time climbing the trees, filling our basket and sampling different apples.  He's off at college now so I never made it to the orchard this year.

I had a strong vision for this painting and, for whatever reason, I really wanted to paint 16 apples in a very geometric, symmetrical pattern.  Each apple is slightly different - a couple are upside down, one still has the supermarket bar code, one has leaves, etc.  Some apples I painted in just a few strokes - quick and easy.  Others, I labored over, scraped off the paint, and started over again and again.  Who knows why...some days the paint flows and others not.

As a reminder, my 2013 desk calendar is now available.  For more info, click here.

And, if you're starting to think about the holidays, a house or pet portrait makes a really nice gift so now is the time to start planning.  For more information on ordering a custom painting, click here.

Finally, Art on Main is celebrating its 3rd anniversary on Thursday Nov. 1 from 5 - 8 p.m.  Drop by to say hello if you live in the area!

2013 Desk Calendar - SOLD OUT!

I'm pleased to announce my 4th annual Desk Calendar for 2013! - SOLD OUT



Each month features a different painting and the calendar comes packaged in a CD-like case that opens to display each month:

The 2013 Desk Calendar is $18 and it can be purchased in a couple of different ways.

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886.  We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who don't live near Westford, MA, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will ship the calendar directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll get the process started.

"Blinking Yellow" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

"Blinking Yellow" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

This painting depicts the main intersection in the Forge Village area of Westford...a place where several roads converge.  I wanted to paint this area for a lot of reasons. I liked how the striped red and white railroad barriers frame both sides of the road.  I also liked the blinking yellow traffic lights along with the electrical poles and wires.  Finally, I liked how the signs added a punch of vibrant green and yellow to the mix.

And, if you're starting to think about the holidays, a house or pet portrait makes a really nice gift so now is the time to start planning.  For more information on ordering a custom painting, click here.


"Blinking Yellow" is a 16 inch square painting and is available for $400.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using paypal or here for other payment options.

"Bettyann's Barn III" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Bettyann's Barn III" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

My oil painting demo on September 20, 2012 was a great success.  Thank you to everyone who came to support me.  There were a lot of great questions and I really enjoyed myself.  My friend Pat was kind enough to video the event while Cathy provided refreshments.  Thanks to both of you!

Natalie Sandore was the lucky raffle winner who took home "Bettyann's Barn II" at the end of the evening.  Bettyann's Barn III, the actual painting that I created during the demo, is now hanging at the Art on Main gallery and is available for sale.

Speaking of Art on Main, our monthly Wine and Nibbles is on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 5 - 8 p.m. featuring "The Students of Kathy Cooper."  Stop by if you live in the area.

Finally, just a reminder that my painting "Jam" will be part of the "Urban Intersection" show at the Quidley & Company gallery in Boston.  The opening reception is on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 5:30 - 8 p.m.  Be there or B square!

 

Oil Painting Demonstration

I'll be giving an oil painting demonstration on:

Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 7 p.m.

at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford, MA.

I will create the painting, "Bettyann's Barn" similar to the one pictured here. 

This event is free but if you make a $10 donation, your name will be entered into a raffle to win the painting at the end of the evening.

If you cannot attend but still want a chance to win, you can either stop by Art on Main to purchase a raffle ticket, or, click the Buy Now button below and I'll create a ticket for you.  For those who don't live in the area, I'll ship the painting to your door if you win! All proceeds benefit the PCA, a non-profit arts center.

B there or B square (and bring a friend, too!)

Best regards,

Laurie

"The Dog Days of Summer" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I spotted this hot dog vendor setting up his cart before the lunch crowd arrived.  The challenge with this painting was the amount of bright, primary colors that were competing with each other.  The umbrella was bright yellow and red, the vendor's shorts were red, the cooler was a vivid blue and the background was very busy and filled with greens.  If I didn't make some alterations, the final product would have been an overwhelming onslaught of color.

My first decision was to shift the reds to more of an orange color to make them more harmonious with the yellow.  I also toned down the blue to make it more subdued.  The background was quite busy so I darkened it and just left a suggestion of the hedge that was behind him.

"Graniteville Foundry II" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Graniteville Foundry II" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

This summer, there was ongoing construction near my house.  Because of a detour, I found myself driving past the Graniteville Foundry much more than usual.  I've always loved the shapes and colors of this building and decided to paint it once again.

The first time I painted it, I really focused on the entrance and only showed a hint of the tall red tower.  My pallet was duller to reflect the gray/neutral colors of winter.  Looking back at my earlier painting, I'm struck by how many different ways there are to interpret the same subject.  You can see my first interpretation by clicking here.

"Sittin' Pretty" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Sittin' Pretty" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Whenever I gallery sit at Art on Main, I always bring a painting to work on.  Last week, I arrived with nothing in mind.  Looking for inspiration, I walked around the outside of the building and found this lovely flower pot in the back.  Using a bit of artistic license, I changed both the shape and color of the pot to make it more to my liking.

For those who live in the area, Art on Main is having our monthly open house on Thursday, September 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Join us for a some wine, nibbles and good conversation.

"Jam" - 20 x 20 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

This painting was part of the "Urban Intersection" show at the Quidley & Company Gallery on Newbury Street in Boston.  I was honored to participate in such a prestigious event.

"LA DIP" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

"LA DIP" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

I spotted this pink ice cream truck in the parking lot of my supermarket one afternoon.  What a cool truck!  I immediately pulled out my camera and started taking pictures.  This truck has a lot of personality ...I love the American flag peeking out of the left corner of the windshield.

I started this painting as a demo at our monthly "Wine and Nibbles" open house Art on Main.  I was able to block in most of the painting but had to finish up at home as I kept stopping to chat with people.   


This 10 inch square painting is available for $140.  Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options. 

"Wild Ones" - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I don't really like traditional flower arrangements.  I can't be bothered with ferns and baby's breath and  fancy flowers like roses and lilies.  I'd much rather have wild flowers picked from a field.  I spotted these daisies in my backyard and immediately knew I'd have to paint them.  I just love the simple presentation of these flowers in an old jelly jar.  I fabricated a few extra flowers to round out the composition like the tallest flower and the bud on the far left.

In Other News...Tax Free Weekend and 15% off Sale!

Massachusetts is having their annual tax free weekend on Saturday August 11 and Sunday August 12.  In addition to saving the 6.25% sales tax, I'm offering 15% off all my paintings for these two days.  You can either purchase them at the Art on Main gallery, or, online.  You can view all my available paintings by clicking here.

"Rocky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Rocky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

I recently painted this Westie named "Rocky".  I've never met Rocky but was given a number of reference photos to work from.  Things got a bit tricky as I was asked to place Rocky in this outdoor setting but use this particular pose which was from an indoor shot.  Before I began, I used Photoshop to combine the two reference photos and basically cut Rocky out of the indoor photo and inserted him into this outdoor setting.  Combining references isn't too difficult as long as you pay attention to the light and shadows and make everything look consistent.

I love to paint animals so if you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait, click here for more information.

For those who live in the Westford, MA area, Art on Main is having our monthly "Wine and Nibbles" open house on Thursday, August 2 from 5 - 8 p.m.  I will be giving an oil painting demo from 5 - 6:30pm so stop by and say hello.

"Party Favor" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I went to a "surprise" birthday party for a dear friend.  It would have been a surprise except we told her that she needed to supply the pool and an appetizer and that the rest of the group would bring everything else.  (Nothing like inviting yourself to a friend's house for a swim on a Sunday afternoon).  Like a good hostess, not only did she supply the appetizer and the pool, but she even made sweet little flower arrangements for everyone to take home as a party favor. 

I struggled with the composition on this one.  I decided to cut off the vase and simply focus on the flowers.  I like how the chair adds an element of interest in the background.  I'm always struck by how many decisions an artist must make when creating a piece of artwork...composition, color choices, canvas size and on and on and on. 

"Two Out One In" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

"Two Out One In" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

Cherries, with their shiny reflections, are one of my favorite subjects to paint.  I also love to place them on a window sill to create strong, interesting shadows.  I spent a fair amount of time thinking about and then adjusting the curve and movement of the stems.  This arrangement creates a nice circular flow and brings all three cherries together.

This 8 inch square painting is available for $95.  Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options. 

"Before Hours" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Before Hours" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

The Art on Main gallery is connected to two shops -- Eclectique and Le Gourmet Jardin.  I came in to work early one Saturday morning before the other shops opened.  As I glanced down the hallway to Ecletique, there was soft, morning light coming in through the sliding glass door.  I just couldn't resist trying to capture that morning glow.  Because Ecletique sells vintage finds, there were interesting (and challenging) objects to paint. 

I started with a bright orange ground and primarily worked from back to front.  I usually try to get the basic shapes, colors and values correct before adding the final details.  Claire, the owner of Ecletique, was thrilled that I painted her shop and decided to buy the painting... a happy ending for both of us  :)

"Fluffer Nutter" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

"Fluffer Nutter" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Lately, my son has been on a "fluffer nutter" kick.  We've been going through jars of fluff and peanut butter pretty quickly.  Considering that I really like marshmallow, I don't mind taking a spoonful of the stuff every now and then.  If you pair it with some quality chocolate, it is really yummy.  I don't know how long this fluff kick will last, but I'm riding the wave for now.

I loved the combination of colors in this set up...the bright red lid next to the bright green.  The light blue color on the label with a splash of yellow just adds to this happy mix of colors.

This 6 inch square painting is available for $60.  Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options.  

"Tipsy" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Tipsy" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Last Saturday, I sat outside Art on Main and gave an oil painting demo.  Our gallery is just down the street from the Westford Common -- folks were parking all along Main Street on their way to the annual "Strawberry 'n Arts" festival.  The weather could not have been more glorious!   I was really happy to sit outside and paint for a couple hours.


I started with a bright yellow background knowing that a good portion of my canvas would be covered in a purple shadow.  I paid particular attention to the reflections and shadows on the shiny red cherries...one of my favorite subjects to paint.

"Maggie" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Maggie" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

This is Maggie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  This pet portrait was presented to the owner as a birthday gift from a friend who commissioned me to paint it.  I'm happy to report that she was thrilled with the painting.

I started the painting with a bright orange background.  I picked orange mainly because Maggie's coat has red/orange overtones and I wanted to punch up the color a bit.  I also picked a grey-blue for the background color since blue is the complement to orange and makes the colors glow a bit more.

I love to paint animals and am happy to capture your furry loved ones on a canvas as a permanent keepsake.  Click here to learn more.

"Night Game at Fenway" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Night Game at Fenway" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

 
This painting is based on a photo that my daughter snapped at a Red Sox game.  The Sox aren't off to a great start this year but they won this particular game with a walk off home so it was a really exciting finish.  

I was inspired by the bright lights and the halo created against the dark sky.  I started with a fluorescent green background that I allowed to shine through at various points.  I always try to keep my brushstrokes loose and fresh and I think I did a pretty good job in this painting.

"Sunset on Federal" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

"Sunset on Federal" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

I recently went to Newburyport, a lovely coastal town on the north shore of Massachusetts.  I passed this scene as the sun was hitting the steeple of this church on Federal Street.  

To begin, I covered my canvas with a solid layer of orange for a warm undertone.  I mainly worked from background to foreground by filling in the sky, distant trees and then the buildings working my way forward.  

In other news...congratulations to Laura Araujo who is the winner of my monthly give away!   If you want to become eligible, sign up for my mailing list by entering your email and clicking the subscribe button on the right side of this site.

This 8 inch square painting is available for $95.  Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options.

"Calm" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

"Calm" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

The main reason I wanted to paint this scene was that lovely reflection of the mast in the foreground. I started this painting while sitting in my car. and attempted to paint it "plein air". Painting on location is very difficult as the light, and in this case, the water are constantly changing and moving. In fact, I kept chasing the tide as the foreground changed dramatically from the time that I started to when I stopped. When I got the painting home, it was a mess...all the values were too similar with little distinction between the far trees, the water and the foreground. Ugh.

I let the painting sit for a few days and thought about how to fix it. I started by darkening the background trees as well as the foreground grasses. I also darkened the foreground water just a bit to give some contrast to the white reflection of the mast. With just a few brushstrokes, the entire painting came together rather quickly. I really wish I had a before and after photo since the results were quite remarkable. I'm really quite happy with the final result.

This 6 inch square painting is available for $60. Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options.