"Pick Me!" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

"Pick Me!" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

Happy New Year!   I thought I'd start out 2015 with a happy donut painting, and, as a bonus, it is calorie free!  There is something about painting donuts that makes me smile.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of painting them!  

This painting is available at the Artists Corner & Gallery in West Acton, MA.  

"Halcyon Days" - 12 x 12 inches - sea glass collage - SOLD

"Halcyon Days" - 12 x 12 inches framed - sea glass collage

Back to another sea glass collage but before I talk about it, I just want to say happy holidays and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015! 

"Halcyon Days" was created using sea glass that I collected from beaches in New England.  I have not altered the glass in any way -- they are exactly as I found them - tumbled smooth by the ocean over many years.

This collage is one of a kind and can never be duplicated as each piece of glass has a unique shape, size, and color.  This collage contains 78 pieces of sea glass.

The frame is 12 x 12 inches.  More photos are below.

Stained Glass Collage

"Stained Glass Collage" with sea glass

For those who follow my blog, you know that I'm obsessed with sea glass.  What you might not know is that I've always been fascinated with stained glass as well.  

Last week, I arranged a "Girls Night Out" with a group of my buddies and we spent a really fun evening at Periwinkle Glassworks making stained glass collages.  I was able to incorporate a few pieces of my own sea glass into my creation so it has personal meaning to me.  The three pieces are the brown "Vita" piece in the upper right corner, the deep green bottle top in the lower left and the ridged white piece in the lower right.

The process was really interesting.  We spent about an hour arranging scraps of colored glass until we were satisfied with our overall design.  

The second step is to wrap each piece with copper foil.  This is quite time consuming and you need to burnish the foil to make sure it is smooth and adheres well to the glass.  You can see my piece in progress in the lower right corner. 

The next step is a quick brush of a liquid called "flux" that helps the solder stick to the copper foil.  And finally, we used a hot solder iron to melt solder and fuse all the pieces together.  I left my solder quite bumpy and chunky as I liked the irregular effect and thought it added to the charm of my piece.

I now have a huge appreciation for stained glass artists!  Although fun, it was quite tedious and there is a tremendous amount of skill and knowledge required.  I definitely want to go again and am already thinking about what to do for my next creation!

"Sea Spray" - sea glass collage - SOLD

"Sea Spray" - 7 x 9 inches - sea glass collage - SOLD

Ever since a trip to France about 10 years ago, I've been fascinated with collecting sea glass.  I spent an afternoon on a Mediterranean beach finding a couple handfuls of smooth, tumbled sea glass in a range of pastel colors.  I was in awe and couldn't stop!  When I got home, I put together an abstract collage that hangs on my wall and it is one of my treasured souvenirs from that trip.

This obsession with sea glass has ruined my ability to go to a beach and simply relax and enjoy the experience.  I'm always walking with eyes down looking for colored bits of tumbled glass.  So, over the years, I've garnered quite a collection and I'm always looking for creative things to do with it.

"Sea Spray" was created using sea glass that I collected -- mostly from beaches in New England.  I spent a long time arranging the pieces and trying to come up with a pleasing composition.  This piece is unique and can never be duplicated again. 

2015 Desk Calendars are Here!

side view

2015 Desk Calendar My 2015 desk calendars are here!  I select 12 of my favorite paintings that I've created from the past year and put them together in this handy desktop calendar.  The calendar measures 8 x 4 inches and the base is 2 inches wide so it sits nicely on a desk, countertop or windowsill.  See below for more images.  Quantities are limited.  Makes a great stocking stuffer!

Side view

Red Pear and Classy News

My oil painting class started last week and I have a really nice group of students.  Our first lesson focused on values.  (A value is how light or dark a particular color is).  Values are easiest to see in a monochromatic painting.

I asked everyone to pick a dark color on their palette and we created paintings using just that color plus white.  I chose a rich, dark red - Alizarin Crimson.  My demo for the class is above.

As long as the values are correct, the color doesn't really matter.  In the next class, we are going to repaint our pears using color.  Stay tuned!

Oil Painting Demo - Thursday October 9

Please join me for an entertaining and informative oil painting demonstration.  I will begin with a blank canvas and explain my painting technique as I create an original piece of art. 

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2014

Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford MA 

Cost: Free*   

*Those who make a $10 donation will be entered into a raffle to win an original painting at the end of the evening.   All donations benefit the PCA.

No registration necessary.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 30 - "Evening Dunes" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

"Evening Dunes" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

DAY 30!!!  The final day of the 30 day painting challenge!  Overall, I'm really pleased with the paintings that I created this month.  Many thanks to all of you who followed me in this challenge and sent words of encouragement or bought a painting.  Available paintings can be viewed here.

Since I love the beautiful sand dunes on Plum Island, it seemed fitting to paint them once again as the final painting for this month.  I rushed to the dunes around 5:30 p.m. knowing that I'd have about an hour to paint before sunset.  I had to work quickly as the light was dimming fast. Purchase info is below.  

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.

"Evening Dunes" is a 12 x 12 inch oil on canvas painting with the sides painted black so framing is optional.  $175  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 29 - "Blue Skies" - SOLD

"Blue Skies" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

Wow.  Day 29!!!  One more to go and the challenge is finished!

I sat on the beach and painted this scene on a peaceful afternoon.  I didn't have any shade so it was a challenge to "see" my colors and values in the bright sun.  Just another one of the hazards of plein air painting.  Purchase info is below.  

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 28 - "Shipyard" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Shipyard" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

I had planned to paint some boats on their cradles in this shipyard but this scene caught my attention instead.  I really liked how the cars were illuminated in the morning sun against the dark buildings. Purchase info is below.  

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.

"Shipyard" is an 8 x 8 inch oil on canvas painting with the sides painted black so framing is optional. 

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 27 - "Fishing Boats at Dawn" -SOLD

"Fishing Boats at Dawn" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

One of the challenges of plein air painting is that the light changes so quickly.  Unlike a mid-day scene, the colors in this painting are fairly grey and subdued but everything gets brighter and more defined as the sun rises.

I first block in the basic color and value of the large masses (sky, water, land, and boats) before getting down to the nitty gritty details.  Even though the boats are quite small, they take the longest time.  I have to fuss around to get their shapes correct and to make them look as if they are floating on the water.  Purchase info is below.

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 26 - "Approaching Storm" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

"Approaching Storm" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

I picked this scene to paint because of the ominous sky as well as the receding line of telephone poles which I really love...feels kind of retro to me.  Purchase info is below.

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.
"Approaching Storm" is a  5 x 7 inch oil on paper presented in a standard 8 x 10 inch mat.  $60 Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here  for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 25 - "Solo" - 6 x 8 inches - oil on linen - SOLD

 "Solo" - 6 x 8 inches - oil on linen - SOLD

Day 25..woo hoo!  Only 5 more to go!

This was actually a very complicated scene with many boats behind this sailboat.  I just loved the beauty of the shape of this particular boat and the highlight on the sunny side and how it made a nice reflection in the water.  So, I didn't want a lot of extra "noise" as a distraction.  Purchase info is below.

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.
"Solo" is a  6 x 8 inch oil on linen with the sides painted black.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 24 - "Peachy Keen" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

"Peachy Keen" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

These two peaches were sitting on the kitchen windowsill just asking to be painted.  Unlike nectarines, peaches, with their fuzzy skin, don't have sharp highlights and reflections.

As you can probably tell, I started with a bright blue background and I allowed little bits to show through.  Purchase info is below.

In other news, I'll be giving a painting demonstration at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA on Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  For more details, click here.

I am also teaching an oil painting class (also at the Parish Center for the Arts) that begins on Thursday, October 16 and runs for 6 weeks.  For complete details and to register, click here.
"Peachy Keen" is a  5 x 7 inch oil on paper presented in a standard 8 x 10 inch mat.  $60 Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here  for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 23 - "Beach Day" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

"Beach Day" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Another dune painting but this time I sat on the beach and painted with my palette on my lap.  The day was kind of overcast but there was a gentle breeze so it was very pleasant.  I love the beach but I'm not a hot weather fan so my favorite beach days are in the fall.

"Beach Day" is a  5 x 7 inch oil on paper presented in a standard 8 x 10 inch mat.  $60 Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here  for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 22 - "Dunes in Purple" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

"Dunes in Purple" - 10 x 10 inches - oil on canvas

I finally stopped long enough to take some photos to show the progression of how I created this painting.  So, if you are interested, scroll down.

"Dunes in Purple" is a  10 x 10 inch oil on canvas.  The sides are painted black so that framing is optional. $150  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here  for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 21 - "Sunrise" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

"Sunrise" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

I started by painting my paper purple as I knew I wanted a strong yellow color for the sun and if you put purple next to yellow, the yellow appears even brighter.  As usual, I sat in the marina parking lot and painted this early in the morning.  It is so quiet and peaceful that time of day.

"Sunrise" is a  5 x 7 inch oil on paper presented in a standard 8 x 10 inch mat.  $60 Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here  for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 20 - "Gillis Bridge" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas SOLD

"Gillis Bridge" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Day 20!!!  Two-thirds of the way through the challenge and the countdown for the last 10 paintings begins!

There is a bridge over the Merrimack River that connects Newburyport, MA to Salisbury, MA.  The bridge opens up when a boat with a tall mast wants to pass underneath.  It's a pretty well traveled bridge so the traffic really backs up when this happens. 

I chose a rather unusual composition as I really wanted to paint those puffy clouds.  I stood on the boardwalk and painted while people came by and said hello.  Everyone was in such a good mood as the day was sunny and bright.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 19 - "Marsh II" - 6 x 8 inches - oil on linen - SOLD

"Marsh II" - 6 x 8 inches - oil on linen - SOLD

I have to say that this painting looked like a complete mess until it finally came together!  I'm very happy with the final result but struggled with the smooth linen surface as well as my subject.  Marshes are just plain hard to paint! 

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 18 - "Farmers Market Pickles" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

"Farmers Market Pickles" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Today was cloudy and damp so I looked inside for inspiration.  If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you know I like to paint (and eat) pickles.  A friend (Lou Ellen) gave me this jar of pickles that she picked up at a local farmers market.  Those little thoughtful gifts can just make your day!

I started off with a pink background as I thought the pink would make a nice foil for the green pickles.  I hope you enjoy this painting as much as I'm enjoying these pickles!

"Farmers Market Pickles" is a  5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting which comes in a standard 8x10 mat.  $60  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here  for other ways to buy a painting.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 17 - "Quiet Harbor" - 6 x 8 inches - oil on linen - SOLD

"Quiet Harbor" - 6 x 8 inches - oil on linen

I started off by painting my canvas a soft pink color.  Pink and orange are my preferred background colors for landscapes.  I wasn't feeling particularly bold which is why I only gave the canvas a light wash of pink.

I'm always amazed that I can paint the same view many times and it still feels fresh because the weather and time of day give it a completely different look.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 16 - "Overlook" - 11 x 14 inches - oil on canvas -SOLD

"Overlook" - 11 x 14 inches - oil on canvas

I stood on the boardwalk leading down to the beach and painted this view on a glorious, sunny afternoon.  It was quite breezy so I had to weight down my tripod so that it wouldn't blow over.

A passerby asked me why I only included a small piece of the ocean.  My answer was that I wanted to paint the dunes and the beach grasses which were way more interesting and colorful.

Below is a selfie of a very happy artist  :)  If you look at the painting, I hadn't put the sky in yet which is why it is orange. 

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 15 - "River View" - 11 x 14 inches - oil on canvas

"River View" - 11 x 14 inches - oil on canvas

I stood on the edge of the Merrimack River and happily painted the afternoon away.  I was primarily interested in doing a cloudscape so kept everything else fairly simple so as not to detract from the lovely sky.

"River View" is an 11 x 14 inch oil on canvas painting with the sides painted black.  $195  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase by credit card or click here for other ways to buy a painting.