"Red Pepper Green Shadow" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

"Red Pepper Green Shadow" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

Day 4 of the "30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge."  I'm cranking along and enjoying my little still life set ups.
 

Peppers make a really interesting subject to paint with their curves, bumps and crevices.  I also love the green stem contrasting with the bright red pepper. 

"Red Pepper...." is a 5 inch square painting and is available for $40.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card/paypal or here for other payment options. 

"1 Tsp Almond Extract" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

"1 Tsp Almond Extract" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

Day 3 of Leslie Saeta's "30 Paintings in 30 Days" challenge.  There are about 250 artists participating in this challenge.   

I rummaged around my kitchen to come up with this subject.  Surprisingly, vanilla extract is nearly opaque so the almond extract made a much more interesting subject.


"1 Tsp Almond Extract" is a 5 inch square painting and is available for $40.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card/Paypal or here for other payment options. 

"Take 2 and Call Me in the Morning" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

"Take 2 and Call Me in the Morning" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

Probably not the most popular subject for a painting, but I really like orange color and the way the light shines through the bottle and illuminates the pills.  


"Take 2..." is a 5 inch square painting and is available for $40 (unframed).  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card/Paypal or here for other payment options. 

"Sensodyne" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

"Sensodyne" - 5 x 5 inches - oil on paper

I decided to take a 30 day challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  For this challenge, I set up a few rules for myself: 

1) Paint with oil on paper.  I've always wanted to try painting on paper so I decided this would be a great time to try. 

2) Paint from life.  I paint from photos a lot so I wanted to force myself back into painting from life.  I've set up an area next to my easel for staging my subjects.

3) Keep it simple.  Because I'm painting 30 paintings in 30 days, I need to keep them relatively small and simple.  I plan to use everyday objects from around my house and hopefully I won't run out of inspiration. I'm using a 5 inch size paper since they fit nicely into a stock 5 x 5 frame.

My first subject: my trusty toothbrush and toothpaste.  It was one of the first things I picked up this morning so it made for a great start.  I think my dentist would agree :)

"Sensodyne" is a 5 inch square painting and is available for $40 (unframed).  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card/Paypal or here for other payment options. 

"Honey Bear" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

"Honey Bear" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Happy New Year to everyone!  "Honey Bear" was actually my last painting for 2012.  I spotted the little guy on my dining room table.  The light from the window made this little bear glow with the most delicious amber colors.  I'm sure I'll paint him again sometime.

You'll be getting a lot of emails from me in January.  I've accepted a challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  I've decided to paint on paper -- something I've always wanted to try.  So, I prepped some watercolor paper with 3 coats of gesso and I'm ready to go.  Because I plan to finish one painting each day, I'll keep the subjects pretty simple.  I'm looking forward to this challenge...something I've been thinking about for a long time.  Stay tuned...


"Honey Bear" is a 6 inch square painting and is available for $60.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using paypal or here for other payment options. 

"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.