Debbie Miller Painting

John Butler "Ocean" Rothbury 7-4-09

2012-01-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

Good Morning.
It's a new year. Back to work.

2011-12-20T18:20:00.002-05:00

Sweet Stuff

2011-12-15T21:41:00.000-05:00

sold

Did you know Dec. 15 is National Cupcake Day?

I've been so busy getting commisssions done for that other holiday I almost missed it!

Its been a cupcake week of sorts around here - on Tuesday I got a visit from a young man who works at the most delicious cupcake shop in RI - Sweet Indulgence.

Last month when I went on my 'marathon/keep calm and paint a cupcake' painting spree and just couldn't paint another grocery store cupcake, I found this shop. This sweet, pink, dripping in confections shop.

I got there just before they closed and bought a few to paint. So happy about my find I almost blogged about the shop that very night - and made a note to do so in the future. (side note: I searched the state for good cupcakes that day and was so dissapointed with everything until Sweet Indulgence.)

So this young man Joshua - whose mom I met at the RISD sale -came to buy one of my cupcake paintings to give to Kerri Cupcake - his boss at the shop.

- Sweet right? It gets better.

He brought me a box of cupcakes. SO sweet. ( Mom, you did well) - and he is talented too,baking some of his own - check out some of his own creations on his facebook page HERE.

And don't miss the Sweet Indulgence blog - gorgeous photos and they are in the midst of a 12 days of giveaways.

And stop by the shop too, I'm planning on picking up some treats this week.

Happy Cupcake Day!

2011-12-13T16:14:00.000-05:00

past the 50 mark with the portrait project - Yay! and now heading up the wall

see more HERE

Chocolate Fix x3 - cupcake painting, Debbie Miller

2011-12-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas - ready to hang.

Hello Cupcake - daily painting, debbie miller, pink

2011-12-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

6x6 " oil on canvas, ready to hang!

Thank you, thank you everyone who stopped by the studio saturday.
It means so much to me that you came by.

The Beach - beach scene, daily painting,Debbie Miller

2011-12-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

12x24" oil on canvas.
below is a closeup of last weeks portrait of singer Tish Adams - listen to her HERE and see the rest of the portrait HERE

Vacation Santa -debbie miller,daily painting,beach scene

2011-12-05T13:04:00.000-05:00

6x6 oil on panel

I actually saw geraniums in bloom in someones window boxes yesterday. It is December in N.E. right?

Just Chillin' - daily painting, debbie miller,beach scene,blue

2011-12-04T19:57:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel

HOTcakes!!

2011-12-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

The cupcakes are Hot cakes down in Miami!!
Many thanks to Beth Urdang Gallery for bringing them along to The Aqua Show during Art Basel!!!
yay!

Holiday Open Studio

2011-12-03T19:34:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all who came out to the RISD sale today!! now on to the next event - if you are in the area I hope you'll stop by

RISD Holiday sale!

2011-12-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

Packing up the van and heading to the RISD Holiday sale!!!

Santa - daily painting, beach scene,debbie miller

2011-12-01T19:02:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel

I can't stop.

arist to watch - Rick Shiers

2011-12-01T18:53:00.000-05:00

by Rick Shiers

New to the blogging scene but by No means a newbie painter!
Check out the work of a friend of mine from my RISD days: Rick Shiers.

A talented illustrator by trade he paints on the side and has posted them HERE

I especially love this still life - the monocromatic palette and the shiny objects - just beautiful.
It would look great in either a traditional or modern home.

Santa Plein air painting, debbie miller, daily painting

2011-11-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

5x7" oil
Did you know Santa paints? He does, he says it relaxes him and he especially loves plein air painting at the beach.

Pink Hoodie 1 - beach scene, debbie miller

2011-11-29T10:31:00.003-05:00

6x6" oil on panel
Putting on a hoodie after a long day of swimming at the beach = simple pleasure in life.

Don't forget: RISD sale - more little beach scenes like this, larger works and some cards and prints too

Beach Santa 1 - daily painting, Debbie Miller

2011-11-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

6x6" Oil on panel - With Turkey Day behind us - even the leftovers are gone - it's full steam ahead.
For sure Santa is in the weeds and dreaming about his upcoming beach vacation.

I'm getting ready for the RISD Holiday Sale THIS sat. at the RI Convention Center and also My Holiday Open Studio on Dec. 10. busy busy busy.... but look who has popped up to lend a hand....

A Line in the sand, Debbie Miller, children playing at the beach

2011-11-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil
$100

Sun Seeker Santa - daily painting, debbie miller

2011-11-24T20:12:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!!

Sunshine Shoulders, Debbie Miller, children playing at the beach, painting

2011-11-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel

This week, since its so busy - for me and you - I've decided to post some of my little paintings that Ive posted before but are still kicking around the studio - but they are perfect little gifts!! Totally dry and ready to be shipped asap.

free shipping too PLUS I can gift wrap AND Ive got some small easels perfect for propping the painting on for display.

artist spotlight - Mark Taber

2011-11-20T23:58:00.001-05:00

A really talented pianist,artist and all around interesting fellow -Mark Taber - watch THIS

I've had the honor of painting him a few times - HERE, HERE. Not only is he a great model but we always get treated to a little piano during painting breaks.

After watching this, I would love to do a big portrait of him in front of one of his vehicles. ....in fact I would like to do a whole series of real big portraits of artists with their 'stuff' .....

2011-11-18T10:11:00.000-05:00

Portrait study - debbie miller

2011-11-17T13:09:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel

Painting or drawing the figure from life - there is nothing like it.
This was a quick 20 min. pose.

(now that I sit here looking at it, reminds me of a really skinny Santa....eat Papa eat!)

Sweet. debbie miller,daily painting,cupcakes

2011-11-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

Sweet.

6x6" oil.
Twenty cupcake paintings packed up and shipped to Boston. Sweet.

Art comes to life

2011-11-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to Plimoth Plantation walked into one of the houses and saw her.

and I saw this

and was instantly struck by how much the whole scene reminded me of this:

Vermeer's the Milkmaid

I may have even gasped outloud "It's Vermeer".

Sewing Project OR How to make Grammy happy

2011-11-13T16:29:00.002-05:00

So today , I used THIS

to make THIS - a cover for my fancy printer.
Now I know this is not a big deal to many of you - but for me it is a momentous occasion! It just may be the first thing I've sewn since the pillow I made in 7th grade home ec class. So...yeah it's been a while.

I found this quilted fabric at a consignment store for next to nothing. MY green AND it has swirly flowers and batting on the back.

In other words - THE perfect fabric.

A few years ago, I would have promptly brought it over to my Grandmothers house and her trusty old singer sewing machine and she would have quickly sewn it while I had a cup of tea. Followed by a cookie and a "wish you girls would sew" comment thrown in for good meassure.

Gram sewed. She made all my curtains, pillows,comforters - you name it. She sewed it. - For my all of us - Mom, sister, brother, aunt, her great grandkids etc.
It was her thing.

Well she is almost 94 now and basically told us It's high time we learned to sew for ourselves!

So Gram - this is for you - sit back and enjoy the roses!! You've earned it.

Beach Bug - daily painting,Debbie Miller, vintage blue bug

2011-11-10T14:06:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on cradled panel

Speaking of vintage....

Aistream studio - do you have one?

2011-11-10T09:12:00.002-05:00

I'm a little obsessed with vintage airstreams....not as a camping option (although I do see the charm).

What I really really want to do is park one in my yard and convert it into a studio/living space.
I dream about it. Seriously.

This one is cool - modern airstream studio - although not cozy, bohemian enough.

This one is closer to what I imagine:

THIS is just ridiculously AWESOME and more what I'm dreaming about. Read more HERE

Couldn't you picture me in there blogging away with my little dog curled up on the couch? I can.

I might even put a "no boys allowed" sign on the door. - teenage boys not allowed - besides the kitchen is IN the house.

anyone got one they would like to donate to my cause??

Portrait of Julie - portrait painting,Debbie Miller

2011-11-09T15:05:00.000-05:00

10x10 oil on panel.
After painitng for almost 2 days straight, it was nice to take a break from the cupcakes and get back to my favorite pastime - painting heads :)
Still on a painitng roll though I did 2 of this model. They are both posted over on the "About Face" blog.
HERE

Happy Fall

2011-11-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I'm completely in love with the instagram app on my iphone. The square format and the different filters, it just makes me so happy. I want to spend the day photo styling around my house :)

I even used it yesterday in my kindergarten art class. Cool art - perfect for instagram fun.

Ta DA! Cupcake Paintings, Debbie Miller

2011-11-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

Cupcakes!!!

18 total little cupcake paintings over the past 2 days. Seriously it was a marathon. These 16 are all on canvas. There were 2 kicking around the studio, so they got added in.
There are 4 more that I did on panels.

These are going to the Beth Urdang Gallery in Boston and Wellesley Mass.

Vicinity - RI RISD alumni show

2011-11-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

the first ever RI RISD alumni show. yay!
Surprised by so many entries this year, they had to jury it - Happy to have one of my paintings accepted into the show!
@ Keeseh Studio, 42 Rice St. Prov. RI

Cupcake (A), pink, cupcake painting,Debbie Miller

2011-11-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas.
cupcakes, cupcakes,cupcakes and more cupcakes.
Getting a big batch of cupcakes ready to go up to Boston.
First, I spent Saturday tracking down some interesting models :). Just wasn't in the mood to paint the grocery store cupcakes, for this amount of paintings I needed to switch things up and get some fresh
props.

after that massive task - (eh hem, East Bay - we could really use a gourmet cupcake shop!)
I primed 16 small canvases and a bunch of panels. THEN, I jammed. Knocked out a whole bunch!!
Talk about a Sugar Rush!!!
Back at it tomorrow. Stay tuned, I'll share a few of them and let you know where they are going too.

It's all about the cupcakes, cupcake paintings,debbie miller

2011-11-03T19:44:00.001-05:00

For the next few days, it really is. No Joke.
I've got a bagillion to paint. You know that pre-holiday cookie baking frenzie everyone seems to do at least once in their life? - usually before you turn 40 and you realize that you really DON'T have to make 12 kinds of cookies. Yeh,THAT is what it will be like around the ol' studio for the next few days.
It's cool. No worries. I got this.

Do you doodle?

2011-11-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Do you doodle?

I do. It helps me think and concentrate when I'm listening.

Today, catching up on some podcasts, I filled up a few pages of an old encyclopedia that is hanging around my studio.

Pets on Furniture

2011-11-02T13:48:00.000-05:00

I spend loads of time reading blogs - mostly art and design blogs. A favorite read is often the weekly "Pets on Furniture" posts on Desire to Inspire and yay! this week Bax made the cut :)

check it out HERE

Passion, daily painting, cupcakes,debbie miller

2011-11-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas.
I have to admit the last thing I feel like looking at after last nights candy fest (and this morning too, I confess) is more sugar!!!
BUT the cupcake painting must go on... Keep Calm and Carry On.
- By now, you all know the saying and if you are a blogger who fequents the design blogs, you probably have the poster in your house some where! I've got a yellow one in my kitchen. But I'm a little tempted to get this one from Target for my studio:

but since I'm really trying to lose the baby weight (yes my baby is 13- so what?) I will have to switch it up like this:

Wicked, daily painting, Debbie Miller

2011-10-31T11:02:00.000-05:00

She is so Wicked.
10x10"
oil

Seriously Mother Nature, what's up?

pet portrait commissions, Debbie Miller

2011-10-27T18:58:00.009-05:00

6x6" oil sold - Just going through my photo files and came across these 2 cats - commissions from last year. You know that orange popped of the screen at me right? loving it. and...
I LOVE to do pet portraits. see more HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE oh and HERE
They make GREAT gifts.
It's not too early to start thinking about the Holidays people! Get your commission orders in now before I get too busy.
***free shipping and cute little easle to prop them on too***

Little Green Monster, daily painting,cupcakes,Debbie Miller

2011-10-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas
Sooo many Halloween cupcakes out there. Seriously, with all that candy do the kiddies NEED cupcakes too? You betcha.

Where's the orange? Its there, see it peeking through?
But not so much in the trees around here this year. Those Swamp maples sure didn't put out this year. This tree is usually a nice deep orange. I miss it.

Portrait Study,Debbie Miller

2011-10-25T18:29:00.000-05:00

10x10 oil
With my portrait studies, I use a pale orange ground, usually a burnt sienna thinned with turp.
Then I block in the lights and darks with an umber.
But my favorite part is getting to use that delicious cad. red light. Nose,ears and corner of eyes.

Here is the model. Tomorrow the finished painting will be posted on the About Face blog.

More Orange... "Woman on Orange" by Kerry Smith, here is an invite to his show.

Orange. Do you love it or hate it?

2011-10-24T16:23:00.001-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas.
Orange is one of those colors that people feel really strongly about.
What about you? Do you love it or hate it? or is it just a 'meh' color to you?

I happen to love it - especially for a ground for my paintings. I've tried to paint with other grounds...even just white. But nothing gets my juices flowing like a deep orange background. HERE is an old post showing the background orange.

Painting with it is super fun too.
Check out THIS painting and THIS painting.

Sometimes the orange doesn't have to be the main event to pack some punch, like in THIS painting.

Last but not least: THIS is one of my favorite plein air paintings from a few years back.

So what do you say? Enjoying some orange this week? Share it with a link in the comments, we'ld love to see it!!

A Gathering - plein air, daily painting, debbie miller

2011-10-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil
So great seeing everyone during the Warren Walkabout today!

OPEN STUDIO! SUN.12 -5

2011-10-22T18:11:00.000-05:00

The Studio is all spruced up and ready to go.

Sunday 12 - 5
30 Cutler ST.
Warren RI

Yesterday we filled the gallery space with lots of art from all the talented people in my building.
Many of us will also have our studios open.
It really is a treat to take a peak into the work spaces of artists.
Come on by!!

It's All About the Pink - daily painting, cupcakes, Debbie Miller

2011-10-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel
Couldn't let the month go by without painting a pink cupcake
- Don't forget - get "the girls" checked! -

Chris - portrait painting, Debbie Miller

2011-10-19T14:42:00.000-05:00

Chris - 12 x12 oil on panel.
Missed portrait painting this week - hate that.
This one is from last week. You can see more HERE OR come by this Sunday and see it
and all the portraits in person!!
Yay! open studio! Sun. 12 - 5
directions HERE

Speaking of birds.....

2011-10-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

nfdp

Owls, Owls everywhere!

This one in my studio , and it seems everywhere else...., we watch the Owl cams in the late winter and Ive got the Audubon Owl app on my iphone. Yup, we are Bird Nerds.

... so naturally I couldn't resist doing an owl project with my kindergarten art class.
Heres a sample of them ....

This is my kind of project for this age - direction at first and then they take it where they want to. I am never dissapointed with the results and neither are the kids!

Barn Swallows - Debbie Miller

2011-10-17T13:32:00.001-05:00

30x30 oil on panel NFS
Lately Ive been all over the place - going from one thing to the next, trying to figure out what it is I want to paint ...or DO for that matter.
It happens.

So what do you do when this occurs? Taking a break helps, a change of scenery helps
But then keep going, and keep doing.
Or in my case keep painting.

Painting is the one thing that I know I WANT to do - its the 'what kind of painter' that Ive been struggling with.
Sometimes after pushing through something good comes of it - a spark of an idea that excites.
This painting is that for me - this is something I can get excited about right now.
Rock on.

Here it is in its new home - my mothers blue living room. Btw - how cool is it that my Mom had the guts to paint her room this color??
Still needs a frame (something simple) but it sings against those walls AND my mother loves barn swallows so we're all happy

The idea came from the pink bird painting that was on the cover of last months House Beautiful, tried to find the artist but it didnt give one.

You rock!

2011-10-15T19:35:00.000-05:00

Thank you, thank you to all my friends/collectors - old and new- that braved the wind today on Benefit St. for the RISD sale.
What a fun day!
and to my brand new friends - Welcome!

fyi - open studios in Warren RI next sun from 12 -5....come visit my studio - suite 210 in 30 Cutler St.
and I'll be at the RISD holiday sale in Dec.
Yay!

RISD sale THIS sat.!!

2011-10-14T12:55:00.000-05:00

Yes its raining - but don't let that scare you away from the RISD sale tomorrow!!!

Benefit St. will have a great big tent :) Yay!!

I'll be at table 159 - down near George St.

Total visual overload for me on my morning walk - I LOVE a rainy October morning!! Saturates the colors - and this year they need all the help they can get.

The past summer's weather and Hurricane Irene really sucked the life out of our Rhode Island Fall Foliage this year.
But still soooo many pretty scenes today! and now that I have my new iphone I could take pictures as I saw them!

and fog too! be still my heart. And...
One wet little dog! His little legs trotted along for over an hour - he was happy for the photo breaks

and I was happy that there was a towel in my car for those wet paws!

See you at the sale!

Long Board - daily painting,debbie miller

2011-10-13T17:56:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel.
Back to a beach scene. Sometimes when you're in a funk its good to go back to something familar.

RISD Sale this saturday

2011-10-12T14:48:00.001-05:00

Look at my painting in the "I"
Come see it and more in person at the RISD alumni/student sale this sat. on Benefit St. Prov. 10 -4
I'll be down the end near George St. - with lots of little daily paintings -
(all $100 or below - a GREAT way to start collecting real fine art!! or give as a one of a kind gift)
also some prints and cards and a few larger paintings too.

Get some holiday shopping done early!!!

What did you do last weekend?

2011-10-11T06:26:00.008-05:00

6x6 oil on panel.

Who doesn't love a 3 day weekend in October? and bonus beach weather too!
Did you get some projects done? Make something or go apple picking? Or knit something like this woman did?

I actually spent 3 FULL days in my studio. - Its been a bit over a year since I got this space. - and I still have to pinch myself and remember that its real.

Ya know what else is over a year old?
These cupcakes.
Yup thats right. Thats why I love them as props...they are like hard little cupcake sculptures.

BTW - my studio will be open during the Warren Walkabout - Sun. Oct. 23, 12-5.
Come by and say Hi. - 30 Cutler St. suite 210
I promise to have fresh cupcakes.

Little Pitcher - daily painting,debbie miller

2011-10-10T14:26:00.000-05:00

8x8 oil on panel - another very traditional still life - and here is why:
1. Ive been completely uninspired lately, not knowing what to paint and how. Empty canvas syndrome,self doubt,why bother...the works.
----just plain Burnt Out.
2. My son asked me to paint this.

- I had my travel paints still in the car after going to Open Portrait Painting. (which I love)
Seeing last weeks portrait sitting on the mantel drying, my son asked "How do you do that? Show me" - and well...he is not one to take no for an answer so I agreed.
- BUT we were the only ones home with noone to paint...so we improvised with the pitcher of flowers.

Got me thinking that it might be interesting to post my process sometime OR make a video - stay tuned!

Blue Teapot

2011-10-05T16:03:00.000-05:00

8x8" oil on panel.
yawn, right?
I know. I know.
Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.
I love this teapot, so I'm going to paint it from time to time.

Any ideas on what I should paint this week? Totally uninspired.

Däna - portrait painting,Debbie Miller

2011-10-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

10x10 oil on panel
Very happy with this one....and my new ability to put those 2 dots above the a!
check out more portraits HERE

A Sweet Match - daily painting, cupcakes, Debbie Miller

2011-10-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

6x6 " oil on panel
Apples used to be hard for me to paint.
Now they are fun ....amazing what happens when you paint a lot :)

and Did you know Granny Smith was a real person? ...I didn't until just now!
check out THIS ARTICLE

cupcake 6 - daily painting, cupcakes,debbie miller

2011-09-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas
OK - last of the 'canvas cupcakes'.
thank God.

yesterdays post had some photos added to it - do you like that?
I'm a visual person and sometimes a phot0 best explains what I'm trying to say.

Cupcake5 - daily painting,cupcakes,debbie miller

2011-09-28T11:00:00.001-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas -
Started out planning a full day of painting in the studio
- so of course its the cupcakes first -
But have to admit, just not feeling it today.

Is this the most boring painting ever?!!!

Maybe its the canvas thing. Or...

Maybe its my little friend following me around asking for a walk...

Maybe its thinking about heading to the art store to get some fresh paint and panels....

(Seriously getting low on paint, right?)

Maybe its time to rethink the day.... putting on THIS and prepping panels

Nadia - portrait painting,Debbie Miller

2011-09-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

10x10 oil on panel
Finally back at the portrait painting. Makes me happy. Painting people is so fun.
See more HERE

So where is that 'sweet spot' - that bit of the painting that is just yummy to me?
I've got a few on this one, but if forced to pick just one....it would be the negative space around her ponytail hair.

heres a cell phone photo of the model Nadia - super bad photo but the gist of it is there

cupcake 4 - daily painting,debbie miller,cupcakes

2011-09-26T21:47:00.000-05:00

6x6 " oil on canvas
ode to Wayne Thiebaud .
Just can't paint pastries with a pale background and not think of him.

cupcake 3 - daily painting, debbie miller,cupcakes

2011-09-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas

more getting used to painting on canvas.
One thing I'm noticing is that it makes a 'softer' painting - an effect that I'm undecided about.

cupcake 2 -daily painting,cupcake series,debbie miller

2011-09-20T11:14:00.001-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas

cupcake 2 - another one on canvas.

Canvas is such a 'bouncy' surface to paint on.
It feels weird.

I just need to get used to it. So tomorrow - more canvas.

fyi - Ive got 7 left

cupcake 1 - daily painting, debbie miller,cupcake series

2011-09-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas
cupcake 1 -
Ooodles and oodles of paintings of cupcakes are coming

So in the interest of not getting a brain cramp trying to come up with titles for them all, they are getting numbers.

and I'll be experiemnting with different surfaces. this one is on canvas. a nice deep edged canvas.

I hate it. Painting on canvas is such a drag. BUT I'm going to give it a shot for a few more cupcakes.

Leaving it All Behind

2011-09-15T10:35:00.000-05:00

24x24 oil on panel. $1200

Goodbye Summer.

I love summer, I really do but oh how I can't wait for cool,crisp weather!!
Come on Mother Nature, you can do it!!

upcoming fall events

2011-09-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

FYI - October 15th - I will be at the RISD Art Sale
and the weekend after that my studio will be open for the Warren Walkabout.

nfdp

Smooth Operator - cupcake painting,debbie miller,red velvet

2011-09-12T13:39:00.002-05:00

6x6" oil on cradled panel.

Hello. I know what you're thinking - "Where has she been"?
- Hiking Machu Pichu...cooking school in Paris...busy raising a flock of exotic chickens ?

Nah. Just doing the 'Mom Thing' trying to survive summer vacation.

So, now that a routine is emerging again - its back to my favorite go-to prop - the cupcake - to get my painting groove back on.

Believe it or not, I have never actually tasted a red-velvet cupcake - but I imagine them to be the smooth operators of the bakery set. - especially this one with his red rose and slick frosting....

JUST DESSERTS - group show

2011-09-01T18:57:00.001-05:00

JUST DESSERTS, A Group Exhibition

OLGA ANTONOVA &

James Jaxxa, Pat Lasch and Debbie Miller

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE OPENING RECEPTION ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 5 – 7 PM

RSVP Tel. 781 264-1121 E-Mail burdang@mac.com

BETH URDANG GALLERY 129 Newbury Street, MA 02116

Through October 22

Helloooo Cupcakes and welcome back Electricity!!

2011-08-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

All these little cupcakes are framed and ready to go to a show up in Boston....more info. to come

Hurricane Irene left alot of wind/tree damage and after 48+ hrs of no power we are back up and running!

phew.

Now can we get the kids back in school and this Mom back in the studio please!
been adding to the portrait project though - check them out here

I heart RI - be kind Irene!

2011-08-28T05:45:00.000-05:00

I love my little ocean state - hoping Irene is kind to her today!
stay safe everyone!

I'll be back at the daily painting soon

Om - daily painting, yoga pose,blue,debbie miller

2011-08-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel.
reposting this one - can't believe it's still kicking around my studio, one of my favorites.
Also thinking that at this point in the summer - we Moms could use a little of this right about now.

commission - beach scene,girl with hat,debbie miller,children playing at the beach,blue

2011-08-03T01:59:00.000-05:00

sold ~ 18x18 oil on panel
I love my job :)
Sometimes you get to meet the nicest people and make them smile.

A mini sweet treat - print of original oil painting,debbie miller

2011-07-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

$20 - this little cutie is 2and half inches by 2 and a half inches - shown here in its 8x10 inch mat ready to pop into a ready made frame.
- the dark line at the bottom of the image is the shadow of the mat - its not in the art

Swirl Girl - contemporary figurative oil painting,debbie miller

2011-07-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

30x30" oil and oil crayon on canvas.
Its hot.
In my ac-less studio working on a commission.
Its not so fun today and I find myself drifting off and staring at my 'swirl-girl' dancing on the wall.
She looks cool and happy.
My middle son is ALWAYS strongly suggesting that I go more abstract. He is right of course.
Dont know if I'll keep on experimenting with the crayon...and I HATE painting on canvas...BUT
more 'swirl girls' are in my future :)

Mayo Beach, Wellfleet - plein air painting

2011-07-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

5x11
beautiful day

Sunshine shoulders, beach plein air painting

2011-07-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel. plein air.
Squint,squint, squint. my mantra with these. really helps get the values right.
go ahead - squint at this one - you'll see what I mean.

this painting will be with me, along with many more of my paintings in Wickford, RI this weekend for the
art festival
Instead of in a tent, I'll be showing my paintings on the porch at The Wickford Collection - super cool shop you won't want to miss.
come by and say Hi!

Digging the Beach - plein air beach painting

2011-07-05T09:23:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel.
More quick studies. - actually this boy stayed like this for quite a while - very busy making his castle.

Beach Holiday - plein air painting at the beach

2011-07-04T18:16:00.000-05:00

6x8" oil on panel - favorite from the beach plein airs - perfect for my a favorite holiday

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!!!

Beach Read - plein air painting at the beach

2011-06-30T06:22:00.022-05:00

6x6" oil on panel
another from the plein air session - blocking in shapes rather than drawing the figure works best for these.

actually its something to strive for in all my paintings. I tend to 'draw' with the brush and want to get away from that.

"block in shapes" "squint!" "where are the darkest darks?" - words to live by

Bathing Beauty - beach plein air painting,blue

2011-06-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

6x6"
love this one - the light on her shoulder/arm - yum! and the big hat - doesnt get much better than that.
stop by the About Face blog and say hi to my son Nick. click HERE

people watching - plein air painting,beach scenes,blue

2011-06-28T06:52:00.000-05:00

6x6" panel
another painting from the beach - more plein air/people watching. seriously fun - I did 5 yesterday, stay tuned

Do you want a challenge? - Yellow tank top - plein air, painting people at the beach

2011-06-27T06:12:00.028-05:00

6x6" oil on panel
Painting beach scenes from photographs is one thing but if you want a real challenge try some plein air!

1st thing is: if you are tackling people you are basically painting from memory.
No one stands still long enough. ever.

2nd: you have to draw a scene super fast - block in the shapes, lights and darks - work hard on capturing a gesture and the values of the scene. where is the light coming from? what are the spine and hips doing? what is it about that person that caught my eye? - all questions I ask myself. - instantly. seriously you have to be quick.

3rd: use a bigger brush than you think you'll need - this is one I forget and am soooo much happier with the result when I remember

try it! - it will really test your painting chops!

beach clouds,beach painting.landscape,coastal art

2011-06-26T05:25:00.001-05:00

6x6" on cradeled panel
ok so no people here - but the truth is clouds are fun to paint to - lots of personality

Beach Girls - beach painting,playing,blue,ocean,coast

2011-06-25T05:17:00.018-05:00

6x6 " oil on cradeled panel.
black sides - ready to hang.
this time I painted in much the same way as I approach a portrait. - used a burnt sienna ground, then using a fairly big brush sketched out the composition, adding a little umber to the shadows/darks and wiping the ground away where I want the lightest lights to be.
happy with the feel of this one

Hello Sunshine - flower friday,flower painting,sunflowers

2011-06-24T13:41:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel
flower friday - painting a face/figure is like second nature to me. easy peasy. but a simple flower?
- yikes - THAT is a challenge!
But I'm on it - best thing about this 'daily painting' thing is that it really does improve your skills. So I know with time painting flowers will be easy
...at least thats the plan

Summer day 1 - debbie miller,beach painting,people

2011-06-23T11:37:00.002-05:00

6x6" oil on cradeled panel.
People. Now thats what I'm talking about. I just can't get enough of painting people :)

AND I really really really want to be the sketch artist at the Whitey Bulger trial. I'm super good at capturing a likeness and I am fascinated by this case!

Of course they found him near a beach - everybody loves the beach - even notorious criminals.

Before the Crowd - beach painting,Debbie Miller

2011-06-22T04:15:00.011-05:00

6x6" oil on cradled panel

Is there anything better than a walk on an empty beach?
Probably not.
As for painting the beach, I much prefer a little more action...its all about the people watching for me

Beach Buggy -beach painting,Debbie Miller

2011-06-21T04:09:00.015-05:00

6x6" oil on cradeled panel

Thought you might want a closer look...
hmmmm....I could toss my plein air supplies in the back, little dog could ride shot gun...

On the Road - beach painting,Debbie Miller

2011-06-20T03:54:00.014-05:00

6x6" oil on cradled panel

Actually saw my dream car yesterday - a torqouise blue vintage convertable VW bug with flower stickers!

SWOON!

Surfers at Purgatory

2011-06-19T06:12:00.003-05:00

6x6 oil on cradled panel (makes it easy to hang - no frame required)

One of my favorite spots in RI - looking down on 2nd beach in Middletown and seeing all the surfers bobbing around on their boards - it wouldn't be summer without it

As much as I love the beach - a sun lover, I am not.
Its the foggy, put on a sweatshirt days that I love most.

Got a Goal for the Summer?

2011-06-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on canvas. A Little Beachy.
Ah Summer... hello.
What are you doing this summer with your art?
taking a workshop? doing a few outdoor art shows? plein air painting?
ALL or NONE of the above?
Its Ok - you can kick back and take a break if you want - we won't judge.

- I've been neglecting my daily painting habit - so its time to kick that back up into high gear. along with the beachy stuff, I want to practice painting flowers - so you'll be seeing some of those soon
- Also starting an open painting group in my studio - which is something Ive always wanted to do

Cherries - flowers, still life oil painting,debbie miller

2011-06-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

6x6" oil on panel.
So the other day - I had planned on staying home and doing laundry and cleaning the house.
BUT we lost power.
Had my paints handy and this little scene sitting on my kitchen counter.
Perfect.
I'ld rather paint anyhoo.

About Face - a portrait project, faces, debbie miller

2011-06-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

My wall is starting to fill up! and I'm hitting my stride with these portraits. More! I want More!
send me a message if you'ld like to come sit for me.
See more HERE

For the Love of Music

2011-06-13T15:16:00.000-05:00

16x16 oil - sold. this is a commission I did that was a gift for a beloved music teacher - isnt that such a great and special gift? She must be an amazing teacher... such a nice project to do

National Seashore -daily painting,debbie miller,beach scene

2011-06-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

6x6 oil - oh how I love the Cape Cod National Seashore and those huge sand cliffs

OM - daily painting,beach scenes,debbie miller

2011-06-02T16:12:00.000-05:00

6x6 oil on panel

Chance - pet portrait,daily painting,Debbie Miller,dog

2011-05-26T11:11:00.003-05:00

6x6 oil on canvas sold
You know I just can't resist a doggie pet portrait. Say Hello to the lovely "Chance" - a beautiful red husky adopted from the pound.
Don't you love that name?

Lindsey - portrait painting,Debbie Miller,

2011-05-24T14:17:00.003-05:00

10x10" oil on panel.
With out a doubt - painting faces - is my favorite thing to do. It never gets dull.
Sometimes I see people and think 'ooooh great face, I would love to paint that face".
So if you know me and I'm looking at you funny - dont worry - nothing is stuck in your teeth... I'm just working out a painting in my head :)
check out more HERE

Dads Day - beach scene, children playing at the beach,Debbie Miller

2011-05-17T11:26:00.003-05:00

sold. Fathers Day is right around the corner - why not a little beach painting for the special Dad in your life? send me an email if you want to commisssion a painting

What are your favorite color combinations? daily painting, still life,orange

2011-05-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

Orange, eggplant and light apple-ish green is a color combo that sings, isn't it?
Not exactly the forcasted colors for 2011 but great fun anyhoo.
While working on a batch of commissions - taking a 'fun' break is what its all about

Debbie Miller Painting

John Butler "Ocean" Rothbury 7-4-09

Sweet Stuff

Chocolate Fix x3 - cupcake painting, Debbie Miller

Hello Cupcake - daily painting, debbie miller, pink

The Beach - beach scene, daily painting,Debbie Miller

Vacation Santa -debbie miller,daily painting,beach scene

Just Chillin' - daily painting, debbie miller,beach scene,blue

HOTcakes!!

Holiday Open Studio

RISD Holiday sale!

Santa - daily painting, beach scene,debbie miller

arist to watch - Rick Shiers

Santa Plein air painting, debbie miller, daily painting

Pink Hoodie 1 - beach scene, debbie miller

Beach Santa 1 - daily painting, Debbie Miller

A Line in the sand, Debbie Miller, children playing at the beach

Sun Seeker Santa - daily painting, debbie miller

Sunshine Shoulders, Debbie Miller, children playing at the beach, painting

artist spotlight - Mark Taber

Portrait study - debbie miller

Sweet. debbie miller,daily painting,cupcakes

Art comes to life

Sewing Project OR How to make Grammy happy

Beach Bug - daily painting,Debbie Miller, vintage blue bug

Aistream studio - do you have one?

Portrait of Julie - portrait painting,Debbie Miller

Happy Fall

Ta DA! Cupcake Paintings, Debbie Miller

Vicinity - RI RISD alumni show

Cupcake (A), pink, cupcake painting,Debbie Miller

It's all about the cupcakes, cupcake paintings,debbie miller

Do you doodle?

Pets on Furniture

Passion, daily painting, cupcakes,debbie miller

Wicked, daily painting, Debbie Miller

pet portrait commissions, Debbie Miller

Little Green Monster, daily painting,cupcakes,Debbie Miller

Portrait Study,Debbie Miller

Orange. Do you love it or hate it?

A Gathering - plein air, daily painting, debbie miller

OPEN STUDIO! SUN.12 -5

It's All About the Pink - daily painting, cupcakes, Debbie Miller

Chris - portrait painting, Debbie Miller

Speaking of birds.....

Barn Swallows - Debbie Miller

You rock!

RISD sale THIS sat.!!

Long Board - daily painting,debbie miller

RISD Sale this saturday

What did you do last weekend?

Little Pitcher - daily painting,debbie miller

Blue Teapot

Däna - portrait painting,Debbie Miller

A Sweet Match - daily painting, cupcakes, Debbie Miller

cupcake 6 - daily painting, cupcakes,debbie miller

Cupcake5 - daily painting,cupcakes,debbie miller

Nadia - portrait painting,Debbie Miller

cupcake 4 - daily painting,debbie miller,cupcakes

cupcake 3 - daily painting, debbie miller,cupcakes

cupcake 2 -daily painting,cupcake series,debbie miller

cupcake 1 - daily painting, debbie miller,cupcake series

Leaving it All Behind

upcoming fall events

Smooth Operator - cupcake painting,debbie miller,red velvet

JUST DESSERTS - group show

Helloooo Cupcakes and welcome back Electricity!!

I *heart* RI - be kind Irene!

Om - daily painting, yoga pose,blue,debbie miller

commission - beach scene,girl with hat,debbie miller,children playing at the beach,blue

A mini sweet treat - print of original oil painting,debbie miller

Swirl Girl - contemporary figurative oil painting,debbie miller

Mayo Beach, Wellfleet - plein air painting

Sunshine shoulders, beach plein air painting

Digging the Beach - plein air beach painting

Beach Holiday - plein air painting at the beach

Beach Read - plein air painting at the beach

Bathing Beauty - beach plein air painting,blue

people watching - plein air painting,beach scenes,blue

Do you want a challenge? - Yellow tank top - plein air, painting people at the beach

I heart RI - be kind Irene!