Shell Seekers

The Shell Seekers - 16"x16" oil.
Long time followers of my blog will remember this one.  Original called Leaving Summer Behind  3 but to me it has always looked like April Vacation- still chilly but wishful beach thinking.  It has been  out at a home decor shop for a while but now is back in the studio.  I like having it around.  It represents a turning point in my painting and that is nice to revisit. 
Yours if you want it however - very very few paintings make the "I'm keeping this one" pile. Here is the link to purchase
It is framed beautifully too - in a simple wood frame made by a carpenter. (not one of my super simple wood frames!)

Art in Windows

nfdp
Local friends driving through Warren, RI might have noticed some art showing up in the empty storefronts.
On Saturday Warren hosted the RI Statewide Preservation Conference and we all thought the empty storefronts on Main St. needed a little sprucing up for this special event.   The art won't be up for long (unfortunately) so stroll by the windows and have a look soon.

Around Here

 I'm trying really hard to paint outside today...

These are my new favorite watercolors.  They stack together and fit easily into my bag. 

Big Hat

30x30 oil on canvas
When I sit and do all my computer duties in the studio, this lady and her big beach hat  is on the wall.  It is still one of my favorites but I would love to find her a good home.

All in the Family

I love my brother's art.  He just launched a facebook page.  Hop on over and give it a "like"
He and his talented wife got his website all spruced up too.
And check out my Mom getting her creative on!  This bunny cake is the second creative cake she has made lately.  Go Mom!

Roasted Asparagus

a peek inside my sketchbook - Spring!

Easter Eggs

nfdp

Going through boxes of my grandmother's things, my mother found this "birth" day egg.  It was given to my grandmother in the hospital after my mother was born - which was the day after Easter that year. (1940 )
Probably it was dyed pink and has turned brown over the years. I imagine the nurses dyed blue and pink eggs for all the babies born then and gave them to the new moms.
 Cool or weird?  I'm on the fence.  Have to respect the writing on the egg with marker pen though!!  Did they have Sharpies back then?

                                Looking for more current egg decorating inspiration?  take a look:

1. onion skin eggs , 2.white sharpie eggs, 3.black sharpie eggs, 4. paint and sharpie eggs

My Cupcake Paintings at Beth Urdang Gallery

Here is a peek at my cupcake paintings on Newbury St., Boston  at the "Just Desserts" show at Beth Urdang Gallery. 

Teach Art Tuesdays -Painting School Play Scenery with kids

nfdp-
Back when my boys were in elementary school I was the go-to artist/mom for school play scenery.
Once "they" know you are an artist, you get asked to do all sorts of school projects.  Sound familiar fellow artist/moms?

 I have 9 years of school play backdrops with my sons classes and now 6 years of kindergarten play scenery as an art teacher....that is 15 painted backdrops under my belt !  *phew*

My philosophy on this project has always been - the kids will paint it. 
Based on the play and what the teachers want, I come up with a drawing and guide groups of kids to paint the backdrop...each and every kid.  They love painting BIG and are so proud of the results.  It is A LOT of work keeping things and the kids from going crazy but so worth it. 

Waterside

20"x20" oil on panel.  Loving this waterside gal

Friday Field Trip

nfdp

have a happy weekend!

Swimmer with Circles 6

20x20" oil on panel
more circles, another swimmer. 

Swimmer with Circles 5 - taking flight

20"x20" oil on panel.
I painted this girl years ago and have repainted her many times.  This time, she is larger.  I like the idea of taking some of my older small paintings and blowing them up and painting them in a new way. 

Swimmers with Circles 4 -Secrets

36x36" oil on canvas
bigger canvas, smaller circles.  Actually this came before the others - this may be the first appearance of the circles.  You can see more of my swimmer paintings here

Daily Rituals

nfdp - I've been thinking about daily rituals and habits lately. Particularly how I can adjust mine at the studio to help me get into the task at hand - painting.
Right now my routine is pretty much : unlock the door, sign-in (I keep a sign-in sheet by the door and keep track of my hours) and turn on the light by the tea kettle.

I flick on the tea kettle then go light a candle on my table -

then I go over to plug in my twinkle lights around the window

then I go grab the tea and put on my painting shirt.  I do this every time I come in the studio.

It is my little routine or habit or whatever you want to call it (neurosis?)  What are your daily habits that you do when you hit the studio or need to start a creative process?
I found this page of Ben Franklin's routine - so interesting!