Making a boring wall the star of the show...

 NFDP -
We did a little furniture rearranging recently which left this boring wall in the dining room.  Our little 1949 ranch is lacking in architectural detail so I am constantly trying to add some interest in other ways.  Plus who doesn't love some DIY when the weather is cold? 

I decided being bold was the only option - so up went the chalkboard paint and then an eclectic grouping of frames over that. - First I just had to add some paint to those too...

 So happy with it.  Even my teenage boys approve.  The light bounces around from the sliders at the right and at night it reflects the chandelier and candles.  I'll be able to switch the wall up all the time too - adding text and drawings with chalk.  So fun and dramatic and really the only cost was for a small quart of chalkboard paint.  A lot of bang for the buck and now a boring wall is the star of the show. 

A Little Beach -#2, 2014

6x6" oil on panel
More beach dreaming on a cold winter day

A Little Beach -#1,2014

6x6" oil

We could all use a little beach right now couldn't we?  This January has been brutal with this COLD! 
.  There isn't even a speck of spring fever in me yet but it would be nice to zip off to the beach just for a bit. 
Now I LOVE winter - I really really do but this cold kind of stinks.  So painting the beach is the next best thing (yeah right)

Portrait Painting

Painting a portrait sketch from the live model is like comfort food to me... Comfort painting.  I love it.

The first one is of artist/musician Mark Taber and the next one is of Rob.

What's happening.

nfdp
What's Happening?  Good question!  Not a lot of little bird paintings, that's for sure.  That fizzled.
Oh well.  My list of New Year Goals was waaay to long anyhoo.  - What am I? Super Woman?

 I'm in a little painting/creating/ funk and all I hear in my head is Cher's voice from Moonstruck saying "Snap out of it"  

What do you do to snap out of a creative funk?
 

Snowy Owls!

I love winter in RI and today is exactly why.  40 and sunny - perfect for a walk/run and oh yeah, checking out Snowy Owls.  Today I hit the jackpot and saw 3.  I was there for the exercise so unfortunately didn't have my good camera.  To see some great photos of a snowy in Providence check out this blog : 

http://www.providenceraptors.com/2014/01/07/snowy-owl-in-providence-rhode-island/  I really want a big lens now!

Bird with Ribbon 3

...Christmas card for 2014 - CHECK. 

Bird with ribbon #2 - Debbie Miller

another little bird with ribbon....

Bird with Ribbon #1 - Debbie Miller

mixed media on watercolor paper

Wait, what?  a watercolor! 
Yup.  I actually did 3 of my favorite little backyard bird, the Junco.  So cute. 
This is the first -  for some unknown reason I always draw birds with ribbons  - seriously ALWAYS.
There is no explaining this.  It just happens.  The branches - yeah, they just happen too. 

As soon as I get more ink and get my nice printer and ETSY shop up and running again, I'll offer these up as prints.  I feel more of these coming along.

A little bird...

Journal Pages -Debbie Miller

 Journal.  Sketchbook.  Same thing right?
One of my goals for 2014 is to use mine more - a lot really.
 Doodle, sketch, write ,draw, paint.  Yes,yes and yes.

Here is what I did this morning...obviously Snowy Owls are on my mind.  I'm counting this as one of my 30/30 birds - meanwhile in the studio I've been busy prepping big panels to continue with my Swimmers series but today on this chilly day a cup of tea, a warm blanket and something good to read seems to be more like it.
I've got just the thing to read - the Jan./Feb. issue of Yankee Magazine because there is an article about my uncle and couIsin!!!  page 15.
 So Cool!!!

They are The Stove Doctors -  sure would like one of their stoves today! 
check out  their WEBSITE.  HERE are some great photos too.

Cal

Snowy Owl #7 - 30/30 Debbie Miller6"x8"

6"x8" oil on panel Click HERE to Purchase

Now this looks like a painting straight out of my sketchbook and truth is it is my favorite  - It's Day 7 of the 30 in 30 challenge - so far so good - I think I will continue with this bird/owl theme and push it further, see where else I can go besides the literal.  Maybe.  The point is (at least for Me) is to not think about it and just paint.  Paint a little painting then jump back into the big fun stuff.  Can't wait to see what week 2 brings

Snowy Owl #6 -30/30 Debbie Miller

6"x8" oil on panel  Click HERE to Purchase

This might be due to the large amounts of football watched this weekend but  ALL I can think of when  looking at this Snowy Owl #6 is "the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field"

 Said mimicking that great NFL films voice of course.

It wasn't all football all the time though - I did manage some studio time, The Downton Abbey Premier and traveled up to Boston to drop off paintings at The Copley Society of Art for The New Member Show. 

Snowy Owl #5 - 30/30 Debbie Miller^

6"x 6" oil on panel $100  Click HERE to Purchase

Snowy Owl #4 - 30/30 Debbie Miller

6x6" oil on wood panel Click HERE to Purchase

The invasion or irruption of the Snowy Owls continues.  Not just here on my blog  - have you heard about THIS?
Best chance in years to see one - so bundle up, grab some binocs and get out there!

read more on Snowy Owls HERE

Snowy Owl #3 -30/30 Debbie Miller

6x6" oil on wood panel. $100   Click HERE to purchase

   Another Snowy Owl on a snowy day in New England.  

Snowy Owl #2 - 30/30, Debbie Miller

Click HERE to Purchase

Snowy Owl #2 - 6"x6" oil on wood panel, $100

No idea why there is a blue square behind him, there just is.  Stuff happens.  The thing with these little 30/30 paintings is that I'm not over thinking them - just painting, in the same way I journal or doodle in my sketchbook.  Just owls and paint for the fun of it and really is there a better way to spend a wintry day? 

New Moon Love

nfdp

Wait,what?  TWO posts in one day??  Overachieving on my New Years Resolution.  I'm such a teacher's pet.

 Just remembered that it is a new moon today - how cool is that?  New year, new moon, new everything.   2014 isn't wasting anytime being totally awesome.  I love that and I love all my blog readers, collectors, fellow artists, friends - all of you are totally awesome too.  Let's rock this 2014.

Snowy Owl #1 - 30/30 challenge, Debbie Miller

6"x6" oil on wood panel

Happy New Year Everyone!

Jumping right into things here.  The goals are set - complete with deadlines - because without a deadline, goals just float around in the abyss mocking me with their elusiveness.   Must. Make. Deadlines.

Helping me out with the goals of "regular studio hours", "painting ALOT if not daily" "exploring ideas that have been stewing"  ...I decided to join up with Leslie Saeta and tackle 30 paintings in 30 days.  No Biggie, right? I've done it before - just not lately.

Subject matter - birds.  The bird thing has been brewing for a while - more on this later - So this seems like a good time to explore.  These 30/30 paintings will be little and available through me - not my usual gallery stuff, although don't worry I'll be posting those here too.  I'm starting off with oils but other media will be popping up too.  

If you want to purchase this click on the button below
If you want to see who else is doing the 30/30 challenge go HERE

Happy New Year

2014.... Already.
 To kick things off for the new year, I kicked everything off my bulletin board.
It was a little like ripping a band-aid off, at first.  Thought about it and thought about it, then R I P - everything had to go.
 Not sure what to do with it now but I'm LOVING the clean slate. 
New Year = new goals, new inspiration, new calender, new to-do list, new ideas.
Can't wait to get going -Bring it on 2014, I'm ready.

Decking the Halls

nfdp
Busy, Busy, Busy right?  So much to do, and  decking the halls is my favorite part.  Put on some Christmas music and sprinkle magic all around.  (Most patient Jewish husband EVER)
This year I've been lucky to have some live Christmas Carols in the house.  Now this is band rehearsal that I can really get into. (btw - this is their high school not my house... )
Boy2 on bass.  Merry Christmas Everyone!

Another sketchbook page... Just can't get enough snowy owls

Paper Snowflakes Tutorial

Nfdp
To know me is to know that I make a mean paper snowflake.
Some might say I'm a little nutty about them.
I learned how to make a 6-sided snowflake as a girl and have made oodles of them since. Sometimes I even make cool designs in them like coyotes, ballerinas, Yodas, flowerpots....it's endless really.

Here is a little tutorial on how to do it - Happy Cutting!!

A Little Gift

6x6" oil $100

So how's that holiday shopping going?  You know original art makes a great holiday gift right?
 Of course you did.
It checks off all the boxes - unique, original, special, handmade, something for everyone, supports a small business...




 

Little Pitcher

8x8" Little Pitcher with Fall Hydrangeas  $200

The "To-Do" list is huge this week.  Making fresh paintings came off till next weekend.  I will be posting some little oldies though.  This one is a favorite - not my usual subject or style but the colors are pleasing and who doesn't love hydrangeas?  As I recall one of my sons asked me to show him how I paint a portrait and without having anyone around to paint, I painted this little pitcher which was on my mantle.  So it's got a sweet little memory attached to it.  

Plus it looks kinda Thanksgiving-y.

Artists for Save the Bay

I've got 4 paintings in this show.  Great art for a great cause....

The original Artists For the Bay Show & Sale Is Back (and tax free!)

The Opening Reception on December 5 features more than 45 local artists highlighting over 175 pieces of art and jewelry at the Save The Bay Center's Providence Journal Charitable Foundation Gallery – and all tax free!  A portion of the proceeds benefit Save The Bay.  Artists' works include a variation of mediums, styles, and subject matter. 

Tickets include food, wine, beer, coffee and stunning art in a festive setting overlooking Rhode Island's greatest natural resource, Narragansett Bay. Attendees will also receive a coupon for a free appetizer at Hemenway's Restaurant. 
Ticket Price: $30 

Sketchbook page

Nfdp

Sometimes I think about owls. 

I almost always sketch faces.

Occasionally they merge ...

What's in your sketchbook?

My first youtube - check it out

nfdp

Giving it a whirl -again - Debbie Miller

"Twirl" 30x30 oil on panel $2700

Hello.   This is my twirl girl.  Remember that?  Just twirling around for the fun of it.  You got dizzy and laughed out loud. I don't know about you but I could use some more twirling for the fun of it in my life.

So anyhoo - I feel like blogging again - not just the popping in every now and then kind but making friends with my blog and the whole process of "blogging" again - It's alot, this posting paintings - all the steps it takes to get an image on the screen - not to mention the ACTUAL painting process!
  It's also in a way relaxing and focuses me to the task at hand.  I've been hanging out with my friend Leigh over at allcreativelike.com and some other rockin creatives- we're getting our money mojo on and through the process of the class, I've realized that I miss my blog. 

 Hello blog - giving it a whirl again...and maybe a twirl too, you know- for fun.

A Little Fall - Debbie Miller, plein air painting

6x6 Oil on panel. 
This is a little plein air I did a while back - haven't had a chance or made the time to get out there this year.  A shame really, it has been such a beautiful fall.

Mark- portrait painting, Debbie Miller

10x10 oil on panel.  Back to my favorite past time... Portrait painting and lucky me, Mark Taber was the model again.  One of my favorite models.  

Open Studio

Another open studio has come and gone.  To all the Warren Walkabouters who came by - a big thanks.  

Now it's time to get back to work!  

Open House at 30 Cutler St.

Now is your chance to take a peak at the studios of the different artists and businesses at 30 Cutler St.
 Come by and say Hi maybe even get a jump on your holiday shopping!

See you then.

Benched 2 - swimmers series, Debbie Miller

Benched 2 - 20x20" oil on panel.  I believe these little dudes will be heading to the Vineyard soon.  This and "Long  Wait" will be available at the Eisenhauer Gallery.  

Nice to see you!

Thank you to all who came out to last weeks Art Night!  

We had a lot of fun - so much fun that were talking about painting again at next months Art Night - which Ill be featured artist in the 30 Cutler St Gallery.  

More info to come ...  

Here is a picture of Rob with his finished portrait in front of some of his gorgeous paintings 

Art Night

Got plans for this Thursday night? Come to the 30 Cutler St. Gallery (30 Cutler St, Warren RI) during this weeks Warren/Bristol Art Night and watch me and my very talented artist friends PAINT!  Plus see some of our past portraits in person and also enjoy the work of Potter David Harrington.

That's right. Live. And In Person.  Artists painting in their natural habitat.  July 25, 5-9.

 All the cool kids will be there.  Some of the artists painting will be Rob Rey, Kerry Smith, Kathy Weber and more!  Also on display will be some portraits painted by Kate Huntington who is the talented artist who started this portrait group 20 yrs ago!

Copley Society - new member!

So - I HAVE been painting - I know you think I haven't but some things have gotten done in the studio lately.
It has been a busy early summer actually -

Happily I can report that I have been accepted as an artist member to the Copley Society of Art in Boston. 
Truly honored.  Eons ago, as a young college art student, I remember standing on Newbury St. thinking "Some Day..."  and now that day is here.  ...as soon as I pay my dues.

 You can check them out HERE