back to reality

I just returned from a super relaxing vacation visiting family in FL. It was a week without deadlines: just some reading, painting, eating, drinking and sleeping! What a wonderful concept. When I got home Saturday night, the wind was howling and the temperature was 21 degrees. Hmmmmm.

While away, I began a spring series done in acrylic on small wood blocks. I am hoping to debut them at Nahcotta's Enormous Tiny Art show in February. I should mention that in order to fit my art supplies in my suitcase, I had to sacrifice shoes, clothes and my hairdryer!!.....lest you question my devotion to my work :)

2009 calendars!

I have been delighted by the response to my 2009 calendar! Almost everyone who sees it says, without any prompting, "Oh I LOVE the size!" It's funny because I was hesitant to make the calendar smaller, 8x8 as opposed to 12x12, for fear it would diminish the visual impact. But it still has plenty of punch and this new, smaller size is much easier to find a convenient spot for. Who knew?? People are also loving the translucent white envelope which makes a nice presentation. (and is recyclable!!) I have also been gratified to hear some encouraging comments regarding the variety of imagery. I tried to mix it up a bit to mirror my creative journey.

Sky Fever

I have recently been doing some work in an elongated format. It seems to add to the expansive feeling of the painting. One such pastel, Sky Fever, is currently on view at Nahcotta.

where did the summer go??!!

This summer went by with lightening speed. Recently a friend of mine was bemoaning all the rain we’d had and I hadn’t even noticed! I had a number of show commitments and weekends away with family and friends. Lots going on. But one evening really stands out for me. I have four nieces who all live in different states, MA, ME, FL and TX. Somehow the planets aligned and they all happened to be in New England the same week. We had an impromptu dinner at my Dad’s in NH. It was the first time they all been in one place together in years! And two of them also brought their little ones. My Dad’s normally tranquil house was filled with the sounds of giggling, tumbling, laughter and fragmented conversation. It was a brief, chaotic, but very special family time. A beautiful gift.

small works shows open Friday, Sept 5!!

Two fabulous galleries here in Portsmouth are busily preparing for their bi-annual small works shows. The Teeny Tiny Art Show III at Three Graces Gallery and the
Enormous Tiny Art Show IV at Nahcotta both promise to be amazing. The galleries will be featuring approximately 300 and 400 works respectively. It's a wonderful way take in a huge amount of diverse work. Participating artists are from all over the country. And works are very reasonably priced, so it's great way to begin or expand your art collection. The openings are in conjunction with Art'Round Town which has been moved to the first Friday of the month, so Friday September 5th from 5-8. Should be a blast!!

lanscape show at Nahcotta

I just delivered some "hot off the easel" pastels to Nahcotta for their 2008 landscape show. Most of the other artists had already dropped off their work and it looks like it's going to be an exciting show! It always fascinating to see the varied interpretations of any given theme. The opening is this Friday, August 8 from 5-8. It would be great to see you there!!!

Denmark Magic

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of spending some time in Denmark, ME with my family. My brother-in-law and his family built a beautiful vacation home, right on the water. Many of the materials were recycled. It is a welcoming and relaxing place with lots of amazing views. I think I feel a new series coming on.