Ogunquit Museum of American Art Invitational

The OMAA invitational was a fun and BUSY weekend. Such a gorgeous spot and there was a wonderful and varied group of exhibitors. LOTS of attendees came through and were very receptive to my work :) It was great to see some dear friends who made the trek and I must say a special thank you to my friend who crazily volunteered to help with the set up!!

magical place

I just finished up a little pastel series based upon a magical place in Denmark, Maine.

steamy opening!

The ETA8 opening at Nahcotta was hopping. It was crowded and steamy! Kind of like and opening and a spa treatment all in one! As always, it was great to see such diversity in one show. I had the pleasure of chatting with Virginia Fitzgerald who is new to the gallery. Love her work. Check out her blog! Am crazy about the beach installations which are part of her dress project.

art is essential

There is a prevailing train of thought that when times gets financially challenging, one of the first areas to be cut from the budget are those relating to the arts……which are deemed “non-essential”. I would like to offer a different perspective. Art elevates the quality of our lives. Whether sitting in a theater immersed in a play, listening to musicians in a club or relaxing at home enjoying a painting, art can provide exhilaration, solace or a place for contemplation. It’s a place to clear our brains and breathe again. Pretty important, I would say.

2011 calendar

My 2011 calendar is in the works!! We are keeping the same size and format, but making some subtle shifts in the design. I'm excited to see it printed...probably in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned!!

working away

Lula and I have been working away on some new acrylic paintings. Actually mostly, I am working and she is napping, but we all have our jobs. I am very interested in creating both a beautiful image which speaks to the spiritual quality of nature .....AND a beautiful surface. It's kind of a tall order, but I am making my way.

portsmouth en plein air

I recently stopped into the Kennedy Gallery and frame shop here in Portsmouth. I had read about the show for which the artist, Erin Murray, had committed to painting plein air throughout the city for one month. The results are lovely; beautifully composed paintings capturing the charm of our historical seaside community. The color and light are wonderful. Erin happened to be there, so I had the pleasure of talking with her. I learned that 50% of her proceeds are being donated to A Safe Place, an organization founded in 1976 to prevent and eliminate domestic abuse. And there were LOTS of red dots!! (sales) Luckily there are still some works available and the show is up through June 28th, so check it out!!