Make Way For The Ducklings! 6x6 Inches, Oil Painting Boston

NFS

Well, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  2011 has had it's challenges, at least in my life, but I have been very blessed by rich friendships, old and new.  I have learned again that friends are the best wealth you can have.  And I have some good, strong goals for the New Year - personally and professionally.  I don't do resolutions, because when you break them you feel defeated.  With goals, if you fall short - just try again!  Eventually you'll get there.  It's NOT a race.

This painting is my submission for my Girls Just Wanna Paint group, and the topic was "Local Landmark'.  Now, I'm going to warn you that these bronze statues of ducks are not in RI, they are in Boston, in the Public Garden.  But I lived most of my life in and around Boston, and am just charmed by this sculpture set.  I should find and include the photo of my daughter's 2nd grade class all sitting on the ducks from a field trip there.  Literally, almost all day these sculptures are covered with children.  The inspiration was Robert McCloskey's children's book Make Way For The Ducklings, set in Boston.

It is a wonderful story about a duck family that starts out in the Charles River area, which turns out to be not safe enough in this mother duck's eye.  She then waddles her family through neighborhoods and across impossibly busy streets to get them to the safe haven of the Public Garden pond.  If you have a small one to read to, I promise they will love this simple book.  Of course, then someday you have to take them to Boston to see and sit on the sculpture (and call me and I'll meet you for coffee!)

So, do check out our post today - promises to be interesting!

And I wish you all health, happiness and prosperity in 2012!

More Playing...

Providence, 5x7

WATERCOLOR  :D

Oh, I don't know how these watercolorists do it.  I USED to know, but the knowledge fell out of my head!  Today I spent a couple of hours in the studio working on my BIG Waterfire painting (in oil), then I took Tim, his Mom, sister Patti and our son Conor to lunch at the Providence Art Club.  We had a lot of laughs, and a very nice meal.

So you know I'm kind of officially taking the week 'off'.  But the minute I think I will be separated from my paints, that's the exact moment I NEED to paint.  My kids gave me a wonderful gift certificate to Utrecht, and I'm having visions of sugarplums (canvases, boards, paints, brushes, oh MY!) all day long!  

Playing Around

Officially I'm 'off' this week, but I decided to pull out my old watercolors and play with a theme...  (I WAS planning on revamping my website but apparently 40,000 photos slow down a computer too much - who knew?)  I have a lot of images of sparrows on a white fence against a coral wall.  I painted with watercolor for about 10 years before I dipped my toes into oils...  I was always searching for a way to be freer, but then when the oil bug hit I was a gonner.  I'd love to study with Sean Thomas someday, but I have so MANY goals to achieve before that one!  So I just thought I'd show you what I was doodling with today.  Hope you're all in a Happy Christmas Cookie Coma...

Donut War! Bismark! 6x6 Inches, Oil

$100 & $10 S&H

I hope you all had a happy day yesterday (Sunday).  I'm having to pull out all the stops to aim this Bismark all the way to California to land on Susan Roden!  I had to hold a couple of paintings out JUST IN CASE I needed to replace them at the Providence Art Club Holiday Sale, and this was one.  But not that the Sale is over (3 paintings sold - *big grin*) this luscious baby is available!  Ooooh, the light, delectable cream.... ahhh, the sweet strawberry jelly... Mmmmmm... the dusting of powdered sugar - this one just killed me!

Anyway, I think this volley in the Donut War is Shock and Awe time!

*And Merry Christmas to Susan & her delicious pastries!*

Check her out Here...

Merry Christmas, And A Winner!

Not For Sale

Oh, I just love Snowmen!  This is an oder one, gone to its' 'forever home'!

And the WINNER of the Snow Globe is Fay Terry!

FAy is a wonderful painter, blogger, and frequent commenter on this blog!  Check her out!

Congratulations, Fay.

And I hope you are all immersed in your own Holiday festivities... and enjoying family and friends.

Jelly, Oh, Jelly! 6x6 Inches, Oil

OK, I decided to offer this baby to you guys - my online buddies!  I was thinking of putting it in a show, but ... hey, a Jelly is a just a Jelly, unless (Oh, God I can't believe I'm saying this) it's a Kelley's Jelly! (I'm just a little goofy after a grueling week! - oh, is it only Thursday?)

For quick little gifts locally - I have small works at the Providence Art Club, and at Nest in Dedham, and at the James Library in Norwell!  

Be Merry! Be Happy!

Peppermints On Aqua, 6x6 Inches, Oil

SOLD

The past few days have been super-busy - I've been working on an interesting but challenging commission.  But I've been completely overwhelmed by the grace and generosity of friends, near and far, who have reached out and contacted me.  Amazing original and beautiful Holiday cards, emails in response to my Daily Posts, and little gifts arriving on my doorstep and in the mail.  Truly, I am humbled.  And so, so grateful.  That so many of you bothered to tell me that you enjoy reading the blog posts, as well as seeing the work, well, it meant a lot to me.

And soon this commission will be done, and I can reach back out to you and thank you.  For today, please just know - you matter to me.

Now... don't forget the Snow Globe Giveaway - sign up to get my Blog Posts in your Inbox, and respond by just hitting the Reply button before Saturday - just say "I'm a subscriber and I'd like the Snow Globe" - and some one of you will get it in the mail next week!  I'll announce it on Saturday.  Could be your lucky day!

Donut War Ornament! 6x6 Inches, Oil AND ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!

$100 & $10 S&H

Better watch OUT, West Coast - and Susan Roden!  This donut is HARD! The donut is a little ornament.  In real life the cloth under the mug is brighter, but taking the photo after dark made it impossible to edit correctly.  I'll take one tomorrow in better light.  But the mug is just tooo cute - a special promotion by Dunkin Donuts, as is the strawberry frosted donut ornament!  And whoever purchases this painting gets the actual ornament, too. :)  I love you guys!

I had a very CHILLY studio assistant while I painted this:

He's wrapped in a blanket and tucked into his little bed at the foot of my easel.  With assorted 'babies'.

We have a few more long days getting some commissions done, then we'll be baking!

OK, here's this week's giveaway.  All you need to do is subscribe to my blog.  (you certainly can unsubscribe if need be after the giveaway - you are NEVER obligated!)   At the top right of the blog there is an place to get my posts in your inbox.  After you've received a post you just hit "REPLY" and say "I'm a subscriber and I'd like to win the Snow Globe!"  I'll announce the winner on Christmas Eve and mail it out to you (free shipping) after Christmas.

Mugshot of JLo from the Hilton Head Gang

NFS

"It is week four and Jennifer “JLo” Koach is the subject of this weeks search.  Her uncanny resemblance to ... well,  you know who...allows her to weasel herself into otherwise unavailable venues.  Before her true identity is revealed she assimilates herself into the situation and shoots at will.   Jlo charms and disarms her victims.  By the time they realize what is happening...it is too late...they are photographed and the subject of a painting. 

She left Hilton Head Island surrounded by her entourage...She is definitely NOT “just Jenny from the block”...

For more information or clues to her whereabouts check out her blog at:

http://jenniferkoachart.blogspot.com/"

A bit of glare on the image shows the graining of the gesso I painted on. In real life it is not evident at all!  I tried to paint her with a bit of an attitude, as she posed.  She's a great gal, and great painter. 

ANDDDDDDD... (drum roll)  the winner of the Pinky Tree is Carrie Waller!  Woo-hoo!  Check out her blog HERE!  Congratulations, Carrie!  I will post another give-away on Monday - what have you got to lose?

Little Snow Bear 8x6 Inches, Oil Painting of Stuffed Polar Bear

$100 & $10 S&H

The holidays (oooops, I meant Holidays) are a time when I feel very sentimental.  I love all the decorated homes and the lights on the trees.  I remember as a child my parents driving all through town to see the lights with me, and my mother teaching me to sing Christmas carols with her (in harmony, OK?).  So after my Mom passed away 16 years ago my Dad used to have me spend a day with him every week, and we'd just do stuff together.  The first Christmas we were ordering a floral gift for one of his friends and I spied this little stuffed polar bear at the florist's of all places - I LOVED him!  And, of course, my Dad bought him for me.  I left him 'out' in the living room for 2 years straight.  He looked All-Season to me!  Well, now, to protect him, I wrap him up in January (OK, March) and put him with the Christmas decorations.  It always makes me so happy to see him when I start to get the Holiday spirit!

HoHoHo....

These paintings and more are waiting for new homes at Nest Shop in Dedham - 622 High Street.  Such beautiful and different gifts at this store... worth a look...

AND a reminder about the (free) pink tree 

OK, to win this  - simply be a 'subscriber' to my blog:  that is, sign up for email posts in your Inbox!  The box on the top right of my blog is where you sign up.  If you hit 'reply' from a post from now to Friday, December 16 - and shoot me an email saying "I'm a subscriber - I would love the Pinky Tree!" I'll enter you in the giveaway.  I'll notify you by email, and let everyone know who won (free shipping, too) on Saturday.   I am so excited to see people responding to this - I love giving gifts!

Pinky Tree, 5x7 Inches, Acrylic

GIVEAWAY!

This little tree is a gift from me to you:  it's not the last giveaway this month, but it will be the first.  I have this little clear snow globe tree - that turns color when it is switched on.  Pink, lavender, blue, green, yellow, orange and red... then back to white.  It's lit from inside at the bottom, and I love to sit and watch it change colors!

OK, to win this  - simply be a 'subscriber' to my blog:  that is, sign up for email posts in your Inbox!  The box on the top right of my blog is where you sign up.  If you hit 'reply' from a post from now to Friday, December 16 - and shoot me an email saying "I'm a subscriber - I would love the Pinky Tree!" I'll enter you in the giveaway.  I'll notify you by email, and let everyone know who won (free shipping, too) on Saturday.  Good luck!!!

Confetti Chocolate Donut! 6x6 Inches, Oil

SOLD

Whoa-HO!  This luscious donut was painted a little bit ago, and and listed not-for-sale.  Well, happily it is available now!  There's just something about this sprinkle-topped donut that is FUN! :D

Hoping you all are enjoying the sights, sounds and closeness of the season!

Come, Boy!, 6x8 Inches, Oil Painting of Pug Dog At The Beach

SOLD

This was just 'one of those paintings'... one of those paintings that flowed off the brush.  I spent most of the day trying to force myself to paint things I knew I 'should' paint.  I whined about it on Facebook.  To my husband.  To my dog (see above).  Then I opened my photos that I took to Karin Jurick's workshop to perhaps paint.  And I spotted this photo of Paco.  He was so happy that day at the beach, such a clown, as Pugs are known to be.  I cropped the photo just 'so', and BAM.  I felt like I was sitting right with Karin, painting away, in the 'zone'.

I don't say this about every painting, but I just LOVE this one!

Snow Globe With Santa And Snowman, 6x8 inches, Oil

$100 & $10 S&H

My annual obsession with Holiday trinkets - starts here with this snow globe.  I have a number of them, so I have a few coming up!  Things are so busy this time of year, aren't they?  I'm happily working on a few commissions, humming holiday music (yes, I think you CAN call it Holiday music, because there are many albums with no words..).

All the while I'm working on my website, Imagekind, Picnik, etc. etc... expanding my knowledge base - at this rate my brain will be SO fit! :D  

Three LIttle Kisses, 6x6 Inches, Oil

SOLD

This painting is on display at that very cool shop in Dedham for the Holiday Season.  622 High Street.  Better than the mall, for sure, although I do love Legacy Place.  Every year I paint little kisses.  I love the challenge of the foil reflections!  And, if you have read my blog  awhile, you know I love to paint the words "Kisses" on the little papers.  It's the little things in life that 'make it', you know? ;D

I hope you are all enjoying this pre-holiday time as I am.  I love the lights, the glitter, the Hope, the Anticipation... 

Week #3, Mugshot of Linda Popple, 4x4 Inches, Oil

As Maria Hock sent out the alert:  Week three and we are looking for Linda “the Joker” Popple.  Linda disarms her victims with humor and then shoots with reckless abandon.   Yes, Linda thinks she is funny...but her crimes are very serious.  Please be careful when confronting her.  

Linda was last seen driving off Hilton Head Island wearing a teal sweatshirt and a blue baseball cap driving a red convertible sports car... She was laughing and shaking her camera at the wind.  Authorities followed her until she left them in the dust...

For more information or clues to her whereabouts check out her blog at:

http://lindapopple.blogspot.com/.   She is one tough cookie, as you can see above...

Maria's blog has all of our paintings in a series of slideshows - too cool.....

Donut War Surprise! A Cupcake For Susan! 6x6 Inches, Oil Painting

SOLD

You know Monday is Donut War Day.  Susan Roden has flung some wicked frosting at me with her cupcakes, while I'd always stuck with donuts.  Today I am going for a sneak attack with a cupcake!  Heh, heh... heh..  I love these little bite size guys....YUM!

Now... you all want to know how the Opening for Girls Just Wanna Paint went?  FABULOUS.  The people who came were so COOL!  Karen Bruson came!  All the way from New Hampshire!  She is so great!  Valerie V., Chris P., Jane C.,  Susan and Robert D., Pam C., Ruth,  :)))

We even had Michael Weymouth, an artist and author, come in drag to try to become a member of the group!  It was packed all evening, tons of red dots (sales), and so much buzz about our group!  Fun, fun, fun! Thank you all so much!  And... my meatballs were a hit!

This is also going to the Nest Show - it's 6x6 inches and just email me if you want me to set it aside for you - $200 (free shipping).

If you live anywhere near Boston you know this gas tank.  It says 'home' when you've been away...  you can see it from Route 3 if you look out towards the water.... This was painted in the 70's, by Sister Corita Kent, who in addition to being an artist was an anti-war activist.  People used to say they saw the silhouette of Ho Chi Min, but the nose was 'corrected' and it no longer looked like a person... Anyway, it's a real landmark, and was totally fun to paint.  The other day I painted and wiped off, painted and wiped off, then sat down and whined on Facebook how I couldn't paint.  Thus vented, I spotted my photo of this gas tank, and it just flew off the brush!