Happy New Year and Matisse! Painting by Kelley Macdonald

"Inspired By Matisse" 5x7 inches, Acrylic

This month, Girls Just Wanna Paint topic was "Matisse".  See them HERE.  We could do a copy, a response, a painting in his style, etc.  I loved the piece he did of doves, and I made this iteration of it.  Towards the end of the painting, I realized that he used cut paper, and oh, how much easier that would have been!    I watched the movie on Netflix, "A Model For Matisse" about a chapel he designed for his good friend, a Dominican Sister.

Happiest of New Years to all of you!  Thank you for much for reading my posts, for writing to me and encouraging me, laughing along with me and befriending me.  I treasure you, each and every one.

In January I've decided to join a 30 day 'Challenge' that Leslie Saeta is hosting on her blog:

  30 Paintings In 30 Days.  It starts Jan 2.

I've decided to do DOGS.  Pugs, a lot.  IF you know any cute pugs (or dogs) I'd love you to send me a photo - I need inspiration besides my beloved Paco!  Always looking for inspiration!  Thanks, and be happy!

Maybe come to my Thursday class or Saturday class, and make yourself happy!

What's going on?

Don't you love the holiday season - to be over?  Kidding.  It's a lot of running around and visiting and gifting and caroling and cooking, but so worth it.  I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as I did.  This tree is a rendition I did of my little silver tinsel tree on my iPad, with my new brush stylus.  What a tool!  Anyway, too pooped to do a lot of actual painting, but the iPad is like a sketchbook - so fun!  I've taken a little break from 'production' and I think it's a good thing.  I've got a million ideas for new projects for the coming year!  Two I can tell you about now:

And....

Christmas Wishes

I just want to say I wish you all a Merry Christmas, if you celebrate Christmas!  Right now, on our mantle, are a dozen glass votive candles nestled in fragrant greenery.  The lights are twinkling, the stockings are hung (I decorated rather than shopped this year!) and Paco's ears are perked up listening for Santa.  From my home to yours, Merry Christmas, and I thank so many of you for sending gorgeous Christmas cards this year!  I'm in awe.  Promise to get that done next year.

So I will see you again mid-week, and hope you all have loved ones (furry or people) to hold tight... and festive cookies to eat.

Winter Magic, 6x6 Inches, Acrylic Painting of Shadows on Snow by Kelley MacDonald

 I'm wishing each of you a bit of Holiday Magic in your own lives.  Remember as children the wonder, the enchantment with the first snows, and the holiday lights?  In my own childhood I felt very safe and cared for, and I was encouraged to believe.... I wish every child could have that.  It's got nothing to do with material comfort, but of security in our family, and of feeling treasured and loved.

Apologies for not blogging much this month.  I've let my technical difficulties with my Blog and my computer throw me for a loop, and I got discouraged.  But I was painting away, and will share my work with you.  I've also been scheming about my trajectory for the coming year... you know... new series of work, new types of things to paint, and the challenges they'd provide, new teaching opportunities!

Yes!  I'm going to offer a Saturday class - "Basics Plus" - for people new to painting, or new to the medium of oils, or for people who've painted a while ago and want to get back in.  Hours 10-1.   More details next week.  

And I will also be having a class on THURSDAYs from 9:30-12:30.  I've switched back from Friday because it seemed to work better for people!  Fun times and new adventures ahead!

And at the Providence Art Club I will be teaching a Painting A Day class - and doing it along with them, for the very best way to hone skills and develop as a painter, on Wednesdays from 1-4.

VERY excited for January.  But still - I have to enjoy Christmas and the New Year's holidays!  I wish you all a joyous week, and will be pleased to answer any questions about classes - or purchase info about Winter Magic ($100 & $10 S&H) via email: kcareymac@hotmail.com!

Check Out Providence Art Club!

Oh, you MUST stop by if you are in Providence during the next few weeks!

11 Thomas Street, Providence.  There's usually parking on the streets above and below

 (Benefit and S. Main)

The wonderful space, the holiday decorations, fireplaces warming you, and literally hundreds of small works, all under $250.  Mine pictured here are acrylic under resin paintings, and they are $150 each.

It is an experience any time to visit the Club, and a destination for a nice lunch at one of the restaurants nearby would make it a perfect Holiday expedition.  It is near the RISD Museum, and the RISD art store.  About a mile from Utrecht and Jerry's... not to mention Providence Place.  Walkable from the commuter rail train... seriously, you're going to thank me for recommending this!  I wish I could take you all to lunch there!

Starry, Starry Night, 8x8 Inch Oil Painting byKelley MacDonald

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This month the Girls Just Wanna Paint Challenge is to "Paint Like Van Gogh".  I thought this was a fairly brilliant topic, as I am a huge fan of Vincent.  But what really happened, when I tried to copy (a portion of) Starry Night, what that I LEARNED so much!  At first I thought it was going to be easy-peasy - what's so hard about blobbing paint on the panel or canvas, right?

Well!  He was a spot-on-master of value, for all his fame about color.  And if you think it's easy (as I did) getting that thick paint to lay down on top of other thick strokes, you've got another think coming!  Ah.... I love it when I'm learning and painting.  So... check out the other Girls' paintings HERE.  I think you'll enjoy it!  Hey - it's December.... Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit (for good luck!).

Enjoy the Season... what ever your family's traditions are!

Long time no blog!  Well, between the holiday and family birthdays and a couple of days of outside work and still getting ready for all the holiday shows (last paintings will be delivered for a Tiverton Show this weekend!), framing, varnishing, delivering, etc.... I apologize!  I WILL have a post tomorrow - it's totally out of (my) character - we'll see if you like it!

I was been lucky enough to be invited to a 'Sketch and Sip' evening at Nancy Colella's with a couple of other artists (who are AWESOME, you should definitely check out their work)... Joanne Chittick and Sue Dragoo Lembo.  We did what is called 'Contour drawings' (just lines) and there were 'blind' and 'not blind' drawings.  Blind drawings were ones where you looked at the subject and NEVER lifted your pen off the page.  Then we moved on to where you COULD lift your pen, reposition it (for, example to move it to the eye area) etc. etc.  Here are some from that evening:

The evening was hilarious, and filled with congeniality, and I felt honored to chat with these women about artist blocks, shows, galleries, and all sorts of things you think about alone in your studio.  The food, as well, was fabulous, and I have a new recipe to try:  Tortilla Soup!  I'll let you know how I do!

Calling Bonnie!

Well, we had a wonderful Open House Sunday at the Art Stable Gallery - lots of wonderful collectors picked up fabulous new paintings and we all made new friends and connections, and just ... well.. see a photo, below, of all of us artists (and one little artist elf) apres party!

Anyway... I met a wonderful woman named Bonnie, who was interested in the painting of the labs, above.  I got her first name and her email address - which keeps bouncing back.  I know Bonnie's daughter checks in on my blog, and I would ask that she ask her mom to email me at kcareymac@hotmail.com!  I don't know why I didn't get her phone number, but these events are very hectic.  We all need to bring in new work to re-fill the walls at the Gallery - as we are open until Christmas!!!  Thank you thank you all who came - it was great to meet you!

Correction!

OOOOppppps - the time for the Sunday, Nov. 18th Open House at The Art Stable Gallery, in Westport, MA is from 2-5 - heaven help me, I wrote 12-4 yesterday.  Sure, we will be OPEN at 12 but our festivities will begin at 2 p.m.!!!!  This handsome couple will be on display.  The artists will be recognizable because we will be wearing Holiday Hats.  Yes, it was my idea.  It's possible I'll be drummed out for it.  :)

I'd so love to meet you all!  I met a woman today, as I was visiting my friend Page Railsback at HER Open Studio today, who follows my blog.  It is always so wonderful to meet my 'friends' from the blog world.  Please, if you ever are around, introduce yourself.  It'll be great to meet you. 

And now... your moment of Zen....

Paco loves you, and will happily be your best friend... should you meet him!

Winter Blues, 12x24 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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This triptych is going to be one of the new works at the Art Stable Gallery Open House this coming Sunday from 12-4~  I'd so love to see you - and show you this awesome gallery.

We've hung lots and lots of new work.  We are a busy group~!  

Yellow Spider Mum, 5x7 Inches, Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 $ $10 S&H

It's just been delightful weather here in Rhode Island.  Today I think it's 65 degrees!  Flowery kind of weather, but my garden fell to a frost last week.  It's such a busy time of year - hey.. OK girlfriends.... when ISN'T it a busy time of the year?  Ever wonder?

Well, with pumpkin bread in the oven and the sun setting early, it's a lovely Fall day.  Paco and I took full advantage of it when we went to Fall River to drop off a donation to the Fall River Historical Society.  We walked for blocks - scampered, actually, in the leaves.  While we like tidy yards and streets, we can't help ourselves when we see piles of leaves!!!

Maine

This is the larger piece I submitted for the North River Arts Society's Holiday Sale this weekend!  It will be on the stage with the larger works.  I know this is always such a HOT event, I hope you all have fun!

This is what my bin will look like....  and it will have these paintings and more.  

ENJOY!  Feel Merry!

North River Arts Holiday Sale!

This is a group that is near and dear to my heart.  I like to participate in it for 2 reasons

1) it gives me a chance to offer you a 'sale', that's not on my blog and 2) every sale includes a commission to the NRAS, which I consider a donation from me for all they've done for me and my art career.  I sincerely have never run into an organization that is so good to their artists.  They offer support, venues to show and sell your work, instruction of the highest level.  And they are a great bunch of people.  It's so FUN and the atmosphere is so CHARGED!  You can get fabulous deals on all kinds of art.  And on the stage is a place where every artist is allowed to offer one 'big' piece (over $400), but we are encouraged to be generous with our pricing - and we are!

Oh, grab a friend or your spouse and head to the North River, at 157 Old Main Street in Marshfield, MA this weekend.  You'll be glad you did.

Happy Guy, 6x6 Oil Painting of a Seagull by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

The skies are blue, the wind is calm, he's just cracked a nice big clam and has a full belly.  Things are good for this seagull!  He survived Hurricane Sandy, and has no idea a new storm is coming our way.  Lives in the moment, he does.  Maybe it's a better way... worry wears us out, and rarely prevents the stuff we fear from arriving, anyway.

I'm going to take a page from his book, and try, just for today... to put the worry away.  

Here's last night's show:

And a reminder:

Heading Home, 6x6 Inch Oil Painting Of A Sailboat by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

I hope you enjoy this favorite moment of mine.. I just love to watch the sailboats heading back home after a beautiful day on the water.  This was a demo today from the class "Making A Painting From A Photograph".

I've been having a little issue with my blog host scrambling my HTML for my PayPal buttons.  I believe I have fixed all the broken ones, but if you ever have a problem, just email me and we'll work it out...

I will be a 'Gallerina' at the Art Stable Gallery this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. - demoing if it's not too busy!  Come see me!  865 Main Road, Westport, MA

Interrupted, 6x6 Inch Oil Painting of Horses by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

These three horses seemed to be in deep conversation when I came upon them at Wild Horse Ranch in Arizona a few years ago.  Every once in a while I try to paint them, as I have always loved horses (from afar) and I hope someday to be doing more of these.    Below is a small piece I did in preparation for a commission - I love these dogs' happy faces!  This 6x6 inch piece will most likely show it's face at a Holiday venue.  I'll let you know which one...:)

Strength, 4x4 Inches, Oil Painting

$65 & $10 S&H

For the Girls Just Wanna Paint Challenge for October, our charge was to paint "Hat"!  Hard, for me, as I don't usually wear, or like, hats.  Then I remembered my favorite photos of my Dad growing up were of him in his uniform.  I always thought he was so handsome, particularly in his policeman uniform.  Well, I couldn't find the photo of him, but this is very similar.  As a cop's daughter we knew every evening when we kissed him goodbye (night shift) there was every chance he'd be in harm's way that night.  He was strong and brave and a good role model for our whole family, and we were very proud of him, and that uniform.  

Check out our paintings for the Challenge HERE!  

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Happy Halloween everyone!  I've been unable to post because of Hurricane Sandy, and I hope you are all safe and intact.  My heart goes out to those NY, NJ, and CT people who were hit hard.  We keep them in our prayers.

This is my little orange boy Harry.  I painted him all morning and then wiped it off.  This was try #2.  I think I need to study the animals and paint them more.  Thinking of challenging myself here.  I've got two cats.  I have one dog and know lots of other people who would let me paint their pets for practice.

Harry is a wonderful pet (to me) and I tell him he's the handsomest cat in the world, but actually he has very small eyes for a cat.  Odd, huh?  So, like people, some cats have larger or smaller features, longer noses, rounder heads, etc.  I think painting them will exercise my 'eye'.  Now... it being Halloween, please keep your kitties inside today and tonight.  Better safe than sorry!

$100 & $10 S&H

It's Monday!  Time for a a Santa Fe Fling with my friend Pam Holnback!  Another Santa Fe Door - in red, for me... with a cross-shaped window that reflected the perfect Santa Fe sky...  and here's Pam's, below:

I think she did a great job!  

We had such a great time at the workshop, really delving deep into painting reflections, and spending time with such phenomenal artists and friends~!

Now... off to fight a hurricane..(Sandy!)

Isn't Life Good? Painting Commission by Kelley MacDonald

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This 6x6 inch painting was done for a fellow artist from South Coast Artists!  She loves the Life Is Good slogan and attitude, and I'm all for that!  I hope she likes it, and that it doesn't cause her lovely daughter to ask for donuts too often!  

This Sunday (today) I will be at the (Art Stable) Gallery, doing my stint as a "Gallarina", and I will be painting while I'm there.  I think, maybe, if you are out getting batteries and potato chips to insulate you from Hurricane Sandy you should stop by and say 'hi'.  I always love to see a friendly face!

I hope every one of you is spared Sandy's wrath.  They are talking about a 30 foot storm surge - and that's what took out the Stone Bridge by my house - in '38.  Be ready for the worst, and hope for the best. 

:)

Three Kings Of Cocktails, 6x6 Inch Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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This wraps up the week's cocktail offerings!  Now.. TGIF and, as my Dad used to joke.. "Pick your choose.." (honestly he seemed to memorize every odd turn of phrase he heard).. it meant 'take your choice'.  I like all the blues and greens... no matter what's inside!

So... no matter what's going on in the world, one thing remains unchanging... friendships... so let's toast to that today, huh?

Silver Day, 8x6 Inches, Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

Some days on the coast of New England, the sky and the water are silver/blue.  The world seems bright, but not colorful, as it does on gray days.  I did this painting from a photo I took on my painting trip to Maine this Summer.  It is painted on a canvas board, and usually I paint on Gessobord.  Gessobord has no texture, so it was a challenge to paint, and to photograph, because of the way the light catches the warp and weave of the canvas.  Anyway I love the pine trees standing sentry in front of the houses.  And the rocky coastline.  So Mainey....

SKYY Martini, 6x6 Inch Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

I just love the cobalt blue bottle of SKYY Vodka!  Add those 3 little olives ready to just get popped in your mouth, and it's a win-win!  Always on the hunt for colored bottles, so if you hear of or see any... let me know!  In the meantime.... cheers!

I just heard on TV that letting your dog kiss you on the lips can be dangerous - and people have gotten some horrible diseases that way.  My question is.... I have had dogs almost all my life - never was this a problem.  Now I have THIS guy...

and all I can say is... he's a lover, not a fighter, but his kisses ALWAYS land.  And I believe his name is actually Pierre, if you catch my drift.  Gross.  I know.  I DON'T ASK FOR THIS. 

But he's stealthy.

Santa Fe Fling - Doors Of Santa Fe 5x7 Inch Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

In the Fall of 2008 I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop held by Carol Marine in Santa Fe, NM.  The class was wonderful, and aside from the valuable lessons we learned from Carol, the group of students really clicked and decided to get together every 2 years or so for another painting adventure.  This Fall we had an Advanced Workshop with Carol, again in Santa Fe - about a half dozen in this class were from the original group, and the 'new' people were every bit as awesome as we could have hoped for.  More enduring friendships have begun!

Well, my friend Pam Holnback from the 'original' group and I seemed to share a fascination with the doors of Santa Fe, and we have decided to make Mondays a Santa Fe Fling Day.  We will be painting doors and boots and possibly other things - on Mondays, for our own, and hopefully your enjoyment.  You'll love Pam's posts because after teaching for her whole adult life she knows just how to make almost any new topic fascinating!

Now... I want to THANK everyone who stopped by the Hingham Arts Walk today.  Boy, oh, boy, is it  fun to meet people who 'know me' already through my blog.  It is such a pleasure to meet you in person!  Bad photo, but my table is below...