Paint Like VanGogh

Pictou Hay Bales 
6x6 oil on panel
click to buy

I chose this month's Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge which is Paint Like VanGogh. I used my photo and this is my result. I kinda like it and want to do another one.

Open Studios Weekend

Come visit from 12-5 tomorrow and Sunday. 

Over 70 artists and artisans in two buildings.

Stop into the Sandpaper Factory at 83 East Water Street in Rockland, MA. Enter through the left side door and you'll find me at the top of the stairs on the 4th floor!

Winter Woods Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser

Winter Woods 5x5
SOLD @ DPW Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser

I did this yesterday while the wind howled and the ocean roared. Another Nor'easter, making the lives of those ravaged by Sandy even worse. My heart goes out to these people. I had a similar experience during the Blizzard of 1978 when a huge storm wiped out the house I was living in (on a skinny barrier beach) and sent me into a bout with homelessness. Of course, I had places to stay, but no home and that is a lonely feeling. 
Carol and David Marine of Daily Paint Works are holding a fundraiser for the victims of the Hurricane and my painting has sold, so I'm going to put up another one. They are the most generous souls so go over and check out the paintings and help out.
Another fabulous art sale happening this weekend is at North River Arts Society. Their annual holiday sale draws crowds so get there early both days.
In true MSW fashion, I missed the deadline but will have all my small works priced right at my Open Studios NEXT weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 12-5.

A Walk in the Woods

4x5 study of snowy woods

Inspired by the jaw dropping, Aldro T. Hibbard show I viewed Monday at  Rockport Art Association, I did this is a little study on a scrap of luan, from a photo I took many moons ago for this purpose, trying to get the feeling of a winter day in the woods. I went farther with it but this image taken earlier in the process, is the better one. Concentrating on mixing color and applying it in shapes to suggest trees and a frozen stream, was the goal. I love the rich color nuances in this winter landscape and it was hard to know when to not add another color, no matter how harmonious.

I can only say that I was unable to tear myself away from this stunning show of 125 paintings, and spent two hours virtually alone, except for a few RAA artists who were visiting the show and served as 'companions' with whom I could discuss and exclaim over the beauty of the paintings. Totally soul satisfying and although the drive home was in rush hour, the sunset sky was indescribable and I listened to some great music!

If you wonder where I've been, sometimes I need to focus on what it is that I want to do in terms of my painting. It isn't always clear and the hamster wheel of marketing and selling does not come naturally. As always, I appreciate your comments and am thankful for your encouragement, and I love to paint for you.