Open Studio Show

Fox Studies, pastel, 25x23

I just wanted to post some details for my Open Studio Show October 4th 11-7 and the 5th 12-6.

I will showing my own original work, prints, note cards, and painted furniture in addition to my Father's paintings and my sister's jewelry.

I hope you can join us for some great art, unique gifts, and delicious food and drinks!

Directions: From the intersection of Rt 273 and Rt 213 in Fair Hill go south towards Elkton to your third road on the right. Turn right onto Providence Road. Go 4/10 mile and see Art Show signs on the right.

For more info call me: 410 392 7613

Plein Air at Fair Hill: Final report

Fair Hill Nature Center

School House

Plein Air at Fair Hill: Tuesday

I worked at the Saw Mill today. I enjoyed the long walk down the hill to the river thinking I might paint the water. I decided to work on the Mill instead as there was no sunlight and I thought I could still make the ruins interesting.

After working for a while, I stepped back and realized the painting was very flat. Just then the sun burned through the cover and lit up one side of the Mill. Quickly, I lifted paint to match the sunlit stones and for a quick minute, could see the potential in the scene. I might plug away at it some more. This was the most difficult subject yet.

Aside from painting, I really enjoyed being a "fly on the wall" on the little lane near the river. The first passer by appeared to be just a woman walking her dog. Only when she got closer did I see that she had two parrots on her shoulders! Another woman ran by with her dog and then a pair of bikers came through. Next I heard the clatter of a horse and carriage. Coming over the bridge was a good customer of mine who just won her combined driving event two weeks ago driving her single horse. What a neat sight a horse and carriage are. I wish I had thought to ask her for a ride back up that hill.

Plein Air at Fair Hill: Monday's Report

I just want to share what I have done so far at Fair Hill this week. Both days were short outside for me: Sunday was HOT and HUMID so I didn't last long; today I just found that I couldn't get any farther on the painting after an hour so I brought it home to work on it here.
This is the view I had on Sunday. I knew I wouldn't last long so I opted for pastels. I worked on paper about 7x12. Although I took a photo I have not used it.


I may still work on this. I'd like for the sunlit grass to be softer and for the treeline to recede more.This is what I produced today. It is 11x14 oil on board. I really had fun with this. I HATE painting green so this whole week is going to be tourturous but good for me!

Inspired by Fair Hill

Those of you that I talk to everyday probably can't keep strait the many projects that I have been talking about involving Fair Hill. I currently have three art irons in the fire that are inspired by Fair Hill. They are each ideas that have been biding time in my thoughts until I had the time to actually accomplish them!

The first is the Fair Hill print which I mentioned in a previous post. I have been gathering all of the references I need for this complicated painting. The original will be a 36x36 oil on board. It will depict a bird's eye view map with detailed vignettes of landmarks and events unique to Fair Hill. I hope to have something to show by my Open House Show.

The second event is a week of plein-air painting at Fair Hill with other artists organized by the Oxford Arts Alliance. Painting on location is one of the experiences I have been craving and daydreaming about. I hope the reality of the experience is as fun and beneficial to my work as I think it will be. We will be painting from September 14th to the 21st. There will be show exhibiting the fruits of our labor held at the Oxford Arts Alliance in the Simon building, 38 South 3rd Street, Oxford, PA. The show will open on October 4th (you can head there after you see me at my Open Studio Show) from 5-9pm. Each artist will select one piece to be auctioned at the opening to benefit the Fair Hill Nature Center.

Lastly, and definitely not the least, Geraldine McKeown, the FHNRMA, and I are working together to have a show at Fair Hill in one year's time. Geraldine is the area's leading watercolor artist and has been painting the Cecil County area for over 30 years. We will each spend the year painting a body of work inspired by Fair Hill, it's historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and many varied activities that are held here. I am excited to be working with Geraldine; I think our painting styles will compliment one another to make a spectacular and special show. A percentage of sales will benefit the FHNRMA.

Nokotas at the Fair Hill Breed Show

Shelby thanking Blue

Jill and Keen showing their stuff

Jill and Tokota

Kathy and Kiya

Mickey making eyes at the Judge (Despite it being his first in-hand show, he knows what to do.)

Mickey getting congratulated on first place

The Nokotas and their people enjoyed a great day at Fair Hill yesterday. We had great weather in which to enjoy the camaraderie (despite the competition!).

I am looking forward to sharing more Nokota events with the Nokota crew - next time with Carmelita in hand!

Inspired!

My fire had gone out. All summer I wondered, "When will I paint again? Where is my creative spark?"

The answer has arrived, "Now! Here!"

I am bursting with inspiration, show plans, and ideas. I want to give you a forecast. But, just like the meteorologists, I might be getting ahead of myself.

Shows:
Open House will be October 4th and 5th. I will have framed art, unframed art, prints, cards, painted furniture, my work, my Dad's work, my sister Amy's jewelry, and perhaps some of my sister Beth's home decor.

Fair Hill International is October 16th-20th

Aiken Museum of Racing Solo Show, February 2009

Fair Hill, Ocotober 2009: I am working on an idea to have a show at Fair Hill featuring all Fair Hill inspired originals to benefit FHNRMA.

Furniture: (I will post pictures of before and afters)
entry table
poster bed bench
blue box
rustic shelves
blanket chest

Prints:
In addition to my current prints, I hope to have a "Fair Hill Map" print available next month.
I am working on the original. It is a birds eye view if Fair Hill NRMA with painted vingiettes of events, horses, archietecture, and all things Fair Hill.

Well, now that I have put it all in writing I'd better get to work.

Boys, boys, boys

Cooper, Max, Alex, Evan, Mathew, Cole

My sons, Max, 5, and Evan, soon to be 3, will begin full days out of the house five days per week at the end of August. Max will go to kindergarten and Evan will be at a daycare across the street from Max's school. For five years Max and Evan have been ever present in my day, at the most going to daycare four mornings per week. So for five years I have had a total of 15 hours per week to "work." Take out some time to eat, shower, or run and errand and I have really been working about 10 hours per week for the past five years.

I have no idea how the transition will be, for me or the boys, into this new routine with it's long days of separation, each of us spending the day in a different place. My hope is that we return to each other at the end of the day charged with our own experiences and appreciation for our time together. I know Evan will thrive at his new daycare; he has no use for me when lots of kids are around. I'm optimistic that Max will love school; he enjoys learning and structure. As for me - I am nervous that I have forgotten what to do with my time; maybe I will wander aimlessly around the house. If I can cut the apron strings and focus here are some of the things I'd like to do with my new found time (not in order of importance):

keep the house clean
keep the laundry done
cook better meals
paint on location
ride my horse
grocery shop
update my website and blog
paint
write
promote my work
paint
create

I'll let you know how it goes.

Saratoga

Every year for a little over 10 years, my artwork has been shown in Saratoga during the race meet. For the last 5 years, I have sent my work to Terry Lindsey at the Equidae Gallery in the Holiday Inn. Terry always has a great show: she sets up in a great gallery space, she shows an array of mediums and art styles, and as hard as she works, her friendly and helpful energy always comes through.

Saratoga calls to me every August. I love the architecture; bustling, boutiquey Broadway; the eclectic mix of people that only the racing world can summon; and of course, the horses. Dave and I will be there briefly the first weekend in August. I can't wait.

Here are few of the pieces that I am sending to Terry...

Bath Colors, oil on paper, 16x16

Counting Eggs, oil on paper, 24x18

Saratoga Afternoon, oil on paper, 24x18

Moonlit Mustangs, oil on board, 24x36

The Barnyard: Creation and Purpose

"The Barnyard" is the name of my would be Gallery. This gallery in my mind would offer unique handcrafts and fine art inspired by animals and rural life. I think it is an appropriate blog title because it sums up a melting pot of creation, whether it be my art, god's animals, or my minds' unsolicited thoughts. A barnyard is slightly chaotic, often eclectic, usually dirty, and, to me, always beautiful. Hmmm, a microcosm of my life - that's another post.

I have all of these things - art, animals, and thoughts - to share. I decided a blog would be a great way to do just that. Sharing my art is my main objective. I hope to post work as it evolves for patrons and other artists. Sharing my artistic experience might help other artists or be an interesting perspective for patrons and, in turn, help me. I am "self taught" if "self" includes all of the artists that have influenced, taught, and inspired me. Talking shop is sometimes the best art school there is.

Fox, oil on paper, 10x8

My animals and my thoughts will most likely also make a post here and there. Our critters are huge part of my life; they are underfoot, constantly needing my care, always fulfill and amuse me, and often are the subjects of my artwork. We have a horse, a pony, a donkey, two Jack Russells, an American Bulldog mix, two cats, and four chickens. Here are a few pictures to help give you a visual.

Carmelita - my Nokota mare

Hops the donkey

Lola with the Cats, Olive and Mrtyle

Otto and the hens do not mix

So we've started with a little art, a lot of animals, and here's my thought...

time for lunch.