Not Very Consistent

Well, all good intentions, etc. Have been busy with a new part time job and trying to sell my place. Seems like I should have all kinds of extra time but it just doesn't exist. I'm fortunate that I didn't commit myself to a weekly blog.

Anyway...the art summer season wasn't as successful as previous years. It was expected but I would have enjoyed a pleasant surprise instead. One show, which always is my best, continued to be a good one. The others, not so much.

I am still getting commissions for animal portraits and murals, though slower than before. The economy has taken a gigantic bite out of the art market and, thus, the part time job, when I should be retiring. I like to keep active but would rather be traveling throughout the country creating scenic masterpieces. I am thankful that I have a job and one I enjoy.

I've painted a lot this summer but not so much this fall. I am participating in the annual NH Open Doors event, which brings people to local studios and shops. There are 5 other friends/artists joining me for the weekend (Sat./Sun.-Nov. 5-6, 10am-4pm).

In addition, my real estate agent is having an Open House on Sat., Nov. 5 from 12-3. I have lived in the Cider Mill for 31 years and it's time to move into a smaller place. This building is unique in its character and meaning to the people of New Boston, NH and I can only hope that the next owner cherishes its history as much as we have.

I will get back to painting soon and continue my blog then. In the meantime, enjoy life & have a wonderful holiday season.

Eileen

Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket

I've been to Nantucket many times. It's a fun place to paint, especially when it's off season and the traffic disappears. Bikes are the best means of travel.

The "staging" of the mill has finally been completed and it is ready for potential buyers. The building is unique in that it is a commercial property with store, cider mill, studio, gallery and an apartment. It has many uses...

People have asked me if I will miss the place. Sure, as I've lived and worked here for 31 years but it's time to move on. I am trying to simplify my life (an overworked term these days) and the mill is a great opportunity for young people. I want to paint and not have to worry about taking care of property. I would love a small space to live in with my dog, Bailey, and be able to travel the country to paint.

#50 8x8 $95 with frame $75 without

The Bike

It always amazes me what inventive names I come up with for my paintings!

I like detail, which you may have noticed, and have had this idea in my head for awhile. I just wanted to paint something different from the recent scenery I've been working on.

Knowing I have so little time to get ready for my first art show, I opted to paint small works so did several 6x6 and 8x8's. They were fun to do and I used 3" frames to enhance their look.

Getting the mill ready to be shown to potential buyers has been an overwhelming job that doesn't appear to end soon. I've just spread my time and efforts in so many different directions. The art show this weekend in Barnstable, MA will be a welcome rest and give me an opportunity to get out for a change. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.

#49 6x6 with black frame $95 $75 without

So little time....

I seem to be overwhelmed these days. Shows approaching with first one on June 25-26; trying to get building "staged" for a video and photo shoot appointment; and attempting to get enough art work done for the show. I need about 3 more of me!
I've managed to paint a few 6x6 and 8x8 paintings that I am happy with. I still have to put the finishing touches to the larger paintings. I'll post some photos later on.
I'm hoping that my life simplifies in the next few months. The mill is up for sale and my wish is to live somewhere that I can leave for long periods and paint where I want.

Spring??

We've had a very strange "spring" with wet, chilly weather. One day 80, next 50. So typical of New England but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

I got to talking with a friend the other day about values where you live. She happens to live in an urban setting and I'm in a small town. I am blessed to be in a place where friendships and neighbors are close & always willing to lend a helping hand. She does not even know her neighbors as they all work and socialize in different circles.

Many years ago, I lived in the heart of NYC. It was a large apartment building filled with all ages & kinds of people. I certainly didn't know everyone but, coming from New England, I made it a point to get to know as many as possible. They all had such wonderful stories to tell and I think that's where connections blossom. Each person has their story to tell. I wonder how the young "texting" crowd will make those connections when they are limiting their social world to those contained in an electronic gadget. How will you know those stories when messages are abbreviated...

Well, enough of my rambling. I have to get painting as my next show is in Barnstable, MA on June 25-26. I'm working feverishly on some new works. Hope to see you there...

Busy, busy

Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. Have been busy getting the mill ready for a huge barn sale that will take place on May 20-21. When you have 3 floors of "stuff" and 31 years of accumulation, it is a long, arduous process. Never realized how much there was until I started the sorting it out.
I have to admit it is rather liberating. I thought I would be sad but, at this stage in my life, it is lightening my load and readying the mill to be put on the market.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to live simply and not have to worry about the upkeep of such a large building. I have enjoyed my time here but it is also time to pass it on to a younger generation that will appreciate the history and function. I can only hope that the new owners will want to continue the tradition of pressing cider on our 1908, belt driven press.
The building contains my apartment, studio, office and retail shop.
I'll keep you updated.

The Center of Town

I worked on this painting as a commission for someone who grew up in the area. We all get nostalgic about our roots from time to time. I am still connected to friends that shared a playpen with me.

With all the focus these days being on material possessions and the spoiling of the children, it's nice to think back to a simpler time when family and moral values were paramount. I don't know where we are headed as a nation but things are not looking good. I shouldn't use this blog as a soapbox but it is a place to express your thoughts.

I've been trying to take my paintings into a more colorful place. I've always used color in my art but want to step it up a bit. I have graduated to a larger brush so that my strokes are not so clearly defined. I have to admit I went kicking and screaming to the larger brush. I have always been detail oriented.

#48