Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I had to send along this photo of my dog, Bailey. He's such a ham and, though he hates dressing up, he'll tolerate a few minutes long enough to snap a photo.
I'm taking this week off from doing a painting as I am flat out trying to get commissions done for customers.
The shop is open and doing better than I expected and will be open until the 24th. If you're in the area, please stop by.
Please have a very Merry Christmas, holiday season and Happy New Year. Be good to eachother and I look forward to posting new works in 2010. Thank you for following my blog.

Amherst, NH

Winter is upon us with a vengence. We had 10" yesterday and I just finished shoveling. It is truly beautiful when you don't have to drive in it. I am fortunate that my home/studio/shop are in one building so the commute is great.

This painting is of the historical church in Amherst, NH. I once had the pleasure of singing with a choral group at the church and we were accompanied by their pipe organ. It gave such depth to our concert.

#35 5x7 $65 sold

The Cog Railway, Mt. Washington, NH

This painting will give you an idea of how far I will go to show detail in some of my work. The Cog Railway takes passengers up the steep slopes of Mt. Washington. It is a thrilling experience.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

The shop is open and we have our Holiday Open House over the weekend (Dec. 5-6). Lots of homemade Christmas cookies and hot mulled cider to warm the innards.

#34 8x10 $125 Sold

In A One Horse Open Sleigh

I like painting night time winter scenes. It brings out the contrast of snow and sky. The building is actually our Community Church
which is a huge part of the town.

New Boston is the picture perfect New England town. We'll have our tree lighting ceremony shortly with choirs and townspeople singing. It is a beautiful town and my friends are amazed at the friendliness of the people whom they meet.

There was a time, when I first moved here, that you knew most everyone either by sight or acquaintance. Now we've grown to over 5,000 and I am one of the "oldtimers" having lived here over 30 years (tho' not to those born and raised).

I love this town and it's people.

#33 2.5"x3.5" $30

The Tree Line

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I enjoyed the day with my family and took time to appreciate all I have.

The shop is getting busy with all those people who actually plan ahead for their gift giving. I'm always late deciding and shopping. I do make most of my gifts, except for my grandson, who has specific ideas in mind.

I am posting this painting of a tree line at Dixville Notch. It is near to the Balsam's Hotel and I love the colors, especially in the mountains in the background. I am sure I will be constantly late in posting during the holidays. So much to do and so little time. Sound familiar?

8x10 $85

Skating at Parker's Mill

This miniature scene is an old grist mill in my town. So many of the buildings have been kept up

and that is to the credit of its residents. There is great pride for what was old in New Hampshire and I am always amazed at the work that is done to maintain the small town image.

I am very fortunate in this day and age to have such wonderful and caring friends and neighbors. So many "city folk" long for those good old days and I get to experience them.

New Boston, New Hampshire certainly has a special place in my heart.

#32 Miniature 3.5x2.5, matted $30 Sold

Family Night Out

Another mini. Very busy week with shop open and commissions coming in for the holidays.

Weather is getting colder each day and I'm not quite ready for the snow to fall. Winter is a great time to evaluate your art from the previous year and take risks or try new things.

I've wanted to try abstract art for many years but didn't know how to approach it. I've got a few ideas I'd like to try and see what happens. I'll post one when I finally get it done. For some reason, it's scary to step outside what is familiar. It's time I try...

#31 2.5x3.5 in 8x10 mat $30 Sold

Winter Fun

Another mini painting with skaters having fun at the local pond. I may continue these through the holidays as I am getting a good response. If you have any suggestions for subject matter, please let me know.

The Holiday Shop opened today so I will be keeping busy. I also design & paint furniture for a local company and have to come up with a painting for the Red Cross donation center. I love being so busy. Sorry the photo is a little crooked.

#30 The Skaters $30 sold

More minis...

Another miniature painting. I am enjoying these. My gallery opens Nov. 5-Dec. 23 and I thought these would be a good gift for the holidays since they are original works of art and affordable.

I have created some winter scenes and other works that can be viewed at http://www.eileenbelanger.com/.

2.5x3.5 in mat & plastic sleeve - $30

Miniature paintings

With the holidays approaching, I am starting a series of miniature paintings. The first two shown are 2.5"x 3.5" and are on linen canvas. They are matted to a size of 8x10 (shown images are cropped). I will post a wider selection at my website: http://www.eileenbelanger.com/.

The last photo shows 2.5"x 2.5" miniatures on canvas. Each one is a pair of birds: Baltimore Orioles, Rosebreasted Grossbeak, Cardinal, Bluebird, Goldfinch, etc. If you wish a specific bird, please ask. I am not always able to get the wooden easel so painting may come with a clear plastic stand.

These miniatures are all original paintings, not prints.

#28 Miniatures Matted paintings: $30 Canvas paintings: $25

The Tree Line

I'm slowly inching my way into winter. Trying to put if off as long as possible, though it snowed a little farther north last night and we may have some over the weekend.

This painting relaxes me with it's simplicity and colors. It was a beautiful winter day up in Dixville Notch where the first vote in the nation is cast. The voting booth is in the elegant Balsam's Hotel and I was fortunate to spend a weekend at the hotel on a painting trip.

Painting during the winter offers it's own challenges. As I use mostly acrylics, the fast drying time becomes an issue. I've learned to work with the medium by spraying the paints frequently with a mist of water. You need to have a clear plan before you start painting as well so that you can work quickly.

#27 8x10 $175

Well, I hate to let go of summer but looking out my window and waking up to 38 degree weather tells me it's time.
This will be my last image with a summer feel but it is one of my favorite scenes...very calming.
I have been working on scenes from New England as I am in a gallery in North Conway (White Mountain Artisans) and need to bring up some new paintings.
We are having our Annual Ciderfest at the mill this weekend. We only make apple cider once a year at our historic, 1908, mill with all proceeds going to the NH Food Pantry. It is a fun time and the weather is supposed to be nice.
I only have one art show left to do in Groton, Massachusetts, and then my studio/gallery will be open Thurs. thru Sat. until Christmastime.

#26 5x7 $65

Animal portraits

I have a Shih Tzu (who thinks he is a Rottweiler). Bailey loves guys and is a lot of company and an excellent watch dog. He's not a barker unless he hears or sees something unfamiliar. They all get their own personalities. This is a photo of Bailey and his best friend, our cat Gypsy. This is what I have to look at as I sit at the computer. They make me feel so guilty. Time to play.....bye.

Dog portraits 5x7 $65

I've been doing this blog for several months and enjoy the challenge of creating something new and different each week. I'm not sure how artists do daily paintings as the week passes so quickly and suddenly I realize another painting is due.
The point of a "blog" is to expose my artistic style to as many people as possible. It's not a site that a person would randomly find but rather I need to bring them to me. In this vein, I would like to ask your help. If you have friends that are interested in art, please let them know about my sites: www.eileenbelanger.com and www.eileenbelanger.blogspot.com.
With the economy the way it is, it is necessary to explore every avenue to market my work. I have had some success at recent art shows but I would like to increase the online market.
I am working on a series of paintings reflecting life in New England. I hope you will enjoy them.

Rosebreasted Grosbeaks

I enjoy watching my neighborhood birds. The Rosebreasted Grosbeak has always amazed me with it's stark contrast between the dramatic black and white and it's bright red throat. Of course, I name them all.

I have done 5 different pairs of birds and they are painted on miniature canvas. I'll post them here periodically.

#25 2.5"x 2.5" $25

The Garden Shed

Some days you are out painting and nothing strikes your creative interest. I was on a garden tour and just about every plant was past it's prime. Guess the season had been affected because of all the early rain.

Anyway, I came upon this garden shed, which still had remnants of flowers that were just past their prime. It was an inviting scene so I just used my artist's license to capture the garden in full bloom.

The art show in Keene went well for my first time participating. I sold 3 paintings and met a lot of interested people with great feedback on my work. We had beautiful weather and a good turnout.

I know I missed last week but it was just impossible to meet all my obligations and I apologize for not posting a new piece of work. I'll do better in the future.

#24 5x7 $65 sold

Dog portraits

I have been doing dog portraits for several years and thought I'd post one of them here. I paint the portraits from photos and they are available in various sizes.

I love the Golden Retriever for their temperament and loving ways. I am a true animal lover so am drawn to just about anything (except crunchy bugs).

It's going to be a busy weekend with the Monadnock Artists show in Keene, NH. It's a two day show but the weather is supposed to be beautiful and, believe me, we have earned a good weekend for an art show. It's been a very tough year weatherwise. No matter the result, it's nice to be able to connect with art lovers and get their feedback. I'll let you know how it goes.

#23 5x7 $65

Fearless Concentration

We've been lucky to have beautiful weather this week. Going out to paint today so, of course, it's overcast with rain expected. What a season this has been.

I've wanted to paint some animals for quite awhile. Decided to start with my favorite, the tiger. I was trying to get prey reflected in his eye but no matter how I approached it, I just couldn't get it right. More practice, I guess.

I start with very dark colors and work my way to light and then add the detail. I use a very old brush for the hairs and then paint more detailed hairs with a liner brush.

#22 5x7 $65

Labor of Love

It's been a long, hot week and I have not been able to crank up my creative juices. I thought I'd post one of my favorite paintings. I have done several versions of this subject, the original which was the actual flowers in my neighbors garden. I have changed the flowers in each painting and added a gate to this one. I just like the layout.

The painting is large but the size fit the subject matter and makes a strong statement. It captures my desire to create drama with shadows and light. Since fall is fast approaching, I wanted to linger on summer's bounty.

24x36 $795

Beaching

I know, late again. Too much happening this time of year with paintouts, art shows, and restocking galleries. I only have two more significant shows to do this year and then will get my gallery up and running for the fall season.
This painting is my idea of a relaxing day at the beach. I wanted to keep it simple and calming. I am working on much larger pieces (24x36) in this vein. The large ones are done on gallery wrap canvas, which means there is no frame but the canvas wraps to the back and I paint the sides as part of the scene.

I haven't had very many opportunities to go to the beach this summer. We've had so much rain and the few nice weekends I have been booked at a show or committed to something else.

I am in a new gallery called the White Mountain Artisans, which is located on the main street of North Conway, NH. This is a large tourist area and the gallery is exceptional. Check out their website (http://www.whitemountainartisansgallery.com/).

#21 5x7 $65

Cooling Off

OK, I know. I'm a day late again. Been busy this week and the days seem to fly by.

Anyone with a retriever can relate to this painting. I miss my golden, Cheyenne. She would stay in the water all day if I let her. She truly was an exceptional dog...loving, obedient and able to anticipate what I needed from her.

My current dog is a Shih Tzu named, Bailey. I originally bought him to keep Cheyenne company. Now I have the first small dog I have ever owned. Of course, he thinks he's fierce.

I was struggling with the water in the painting. I just couldn't seem to get the water the way I wanted it. I must have done about 15 layers of washes. Each painting is a journey and a learning experience. That's what keeps it a challenge.

Tomorrow I am participating in a show "Uncommon Art on the Common" in Goffstown, NH, which is the next town from where I live. The weather is supposed to be perfect, for a change.

#20 5x7 $65 sold

Carousel Horse

I'm playing catch up with the weekly blog. This painting is of an antique carousel horse that I saw at the famous Brimfield Antique Show. I took a photo of it as the cost was far beyond my budget. I added the pole. It brings back lots of memories for me as I was always one to get on the horses, no matter how old I got.

The weather has been hot and humid, with more rain. I'm to paint en plein air at Canterbury Shaker Village this Sunday. We paint during the day and sell the paintings in the afternoon (hopefully).

I will also be painting on August 8th in Goffstown Village, NH with the same "wet canvas" sale in the afternoon.

#19 5x7 $65

Lakeside

I missed last Thursday's blog so will post one today. It was a busy week as I had a 2-day art show in Newburyport, MA over the weekend.

This the the busy art show season. It will be interesting to see how successful they are with the current economy. I did well in Newburyport but not as well as previous seasons.

I have had requests for more 8x10 paintings, so I will add more as time goes on.

This painting shows an extremely peaceful lake where all you hear are birds and insects. It was tempting to jump in the canoe and just paddle away.

#18 8x10 $85

The Little White Cottage

We have been fortunate enough to have glorious weather for the past few days. We certainly earned it!

I will be participating in a "paint out" with other artists from the New Hampshire Plein Aire group on the grounds of the Canterbury Shaker Village on Sunday, August 2nd. We interact with tourists visiting the Village and, at the end of the day, have a sale of paintings completed that day as well as art from other visits.

The "paint outs" have become very popular in recent years. People love to watch us creating on location and I have been fortunate enough to sell almost all of the paintings I have done; one even to a couple from Germany.

The cottage above was tiny, with probably only a couple of rooms. The owners had beautiful gardens surrounding the cottage and showed their pride in their little piece of heaven.

#17 5x7 $65 sold

The Walker

This is a little different but ideas creep into my head and I just go with them. I like the detail of the shoe and the fact that it is in motion catching a walker in mid stride.

I like to experiment with different images and you'll see some interesting ones in the weeks and months to come. I will intersperse them with my "traditional" work to demonstrate versatility and the mind of a Gemini, which is constantly in motion. I don't like to inhibit myself by having a style of painting (though realism is certainly paramount).

For many years, while living in Boston, I made scrimshaw (etching on ivory). It was an exact form of art and very unforgiving. I thought that painting would loosen up my discipline but found that I enjoy details in my work. I am a closet abstract painter which I hope to explore someday in the near future.

#16 5x7 $65

Fourth of July

Hope you all have a wonderful July 4th weekend.

My town was voted to have the "Best July 4th Parade" in New Hampshire. It is truly a community effort with a sensational parade complete with floats, bands, clowns and other fun things.

Following the parade is a whole day of activities including a mud volleyball competition, horse pulling &, fiddlers' contests, dancers, karaoke, entertainment for kids and much more. It concludes with a bonfire and fireworks.

New Boston is truly the quintessential New England town with a spirit unmatched in my memory.

The painting I am posting is larger than normal. It depicts a portion of our main street decked out for the July 4th holiday. The entire town has flags flying from every telephone pole.

Again, have a great 4th with family and friends.

#15 11x14 $295

Mt. Monadnock

We haven't had many days to paint outside because of the never-ending rain. We try on any day that even remotely looks like it won't rain. Painting Mt. Monadnock was one of those days. We'd get an occasional blue sky but mostly overcast.
Tomorrow I am participating in the Concord Arts Market and, guess what, rain is expected in the early afternoon. Well, we all know how accurate weathermen are so I will make the attempt anyway.
#14 5x7 $65

Lupines at Sugar Hill

The lupines were in full bloom up north and we found several sites that appealed to us. This field was covered with lupines in various shades of purples and pinks.
The day was pretty gloomy early on but the sun came out in the afternoon. We're glad we decided to make the trip.
It's always a challenge to capture a field of flowers. My "safety" zone is lots of detail, which isn't necessary for this type of painting.
I am trying various techniques to soften some of my landscapes so that I don't agonize over minutia.

#13 5x7 $65.

The Watcher

It's been a fun week. My friends threw a surprise birthday BIR party for me over the weekend. My husband's band played and I reconnected with some good friends from out of state.

Thought I'd do something different and a little whimsical. The hydrangeas are prevalent on the East Coast and thought a pot of them would look good in this Nantucket basket.

The cat is based on a wonderful pet I had when first married. Her name was Daisy and she was extremely curious but non-aggressive. My current cat, Gypsy, would have that fish in her mouth in the blink of an eye.

I will be painting lupines up north this coming weekend and will post one of the paintings next week.

#12 5x7 $65 SOLD

Dockside

This is a familiar scene at lakes throughout the country. It is the best way to experience the "quiet" of a lake. You can hear the loons calling here in New Hampshire.

I don't have many complaints about motor boats as they serve their purpose. It's just a whole different experience in a canoe or kayak as you feel part of the lake and surroundings instead of an intruder.

When I paint, I start with all my darks first and build on them. Shadows vs. light gives your painting the depth necessary to draw a person into the picture. Life can be so hectic so I love to paint peaceful scenes and something that makes you smile within when you pass.

#11 Dockside 5x7 $65 SOLD

Golden Fields

It's been raining steadily this week so haven't been able to go out and paint. In looking through some photos from a trip across country, I came across this scene. It was quite a few years ago and I neglected to write down where I was but found it charming and hope you like it too.

#10 5x7 $65

The Reader

I had to add this painting to my blog. This is my grandson, Sam. When he was 2 I took a photo of him "reading" his favorite book. I knew I would paint him one day.
Hope you enjoy it.

Beach Visitor

My parents lived in Florida on the inland waterways in a bird sanctuary. They were visited by herons, egrets, pelicans and parakeets.
I was looking out my window one day and saw a heron sitting on my picnic table far away from the ocean in NH. It brought back many good memories.
So my subject matter will be varied by what I feel, see or experience. I hope that you will enjoy my creative journey. I do not like to be categorized but explore new and different subjects wherever I am.

#9 5x7 $65 sold

Sorry about that....

I've been tied up with the art show at my gallery so haven't had a chance to post a new 5x7 painting. Instead, I am posting a larger 8x10 painting that is available.

#8 8x10 $100

Bountiful Garden

Living in New England, there are lots of opportunities to paint barns. The flowers were my main focus but the weathered barn makes a perfect backdrop. I seem to enjoy the detail work even though I say I am going to "loosen up" each time I start a painting.

We've had an unusual week (except that it's New England). It was 94 degrees on Tuesday, 31 degrees that night and now in the 60's.

I am getting ready for our first art show of the season at The Cider Mill Gallery, my home & studio. It will run from May 9 - 17. I have invited several award-winning, local artists to participate and hope that you will have a chance to come visit. Call for directions or information at (603)487-5522.

#7 5x7 $65 sold

Sunset Beach

Capturing this beach on Martha's Vineyard was a challenge as the sky changed by the minute. In the end I had to use a photograph to freeze the moment when the sky was on fire.

The beach was glowing and the beach roses were blazing pink with coral edges. There was a mild breeze and lingering warmth from the day. Did life get any sweeter.

Though I am doing 5x7's for the blog, I may occasionally add a large painting.

Paintings may be purchased by emailing me at ebelangerart@msn.com.

#6 5x7 $65

New England Barn

This is a typical New England barn and is located in a small town in NH.

This historical farm has been maintained since colonial times. Their gardens are spectacular.
I have painted here a few times, especially during their Harvest Days celebration as there is a myriad of scenes to capture.
My work is very detailed and I enjoy the play between light and shadows, which creates depth and interest.
To purchase any of these paintings, notify me at ebelangerart@msn.com.

#5 5x7 $65

Spring is coming, so we've been told. Lots of rain & mud so far.

I am creating lots of artwork for the upcoming gallery opening and some can be viewed at my website: www.eileenbelanger.com

This scene is a well traveled path to the ocean. Painting sand is a layered process of multiple colors.

#4 5x7 $65

Thursday, April 2, 2009

We're all looking forward to warmer weather so thought this simple lobster shack lent itself to the theme of the current post.

We are enjoying "mud season" right now with more rain today. I live in a 1908, operational cider mill in a charming town in New Hampshire.

I will be opening up my studio/gallery this month (if the mud clears up in the parking lot) & we hope to have a wet paint auction in May.

SOLD

March 19, 2009

Weather is turning and signs of spring are in the air. Had six deer in my backyard yesterday. It's hard to photograph them as they blend in so beautifully with the trees and landscape. I'll try.

I'm keeping the paintings spring-like and peaceful. We all deserve it after this winter. Warmer weather is coming.

5x7 on panel: $65 Scene #2

Thursday, March 12, 2009

#1 Riverside

Hi:

Well, today's the first day of my blog. I wanted a place to share the process of my painting so that I could connect more intimately with my customers.

I live in a 1908, post and beam cider mill which also contains my studio and gallery. The gallery will be opening in April on a "by appointment or chance" basis. This is necessary as I participate in regional art shows, enjoy painting on location and travel to paint murals.

I am going to produce a painting a week on a 5x7 panel. Each painting costs $65, including shipping. You can email me at ebelangerart@msn.com to reserve the painting. I take MC & Visa.

This week's painting depicts a typical New England scene. I am fortunate to have a wealth of inspiration in my own back yard.

Hopefully, I will get more proficient at blogging as time passes. Be patient with me.

Eileen