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

The Blacksmith Shop

With all the snow, I decided to paint something warm and inviting. I paint a lot at Musterfield Farm in No. Sutton, NH. This building is used as their blacksmith shop. It was a sunny day and light breeze...ideal for painting as it kept the bugs away.

Painting plein air is always a challenge with the elements. I have painted in sun, rain and snow. Each offers a unique perspective on the world with the various atmospheric changes. I would recommend painting on location for any new or would-be artists. Photos just can't do the site justice. This painting is from a photo but I have spent many days at the farm. I am trying to introduce more color into my paintings.

#47 11x14 $295

I'm sorry I haven't been very diligent about posting new works. I had a very busy summer/fall this year and sold most of my newer works. I will be doing some new paintings in the upcoming months and promise to post more regularly. Be patient with me.

Father & Daughter

Sometimes a commission can touch your heart. In this case it is the story of a soldier in Afghanistan who has only seen his young daughter a couple of times between deployments. He wanted to give her something special for Christmas and commissioned me to do a portrait from a photo of he and his daughter. The painting was done inside a custom painted toy box.

We all pray that he and all the other young men and women come home safely to their families and friends. We also thank them for their courage and wish them a very Merry Christmas or whichever holiday is meaningful to them.
Stay safe...

Pet portraits

Keep in mind...pet portraits for Christmas gifts. Just contact me with your name and address and I will send you one of my brochures with prices, information, etc.

The Ah-h-h Moment

I wanted to create a painting that was both moody and serene. I actually visualized this while sleeping and woke up to make a sketch.

I am still making adjustments to the painting as I post this so it may change a bit before I'm totally done. This happens to lots of us artists. Give us time to stare at our work and we'll always find something to adjust. The illusive word in our vocabulary is "stop".

Anyway, shows this year have been surprisingly successful. I didn't know what to expect because of the economy but I have been selling at each show and look forward to my luck continuing for the next four shows. Check my website for places and dates.

Well, back to painting.

#46 20x24

The Perfect Day

This is one of four paintings I did for the Sharon Arts "paint out" this past week. The lighting was wonderful and the painting made me happy. The previous day that I painted I was grumpy all day as I had little sleep the nite before. Boy, does that affect your painting abilities.

Fortunately, I was able to bounce back for this image. We had really nice weather all week except for drizzle last Monday. I have mixed feelings about the weather since my well is still dry after almost a month. Thank goodness for neighbors and their generous offers to let me shower and do laundry at their homes. I have a dug well that is only 16' deep. It hasn't dried up like this for almost 16 years. It will take a lot of rain to fill it up again. We've only had a little over 2" since beginning of July. We look at other places that are flooded and I'd rather tote my water.

#45 11x14

Mt. Monadnock

I'm getting ready for my next 6 art shows and just finished this painting of Mt. Monadnock. I am aiming for more color in my landscapes and hope I have achieved it in this work.

I tried underpainting with very vivid colors (reds, purples, golds) which a lot of artists use and found it gives more life to the painting. I am also trying not to do so much detail work but rather a suggestion of the subject matter. It is difficult for me as I am so detail oriented, but giving it a go anyway. I will still do the fine details in the artwork that calls for it so that I don't have to go cold turkey.

I hope some of you will be able to make an upcoming show. My schedule is posted at my website: http://www.eileenbelanger.com/.

#44 18x36

Prelude to the Proposal

Sorry I've been so tardy in posting to blog. It's been a very busy time but I am really going to try to do better.

This painting evolved from a conversation with a friend. Her daughter was going to receive a proposal and we were discussing nice ways to have it done.

I have been hearing doom and gloom about the art shows this season due to the economy but I have been very fortunate to have two very good shows so far (with 6 more to come). Needless to say, I have to get busy painting as September and October are my next shows.

I am participating in a "paint out" sponsored by the Sharon Arts Center of Peterborough, NH. Artists will paint in Rindge, NH with a reception showing all of our paintings at the Cathedral of the Pines on August 20th.

#43

Brant Point Light, Nantucket

Well, had a very successful show on the Cape. Sold several paintings, lots of prints and got a few commissions. I can only hope that the next 7 shows are as good. Check my website: www.eileenbelanger.com for my show schedule.

I am headed for Nantucket in July and then Newburyport. Have to get busy painting so that I'll be ready.

Today I'm looking forward to a pastel workshop with Kitty Cloud in Peterborough, NH. Weather has been extremely humid so hope I don't melt while outside creating.

#42 2.5"x3.5" matted in vinyl sleeve $35

Just the Sound of the Waves

I'm heading to Cape Cod for an art show in Barnstable (June 26-27). This is one of my new paintings for the show. I just wanted an image that would convey thoughts of waves breaking. It's a sound you develop in your heart when you live near the water. It has always brought peace to me when life is in turmoil. Now, when I look at this painting, it produces the same feeling.

I am finally painting again. Sometimes you just lose enthusiasm and it takes hard work to get it back. With so many art shows on my schedule this season, it was necessary to take stock and get my butt in gear.

#41 12x36

Nubble Light

This Maine lighthouse has been painted by so many artists. It could be the setting, atop a rock island, or the perfect layout of the buildings. Seems every time I go there the weather is perfect...must be good timing.
This is another of the mini paintings and I have a whole series of Maine and Massachusetts lighthouses done. I enjoy buildings and would like to paint some of the venerable, old homes in NH. Their architecture is amazing with quality of work unmatched in this day and age.
I am also still experimenting with an impressionistic look. Figure I won't be able to do all the detail forever and would love to learn to loosen up my painting style. I am taking a pastel class the end of this month with Kitty Cloud and her style is more what I am trying to achieve.

#40 2.5"x3.5" $35

Lobster Feast

Making a trip to Maine this week and have to have a fresh-caught lobster. There are so many quiet coves and coastline scenes to paint.

Weather here has turned drastically from 50's to 80's and they expect 90's tomorrow. Not the best weather for painting outside as the bugs are rampant after the wet spring. Fortunately the mosquitos are big enough to eat all the black flies. Better painting on the coast where there is a breeze and no bugs.

Still working hard to prepare for the upcoming Cape Cod show. It will be interesting to see how the season is going to go with the economy in such a slump. I am optimistic and think the minis, which are affordable, will be a hit.

I am now using Golden's Open Acrylics. They are the closest I've found to painting with oils, without the fumes. Open Acrylics will stay wet for quite a long time which makes for better blending. The heavier your layer, the longer it takes to dry. It's a wonderful medium as it can look like oils or watercolor.

Looking for new places to paint en plein air. I belong to the NH Plein Air painters and we have a large membership that paints outside, on location throughout New England. It is free to join & everyone is friendly, knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge.

#39 2.5"x3.5" $35

Weather has finally warmed up so got out with friends to paint en plein air. We went to Musterfield Farm in No. Sutton, NH...one of my most favorite places to paint. Flowers are not in bloom as yet but the historic buildings are great. This is a painting I did a couple of years ago to show you how beautiful this location is.

I'm really enjoying the miniature paintings. Thought they would be great for the upcoming art show season. I want to provide an affordable, original painting that anyone can afford. The minis are very detailed with lots of scenes from the coast, including a lighthouse series from Massachusetts and Maine.

I'll be participating in Art in the Park in Barnstable, MA on June 26-27. Drop by if you're in the area.