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...

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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