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