Posted in Plein Air, Workshop/Retreat, tagged Plein Air, workshop on May 11, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Often when people think of painters they imagine an artist with an easel set up outdoors painting. And many artists do paint that way but not as many as you would think. Plein Air painting is not as simple as it looks. There are many things to consider but it is very rewarding.
If you have wanted to give Plein Air painting a try why not join us for the Plein Air Workshop later this month. Click here for additional information and to register.
Posted in Flowers, tagged flowers on May 10, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Mother’s Day Flowers
Here are my Mother’s Day flowers. I have taken reference photos at several angles so I can paint them soon.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Posted in Recipes, tagged Chewy Nut Cookies, Cookie Recipe, Cookies on May 9, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Mama’s Chewy Nut Cookies
I made these Chewy Nut Cookies for Open Studio yesterday. This was one of my mom’s standby recipes especially for our snack when we came home from school. We grew up on a farm in the middle of a big pecan orchard so we put lots of pecans in everything. I love these and every time I make them I am reminded of her. If you like pecans I hope you will give them a try.
MAMA’S CHEWY NUT COOKIES
2 1/8 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 stick butter
2 eggs
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Melt butter. Add sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well. Fold in nuts. Pour into greased baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minute. Center will seem like it’s not quite done. Let it stand until cool and then cut into squares
Posted in Flowers, Landscape, Paint Party, tagged flowers, Landscape, Paint Party on May 8, 2015| 3 Comments »
“The Gardener”
“The Gardener” is the painting we will be doing at the next 1st Saturday Paint Party on June 6th. I painted this sample piece in acrylic on 12″x12″ stretched canvas yesterday in preparation for it. Hope you will join us. Click here to register.
Posted in Commissions, tagged apple, cherry, commission, fruit, grape, pear on May 7, 2015| Leave a Comment »
8 Small Fruit Paintings
A few weeks ago I shared a couple of posts with you about a commission that I have been working on of some small fruit paintings. You can see that here.
Here is a picture of all eight little 5″x7″ acrylic paintings completed. The client picked them up yesterday and she liked them! Yeah!
Posted in Workshop/Retreat, tagged Capon Springs, Retreat Location on May 6, 2015| Leave a Comment »
The Main Lodge with Dining Room
Gazebo
Spring fed Pool
Pavilion at Golf Course
Presidential Lodge
Road passes right through property
Umbrellas by the door. They think of everything.
Yesterday I took a step back in time…at least it felt that way. I visited Capon Springs Resort & Farm just a short 40 minute drive from Front Royal. It’s an all-inclusive mountain resort featuring 19th century architecture and a wonderful camp layout where you park your car and walk around the grounds to everything you need from a spa to the spring fed pool to the all-you-can-eat dining hall to your rooms in one of several cabins or lodge buildings. It was just delightful. There are tennis and badminton courts, a golf course, shuffleboard and hiking trails.
I went in particular to see the layout as well as the meeting rooms because I am scouting a location to hold a retreat for The Studio. I think I may have found it. Be sure to check out Capon Springs by clicking here. I am sure it’s not “the place” for everyone but if you like to enjoy a little slower pace and visiting with friends in an ideal setting, then it’s for you!
Posted in Crochet, tagged Crochet on May 5, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Sea theme baby blanket example of zig-zag
Another Example
Our next crochet class at The Studio will feature three patterns that are great for afghans and baby blankets. We will learn how to do the zig-zag stitch, ripple and chevron stitches. They are easy to do, work up fast, and look fabulous.
Come learn with us! Click here for more info.
Posted in Paint Party, tagged Paint Party on May 4, 2015| Leave a Comment »
May Paint Party
We had two great Paint Parties this weekend. The First Saturday Paint Party produced beautiful paintings of a country road with wildflowers.
Paint Party at Ruff Ranch
And Sunday I got to teach a private Paint Party at a lovely home on the Shenandoah River where the hosts treated their friends to a painting with happy poppies!
Both groups were just delightful. Paint Parties are a relaxing get away for the participants and great fun! Learn more about Paint Parties here.
Posted in Little Known Facts, tagged Dulwich Picture Gallery, Fragonard Fake on May 3, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Fragonard Fake – photo from Carol Court of Getty images
A friend sent me the link to this interesting story yesterday about the Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London that has been hanging a fake painting among their masterpieces and asking the visitors to try to pick it out. About 10% could. Take a look by clicking this link. Fascinating!
Posted in Art Class, tagged Art Class on May 2, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Logan with “Converse & Camera”
I have posted Logan’s work before. She is a really good painter! Here is her latest work – “Converse & Camera”. I love it! Great job Logan! And be sure to click here to see one of the early classes that Logan attended. I think this is around the time that she first started painting with me. She’s so cute here. 🙂
The Studio 