joy + peace + love + thanks

This whole holiday-season-of-giving... it's very nice.

Running around trying to find the most unexpectedly perfect gift for the important people in our lives. Ho, ho, ho, deck the halls. Take a breath, grab a latte... It's awesome and we can only sustain it for a few weeks, because seriously, it's exhausting. But that's ok.

Truly. I am grateful for the merriment, joy and energy people put into being kind and jolly and magical at this time of year. It's a complicated mix, no doubt. The season roars in with so many activities that can't be ignored: parties, concerts, cookies (seriously), decorating, eggnog sipping and so much more!

Hence, you may have noticed a lack of blog presence on my behalf. (blog or eggnog?)
Sorry. But I'm actually ok with that. BIG PICTURE. Spread joy.

Once upon a time I would have felt badly about not fulfilling my "responsibility" (self-imposed though it may be) to stay on top of a "commitment" (that I only made to myself). But now I'm a grown up and I get to decide what's really important for me.

So I'm taking a break from wrapping and figuring out where everyone will sleep... because what's important right now, is to say

Thank You!

A huge, heart-felt thank you to everyone who has "liked" my Facebook painting page, commented on a blog post, reached out via Twitter or LinkedIn, recommended my artwork or in any of many ways encouraged me art-wise.

You have bestowed an incredible bounty of positive energy that I know will be apparent in my creative endeavors going into 2013. I am truly grateful and appreciative of all your support and encouragement.

And although I have been absent in the blogosphere, I've been experiencing lots of artistic wonderment and I hope those of you who have missed my blog are also spending time celebrating the season and enjoying family fun. More art adventures to come. I promise.

Meanwhile, let me share with you the exuberance of some little people who are very special in my world. This photo is a few years old but the giddy happiness of the season is as bright as ever.

I wish you and yours the same joy that lights up these sweet faces, now and throughout the coming year.

Ho, ho, ho! Gifts: start small and local.

Q. Where can you find a unique gift of fine art?

A. "Farm to Frames" exhibit at Who's Cooking in Croton Falls and "Festive Home" in Ridgefield, CT.

Check out my original oil paintings for great gifts and the feel-good feeling of shopping with a local focus!

Festive Home, at the Ridgefield Artists Guild, features decorators' showcases with fine art and fine crafts for sale. Lots of fun decor ideas.

And plan your visit to see original still life paintings at Who's Cooking around mealtime. you are going to want to have lunch ... or an afternoon baked treat... or a "home cooked" dinner... or order catered specialties for your holiday gatherings...

Tis the Season, so stop by for some holly jolly artwork.
Hope to see you there!

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shadows and highlights and ...HAIR? (oh my)

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Open studio events are great, whether you are an artist or art lover. The bonus for artists is to be inspired by the energy and creative atmosphere. Studios are holy places where true believers in the almighty power of paint are itching to be baptized.

Perhaps I exaggerate.

But who doesn’t like a slightly voyeuristic experience now and then? Just imagine yourself in those paint-splattered shoes.

Recently my friend Donna and I attended the Mother of All Open Studios at New York’s historic 41 Union Square. For 100 years this building has been the soul of creativity from Ashcan School artists to Andy Warhol and beyond.

We were looking forward to seeing Leah Lopez, an outstanding representational painter who teaches at New York Art Academy. Leah’s studio has an awesome, high, north-facing window, paint smells, display shelves and beautiful still life masterpieces everywhere! 

It feels like the perfect environment for incredible artistry. And it must be because that’s what happens there. If you don’t know Leah’s work, check out her website.  She’s a fabulous painter and a wonderful teacher. I can’t wait to take class with her again!

There are 14 floors of artistic magic happening at 41 Union Square. Donna and I wandered the hallways visiting painters whose media, styles and subject matter differed, but all were welcoming and willing to share their artistic experiences. We talked about everything from toning prepared canvas to glazing finished pieces.

We passed other painting pilgrims coming and going throughout the afternoon in stairwells, hallways and elevators. Lots of artistic energy!

So when a woman we had seen several times said, “Oh hi again! I hope you don’t mind, I wanted to speak to you about highlights,” I thought, “wow, she thinks I have some artistic insight to offer!”

And then she asked, “Who does your highlights?” Looking at my HAIR! So much for sharing my artistic insights! But I was flattered and, after all, my hairstylist is an "artist" too.

So if you want perfect highlights (and lowlights) in your hair, see Linda Vacarro at LaSpina Renewed Image Salon in Mahopac, and at Salon Perri in Pound Ridge. Linda is so talented, she makes me look good!

And, if you want to know about painting highlights you should take class with Leah!

You'll be glad you did!