Month: September 2011

Artist to watch… Eric Hopkins!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Photo by William Thuss for Eric Hopkins

Many of you have heard of Eric Hopkins. He’s got a fabulous gallery in Rockland, Maine. An exquisite space full of his paintings, most of which are large and a few are VERY large… If you think he seems familiar but haven’t been to his gallery perhaps you’ve seen his paintings on the cover of the LL Bean catalog? He’s got a fun element to his work. This painting is entitled FLYING OVER BLUE BAY. If you’re in Rockland, ME, you’ve GOT to go in the gallery. I LOVE how (at least last time we were there) Eric used an old door with glass panes as a palette. BRILLIANT!?

Ok,  blip from the ERIC HOPKINS GALLERY:

With the eyes of an artist, the words of a poet, and the mind of a scientist, Eric Hopkins has engaged numerous people through his art and with his thoughts about life on this Big Blue Planet.  He captures the dynamic forces and rhythms of nature in watercolors, oils, blown glass, mixed media, and photography. His vision focuses on the Big Picture of the natural world, geological and geographical forms, and the exchange of energy between Earth, Water, and Sky. From this intimate study of nature, Eric has developed a keen awareness of light, form, color, and pattern, which is reflected in all of his work.

“I was lucky enough to spend my early days on North Haven,” says Eric, “where my worldview consisted of roaming the woods, fields, shorelines and exploring the edges where land, water, and sky meet. I was drawn to shapes, spaces, patterns, and the rhythms of nature. I was and still am fascinated by the incredible variety of life forms and forces on this Planet.”

Eric is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and has taught at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and Pilchuck Glass School. He has exhibited at the Farnsworth Art Museum, Portland Museum of Art, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Waterfall Arts Center, University of Maine Museum of Art, and a number of galleries nationally.

Enjoy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Foods that should never cross your lips… # 7!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTHLeave a comment
Image: Prevention.com

We are wrapping up a great segment of Foods That Should Never Cross Your Lips (very insightful article by Prevention magazine). I’ve tried to present this to you one food at a time so that you can adjust and make the switch (at least on those that are meaningful to you)… I realize it’s difficult to make a big change all at once, but little by little it seems to be more possible! This week’s food to avoid? Conventional apples. Ugh. It’s one of the harder ones for me, just because organic apples cost so much more than conventional, but after you read this I think you’ll agree, it’s worth saving up for your apples… unless you want to wash and peel… then you lose some of the vitamins and fiber, but at least you are also losing the chemicals!

Conventional Apples

Mark Kastel, former executive for agribusiness and codirector of the Cornucopia Institute, a farm-policy research group that supports organic foods, gives us the scoop:

The problem: If fall fruits held a “most doused in pesticides contest,” apples would win. Why? They are individually grafted (descended from a single tree) so that each variety maintains its distinctive flavor. As such, apples don’t develop resistance to pests and are sprayed frequently. The industry maintains that these residues are not harmful. But Kastel counters that it’s just common sense to minimize exposure by avoiding the most doused produce, like apples. “Farm workers have higher rates of many cancers,” he says. And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides (from all sources) with Parkinson’s disease.

The solution: Buy organic apples.

Budget tip: If you can’t afford organic, be sure to wash and peel them. But Kastel personally refuses to compromise. “I would rather see the trade-off being that I don’t buy that expensive electronic gadget,” he says. “Just a few of these decisions will accommodate an organic diet for a family.”

Whatever you may decide, I just wanted you to have the latest information. For now, unless I hear otherwise, organic apples it is…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Thanks to Paula Deen’s sons for a lighter fried chicken recipe!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment
Image: DoctorOz.com

I am excited to try this… long ago, Oprah Winfrey had her chef, Rosie talk about the different recipes she made for Oprah, she then came out with a cookbook, I bought it and one of my favorite recipes was the unfried fried chicken. It was fabulous. This one is different and worth trying! This recipe came to me in an email from Doctor Oz. No, I don’t know Dr. Oz personally, but I do subscribe to his newsletter, full of fabulous information, and here’s a great recipe to try… It’s from Paula Deen’s sons… From the newsletter:

When Jamie and Bobby Deen heard how unhealthy Vita’s fried chicken recipe was, they had no choice but to show up at her door. Below is their alternate recipe: a healthy twist with un-fried chicken that still packs a satisfying crunch. Click here to purchase your copy of The Deen Bros. Get Fired Up.

Now… for the recipe! Click HERE to go directly to the link on Doctor Oz where you can easily print the recipe…

THE DEEN BROTHERS’ LIGHTER FRIED CHICKEN

Ingredients

Serves 8

8 skinless boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of all visible fat (about 1 1/2 lbs)

1/2 tsp Paula Deen’s House Seasoning (1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 1/8 tsp garlic powder)

1/4 cup light mayonnaise

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 egg white

1/2 tsp hot sauce

1 1/4 cups cornflake crumbs

 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large shallow baking pan with non-stick spray. Sprinkle the chicken with the house seasoning. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon zest, juice, egg white, and hot sauce. Add the chicken; toss to coat. 

Place the cornflake crumbs on a sheet of wax paper. Dip the chicken into the crumbs pressing so the crumbs adhere. Place the chicken in the pan and lightly spray with nonstick spray.

Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 40 – 45 minutes. Do not turn.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

227 calorie

25g protein

11g total fat

3g saturated fat

4g monounsaturated fat

5g carbohydrates

0g fiber

0g sugar

13mg calcium

1mg iron

288mg sodium

87mg cholesterol

Original Recipe courtesy Paula Deen. Revised recipe courtesy of Bobby Deen and the Paula Deen Test Kitchen.

Oh yum, does that ever sound good right now!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Gary Akers!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments
Gary Akers - "The List"

I think this is the sweetest little painting. I love the pop of red against the white, the shadows, the light…  This makes for one happy painting. “THE LIST” is a watercolor on paper that measures 8 1/4″ x  5 1/2″. You will find it at the Haynes Galleries in Thomaston, ME (Note: they have another location in Franklin, TN). Click HERE to check out their website. THE LIST is a name that makes me think up all kinds of possible stories behind this painting… for me it would go something like this…  I spend time to write out a list of things to pick up from the store… I’m in a hurry, grab my keys, jump in the car, once inside the store I reach into my purse to pull out THE LIST only to remember I left it sitting on the table next to the geranium while I locked the front door. Nice… Luckily trying to constantly remember what was on my list is keeping my memory sharp, ha ha…

Here’s a blip about the artist from the Haynes Galleries:

Accomplished in both watercolor and egg tempera painting, Gary Akers has received national recognition for his abilities in both mediums. He has exhibited widely in numerous institutions, including the Speed Art Museum in Kentucky, the Frye Museum of Art in Seattle, the Ogunquit Art Museum in Maine, the Asheville, N.C. Art Museum, the National Academy of Design in New York City, the Artists of America show at the Colorado History Museum, and the Great American Artists exhibition at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Akers was born in Pikesville, Ky., and was educated at Morehead State University, graduating with a master’s degree in 1974. Since the 1970s, his paintings have been featured in numerous books and periodicals, including the two monographs about his art, Kentucky: Land of Beauty (1999) and Memories of Maine (2003). He is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Who’s Who in Emerging Leaders in America, and American Artists of Renown. He currently paints and resides alternately in Kentucky and Maine.

If you’re in the area of Orleans, MA check out his work, otherwise check out their website! Great paintings!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Meatless Monday recipe… Penne with Spinach, Feta and Olives!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Here is a recipe that will make you flip. It’s so easy. It’s healthy. It’s QUICK and DELICIOUS. This is another good one from Cooking Light Magazine! If you need a meatless Monday meal, here it is! It’s great paired with a small salad… enjoy, it’s one of my favorites! Click HERE to go directly to the MyRecipes.com website so it’s quick and easy to print, or see below!

Penne with Spinach, Feta, and Olives

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 6 cups hot cooked penne (about 12 ounces uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

  • Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add pasta, spinach, olives, capers, and cheese; toss well.

Cooking Light
MAY 1998

I said it was easy, didn’t I? Can’t get any easier than that! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Owl’s Head General Store… what a find, the best hamburger ever!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, TRAVELLeave a comment

Owls Head General Store, Owls Head, ME

I was looking at Katy Elliott’s blog last year and noted that she mentioned going to Owls Head, ME and having the best burger ever… YAY! We found a new place to try, and try it we did, almost daily it seems. (Thank you K.E.!). The OWLS HEAD GENERAL STORE is one of those rare places you find that you just fall in love with. Everything is fabulous, the people are HAPPY TO SEE YOU, and they notice when you come back. It’s like returning home to a loving family. I’m not exaggerating either. This place is the ticket. Food Network TV rated their hamburger MAINE’S BEST BURGER. And. It. Was. Oh. My. Gosh! Check them out on Facebook (Owls Head General Store).

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Stunning photography, is this real?

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL3 Comments

Port Clyde, Maine

Can you tell I’m missing Maine? I’m just running across photos that are my favorites. This one was a day we walked to Marshall Point Lighthouse, then were walking back to the Periwinkle Cottage. It’s a breathtaking view. It almost doesn’t seem real does it? The loud crashing ocean, the beautiful rocky coast, artists set up everywhere frantically painting before the last light has faded. It’s the most amazing place…  Just wanted to share it with you! Happy weekend, catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Cindy Baron!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Image: WallsGallery.com

Cindy Baron is a fantastic artist. She paints in both watercolor and oil. She lets the setting determine which it will be. Her paintings are out of this world good. One of the (many) galleries she is represented by is the Walls Gallery located in Wilmington, NC. If you’re in the area, but haven’t been to the Walls Gallery I would hightail it over there…. Otherwise check out her personal website . This painting is entitled ON EVEN GROUND.

Here is a blip from the Walls Gallery website:

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Cindy arrived in East Greenwich, RI in 2001, where she conducts workshops and gives private lessons in both watercolor and oils. In 2000, she became a signature member of the American Watercolor Society.

Her interest in art developed in early childhood. Her background in drawing led her to watercolors and eventually oils. She discovered that one medium enabled her to grow in the other and vice versa. One of the most frequently asked questions she receives is, “How do you choose which medium you want to use?” The answer is “Nature chooses it for me”. “I’m blessed to see landscapes in two mediums.”

“When on location, I can feel the movement a watercolor can give with its easy flowing and entwining colors, like a foggy morning, or a crashing wave. Yet some scenes call for the intensity, depth and lust that only oils can give. Some say you need to concentrate on just one medium, but I believe if you are passionate and daring as you create and see the world through many eyes, your work will naturally evolve.”

Cindy gives a lot of credit to an art teacher she had in school who always said, “There is no such word as can’t”, which she still uses to this day. One of her early interests was portraiture, which she still loves, and when an interesting subject is found she does not hesitate to introduce herself and begin a painting. She uses her studies for many of the classes she teaches. She has traveled extensively and has spent a great deal of time on the East Coast, where the Maine landscape is an etched road map in her mind. She finds it impossible to paint a landscape, unless she has personally experienced the scene…to study and take in the atmosphere, committing to memory what she wants to portray on paper. Her camera, sketchbook and easel are her treasured tools when on location.

Cindy’s paintings reflect the beauty that is found in nature, if you take the time to study the colors around you. She can capture beauty in a blustering storm or the tranquil air of everyday places. Her portraitures relay a story of human life as though they were family or friends. The versatility of her subjects keeps her energized, excited and creative.

She has become a highly sought after instructor, with many prestigious awards in both watercolor and oils. Her work can be found in private and corporate collections around the world, including NIKE and The National Museum of Wildlife.

Cindy has  fantastic website of her own, if you aren’t near Wilmington, check it out… http://www.cindybaron.com

(Both images from Walls Gallery website)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Foods that should never cross your lips… #6!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTHLeave a comment

Image: Prevention.com
Image: Prevention.com

This is week six of the foods that should never cross your lips. This information is from Prevention magazine… to read the article in it’s entirety click HERE. My thought was to give you one food a week to try to change to, or at the very least know about… seems like it’ll stick with you better than all at once. At the bottom I’ve included the list of foods we’ve covered this far. This week’s food to avoid… milk with artificial hormones. From the Prevention magazine article:

Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones

Rick North, project director of the Campaign for Safe Food at the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and former CEO of the Oregon division of the American Cancer Society, gives us the scoop:
The problem: Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers. “When the government approved rBGH, it was thought that IGF-1 from milk would be broken down in the human digestive tract,” says North. As it turns out, the casein in milk protects most of it, according to several independent studies. “There’s not 100% proof that this is increasing cancer in humans,” admits North. “However, it’s banned in most industrialized countries.”

The solution: Check labels for rBGH-free, rBST-free, produced without artificial hormones, or organic milk. These phrases indicate rBGH-free products.

Budget tip: Try Wal-Mart’s Great Value label, which does not use rBGH.

This is one I am faithful about. I usually buy Horizon or if I’m at Whole Foods I’ll buy their brand. Will also try Trader Joe’s with no hormones… we drink 1%, we used to drink skim (regular with hormones/antibiotics all that stuff) and it had a blue’ish tint… WHY would that be? 1% seemed to be better. Interestingly enough when I had the no hormone/antibiotic added skim milk it WAS. NOT. BLUE. Therefore. I won’t drink “regular” milk… it’s not worth it to me. My opinion, but one I believe in.

So… to recap the past weeks:

1. Canned tomatoes

2. Corn-fed beef

3. Microwave popcorn

4. Non-organic potatoes

5. Farmed Salmon

6. Milk produced with artificial hormones

Next week will wrap up this segment!  So add NO ADDED HORMONE milk to your grocery list and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Homemade Applesauce Recipe!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Image: MyRecipes.com

You know sometimes how healthy, light fare just doesn’t sound very fair? That’s when you should make something like this. It’s still healthy, especially if you leave out the carbs (i.e. mashed potatoes swimming in butter). If you have a drawer full of apples that haven’t been eaten and are on their way to retirement this is a great recipe… It’s so tasty… From Cooking Light Magazine… Click HERE if you would like to be taken to the MyRecipes.com website to make it quick to print… and on to the recipe…!

Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Homemade Applesauce

Ingredients

  • Applesauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped (about 4 cups chopped)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Pork:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 (5-ounce) bone-in center-cut pork chops
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Preparation

  • 1. To prepare applesauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add apples to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 1/2 cup water, sugar, juice, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to pan; cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook 25 minutes or until apples are tender. Mash gently with the back of a spoon.
  • 2. To prepare pork, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle pork evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; dredge pork in flour. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add pork to pan; cook 5 minutes or until golden. Turn pork over; cook 3 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Serve with applesauce.

Cooking Light
SEPTEMBER 2009

Ahhh, so are you going to give it a whirl? You will be thrilled at how tasty this is! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Jack Goldsmith!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

There is a fabulous artist that I found on North Water Gallery’s website. I haven’t been to that gallery… yet. North Water Gallery is located in Edgartown, MA. I love this artist’s style, a bit like Charles Sovek, and I thought the world of that man! (Let me just note that I wrote that BEFORE I read the “blip about the artist” whoa!). This is artist JACK GOLDSMITH. I love how he says he refuses to labor over a painting! I wholeheartedly agree. The best paintings (to me) are the ones that happen quick and loosely. That is exactly what I love about his paintings! I found a blip about him in Cape Code Life:

Jack Goldsmith boils his words down to their essence. He credits his polished verbal skills to his 40 years of art direction and design in Manhattan. What he doesn’t take credit for is how he gets to the heart of the matter of ethereal subjects in spot-on fashion, whether he is expressing them in words or acrylics.

“Once I come upon an image I want to paint, I like to attack it and do it quickly,” Goldsmith says. “I refuse to labor over a painting.”

Goldsmith’s canvases are vibrant glimpses of life in all its nuances of light, color, and feel. Perhaps owing to his early career in art direction, the Osterville resident speaks frequently of “staging” his art. The Kite Flyers features one of his favorite subjects, Cape Cod’s ocean edge. “I like to paint children on the beach,” he says. “I also like to paint the beach with nobody around. It all becomes kind of a stage.” All of his pieces, including his still lifes, are arranged almost like choreography, to render a very natural experience.

Goldsmith was trained in the 1940s at the Syracuse University School of Fine Arts and the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Art and Design, before starting his career in art direction and teaching at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. As Goldsmith succinctly says, “My life has always been holding a pencil or a brush.”

Finally, he came home to a life of fine art when he and his wife moved to Osterville in 1993, drawn by good friends and the Cape’s renowned light. Among his influences are the 19th-century Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla and the late Cape Cod artist Charles Sovek, as well as members of the French Impressionist School.

Although his paintings are filled with highlights, shadows, and other subtleties, for Goldsmith it all goes back to first blocking the painting with brush on canvas. “It’s the most crucial part of the painting for me,” he says. “If you don’t design it well, you’ll struggle.”

I am a fan. What else can I say! Check them out by website or a visit! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Live Long, Live Strong, Eat Seafood: THE SLIPWAY RESTAURANT (formerly Dip Net)

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD2 Comments

Image: http://maine-slipway.com

I am pleased as punch to spread the word about the old Dip Net restaurant that used to be in Port Clyde (not the one that Linda Bean bought and kept the name, but the original Dip Net) – It’s baaayaaaack as Jack Nicholson would say and it’s name is THE SLIPWAY – it’s located at 24 Town Landing, in the former Harborview Restaurant in Thomaston, ME. We had many memorable meals at the old restaurant and are looking so forward to visiting THE SLIPWAY for memorable meals in the future!! They also have a Facebook page, so check them out!

Click HERE to see a sample menu.

A blip from their website (you know how I like to include ‘blips’ from everything…)

We are right on the harbor with a 120′ dock, plenty of outdoor seating and a menu pretty similar to the great food we’ve provided for years in Port Clyde and Camden. Chef/Owner is Scott Yakovenko ran the Dip Net Restaurant in Port Clyde for eight years.

If you’re in the area go visit! If not, click to visit their Facebook page !

STONEFISH… a must see!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
STONEFISH located in Port Clyde, ME

We happened upon this unique little shop years ago while in Port Clyde, Maine. STONEFISH is located in the village right next door to the ice cream shop, and EVERYBODY knows where that’s at! It’s a small space that is filled with the most wonderful things. Clothes, trinkets, antiques, unique art object, you name it, if it’s unique and classy Anne has it in her shop! If you happen to be in Port Clyde please stop in and say hello! You will find special things you will treasure forever! We have!

Updated 2025: Sadly, Stonefish is no longer open. The owner, Ann, passed away years ago – she will be missed!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist Ken Auster’s book: Intellect and Passion!

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

Image: ThomasReynolds.com

Artist’s books are becoming more popular in gallery after gallery that I visit. What better way to get your collection of paintings out to people who admire your work? Hey, if your wall space is limited, just remember you can pile a coffee table high with books, AND they look equally as good stacked on the floor! The painting on the cover is entitled ELECTRIC COMPANY and it’s one of my favorites! It’s the reds that do it for me, it’s vivid and sharp. I love it! If you’re in San Francisco pop into the Thomas Reynolds Gallery and take a peek at Ken’s work! If you’re interested in a book, click HERE, the book is $35 and is signed by the artist.

Here’s a blip from the book:

‘A Turning Point in My Life’
ONE DAY I WAS INVITED to go out with a few friends and paint on location at a local beach. Using an old easel and a few tubes of oil paint left over from college painting classes, I set up and started painting what I saw. The experience was a turning point in my life. Here was the bare bones of art — no process and minimal equipment, just a burst of passion and paint, with immediate results and gratification. It just happened and it was beautiful.A year and probably 200 paintings later, I was ready to get feedback from people other than my friends. I looked north to San Francisco. For me, San Francisco has always been a kind of Disneyland for adults. My first adventure there was in 1967 during the Summer of Love. There’s still a Jefferson Airplane poster on the wall in my studio. So during another trip to the happiest place on earth, I thought I would stop at a few galleries with some transparencies and see if I could get some response from the big guys. I didn’t ask to exhibit; I just wanted their opinions of my work. Surprisingly enough, most took the time to look and I got consistently positive responses.The last stop on this spontaneous gallery tour was the Thomas Reynolds Gallery, in a classic Victorian flat a few steps from Fillmore Street, a series of small rooms showing mostly small paintings, each one hanging with room to breathe. I presented my slides — and the owner wanted to see more. It was at that moment I realized that a good gallery was really interested in my work. A few weeks later we scheduled my first show. My original vision was to paint landscapes of Northern California — trees, rocks, ocean and hills, but no city. That first show sold out. So did the second and third. It was the mid-90’s at the height of the plein air painting renaissance and I was right in the middle of it all, painting many of the small towns along the California coast. I won top prizes at the plein air events that were cropping up, and the surfer-turned-painter story was picked up by several art magazines.

Then came another moment that again changed my direction as a painter. I was driving in San Francisco on California Street late in the afternoon heading into the belly of the city — a straight shot downhill punctuated by intersections and cross traffic with red taillights glued loosely together at the bottom. I stopped at a red light and just stared for a moment at this incredible concrete grand canyon. I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures, circling the block and hoping to hit every red light. Everywhere I looked was a painting. Artists are always looking for the moment that is the catalyst for the next painting — that flicker of gold. I had found the mother lode.

— from Ken Auster: Intellect & Passion