Featured Artist: Joe Garcia!

On December 16, 2015December 7, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Autumn Light by Joe Garcia 12×16″ Oil

Joe Garcia. Fred and I met him about a month ago at an art walk in Charleston. (Joe shows locally at Horton Hayes Fine Art). What a nice guy, and a very talented artist. He captured the autumn light on this marsh so perfectly. I love that golden glow that it can have. The subtle ripples in the water and those wonderful trees are my favorite parts!

Be sure to look for Joe if you are attending Southeastern Wildlife Exposition here in Charleston, SC. SEWE is a huge event that fills the city to capacity year after year. This event runs from February 12-14, 2015! Just look at the list of events!

Read a blip about Joe, from his website:

Native Californian Joe Garcia is an established landscape and wildlife artist living and painting near the small mountain town of Julian, California. The natural setting amidst oaks and pines, and the golden hills of Southern California provide endless inspiration and subjects for his art.

Joe earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an advertising/illustration emphasis from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He worked as an illustrator and graphic designer for 13 years then left the commercial field to focus full time on the fine art side of his career.

Today Joe continues to paint in oil or watercolor, and emphasizes composition, value and spontaneity in each medium. His works reflect his love of nature in landscapes, birds, mammals and a variety of other themes on location and in the studio. Garcia shows in exhibitions across the country, and his original paintings and limited edition prints may be found in galleries and private collections throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Europe.

Joe’s art has appeared in numerous magazines, including Southwest Art, The Artist Magazine, Wildlife Art, and Watercolor Magic. North Light produced his books, Mastering the Watercolor Wash and the Watercolor Bible, and included his art in several other publications.

Joe Garcia’s enthusiasm and dedication brings continued achievement and success as he paints what he loves.

All images via JoeGarcia.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Flashback: Best Christmas Cookies in the World!

On December 15, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Lifestyle, Photograph, Recipe, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Decorate however you like, neat, messy, in whatever colors you create!

This is a Christmas Cookie recipe that our family has made since I was a little kid. It’s become a tradition. It’s fun because everyone can partake in the festivities. Especially if you bake the cookies ahead and then have a decorating party! We just put the frosting into zip-top baggies and cut a hole. Some years we have more colors than others. As you can see, this particular year, I was only loving my Christmas Tree cookie cutter, so that’s the only one I used. Recipe below as well as a link to print recipe only.

Enjoy!

Click here for a recipe to print (minus all the words and blah, blah, blah)!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Sarah Yeoman!

On December 14, 2015December 7, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Cafe by Sarah Yeoman – Watercolor

Sarah Yeoman, what wonderful work. Her watercolors are just out of this world! I love this lively Cafe painting above. It has so many cool features. I love the people, they aren’t specific, I can use my imagination. I can tell that it’s a cool place, a place that would be fun to hang out at. Look at those wonderful colors and shapes

Morning Crows by Sarah Yeoman

30×22″ Watercolor on Paper

These two crows have oodles of character, don’t they? Wonderful!

If you are interested in taking a workshop, check out the WORKSHOP or the STUDIO CLASSES pages of Sarah’s website!

Read a bit about Sarah, from her website:

Sarah Yeoman is an award-wining American watercolor artist and a signature member of the Philadelphia Water Color Society. Her mastery of reflections, unique surface layers, and unusual perspective clearly sets her apart from the crowd.

Living in Delaware in the northeastern United States, she is recognized for her command of light narrative and strength of story. She is inspired by Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent, and in more recent years by Tom Schaller and Alvaro Castagnet. In the summer, Sarah follows Winslow’s footsteps in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, hiking and paddling in remote locations where she paints and collects references. She is equally at home in urban and lush garden settings; she lives on a private garden estate and draws on the greenhouses and gardens for inspiration, but also finds beauty in nearby Philadelphia and its rich architectural and human vibrations. Her years as a singer/songwriter flow through her process in the melodious and lyrical qualities of her paintings.

Sarah describes her artistic process as “sculpting and pulling the form out of the paper,” much as a sculpture releases the form from the marble. Her imaginative and unusual perspective frames her work with the deepest ability to project how she sees the world, formed by shadow and light. Her mastery of watercolor deepens the story and intimacy of her work, as the resulting texture, color shifts, and granulation reveal the warm feeling of light as well as the whispers of light air. As she minimizes detail, the abstract shapes and surface of the paper reveal her deep connection with the process.

Sarah is represented by Abanakee Studios and Gallery 3040 in New York State, Gallery One in Chadds Ford Pennsylvania, and Sharp Art Gallery in Washington State. She is also much sought after as a workshop instructor. For more information please visit her website.

All images via SarahYeoman.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Out shopping and need a quick bite?

On December 13, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, LifestyleLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

Don’t shop until you drop – stop at Panera and get a quick and healthy lunch. You have the power to control how healthy since they list the calorie content for everything. This particular day I was famished… so, I got a cup of Broccoli Cheddar soup (HEAVENS!), a sprouted grain roll and a half of Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado, dressing on the side. This is called a PICK TWO. Pick two of whatever combination of soups, salads and sandwiches.

I do like that Panera lists the calories, it helps you say NO a lot easier, also that they use clean ingredients and are transitioning to have even more very soon! All of this AND you can earn rewards when you eat there by signing up for a free Panera card.

So… don’t shop till ya drop! Stop and get a quick bite!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Holidays in Charleston!

On December 12, 2015December 5, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

On a recent trip downtown (Charleston, SC) Fred, Charlie and I perused the local stores, one being Anthropologie. They have such a unique selection of both clothes and home goods. I love this place! Look at this tree, how brilliant! They used what I would call “O” Rings into the floor (I’m not sure if that was what was in the ceiling as well?), then they strung this cool stuff to make a unique Christmas tree.

I love seeing the stores downtown all dressed up for the holidays!

Info about Anthropologie from their website:

Founded in Wayne, Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1992, Anthropologie remains a destination for women wanting a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor that reflects their personal style and fuels their lives’ passions, from fashion to art to entertaining. We are committed, as always, to offering our customers signature products and unmatched service, both in our more than 185 stores throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, and on anthropologie.com.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Magnifilous Toy Emporium – Charleston, SC!

On December 11, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

I’m pretty sure Santa has this wonderful store help with his gift list! If you’re in the area be sure to check them out. I love that they offer unique toys, not the usual that are found in every store. They know about their products as well, which really makes it nice! What a window display!

Read about the Magnifilous Experience, from their website:

You may be lured in the door by the sound of our 1840’s nickelodeon playing nostalgic tunes or by the sight of the spinning carousel as young children enjoy a ride. Entering the door you will be greeted by an enthusiastic staff with only one mission, to ensure that each guest has a Magnifilous experience.

You are welcome to browse at your leisure but one of our toy specialists will be close by to answer questions, demonstrate a toy or help choose the perfect gift.

We strive to keep our inventory unique and ever changing so there is always something new to see whether you are a first time visitor or a loyal friend.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Holiday Window in Charleston…

On December 10, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

Charleston is looking beautiful for the holidays! We were visiting some shops on King Street a few weeks ago and I couldn’t help but snap a few photos of store windows! This is a peek inside Anthropologie, love that place. Wonderful everything!

If you’re in the area, take a stroll, support the businesses in the area!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Decorations at Belmond Charleston Place Hotel…

On December 9, 2015June 16, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, PhotographLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

This photo is from an outing with Fred & Charlie a little over a week ago. Beautiful decorations everywhere. Belmond Charleston Place is beautiful, full of wonderful shops, it’s a treat to visit! There are also a few restaurants, Palmetto Cafe, which we have only been to for brunch (highly suggest) and Charleston Grill. If you’re in Charleston, you definitely want to walk through the hotel.

Update, this hotel is no longer owned by Belmond, but it remains beautiful (links have been removed).

Afternoon Tea at the Thoroughbred Club. Afternoon tea at this hotel is exquisite. It’s been many years since we have splurged, but what a treat it is! Not to be forgotten!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie in his happy place!

On December 8, 2015December 8, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTS8 Comments

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

A little over a week ago all was right with the world. Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown, to see the Christmas decorations and visit a few stores. Charlie has a big time and so do we. It’s an adventure from start to finish.

Then… a jump off the bed tore his CCL (ACL in humans), so today, after much research and consultation, he is having surgery. Please keep him in your thoughts, prayers, good vibes or anything else you’ve got. He’s a sweet beast.

Do you have a suggestion for how to keep a Jack Russell calm for an extended period of time without being able to walk him? If so, let me know! For now, George Winston keeps him calm… unless a dog, cat, squirrel, bird, person, car, bike or anything else that moves goes by…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Window Dressing… brilliant!

On December 7, 2015December 2, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

*Featuring photos this week; will resume regular posts next week!

How is this for a unique holiday window in Charleston? I love how Ooh Ooh Shoes! used the bottom part of the Christmas tree as a “skirt”, topped with a fitted jacket, a clutch bag, and pearls, of course!

I also like the subtle reflections of the stores across the street – get downtown if you haven’t been! It’s beautiful!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Lost Art of the Painted Photograph with Corlis Caroll!

On December 6, 2015December 6, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art EventLeave a comment

Corlis Carroll. What a dynamic soul! She has such a big heart, and she is as full of life as she can be! Corlis has mastered the art of the painted photograph. Be sure to stop by her show, it’s sure to be a treat!

Location: 1855 Western Avenue, (1 mile west of of Crossgates Mall), Albany, New York – Look for the colored bee boxes.

One thing about Corlis, she is enthusiastic about her art. Her enthusiasm is contagious. She brings a smile to your face, and so do her paintings. She has a joie de vivre that cannot be denied!

There was a wonderful article in Spotlightnews.com about Corlis, to read, click HERE.

Read about the process, from her Facebook page:

In 1990, at the University at Albany, Corlis Carroll took a class in “Alternative Methods in Photography”. Upon graduation from UAlbany, (Phi Beta Kappa, 1994, major in art), Corlis soon moved to a remote island off the coast of Maine and lived there summers, first working as a house keeper for lodging and wages. In her “off” hours, Corlis could be seen in the village, on the cliffs or in the forest with paints and easel. Beginning in 1981 with a camera, she later turned to painting in oil and gouache for the study of light, composition and color. In 2013, she returned to her earlier love of the painted photograph and found a new world and a treasure trove of beautiful possibilities.

The painted photograph is an art form that has only been seen minimally since middle-class women found a hobby in it during the early to mid-twentieth century, and portrait photographers used it to color the hair, cheeks and lips of their subjects.

It is how color was commonly achieved in Photography.

There are only two methods in painting that begin with the gray scale: Grisaille, a paint medium and the Painted Photograph.
Covering gray with color creates a palette that is oddly familiar and visually pleasing though slightly confusing.

Corlis is often asked: “what am I looking at? Is it a painting? Is it a photograph?”

It is both.

A blip about the show, from Corlis Caroll’s Facebook page:

Stickley Furniture delivers 9 thousand dollars in gorgeous Furniture for the show TODAY. They have been so supportive, so generous. Thank you John Hanson, 10 year designer for Stickley. Your guidance and expertise is so appreciated. You and Stickley have been so supportive. See you tomorrow.

I was paid the highest compliment of my life yesterday by a gentleman and business owner who has been active in the arts for over 30 years in the Albany area.

He said: “You are a great artist.”

Be still my heart. I wanted to cry. It was 1980 when I first picked up the camera. 35 years later and these are, without a doubt, the most wonderfully affirming words that I have ever heard.

Thank you Gary Weitzman, owner, Artforms, Guilderland, NY. You are too kind.

THE LOST ART OF THE PAINTED PHOTOGRAPH
12-6 through 12-9, from 3-7. The Irish Coffee, Cookies and Krause’s Chocolates are calling you…and the Art too, of course.

So grateful. Thank you for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to take a look. Bring the children. They are my favorite people.

All images via Corlis F Caroll Facebook page, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A little something to make you smile…

On December 5, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I have lived here in Charleston since right before hurricane Hugo (1989). I can’t believe it’s been nearly 27 years that I’ve been here.There are so many things I love about Charleston. The architecture is out of this world. The food.. ohmygosh, every possible type of restaurant and cuisine that you can imagine. We are a foodie city for sure. We are big on the arts and entertainment.

Charleston has class without a doubt. When you meander your way through downtown streets, as well as some streets around the outlying areas, you see such beauty.

Then there are the unexpected treasures like this frog. A little something to bring a smile to your day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: William Harmuth!

On December 4, 2015December 2, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist4 Comments

The End by William Harmuth 12×12″ Oil on Canvas

I think this is a fabulous painting by Will Harmuth. All the wonderful reflections in this cool camper. It’s such a happy painting! It’s also a perfect size to tuck in a small area to brighten a room! This would make a great Christmas gift!

First Snowflakes of Winter by Will Harmuth 24×30″ Oil on Canvas

What a striking composition! Very regal. Another great painting by Will Harmuth! I love snow paintings. Be sure to check out Will’s website, he’s got so many gorgeous paintings!

Read a bit about Will, from his website:

Paint What You Know…

Early on I knew that I had a great interest in making art and have furthered that passion with the help of a great deal of academic training and mentoring from many gifted artists and instructors on my path to becoming an artist.

Whether it’s the first light of day, the beautiful textures of an old sycamore tree, or a local stream trickling over icy rocks in the woods, I find great satisfaction in painting those special moments in time.

Early art school training from the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts and the Art Students League lead toward a career in Manhattan illustrating art works for Invisible Man, Call of the Wild, and Kafka for the Franklin Library. Just recently I was commissioned to portray The Red Cross 9/11 comfort dog “Rusty” son of Lassie for the 9/11 Museum in Manhattan.

My early fascination with watercolor painting has helped me to have a more free direct brush work that I now have with oil painting in an alla prima or as I like to say Robert Henri’s One Go method of painting. I always try to focus greatly on what emotionally grabs my attention and work feverishly to get that feeling onto the canvas.

Reading the works of Robert Henri, “The Art Spirit”, was great help in my awareness in creating art. It is a conversational book of lectures, anecdotes and personal thoughts of the very inspiration of creating art. Many artists ask me what are the secrets, tips, or tricks to make art…
I always respond by suggesting they read The Art Spirit. I always say there are no simple or easy tricks to creating art, but great persistence and passion thru disappointments will bring you out to the other side.

I look forward to working further with oils, studying atmosphere, color, form and nature, and have become most comfortable in creating the paintings want to create.

I have exhibited with the American Water Color Society, NJ Watercolor Society, and many other various art groups and organizations.

There is no end to the possibilities of inspiration from nature.

All images via willharmuth.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: 200 Madison Street by Our Town Plans!

On December 3, 2015December 1, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments

This is the 200 Madison Street house plan by Our Town Plans, and it’s a beauty! This plan is roughly 1,719 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Don’t you just love the wrap around porch? The lines of this plan are so nice. I would have a table and a few comfy chairs on the front porch. On the table I would have a lamp that gives off nice warm light. I think that makes a house look so warm and inviting.

When you come up the front steps onto the porch of this plan, you enter into the living rom. The Living, Dining and Kitchen are open and share a wonderful space. There are French doors off of the Dining room giving you the option to screen part of the porch so that bugs don’t get in or leave it unscreened for parties, keeping doors open, there is quite a bit of real estate on those wonderful porches!

The upstairs is kept nice and simple. A great Bedroom, Sitting room and Bathroom. What a luxury to have another Sitting room! This is one classy plan!

Our Town Plans has wonderful house plans, large home, small home, outbuilding, you name it!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Chris Wilke! (Show through January 7, 2016)!

On December 2, 2015December 1, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Chris Wilke. Wow! Her paintings are dynamic. Her colors are profound. Not the overly bright, or too toned down variety. Her paintings are wonderful, lively and just beautiful! I just love this painting. Those wonderful shapes, colors, shadows and light. Wow!

If you’re in the Easton area, be sure to check out the Small Treasures Show at 717 Gallery. The show runs through January 7, 2016. A collection of paintings by Chris Wilke and Louis Escobedo!

Read a bit about Chris, from her website:

I’m an Eastern Shore native and art has always been part of my life. I kept up my interest in art by becoming a collector of works of art and antiques and about three years ago I refocused my interest in art by returning to the studio.

I worked in watercolor and graphite and currently I am focusing on oils. I devote all of my time to studying and painting and have taken numerous workshops. Currently I study principally with my mentor Louis Escobedo. I am inspired by many artists, chief among them, Louis Escobedo, John Singer Sargent and the Russian Impressionists, principally Fedor Zacharov and Sergei Bongart.

My current focus is on the immediacy and freedom of alla prima painting. I am inspired by light, color, and composition to represent a moment in time. Working predominately in still life, my creativity is driven to capture and reflect the diversity of everyday life. I take a painterly and impressionistic approach to color and light.

I had the honor recently to become a partner with Louis (Escobedo) and his wife Yolanda at 717 Gallery in Easton, MD.

All images via ChrisWilkeFineArt.com, used with permission…