Author: Barbara Stroud

I started the ArtFoodHome.com daily (now 4 times/week) blog 1/1/11 (easy to remember, right?) and have kept it going since then. Come back each day - I share with you: ART: featured artists, art events, workshops, etc. FOOD: recipes, restaurants, and good finds along the way HOME: house plans, home design, places here in Charleston... On year 14 of artfoodhome.com - share this site with anyone who you think might enjoy it!

Featured Artist: Patrick Lee!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Cruisers by Patrick Lee 24×30″ Oil SOLD  – Best in Show at Wayne Plein air 2017

Patrick Lee. His paintings are captivating. What grabs me are the abstract qualities. Cruisers is a striking painting that won BEST IN SHOW recently at Wayne Plein Air, in Pennsylvania, well deserved! Just look at the scale of those ships – the colors in this painting are stunning.

Another one of my favorites (also sold) is The Blue Side – a stunning side of a house in the shadows. WOW! (Check Patrick’s Facebook or Instagram to see what I mean, links below).

Beautiful paintings!

Patrick Lee

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Read a bit about Patrick, (from his website):

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and attended Edinboro University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Painting with an Art History minor. I’m the youngest of seven children raised by a single mom. My mother, who was an artist herself, gave me my first drawing book at the age of 10. It was an original copy of Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth by Andrew Loomis.  The bulk, and greatest part, of my artistic education has come from interacting with and learning from fellow artists and from studying works of art of all kinds.  I work primarily in oils, charcoal, and watercolor (gouache). My chosen subject matter generally ranges from figurative works and landscapes, to still-life and interiors.

I’ve participated in many group and solo exhibitions, including Plein Air painting events like Plein Air Easton and Wayne Plein Air and have been an adjunct professor of art at Allegheny Community College for the past several years. I like to look for the design and form possibilities in art which sometimes leads to strong elements of abstraction and suggestion in my work, rather than explicit detail. I love plein air painting because of its immediacy and freshness. Because you must work quickly in most cases, intuition and feeling take over and force you to simplify and look for the essence of what it is that you’re trying to accomplish. There is no better way to develop real skill in painting.

All images via PatrickLeeFineArt.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What’s better than a geranium full of buds?

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Truly! What is better than a geranium full of buds? They’re so pretty and illuminate the table that they are now sitting on in the yard. It seems every time I look in the backyard it is glowing. This geranium is also pretty with the wild ferns in this photo… I love the shadows in the backyard – beautiful!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Fresh as a daisy!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment

I have always loved daisies. They have a simple beauty about them. They aren’t bright or flashy, they’re just pretty and fresh. Hence the saying “fresh as a daisy” – full of energy and enthusiasm!

Wishing you a fresh-as-a-daisy day!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Melanie Thompson!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

SUNSET ON HURRICANE RIDGE by Melanie Thompson Oil 20 x 24

Melanie Thompson – Sunset on Hurricane Ridge. Stars will get me every time. There is something magical about a painting with stars in it, and those trees! They’re fabulous! Especially with the dark color around that stunning orange of the sunset. The purples are get-outta-here wonderful, especially with the orange!

The cherry on top? The signature – love it in red! It’s not overwhelming, it’s perfect, but in red stands out a wee bit, in a very classy way! Check out more of Melanie’s paintings via these links:

MELANIE THOMPSON

Website   |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Read a bit about Melanie (from her website):

Trained as a graphic designer but always an artist at heart, I was first inspired to paint the landscape after working three seasons as a wildland firefighter. Never having spent much time outdoors, I worked weeks at a time with my crew digging fireline, monitoring fire behavior, hiking, and sleeping under the stars. I was deeply moved by the stunning vistas and by the fierce beauty of nature. In each painting I use my training as a designer to intuitively construct simple yet powerful designs reflecting the pure wonder I feel when outdoors.

The most important practice in my development as an artist has been extensively painting on location, or en plein air. Through direct observation I capture the effects of light that often are lost in photographs and use the studies to create a more beautiful and compelling work in the studio. In my mind a painting is not complete, whether created in the studio or on location, until it conveys both the appearance of a place and the feel of a specific moment: the smell of dust, the hot sun, or the cooling shade of a passing cloud.

Recently I have been exploring my homeland, the landscapes of Eastern Washington and Oregon, painting iconic locations such as Hells Canyon and Dry Falls. When confronted with the unique geology of these areas I am reminded of the overwhelming sense of awe I felt as a wildland firefighter. When people see my work depicting these often overlooked landscapes I’d like them to taste the desert air, feel the sun on their skin, and see the splendor of the wild places around all of us. Continue reading HERE…

All images via MelanieThompsonArt.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Falcon Retreat House Plan by Lake and Land Studio!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

Falcon Retreat by Lake and Land Studio (view of back)

This is the Falcon Retreat house plan by Lake and Land Studio. This plan is 1,236 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. As always, Lake and Land can customize the plan to fit your needs, just contact them!

This is the view from the back, which makes this home perfect if you live on the water. The front of this home is just as adorable!

This stunning  porch is where I would be a good bit of the time. How wonderful! It’s quite nice to have a back porch off the bedroom as well! You have options, screened or open.

Falcon Retreat by Lake and Land Studio

Master suite on one side of the house and guest rooms on the other. That’s good planning that gives everyone their own space. The open living, kitchen area is so wonderful with views out the front window and the back porch!

Thank you Lake & Land Studio for supplying some real life images… included are a few… beautiful!

Can you imagine cooking in this beautiful light-filled kitchen?

Complete with a GORGEOUS bathroom…

What a dream to have such a beautiful house with an amazing view!

All images via LakeAndLandStudio.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Philosophy of Friends You Need

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog3 Comments

This blog post is written by a friend, Penelope Spurr Marshall who writes a brilliant blog “Nearly Ninety | Recollections & Ruminations of a Quirky Old Dame” – be sure to check it out!!

Note: Click “View original post” to read in its entirety, and trust me, you want to do that! Happy Wednesday!

Penelope Spurr Marshall's avatarNearly Ninety

Version 2 Penny surrounded by younger friends.

When I think of this group of friends to prize as you age, it’s as a “Support of friends” as in a “pride of lions”.  I believe that our friends pick up where family leaves off, that they provide the continuum of love, support and joy that makes life livable. These may be in addition to family or in place of family that is far away or even just gone. Everyone as they age, if they are truly lucky, will have at least one good friend from each of the following categories.  These are the kind of friend who, when they see something amiss – spinach between your front teeth. peanut butter or a whisker on your chin, something unzipped – will immediately warn you or fix it. When you tell them a secret, it remains one.

Someone younger to help you stay “with it”and…

View original post 318 more words

Caprese Chicken Recipe – too good!!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

I remember the first time I had Caprese salad… it was at Carmine’s Italian restaurant in NYC. I couldn’t believe how fabulous. I wanted to eat there every single meal.

This chicken dish has the fabulous freshness from the tomatoes and basil and the added deliciousness of the mozzarella. I used fresh mozzarella, a favorite of mine. This is good served with pasta or rice, or a good salad. I’m thinking that’s what we had with it, a salad.

The recipe is from DELISH.com, click HERE to print the recipe (or save to Pinterest, etc.)

Caprese Chicken – Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

S & P (I used Himalayan Sea Salt)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

4 slices of mozzarella (or shredded, whatever you’ve got)

Directions:

In large skillet over medium high heat, heat the oil.

Then season the chicken with S&P and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side – transfer to a plate.

Add balsamic vinegar to skillet to deglaze, then add garlic and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Add tomatoes and season with salt. Let simmer until soft, 5-7 minutes.

Stir in fresh basil.

Return chicken to skillet and nestle in the tomatoes. Top with mozzarella and cover with a lid until the cheese melts.

Spoon tomatoes over chicken and serve.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

When thank you is not enough…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is one of my favorite homes in Charleston, SC. We used to walk by it when we worked at a gallery on Broad Street. It’s got such charm! Of all the times I have walked by this house I have NEVER walked by without a car parked in front of it, so when I saw this I was ecstatic! SNAP that photo! I could sit on that porch all day long! So much to see right in this spot…

Have a wonderful Memorial Day, remember the reason behind this day off for many…. Thankful for all those who served and lost their lives fighting for this country.  🇺🇸 #thankyouisnotenough  🇺🇸

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Happy Sunday!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC4 Comments

Charleston, SC architecture is stunning. Many of these homes are very old. I love the patina of the exteriors, the intricacies of the gates, the scale of things… so grand! Can you imagine what it was like several hundred years ago building homes so detailed and so extremely large? Impressive to say the least!

Happy Sunday!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Stan Moeller!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Daily Blog, Featured Artist, Maine1 Comment

Uncle Henry’s by Stan Moeller 11×14 Oil

The Lupine Gallery and the Island Inn will be presenting a fabulous show of Stan Moeller‘s paintings of Monhegan Island and France! What a show it’s going to be. I cannot wait to see it! If you’re fortunate enough to be on the island on June 28, 2017 – there is an opening reception from 2:00-4:00 PM. What a good time!

Here is a bit about the show, from the Lupine Gallery website:

STAN MOELLER: FROM MONTMARTRE TO MONHEGAN

The Lupine Gallery and the Island Inn will be showcasing Stan Moeller’s paintings of Monhegan Island and Paris, France in the 2017 Island Inn Show, “Stan Moeller: from Montmartre to Monhegan.”  The exhibit will be on view from Friday, May 26 through Sunday, October 8. The public is invited to a reception for the artist at the Island Inn on Wednesday, June 28 from 2-4 pm.                        

To view the paintings, click here.

Stan Moeller has been painting and teaching oil painting workshops on Monhegan since the 1990’s. He describes his style as “Modern Impressionism with a little Contemporary Realism and a smidge of the Ashcan school.” The works on display reflect his passion for painting on site and his ability to capture the energy of a moment—whether the power of an ocean wave or the gesture of a figure in a café.

There has been a strong thread of connection between Monhegan and Paris for over 100 years, as American artists who were drawn here to paint the rugged and rustic life of the island were also drawn to the Paris art scene. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the hill of Montmartre was a mecca for painters, and many of Monhegan’s most prominent artists lived and studied in Paris, bringing the latest movements in European art back with them.

Stan travels annually between Maine and Europe to paint two of his favorite muses: Monhegan and Paris. This show brings together, for the first time, his paintings of these two iconic places. The owners of the Island Inn, Jaye Morency and Michael Brassard, split their time between Monhegan and Paris each year, and were inspired to bring their love of their two favorite places together in this exhibition.

All images via stanmoeller.com and lupinegallerymonhegan.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Flowers… again!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

There has been a common theme to most of my posts this week… flowers. They’re stunning, in all shapes, colors and sizes they have been abundant this week! This is a photo I took of an arrangement that we had from a friend. Beautiful, isn’t it? So fresh and different!

Happy day!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Posting another week of photos so I can catch up! Back to normal posting next week!

When things seem impossible…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments

When things seem impossible… remember they are not! How can plants grow in tiny crevices between a slab of concrete and a concrete wall? Where there is a will, there is a way! Always believe it!

That’s my glass-half-full thought for the day!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Posting another week of photos so I can catch up! Back to normal posting next week!

Marion Square Flowers – Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SCLeave a comment

The plants in Marion Square (Charleston, SC) are stunning… I believe these are called Coneflowers? Correct me if I’m wrong… There are some stunning flowers in this world, isn’t there?

Keep your eyes out for the beauty… the little things… it’s there if you look! 👀

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Posting another week of photos so I can catch up! Back to normal posting next week!

I can’t even make it through Lowes…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph2 Comments

Beautiful, right? We were zipping through Lowes and up high on a shelf I saw these beauties… I reached up high and snapped a photo. That’s right, I can’t even make it through Lowes without taking a photo. There is probably a cure for this, but I don’t want to know what it is!

Enjoy your day!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Posting another week of photos so I can catch up! Back to normal posting next week!