Featured Artist: Dylan Metrano!

On June 8, 2016June 3, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, MichiganLeave a comment

Inn at Night 8×8″ Papercutting by Dylan Metrano

Dylan Metrano. Papercutting that is above and beyond. His work is fabulous. I’m sure those of you Monhegan lovers will recognize the Island Inn image, Inn at Night, simple, yet regal, just like the inn itself!

Island Inn Rooftop by Dylan Metrano 5×5″ Papercutting (SOLD)

Me… and orange. It draws me in every time… this piece is already sold, but I had to share! I love the shingles with the purple and that sky… That sky is exactly what you could see on Monhegan, Maine! Wild and bright! I am a big fan of Dylan’s work!

Do you wonder how Dylan does this? I did too! Whew, it’s a lot of work, check out his time lapse video!

Read a bit about Dylan, what a cool guy, from his website (be sure to check out his list of galleries – on Monhegan he is also in the Lupine Gallery!):

For more than ten years, Dylan Metrano has been cutting the likeness of friends, animals, and architecture from colorful origami paper. He grew up in Newburyport, MA, where he was an active member of the theater and music communities. He co-founded the annual Free Art Show, which gives away hundreds of art pieces in boxes located throughout Newburyport and beyond each December.
Dylan currently lives on Monhegan Island, Maine, where he’s been inspired by a landscape trapped in time. Its centuries‐old buildings and migratory birds have been carefully rendered in meticulously cut paper.
Drawn to the simplicity of form, the boldness and relationships of colors, and cleanness of composition, Dylan’s artwork is entirely comprised of cut and carefully layered paper.
Dylan is a self‐taught artist, and has had his artwork featured on numerous album covers, book covers, posters, and in exhibitions throughout New England.
He has shown work at the Newburyport Art Association, the Rockport Art Association, The Lupine Gallery (Monhegan, ME), Chameleon (Newburyport, MA), The Firehouse Center for the Arts (Newburyport, MA), Nahcotta Gallery (Portsmouth, NH), and many other galleries.
In February 2016, Scholastic published “Every Day Birds“, a children’s book which Dylan illustrated with his papercuttings.

Dylan also plays in the bands Tiger Saw and Cape Snow.

Be sure to check out Dylan’s list of galleries, on Monhegan he is in the Lupine Gallery and in his porch gallery through Columbus Day, here are the details:

My Monhegan porch gallery is now open for the summer!

Visiting hours are Tuesdays, 3-5 from now until Columbus Day (or by appointment).

Second house, off the second path off Horn Hill Road.

All images via DylanMetrano.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Mural on Mira Winery Building – Charleston, SC – Can you name the chef’s?

On June 7, 2016June 2, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Charleston, FOOD1 Comment

This is so cool. This mural was painted on the side of the Mira Winery (Wine tasting in Charleston, SC | Napa Valley Education Center). Artist David Boatwright painted this mural depicting local chefs in town. Can you name them? Answers HERE!

If you aren’t familiar, check out the MiraNapa.com website!

Read a bit about it from CharlestonCityPaper.com!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Leon Basler!

On June 6, 2016April 16, 2024 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Leon Basler. Wonderful work of all kinds. I’m willing to bet his middle name is Versatile! This man sketches, paints, photographs – you name it, he does it. You have to check out his website!

Determination Took Us to the Top by Leon Basler

A majestic tree,which almost comes alive in this painting – fabulous! Be sure to take a peek at Leon’s journal – he brings it to life with his paintings and photographs!

Read a bit about Leon, from his website:

“Transforming an image into a piece of art takes passion. I feel a passion for every piece of art I create, and fortunately I have many passions in my life.

Since I was a young boy, I have been encouraged to express the talents that I have through various artistic outlets. Common scenes evolve into something more as I convey my interpretation of them with different mediums.

I never limit myself or my art and that is why I want to share each unique and individual piece with you so you can have a piece of my passion in your life.”

Leon Basler …

Native of Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Attended Southeast Missouri State University, Chicago Art Institute, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, American Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago.
Private study under Missouri artists M. Charles Rhinehart, Dhimitri Zonia and Colorado artist Leawn Hlavachick. Worked as a freelance artist for cartoonist Fred Lasswell, who wrote and drew the “Barney Google and Snuffy Smith” cartoon strip. Also studied with Missouri artist Mathew Ziegler.
Worked as an art director for various agencies throughout the Midwest. Illustrator for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, art director and product designer for the pen manufacturer Sheaffer Eaton – Textron, also as a pilot/flight instructor, art and pottery teacher for a rehabilitation center for children.
Currently lives in Bismarck and is presently employed with KLJ Engineering as a visual specialist. Has received national, regional and local recognition for his artwork and designs. His artwork is represented in galleries in SD, ND, WY, CO, WI and MO.
Read more HERE

All images via LeonBasler.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sun and Shadows – Charleston Photo

On June 5, 2016June 2, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph2 Comments

I’ve mentioned the beautiful window boxes throughout the city. Each one as gorgeous as the next. Some with unexpected plants that seem to flourish in their surroundings. Obviously planted by someone who knows what they’re doing!

Another fine example. What a treat to round a corner and find even more beautiful window boxes just waiting to have their photo taken!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sunrise on the river!

On June 4, 2016May 19, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Michigan, Photograph2 Comments

Breathtaking, isn’t it? When I go home to visit my parents the sunrises always get me. I’m running up and down the street in PJ’s with my phone (didn’t take a camera this time). Michigan really is beautiful. The weather? I LOVE IT! It was coolish, with some warmer days. Perfect!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Guess the artist: Island Inn painting by Ted Tihansky!

On June 3, 2016July 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Guess the Artist2 Comments

Island Inn painting by Ted Tinhansky

Update 6/4/16

This painting is by Ted Tihansky. I love the way y’all guessed this time, it gave others a chance to guess (by using initials, first name only and today the full name)! Ted’s paintings live and breathe Monhegan. He was a character to talk to when he lived on the island. He has many wonderful paintings, this is just one of them!

Over the next few weeks (until I run out of paintings), I am posting one of our paintings and then seeing who can GUESS THE ARTIST. I have retouched this photo on the bottom left corner to remove the artist’s signature.

Do you know the name of this artist?

Comment on my Facebook page or on this blog…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: 228 Pendleton Road by Our Town Plans!

On June 2, 2016June 2, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments

228 Pendleton Road by Our Town Plans. What a great little plan this is! This is an especially great plan if you are just starting out! This place is precious! The bathroom is gorgeous (see the real life images) – and the bedroom/living area can be just as you like it. This plan can use a regular bed and a few chairs or small scale love seat or a wonderful daybed, depending upon your preferences. This home is so sweet from the outside and just has so much character I am ready to downsize!

A sweet porch that increases your living space, especially during the nice weather! A perfect, small kitchen with a bedroom/living area and a nice size bathroom, and ooooh, a closet! Perfect!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

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

Featured Artist: Marsha Donahue!

On June 1, 2016May 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured Artist2 Comments

Tree & Shadow by Marsha Donahue 6×6″ Oil

Meet artist Marsha Donahue! What a treat, right? If you don’t already know of Marsha’s work, be sure to check out the website. Beautiful paintings! This little painting caught my eye right away, it’s the wonderful orange undertone, especially against the darkness of the tree. WOW. Talk about dramatic. I love this! This tiny painting packs a powerful punch!

Autumn Dolby by Marsha Donahue 66×88″ Oil

The sheer talent of some people! Just look at this fabulous (large!) painting. The detail, the stillness of the water in areas, the movement of the sky, the feeling of the sun. Beautiful, just beautiful! That dead tree on the left is a favorite! Oh, how I love those trees, they’re so picturesqe! Beautiful painting. Be sure to check out Marsha’s work, I’m sure you will love it as much as I do!

Read a bit about Marsha, from her gallery’s website:

The owner and founder of North Light Gallery, Marsha Donahue has degrees in the fine arts from American University and the Maine College of Art. After many years of working in galleries both in Washington, DC and Portland, Me, she opened her own in Millinocket, ME in 2004 where she could paint the landscape she loved. She was influenced early on by Winslow Homer and painted in the Adirondacks for several years during the summers before returning to Maine in 1985. At some point John Singer Sargent’s influence took over and never quit. She also shows her work at the Gallery at Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island.

All images via ArtNorthlight.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Need a quick meal idea? Corn tortilla with chicken, salsa, and pepper jack cheese!

On May 31, 2016May 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

This is a quick meal that can be put together in no time flat. You can even cook the chicken ahead of time and just do a quick reheat.

For 5 corn tortilla’s we grilled one chicken breast and sliced it thin, (if you need it faster, using kitchen scissors cut the chicken breast into small pieces and sauté until done, if they aren’t thick, it should cook quickly). Heat the tortillas*, then top with what you like, we topped with pepper jack cheese for a little kick, some fresh salsa and I whipped up some guacamole. This was delicious!

*Heating the tortillas. I have a gas stove, so the best way (for us) has been to place a tortilla on a (clean) grate of the stove. Approximately 10 seconds, then flip, until it starts to wilt downwards, then another quick flip just for a sec (I think maybe because I like to flip?). It takes no time. I then placed it in foil to keep it warm (and wrapped in a clean kitchen towel), I heated all tortillas and then assembled.

Add what you like, doesn’t matter what it is, you could use black beans in place of chicken, etc. I buy corn tortillas with three ingredients: corn, water and lime. Nothing else. I served this with blue chips and the rest of the guacamole!

Note: I made 5 tortillas, 2 for me and 3 for Fred – it was enough with the added guacamole and chips.

Enjoy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

EMERGING ARTISTS… a few more emerging artists on this Memorial Day holiday!

On May 30, 2016May 18, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Emerging ArtistLeave a comment

Time for a few more emerging artists! Enjoy your Memorial Day! Take a moment to remember those who served their country…

ANN TRAINOR DOMINGUE

Common in Light by Ann Trainor Domingue 24x24x1.5 Acrylic

This painting caught my eye, and being Memorial Day, I thought it would be nice to include one with the American flag! I like the perspective of this paintings, it’s fresh and different. I really love the bits of light on the porch, the fabulous green in the grass (but not flat green) and the shadows of the house. Very nice!

Read a bit about Ann, from her website:

I think a little messy is healthy. Find unmanicured far more interesting. And enjoy the uncommon.

This is a funny contradiction after spending three decades in the advertising industry where messy is unacceptable and crisp clean digital design is the holy grail. Now, I bring the best of those experiences to my art where I am both an unedited storyteller and sole designer–in search of the next step of my evolution as a painter.

When creating my artworks, I begin with design–a holdover from my days in advertising. Little thumbnail drawings begin to untangle the nest of inspirations and start the process of establishing order. Subject matter and color, medium and size, paint application and story, each contribute something important in this early design process. This convergence of ideas spills out into little designs in black and white, then evolves into small color drafts, created to evaluate the possibilities for larger work.

The sketches help lay a foundation but the details are to be determined once the painting process begins. I create art that is grounded in reality while obviously playing with it–reshaping forms and reinterpreting color. Lines sometimes do the heavy lifting, and at other times its color and texture that bring the piece to life. I enjoy the painting process itself–at times scrubbing out complete paintings only to discover half way through that the scrubbing is actually helping to merge elements and improve the work. This is what I refer to as being brave–sometimes it comes easily others its a full on struggle.

My treatment of edges is key to my working style. I love coarsely painted areas that dissolve into another, and crisp edges that melt into a softened area. It keeps my eye moving around the piece and not settling in one area. This variation keeps me going till the fundamental elements feel right. No science. No measuring. No roadmap to a destination. Just a feeling that things have arrived.

TOBY TOVER

Havana Momma by Toby Tover 36×36 Mixed Media

Is this a fun painting or what? Doesn’t Havana Momma make you smile? She’s got spunk. You can tell that she’s past the point of caring what others think. I love it, her and her loud clothes. She’s happy and doing what she wants. It’s as if she’s saying “Life is short – Live it up“! (Very cool background too!)

Read a bit about Toby, from her website:

Everyday life ‘clip shots’ have held a fascination for me. Satire, humor and personal isolation are strong threads that weave themselves throughout the figurative work. The images have been processed through my own personal visual filter. I paint the genre of “human/social condition narratives” which come from my absorbing interest in movies, theater and personal or documentary photography.

Nostalgia is a component of the vintage-based work. Nostalgia in Greek literally means “the pain from an old wound”. It’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. I paint what I feel: you do not have to feel as I do..that you get some emotional reaction from what I create is all that matters… whether it be laughter or a knowing connectedness.

The Divas, painted in acrylic, have one characteristic in common–they all are women with attitude. Displaying a fierce boldness with an undercurrent of intrigue that often turns introspective, they cannot be overlooked, or ignored. The Divas are in our face and we, as viewers have to confront them. Once seen, these images are hard to forget, perpetuating the ultimate diva feminine mystique. I try to capture my subjects in a moment to ensure that this moment will become timeless.

All images via the artist’s websites – images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artists.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dramatic Shadows!

On May 29, 2016May 23, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is one eye-catching geranium in it’s hot coral splendor! Just look at the dramatic shadow. I have a thing with shadows, they always catch my eye, it’s like a work of art!

Have a wonderful Sunday and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy Day!

On May 28, 2016May 28, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Do you know how to keep cut lily’s fresh for a longer period of time? It’s easy!

I will often buy these at the grocery store just because they smell amazing – they’re beautiful to look at too! I usually buy them closed (and not open as you see here), it doesn’t take them long to open (especially here in Charleston)! Once you get them home, be sure to give them a fresh cut, at an angle, under running, cool water. Then snip the pollen off of the stamens. The central pistil (dark “thing” in the center, is surrounded by pistils that have a rust colored pollen attached. Simply snip the pollen off, leaving the rest of the stamen. (As shown). Now the pollen won’t land on the petals (or furniture!), which means the bloom will be beautiful!

Cut lily’s do best OUT OF THE SUN, they like it nice and cool!

A fresh flower = a Happy Day! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Guess the Artist: Painting by Carol Marine!

On May 27, 2016July 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Guess the Artist3 Comments

Inn painting by Carol Marine 6×6″ Oil

*UPDATE: Susan Graeber and Bridget Jennings correctly guessed artist CAROL MARINE!

Good job ladies – kudos to your sharp eye!

Stay tuned for the next GUEST THE ARTIST (next Friday), in the meantime have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Over the next few weeks (until I run out of paintings), I am posting one of our paintings and then seeing who can GUESS THE ARTIST. I have retouched this photo on the bottom right corner to remove the artists signature.

Do you know the name of this artist?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: The Eden plan by Allison Ramsey!

On May 26, 2016May 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House Plans2 Comments

This is the Eden house plan (C0231) by architect Allison Ramsey, (be sure to check out the real images of the interior)! Allison’s homes have such presence. They’re solid, beautiful and they look like they’ve been here for quite a while because they have charm. Charm and character is so important. There are many variations of this plan. I loved each one, so I decided to feature the original and let you check out the variations!

There is a small porch on the front of this house, which is so nice, then you step into the house and LOOK AT THAT ENTRY! You see straight through to the screen porch. What a magnificent view! I would put a wide door with mostly glass, like one from a cottage that we rented in Maine. It was magnificent and can really make a house! We would probably use that front Bedroom (2) as a study. The layout of this plan is so nice – and that screen porch… owie! Love it!

The upstairs has two additional bedrooms. I think I would use one for a guest room and one for storage, so I would only have one bathroom upstairs. What would you do?

Be sure to check out the website, it has been updated with many new plans and a new layout that is easy-breezy to view. So nice!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.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: Linda Baker!

On May 25, 2016May 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured Artist2 Comments

Afternoon Breeze by Linda Baker 20×20 Watercolor

American Watercolor Society – Award, Watercolor West – Award

Linda Daly Baker. If you aren’t familiar with her yet, you will be. She is an amazing watercolorist. Her paintings standout, the level of detail, the perfection, the wonderful feelings they hold. I urge you to check out Linda’s website, it’s a treat!

I am featuring two of Linda’s paintings, each is unique, but both have captivating light and detail. The colors are wonderful! I watched Linda’s video on Sketching, and she is so right when she says that if you don’t like your sketch, you won’t like your painting… it’s the simple truth. I know I need to sketch much more! Afternoon Breeze (above) is from such a cool vantage point! I love this perspective, it’s one that is for those who truly can sketch well!

Pins and Strings by Linda Baker 34×30″ Watercolor

AWS – American Watercolor Society, Shenzhen Biennial – Shenzhen, China

What a fabulous painting. It seems the string and it’s shadow are the stars of this show. I love the piece of furniture and the way the light hits creating a multitude of colors. I have always loved watercolor paintings, there is something about them that can be so magical!

Have you thought about taking a watercolor workshop? Well, are you ever in luck! Check out Linda’s WORKSHOP SCHEDULE! Also be sure to check out Linda’s VIDEOS (and DVD’s too!). I can tell that she would be wonderful to take a workshop from. Nice lady!

Read a bit about Linda, from her website:

Capturing the extraordinary light that transforms a subject almost to abstraction is a main objective in creating my watercolors. My love of white and the soft nuances of gray along wight he richness of earth tones make up my subtle palette, says artist Linda Baker. As a full time artist, she creates originals, reproduces a line of giclees and has two instructional video available through Creative Catalyst Productions, along with jurying and teaching workshops both nationally and internationally. Read more HERE…

…All images via LindaDalyBaker.com, used with permission