Captivating design – this is something you don’t want to live without!

On March 1, 2016March 1, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

R A D Felt Pouch

R A D EMPIRE – brilliant design. Clever. Modern & sophisticated. MADE IN THE USA! This company should be on your list of small businesses to support. RAD Empire was started by Ross DeWaard, a 17 year old high school student from Viroqua, Wisconsin. Ross started R A D Empire “in an effort to create a useful, everyday product that was well designed, beautiful in its simplicity, but most importantly, handmade in America (by me).” Handmade in the USA.

GO ROSS!! We need more people like you!

Cool branding… I am impressed! I love the website, the cool tags, every detail has been thought of and it shows! In addition to the wonderful products and the visual appeal is a stunning website. 5 stars!! The website has a link to R A D Empire’s Etsy shop, where you can order online. I was happy to see that they also accept PayPal. Shipping is free… prices are great… check it out!

R A D Canvas Pouch

I placed an order and quickly received a shipment confirmation, and not long after it arrived in the mail. Wrapped in brown paper and tied with string – First class! Again… impressed! I didn’t show you everything on his website so go check it out! I cannot wait to use it!

Read a bit about R A D Empire, from their website:

In the year 2015, RAD Empire was created. My goal was to create a beautifully hand made, durable, made in America product.
RAD Empire utilizes high quality materials, some new, some
recalimed (to give reclaimed materials another incredible life in this world). With great attention to detail, every bag is designed to withstand the test of time. The more you use it, the better it looks, and everyday use is what this product needs and wants. New, reclaimed, we’ve joined these two materials to create one great product!At RAD Empire we don’t tell people our dreams, we show them.Look, seek, find!!

All images via R A D Empire, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Emerging Artists: Aaron Bowles and Zachary Mendoza!

On February 29, 2016February 29, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Emerging ArtistLeave a comment

Now and then I like to share some emerging artists with you… take a peek! What a treat…

AARON BOWLES

Gettin’ Fixed Up 24×18″

I think this is such a nice painting. The colors are fabulous. These boats have a regal air about them, high on their pedestals. Wonderful painting!

Read a bit about Aaron, from his website:

Born in Charlottesville, Aaron is a lifelong Virginian, where he went to college to study painting and design, and continues to live today. After many years as a digital creative director and freelance illustrator, which he continues, Aaron began to pursue his dream of becoming a painter.

Aaron studied painting at East Carolina University, and holds a bachelors degree from Virginia Commonwealth University where he studied communication arts, painting, and English. He continued his art education at the graduate level by studying painting at George Mason University. A former assistant professor of design, he taught art at George Mason and Northern Virginia Community College. He exhibits nationally and is in numerous institutional and private collections. Read more HERE…

ZACHARY MENDOZA

Albert Camus by Zach Mendoza 11×14″ Oil

Great colors! Love the different darks with pops of light. The face is fabulous, especially that one eye and the wild abstractness – great combo! Albert Camus was a French philosopher, author and journalist. At first glance this painting reminded me of a cross between Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Downey Jr.! Whoa! Nice painting!

Read a bit about Zach, (info from the artist), also be sure to check out his website!:

Zach K. Mendoza is a painter and illustrator who lives in Eagle Rock, California and recently graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. As a painter he is dry much interested in exploring both temporal directions of art history , the past and the not yet known. Armed with both a fascination of the past and an obsession to experiment, Zach makes work that often explores these predilections. Francis Bacon once said “I want a very ordered image but I want it to come about by chance”. The dichotomy of chaos and order is a fundamental component of Zach’s practice.

All images via ABowles.com and ZachKMendoza.com, used with permission…

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

A big thank you to Aaron and Zach for submitting their websites!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Mackinac Island Trail – Can you hear the silence?

On February 28, 2016February 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph4 Comments

Mackinac Island Trail – Michigan

Have you ever been in such silence that you can hear it? Most of us are in areas with noise, a lot of noise. From traffic to assorted yard tools the sounds are endless. When you get away to someplace wonderful like Mackinac Island and you bike and hike, if you get into the woods it’s the most wonderful silence. It’s just heavenly!

Who knew silence could be so loud, ha ha!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Peaceful Solitude…

On February 27, 2016February 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph2 Comments

Peaceful. Quiet. Time for reflection.

This is the perfect place to listen to your inner self and relax. Sit back, close your eyes, imagine the sound of the water lapping against the shore.

I know! Peaceful solitude.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Cody Delong!

On February 26, 2016February 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment

Pewter, Purple n’ Orange by Cody Delong 16×20″ Oil

Cody Delong. Some mesmerizing paintings. Lovely work! He paints such a wide variety of landscapes – each one is just beautiful. His colors, and the underpainting peeking through in the still life above is just glorius. Also love the orange reflection in the pitcher!

Read more about Cody’s Classes and Workshops, Also check out his River Trip in 2017 – what a painting adventure that would be – WOW… the scenery is breathtaking!

Land of Few Fences by Cody Delong 24×36″ Oil

I have never actually seen the dessert, or this type of landscape. So seeing it in paintings is so interesting to me. I love the color of the earth, the mountains and that stunning sky. It’s fabulous how the sun hits, so beautifully…

Read a bit about Cody, from his website:

Each painting I do begins with an idea, something that’s inspired me. I try to distill this into my own underlying abstract design and interpretation of nature. The balance I’m searching for lies in creating a work that is technically proficient as well as ‘painterly’, with great color and sense of light and drama.

A life long student of art, Cody has studied at the Loveland Academy of Fine Arts, as well as the Scottsdale Artists School, where, in 2003, he was awarded a Merit-based Scholarship. In 2004, the Oil Painters of America selected him as that year’s Shirl Smithson Scholarship winner. In 2009 Cody was awarded a Teacher’s Scholarship by the Marilyn Sunderman Legacy Fund for his innovative workshop techniques.

In 2006, one of Cody’s paintings was selected for inclusion in a ‘coffee-table’ style book, titled Plein Air New Mexico, The Jack Richeson Series – Volume One. Three other paintings were included in The Richeson 75 International – Landscape and Exteriors 2007. Read more HERE…

All images via CodyDelong.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: 248 Abbeville by Our Town Plans

On February 25, 2016February 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

This is the 248 Abbeville Rd plan from Our Town Plans – it’s gorgeous isn’t it? This plan is 3,538 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. This plan is as wonderful on the inside as it is on the outside! I could see myself spending a lot of time on this porch!

This plan is so fabulous, wonderful if you entertain, or if you have a large family. Off the Kitchen you may notice a Keeping Room – which is like the gathering place near the Kitchen, which is where everyone always ends up. So smart that some plans now include space for extra people to gather and hang out! While the Kitchen and Keeping Room right off the Living/Dining area. You can be in any area and communicate and feel like part of the action. The Kitchen also has a PANTRY! Which I absolutely love! The Laundry Room is near the side porch, next to a Mud Room. WONDERFUL! On the other side of the house is the downstairs Master Bedroom and Bath.

And the porches… ahhhh! Lovely!

More Bedrooms and Bathrooms upstairs. Like I said, wonderful for a large family or for guests! I like that there is also a sitting room upstairs!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

IMAGES ARE NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPRODUCTION, THEY ARE PROPERTY OF THE ARCHITECTURAL FIRM.

Featured Artist: Karen Blackwood (& UPCOMING WORKSHOP)!

On February 24, 2016February 19, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Closed for Winter by Karen Blackwood 24×30″ Oil (Available at Haynes Galleries)

Karen Blackwood has wonderful work. This winter scene has such a wonderful feel to it. The subtle colors, the shapes of the trees, the grasses that break up the snow – nice!

Are you interested in taking a workshop with Karen? She has a one day workshop with a few openings… next month! Karen would be a great artist to take a workshop from, especially if you are interested in seascapes!

Sounds like a fabulous workshop, doesn’t it? Contact Karen if interested!

Sun and Surf by Karen Blackwood 18×36″ Oil (Available at Trees Place Gallery)

Karen’s seascapes are well known, they have such lively movement, fabulous colors, light and those waves! Wow!

Read a bit about Karen, from her website:

Karen Blackwood was born in N.H. and received her BA in the Studio Art program at the University of N.H. studying under Conley Harris and Sigmund Abeles, with continued studies at the Art Students League in N.Y. and the Institute of Art in CA. After spending the earlier part of her professional life as an Art Director for a major New York City ad Agency, she moved to California, picked up her brushes and dedicated herself to painting. Trained in the classical tradition, Karen painted portraits and figurative work before focusing on landscapes. As a member of the California Art Club, Karen’s new passion for landscapes bloomed among a group of plein-air painters inspired by the rich tradition in California Impressionism. The clubs renowned members include Granville Redmond and Edgar Payne. They, as well as American Masters like John Singer Sargent, James Abbott McNeil Whistler, Winslow Homer and the Hudson River School Artists are influential to Karen.

Like the California Impressionists, Karen feels light is a defining factor, and it is the atmospheric quality of the light that she captures in her paintings. Her work is a desire to convey an emotional response to the landscape and to attain that perfect state of being that sometimes comes from painting it. Now living in Newburyport, Massachusetts, the coastal scenery is providing her with endless inspiration for her marine work, garnering her an award as a Finalist in the International Artist Magazine Competition, Honorable Mention in a recent OPA online showcase and numerous selections as the Favorite Top 15% in the Bold Brush Competitions. Read more HERE…

All images via KarenBlackwoodFineArt.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Recipe: Ham & Cheese Noodle Casserole – The ultimate in comfort food!

On February 23, 2016February 23, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, THOUGHTS5 Comments

Ham & Cheese Casserole

A friend sent me this recipe. Oh. My. Word! I changed up only a few things, I used less butter, substituted low-fat sour cream, used a little more cheese, and a wonderful noodle I found, I also thinned with milk because Fred likes a thinner sauce – I included the original recipe, and then my version below. This casserole is comfort food at its very finest. There are no cream soups with unknown ingredients, good ingredients = a healthier meal for sure!

You can make this as healthy as you like. Less cheese, no problem, I think I’m going to try using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. One day. So afraid to mess it up. But I have substituted Greek yogurt in recipes in the past with good results. I will update this post if I do!

Click to print (both) the recipes (minus all my words)!

The original recipe (from a friend, thank you Heather Locke!!):

HAM & CHEESE NOODLE CASSEROLE

4 Tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped fine

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked ham

Salt

½ pound noodles, ¼ inch wide, cooked.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 2 quart casserole dish. Melt the butter in a skillet and cook onion over medium heat until soft.

In a small bowl: Mix the eggs and sour cream together, then add onion, cheese and ham. Add salt to taste. Put the noodles in the casserole dish, then add the sauce and toss gently. Bake for 45 minutes or until a straw inserted in the middle comes out clean.

_________________________________________________________

My variation (was more clear to re-write, even though there are only a few changes)

1-2 Tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup low fat sour cream

~1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

1 ½ cups cooked finely chopped ham

8 oz (½#) egg noodles (I used Amish Country), cooked and drained

Milk to your taste – I thinned it a bit using probably ⅓ – ½ cup 2% milk.

Follow above directions, I also topped mine with a little cheese. I baked it covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 15.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Lea Colie Wight!

On February 22, 2016February 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Third Floor Light by Lea Colie Wight 22×22″ Oil

Available at New Masters Gallery in Carmel, CA

I absolutely love Lea’s paintings! I was thrilled when I ran across her work! Lea is very versatile in the subjects she paints. Her interiors are full of life, you can find yourself imagining being in the space that she paints. Her portrait skills are over the top, not only capturing what the person looks like, but their entire “vibe”.

I love the painted floor in “Third Floor Light”. Also the brightness as if sun is streaming in, making those painted wood floors shine. The subtle shadows and light. Love this!

Lauren by Lea Wight 48×28″ Oil | Available at Haynes Galleries – Tennessee

Talk about fabulous. Lea can paint people in the most spectacular way. It’s no surprise she has won Honor Awards (see more below)… You’ve got to check out her website… and her self portraits – WOW!

In the painting above, Lauren looks as if she could get up from her chair and walk right out of the painting WITHOUT it looking too realistic. Perfection!

Lea has a few BOOKS available, I bet they are fabulous!

Read a bit about Lea, from her website:

Lea Colie Wight was born in Philadelphia, Pa in 1951. She earned a BFA from The Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1974. In 2003 Lea discovered Studio Incamminati, an intensive Atelier founded in Philadelphia by renowned artist Nelson Shanks and entered as a student. After completing her studies Lea was invited to join the teaching staff rising to become one of the lead teachers at that school. Lea periodically served as teaching assistant to Nelson Shanks at The Art Students League in New York and has served as lead instructor for various Studio Incamminati workshops as well as her own workshops. She has been awarded an Honor Award at the Portrait Society of America’s national competition in 2009 and in 2010 as well as a Certificate of Excellence in 2011. Her work has been featured in numerous publications.

Lea maintains a studio in Manasquan, New Jersey as well as in Philadelphia.

All images via LeaWight.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sunset from Port Clyde, Maine – Marshall Point Lighthouse

On February 21, 2016February 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph3 Comments

A sunset in Port Clyde, Maine several years ago. This is the Marshall Point Lighthouse (built in 1832).

We rented a cottage a few times while we were in Port Clyde. It was just a short walk to from the cottage to the lighthouse, what a treat! The cottage was on the ocean and was just a dream!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A heartfelt thought on this winter day…

On February 20, 2016February 17, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph1 Comment

This bird is happy and free… the light from the sun is magnificent, leading you to another place and time.

This post is in honor of Randy Locke, a wonderful man who is loved by many.

I wish I had the opportunity to know him.

Godspeed. ❤️

Thinking of his family and friends, may they always feel Randy’s presence in their lives. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Have a peaceful weekend…

Calling all artists – Zimmie’s Artist Residence – Week Rental – Monhegan, Maine!

On February 19, 2016February 19, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, MichiganLeave a comment

Image via Island Inn website

New… this year! Zimmie’s Artist Residence – The Island Inn’s home for working artists and students. How wonderful is that? Zimmie’s is in such a great location, close to the wharf, Island Inn, Novelty, Black Duck, hiking trails, etc.

Image via Island Inn website

Here’s a bit from the Island Inn website:

Named after Zimmie Brackett, a true Monhegan original, we’re thrilled to be able to offer this iconic space to artists as a place to live and create art together. Zimmie was a bon vivant, a legendary host, dancer and fun-meister. He made The Island Inn’s newest addition his home for over 40 years.

Zimmie’s is a 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, foursquare farmhouse located in the center of town, adjacent to Pierce Cottage, with views of the meadow and the historic Monhegan Lighthouse. The colorful gardens and clothesline have been favorites of visual artists for a decade…both are staying!

One of the nice parts of this is that you have your own space. Whether you rent one room or all three. I know most artists like to get up and get out and paint. This place to stay gives you that opportunity. There is a kitchen that is well-stocked with the basics, so you can put on a pot of coffee, grab a snack and head out.

Zimmie’s is a weekly rental. Arrivals and departures are on Saturdays – so see if you can plan your trip accordingly. Prices are wonderful. It’s so nice to have your own space. Zimmie’s is located right in the heart of things, right next to the Pierce Cottage. Be sure to check out the Island Inn’s website for more details, or call (207-596-0371) with any questions or if you would like to make a reservation! If you get a few more people who you plan to come to the island with, rent the entire house (all three bedrooms). What fun! Meals are not included, but hey, you can always whip up a little something yourself, or get something out! Options… lots of them! Be sure to check out the photos.. if you’ve been to Monhegan before you will recognize this house right away!

A little more from the Island Inn website:

This is a bright and spacious historic building built in 1922. A long time year-round residence, Zimmie’s has high ceilings, oversized windows, hardwood floors, original wood trim and doors, built-ins, and a one-of-a-kind shower tiled with pottery pieces and Monhegan sea glass. Common spaces include a kitchen well-stocked with cooking essentials, a dining room and ample common space to work, relax and learn together. The cottage has two full baths. The beautiful three-season porch overlooking the meadow is perfect for lessons, critiques, rainy day painting or just enjoying a Monhegan sunrise with a mug of fresh-brewed coffee.

You may recognize this wonderful clothesline – My photo

I’m happy to know that the flowers and the clothesline are staying! Every year I have wonderful photos from this very spot!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: The Vannoy by Allison Ramsey Architects!

On February 18, 2016February 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

The Vannoy Plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects

This is the Vannoy plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects – this plan is 3,539 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. If you have a big family and need a house with room, this is a great plan! The Vannoy plan is a beauty with ample porches, spacious rooms, a center hallway, wonderful closets, and a master bedroom downstairs. The exterior of this home is so sharp!

The Vannoy Plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects

I like the large kitchen area with a wonderful island. It’s amazing how whenever you have people over, everyone ends up in the kitchen, no matter how small it is. Kitchens are wonderful, and worth making just right! With a powder room located off the foyer of the long hallway that leads to the great room, this plan has a great layout…

The Vannoy Plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects

A large upstairs with four bedrooms, a sitting area and a bathroom, that was smartly designed so if someone just needs to brush their teeth, they can do so and not disturb the person in the bathroom. Those spaces are separate. LOVE the sitting area! It becomes another area for TV, office, exercise, etc.

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: Nancy Romanovsky!

On February 17, 2016February 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Artist to WatchLeave a comment

Winter Shadows by Nancy Romanovsky 9×12″ Oil

Nancy Romanovsky. Wonderful work. I think it’s so interesting how each artist interprets snow. Each a bit different. I love the colors in this painting, the shadows, the dark trunks and the light on the tree trunks. Wow. Just beautiful! Nancy’s paintings are wonderful – check her out!

Check out the EVENTS on Nancy’s website, there is an event going on now at the Scottsdale Art School – this show runs through February 27th, so if you’re in the Scottsdale, AZ area, check it out!

Event Dates: 1/8/2016 – 2/27/2016
Reception: 1/8/2016 4-7 PM
Location: Scottsdale Artist School
Phone Number: 480-990-1422
Address:
3720 North Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Website: http://scottsdaleartschool.org/

She also has an event coming up in March/April – Note the date of the reception… It’s no April Fool’s ;)

Event Dates: 3/25/2016 – 4/28/2016
Reception: 4/1/2016 6-9 PM
Location: The Olney Gallery at Trinity Cathedral
Phone Number: 623-826-9912
Address:
100 W. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: http://trinitycathedral.com/?page_id=203

Read a bit about Nancy, from her website:

Nancy, a native Arizonan, began oil painting at a very young age. She studied art at Arizona State University and privately with several artists and at the Scottsdale Artists’ School. In 2012, Nancy left her career in graphic design and marketing to pursue painting full time.

Her paintings are held in corporate and private collections in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Hungary, and Italy. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America and Women Artists of the West.

Artist Statement

I discovered my passion for painting at a very young age. I love the process of starting with nothing and creating something uniquely beautiful and honest. I paint landscapes and explore the quiet essence of being in nature. Aspens are a key element in this theme of dappled light and abstract shapes of reflective color. The groves capture individual differences of each tree while depicting the stand as a cohesive colony, as a brotherhood. My chosen medium is oil, with variety of brushwork, thick and thin, loose and detailed. It gives me the opportunity to portray the breadth and scale of nature. My love of hiking fills me with constant ideas for visual nourishment of paintings yet to come.

Thank you Nancy for submitting your website – I have so enjoyed featuring your work!!

All images via NancyRomanovsky.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Moving paintings around – like a room makeover!

On February 16, 2016February 16, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

It’s easy to keep everything where it’s at. You know, furniture, lamps, paintings – I simply cannot do that. Since I was a kid, I would work hard at changing my room around. Often. I loved moving furniture and creating a completely different looking space. It’s so rewarding. I know we aren’t all wired that way.

Too much moving can be a bad thing I suppose. Like the time my sister and I thought we could bring the love seat from the living room (like it wouldn’t be missed), up the stairs (very old house) to my room. It got stuck in the staircase. I don’t think my dad was too happy about that. (Thanks Dad :) ) but aside from your furniture getting stuck somewhere I can’t see a downfall. We have been known to change entire rooms. Living room one day… Dining room the next.

I have even changed a few kitchen cabinets around. Hmmm, I don’t totally recommend that. For years you will go to the wrong cabinet out of habit, ha ha… I say it’s good for the old brain, ha!

This is our gallery wall (click that link to see previous post regarding). This is a big wall that is difficult to make right with just a few paintings. It needs a statement. So a gallery wall solved that. Then all that gold started to get to us. So we made some changes. Exchanged some for floater frames, and took some out of the frames. They look fabulous! Now our gallery wall is in a different room.

This painting is by Carol Bass. She’s a great person as well as a stunning abstract artist. We feel very fortunate to have one of her paintings. The frame on this painting is even beautiful with pegs (not nails)! Hand made by her husband (also a super nice guy).

The chair on the right had a striped slipcover, that didn’t work with this painting, so we had a white duck cloth slipcover made for it. Love it! Need a white/off white pillow to tie in the other chair that is the ultimate in comfort! A modern chair near a cool abstract painting… love it! Do you move furniture around, or are you one that believes it should stay put?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Paintings on gallery wall (top photo):