Featured Artist: Ralph Bush – Show at Island Inn/Lupin Gallery, Monhegan!

On May 28, 2014May 24, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Wash Day by Ralph Bush Image: Lupine Gallery — *Wash Day* by Ralph Bush
Image: Lupine Gallery

Ralph Bush… an amazing artist! Fred and I first saw his work, an impressive large watercolor hanging at the Lupine Gallery in Monhegan, Maine. It was breathtaking. Well, it appears that Ralph paints many stunning scenes… here are just a few! Wash Day (above)… that brilliant orange sky, the clothes blowing in the wind on the clothesline, the very cool cottage and those luscious greens in the landscape. Lovely! Monhegan Island is one place where scenes like this actually happen, and happen quite often. You hear people talk about the “light” on the island. It IS different… and oh so spectacular.

Quiet Harbor by Ralph Bush Image: Lupine Gallery — *Quiet Harbor* by Ralph Bush
Image: Lupine Gallery

Quiet Harbor… oooh, another fabulous painting, darker and moody with the brilliant sky that just makes this painting P-O-P ! As you’ll read below, Ralph Bush’s paintings are being featured at the Island Inn on Monhegan. Each year a different artist is selected, and their work is showcased in the Inn’s fabulous dining room. It’s so exciting to see the work from year to year. The Lupine Gallery will be hosting a reception for the artist on Wednesday, June 25th, be there if you can!

Read a blip from an email from the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island:

RALPH BUSH, 2014 ISLAND INN SHOW

We are pleased to present the 2014 summer solo exhibition at the Island Inn: Selected Oils and Watercolors by Ralph V. Bush.

Ralph Bush is a Copley Master at Copley Society of Boston, a member of The New England Watercolor Society, Rockport Art Association and North Shore Arts Association. His painting The Old State House In Boston was selected from 3,000 entries as a winner in the First Annual Arts For the Parks competition, exhibited at the Great Hall of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. He is a three-time recipient of Yankee Magazine’s prestigious Robb Sagendorph Memorial Award for Art, presented by the Copley Society.

The paintings will fill the Inn’s large, light-filled dining room, and will be on view May 26—July 26 and August 11—October 13. The Island Inn will host a reception for the artist on Wednesday, June 25 at 2-4 pm; all are welcome.

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Keeping your brain healthy!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Flag painting by Frank Gardner

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Bowens Island Restaurant, Charleston, SC

SPOLETO Charleston – [HOT TIP] Be sure to check out…

On May 27, 2014May 27, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART2 Comments

Well, it’s official, Spoleto kicked off on Friday and it’s in full swing right now! If you’re in the Charleston area this is something you do not want to miss… Theater. Music. Opera. Dance. Jazz. Art.

Click HERE for info on all the performances, shows, etc. The city is booming with people right now, it’s a festive time here in Charleston!

This is where the [HOT TIP] comes in…

Spoleto has plenty of free events, which is what makes this city so cool… but another “free” thing to do is to stop in the wonderful galleries in Charleston! We have an abundance and they are all amazing. Be sure to head on over to Historic Gallery Row, located on Broad Street, this is Charleston’s “Fine Art Destination”. Pop in Galerie on Broad! I hope to see you there!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: On behalf of a grateful nation…

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charleston Photo

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Sue Stewart!

Along the Waterfront by James Richards

On May 26, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

I thought this was the absolute perfect painting to showcase for Memorial Day.

Via wikipedia:

Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered.

In the midst of celebrating today, please take a moment to remember all the heros, and their families…

Thank you just isn’t enough, is it?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: The Sky’s the Limit!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Dock Street Theatre, Charleston!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: The Health Benefits of a Button Mushroom!

The Beach at Botany Bay… how relaxing is this?

On May 25, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

The beach at Botany Bay is a treat (Edisto, SC)… I’m sharing with you… Happy Sunday!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Lupine Gallery, Monhegan, Maine

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Laurie Meyer

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Jane Ryan

Photo: Edisto Pier

On May 24, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, PhotographLeave a comment

When my parents were in town a while back we headed to Botany Bay and then to the beach at Edisto. I’ve always loved these kinds of shots, underneath the pier… very cool! Literally… much cooler than in the sun! The sound of the waves was wonderful!

Enjoy your day, may it be peaceful like lounging on the beach with the waves crashing beside you!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Colley Whisson!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Piccolo Spoleto!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Pecan Chocolate Chip Recipe!

Featured Artist: Julie Schumer

On May 23, 2014May 16, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist4 Comments

Landscape with Gray by Julie Schumer 50x40" Acrylic on Panel — *Landscape with Gray* by Julie Schumer
50×40″ Acrylic on Panel

Gray is hot right now… I love the light pinks and the grays, very nice… beautiful soft palette with some darks to make it all p-o-p!

Barra de Santiago by Julie Schumer 60x48" Acrylic on Panel — *Barra de Santiago* by Julie Schumer
60×48″ Acrylic on Panel

This one is a bit more colorful, and I love the bright colors that Julie has chosen, I like the airiness of this painting as well as the drips at the bottom, very nice work! You must take a look at Julie’s collection. The colors, ahhh, wonderful! All are different, very fun!

Check out the video on Julie’s website, it shows her painting… I love this!

Read a blip about Julie from her website:

Julie Schumer began painting at age 5 and continued through high school. She was an abstract expressionist early on, being chastised by her elementary school teachers for her drippy non-realist work.

In college her practical nature asserted itself and she became a lawyer instead of an artist. In the following years she collected art, wishing all the while she had painted what she collected.

Finally, in 2000, she reconnected with an old friend, artist James Koskinas. He sensed her long suppressed desire to create art and asked her why she wasn’t painting. Schumer answered she didn’t know. Koskinas brought her several pieces of wood, acrylic paint and a few brushes and said, “Paint.” Schumer hasn’t stopped painting since. She and Koskinas joined forces and moved to New Mexico from the Bay Area, California, in 2002. They paint companionably together in their Santa Fe studio, a modern day Jackson Pollack and Lee Krasner.

Since reengaging with her art, Schumer has studied at the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California and with artists Robert Burridge, Mira White and Edward Gilliam. Her paintings immediately resonated with viewers. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and in Europe and is in many private collections.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: St. Simon’s Retreat House Plan!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Jerry Rose!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Bradley Hendershot!

Southern Living Inspired Communities!

On May 22, 2014May 22, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Have you heard about the Southern Living Inspired Communities? What a cool concept. They are traditional Southern neighborhoods full of charm, beautiful architecture encouraging get togethers and real neighborhood values.

They are located in the following areas (note: this might also be a great way to see some of the Southern Living House Plans!):

Habersham – Beaufort, SC

Cloudland Station – Chattanooga, TN

Old Town – Columbus, GA

Whisper Mountain – Leicester, NC

Windsor Trace and Bluffs at Southwood – Tallahassee, FL

Currahee Club on Lake Hartwell – Toccoa, GA

Read a blip about it from SouthernLivingInspiredCommunities.com, check out their website for more information:

For nearly 50 years, Southern Living has served as the leading inspiration for the region, featuring the best ideas and emphasizing the positive aspects about life in the South.

Southern Living Inspired Communities is a collection of neighborhoods marked by charm, taste, and Southern spirit.

These hand-picked neighborhoods embrace a pride of place and encourage new traditions of living in the South

Community Philosophy:
To embrace the natural beauty of Southern landscape.
To display the best of Southern Living inspired architecture.
To create environments that foster gatherings, interactions, and celebrations.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Francis Sills!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Tumbleweed Tiny House!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Art Quote!

Featured Artist: Sarah Sedwick!

On May 21, 2014May 22, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist8 Comments

Deer Skull on Blue by Sarah Sedwick 23x28" Oil on Canvas -Available — *Deer Skull on Blue* by Sarah Sedwick
23×28″ Oil on Canvas –*Available*

Intriguing painting, isn’t it? I like Deer Skull on Blue by Eugene, Oregon artist Sarah Sedwick. Its got a cool feel to it! I love the wall with the subtle differentiations in color. The skull… wicked good, and I’m not even from Maine! Nice shadow cast on the wall… If you like it too, you’re in luck… this painting is still available!

In the Gallery by Sarah Sedwick 8x10 Oil on Canvas — *In the Gallery* by Sarah Sedwick
8×10 Oil on Canvas

In the Gallery is a nice painting… nice gallery was my first thought! I really like seeing the tree through the window and the paintings within a painting. Be sure to check out Sarah’s work! Sarah has a great BLOG be sure to check it out! She’s also on FB and Pinterest (among other social media sites)! If you’re in Eugene, OR be sure to check Sarah’s work out at The Gallery at the Watershed… what a cool gallery WOW!

Read a blip about Sarah from her website:

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1979, Sarah Sedwick began oil painting at age ten. In 2001, she earned a BFA from Maryland Institute, College of Art, with a focus on illustration and painting, and a minor degree in art history. She and her husband live in Eugene, Oregon, in a house on a steep hill surrounded by cherry and pine trees. They welcomed a baby daughter in 2009.

Sarah writes a studio blog, and teaches painting workshops. Her paintings have found homes across the globe, and can be seen locally at The Gallery at the Watershed in Eugene, and at her home studio, by appointment.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All Images via SarahSedwick.com with permission from the artist…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Field Peas, fresh from the Farmer’s Market!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Tom Balderas!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Monet Quote

Fit Radio… what a difference it makes!

On May 20, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTHLeave a comment

This is one cool app. Fit Radio plays great music, and depending upon the genre/station you choose the BPM (beats per minute) vary. For example, the Top 40 has 128 BPM which keeps you walking/running at a brisk pace for sure! I don’t normally walk with headphones on because I walk with a friend during the week, and my husband on weekends… but for those rare times when I am alone, this gets my legs going as fast as they will go.

It. Was. Fun. Did I just say that?

This app is available for iPhone/Android and Blackberry devices and your first 3 hours are the premium version for free. If by then you don’t upgrade to the premium version it automatically strips you down to the free version. Their words, not mine… I am still in the premium/free version, so we shall see. From what I’ve read they have excellent customer support, and that my friends, means the world!

Change your workout, speed it up, make it count… Fit Radio can help!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via FitRadio.com

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist Lindsey Kustusch!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Another Charleston Steeple!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Fine Art Studio Online…

Featured Artist: Carole Rabe!

On May 19, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Forsythia Spring by Carole Rabe 24x18" Oil — *Forsythia Spring* by Carole Rabe
24×18″ Oil on Canvas

Stunning, right? That gorgeous sunlight exploding on that fabulous yellow wall, wow! This painting was done by artist Carole Rabe.

What a great window… ahh, I could spend a lot of time in this room!

Night: Blue Chair by Carole Rabe 30x20" Oil on Canvas — *Night: Blue Chair* by Carole Rabe
30×20″ Oil on Canvas

What a great nighttime painting of this cool chair… look at all the colors! I think it makes it so interesting when everything isn’t perfect, like a photo… you can see the cool reflections in the windows which really adds a lot of pizazz! Nice work!

Blue Window by Carole Rabe 24x18" Oil on Canvas — *Blue Window* by Carole Rabe
24×18″ Oil on Canvas

Another great piece, more subdued in color but equally as fascinating. I really like the base colors showing through, and that wonderful shadow on the floor… Not to mention a glimpse out of the window and a painting within a painting! Love it!

Read a blip about Carole from her website:

Intense observation and my response to what is around me is how I receive my inspiration. The way light hits a countertop or the side of a chair is the spark that gets the painting started. The color of light influences the color of objects and creates interactions between disparate things. My paintings are about the relationships between these elements. My imagery is personal; I need some connection to my subject matter in order for me to claim it in a painting. I work from direct observation; I am very interested in how the human eye perceives the things around us, and how the hand and heart work to put the image down on canvas. It’s a wonderful feeling when the reality of the painting takes on a life of its own and exists on its own, apart from the objects observed. It seems like such a simple thing but there is something magical and transcendent about this aspect of representation that has a very strong power for me.

All images via CaroleRabe.com with permission from the artist…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: The beauty of history…

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Island Inn, Monhegan, Maine

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Chobani Yogurt!

Bowens Island Restaurant MENU as of May 2014

On May 18, 2014May 18, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

The restaurant was packed and I couldn’t find my way to a menu (well, at least not where I would have enough room to set it down to photograph), so I settled for the sign… It gives you all the information you need!

See yesterdays post to see what the fried shrimp looks like… oooooh, too good!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: What kind of footprints are these?

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: William Wray!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Keith Oehmig!

Shrimp at Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, SC

On May 17, 2014May 17, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD4 Comments

THIS my friends is the 1/4# (small) shrimp dinner at Bowens Island Restaurant. The fresh, local shrimp in their delicate coating fried to perfection. This isn’t the thick batter that’s fried deep brown, this is succulent and out of this world good… so is the cole slaw… and the hush puppies… french fries are good too (and I’m not a french fry gal). I do wish you had a healthier option to go with the fried shrimp, but if you only go every once in a while its a splurge worth waiting for!

Bowens Island Restaurant is close to Folly Beach in Charleston, SC… check them out! (More details on the post from tomorrow)…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Bill Schenck!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Piccolo Spoleto – Charleston, SC

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Kitchen Aid Mixer

Featured Artist: Alice Kirkpatrick!

On May 16, 2014May 16, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Bright Light by Alice Kirkpatrick 10x10" Acrylic on Panel — *Bright Light* by Alice Kirkpatrick
10×10″ Acrylic on Panel

You must check out Alice Kirkpatrick’s work! Alice is an artist from Maine and she paints everything from interiors, to landscapes, florals and abstracts! I love how she painted this lampshade a little askew. Adds character to the painting… and I’m all about character!

Red Couch by Alice Kirkpatrick 24x36" Acrylic on Canvas — *Red Couch* by Alice Kirkpatrick
24×36″ Acrylic on Canvas

I think this is a fabulous painting. I love the red couch, and that warm light making gorgeous shadows on the floor. The colors all work so well together. Very cool to have a glimpse into someone else’s world! I would like to visit this room. I love it! Great work!

Alice also sells her work on the Daily Paintworks website… but… you’ve got to be quick! If you see something that you love, don’t hesitate!

Read a blip about Alice from her website:

I am drawn to quiet places that reveal more about the human spirit by their emptiness than those that bustle with human activity. I’m inspired by light, and the power it holds to move us, whether inside our own private spaces, or out in the world. While I work from photographs of places I visit regularly, what I’m seeking to express is a more universal connection we have with places of spirit–whether from dreams, from places deep in our memories, or those that are part of our daily lives. I work primarily in acrylic, preferring its immediacy and the ability it gives me to work quickly and intuitively.

While I have lived outside of Maine, I find the landscape, sea, and spirit of this corner of the world ideally suited to me, and to my art work. The opportunities for, and appreciation of both solitude and community are deeply ingrained here, and I am grateful to be a part of it, and it a part of me.

I earned my BFA in art from Colby College, and have pursued numerous art workshops and courses at Maine College of Art, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and others. I maintain a studio at my home in Pownal.

Additional Note: Many of my paintings of interiors are of Hiram Blake Camp on Cape Rosier, on Maine’s Penobscot Bay. My sister and I have spent a week or two there for the past 14 years, returning each summer for rest and renewal and inspiration. Places like Hiram Blake Camp (of which there are few remaining) allow us to pause in our busy lives and reconnect with the land and sea, with others, and with ourselves. I am grateful to my sister for suggesting we take that left hand turn off the windy Cape road on a summer day years ago…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Tideland Haven House Plan!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Hia Lai Chong!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Margaret Petterson!

House Plan: The Chechessee River Cottage!

On May 15, 2014May 15, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, Uncategorized2 Comments

Chechessee River Cottage (C0345) by Allison Ramsey Architects

Sweet cottage plan, isn’t it? This house plan is by Allison Ramsey Architect… one of my favorite architects! I can always find house plans that I would love to live in on their website! This cottage plan is roughly 1754 square feet with 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms. If I were building this house I would use shingles like in the illustration… second choice would be white with a metal roof, maybe painted a cool green?

HP Chechessee River Cottage C0345 ara — Chechessee River Cottage (C0345) by Allison Ramsey Architects

I love the configuration of the rooms. They make sense, and that is what sets apart these homes. They flow well… It’s so nice to have the master bedroom downstairs and in the back of the house. Also nice to have the utility room nearby, so that laundry is close to the bedroom where you will be putting away a majority of it anyway! Great kitchen/dining layout. I might even make the dining room a informal area with a sofa and a table for casual eating… and use it as a library/tv area at times that you want to be tucked into the back of the house?

Great layout upstairs. Simple in design and it works! This is really nice for guests, they have the upstairs, you have your bedroom downstairs. Nice and private for them!

Check out Allison Ramsey’s house plans, they can do anything your heart desires!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com – with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Jeffrey T. Larson!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Spoleto!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Picasso Quote!

Featured Artist: Sandy Welch!

On May 14, 2014May 14, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

I Love You Joan Mitchell by Sandy Welch — *I Love You Joan Mitchell* by Sandy Welch

Ooooowie! I was so happy to run across artist Sandy Welch’s paintings! I was looking at some Joan Mitchell type art and ran across her work… WOW! Her use of color makes me so happy! I Love You Joan Mitchell (above) is so vibrant with a few dark undertones to really make it stand out. I love the thicker areas of pink. WOW! Amazing…

If you aren’t familiar with Sandy, check out her website, it is so full of fabulous paintings, one after another… it took me forever to choose only two! A few remind me of Peter Max’s work, similar but different… happy and vibrant!

Spring by Sandy Welch — *Spring* by Sandy Welch

Then I ran across this one… oh no… Spring is a perfect name for it… like the blooms on flowers just exploding with color. This painting makes me smile, how could it not? I love all those pinks, and the light greens in the background and little pops of yellow to make it all fuse together oh so nicely!

Read a blip about artist Sandy Welch from her website:

Sandy is the consummate artist, who consistently endeavors to catch the essence of her subject, be it the pose of a fashionista, a sun-drenched luxurious meadow, or a coquettish shoe. Painting is her pulse, and her canvasses POP with provocative color and a flirtatious style.

Sandy attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and has studied with professional artists, Bob Noreika, Beth Ellis, Charles Slovek, Stuart Shils and Ilona Levitz, among others. Sandy has exhibited at the Fisher Gallery at the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon,Chase Gallery at the Jewish Community Center, West Hartford, West Hartford Art League, Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford Stage, Real Art Ways, On Twenty, and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Sandy has been featured in the Hartford Courant numerous times, West Hartford Public Television, Farmington Valley Arts Center Connections, and Artist Magazine’s featured artist.

“Painting is vital to my life. I paint from a youthful, fresh, feminine and passionate perspective. Summer is my mirror, and fashion is my muse. My palette is filled with the delicious colors of summer. The many faces and inner beauty of women fascinate me. I’m excited by the beauty that surrounds me. This is how I choose to create my life and my art”.

All Images Via SandyWelch.com with permission from the artist…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Beach at Botany Bay!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Denise Dumont!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Andrew Wyeth Quote