Featured Artist… David Lloyd!

On February 24, 2014February 20, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Color and Cocktails by David Lloyd Jean Bragg Gallery — Color and Cocktails by David Lloyd
Jean Bragg Gallery

I love, love, love paintings of interiors! It’s like going on a home tour without having to actually go! A peek into someone else’s life, their taste, their style. These paintings have been done by artist David Lloyd. His work is incredible. Check it out! I love these green walls, the sofa, that fabulous orange chair, the light streaming in the window so brightly. Very nice!

This is another interior that caught my eye. I love the red rug (and the wonderful light on the rug), the chair, the bed. THE OPEN TRANSOM is so wonderful! The colors are all harmonious… and look at all those paintings within a painting… like buy one get some for free! Very nice work! David also has a fabulous blog full of wonderful paintings!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Spring… won’t be long!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: THE SCREAM sold for how much??

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Featured Artist… Frank Gardner!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

ALL IMAGES VIA DAVIDLLOYDGALLERY.COM

Views in Charleston…

On February 23, 2014February 20, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME1 Comment

One more scenic walk in our neighborhood… what a treat! It’s especially nice to catch this view at high tide. I’ll take another photo of this area in a month or two and you’ll see how it changes with the seasons.

Speaking of change… Pipes dripping and ice one week, open windows the next! Charleston has some wildly varying temps, but I have to say I’m happy to see the sun and open windows to warm up the house! Have a great Sunday!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: (Charlie) You again? UGH!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Black Bean Company – Great food in Charleston, SC!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Big and bold wine without breaking the bank…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Weekend Marsh View…

On February 22, 2014February 20, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Location. Location. Location. It’s so important when you’re buying a house or looking for a place to rent. I love the area we live in. We don’t live on the marsh but we do live near it. There are several daily walking routes that I take, each seems to pass a marsh or two. The views are always spectacular! So peaceful and ever-changing! Enjoy your weekend!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Featured Artist… Richard Kooyman!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Featured Artist… Connie Hayes!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: South of Market – neat little shop in Charleston!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Memories of Monhegan…

On February 21, 2014February 18, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments

Island Inn. Monhegan Island. Maine. Vacation. Heaven! Wow, back in 2009 my mom and dad, Fred and I rented a cottage in Port Clyde, then we came to Monhegan for a few nights. What a dream! My dad had recently had knee surgery, so those of you who have been to the island know what a challenge that can be. Right as you step off the boat you have a rather steep hill to climb. He did it, no problem. (Dad, you were a sport. You had to pass on the hike through Cathedral Woods, but you stayed mighty busy. I’ve told you all about a sketch book that he surprised me with. Full of fabulous ink/watercolor sketches of our time on Monhegan and a few other things. I cherish that book!

Joe Fidler painting on Monhegan — Joe Fidler – Monhegan Island

The island is such a fabulous place to just be… to do what you want to do… you see all kinds of people, lots of artists and bird watchers. You meet the most interesting people and life long friends on the island.

mom hiking monhegan w stick 2009 — Sheila Fidler hiking on Monhegan…

This is the day we went hiking. Mom found a great walking stick… part way through Cathedral Woods she said, whew! That’s far enough… Noooo Mom!! You have to see the “reward”… the peacefulness of Cathedral Woods cannot be matched anywhere in my opinion. But when you get through that trail to Squeaker Cove your jaw drops. Wow! Mom was thrilled that she went the entire way! The beauty is breathtaking!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Charleston Wine & Food (2013)

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Brilliant kitchen tool: The Microplane!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist to watch… Ken DeWaard!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: Rutherford’s Roost – Southern Living/Allison Ramsey Architects

On February 20, 2014February 20, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

Rutherford's Roost SL-297 — **Rutherford’s Roost SL-297**

A pretty cool house for a coastal area, don’t you agree? This plan is on a raised foundation, which you need in this area. Note the french doors that lead to both the living and dining rooms. This is the perfect house for those of you looking for something on the smaller side. This house is approximately 1420 square feet of heated living space. I think it would look nice with wood chip shingles on the exterior and a metal roof… or all white horizontal wood with a metal roof… striking either way. You can search the website HOUZZ.COM for interior shots of some of examples of this plan that were built. I think this house plan would look equally as good on a crawl space if an raised foundation wasn’t necessary! This is Southern Living Plan SL-297/Allison Ramsey Plan C0059

I think I would consider screening the entire porch instead of just the side… only because then the french doors could be opened in the living/dining areas to let fresh air in minus the irritating mosquitoes that hunt me down everywhere I go!

I’m not the best at interpreting house plans. From the looks of this it seems that your view into the living room is somewhat obstructed. I would give up the washer and dryer being in that location in order to extend the kitchen a wee bit providing me a clear site line to the living room… I would move the washer and dryer to the master bathroom. We don’t need a tub, so it would easily fit… I would also be willing to give up a sink. It’s mighty handy having our washer and dryer in our master bathroom.

For many of the interior doors I think some nice pocket doors or, BARN DOORS, if they would work. I love barn doors in a house! The kind that slide back and forth! This plan packs a lot of punch into not a lot of square feet. Efficient as always, Allison Ramsey Architects have done it again!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Featured Artist… Melanie Parke!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Happy President’s Day!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Andrew Wyeth Quote… and book!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Dean Buhler!

On February 19, 2014February 19, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

: Sphinx by Dean Buhler

Meet Dean Buhler’s dog, Gustovio! Dean captured this dog so perfectly. These are such elegant animals, and you can see that in this painting. What a fabulous background! The very realistic dog against the abstract background … love it! The colors in the wall really makes Gustavio stand out! Take a minute to look through Dean’s website. Breathtaking paintings, one after another. Whoa! This painting by Dean was one of the finalists in Southwest Art magazine’s “Artistic Excellence Competition” – Very nice!

Sun Worshipper by Dean Buhler [sold] — *Sun Worshipper* by Dean Buhler [sold]

“I first drew my dog, Gustavio – on my website, the drawing is called Sun Worshipper. It took 1st place in the drawing/pastel category in the Scottsdale Artist School’s Best & Brightest Competition, 2013” says Dean. A pretty remarkable drawing, and such an impressive painting!

Awaiting the Crown of Laurels by Dean Buhler

Dean can paint anything, his people are quite amazing! Just look at how exquisite this painting is! How realistic this woman looks… and that FABULOUS background! This painting is available at the Blue River Fine Art Gallery.

Here’s a little blip about Dean from his website, take a minute to check it out for yourself!

Dean Buhler is an artist who creates colorful and impressionistic portraits and figures. His favored media are oils, charcoal, and graphite. He enjoyed a multitude of educational and professional experiences that he draws upon in depicting different subjects.

IMAGES VIA DeanBuhler.fineartstudioonline.com

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Recipe: Beef Stew!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Me… on Monhegan!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Every child is an artist!

Zannie’s Black-Eyed Pea Dip – FABULOUS!!!

On February 18, 2014February 13, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe4 Comments

Too good for words - thank you Pioneer Woman! — Too good for words – thank you Pioneer Woman!

Are you looking for a quick appetizer? An easy to throw together, yet super special concoction of all things good? Well, I was searching for the same thing a while back, and low and behold, Pioneer Woman (a wonderful blog, I highly recommend it!) posted this recipe… Don’t tell anyone, but once in a while we have this for dinner ;) it’s beans… pure health food I’m telling you! I don’t add any salt because there is salt on the chips (and next time we’re buying the blue chips with no salt)… Here goes… If you haven’t heard of Pioneer Woman (whaaat?) Ree Drummond, she has a cooking show on Food Network, she’s got books, you name it… pure entertainment at its finest!

Click HERE to be directed to TastyKitchen.com so you can print this recipe

Ree Drummond - Pioneer Woman — From TastyKitchen.com

It couldn’t be easier…

Drain and partially mash the black-eyed peas… You don’t have to mash them to death, some chunks are good. Texture. Is. Good!

Add in everything else… the salsa, sour cream, onion, and jalepeno’s!

Don’t forget the cheese! Add it to everything else and stir it around.

Then spread it into a baking dish (I use a ceramic tart pan), and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes or until its nice and hot and bubbly.

Serve with tortilla chips!

AND… if you’re in the mood for a good book that will make you laugh, her book “Black Heels to Tractor Wheels: A Love Story” is wildly entertaining… her real life story about how she met her husband, Marlborough Man… hee hee…

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Robert Joyner and a colorful president…

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charlie visits Shem Creek!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Baked Potato Soup with all the trimmings!

Artist & Craftsman Supply – Charleston, SC – Stop in… what a cool store!

On February 17, 2014February 11, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

Artist & Craftsman Supply – what a pleasure to stroll through this store. Charleston has such a unique art store, full of knowledgable staff, GREAT prices and such a wide array of choices. The only thing there isn’t… parking. They did have a few spots that they were leasing for customers, but something is being built/or changed behind that building and everything is dug up. So… right now there is only meter parking, which isn’t so bad ( and it’s FREE on Sunday). If by chance you have some big items you can either go in/call, shop, pay, and then drive up and someone in the store will run the items to you (call first to be sure they aren’t too busy). They’re doing their best to make it as easy as possible for you to shop. So if you’re in Charleston, SC check them out.

Artist & Craftsman Supply Charleston, SC — Artist & Craftsman Supply
Charleston, SC

GREAT prices! Bargain basement prices (hee hee)… they are located in a basement, a very cool basement – check them out! They also have locations around the country and you can order online as well!

Images via ArtistCraftsman.com

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: The unveiling!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Dowling Walsh Benefit Show!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Bowens Island Restaurant!

Beautiful marsh views on a winter day…

On February 16, 2014February 11, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

We headed out on a long walk… tide was fairly low, the weather was pretty nice, just right for a long walk. Had to stop and snap this… the marsh is just so beautiful!

Enjoy what’s left of your weekend!! For some, tomorrow is a holiday (President’s Day) – if you’re off, enjoy!

Catch you back here tomorrow!!

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Fred moving the pavers!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Chana Masala recipe!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Swans Island Blankets – stunning!

A ray of sunshine from a bunch of tulips!

On February 15, 2014February 11, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Tulips can bring sunshine even when there isn’t any! Locally, Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter both have some beautiful ones!

Enjoy your weekend!

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Featured Artist: Morgan Samuel Price!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Featured Artist: Jose de Juan!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Featured Artist: Charles Movalli!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

On February 14, 2014February 10, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS6 Comments

Wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s a sweet treat (well, the recipe anyway)! Enjoy your day!

Fred, 1992 - I love this guy! — Fred, 1992 – I love this guy!

A very special HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO MY SWEETIE!! My husband, Fred

And to our little beast… Charlie!

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Happy Valentine’s Day from Me to You!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: From me to you… Happy Valentine’s Day!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Cookie’s for Valentine’s Day!

To do while you’re in town for SEWE!

On February 13, 2014February 13, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART1 Comment

Coastal Landscape 1 (2014) by Dru Warmath Image: GalerieOnBroad.com — Coastal Landscape 1 (2014) by Dru Warmath
Image: GalerieOnBroad.com

If you’re in Charleston, SC this weekend – what a treat! There is so much going on in Charleston with the Southeastern Wildlife Expo and all the events that go along with it! Be sure to make time to stroll through the different galleries in Charleston. We have some of the best galleries ever, with a wide array of styles to please every art loving person on this planet!

I just wanted to share one of the new pieces that came into Galerie on Broad (29 Broad Street), this is by artist Dru Warmath. Dru is a fabulous artist…she’s from the Charlotte area, and her coastal landscapes have been wildly popular. They just don’t stay in the gallery long!

We also have new work by Tim Bell…

…and Dee Beard Dean!

Stop by and say hello if you’re in the area!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Featured Artist… John Pototschnik!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Featured Artist: Pat Weaver – amazing pet portraits!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: From the heart…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Southeastern Wildlife Expo – Charleston, SC!

On February 12, 2014February 10, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

Painting by 2014 Featured Artist, Chad Poppleton - Image via Southeastern Wildlife Expo Facebook — Painting by 2014 Featured Artist, Chad Poppleton – Image via Southeastern Wildlife Expo Facebook

Congratulations to Chad Poppleton for being named Southeastern Wildlife Expo’s featured artist for 2014! This is quite the dramatic painting. Just look at that water. I can absolutely hear it! Fabulous!

Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) begins this week. SEWE is a huge exhibit with art, wild life, demo’s… you name it, they’ve got it! This expo seems to be the kick off for the busy season. There will be a lot of people in town this weekend, and there is so much to see. SEWE has a fabulous website, check it for the EVENTS, purchase TICKETS, learn more about the ARTISTS, and check out the EXHIBITS. Of course there is more, much more, so see what all it has in store for you!

While you’re in town, don’t forget to hit the galleries nearby! Charleston is more than the #1 Tourist Destination in the USA, it is chock full of fabulous art galleries appealing to every sense of style possible. Broad Street has some great galleries, as well as a few places to stop and get a bite to eat!

There is so much to see and do this weekend in Charleston, don’t miss out! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Lincoln: The Movie!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charleston Navy Base Homes – set of Army Wives!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Mac or PC/Laptop or Desktop 2011…

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe – Quick and Easy!

On February 11, 2014February 13, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, Recipe2 Comments

barbarastroud.wordpress.com — Cooking Light’s Cheesy Potato Soup

Nothing can heat your innards like a good bowl of soup. This is an easy one, and oh so delicious. I double the recipe so we have leftovers. This soup will warm your soul (I’m not being dramatic, really)!

Cheesy Potato Soup – recipe by Cooking Light magazine (myrecipes.com) – Click HERE to print.

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chopped red potato (about 1 pound)
1 1/4 cups 1% low-fat milk
3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Preparation

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender.

Sprinkle with flour; cook 1 minute, stirring onion mixture constantly.

Add potato, milk, broth, and 1/2 cup water to pan; bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese and ground red pepper (IMPORTANT NOTE: remove from heat as soon as it melts so that it doesn’t curdle); cook 2 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring frequently. Top each serving evenly with 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped green onions.

Note… my secret… I use a potato masher and squish the potatoes a bit… I’m not mashing them per se but breaking down the chunks a bit so they’re smaller… this is tasty soup!

The important note above… removing the pan from the heat as soon as the cheese starts melting. I didn’t see this note at the top of the recipe and didn’t do it. It curdled… tasted great but didn’t look as good as it could have. Next time I think I will just opt to add it to each individual bowl as you can see in the top photo I over sprinkled… For as good as this soup is it’s quite hard to believe that it was this quick and easy! Thanks to Cooking Light for yet another great recipe!

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist to watch… Diane May!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Vacant officer’s home in Charleston – old Navy base…

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie Recipe!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Sally O’Neill!

On February 10, 2014February 3, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Red Sky at Night by Sally O'Neill — Red Sky at Night by Sally O’Neill

Breathtaking, right? Look at the light in this painting. So nice! Gorgeous sunset and all the colors reflecting around it… WOW! It wasn’t easy to choose only a few images, each and every one is stunning, you must check it out for yourself!

Morning Shadows at Smith Rock by Sally O'Neill — Morning Shadows at Smith Rock by Sally O’Neill

Just look at that rock. The pinks and oranges against the blues and greens are dynamite! Such nice brush strokes! This painting won 1st place at Smith Rock Paint Out!

Read a blip from Sally’s website:

A native of Southern California, Sally O’Neill has lived in the foothills of the Northern Oregon Cascade Mountains since 1991. Throughout her life, Sally has always been involved in the arts. As a child, she enjoyed painting and drawing in addition to music studies. She majored in music in college and is an accomplished pianist. Sally worked in the medium of watercolor for a period of time in the 1980’s. In 1998, Sally went back to painting seriously working solely in oils.

“As soon as I started painting with oils I knew I had found the perfect medium to express my artistic vision. As an admirer of the impressionists, I am obsessed with light, color and atmosphere. Through the layering of colors and texture I’m trying to achieve the effects of light at different times of the day. Overall, I want my paintings to bring the viewer into a world they would love to be in, that of beauty and sun drenched days.”

Sally’s plein air and studio paintings reflect her enthusiasm for life and an appreciation for her subject matter. She has studied painting with a number of prominent artists including Ruben Arizpe, Sr., Camille Przewodek, Bill Ahrendt and Ovanes Berberian. Until his death in 2007, Sally also had a constant mentor and artistic ally in her father-in-law, watercolorist, Don O’Neill. Sally also teaches group workshops in addition to private art students.

Sally’s has been the recipient of numerous awards. Her work can be seen in a number of private as well as corporate collections.

ALL IMAGES via SallyOneill.net

F L A S H B A C K

O n e Y e a r A g o: Moving the pavers to save the tree…

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Featured Artist… Leslie Saeta!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Paintapalooza Artist Jeff Bonasia!

Catch you back here tomorrow!