[featured artist]: Samantha Buller!

"Hicks Valley" by Samantha Buller
“Hicks Valley” by Samantha Buller [image]
This is a nice painting by Samantha Buller… there is an art (pun intended) to painting a scene that has been simplified to project a specific feeling, kind of like you’re there… without all the hoopla getting in the way. This painting has nice brush strokes, and a composition that keeps your eye in the painting. My favorite part of this painting is the driveway. Love it! I never thought I would like power lines in a painting… until one day I saw Colin Page do a painting, power lines and all… and the power lines MADE the painting over the top good! Great job Samantha!

Samantha is part of a show at Elliot Fouts Gallery (EFGallery.com) through September 26, 2013 – if you’re in the Sacramento, CA area, be sure to stop in and check it out, otherwise check it out online, the gallery has a great website!

Read a blip about Samantha from her website:

Samantha Buller currently lives in Sonoma County after painting and teaching in Kansas for the past two years. She received her BFA in Painting from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Originally from the Bay Area, her work reflects the beautiful light and modernism that is found in Northern California. Her work has been shown in the Hall of Justice in downtown San Francisco, in business’ and several galleries, as well as on the set of a prime time television show.

She studied a semester abroad in Italy, which has greatly influenced her love and passion for the arts. “Italy was full of rich, golden colors. The culture is truly inspiring for any type of artist and to have the opportunity to paint while standing amongst an Italian sunflower field, should be one experienced by all.”

Her love of color completely drives her work. She is inspired by the art of Wayne Thiebaud for his paint application, color, and composition, as well as the works of Raimonds Staprans for his layering techniques. She chooses to paint simplistic objects to create a clean, strong design, sharing interest with the negative space.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Delicious Lunch – Slightly North Of Broad (SNOB) Charleston, SC!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… A Site to Behold!

Image via SamantaBuller.com

*Monhegan Light… a wonderful Monhegan setting!

Monhegan Light

*UPDATED WITH TRAILER LINK… the previous Vimeo link was not working… (You can also Google “Monhegan Light Trailer” or click the link below…)

You’ve got to watch this movie trailer. I swear this movie is going to be a winner! I just recently found out that a group of students from Ohio University’s School of Media Arts & Studies created a film based on a short story by Richard Russo. The story is about a cinematographer who travels to Monhegan Island to confront a painter about his relationship with his deceased wife. There is an actual story line. The scenery is beyond stunning. I have to give them a thumbs up on all levels. For those of you who have been to Monhegan, this will transform you back to that special place.

Update 2025: while the trailer and website for this film are no longer available (therefore links didn’t work) I’ve removed them from this page…

Update 12/2025: I heard from Frederick Lewis, who along with his students, produced this film – he provided updated links, thank you!

“I did find the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcDzVUsKUXE

And the full film is here:  https://vimeo.com/65193261

I pulled this from: lpfilmforum.com (no longer an operable link for this film)

More than a short film, really, “Monhegan Light” approaches the mid-length genre at almost thirty minutes running time.  The film was produced by a team of Ohio University students, led by Associate Professor Frederick Lewis (who executive produced) and directed by Joe Battaglia, an OU student.  Money was raised to produce the film ($18,000) which was shot on location in four days on Monhegan Island, Maine.

For those of you who are familiar with Monhegan you will notice Alison Hill‘s paintings, as well as her yard and her living room (with cool orange sofa)! This group did such a fantastic job. They raised the money, they worked hard and I really want to promote them!

If you’re interested in behind the scenes movie making, watch this video they made… you will see gorgeous scenes of Monhegan around18-19 minutes into it. Marcus DeAnda did a great job as the main character. So believable and he had so much emotion. Perfect casting. Great job to all the actors, Joe Battaglia (Director and Producer) and all the people behind the scenes. Its amazing how much work is involved. Read more about them all on their Facebook page!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via Monhegan Light Facebook...

Featured Artist… R Gregory Summers!

"In Ailie's Glade" by R Gregory Summers
“In Ailie’s Glade” by R Gregory Summers

R Gregory Summers. Amazing work. Love his biography… We the people like to hear the intimate parts of an artist’s life (not to be too nosey) as well as info about your art, who your mentors are, who your fellow painters are… and Summers shares with us his personal story as well as the story about his art career. So interesting.

“In Ailies’s Glade” won 2nd place (oils) in the 2013 STEM Plein Air competition and it will soon be on its way to Charleston, SC – and will be included in the American Impressionist’s Show this year which will be at M Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC. The show runs September 28 – October 30, 2013 with the opening reception on October 4th in conjunction with the French Quarter Art Walk!

Read a blip about Greg (from his website):

Inside the artist,

Born in the Flint Hills of Kansas, the oldest boy in a family of 8. Summers has always had a love for art, and the great outdoors, spending much of his youth on outdoor excursions, or indoors with pen or brush in hand.

Enlisting in the USAF in 1974 paid his way through college on the GI Bill earning an Assosiciates Degree in Commercial Art. Fresh out of school Summers married his 1st wife and began his professional career as an artist at Hallmark Cards Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri.

During the next 20 plus years, he raised 4 children being very active in their upbringing, and helping in community service projects, scouting, coaching, sports.

The 21st century brought many changes in his life. The biggest was the realization that alcohol was not the cure-all that he thought it was, and that the only way forward was to put it behind. With this knowledge, a new marriage to a loving and supportive wife Summers was able to focus on what he did best, and that is paint.

Through a continuing education course at the Kansas City Art Institute he was introduced to painting “en Plein air”. This was the real turning point in his art. Never before had he considered going outdoors to paint. It was the spark that was needed to rekindle the fire that had almost been smothered.

It is the love of the land and the people that he went on to form the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, and Brush Creek Art Walk. Sharing his visions of a world joined as one through art.

We go outdoors to enjoy the land, or stay inside to avoid it. It is Gregory Summers an outdoor artist that brings the outside in.

We look forward to welcoming Summers to Charleston – be sure to check out his website! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: RGregorySummers.com  

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Monhegan Island… Artists Everywhere!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist Ken Auster’s book: Intellect and Passion!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Peace and beauty, what more could you ask for??

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Monhegan… ah… am I ever going to stop posting photos? Well, I just had to, we have some friends who are there this week, next week and the following week! I can’t wait to see their photos! I bet the weather will be perfect! This photo was taken (I think) when we hiked along trail 1… past Dead Man’s Cove and back up into the woods… it is M A G I C A L !  Some are there to paint, others to show family around a wonderful place they have yet to visit, and another who is going to read, relax, swim and hike! You always feel better once you’ve visited Monhegan, it gets your priorities back in place. Really!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Island Inn… Monhegan Island, Maine!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Foods that should never cross your lips – #5!

 

[charlie photo] Waiting for a carriage??

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Fred and Charlie – Charleston, SC

Is Charlie waiting for a carriage to come and pick him up? Is he on stage? I’m thinking it’s more of the latter, although he would be too thrilled if a horse came by to visit him! This was taken on a hot humid day downtown Charleston, SC… we are all looking forward to fall/winter/spring! No complaints about the cold from me! This has been the best summer since I moved to Charleston in 1989… amazing! Windows open two days in August, and again today in mid September… that NEVER happens!

Woohoo, grateful for the small things! Have a great day… Catch you back here tomorrow!

FLASHBACK

O N E   Y E A R   A G O:  Featured Artist… Nancy Rhodes Harper!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O:  Our Favorites at Trader Joe’s!

[featured artist] Millie Gosch!

"Montana Canola Fields" by Millie Gosch
“Montana Canola Fields” by Millie Gosch

Millie Gosch is a plein air painter from the Atlanta, Georgia area. Her work is fabulous! Millie’s compositions are interesting, the brushstrokes are nice, and that beautiful green in the distance.. LOVE IT!

"First Light" by Millie Gosch
“First Light” by Millie Gosch

Had to include one more… I would say she nailed it! Millie has a fabulous website, here is just a short blip (read more on her website) about her…

I love to paint from life and I love to be outdoors, so naturally painting en plein air is a good fit for my art. During the spring and fall, I spend a lot of time painting field studies. From those studies, I paint larger pieces in the studio. I don’t use photographs at all. I paint what I know, and what I love is nature. My favorite subjects are big open fields, sunrises, sunsets, trees, the lowcountry, and the southland. I use a limited palette of primary colors. In my work I strive to bring my viewer into the painting and let them make it their own experience. 
-Millie Gosch

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  What’s for dinner? Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken… quick and delicious!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist to watch… Tollef Runquist!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[images] via MillieGosch.com

[solution]: find a gorgeous painting, but have no wall space? here’s what you do!

Circa 1970 Lighted Easel by Restoration Hardware
Circa 1970 Lighted Easel by Restoration Hardware

At Restoration Hardware I believe they have a solution for everything. How many people have run across a beautiful painting, but you hear that they have no wall space… hmmm… well here is a solution! This is the Circa 1970 Lighted Easel available at Restoration Hardware! The price isn’t cheap ($895), but it affords you the ability to sneak in one more painting to your collection! This easel is height adjustable. Its design is sleek and classy. This easel is constructed of stainless steel and has cast brass fittings and a nickel finish. The built in spotlight adjusts at three points. The base is weighted for stability…

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Featured Artist… Robert Lange!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Giada’s Carbonara… oh! What could be better for a meatless Monday?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via Restoration Hardware

[remember]

"A New American Flag" by Gary Bodner
“A New American Flag” by Gary Bodner

[remember]

Remembering those who lost their lives, who battled to save others, and for those who are still struggling today after that fateful attack on 9/11/2001. It’s hard to believe twelve years have gone by since that day that we were all glued to the radio/television. Thank you to those of you who have served or are now serving to keep this country safe. God Bless YOU!

This painting, by Gary Bodner, is entitled “A New American Flag” – hoping that peace becomes the new norm… at least one day soon! Maybe a flag with hearts isn’t such a bad idea? For anyone who may be interested, this painting is available at Anne Irwin Fine Art!

Be thankful for what you have, help someone out, make someones day… it will make yours too! Essentially… do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. The world would be a much better place!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[image] via AnneIrwinFineArt.com

[recipe]: Black Beans and Saffron Rice!

We try to plan a few meat free days throughout the week… this recipe for Black Beans and Saffron Rice is a perfect substitute for meat. High in protein and fiber it fills you up and keeps you full! With that being said… I also make this as a side dish to accompany a nice grilled pork tenderloin! It’s a great combination of flavors!

BLACK BEANS AND SAFFRON RICE

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I N G R E D I E N T S

Mahatma Yellow Saffron Rice (or made from scratch… which is an upcoming post!)

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1 container of Black Beans (my favorite brand is FIG, Food Is Good, they are so tasty! But any brand will do!)

1 onion, chopped

Little olive oil (1 Tablespoon or less)

Jalapeño’s (I buy the already diced in the jar, near the pickles at the grocery store) 1 Tablespoon, more or less to taste

D I R E C T I O N S

Cook rice according to package directions.

Drizzle a little olive oil in saucepan, sauté the chopped onion until soft.

Add a tablespoon (more or less depending upon how hot you like it) of chopped jalapeño , stir for a few seconds

Add container of Black Beans (I buy black beans that have water only or water and sea salt)

Bring to a simmer… add a little water if necessary, put a lid and leave it just cracked.

I cook about 15-20 minutes… test a few, are they wonderful? Or are they a little crunchy? If they aren’t done, let them cook a little longer…

Scoop some rice into a dish, top with the black beans.

Great with a salad… Too tasty!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Workshop with Ken DeWaard… this October!

Ken DeWaard at Bowens Island 2012
Ken’s visit to Charleston 2012 – Bowens Island…

Are you looking to take a workshop from a well known, award winning, super nice, patient artist? Well look no further, if you’re going to be in the Newnan, GA area (about 30 miles SW of Atlanta) October 24-27, 2013 then this workshop is for you!

"A Waterman's Life" by Ken DeWaard - won ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD at Plein Air Easton!
“A Waterman’s Life” by Ken DeWaard – won ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD at Plein Air Easton!

Ken is a cool guy, very down to earth, knows his stuff AND he is willing to share what he knows… It doesn’t matter what the painting is of, Ken can tackle it and create a TO. DIE. FOR. painting… He has a way of capturing a scene that makes it so special! I love this guys work!

"Acacia, Night on the Town" by Ken DeWaard - Won Best Architectural painting at Easels of Frederick, MD!
“Acacia, Night on the Town” by Ken DeWaard – Won Best Architectural painting at Easels of Frederick, MD!

Ken captures the feeling of all the places that he paints! He has a great website, be sure to check it out, blog too! ! He lists all the plein air events that he participates in and includes images of all his work! Impressive!

Here is the information on the plein air workshop “Essence and Design”… it’s not until next month, so here’s a heads up…

CONTACT MILLIE GOSCH at milliegosch@gmail.com to make your reservation (or if you have any questions)!

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F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Charleston Photo: Mebkin Abbey…

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist Carol Marine…  [note: this post is from two years ago…]

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images via KenDeWaard.com

Fabulous Frocks of Charleston – a great window shopping painting?!

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This is a cool bridal gown shop located in Charleston, SC – it’s high class isn’t it? To me, it looks like a painting… a painting perhaps by Hai-Ou Hou who has been popping out some pretty spectacular paintings in her “window shopping” series

FABULOUS FROCKS OF CHARLESTON – This shop is different than all the others… this is a bridal consignment shop! How smart is that? You wear a dress one day and then you have it cleaned and stored in a box… unless you have children who may want to wear it, why not pass it along, collect some money and put it towards something that you can use now? Fabulous Frocks doesn’t take any wedding dress… it has to be less than 5 years old, accompanied by the actual receipt and has to have cost at least $2000. – check out their website for more info.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Over the river and through the woods… well kinda…

Monhegan Woods...
Monhegan Woods…

When you see this image don’t you just want to plop yourself into these woods and walk around… I do! I’m not sure if this was taken in Cathedral Woods or another area on the island, but it is heaven to meander through the woods without a care in the world. The silence is something you won’t forget. Good, sweet silence. You just don’t hear silence too often…  Over the river and through the woods… but no river. When you reach the end of the trail you do hear and see the crashing surf and that is such a treat! It makes you happy… here’s proof… this is my mom, she was thrilled, just look at that smile!

mom hiking monhegan w stick 2009

Go out and be happy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Art Walk ~ TONIGHT 5-8 PM ~ Charleston, SC!

"One Last Time" by Ali Cavanaugh [image]
“One Last Time” by Ali Cavanaugh [image]
Amazing painting, right? It’s even more incredible when you learn that this is a watercolor! This painting is by Ali Cavanaugh and will be shown along with her other work at Robert Lange Studios. The show is entitled ODYSSEY and it opens tonight!

"Heart of the Matter" by Karen Weihs [image]
“Heart of the Matter” by Karen Weihs
[image]
Also, some contemporary work by artist Karen Weihs at Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art

"Saturday Night in Honfleur" by Kim English [image]
“Saturday Night in Honfleur” by Kim English [image]
And at Anglin Smith Fine Art some new work by Kim English just arrived and they are stunning! The way this man paints light is out of this world. It’s what makes him the highly sought after artist that he is. He has the uncanny ability to take an everyday subject and give it pizazz! Kim’s show opens tonight at Anglin Smith Fine Art, if you’re in the area, don’t miss it!

Three examples of art you can see tonight… realistic, abstract and something in between… It should be a great night for an art walk… hope to see you there!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Coffee Shops… as American as apple pie! FUEL AMERICA!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist to watch… Peter Kalil!

Paris Preview with Rhett Thurman at the Sylvan Gallery… tonight!!

"Beloved Cliche, III" by Rhett Thurman
“Beloved Cliche, III” by Rhett Thurman

The Sylvan Gallery on King Street in Charleston, SC is having a Paris Preview with artist Rhett Thurman. If you’re in the area you won’t want to miss this!

Visit Rhett in her studio tonight (September 5, 2013) at 241 King Street from 5 – 6PM for a preview and sale of her latest work… and then…

Meet at the Sylvan Gallery at 171 King Street for a reception, preview and sale from 6 – 8 PM!

It’s always nice to see where artists paint, what their space is like… and of course to see Rhett’s new work!

If you aren’t in the area… check out Rhett’s older work as well!

I t ‘ s  S T U N N I N G !

From her trip to Monhegan…

"Room with a View" by Rhett Thurman
“Room with a View” by Rhett Thurman

as well as her Charleston paintings!

"Queen Street Grocery" by Rhett Thurman
“Queen Street Grocery” by Rhett Thurman

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Charleston Restaurant Week September 5-16, 2012!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Husk Restaurant in Charleston, SC is the top new restaurant in AMERICA!

All images via TheSylvanGallery.com!

[featured artist] Alexandra Tyng!

"Docksiders" by Alexandra Tyng
“Docksiders” by Alexandra Tyng

This is an amazing painting, by artist Alexandra Tyng. It’s entitled “Docksiders”… looks like a great Maine vacation, doesn’t it? Boats, easels, artists, dogs, family, swimming…. a cool cottage with wet beach towels drying in the sun. I love happy paintings, and this is definitely one of them! Alexandra has a show coming up at Dowling Walsh Gallery, located in Rockland, Maine – this from the gallery: Openings are 5-8pm Friday in conjunction with Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk unless otherwise specified. So look for Alexandra’s work if you’re in the Rockland, ME area… beginning this coming Friday through September 30, 2013. It’s going to be a fabulous show!

Read a blip about Alexandra from her website:

Alexandra Tyng is a realist painter whose work combines traditional methods with a contemporary viewpoint. Alex was born in Rome, Italy, and has lived in Philadelphia most of her life. Primarily self-taught, Alex chose an academic education over art school. She learned traditional oil painting techniques by examining the work of the old masters, reading about the methods and materials of other artists, and watching artists paint. 

Alex’s portraits incorporate descriptive backgrounds and a uniquely figurative sensibility. Her non-commissioned figurative work focuses on people in the process of living and interacting in their own environments, rather than in formal poses. In other paintings the figures become distant focal points while the setting predominates. Alex’s landscapes range from intimate views of particular places to mountaintop panoramas to large-scale aerial views of the glacially carved land formations of coastal Maine. 

Alex has had solo shows in New York, Maine, and Philadelphia. Her work is included in many public, corporate and private collections in the U.S. and abroad. Her figurative paintings and portraits have garnered awards from the Portrait Society of America, the Allied Artists of America, the Woodmere Art Museum, The Artist’s Magazine, and American Artist. In 2008 Alex was selected as one of Maine’s outstanding artists by Maine Home +Design; in 2009 an article on her landscape work appeared in that same publication.  Her Maine landscapes have also been featured in The Art of Monhegan by Carl Little, and in art magazines including Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, The Artist’s Magazine, International Artist, and O&S (Poets and Artists). Alex leads workshops in Maine and Philadelphia, and teaches portraiture in the Philadelphia area. Alex is a member of the Maine Landscape Guild, and the founder of Portraits For the Arts, an ongoing philanthropic project that uses the power of portraiture to raise money for the arts in the Philadelphia area.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  MONZA… quite possibly the best pizza on earth?

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Sullivans Island Home Tour, Day 4!