House Plan Thursday: Whisper Creek – a perfect mountain getaway!

On June 20, 2013January 9, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans5 Comments

Whisper Creek – Southern Living House Plan SL-1653 – Allison Ramsey Architects

Can you imagine this fabulous mountain getaway? Can you imagine how much time would be spent on these wonderful porches overlooking the mountains/woods/stream… what a place to have as a retreat or better yet to live in all year? This is a modest size home at 1,555 sq feet. This home has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Which makes it perfect for a small family or a retired couple. As I’ve said before I’m a fan of the open floor plan concept… and this is a great efficient plan…

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Grab a few Beers at the show – Gleason Fine Art! June 20-27, 2013!

On June 19, 2013December 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Burton’s Cottage by Kevin Beers

Kevin Beers. Master of painting all things Monhegan. Kevin’s paintings truly make you feel as if you are walking down the road on the island you have grown to love. Every detail is present.

It was always fun watching Kevin walking down the road with his biggee size canvas, setting up to start back where he left off the day before. Exact same time and place, so that the lighting is the same. As you’ll read below, Kevin met his wife (and fellow artist) Amy on Monhegan and they married there a few years later. Very cool story!

Kevin is probably most known for his Monhegan lighthouse scenes, which are incredible, but here is another favorite, and one that will instantly resonate with you if you’ve ever been to Monhegan!

Wharf with Trucks by Kevin Beers

When you arrive on the island, the boat drops you at the wharf. There you’ll see the trucks waiting to take your bags to various hotels or homes. There’s always a lot of action down on the wharf and its a great place to hang out, just stay out of the way!

Here’s are the details about Kevin’s show from Gleason Fine Art gallery:

JUNE 20 – JULY 27, 2013 in Boothbay Harbor

KEVIN BEERS: Monhegan Island
Oils of Monhegan Island

Reception: Friday, July 5, 2013, 5-7 PM

Artist Talk: Kevin Beers, Thursday, July 11, 4-5:30

I found some information about the show in the Wiscasset Newspaper:

Beginning Thursday, June 20, landscape painter Kevin Beers joins ceramicist Tim Christensen for two new shows at Gleason Fine Art’s Boothbay Harbor gallery. For Beers, this will be his 12th solo show at the Gleason gallery, and for Christensen, his second solo show in Boothbay Harbor. A public reception for both artists will be held at the Townsend Avenue gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 5.

Each summer, Brooklyn resident Kevin Beers returns to the rock-bound island of Monhegan to paint for five months. Monhegan has come to mean a lot to Beers. It is where Beers transformed a passion for painting into his life’s work. It is also where Beers met his wife, Amy Raye, who, in a scene right out of a Hepburn and Tracy romantic comedy, literally ran into Beers while admiring a magazine article about Beers painting on Monhegan. Fittingly, Beers and Raye married on their island a couple summers after their serendipitous meeting.

To his many collectors, a Beers painting represents everything they love about Maine: intense blue seas and skies, puffy white clouds and sunlight dancing off neat clapboard houses. To Beers himself, “Monhegan is a dazzling place with incredible, beautiful light. I love to paint the buildings on the island – the color and structure of weathered buildings, the patterns of sunlight and shadow, and the sharp contrast between a red roof, white clapboards, and bright blue sky.” [Read more HERE]

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image Credits: GleasonFineArt.com

Quick & Easy Recipe: Caprese Salad… Nothing could taste fresher!

On June 18, 2013December 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, Recipe9 Comments

My basil plant is growing like a weed. It is absolutely gorgeous… I bought an heirloom tomato the other day and it smelled heavenly! My first thought… CAPRESE SALAD! I mean what could be any fresher tasting as well as quick and easy to throw together?

CAPRESE SALAD

Good tomato (or tomatoes)

Fresh mozzarella cheese (it’s in a ball, slice it into nice slices)

Fresh Basil (MUST. BE. FRESH!)

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Find a good tomato (this one was rather large), and slice it (not too thin). You can lay a slice of tomato, then a slice of FRESH mozzarella cheese (if it’s not the softer fresh mozzarella the results will not be the same, I speak from experience!) and a basil leaf, or you can stack several basil leaves together, roll them up and snip them into small pieces (as I did, above). It tastes the same either way. Now drizzle the tomatoes and cheese with olive oil, and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Note: I made this recipe ahead one day… popped it in the fridge… took it out when dinner was ready and the olive oil had congealed (eek), so if you make it ahead, just take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving so the olive oil has a chance to come alive!

The other night we had boiled shrimp, corn on the cob, and this caprese salad… too good!

This is also fabulous on a good bakery baguette… nothing fresher, we used to get this at Dean & Deluca – oh, what memories!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Jason Sacran!

On June 17, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist3 Comments

Lit Up by Jason Sacran – Image: Waterhouse Gallery

Jason Sacran shows his amazing talent with his nocturnes. They are stunning. The first one that caught my eye, After Dark, was so striking… when the image opened, I saw it was already sold (I like to try to feature paintings that are still for sale if possible). After Dark won BEST OF SHOW and ARTIST’S CHOICE at 2012 Cedarburg Plein Air Event. Way to go Jason! The painting above, Lit Up is striking as well… I love that nighttime light, how the cool colors just bounce around the painting. Very nice!

Back Road by Jason Sacran – Image: ASingularCreation.com

Just look at that nice glowy light… Fabulous! Little nuances like the marks in the road, just make it that much better! Of course Jason can paint just about anything… I was concentrating on his plein air pieces, because I always go to those for any artist… they’re looser and just so darn good, especially since I know all the hard work that comes with standing in the heat/cold with bugs/birds/etc. Someone should make little bubble studios that you can pop up at a moments notice, like being outside, but with no bugs… maybe some AC… a ladies room would be nice, and hey, while I’m dreaming, a little fridge… coffeepot… Oh never mind! (K.D. see why I have trouble painting plein air, hee).

Read a blip about Jason from his website, (check it out… very nice!):

BIOGRAPHY

Jason Sacran has a BFA in painting from Tennessee Tech University, and credits towards an MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Jason and his family live in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he was the curator for the Fort Smith Art Center for almost three years. In 2010 Jason became a full-time artist/painter, and part-time instructor for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. Jason is also the Arkansas state ambassador for the Portrait Society of America. He has had several exhibitions and been awarded many times for his works and achievements including a first place award in the Portrait Society of Americas 2011 Members Competition, Best of Show in the 2010 Wisconsin Plein Air Painter Association Annual Competition and Best of Show in the 2010 Winthrop Rockefeller Institution Invitational. Although known for his figurative and portrait work, Jason is quickly rising as a top plein air painter, and considers plein air one of, if not his favorite subject.

STATEMENT

In general, my work is about the process of creating by painting subjects that evoke a mood or feeling introspectively. I am interested in documenting things of today, mostly with overlooked or even forgotten aspects of everyday life – scenes we pass by every day, objects we often use, people we know well, but hardly ever think twice about. In the chaos of daily life, I believe we all take the simple and familiar things for granted. Sometimes they are the very things we come to miss.

I couldn’t agree more! Catch you back here tomorrow!

H A P P Y F A T H E R S D A Y ! !

On June 16, 2013June 11, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS6 Comments

Joe (my dad) and Carlisle (Fred’s dad)… blurry photo… I vow to do better!

I would also like to say H A P P Y F A T H E R S D A Y to Carlisle Stroud, Fred’s dad!! You’re awesome DC! We think the world of you! You’re willing to drop what you’re doing at a moments notice and come to help us fix whatever it may be. We appreciate all those times more than you’ll ever know! barbara & fred

Happy Father’s Day to all of you who are a dad, who want to be a dad, who are almost a dad, as well as for those of you who wanted to be a dad but things just didn’t work out… For those of you who have adopted, have married into a family with children, for those who take the time to teach neighborhood kids, you are all the best! Happy Father’s Day…

And a big heartfelt hug to those of you who no longer have your father in your life. I know that makes this holiday, Father’s Day, a tough one. Do good and know he is smiling down upon you…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: The perfect picnic spot…

On June 15, 2013June 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

I have mentioned in past posts a fabulous place called Botany Bay. The light that filters through the trees is incredible. Every inch of that place is stunning. It appears untouched. The beach is beautiful, the entire area looks like you’ve stepped back in time. This is a photo of our lunch spot. We brought a picnic, opened up the back of the car and sat, ate, listened to the birds, the wind in the trees… wow… Let’s not tell too many people about this place, ok? Keep it to yourself! Have a great weekend!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Gary Bodner!

On June 14, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Stars and Stripes by Gary Bodner – Image: Anne Irwin Fine Art

Here’s a different take on the flag for Flag Day… Gary Bodner’s work is fresh and different… He’s got a great website, I encourage you to check out his work. This is quite interesting. I’m really liking the composition and colors! It’s a bright and happy piece! Gary’s work is in several galleries throughout the country, click HERE for a list…

Here’s a blip about Gary from his website:

Gary Bodner is the quintessential renaissance man. Bodner studied architecture at Miami University of Ohio before entering Chicago Medical School. He earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and aside from his Medical Practice he has been working on his artistic craft for well over 15 years.

Bodner finds inspirations for his work in nearly everything he encounters; From photographs to wildlife to traveling to visiting museums and reading and studying art books. Bodner enjoys painting all things from stills to landscapes to figures. He particularly enjoys painting flowers and when asked about some of his specific floral paintings he said, “I really enjoy trying to create my own hybrid flower in a masculine way”.

Due to his enormous energy and passion for his art, Bodner finds time to paint early in the morning, and late in the evening and on weekends. He describes his work as strong and colorful with an expressionistic style. “The power of juxtaposing or placing one color on top of another to create an image is what drives my paintings,” he says. Primarily Bodner considers himself a colorist and is constantly looking for the interplay of colors on his canvases. He says he has been inspired by works of Cezzanne, Van Gogh and Philip Johnson, architect. His medium is ever involving and he is currently exploring the use of oil based house paint. Bodner says, “The color combinations possible with the mixture of paints is something that really drives me”.

Bodner was recently honored by the Huntsville Museum of Art as the “Painter of the Year”. Additionally, he has been featured in several magazines including American Collector and he also created illustrated paintings for the Bremen Museum Cookbook. Aside from creating his own art, he also holds advanced painting workshops where he helps other aspiring artists reach their creative potential. Bodner is a nationally collected artist and his work can be found in many galleries throughout the United States.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: Block Island Cottage – SL 1059

On June 13, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Block Island Cottage by Coastal Living – SL 1059, 1820 square feet – Image: CoastalLivingHousePlans.com

An Exclusive Design for Coastal Living by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc.

Yet another house plan that we’ve had on our radar… even if you don’t plan on building a house it sure is fun to look at plans and dream what you would do differently, how you would arrange things, etc.

Things to change… I would paint the lattice underneath the house the same color as the house so it blends in… and unless I had kids or small dogs to contain on the porch I would go without spindles or use wire… I like that look, and that little window upstairs… I would have it open out. I LOVE THAT! The house has a nice porch (a requirement!) and is more than plenty big enough for us with just the downstairs…

This is a sweet plan that allows the master bedroom to be off on a wing by itself, which is nice for guests. I also like the laundry room nearby… right now it’s in our bathroom which is very convenient, but ahhh, the dust! I cannot complain… it could not be more convenient! Fred and I both really like the more open plans. It’s probably because we have a home with rooms… and the grass is always greener so to speak…

The upstairs is a simple loft design with the rest of the room open to the living space below… might be good for painting, or the treadmill… storage of Christmas decorations, etc. Whew, i’m glad I don’t have to be making a decision any time soon! What would you do?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Have you made Roasted Asparagus? Too easy and way too good to be a veggie!

On June 12, 2013November 21, 2019 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe8 Comments

Roasted Asparagus – Image: MyRecipes.com

Photo: Leigh Beisch; Styling: Merilee Bordin

I like asparagus. Actually I LOVE asparagus. Of all cooking methods, roasting is hands down the most flavorful cooking method. The taste is out of this world and it is so easy you won’t believe it!

Sometimes I sprinkle a little parmesan, sometimes I don’t. Same with the lemon. It works either way. It doesn’t need it, but it’s a nice twist. You can also just use however much asparagus you like (if you don’t need six servings), toss in olive oil, sprinkle with a little salt and pop in the oven!

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Recipe Credit

Roasted Asparagus

2 bunches asparagus (about 2 lbs.)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup packed freshly shredded parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 475°. Hold the end of an asparagus stalk and bend until it snaps off. Repeat with remaining stalks and discard woody ends.

2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss well. Arrange asparagus in an even layer in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake until asparagus is crisp-tender and cheese is browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Serve hot or warm.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutritional Information/per serving

Calories: 84
Calories from fat: 49%
Protein: 7.6g
Fat: 4.6g
Saturated fat: 2.1g
Carbohydrate: 5g
Fiber: 1.2g
Sodium: 274mg
Cholesterol: 7.5mg

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Plein Air Richmond, June 10-15, 2013!

On June 11, 2013June 10, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART1 Comment

Plein Air Richmond started yesterday, but you’re in luck… it goes through Saturday, June 15, 2013! There are so many fabulous artists involved in this event, if you’re anywhere near Richmond, VA you won’t want to miss it! Above is a list of artists for 2013 from the Plein Air Richmond Facebook page.

From the Plein Air Richmond website:

Plein Air Artists from all over the United States will meet in Richmond for one amazing Week in June to create paintings in support of the Richmond Symphony.

A Week-Long “Painting Out”: June 10-13, 2013 – Click here to view daily locations
Watch the 45 specially juried plein air painters set up easels all over our historic city create hundreds of paintings.

Ticketed Collector’s Preview Sale and Awards: June 14

Exhibit Continues at Brazier Gallery June 15 and June 16

“Fast and Fresh” : June 15
Location: 1800 Block of Monument Avenue. Three blocks around the Lee Monument.

On Saturday from 9 am – 11am juried and non-juried artists will start and complete paintings. These “wet” paintings will be available for purchase right off the easels with proceeds benefitting the Symphony.

This is an amazing opportunity… Steve Doherty (editor for Plein Air magazine, one of my all time favorites) is a judge. This man knows art… he is amazing! This will be an outstanding event, one I wish we had in Charleston, SC. With our strong art community, why not?

Here are just a few of the oh-so-talented artists that will be part of Plein Air Richmond:

Ken DeWaard

This guy can paint anything. He is a joy to watch and makes painting look so easy! Each and every stroke is deliberate, he transforms a canvas… watch for him if you go! He also has some fabulous workshops coming in the future, so keep an eye out if you’re interested in that sort of thing! He has a great entry on his blog about this painting!

Working the Double Shift by Ken DeWaard – Image:KenDeWaard.com

Shelby Keefe – wonderful artist, she also has a workshop coming up in September…

Alterations by Shelby Keefe – Image: StudioShelby.com

Anne Blair Brown – I love her loose style. Here is her workshop schedule…

Marketability by Anne Blair Brown – Image: BrazierGallery.com

Larry Moore, who shows locally at Horton Hayes Fine Art in Charleston, SC… this painting was done for Plein Air Easton, whoa! Here is his workshop schedule…

The Apprentice by Larry Moore – Image: LarryMooreStudios.com

Ok, that was only FOUR of the amazing artists that will be at Plein Air Richmond… I look forward to hearing about it soon!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Margaret Lawrence!

On June 10, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist3 Comments

Midday On The Pond by Margaret Lawrence – Image: Greenhut Galleries

Margaret has some fantastically serene paintings. Each is different yet all instill a sense of calm. I like that. The world is hectic enough, it’s nice to look at something and say “ahhhhhh”.

Reading Margaret’s bio, it looks like she was a nurse (or still is?), then studied photography and painting… well done Margaret, your paintings have such interest. They are utterly amazing!

A blip about Margaret from the Greenhut Galleries website:

Inspired by nature and the energy and mystery of the life cycle, my paintings are developed by removing paint as much as by applying it.

Through the give and take of the paint an image emerges that tells a story or marks time.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

HB 2 U!

On June 9, 2013June 7, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS5 Comments

We have the coolest nephew/Godson… his name is Max. It’s hard to believe he’s 15 today (and driving around with his permit!)…

You are the best Max… you’ve always been a blast to be around and we love you with all our hearts.

Here’s a younger photo of Max and Fred… love. this. kid!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y M A X ! ! ! ! Come visit… S O O N !

Catch you back here tomorrow!

You might need this for the weekend…

On June 8, 2013June 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART1 Comment

We’re already having tropical weather here in Charleston, SC – so it’s not too likely you will be sitting out enjoying the beach this weekend… so you may need this photo so you can at least imagine that you’re in a nice calm and peaceful area! (Update: Can you tell I wrote this post ahead of time? It was supposed to be horrible here… turned out to be beautiful last night… but here’s some good info for the next time it rains…)

If you’re looking for things to do… how about gallery hop in Charleston? Lots of good galleries, most are fairly close to each other… Hope to see you there!

May I say… these shoes might come in handy (previous post)…

Have a great weekend – Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Chris Groves!

On June 7, 2013December 16, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

First Light by Chris Groves – Image: HortonHayes

How would you like to wake up to this every morning? First Light is an amazing painting – imagine being able to see the sunrise every morning without having to get up early?! This is such a fabulous painting, the clear water with the reflections of the emerging sun… not to mention, the sky! Whoa!

There is so much to keep your eye in this painting, it makes you drop your shoulders a bit and take a calm breath doesn’t it? Can’t you hear the ocean waves crashing? Smell the salt of the sea? This is only one of many new works by Chris. If you’re in Charleston, SC – stop in and see his work at Horton Hayes Fine Art Gallery.

Reminder for art lovers… there is an art walk tonight Friday June 7, 2013 from 5-8PM – stop by and see the fabulous paintings… Horton Hayes is more than just a group of immensely talented artists (as if that isn’t enough), they are the nicest people ever!

Here’s a blip from a Horton Hayes email…

Congratulations to Chris on the following recent recognitions:Juried into the Oil Painters of America 2013 National Exhibition
Insight Gallery, Fredericksburg, Texas, May 18 to June 17thJuried into the Oil Painters of America 2013 Salon Show of Traditional Oils
Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey, Michigan, June 21 to August 31Juried into the American Society of Marine Artists
Southern Regional Exhibition
Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, Georgia, June 13 to August 17Selected as a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists

Read a blip about Chris from the Horton Hayes website… I love knowing about artists as people as well in addition to their art background. Nice guy. Very talented.

Are you looking to take a workshop in the future? Horton Hayes has some great ones coming up, check it out!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: The Sugarberry Cottage, Southern Living Plan SL-1648

On June 6, 2013January 11, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans14 Comments

HousePlan Sugarberry SL front, beautiful white house with black shutters, pretty green landscaping

Sugarberry SL-1648 -An Exclusive Design for Southern Living by MK Design Group

This Southern Living house plan, SL 1648 “Sugarberry” was built on an empty lot in our neighborhood. It blends nicely with the older homes. It is absolutely the most adorable cottage ever! We had the pleasure of watching it being built and the result was nothing short of spectacular. It has great presence for a somewhat smaller house (1714 sq. ft.).

See the plan link below:

House plan, by Moser Design Group, Now called MKDG.com, open floor plan — Sugarberry SL-1648 -An Exclusive Design for *Southern Living* by MK Design Group

One thing different (that I love) about the house in our neighborhood… the extended the porch. See how this porch begins at the point where you walk in the door? They extended the porch to fill in that area to the left, so it goes all the way back to the kitchen sink. It’s nice, they have a porch swing on that side and it’s more private. Very sweet. The house here locally also has a fireplace on the side porch on the right, how nice would that be??!

And the upstairs…

house plan, Sugarberry, MKDG.com southern living, upstairs of plan — Sugarberry SL-1648 -An Exclusive Design for *Southern Living* by MK Design Group

Check this plan out via these links:

WEBSITE | THIS PLAN | SOUTHERN LIVING

This house a beautiful addition to the neighborhood, nestled amongst the grand live oak trees, with ferns planted in the front yard, it’s like something from days gone by… such charm!

Images via MKDGA.com, used with permission.

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Link updated January 11, 2024