Author: Barbara Stroud

I started the ArtFoodHome.com daily (now 4 times/week) blog 1/1/11 (easy to remember, right?) and have kept it going since then. Come back each day - I share with you: ART: featured artists, art events, workshops, etc. FOOD: recipes, restaurants, and good finds along the way HOME: house plans, home design, places here in Charleston... On year 14 of artfoodhome.com - share this site with anyone who you think might enjoy it!

Thanksgiving…Thank YOU! I am grateful…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Thanksgiving. The perfect day to think about all the things that you’re thankful for. I try to do this on a regular basis, because I have many things on my list!

Here is a tiny fraction of some of the things I’m grateful for…

Health. Family. Husband and Best Friend. Charlie beast. Color in the trees. A roof over my head. Electricity. Water. Freedom. Chocolate. Waking up in the morning. And…

YOU! Thank YOU for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by and read my daily post!

Like I said… a tiny fraction!

I wish you a very Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving! We’re going to eat good food today, visit with family and hopefully fit in several walks…!

Hey, just in case you need this today… from the Butterball Turkey Talk website, you can call the Butterball people if you have ANY questions about what to do with your turkey today:

Turkey Talk-Line Info

Phone Number: 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372). The Butterball®Turkey Talk-Line is open annually in November and December.

Open to residents of the United States and Canada. Bilingual assistance is available (English and Spanish).

Over the years, the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line experts have solved some puzzling turkey situations, like which pan to use, what to do when the turkey is on fire, and when to start roasting the turkey so it’s ready by halftime. Read the answers to their most frequently asked questions.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: CybelePascal.com/

Scandinavian Bean Salad recipe, GREAT with Turkey!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Years ago my mother-in-law made this bean salad as one of the side dishes for Thanksgiving… Cold bean salad… hmmm… thank you, but no thank you… I wasn’t a big bean fan, and definitely not cold beans. She urged me to try it… it’s good with turkey she said. Trusting her, I took a tiny taste. Bite of turkey, yummmmm, ok, here goes nothing… bite of bean salad… HOLY COW! This stuff is GOOD! Is that hilarious or what? We’ve had it every single Thanksgiving since, I know we’ve had this recipe at least 17 years. So trust me when I say, THIS IS GOOD… and it’s a great dish to make to take with you. You can make it ahead and it’s even better!

SCANDINAVIAN BEAN SALAD

1 can (16 oz.) small green peas, drained (I buy Le Sueur very young small sweet peas, I buy low sodium, but you don’t have to)

1 can (16 oz.) French style green beans, drained

I use a small bag of frozen shoepeg corn (sometimes I use 1/2 bag, original recipe calls for 1 small can white shoepeg corn, drained)

1 1/2 – 2 cups diced celery

1 onion, chopped (this time I used red onion, which is oh so pretty!)

DRESSING

(2024 update: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil)

1/2  – 3/4 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like things)

1 cup red wine vinegar

1/3 to 1/2 cup olive oil (or canola oil)

DIRECTIONS

Mix together beans, peas, corn, celery and onion. If you haven’t already drained the veggies, drain them now.

Mix up the dressing and pour over the bean/corn/pea mixture. Let stand 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

Serve by scooping out with a SLOTTED spoon. This keeps indefinitely (kinda like those toaster pastries, hee hee, but this is better for you!).

You. Won’t. Believe. How. Good. This. Is!

Wow, tomorrow is the big day… take time to think about all the things you have to be Thankful for…

I am thankful for you… reading this…

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

How To Make An Apple Pie…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Apple pie. It’s the most American dessert on the planet. I call it “health pie”, ha ha… apples are fruit and fruit is healthy! Ok, so that may be pushing it, but it’s better than a pie without fruit, look at it that way! With the use of a good pie crust (thank you Pillsbury!), this recipe comes together so quickly you won’t believe it. People will want your recipe… the paparazzi will be snapping pictures of you and following you around like a movie star, seriously, it’s that good!

APPLE PIE  (adapted from Better Homes & Gardens  New Cookbook, 12th edition):

Ingredients

2 3/4 pounds of thinly sliced peeled tart apples (Granny Smith)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a wee bit less)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour  (I also sprinkle maybe a few teaspoons in the bottom of the empty pie crust before I add the apples)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I use a little more)

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Milk to brush on top crust (optional)

Raw Sugar  to sprinkle on top crust (optional)

2 pie crusts (homemade or I use 1 box Pillsbury Pie Crust in a red box, refrigerated section in grocery store)

I use a deep dish pie plate, that way I can sneak in more apples… generally buy a 3# bag and use about 2 3/4# of them… leaves a few to munch on as a snack!

Personally I use Granny Smith and no lemon juice… the original recipe calls for whatever type apple you like, if it’s not granny smith, then add 1tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.

Other than the crust, there aren’t a lot of ingredients… see, quick and easy!

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Peel and slice your apples…

Line a pie plate with one pie crust…

In a large mixing bowl add the sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Give it a good stir, then toss in the apples… and gently toss to coat the apples with the sugar mixture.

Add the apple mixture to the lined pie plate… and place the second crust on top of the apples, then pinch to form a seal, you can do this with your fingers then press with a fork, or your thumbs to make it look nicer… doesn’t really matter what it looks like because it’s going to taste so darn good! Hey, who’s old looking hands are those??!! Egads! Do you realize how difficult it is to crimp a pie crust with you non-dominant hand while taking a photo of yourself with your other hand? Hmmm, awkward, but wanted to show you it’s just pressing the two together, however you can do it…

Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. This is important so that you don’t end up with a soggy pie crust! I cut the slits in the crust and then use the knife to separate it a wee bit so it doesn’t fall back together… soggy pie crust = sadness, trust me… hmmm, sounds like I know from experience…

Some people like to brush the top crust lightly with milk, then sprinkle sugar. I did it this time, sprinkled (very lightly) raw sugar. Sometimes I do this, most of the time I don’t. I like it both ways. Top with a pie crust shield like Mrs. Anderson’s pie crust shield if you’ve got one, otherwise foil works, it’s just more cumbersome. You cover the edge of the pie to prevent over browning. Usually with this shield I can leave it on the entire time (60 minutes), but check it after the pie has been in the oven for a while and make your decision…

I place the pie dish on a foil lined cookie sheet. Sometimes it gets wacky bubbly and overflows and turns to glue. Very time consuming to get clean. Foil is my friend.

Ok, it’s ready to pop in the 375 degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil/shield and bake 20 minutes more or until fruit is tender (I stick a fork in a slit and if it goes through the apple easily then the fruit is tender) AND the FILLING IS BUBBLY. That’s how you know it’s done. Watch the edges where the juice leaks out, it should be bubbling.

When done, take out of the oven and cool on a wire rack. And may I say… good luck with that part! The waiting is a killer, sometimes you just have to dive in with a fork to “see if it’s ok”… oh, so what if it’s runny until it cools. My secret trick for waiting for it to cool without eating it… LEAVE. THE. HOUSE. It’s foolproof!

Warm pie and vanilla ice cream is nice, but if you don’t make it too sweet you really don’t need the ice cream, and if you leave off the ice cream then this dessert is HALF THE FAT… ha… boy, can I justify a pie or what?! Enjoy!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe3 Comments

Owieeeee, isn’t this beautiful! So much more appetizing than the stuff that comes out of the can, don’t you think? Well, this is going to be one of my small contributions towards Thanksgiving dinner! Thank you to Martha Stewart for the photo and the recipe (Everyday Food, November 2008). I am probably most excited about this recipe! I guess I never thought to MAKE cranberry sauce when you can just open a can. But it’s quick, easy and it’s GOT to taste much better! So I’ll be making it along with you this year! Hope you enjoy. Can you believe Thanksgiving is Thursday??! Wow… time flies!

Basic Cranberry Sauce

Yield Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (12 ounces) cranberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup water

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon zest, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cook until cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and let cool to room temperature.

UPDATE!! (11/21/12): I just made this cranberry sauce and it is the best I have ever tasted in my life! It couldn’t be easier! I will never buy canned again, especially after I looked at the ingredients (cranberries, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water… ugh!). I was surprised at how easy it came together. After it cools completely refrigerate until you serve it! Simply divine!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

CFADA Fine Art Weekend Photo: Mark Horton

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

I love Charleston Fine Art Dealers (CFADA) weekend… specifically the first Saturday in November. Watching these amazing artists paint is always a treat! There was a nice turnout. I packed my camera and off we went, headed downtown… ran into several road blocks, there was a run in town that had streets blocked off. Eventually we made it… we jumped out of the car, camera in hand and headed to Washington Park. I turned my camera on, ready to snap away, and what did I see?

B A T T E R Y  E X H A U S T E D ! 

ooooh…m…geeeee.

Ok, next I resorted to my Blackberry. I was so disappointed not to get the photos that I wanted. Fred offered to go home and get my spare battery (WHY didn’t I put that in the camera bag??!!). But we made do… so here’s the first photo… Mark Horton, from Horton Hayes Gallery in Charleston, SC, painting away. Effortless. Or at least it appears that way. I don’t suppose you can look like you paint effortlessly unless you do a heck of a lot of painting!

Great work Mark! Next year… I will have ALL my batteries!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The beauty of the greenway… Charleston!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I  would like to congratulate the City of Charleston on a job well done! The job hasn’t been completed yet, but the results are amazing. The greenway used to be a great path if you had the type of bike that could handle the ruts and rocks. However, if you have a beach cruiser, it’s not a good time… I tried once… got about 5 miles out and back… parts fell off my bike and my guts were shaken. BUT… it was one beautiful ride! Especially towards the end, absolutely amazing! We’re so fortunate to have it so close! A quick two block walk and we’re there! This section has been paved, the barrier remains until they’ve completed it. So pretty at sunset with the big old oak trees.

I love seeing so many people with grocery bags, or bags from other stores. Which means they’re utilizing the Greenway by walking/biking to the store instead of hopping in a car… great for you, great for the world. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s mighty nice. You can park at South Windermere Shopping Center, go for a walk, and when you come back, you can grab a hot drink, some delicious food at one of the many places, pop in the antique store, the dog store, the library, Half Moon Outfitters, etc. etc…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Quang Ho!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Daily Sustaining” by Quang Ho

It’s as if you are there, kneeling beside this woman watching her work her magic. Can’t you smell the wonderful food being cooked? Quang Ho captured this in such a fabulous way. Not overworked, with just enough detail to leave the rest to your imagination. A well accomplished artist without a doubt! And versatile, whoa!

Image: AnselAndTheGreatTree.com

Quang illuststrated one of the coolest children’s books I think i’ve ever seen. ANSEL AND THE GREAT TREE is one children’s book that I would love to have in my library. The illustrations are OUT OF THIS WORLD. To me, that’s what makes a children’s book. (Well, the writing has to be there, without a doubt, it has to be a good story)… without those wonderful images a children’s book wouldn’t be a children’s book now would it? I can still remember some of the images in books I’ve read growing up. MAGICAL. The book’s website has a link to purchase a limited edition print of certain images and they are nothing short of amazing, click HERE. Here is one example… Oh! I love it! How would one of these look in a child’s bedroom??!!

Illustration for Ansel And The Great Tree: “Jollyman” by Quang Ho

Here’s a blip from the International Masters of Fine Art website:

Artist’s Biography

Quang Ho was born in Hue, Vietnam. He immigrated to the United States in 1975 and is now a U.S. Citizen. His artistic interest began at the early age of three and continued through his schooling and led him to an exciting and successful painting career.
In 1980, at age 16, Quang held his first one-man show at Tomorrow’s Masters Gallery in Denver, Colorado. The exhibit was a smashing success. In 1982, Quang attended the Colorado Institute of Art on a National Scholastics Art Awards Scholarship. Ho graduated from the CIA in 1985 with the Best Portfolio Award for his graduating class.
In 1982, Quang’s mother was killed in a tragic auto accident, leaving him with the responsibility of raising four younger brothers and a six-year-old sister. After graduating from art school, Ho launched a very successful career as a freelance illustrator from 1985 through 1991. His clients included Adolph Coors Company, Upjohn, Safeway, the Colorado Symphony, and the Chicago Symphony.
Today, working mostly in oils and occasionally watercolor and pastels, Ho’s subject matter ranges from still life, landscapes, interiors, and figurative.
“Subject matter is not really important to me. I can find visual excitement all around me as well as on the canvas – from a knot on a tree to the graceful limp of a flower wilting to a juxtaposition of a few simple shapes and colors…inspirations are inexhaustible.” Quang currently resides in Colorado.

This is one amazing artist. You can feel emotion in his paintings. They are out of this world! Great work Quang!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Recipe! White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Bacon

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe4 Comments

Recipe (and image) by GoodLifeEats!

LOOK at this amazing macaroni and cheese! Something DIFFERENT… as soon as I saw it I ran to the store and bought the ingredients. This Baked White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Kale and Bacon recipe is by Katie Goodman, author of the Good Life Eats blog. Well, LOOK at that photo, doesn’t that just look so darn good? Well, let me tell you. IT IS! At first I was skeptical. Kale? Hmmm. Not sure if I like kale. I know some people love it. I also know some people really don’t love it. I emailed Katie to see if there was a good substitute for something less “kaley”, she offered the suggestion of swiss chard. Ooooh, I love swiss chard! So that’s what I was going to buy, but instead I saw that the kale was local and in season, so I thought I would try to be a grown up and try it. Guess what? I LOVED IT! It’s got to help to have cheese and bacon to go along with!

These are the only things I changed… Since there are just two of us, I made half a batch, which was enough for 4 servings (hefty servings). I left out the garlic (which we normally eat quite a bit of), nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. I used Cabot’s Seriously Sharp white cheddar (ohmygosh!) and I used the white fiber seashell pasta to make it a little more “healthy”. I also didn’t make the croutons on top, if I would have had the bread on hand I would have, but it was delicious without it as well!

Check out Katie’s blog, and if you’re a macaroni and cheese lover, give this a try. It’s heaven on a plate!! Here’s the recipe from Good Life Eats! My version is below, clink on the printer icon to print the original recipe from Good Life Eats!

Baked White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Kale and Bacon

Print

Ingredients:

1 lb. macaroni
3 tablespoon butter
1/2 purple onion, chopped
1/4 cup flour
3 cups whole milk
8 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated
1 ounce parmesan, finely grated
dash nutmeg
dash cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces center cut bacon
3 1/2 ounces fresh kale, chopped (about a half a bunch)

Directions:

Cook pasta one to two minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook bacon, drain, break into pieces and set aside.

In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter. Sauté onion for 3 – 5 minutes over medium heat, tender. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat till golden. Slowly whisk in the milk while cooking over medium heat.

Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses, mixing until melted. Add the nutmeg, cayenne, black pepper, and salt (if desired). Bring to a slow simmer, and then stir in the pasta, bacon, and kale. Oh, this is going to be so good!

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 3 1/2 quart oven safe casserole dish or cast iron pan (as mentioned in the original recipe. Bake at 375 degrees F on the center rack in the oven for 10-20 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.

 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Louisa McElwain

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Conference, Earth and Sky” by Louisa McElwain

Louisa is amazing to watch paint. I’ve only seen her on You Tube, but whoa! I bet no one has ever told Louisa to “paint with paint” (I can still hear it now “Barbara… PAINT WITH PAINT”, ugh!), she applies it nice and thick. Her canvases for the most part are quite large, especially for plein air painting. I encourage you to check out her website. She seems like such a cool person!

One of my favorite photos is on the home page of Louisa McElwain’s website, you need to check it out! It’s a photo of several women sitting at a table and it appears they are having the time of their lives, I love it! You may also notice that on the WORKS page of her site, she sells something other than paintings… I’ll let you figure it out ;)

Here is a great YouTube clip of Louisa painting… check out her set up… SO creative!

Here’s a blip about Louisa from her website:

I have lived and painted in New Mexico since 1985, working outdoors under a wide variety of conditions, open to the impulse of changing light, wind, heat, cold, insects, forces of Nature which bring life into my paintings. For me, painting is a dance to the tempo of the evolving day. 

Usually, I paint off the back of a pick-up truck, which gives me access to many wonderful places, and provides a way to stabilize and transport large canvases. Here in the West it seems that the canvas is never big enough. To include my entire field of vision at arm’s length, 60×90 ins. is about right. I paint with knives and masonry trowels, which allows me to work fast. Each painting is completed in less than 4 hours, regardless of size, as permitted by weather and light. 

Painting large canvases outdoors invites another interaction with Nature as, inevitably, insects, particles of plants and soil end up on the painting. I see these as valuable contributions to the work. Sometimes I put little stones, bones or pieces of glass and plants into the paint, in the same spirit as the Navaho weaver who incorporates things into her blanket to bless those who will receive it, and as a way of acknowledging the temporality of things.

My process is an inquiry into sensuous potential of paint. To explore the mystery of sensation, to touch that which is known but cannot be measured, understood yet indescribable; the act of painting is an expression of my connectedness with God and Nature. I am Nature.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Paula Deen’s Chocolate Pound Cake… whoa Nelly!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

I happened to catch Paula making her Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake on her television show. I’m not a big “cake” person… for me, the PIE takes the cake, so to speak… But… my husband LOVES cake, especially pound cake. He happened to see this segment and said that was what he would like for his birthday… Hmmm, I tried to talk him out of two sticks of butter, but as he said, it WAS his birthday (but wouldn’t you like ANOTHER birthday, was my response, hee). So I gave in. I made the cake. It was fabulous. Despite the 3 cups of sugar, it’s not sweet. The recipe isn’t super specific… I used SALTED butter (since there was no salt in the recipe), I used Large eggs, and I used all purpose flour (not cake flour). Depending where you pull this recipe from it will show different types of flour. I DID sift the flour first. It was fabulous. The cake was moist and perfect in almost every way. I kind of flunked the “pretty” factor… the cake didn’t come out of my pan in one piece… but, on the brighter side, it came out in TWO pieces which I just puzzled together. Apparently I didn’t grease/flour the pan well enough. NEXT TIME I will! So, that’s why there isn’t  a photo of the entire cake… If you’re looking for a cake recipe that is nothing short of perfection, give this one a whirl!

Paula’s recipe via FOODNETWORK.com

Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup cocoa

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.

Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, sour cream, and sugar. Add the eggs, 2 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa. Add 1/2 the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, beat well, add the remaining 1/2 flour mixture, and continue to beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes if necessary, but do not open the oven to check the cake for at least 1 hour.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Winslow Homer – The Veteran In A New Field

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTS1 Comment

“Veteran In A New Field” by Winslow Homer / Image: MetMuseum.org

A fitting painting for Veteran’s Day, don’t you think? This was painted by Winslow Homer in 1865, and has quite the story behind it.

Info is from the Met Museum:

Painted through the summer and fall of 1865, not long after the nation came to grips with Robert E. Lee’s surrender and mourned President Lincoln’s assassination—both of which occurred during the second week of April—Homer’s canvas shows an emblematic farmer who is a Union veteran, as is signified by his discarded jacket and canteen at the lower right. The painting seems to blend several related narratives. Most soldiers had been farmers before the Civil War. This man, who has returned to his field, holds an old-fashioned scythe that evokes the Grim Reaper, recalls the war’s harvest of death, and expresses grief upon Lincoln’s murder. The redemptive feature is the bountiful wheat—a Northern crop—which could connote the Union’s victory. With its dual references to death and life, Homer’s iconic composition offers a powerful meditation on America’s sacrifices and its potential for recovery.

A big, sincere THANK YOU to all the veterans out there who have fought hard for our freedom, thank you for your unending dedication! Our hearts will always thank you!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Oak trees and pavers… who knows what to do?

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS3 Comments

Well, jeez, it looks like maybe I should get busy and scrape and paint this fence before the cold weather appears! Hey, a good job for a nice sunny day!… Years ago when we had a pool installed we had pavers put down. Lots and lots of them (which is why my neighbors always see me out sweeping. All those leaves drive me crazy, sweep, sweep, sweep… and YEP, we have a blower. It seems as if one is constantly going and I don’t want to add to it. Plus, I like to sweep… We had also planted a big live oak tree several years prior to that… as you may have guessed the roots from the tree are now lifting some of the pavers. What to do? Who knows if it’s ok to dig up the pavers (cannot imagine doing this) and cutting the root, then putting the pavers back down? I’m no expert and just wondered if (hopefully) someone out there might be?

I always have liked this view into our backyard… years ago we painted the wooden (natural) fence a dark green, same with the garage and they quietly blended into the landscape. No longer does the fence or garage stand out, yippee! The weather is great in Charleston this time of year. For that I am so thankful! Whew, we lived through another summer, woohoo!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bowen’s Island… always a treat!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

Bowens Island. Now THIS is a restaurant that appears in countless magazines, has a fabulous view, fresh seafood that is SO delicious. Bowens has accolades up the gazoo. Every time you turn around there’s another article. Its funny when you go there for the first time, after reading about it you just have it in your mind as maybe a little fancy… well not fancy, but not… well, have you been there? Mostly plywood and assorted creative decor, its a place that has ATMOSPHERE with a capital A.

You can eat in the main restaurant if you’re getting seafood or steamed oysters by the tray (a cafeteria type tray, which I would say is a good many)… OR you can eat in the OYSTER ROOM if you get the ‘All you can eat’ steamed oysters. It’s a hip and happening place. Bring a camera if you go around sunset. It’s stunning!

I posted their menu back in 2011 (also have posted the 2012 menu, but that was in August and there were no oysters), give it a peek!

Hey maybe I’ll see you at Bowens? Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Brian Stewart!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Isn’t this the sweetest painting? This was done by artist Brian Stewart. I love that house… what a wonderful place. A magical green, the light hitting the house, the person on the porch, the gingerbread on the house, the flowers on the porch, it all comes together and makes a very nice painting. I like how Brian has descriptions on his website… here’s the one for this painting (on Brian’s website under “Plein Air”).

Sunday Morning / Nicollet Island
Nicollet Island is an inner city oasis that has many fine, older Victorian style homes. Some grand, some quaint. Loaded with Ginger bread, these homes were in neglect for many years, but in the last few years people have been slowly restoring them to their original beauty. One more reason why the Riverfront is one of the more desirable areas in the Twin Cites. This Sunday morning scene looked like a nice way to start the day. 12 x 9, oil on canvas on board in a turn-of-the-Century style gilded frame.

One more, well, because I think it’s so interesting…

Where Stars Were Made 
This old, overgrown and abandoned motel is on the Pacific Coast Highway in California just as you enter into Malibu. Since the 30ʼs it has been a favorite of fast laners, rock stars and the Hollywood crowd. A trip to the beach wouldn’t have been complete without a stop there. I’m drawn to this kind of subject matter because it is so rapidly disappearing from our landscape and I look at it and think “If walls could talk”. 12 x 16”, oil on canvas on board in a gilded turn-of-the-Century style frame.

I want to go see this in person! Can you imagine fixing these up??! Brian’s description underneath image… I wonder who stayed there? YES, if walls could talk!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images: stew-art.com

Charleston Cup Steeplechase NOVEMBER 11, 2012

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Image: CharlestonCup.net

Have you ever been to the Charleston Cup event? If not, now is the time to get your tickets! It’s a fun, festive time! Many of the women wear hats, the tents are festive and fancy, it’s a good time! Here’s a blip from Charleston Cup Steeplechase (check out their website for more info!):

The 19th running of the Charleston Cup is scheduled to take place at The Plantation at Stono Ferry on Sunday, November 11, 2012.

Sanctioned by The National Steeplechase Association, the Cup has become one of the premier sporting events in the Carolina Lowcountry, offering spectators the opportunity to experience live horse racing at its finest.

Started by the South Carolina Jockey Club, the Charleston Cup is much more than just a horse race. The Cup is the social event of the season – and definitely not to be missed! You don’t have to be a “horse person” to enjoy all the Charleston Cup has to offer. The race weekend kicks off with the elegant black-tie Race Ball on Friday. Live music, fabulous food and a special race preview combine to make this gala party an essential element in the total Cup experience.

Sunday morning, the real excitement begins as the nation’s top riders, trainers, and owners prepare to compete for purses totaling $50,000. Over 16,000 spectators will enjoy a full day at the races with exciting steeplechase and flat races. The gates open at 9:00 a.m., and attendees arrive early with their picnic baskets packed with everything from champagne and caviar to fried chicken and cold beer. A vendor village and tailgating are in full swing by the time the paddock call rolls around at 12:00 noon.

A steeplechase race differs from a flat race in many ways. Flat racing is exciting in that it has a great deal of speed while a steeplechase takes that speed and combines it with the danger of jumping. The thoroughbreds that run in steeplechase races are three years of age or older and have been trained specifically for ‘chasing.’ Additionally, the jockeys are typically larger than ones that would participate in a flat race. The extra height is necessary in order to have a better hold on the horse while soaring over the jumps.

Whether you are entertaining clients in a private corporate tent, relaxing with friends in a reserved parking space, or just spreading a blanket out for a picnic with a view, the Charleston Cup will provide one and all with the ingredients for a fun-filled weekend.

Click HERE to get tickets!

On another note… Charlie has been with us THREE YEARS as of today! Woohoo Charlie! Love this little beast!

Catch you back here tomorrow!