Ahhh, the history of leap year… explained here!

On February 29, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Haven’t you wondered what leap year was all about? I never really thought much about it, but I can say I’m a better person for having read this… after you read it you will be fully informed and will never have to wonder again!

Found this great info from Inventor.About.com (click HERE to see the full page)

THE HISTORY OF LEAP YEAR…

Leap years are years with 366 days, instead of the usual 365. Leap years are necessary because the actual length of a year is 365.242 days, not 365 days, as commonly stated. Basically, leap years occur every 4 years, and years that are evenly divisible by 4 (2004, for example) have 366 days. This extra day is added to the calendar on February 29th.

However, there is one exception to the leap year rule involving century years, like the year 1900. Since the year is slightly less than 365.25 days long, adding an extra day every 4 years results in about 3 extra days being added over a period of 400 years. For this reason, only 1 out of every 4 century years is considered as a leap year. Century years are only considered as leap years if they are evenly divisible by 400. Therefore, 1700, 1800, 1900 were not leap years, and 2100 will not be a leap year. But 1600 and 2000 were leap years, because those year numbers are evenly divisible by 400.

Julius Caesar, Father of Leap Year… read more HERE

So now you know! Catch you back here tomorrow!

[Image: ThemesBank]

Coconut Oil… what’s looking to be a very healthy oil that doesn’t get stored in the body as fat!

On February 28, 2012February 27, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, HOMELeave a comment

Image: Amazon

Coconut Oil… have you heard the rave reviews about all the wonderful things it can do? From what I’ve read this past weekend it can aid in losing weight, help prevent or even help those with Alzheimer’s, moisturize skin and hair, increase HDL (good cholesterol), decrease LDL (bad cholesterol), decrease triglycerides, the list goes on and on. We’ll have to wait for long term studies, but for me, I’m jumping on the bandwagon, and taking 1 tablespoon a day. It can’t hurt. Let me know if you’ve tried it. WHY are YOU taking it? HOW are you taking it? I tried eating it off the spoon (it’s like lard), that was a little difficult, so I heat it ever so slightly and swallow… a tablespoon is doable, I personally chase it with a Triple Ginger Cookie from Trader Joe’s :) some people but it on toast, in coffee, in oatmeal, in smoothie’s, use it as oil and topping when making popcorn… AND the reason I bumped into the health benefits about coconut oil was because I saw a recipe for Double Coconut Muffins on the Smittin Kitchen website… whoa, they sounded good, and I had just spoken to my mom who told me about a video that someone just told her about (click HERE to see it) about how it’s helping Alzheimer’s Disease, and also helping to prevent. I’m sure long term studies are a ways off, but if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s you know how devastating it can be. I vowed to try this, it’s worth it to me… so now, I think everyone I know is taking this for one reason or another. I just didn’t want you to be left out of the loop!

Google Coconut Oil and you will see so much information it will make your head spin. Try to read from reputable sources and realize that anyone can post anything to the Internet… From what I’ve read, you should buy VIRGIN coconut oil. Ideally Organic virgin (or extra virgin) coconut oil. UNREFINED, since they alter the makeup of the oil when it’s refined. Refined is good for using as a moisturizer for skin and hair. One more thing… you can often find it in the grocery store in the baking aisle, however, often times these are NOT the virgin organic varieties… those are mostly found in the health aisle… ask if you are unsure. Read HERE the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil by Charles Mattock, I got this from Dr. Oz’s website…

Here is a blip from Nutiva (extracted from Amazon):

A deliciously healthy cooking oil. Better than butter. USDA organic. Unrefined & no trans fats. Rich in lauric acid. A soothing body oil. The coconut oil myth. Coconut oil has been mistakenly described as not healthy. The fact is, coconut oil is cholesterol-free and rich in medium-chain good fats that doctors recommend. Why is it that baby formulas often include coconut oil? Because coconut is one of the world’s most nourishing super foods. Nutritionists suggest enjoying up to 3 tbsp of extra-virgin coconut oil each day, so help yourself to this heavenly, creamy taste of the tropics. Nutiva’s cold-pressed Coconut Oil is: Extra-virgin & pure white: not refined, deodorized or bleached! Organic: so it’s free from pesticides, GMOs and hexane. Versatile: Ideal as high-heat cooking oil (up to 350 degrees), as a nutritious substitute in baking, a better-than-butter replacement on bread, vegetables or popcorn, and as a luscious oil for skin care, hair care, and massage. America needs an oil change. While doctors suggest we consume a 4:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3, the average American diet provides a ratio of 20:1 or more – contributing to heart disease, skin disorders, and arterial inflammation. So avoid out of balance soy, corn, and canola oils with their trans fats, oxidation, and GMOs. Cook with coconut oil (with only 1% Omega-6), and use olive oil (also low in Omega-6), and hemp oil (with the perfect 3:1 Omega ratio) for unheated recipes. Nature’s ideal all-purpose cooking oil. No trans or hydrogenated fat; no cholesterol or hexane. Unlike other brands, we press our coconuts within 2 hours of chopping. No refrigeration required. Solid at room temperature and melts at 76 degrees. Any coconut husk fibers at the bottom of the jar are indigenous to the processing and harmless. Coconut oil contains medium-chain good fats with 50-55% lauric acid – a healthful nutrient that supports the metabolism. Certified organic by QAI. Product of the Philippines.

A disclaimer… I in no way am trying to provide medical advice, only passing along what many others have told me. Ask your doctor if you need to know if this is OK for you…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Betty Anglin Smith “On a Limb” show March 2-16, 2012…

On February 27, 2012February 27, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

Old Oak by Betty Anglin Smith

Just a reminder to mark it on your calendar… March 2-16, 2012 artist Betty Anglin Smith’s new show opens. Entitled ON A LIMB, this show features exhilarating new work. If you’re in the Charleston, SC area the opening reception is March 2, 2012, from 5-8PM.

From a postcard from Smith Killian Gallery:

“Every now and then a seasoned artist needs to reach and stretch and push their work to a new level. It is the exhilaration of going “out on a limb”.

-Betty Anglin Smith

PS/ a reminder… Colin Page has an upcoming workshop in Charleston, SC through the Smith Killian Gallery… Click HERE to read more about it… or call the gallery.. Catch you back here tomorrow!

Does it feel like spring where you’re at?? This weather is heaven!

On February 26, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

This has been the craziest winter that I can ever remember in all my life. I grew up in Michigan, where (at least in my memories) it snowed in the winter, and snow pretty much stayed around until spring. Now it comes and goes, and this year??? Lots of places are without their regular amounts of snow. Wonder why the big change all of a sudden? Here in Charleston, SC it was downright freezing last winter (well, to our standards it was freezing)… this year it’s been so nice. Lots of days in 60’s and 70’s. A few in the 80’s! We slept with the windows open recently… I love that! I’m wondering what that means come summer? It certainly can’t be any warmer than it normally is here in Charleston! Heat index in the 120’s. It’s barely tolerable, and makes me want to pack and move to the Antarctic! We were talking to a woman in a store yesterday, she said many customers were telling her that if we have a warm winter that means our summer will be cooler… OH YAY! HAS ANYONE ELSE HEARD THAT? Personally I don’t think there is any science behind it… it’ll be what it’ll be and we’ll just have to go with it… Dump a few bags of ice in the pool and move on, ha ha… Hope the weather is lovely where you are!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Fenwick Hall, a gorgeous plantation in Charleston, a plantation with a history!

On February 25, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Fenwick Hall, a gorgeous plantation that is also referred to as a castle. We drove by this the other day on the way to daycare for Charlie (woof)…

A pretty impressive place, wouldn’t you say? This is a true southern plantation… look at those beautiful old live oak trees, they’re so graceful and stately. I ran across the most interesting website about this wonderful place called FENWICK HALL… It’s been around since approximately 1730. It has wonderful stories! Hidden tunnels, secret rooms, ghosts, you name it! Read about the history on the website… it’s fascinating to say the least. What I’ve heard about this place was that it used to be a drug and alcohol treatment center for the wealthy. When reading the history it looks like that began in the 1980’s, the history is a must read!

This is now a private residence, and the writer of the Fenwick Hall Plantation website cautions you not to trespass, because the owners will prosecute. So warning warning… unless you’re looking to visit the big house (and I don’t mean Fenwick) some time soon? Hee.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Edvard Munch’s THE SCREAM (1895) may bring as much as 80 million at auction! (UPDATE 5/3/12)

On February 24, 2012December 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

The Scream by artist Edvard Munch, 1895 (Image)

UPDATE 5/3/12 – The painting sold the evening of May 2, 2012 for $119.9 MILLION dollars (actual price: $119,922,500)! Updated post coming soon…

Can you imagine? 80 million dollars OR MORE!? This painting, THE SCREAM, will be sold this spring in New York by Sotheby’s. They estimate that this painting will sell for 80 million dollars. OR. MORE. Whoa, that’s pretty big money! The sale is May 2, so if you’re interested… don’t miss it!

According to Sotheby’s, the record is $106.5 million for Picasso’s “Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust” sold in 2010 by Christie’s in New York. I am so interested to see what this sells for…

Here is the article straight from the Palm Beach Post (Associated Press article):

One of four versions of Edvard Munch’s masterpiece “The Scream” will be sold this spring in New York, Sotheby’s auction house announced Tuesday.

Sotheby’s estimates that the work, which has become a modern icon of human anxiety, will sell for $80 million or more.

The 1895 drawing of a man holding his head and screaming under a streaked, blood-red sky is being sold by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father was a friend and patron of Munch’s. It is the only version of “The Scream” still in private hands.

“I have lived with this work all my life, and its power and energy have only increased with time,” Olsen said. “Now, however, I feel the moment has come to offer the rest of the world a chance to own and appreciate this remarkable work, which is the only version of ‘The Scream’ not in the collection of a Norwegian museum.”

The work will lead Sotheby’s Impressionist and modern sale on May 2. Olsen said proceeds will go toward the establishment of a new museum, art center and hotel in Hvitsten, Norway, where Olsen’s father and Munch were neighbors.

A price tag of $80 million would be among the highest-ever for an artwork. According to Sotheby’s, a total of eight works have sold for $80 million or more at auction. The record is $106.5 million for Picasso’s “Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust,” sold in 2010 by Christie’s in New York.

The director of the National Museum in Oslo, Audun Eckhoff, told The Associated Press that Norwegian authorities approved the Munch sale a few months ago.

“Our consideration was that it is acceptable, since several versions of ‘The Scream’ remain in Norway,” he said.

One version of “The Scream” is owned by the National Museum and two others by the Munch Museum, also in Oslo.

Sotheby’s said in a news release that this pastel-on-board version of “The Scream” is the most colorful and vibrant of the four and the only version whose frame was hand-painted by the artist to include his poem detailing the work’s inspiration.

In the poem, Munch described himself “shivering with anxiety” and said he felt “the great scream in nature.”
The work will be on view at Sotheby’s in London starting April 13 and then in New York starting April 27.
Curator Petra Pettersen of the Munch Museum said she hopes that whoever buys “The Scream” will display it as well.

“I hope it will not disappear from the public and that it will still be possible to see it at exhibitions,” she said.

I’ll keep you posted!! Catch you back here tomorrow!

ADDICTED… to the Black Bean Company, Charleston, SC…

On February 23, 2012December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, HOME1 Comment

Image: Black Bean Company

OK, so I’m a little late getting in the swing of things… a friend sent me an email asking if we’ve been to Black Bean Co… a neat little restaurant on James Island (and another location on Spring Street). We’ve heard of it, but had never been. Had heard it was good, but that was coming from healthy food loving people, ha ha… I was assured that the food was good and the yogurt was to die for… we went, we saw, we tasted… we fell in love… went back the next day, and the next day, and the next day… and hopefully today!! It’s FRESH, HEALTHY food that tastes out of this world good. It’s not the healthy food that you have to try to choke down, no my friends, this is pure delight… from the very first to the very last bite… when you leave you can’t help thinking about when you’ll be back, what you’ll be ordering… it’s just all so good!

One of their sides is yogurt… It is a dream come true. My guess is that it’s vanilla bean infused honey added to Greek yogurt. You can definitely see the vanilla beans and you can taste honey, but the combination is to die for, then it comes with a little granola that changes each day, it’s not that overly sweet processed kind, it’s REAL granola… but SHHH! Don’t give the secret away, would hate to know they were out of stock!

We’re working our way down the menu… I only managed to get photos the second day, ha ha… but here they are, just so that you can see how delectable these wraps are. They have more… but this is out of this world!

The wrap above is the SOUTH WEST CHICKEN (Roasted chicken, black beans and jasmine rice, fresh local sweet corn, roasted tomatoes, spicy southwest chipotle sauce, shredded carrots, parmesan cheese, mixed greens) – did you read that description? Oh heavens… To. Die. For. Good. Spicy and perfect in every way!

This one is the BLACK AND BLUE (Chicken, (turkey or tofu), blue cheese, mixed greens, avocado, fig balsamic vinaigrette, black beans and jasmine rice) – oooooh!

The last one we got was the SPRING STREET (sorry no pic, was hungry!) it has chicken, turkey or tofu, hummus, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh homemade tzatziki, mixed greens and sprouts! I think this one was my favorite, but I have a great passion for tzatziki, ha ha… so that may have sealed the deal! They have many vegetarian options (almost everything can be made without meat, with tofu substituted)… and don’t forget about the yogurt, but remember, don’t tell anyone!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured artist… Connie Hayes!

On February 22, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Mullions in June by artist Connie Hayes, Image: Dowling Walsh.com

Connie Hayes, an artist from Rockland, Maine, is todays featured artist. You can recognize her paintings from a distance. They are bright, bold and powerful. Magnificent in composition, Connie’s paintings draw you in. Oh, how I wish we knew about PAINTING MAINE, (the book of Connie’s) years ago… We most certainly would have bought it! Those of you who possess it have a treasure. This painting, Mullions in June, is one example of her bold style. I absolutely adore this painting! You must check out her WEBSITE, also check out her work from the Dowling Walsh Gallery in Maine!

“In all respects, Connie Hayes is a fearless, intuitive painter. Her highly colorful, strongly stroked canvases look like the result of an orderly process of sketches, underdrawing and application of paint. In reality, although she sometimes uses such aids before she approaches the easel in her capacious studio, most of the time she starts work on a blank canvas, wielding a 3 to 4-inch wide brush to get going. Then, as she says, she “dives in,” composing the rest of the picture, much of which she may have thought out in her head, balancing images and colors to achieve a satisfactorily aesthetic final result. On some occasions, she says, “the paint speaks to me and I go off in unexpected directions. I like surprises.” This is an extremely intense exercise; Hayes says she gets into a “zone” until the work is finished or set aside for future amendments.

Her subjects range from boats and water to communities viewed from ships or roads, to backyards, house interiors and floral still lifes. “I like not being pigeon-holed, Hayes says.

Her brightly hued colors, which often have nothing to do with the actual look of the original building or boat, are chosen with deliberation, depending on what role she wants the painted object to play in the overall composition. Her radiant blues, blazing reds, and sunny yellows make ordinary scenes come alive and help draw viewers into the painting. Often of late she has utilized more muted colors to achieve the results she seeks.

After a long stint as a teacher and administrator at the Maine College of Art, Hayes has worked at the top of her game since moving from Portland to Rockland in 2005, about half the period covered by this exhibition. Much of her art results from her “Borrowed Views” project, in which she spends up to a week painting in and around the homes of friends all over Maine.

Ever trying new approaches to her art, mindful of art historical precedents and armed with a spirit of adventure, Connie Hayes has many interesting paintings ahead of her. Whether borrowing views or moving about on her own, it will be interesting to see what this thoughtful, gifted painter achieves in the years ahead.”

written by Stephen May

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Microplane, the wood working tool that crossed over to the kitchen!

On February 21, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

The Microplane Classic Series Zester/Grater

This is one awesome tool. Made by Microplane, this is the Classic Series Zester/Grater. It makes a molehill out of a mountain, so to speak… It takes the toughest job and makes it a snap. Did you know that the smaller garlic is chopped the higher the health benefits? I use my Microplane zester mainly to make a wonderful paste out of garlic and/or ginger. Therefore no big hunks of garlic, just nice and flavorful, AND it only takes a few minutes! I originally bought it years ago to use with Parmesan cheese, but these days it’s all about the ginger and garlic… if you don’t have one, give it a whirl, I’m sure you’ll wonder how you did without it for so long! As they say at Microplane, it’s the woodworking tool that crossed over to the kitchen, and boy am I ever glad someone thought of it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy President’s Day… I will leave you with an abstract presidential portrait by artist Robert Joyner…

On February 20, 2012February 15, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Portrait of George Washington by artist Robert Joyner

Robert Joyner is painting a few of our presidents and they are outstanding. So far (that I’ve seen), Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt… I love the wild way he portrays each one. You can tell who they are, but it’s that cool abstract version that makes it so interesting. I will feature Robert again at a later date, closer to the Kentucky Derby… he is the official 2012 Kentucky Derby artist. Check out Robert’s website… it’s a good one!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

I cannot wait to get back here… Monhegan Island, ME. Why do so many of us feel this way?

On February 19, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments

I cannot wait to get back to Monhegan to hike, eat, sit and be merry! WHAT IS IT about this fantastic place? It has such a pull to so many people. You can’t wait to get there and you don’t want to leave…unless you fall into the category of those looking for a mall, a hairdresser, a golf course, or perhaps if you only wear high heels… I could see that the pull just wouldn’t be there for you. However if you fall into the category of those who appreciate nature, are creative (or perhaps just like to be around creative and interesting people) this place becomes an obsession. It’s simply too good to be true. If only for a short time!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie (Jack Russell Terrier) visits Shem Creek Park in Mount Pleasant, SC

On February 18, 2012February 15, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn HOME1 Comment

Charlie loves to go for a visit to Shem Creek Park in Mt. Pleasant, SC. It’s a nice long dock/walkway with plenty to see and smell… a great place to go to watch the boats, people fishing or just to enjoy a beautiful sunset. If you haven’t made your way there yet, it’s worth it! Near Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant Seafood, etc.) you can’t miss it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Deals to be had at the Camden Public Library Benefit Show! Great artists, fabulous prices, all benefit the library!

On February 17, 2012December 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART2 Comments

There is a beautiful gallery in Rockland, Maine, it’s called DOWLING WALSH It’s a gorgeous gallery that features some of my favorite artists (Colin Page, Connie Hayes, just to name a few)… It’s located across the street from the Farnsworth Museum, so if you’re ever in the area, you’ve got to check them out!

There are some FANTASTIC artists that have included their work in the show and their work is stunning. There are great deals to be had! It’s a great deal for you and the money goes to the library! Here are a few images taken from an email from Dowling Walsh. I think the paintings are wonderful and this is worth sharing! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dowling Walsh Gallery

Camden Public Library Benefit Show

We currently have an exhibit at the Camden Public Library; it will be displayed through February.

This show features contemporary Maine landscapes, painted by a selection of well-known Maine artists. These pieces are available at a signifiant value and the proceeds will directly benefit creative programs at the Camden Public Library.

The exhibit will be open during regular library hours through February in the Picker Room.

To view all available pieces, please follow this link: http://www.dowlingwalsh.com/artists-in-inventory/camden-public-library-benefit-show

Dinner tonight… CHANA MASALA (Indian dish), out of this world and EASY too!

On February 16, 2012December 21, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, Recipe1 Comment

Dinner at our friends house…

We recently had dinner at our friends house… Chana Masala… Hmmm? What? Never heard of it… It’s a vegetarian Indian dish, the main star is chickpeas, and let me tell you… this is TASTY! I’ve since read many recipes for different versions, but I really liked that one so much I got the recipe from Alison. She said it was in the Post and Courier Newspaper years ago (5/28/03), she made a few changes and whatever she changed (their archives skip that period) was perfect… try it, it’s easy, healthy and delicious! When I was reading the Smitten Kitchen blog for her version of Chana Masala she made a good comment, she said the spices aren’t cheap, but go ahead and get them, they’re an investment. I don’t know that I would have spent so much on spices if I didn’t read that first. It made sense. You can make it many times with the number of spices we bought. Above all, it’s HEALTHY. So if you can splurge on the spices, do it! Here goes…

CHANA MASALA (recipe from the Post and Courier newspaper, Alison’s adaptation…)

Chop up one large onion and sauté it in olive oil, some recipes say to sauté until brown… I didn’t let mine get quite that far since it was still going to be cooking…

Now add 4 chopped garlic cloves and 1-2” piece grated fresh ginger, and the way to do that the quickest and easiest is to use a microplane tool, they’re awesome! Rachel Ray pointed that out, apparently the smaller garlic is chopped the better it is for you… well you can’t beat doing it this way, it’s more of a paste so you don’t get any big hunk of garlic.

Now toss in one box of Pomi chopped tomatoes and 1/3 box of Pomi tomato sauce. (If you can’t find POMI, use canned, but canned tomatoes were one of the foods I featured to never eat because of the BPA, click HERE to read the post from 10/19/11…)

Stir in 2 tsp cumin seeds, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole green cardamons, 2 whole black cardamons, 2 bay leaves, 2 cloves, salt to taste, (I only had green cardamons and I used 5, it was fantastic)

and 1 chopped jalapeño (I left just some of the seeds for a little heat, for less heat remove membrane and seeds) and 1 tsp turmeric…

Add 2 cups water (or a little more), 2 cans chickpeas (or a brand in a carton like FIG), and 1/2 bunch chopped cilantro stems.

Bring to boil and then add 2 tsp coriander powder and 2 tsp Chana masala (or Garam masala seasoning).

Cook until sauce thickens (at least an hour) and serve over basmati.

The salad we had that night went perfectly with the Chana Masala… Quick and easy…

SALAD

Baby lettuce with salt, pepper, olive oil and rice wine vinegar. Fresh avocado added right before serving. You could toss baby carrots in Madras curry powder, salt, pepper and olive oil and roasted until tender and put on top of salad.

OK… and here ya go… this is what you end up with! This photo was snapped before we all sat down to enjoy this scrumptious dinner! Guess what’s on the menu this week?? You guessed right!

Here’s the recipe minus the photos and my comments in red…

CHANA MASALA

Sauté 1 large chopped onion in olive oil.

Add 4 chopped garlic cloves and 1-2” piece grated fresh ginger

Add one box of Pomi chopped tomatoes and 1/3 box of Pomi tomato sauce.

Stir in 2 tsp cumin seeds, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole green cardamons,

2 whole black cardamons, 2 bay leaves, 2 cloves, salt to taste,

1 chopped jalapeño…I removed some of the seeds to control heat.

1 tsp turmeric, 2 cups water, 2 cans (I like FIG brand in box) chickpeas,

1/2 bunch chopped cilantro stems.

Bring to boil and then add 2 tsp coriander powder and 2 tsp Chana masala or Garam masala seasoning.

Cook until sauce thickens (at least an hour) and serve over basmati.

OKRA BINDI (I have yet to try this, but am looking forward to making it soon!)

Slice okra or use frozen and sauté with chopped onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric. This is good served alongside Chana Masala.

Give it a whirl, let me know how you like it! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Thanks to Alison Brewer for sharing her recipes…

Featured artist… Jose de Juan!

On February 15, 2012December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Le Chat s’amuse” by artist Jose De Juan / Image(s): JoseDeJuan.com

Don’t you just love this painting? I do! It has all the detail without being tight… I’m not sure how that happens, but it makes a painting spectacular, don’t you think? I love this style home, one of my favorites!

Great job with the shadow and the light… Check out the rest of Jose’s work, it’s fabulous!

Here’s a blip about Jose from his website (great website by the way!):

Jose De Juan - Biography

Jose L. De Juan graduated from the Madrid Art Academy in his native Spain. He is a veteran of the film industry and has worked in several studios as a computer lighter. His passion has always been painting. Watercolors, oils , computer or any other medium, it’s all part of a desire to give visual shape to the moment.

Jose is a devoted plein-air artist and finds constant inspiration in the city and its surroundings, from freeways and dilapidated structures to the canyons and marinas. He likes to plant the easel and look around for any subjects surprised by light and weather. Jose strives to show respect for the materials, honesty of rendition and a representational approach. Jose hopes his work finds an echo in the viewer’s luminosity within.

He is an artist member of the California Art Club , the Pasadena Society of Artists and the National Watercolor Association . He has enjoyed the inspiration of masters like Jennifer Mc Christian, Peter Andrews, Sheri McGraw , Tony Pro, Clayton Beck III and many others either in workshops or simple admiration. Jose has exhibited widely around Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

Catch you back here tomorrow!