I would like to introduce… THE LOCAL PALATE MAGAZINE!

On December 1, 2011November 15, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

My husband and I were in a few of the downtown Charleston, SC galleries a few weekends ago when I spotted this magazine. THE LOCAL PALATE. It. Is. Exquisite. To say the least, this magazine is high class, with gorgeous mouth watering photographs and fabulous stories. Perfect timing with this magazine, with Charleston number ONE on the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, and HUSK Restaurant named as The Best New Restaurant in America! I am so thrilled to see this magazine, and trust me, you will be as well! Here’s a little blip from their WEBSITE:

We are a culinary magazine that focuses on the food culture of Charleston.

Charleston is a unique blend of culinary history, Southern hospitality, indigenous ingredients, and world class chefs.

We are local and we love it here. Drop us an email to say hi and find out more:
info@thelocalpalate.com

To that I say… YAY!! I urge you to visit their website, it’s as beautiful as the magazine.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… John Austin Hanna!

On November 30, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

itnevergetsold — It Never Gets Old by John Austin Hanna

This painting reminds me of my dad… doing what he loves, fly fishing. You can feel the movement of the water, hear the rushing water around the rocks, FEEL the coldness of the water. Fabulous! This painting is at the Sylvan Gallery in Charleston, SC. If you get a chance pop in, say Hi, and check it out!

Here’s a blip about the artist from the Sylvan Gallery’s website:

Impressionist painter, John Austin Hanna, is a native Texan who lives and works in the quaint art and antique oriented community of Fredericksburg. His work encompasses a broad range of subject matter from still-lifes, to portraits, to landscapes and images of rural and country life captured in a moment of time. His artistic discipline was finely tuned while working as a commercial illustrator in New York and Dallas until tired of the hectic life of big city living he moved to the smaller community of Fredericksburg to concentrate on his painting career. Hanna says, “Throughout my childhood, I was always drawing and dreaming of becoming a ‘real’ artist. I finally decided that I had to pursue that dream.”

John’s canvases are saturated with light and color, some depicting a large-scale scene while others focus on such images as a small section of a fence or wildflowers on the bank of a stream. He is constantly searching for “all things great or small” to portray in his work.

Articles about this talented young artist have appeared in publications such as Southwest Art and Art Talk.

Great job John!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The most awesome sauté pan… EVER!

On November 29, 2011October 31, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Is this one sweet pan or what? We bought it a few years ago at a neat Kitchen Shop in Mount Pleasant, SC (Coastal Cupboard). I was looking at it and a man walked by, said he had it and that it was THE BEST pan… EVER. Well, I have to agree… Made by J.A. Henckel, this is more than just a pan that looks good, its performance is top notch! Everything that I’ve made in it has turned out divine. Today, I’m making a wee little pork sirloin roast. My roasting pan bit the dust, so I’m going to sear in this pan and then put it in the oven… It can handle temps to 500 degrees fahrenheit, so at a temp of 350F I’m set! So if you find yourself needing a great sauté pan that can do more than sauté this is the ticket! For more info on J.A. Henckel cookware, click HERE…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Painting by Geer Morton… one of my favorites!

On November 28, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment

Morton_Geer_1999_Bay_and_ — Bay and House by Geer Morton

Isn’t this fresh and fabulous? I absolutely LOVE Geer Morton’s paintings. He’s got the most unique style, you can spot his painting a mile away. I love that! Take a peak at his work… on top of being so talented he’s a super nice guy! I know that I’ve feature this artist before, but it’s so hard not to show you other great paintings… I’m going to have to think of a catchy title, so I can start doing this with more artists I admire, maybe starting the new year!

My husband and I first saw Geer’s work at Wiscasset Bay Gallery where we fell in love with his paintings (you will too, trust me on this)! If you get a chance, stop in Wiscasset Bay Gallery and check out his work, or visit his website! (Image: WiscassetBayGallery.com)

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving weekend… catch you back here tomorrow!

Lobster boat LEGACY of Monhegan Island, ME.

On November 27, 2011December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL1 Comment

Pictures-100 — Legacy, Monhegan Island, Maine

Isn’t this boat a beauty? It’s truly gorgeous, however, I doubt the owner would appreciate it being described that way (sorry Sherm, but it is what it is). Sherm Stanley is the owner and pilot of the 40 foot black-hulled Young brothers lobster boat. I’ve always thought dark black/navy boats had a classy look about them. This isn’t just a classy boat, it’s a hardworking lobster boat. Fancy is the last thing they’re going for. I admire the hard work that those guys do, and a lot of times in extreme weather. It’s fascinating. They earn their money no doubt. Seems like lobsters should bring a lot more money than they do… there is a GREAT ARTICLE from Yankee magazine about the lobstermen on Monhegan.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Cable car, San Francisco, CA = BIG fun!

On November 26, 2011December 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL2 Comments

San Francisco, California – what a place… the atmosphere is amazing. A city FULL of life. So much to do and see. The easiest way to get around is to use their public transportation, it simply can’t be beat. AND it’s a thrill in itself! SO interesting how it works so well in San Fran, wish they had it everywhere, dependable and safe. This was taken years ago… they manually turn it around!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Richard Oversmith!

On November 25, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

the-way-it-used-to-be — "The way it used to be" by Richard Oversmith (via artists website)

I found this intriguing painting under the PLEIN AIR section of Richard Oversmith’s website. I love paintings of interiors, especially something different… this is a peak into the past. Richard’s description of this painting:

This painting is of the interior of Old Fort, NC train depot. The depot build in the 1890s probably looked a lot like this inside. It is a museum now and house some old southern railroad memorabilia. I was invited into the depot to paint but, I actually painted this outside looking through a window at this scene. That’s why it’s in the plein air section.

How interesting to paint the interior from outside. LOVE IT! Check out Richard’s website, it’s a good one! He’s in many galleries, so check him out! I just noticed he’s right here in Charleston, SC!

Here’s a blip from the artists website, there is more, so check him out!

Richard Oversmith - Biography

Richard received formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Kendall he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.

The natural beauty of Western North Carolina has proven to offer infinite inspiration for Richard’s impressionistic landscapes. From rolling mountains to abundant waterfalls, the majestic Biltmore Estate to a simple farm scene, this region evokes the artist’s muse. Richard finds inspiration not only at home but in his many travels. He has painted all over the USA and has recently spent six months living and painting in Brittany, France. Whether at home or abroad, Richard surrounds himself in the elements of the scene while painting, in true “en plein air” fashion. In the studio, his sense of vision and mood guide him to produce still lifes ranging from the classic to the imaginative.

Richard’s purpose in painting is to provoke the viewer to interact with his pieces. His paintings are his voice, and stroke by stroke, he composes a whole that relates his vision. Richard works in oil on linen, a medium compatible with the passion he puts into his creation. He strives to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as color, edges, value and drawing. He has derived his style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters he admires, and elements that have evolved from deep within himself. He allows the setting to speak to him, creating only as many brushstrokes as are needed for the viewer’s eyes to understand and connect.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING… what are you thankful for? Here’s my list…

On November 24, 2011November 23, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTS2 Comments

thanksturkey — Image: seasons.flyingdreams.org

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Enjoy your day… I’m going to try to not eat too much, take a long walk to help burn off some of what I’ve eaten and since I’m cooking… I’m going to try to relax. I should be fine unless I lose my sticky notes of what to do when, ha.

What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for many things, and try to think about all the things I’m grateful for each and every day (they say that makes you a happier person and I truly believe that to be true)! Some of the things I’m thankful for…

Fred (husband and soul mate). Charlie (dog). Family (parents, Fred’s parents, sister, brother in law and their families, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, acquaintances and the list goes on… as well as all of you who are like family to me).

Health.

My mom being ok after a cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation.

YOU. (Thanks to everyone who prayed for my mom, I am overwhelmed).

For sun on a cold day. For clouds on a hot day.

For living in a city so rich in culture.

For living in an area where I can walk most everywhere.

For walking each and every day, and for my walking buddy.

For those of you who reached out to me (thank you for sharing your experiences and your information). I am thankful that you read this blog. No kidding. I started it on a whim, and have worked hard to create a post each and every single day. I’m hoping I make it all the way to the end of the year. BIG accomplishment.I have met many cool people!

For that I am thankful…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Larry Moore!

On November 23, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

LMFourCorners500130930__130930 — "Four Corners" by Larry Moore / Image: HortonHayes.com

Larry Moore is a cool guy. I don’t know him personally. I just met him briefly, along with a lot of other people, a few weekends ago when he was in town and painting in Charleston. Larry is a joy to watch paint. Matter-of-fact we watched him paint a similar scene to this one… fabulous! After reading Larry’s blog and hearing more about him, you learn that he’s a nice guy with a great sense of humor. I happen to treasure people with a sense of humor. If you are interested in art (and I assume you are if you’re reading this blog?) you will be quite entertained by Larry’s blog. Very insightful AND entertaining. Just like his paintings. My husband and I both really enjoy his paintings. They’re loose, and they’re fresh… you know exactly what it is without having every detail displayed. If you get a chance, check out his work! In Charleston, SC his paintings can be seen at the Horton Hayes Gallery. For those of you not in Charleston, check out his website, he’s in other galleries as well AND he’s got a great website and you will love his blog!

Here’s a blip about the artist from Horton Hayes website:

Larry Moore is a painter with a message. He has committed his life to documenting the natural world. In his words:

“Today, our beautiful planet is taking a beating through overdevelopment and abuse. I try to capture the grandeur of nature. To create reminders of peace and beauty. It’s my way of making a statement against destruction.”

Larry was born in 1957 and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida. When his family first began to recognize his talent, he was a tender nine. First drawing, then painting, then surfing. At age 14, Larry had already combined his passion for nature and surfing with his gift. He began airbrushing surfboards, vans and wall murals.

Since then, Larry’s success has been rapid. The mass of awards listed below gives clear witness to his position among the country’s leading artists. Larry has been awarded the highest national and international honors. To date, over 30 pieces of art have been accepted into the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles. Recently, he was awarded the Society’s most prestigious honor, a gold award. Without pretension, Larry attributes his success to passion, hard work and problem solving; a technique he learned as an illustrator.

Since 1993, Larry has taught illustrating, drawing, creative thinking and oil and pastel workshops. In front of the classroom, he is known as an instructor, role model and mentor. Time and time again, Larry has helped promote young artists to heights they never dreamed of reaching so soon. Perhaps this ability to nurture came from the support of his family. Growing up surrounded by talent, Larry’s mother, grandmother, brother and stepmother were all artists.

Larry remembers clearly the day he discovered plein air painting. From that moment, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: Combine his experience, his passion for nature and his life-long goal of becoming a better painter. “It’s all about the learning journey.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu…

On November 22, 2011December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD10 Comments

New menu available since this post, click this orange link to see the April 2013 menu! (photo below is the older menu): BOWENS ISLAND RESTAURANT (NEW)

Menu from OCTOBER 2011 visit:

Bowens Island. Some of you have been there, many may have heard or read about it in magazines and newspapers. Great seafood! It’s not a fancy place, so don’t go expecting it to be… it’s VERY casual. Great seafood and a view that can’t be beat, bring a camera! In one of my PAST posts about Bowen’s Island I included a link to their menu. Not long after that they changed their menu and there was no longer a link… so here is a photo I took of the menu on 10/28/11 – obviously prices and menu items could change, but as of that date, this is the deal. The menu has been pretty much the same as long as I can remember. Their prices are so reasonable I don’t really pay much attention. Good food, good prices… check it out if you get a chance! It’s in Charleston, SC only five minutes from Folly Beach…

Please excuse the poor quality photo… the menu is well used and in plastic, so…. that’s as good as it gets!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Michael Chamberlain!

On November 21, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

SeaSwingsMike Chamberlain — Sea Swings – Mike Chamberlain (Image: chamberlainpaintings.blogspot.com)

The artist painted this painting from a photo taken at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. Can’t you feel the movement? It’s fabulous! I love it when an artist paints a painting that’s loose enough for your mind to create the details. This guy is good. If you’re in California, check him out… if not, he’s got a fabulous WEBSITE and BLOG! Kudos to those who can paint, keep up their website AND blog! Woohoo! I thoroughly enjoy reading an artists blog, especially when they can inject a little humor into the mix. Great job Mike!

Here’s a blip about Mike (as well as a photo) via his website… check it out! Catch you back here tomorrow!

My desire is to capture the essence of a subject while maintaining the look and feel of paint. I’m motivated by the beauty surrounding us in simple, everyday objects and scenes. I paint exclusively in oils and enjoy the challenge of working alla prima, both in the studio and outdoors, usually finishing a piece in a single session.

Though primarily self-taught, I’ve had the privilege of studying with some outstanding painters including Jim Promessi, Noah Buchanan, Randall Sexton and Timothy Horn.

Hiking on Monhegan Island, Maine…

On November 20, 2011December 21, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

100_1651 — Fred on Monhegan Island, Maine

We had set off for a magnificent hike around Monhegan Island, Maine. Between the fabulous breakfasts at the Island Inn, lunch at the Barnacle (or pizza at the Novelty), an afternoon snack and a to-die-for dinner at the Island Inn we had to walk ALOT. But walk is pretty much what you do on Monhegan. Great hiking trails everywhere, and anywhere you go you walk, so you burn some serious calories (thank god!). There are few places in the world as fabulous as this!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A window to my soul… or from the cottage in Maine.

On November 19, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL8 Comments

Those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook have seen this photo lately… This is one of my favorites. Taken from inside the neatest cottage on the planet earth. The cottage is in Port Clyde, Maine and looks out to the ocean facing Monhegan Island. This cottage is truly like a movie set. Nothing new or fancy about it, it’s been around for a long time. It’s situated so close to the ocean that during a storm it can be a tad thrilling… oooh how I’d like to be there now!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Elizabeth Pollie!

On November 18, 2011January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

I try my best to select a painting that is for sale instead of one that is already sold, but I just think this is the sweetest painting. This is done by artist Elizabeth Pollie of Harbor Springs, MI. After reading about her, and the different locations that she paints, I was so pleased to see that she paints scenes of Mackinac Island, Michigan! I had vacationed on Mackinac Island this year, and this painting is reminiscent of that trip… This looks like the horses on Mackinac Island. I love the flag in the distance, the light in the horses mane. Excellent. Not typical at all. I often wonder why there aren’t more galleries on Mackinac Island. Why aren’t there artists with easels set up everywhere like on Monhegan Island, Maine? It baffles me. I think it would be an awesome adventure (once my husband retires) to pack up, buy a place on the island and open a gallery. Invite our artist friends to paint on the island and show their work… whoa! Who could pass that up!? I love to dream!

Here’s a blip about Elizabeth from her WEBSITE:

Elizabeth Pollie’s exposure to the arts came at an early age. Taken to museums, enrolled in classes by her parents and influenced by her father’s love and practice of art and architecture, she was always clear about her path in life. “Working within the field of visual arts never seemed like a choice, but rather a place of true belonging”. She enrolled in college art classes while still in high school and went on to receive an education at a formal Art School. She earned her B.F.A. at The College For Creative Studies where she later taught.

Harboring a deep love of travel and art history, Elizabeth has combined her travels with her painting practice. The images that she creates are imbued with a sense of poetry, mood and depth.

The artist paints full time and teaches from her studio, West Wind Atelier in Harbor Springs, Mi. Her paintings reside in both public and private collections here and abroad and have received much national recognition.

Elizabeth has found a deep sense of place within the rekindled practice of representational painting in America. Of this movement Pollie reflects, “ It is celebration, an homage and in many ways a joyous homecoming. I am pleased to be a part of it.

Check out Elizabeth’s website! Catch you back here tomorrow!

I accept this award… hee hee… and I pass it on!

On November 17, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Well I had a surprise this weekend, my blog, barbarastroud, was given an award! Was I surprised? Yep! A very happy surprise! This award was passed on to me from ADesignForWife blog, which is one to check out! A great design blog, she can showcase the neatest things. The photos are to die for and give you great ideas, so give it a peak… Rules come along with this award… This may as well be an Emmie or an Oscar, ha ha…

Apparently the rules of the award are as follows:
– Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you.
– Share a couple things about yourself.
– Send it along to at least 5 other (new/newer) bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So THANK YOU ADesignForWife!

A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME…

I’m from Algonac, Michigan…

I am thrilled with cloudy/rainy weather…

I move furniture around probably too much, but love to keep changing things!

I have the best husband in the world (next year will be our 20th anniversary!) and the sweetest ~~beast~~ Jack Russell named CHARLIE.

I love to cook, bake, eat, and then stress about it and walk, walk, walk…

SOME OF MY FAVORITE (NEWER) BLOGS:

Bridget Jennings Artist – a blog that’s more than just art, this girl is hilarious. She’s got the most refreshing sense of humor, great paintings, and has recently started auctioning her paintings on DailyPaintWorks.com!

Wondering – a blog with a great perspective, intriguing photos and interesting stories. Christy is a friend who started this blog not too long ago, where she finds the time I do not know!

Cay Digests New York – an interesting blog about a girl who takes you through different restaurants in New York (and other locations as well)… this blog always makes me hungry!

Tim Horn Paint – a fabulous blog done by one talented artist. He just started it a few months ago, and it THRILLS me to see his paintings. I love it!

Baby Talk Without the Babble – written by a local woman, this is an insightful blog, and hey, you never know what she’s going to say! Fun to read even if you don’t have kids!

I have many blogs that are just fabulous that I read when I get a chance… but they’ve been at it a while, so I will mention them at a later date!

Catch you back here tomorrow!