Featured Artist: Katya Minkina!

Adopt171 by Katya Minkina SOLD 8x5
Adopt 171 by Katya Minkina  8×5″ Watercolor (Sold)

Katya Minkina. A wonderful artist with beautiful paintings. Be sure to check out her paintings of Maui as well as her figure drawings! I first ran across one of Katya’s pet paintings and let me tell you, this girl has a way of capturing the soul of the animal. It’s wonderful, be sure to check out the many other paintings!

What a sweet painting – Katya captures the eyes so well. You can feel this dogs gentle spirit. So sweet…

Adopt 216 by Katya Minkina 8×6″ Watercolor

So many wonderful paintings of Katya’s to choose from – the animals grabbed me – but be sure to check out her website! I love a dog with a scruffy look (like my dog). So much character. Beautiful!

See more of Katya’s work from these links:

Website  |  Facebook | Daily Paintworks

Read a bit about Katya, from her website:

 I fell in love with Hana, Maui at first sight and instantly knew it would nurture my artistic soul for many years to come. A slow-paced life at the backdrop of the spectacular ocean, rainforest and vast green pastures relaxes the soul and opens it up for deep breaths of inspiration.
It was not until 2015 that I really discovered this magical piece of paradise. After the first visit to Hana, the rest of the year was spent in shuttling between Seattle and Hana for gasps of fresh air and a much-needed connection with the magic ‘āina (land). I am blessed to call heavenly Hana my home now – a place of many living paintings that I can’t wait to manifest on my canvas.

My life before Hana embraced several other special places with which I will always keep a strong bond: Moscow where I was born and raised, Hyderabad (India) where I spent the early years of my adulthood, Seattle, a point of big transitions, and Hana, a place I chose with my heart.

I was born in Moscow, Russia in 1981. Growing up among my mom’s paintings, art books and inexhaustible stack of typewriter paper, I thought drawing was the most natural way of being. At the age of 7, I got enrolled into an evening art school for children where, after a regular day in my other school, I was initiated in the fundamentals of drawing, painting and composition. For the next 9 years my life revolved around methodical still life painting in class, field trips to art museums and the zoo, art history lectures and painting homework that filled my weekends and summer holidays. 
In later years after completing my studies in linguistic and foreign languages, I settled in Hyderabad, India, where for five years I taught French in an international school. Painting and drawing took a back-seat, but the longing never quite went away. In 2008, life took me to Seattle, WA and the circumstances arranged themselves perfectly for me to return to drawing and painting. I discovered life drawing at Gage Academy of Art, and the open studio provided me with a much-needed practice to reanimate and hone my drawing skills. In the course of the next few years, I stuck to the disciplined schedule of a studio monitor to be able to attend as many figure drawing sessions as I could. Slowly, drawing yielded a transition to painting.

I remain fascinated with my primary source of inspiration, which is figurative art. On occasion, I turn to still life painting for its immediate availability, challenges of composition and practice of color palette. The real challenge of the recent years has been plein air painting. Meeting and observing the work of contemporary masters of this genre at Maui Plein Air Invitational events has instilled in me a true admiration of their craft and dedication.
Painting on location in Hana is always an adventure. Juggling the ever-changing natural elements, keeping up with the changing light, trying to block out the distractions has all been a steep learning curve.  Continue reading HERE

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via katyaminkina.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

 

A Sparkly Bloom

The other day we were out on a walk, and as always I am looking for something interesting… POOF! I almost walked into a tree full of these blooms. How incredible is this? Who knows what kind of tree this is? It was full of these blooms. So pretty, and up close… WOW! It almost looks like something that lives in the sea.

Keep your eyes out for the little things in life – they are the BIG things!

Happy day! Catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Featured Artist: Janette Jones!

Red Geraniums, Sunny Window by Janette Jones  20×20″  Oil

Janette Jones. I ran across her work on Instagram. What a treat! I love the loose brush strokes. It’s fabulous that these pots have no perfect edges, it’s so much more interesting to me. She strategically places bits of light where it matters most, maximizing the WOW – be sure check out her work!

Really, is there anything happier than a beautiful geranium? I have always adored them!

See more of Janette’s work via these links:

Website  |  Instagram  |  Facebook

Read a bit about Janette, from her website:

The comments heard most often about her paintings are “they make me feel joyful”, “lift my spirits”, and “they are filled with a sense of light and lightness”. As an artist who is constantly looking for the beauty of light in every subject, this is music to her ears. As a person who is wildly optimistic about life and positive about the future, she is thrilled her paintings reflect this “joie de vivre” attitude and bring joy to her collector. Janette uses a strong sense of design, personal color mixes and an intimate point of view to create her distinct style.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via JanetteJones.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

 

Waves – Port Clyde, Maine

View from cottage in Port Clyde

Years ago we rented a cottage in Port Clyde, Maine. It was located right on the ocean – to fall asleep hearing the crashing sounds of the ocean was heavenly. Every night we had wonderful fires (magnificent stone fireplace). It was hard to leave that place! The ocean, large waves, tides and surges are all such a miracle, aren’t they?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

Blessed!

The view from the Monhegan wharf looking towards Manana Island. I remember this photo… the sun was warm, the air was perfect – it smelled… FRESH! At times it can be so quiet (when there isn’t a boat coming in/going out). My soul needs this place, even if just for a short time. How about yours? Where is your special location to visit?

A short post for today – photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

A WOW Sky

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The color of this sky was surreal! The deep blue against the terra cotta roof and the light colored chimney. The contrast caught my attention. When we’re downtown walking I keep trying to sneak in photos and keep up the pace. It’s not easy, but some things I just cannot pass by without taking a photo!

A short post for today – photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

 

Do you see what I see?

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We were walking downtown and Fred spotted this cat. Did you notice it high atop the shrubs? I walked right past it, of course it was taller than me, so that’s probably why I didn’t see it. What a life this cat has! It seems to be a people watcher, ha ha…

A short post for today – photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

 

Contemplation – Monhegan

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Oh! To be this bird, perched on this fabulous rock, soaking up the sunshine. I love the sound of the birds in the morning when we visit Monhegan. It’s fabulous how the sun sparkles on the water.

A short post for today – photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED… 

 

Fathers of all kinds…

Fred and Charlie 🐾 – April, 2010 – Folly Beach, SC

There are all kinds of fathers in the world. I want to say thank you Fred for being the best dad to Charlie, the four-legged kid, who he is carrying down the steps (above) on Charlie’s first view of the ocean (April, 2010). He loves Folly Beach, ha ha… Fred, you’re the best! ❤️🙏

Me and Dad – December, 2006 – My “better than botox” shot, hee hee

Dad, thank you for being such a wonderful influence in my life. Your curiosity and ability to learn absolutely anything has made me equally inquisitive. Your calm demeanor and sense of humor is always refreshing. I have been so blessed to have such cool parents.

PS – I heard his daughter (me!) created a website (FidlerArt.wixsite.com/arts) to showcase his newest art creations! WOW, is it fantastic! Check it out!

❤️🙏

Fred’s Dad… Carlisle, AKA “DC”

Another great dad… Fred’s dad, Carlisle. Seen above camping and having a great time! Fred and I both know how lucky we are to have grown up with such wonderful parents! ❤️🙏

Beyond blessed, wishing those of you who are a father, a wonderful Father’s Day.

To those of you who want to be, or are about to be a father – lead by example. Teach your kids to do the right thing, to be kind, and to care.

And finally, to those of you who have lost your father (or your child). 💔 My thoughts and prayers are with you on this day. It cannot be easy… know that he is always by your side offering assistance whenever you need it.

J u s t   l i s t e n .

 

 

Over the Moon

Michigan Moon Over River

Be still my heart. Look at that moon! The subtle glow reflected in the pinkish water. I tell you, when I’m in Michigan I’m constantly running outside to snap photos of basically the same location. The ways in which this one view changes makes me so happy. It goes from sun, to wicked dark & stormy skies, to pop your eyes out sunrises and sunsets and now this… moon glow!

I’m over the moon with this moon shot 😉

Catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

 

Featured Artists Kevin Beers and Amy Williams (Beers)!

Monhegan Dock Sunset by Kevin Beers 16x20 Oil

Monhegan Dock Sunset by Kevin Beers  16×20″  Oil

Amy Williams (Beers) and husband, Kevin Beers, are having a show (now – through June 26, 2017) at Legacy Properties in Damariscotta, Maine. If you’re in the area STOP BY! You won’t want to miss this show! It’s the last week of the show and you KNOW it will be good!

Many of you will recognize the painting above by Kevin. He has a way of capturing the essence of Monhegan. Every detail meticulously captured.

SPECIAL TREAT:

There is a reception at Legacy TODAY from 4-7PM – if you’re in the area, it’s the perfect time to meet the artists AND see their work! Here’s the address:

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

170 Maine Street, Damariscotta, Maine  04543

 

Also note Kevin has a show coming up in July (actually opens June 29th!) at Gleason Fine Art  in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

“The Beers show will be from June 29 through July 25, 2017.  The opening reception is Friday, July 7 from 5-7 pm.

Forsythia by Amy Williams Beers

Forsythia by Amy Williams Beers 12×12″  Oil

I love this forsythia painting of Amy’s! I remember a forsythia painting she did last year, it was different, but equally amazing… I also remember a fabulous painting of clouds – that one has stuck in my head! She has a cool perspective on things.

Read a bit about Amy, from her website (link no longer operable):

Amy Williams has drawn and painted her whole life but she began taking formal art classes at the School of the Museum of Fine Art in 2000 after moving to Boston to take a position as Trustee Professor in Computer Science and Accounting at Bentley University. Over the next few years, in addition to taking SMFA and other museum school classes, she studied with Dennis Sheehan, Diane Rath and Casey Baugh and took workshops with Charles Sovek and Colin Page. In 2009, Amy gave up tenure and negotiated a contract to work half a year for three years so she could study intensively at the Art Student’s League of NY. She studied with Nelson Shanks, Burt Silverman, Ray Kinstler, Dan Thompson, Costa Vavagiakis, and Tom Torak and was invited to be Burt Silverman’s assistant in three workshops. She also frequently went to life drawing classes at Spring Street Studio in Soho. Upon leaving Bentley in December 2012, the university gave her a solo show in the McGladrey Gallery. In January 2013 she became a full time New Yorker. accepting an offer to serve as Director of Cyber Initiatives for the NY Citizens Crime Commission while taking classes and painting when she could. For years Amy really enjoyed helping others with their cyber security issues and painting in the evenings and on weekends but it became clearer with each day that all she wanted to do was paint.  So for that reason plus a few others, in September 2014 she and her husband Kevin Beers sold their apartment in Brooklyn NY and moved to Maine. Amy and Kevin initially met in Maine and spent summers painting together on Monhegan so this move was inevitable. Today they are both currently, happily, working as fine art painters from the renovated barn attached to their beautiful old Greek Revival house in Thomaston. Continue reading HERE

Read a bit about Kevin, from the Gleason Fine Art website:

In the Fall of 2014, Kevin Beers did something he had long dreamed of doing—he packed up his Park Slope, Brooklyn, apartment and moved to Maine to become a full-time resident. Beers and his wife Amy rented the Rockland home of a Monhegan friend and spent the winter of 2014-2015 hunting for their dream house. They found it on a Thomaston side street—an antique white farmhouse with a barn big enough for two studios.

For his 2015 summer show, Beers has given the gallery not only his typical Monhegan Island  panoramas and landscapes but also a half dozen sparkling winter paintings done on site in Rockland as well as several dazzling sunset views of Pemaquid. For Beers’ many fans of his truck and car paintings, this year’s show contains a special treat—“Stars and Stripes,” a majestic rendition of a familiar Rte. 90 sight, an old truck painted with red, white, and blue stars and stripes.

In mid-July, Beers heads out to his beloved Monhegan Island once again, but come fall, instead of facing the 7-hour drive back to Brooklyn, he will step off the ferry, drive less than half an hour, and be home—Maine at last! 

Amy and Kevin are about as nice as they come and their art… well, let’s just say that you will thank me 😉

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via AmyWilliamsArt.com and gleasonfineart.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artists.

The Early Cape One House Plan by Classic Colonial Homes!

This is the Early Cape One house plan by Classic Colonial Homes! This plan is 1,800 square feet with 400 square feet of optional for a living space or small apartment above the garage. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The exterior is classic cape style, good design is forever. This view shows the front of the house and a little portion of the garage behind it. I do love when the garage is located behind the house!

The main floor has a kitchen, dining, living space with a bedroom or study and a bathroom. This plan is perfect if you want to start out using the master bedroom (upstairs) and then when stairs get difficult move to the lower level with everything near by.

I wonder if a teeny powder room could fit underneath the stairs, which would allow you to close off the bathroom door near the breezeway, possibly fitting a stackable washer/dryer  in the downstairs bathroom somewhere? Just a thought…

The upstairs space includes the master bedroom/bathroom, and nice closet space. The washer/dryer is also located upstairs. There is a smaller guest room on this same floor and another bathroom. I would definitely consider the optional space above the garage! How convenient would that be? Art studio? Guest room?

I love the look with the garage – it’s so New England! Especially with that wonderful breezeway!

All images via CCHOnline.com, used with permission…
Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Greg Barnes!

Pawley’s Creek Sunset by Greg Barnes  10×10″  Soft Pastel

What a fabulous painting – and such a cool photo! I think it’s great when you can see where an artist paints – I love how artists all interpret scenes differently, its so interesting!

Greg has a wonderful style that has some abstractness to it which makes each painting so interesting! That sky! The wonderful colors reflected into the water and then to top it off that wonderful marsh grass. This painting will not be around long!

Check out links to Greg’s work on the following links:

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM

Read a bit about Greg, from his website:

Greg Barnes got his formal training at Wake Forest University receiving a BFA in 1985. Under the instruction of many fine teachers he learned painting, printmaking, sculpture, and figure drawing.

Following college, Greg entered a career path that included technical illustration, computer graphics, computer-based training, and multimedia programming. Throughout those years, Greg always kept his brushes and charcoal close at hand.

After 911, he and his wife Janet decided to take a leap of faith, pursuing a fine art career full time. Greg quickly found portrait work, which eventually led him to pastels. A few week-long plein air workshops set him in on his current course.

Landscapes are Greg’s love. He enjoys painting on location, and as a result of working quickly, leans towards impressionism. A mix of realistic and impressionistic elements give his pieces a life of their own, while a free and creative use of color punctuates his style.

Greg currently splits his time between painting in his studio/gallery in Charlotte, NC, selling at national art shows around the country, and teaching.

All images via BarnesStudios.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!