Monhegan (Maine) Sunflower… looks almost as if it’s waving or winking at you. Don’t you just love the vibrant yellow against the greens in the leaves?
This was another photo shoot on Monhegan, Maine. I can’t stop myself from taking photos of all the beautiful flowers! Happy day!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
This is a view of the Island Inn (with the flag) in the distance as viewed from Horns Hill, Monhegan, Maine. We love Horns Hill… it’s a great place to eat an ice cream cone 😜 – the steep hills help burn a calorie or two so you don’t feel quite so guilty.
Doesn’t the Island Inn look grand in the distance? It is… Home away from home, ha ha. That may be quite a stretch, but…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Monhegan, Maine. There is nothing like taking a nice walk around the island, passing the many charming cottages and taking in a view that is out of this world. This is such a sweet cottage, one of our favorites – I love the blue door.
A perfect day on the island goes something like this… Wake up at the Island Inn, head down for coffee and chat with friends, then head to breakfast. After breakfast take a stroll around, snapping photos and then heading back to the inn. Then out for a longer stroll/hike and back in time for lunch – either in the dining room or at the Novelty or Barnacle. Time to sit a spell and stare out to sea letting your thoughts drift away.
It’s so nice to just be. Quiet. Still. No TV, no radio, no telephone (except for the occasional try with a mobile phone if necessary, usually to meet up with other friends on the island.)
Another walk/hike, get ready for dinner, head to dinner and ENJOY the best meal ever. Then sit and chat with friends, turn out the lights and head to bed.
Best time ever. ❤️
PS, I just found out that this cottage is for rent, so keep that in mind! What a treasure!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
This building is part of the Monhegan Lighthouse – The Monhegan Museum has great history on their website, check it out!
I wonder how many people have painted this scene? Many, that’s for sure! The crisp white building against the (often times) blue sky is stunning!
This is now a museum and is it ever FABULOUS! Stunning paintings from all the great artists who have painted on Monhegan, it’s so special to see their work in person. If you visit Monhegan do not miss it! Stop at the Novelty, get an ice cream cone, and then head for a walk, you might even burn off all the calories by the time you get back, ha ha.
Interested in donating a secure, tax-deductible campaign contribution to help keep this wonderful museum running? Click HERE for more info…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
I remember the first time my husband and I visited Maine. I couldn’t take enough photos of a place so beautiful. I love the rocky coast, those wonderful trees, water and islands everywhere. So beautiful. It was hard to come home after that trip. We both felt like we belonged there… we’ve always said we could live anywhere that we visit. After all, life is what you make it, right? But, Maine?? Wow. A strong pull…
Enjoy your Saturday!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Michelle Jung. Wow. Her paintings take my breath away. They are incredible. The Sea Series is powerful and masterful. The Flora Series is stunning. For instance, this impressive agave painting – the vast majority of this painting is green, no easy feat! I find this painting so interesting! I was going to show one image of each series, but just go check them out… seriously!
The light in this eucalyptus tree is so beautiful! While looking through Michelle’s Instagram images I saw an image of this painting in a frame, hanging on a wall. It gave the feeling of looking out of a window and seeing something so stunning.
Check out Michelle’s work via these links:
Read a bit about Michelle’s Flora Series – and check out her paintings… I was in a quandary as to which images to use they are all just breathtaking…
Nature is a major influence in my new series, Flora. The initial inspiration comes from my experience outdoors painting and observing beauty. Plein air painting is a tool I use to capture color and atmosphere. It is also a place for exploration and a chance for all my senses to take in information. In the studio, I utilize my experience outdoors with critical thinking to construct a composition that conveys to the viewer: sight, sound and mood.
The main purpose in this series is to compose idyllic beauty in a natural setting. I believe the landscape is at its most powerful when two energies collide; for example heaven and earth or light and dark. Using elements of nature as metaphors, I am able to explore dualism through artistic practices. In my past work, I explored how water and earth interact with one another through seascape paintings. Cropping, viewpoint and incorporating the sounds of water enhanced the experience of how land succumbs to the power of water. In this new exhibition, I continue the concept of dualistic thinking by analyzing chaos and order in woodland settings. I use intuitive reasoning and succumb to the rhythms of nature to make decisions in composition and to create harmony.
To reach a much deeper region of the conscious of the viewer, I expanded the vocabulary of my painting process through pigment manipulation. Along with brushes, I have added the palette knife and cold wax to build up paint on the canvas and enhance the surface and create another dimension of visual exploration. Also, I used a spatula and sandpaper to scrape and sand down to uncover and reveal the canvas and wood. This continual process of taking apart and reconstructing creates an abstraction of movement. It also mirrors my concept of dualistic models in art expression.
In summary, my vision in Flora is to demonstrate through the artistic process that it is our selective path in life that can bring order and peace to chaos. Most importantly, that a path of beauty is achievable if it is done with intention. ~Michelle Jung
Catch you back here tomorrow!
I usually post a house plan on Thursday, but every once in a while I’m going to start posting stunning homes that I have run across online. I will be featuring some top notch architects/designers, so be on the lookout!
Introducing, the Book House by Deforest Architects. I’m only including a few photos to taunt you, there are many on their stunning (and full of information) website! Be sure to check them out. It’s easy to get lost in their beautiful website!
The Book House was a remodel project of the entire house for two avid readers and their dogs (you’ve got to see the dogs!) – I love the modern details and the steel windows and doors. Especially nice when you have a view, and do they ever! You should see the view from the bedroom! I think that the steel windows compliment this house so nicely.
Gorgeous, right? I can picture myself on that chaise, book in hand… or on the sofa looking out at a stunning view, check it out from another view…
Yes, those “windows” are doors that open to the outside bringing the fresh air in. The back of this home is as beautiful as the front. Jaw dropping… Beautiful!
Check out links for more information from Deforest Architects, so many beautiful projects that they’ve taken on from around the country, you just have to see to believe:
A little information about The Book House:
Awarded First Place – Northwest Design Awards
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Jessica Lee Ives. I am enthralled with her paintings. They capture something very different. Many of her paintings are scenes in and around water. People swimming, wading, fishing, etc. I love the light that you see, as in the men above how you see the light through their ears like you do with the sun is just right. How cool to capture that. I love the low down vantage point – I almost feel as if I’m in the boat with them.
I was lucky enough to see this painting in person at the Lupine Gallery (Monhegan, Maine) – I LOVED IT! We always visit the gallery several times during the week and it was such fun seeing this in person. The colors are fabulous.
Check out links to Jessica’s work:
Website | Blog | Instagram | Facebook
Read a bit about Jessica, from her website:
Jessica Lee Ives (né Jessica Stammen) uses paint to explore and experience her adventure-filled relationship with the landscape of her home state of Maine and beyond. “I paint out of love — love for the world and for the human capacity to know the world through movement, recreation, and adventure. Kinesthetic intelligence and imagination are very important to me; so is the sensation of wonder. That a small movement of paint can capture a large movement of body through water, and that we can know the world’s beauty through both these actions, is astounding. It’s time we start picturing ourselves in the landscape more.”
When not in the landscape herself, or in the studio, Jessica maintains an energetic online presence through her newsletter, Instagram, and almost-weekly small work sale. She contributes to Happier Outside, The American Guide, and is editor and curator of The Maine, an online publication devoted to “an artful dialogue about the wonders of the state — and the state of wonder.”
Jessica received her B.F.A. from The Cooper Union School of Art and was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Top Ten College Women of 2003. Her work as an artist-in-residence at Ground Zero in New York City after September 11, 2001 earned her the Clark Foundation Fellowship with which she pursued her M.A. at New York University, combining work in the fields of art, religion, and public service. View Jessica’s current CV here.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
I always like to try a recipe as is the first time, then make alterations based on what we like/don’t like. This recipe was excellent as is. I lightened it up by using less oil and substituting applesauce for 1/2 the oil. (I’ve also substituted applesauce when I’m a wee bit short on bananas – I’ve made banana bread with extra banana in the past and it’s tricky getting the middle to cook, so keep that in mind… I also added walnuts – I think they add so much!
I didn’t use a mixer, so this was quick and easy to toss together and is quite excellent as a hearty breakfast with yogurt and fruit or a midday snack to get you through until dinner!
Click HERE to print this recipe – or click HERE to see original Cooking Light recipe.
This recipe is a favorite that you will likely make again and again – Recipe inspired from a recipe in Cooking Light magazine!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Paintings of Interiors are a favorite of mine. I enjoy seeing what the artist captures (and what they may leave out) – everyone is a little different, but most I’ve seen are pretty incredible. If you think about it, it’s not an easy subject. It’s something that we’re all familiar with, we know how it should look – yet these paintings don’t just show an interior space, they tell a story. A story about the people who live there, what they’re up to. In this case I would guess that these people like to cook, although the kitchen isn’t large it appears to be well equipped and ready to create a wonderful meal. There is a lot to paint and I have to say that Jimmy did it so well. Love it! Be sure to check out more paintings on Jimmy’s website…
Check out links to Jimmy’s work:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Linked In | Instagram
Read a bit about Jimmy, from his website:
I am an oil painter living on the coast of North Carolina. I paint that which has usually been overlooked by many as old, run down, or without value. Abandoned houses, old barns, rusty vehicles, and the detritus of a once thriving farming and fishing region find their way into many of my works. They tell a story of the south that I could never put into words. The rust and decay is a physical reminder of the passage of time, and speaks of those who have struggled to make a life in this part of the country.
But I have my own selfish reasons as well for painting what I do. I find a certain beauty in the peeling paint and rust of forgotten things. The light falling over these old objects and places has an intensity and sparkle that is endlessly fascinating to me. There will always be new things, but how long will I continue to be able to paint those reminders of what used to be? Both man and nature conspire against them, so I hoard their images in pads and on canvas.
All images via JimmyCraigWomble.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
On one of our venture’s downtown walking I happened upon this quote. This bench is at Colonial Lake in Charleston, SC – which underwent quite the facelift!
This quote is so true – the one’s you love are a gift far greater than anything money could possibly buy – cherish them!
I took this photo several years ago. I just love the blue in the boat, the light reflections in the water and those fabulous shadows.
Makes me smile… Happy Saturday!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Answer: This is a painting by Gene Costanza, a fabulous artist from Oregon. Gene’s work is incredible – if by chance you aren’t familiar be sure to check out his website and also read a bit about him. Fred and I met him once, here in Charleston, SC – What a nice guy!
I haven’t posted a Guess the artist in a while – this is one of our paintings, which I LOVE! Can you GUESS THE ARTIST?
I have retouched this photo on the bottom left corner to remove the artist’s signature.
Do you know the name of this artist?
Comment on my Facebook page or on this blog…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
This is the Holiday House plan (C0412) by Allison Ramsey Architect! This plan is a beauty! I have to say I love the “L” shape of the home, incorporating the terrace, pool, fire pit and outdoor kitchen, all of which just extend gracious living right outside your door! The exterior of this home is gorgeous – so much curb appeal!
Be sure to check out images of a real life home built (Houzz)… WOW! It helps to see the real thing, doesn’t it? For each of the images you will see questions that people have asked. There is a lot of great information!
This plan offers a nice, open, living/dining/kitchen area. Can you imagine working at this kitchen island with views of your beautiful terrace and pool? There is a wonderful downstairs master suite, with windows looking onto the pool area. There is also a library and reading room. Oh! Love it!
The upstairs is just perfect with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a sitting room.
All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com, used with permission…
Tom Brown. So many interesting paintings with layers of wonderful, thick paint that adds texture. The shadows and colors are wonderful. Oh, the light! Love the signature as well! Absolutely beautiful!
Be sure to check out Tom’s Daily Paintworks Gallery!
Read a bit about Tom, from his website:
ABOUT ME
I am a lifetime artist. And for many years I have been teaching my unique painting methods to other artists through sold-out workshops as well as my Videos and eBooks.
This website shows a small sampling of my paintings. You can see more of my recent work on my Daily Blog where I offer new affordable original oil paintings every day of the year.
I’m former president of the Orange Art Association, and past member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and Southern California Plein Air Painters Association. I’ve hosted a popular TV show teaching my unique method of oil painting outdoors (en plein air) and in the studio. My work has been represented through prominent galleries for more than 20 years and is in numerous corporate collections.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
ARTFOODHOME.COM 