Featured Artist: Marsha Donahue!

On June 1, 2016May 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured Artist2 Comments

Tree & Shadow by Marsha Donahue 6×6″ Oil

Meet artist Marsha Donahue! What a treat, right? If you don’t already know of Marsha’s work, be sure to check out the website. Beautiful paintings! This little painting caught my eye right away, it’s the wonderful orange undertone, especially against the darkness of the tree. WOW. Talk about dramatic. I love this! This tiny painting packs a powerful punch!

Autumn Dolby by Marsha Donahue 66×88″ Oil

The sheer talent of some people! Just look at this fabulous (large!) painting. The detail, the stillness of the water in areas, the movement of the sky, the feeling of the sun. Beautiful, just beautiful! That dead tree on the left is a favorite! Oh, how I love those trees, they’re so picturesqe! Beautiful painting. Be sure to check out Marsha’s work, I’m sure you will love it as much as I do!

Read a bit about Marsha, from her gallery’s website:

The owner and founder of North Light Gallery, Marsha Donahue has degrees in the fine arts from American University and the Maine College of Art. After many years of working in galleries both in Washington, DC and Portland, Me, she opened her own in Millinocket, ME in 2004 where she could paint the landscape she loved. She was influenced early on by Winslow Homer and painted in the Adirondacks for several years during the summers before returning to Maine in 1985. At some point John Singer Sargent’s influence took over and never quit. She also shows her work at the Gallery at Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island.

All images via ArtNorthlight.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Need a quick meal idea? Corn tortilla with chicken, salsa, and pepper jack cheese!

On May 31, 2016May 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

This is a quick meal that can be put together in no time flat. You can even cook the chicken ahead of time and just do a quick reheat.

For 5 corn tortilla’s we grilled one chicken breast and sliced it thin, (if you need it faster, using kitchen scissors cut the chicken breast into small pieces and sauté until done, if they aren’t thick, it should cook quickly). Heat the tortillas*, then top with what you like, we topped with pepper jack cheese for a little kick, some fresh salsa and I whipped up some guacamole. This was delicious!

*Heating the tortillas. I have a gas stove, so the best way (for us) has been to place a tortilla on a (clean) grate of the stove. Approximately 10 seconds, then flip, until it starts to wilt downwards, then another quick flip just for a sec (I think maybe because I like to flip?). It takes no time. I then placed it in foil to keep it warm (and wrapped in a clean kitchen towel), I heated all tortillas and then assembled.

Add what you like, doesn’t matter what it is, you could use black beans in place of chicken, etc. I buy corn tortillas with three ingredients: corn, water and lime. Nothing else. I served this with blue chips and the rest of the guacamole!

Note: I made 5 tortillas, 2 for me and 3 for Fred – it was enough with the added guacamole and chips.

Enjoy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

EMERGING ARTISTS… a few more emerging artists on this Memorial Day holiday!

On May 30, 2016May 18, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Emerging ArtistLeave a comment

Time for a few more emerging artists! Enjoy your Memorial Day! Take a moment to remember those who served their country…

ANN TRAINOR DOMINGUE

Common in Light by Ann Trainor Domingue 24x24x1.5 Acrylic

This painting caught my eye, and being Memorial Day, I thought it would be nice to include one with the American flag! I like the perspective of this paintings, it’s fresh and different. I really love the bits of light on the porch, the fabulous green in the grass (but not flat green) and the shadows of the house. Very nice!

Read a bit about Ann, from her website:

I think a little messy is healthy. Find unmanicured far more interesting. And enjoy the uncommon.

This is a funny contradiction after spending three decades in the advertising industry where messy is unacceptable and crisp clean digital design is the holy grail. Now, I bring the best of those experiences to my art where I am both an unedited storyteller and sole designer–in search of the next step of my evolution as a painter.

When creating my artworks, I begin with design–a holdover from my days in advertising. Little thumbnail drawings begin to untangle the nest of inspirations and start the process of establishing order. Subject matter and color, medium and size, paint application and story, each contribute something important in this early design process. This convergence of ideas spills out into little designs in black and white, then evolves into small color drafts, created to evaluate the possibilities for larger work.

The sketches help lay a foundation but the details are to be determined once the painting process begins. I create art that is grounded in reality while obviously playing with it–reshaping forms and reinterpreting color. Lines sometimes do the heavy lifting, and at other times its color and texture that bring the piece to life. I enjoy the painting process itself–at times scrubbing out complete paintings only to discover half way through that the scrubbing is actually helping to merge elements and improve the work. This is what I refer to as being brave–sometimes it comes easily others its a full on struggle.

My treatment of edges is key to my working style. I love coarsely painted areas that dissolve into another, and crisp edges that melt into a softened area. It keeps my eye moving around the piece and not settling in one area. This variation keeps me going till the fundamental elements feel right. No science. No measuring. No roadmap to a destination. Just a feeling that things have arrived.

TOBY TOVER

Havana Momma by Toby Tover 36×36 Mixed Media

Is this a fun painting or what? Doesn’t Havana Momma make you smile? She’s got spunk. You can tell that she’s past the point of caring what others think. I love it, her and her loud clothes. She’s happy and doing what she wants. It’s as if she’s saying “Life is short – Live it up“! (Very cool background too!)

Read a bit about Toby, from her website:

Everyday life ‘clip shots’ have held a fascination for me. Satire, humor and personal isolation are strong threads that weave themselves throughout the figurative work. The images have been processed through my own personal visual filter. I paint the genre of “human/social condition narratives” which come from my absorbing interest in movies, theater and personal or documentary photography.

Nostalgia is a component of the vintage-based work. Nostalgia in Greek literally means “the pain from an old wound”. It’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. I paint what I feel: you do not have to feel as I do..that you get some emotional reaction from what I create is all that matters… whether it be laughter or a knowing connectedness.

The Divas, painted in acrylic, have one characteristic in common–they all are women with attitude. Displaying a fierce boldness with an undercurrent of intrigue that often turns introspective, they cannot be overlooked, or ignored. The Divas are in our face and we, as viewers have to confront them. Once seen, these images are hard to forget, perpetuating the ultimate diva feminine mystique. I try to capture my subjects in a moment to ensure that this moment will become timeless.

All images via the artist’s websites – images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artists.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dramatic Shadows!

On May 29, 2016May 23, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is one eye-catching geranium in it’s hot coral splendor! Just look at the dramatic shadow. I have a thing with shadows, they always catch my eye, it’s like a work of art!

Have a wonderful Sunday and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy Day!

On May 28, 2016May 28, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Do you know how to keep cut lily’s fresh for a longer period of time? It’s easy!

I will often buy these at the grocery store just because they smell amazing – they’re beautiful to look at too! I usually buy them closed (and not open as you see here), it doesn’t take them long to open (especially here in Charleston)! Once you get them home, be sure to give them a fresh cut, at an angle, under running, cool water. Then snip the pollen off of the stamens. The central pistil (dark “thing” in the center, is surrounded by pistils that have a rust colored pollen attached. Simply snip the pollen off, leaving the rest of the stamen. (As shown). Now the pollen won’t land on the petals (or furniture!), which means the bloom will be beautiful!

Cut lily’s do best OUT OF THE SUN, they like it nice and cool!

A fresh flower = a Happy Day! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Guess the Artist: Painting by Carol Marine!

On May 27, 2016July 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Guess the Artist3 Comments

Inn painting by Carol Marine 6×6″ Oil

*UPDATE: Susan Graeber and Bridget Jennings correctly guessed artist CAROL MARINE!

Good job ladies – kudos to your sharp eye!

Stay tuned for the next GUEST THE ARTIST (next Friday), in the meantime have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Over the next few weeks (until I run out of paintings), I am posting one of our paintings and then seeing who can GUESS THE ARTIST. I have retouched this photo on the bottom right corner to remove the artists signature.

Do you know the name of this artist?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: The Eden plan by Allison Ramsey!

On May 26, 2016May 24, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House Plans2 Comments

This is the Eden house plan (C0231) by architect Allison Ramsey, (be sure to check out the real images of the interior)! Allison’s homes have such presence. They’re solid, beautiful and they look like they’ve been here for quite a while because they have charm. Charm and character is so important. There are many variations of this plan. I loved each one, so I decided to feature the original and let you check out the variations!

There is a small porch on the front of this house, which is so nice, then you step into the house and LOOK AT THAT ENTRY! You see straight through to the screen porch. What a magnificent view! I would put a wide door with mostly glass, like one from a cottage that we rented in Maine. It was magnificent and can really make a house! We would probably use that front Bedroom (2) as a study. The layout of this plan is so nice – and that screen porch… owie! Love it!

The upstairs has two additional bedrooms. I think I would use one for a guest room and one for storage, so I would only have one bathroom upstairs. What would you do?

Be sure to check out the website, it has been updated with many new plans and a new layout that is easy-breezy to view. So nice!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Linda Baker!

On May 25, 2016May 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured Artist2 Comments

Afternoon Breeze by Linda Baker 20×20 Watercolor

American Watercolor Society – Award, Watercolor West – Award

Linda Daly Baker. If you aren’t familiar with her yet, you will be. She is an amazing watercolorist. Her paintings standout, the level of detail, the perfection, the wonderful feelings they hold. I urge you to check out Linda’s website, it’s a treat!

I am featuring two of Linda’s paintings, each is unique, but both have captivating light and detail. The colors are wonderful! I watched Linda’s video on Sketching, and she is so right when she says that if you don’t like your sketch, you won’t like your painting… it’s the simple truth. I know I need to sketch much more! Afternoon Breeze (above) is from such a cool vantage point! I love this perspective, it’s one that is for those who truly can sketch well!

Pins and Strings by Linda Baker 34×30″ Watercolor

AWS – American Watercolor Society, Shenzhen Biennial – Shenzhen, China

What a fabulous painting. It seems the string and it’s shadow are the stars of this show. I love the piece of furniture and the way the light hits creating a multitude of colors. I have always loved watercolor paintings, there is something about them that can be so magical!

Have you thought about taking a watercolor workshop? Well, are you ever in luck! Check out Linda’s WORKSHOP SCHEDULE! Also be sure to check out Linda’s VIDEOS (and DVD’s too!). I can tell that she would be wonderful to take a workshop from. Nice lady!

Read a bit about Linda, from her website:

Capturing the extraordinary light that transforms a subject almost to abstraction is a main objective in creating my watercolors. My love of white and the soft nuances of gray along wight he richness of earth tones make up my subtle palette, says artist Linda Baker. As a full time artist, she creates originals, reproduces a line of giclees and has two instructional video available through Creative Catalyst Productions, along with jurying and teaching workshops both nationally and internationally. Read more HERE…

…All images via LindaDalyBaker.com, used with permission

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Marine City Fish Company – Michigan!

On May 24, 2016May 19, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, Michigan, PhotographLeave a comment

Bell’s Battered Fish & Chips – Marine City Fish Company, Marine City, MI

Last time I went to Michigan to visit family, we stopped at a favorite place for dinner. Marine City Fish Company. They have fresh seafood from the nearby lakes (wallet, perch, whitefish, salmon) and they have “Oceanside Seafood”. Normally I pick the local variety, but this flash fried, beer battered, Icelandic cod sure did sound good. The hand cut shoestring fries were amazing, and I’m not a big french fry eater… the homemade tartar sauce was impeccable. The carrots tasty, as was a good-size garden salad. Very good! Of course I had to get the photo shoot in prior to taking a bite, I’m just glad I remembered! Check out their menu! I love menus, ha ha!

This photo is from a previous visit, this is the Cedar Planked White Fish with homemade chips. Wow! Wow! Wow! This actually won a photo contest years ago (thank you Jericho)! It’s as beautiful as it was delicious!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Carol Fortunato!

On May 23, 2016May 23, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Field at Richville and River by Carol Fortunato 9×12 Oil

Carol Fortunato. Her work is outstanding, and I’m only showing you two examples! What a great painting of a field! The distance can be felt without a doubt. What a wonderful place, just look at those trees! This is somewhere I would like to be. It looks nice and quiet!

Red Snapper and Lemons by Carol Fortunato 14×18 Oil

This is one of my favorite’s of Carol’s – although, once you start perusing through her paintings it’s difficult not to say that about way more than one! I think the color harmony is nice. The lemons are fresh and that glass pitcher… wow!

Read a bit about Carol, from her website:

After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York with a degree in illustration, Carol continued her studies at the Art Students League with teachers David Leffel and Greg kreutz, under whose tutelage she discovered an interest in chiaroscuro painting. Immersing herself in the art of the past, she was moved by the Barbizon painters whose rich atmospheric work led her to continue her studies at the Ridgewood Art Institute under master landscape painter, John Osborne.

Today, inspired by the simple beauty of the smaller works of Chardin, she strives to create lush still lifes that capture the quiet beauty and rhythms that she sees in the shapes of nature. And while Carol enjoys the solitude of her studio, her favorite time is spent painting landscapes on location where, at the best of times, she can lose herself and feel at one with her subject; when she can winnow down the light, shapes, color harmonies, atmospheric effects, and energy of a subject into its most truthful essence, simply and directly, it is a very good day.

Ms. Fortunato divides her time between her studio in Montclair, New Jersey and plein air painting in Dorset, Vermont and its surrounding area. In 2013, she spent the summer in England, with her tirelessly supportive husband, painting the Cotswolds and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Her work can be found in collections nationally as well as the UK. Her still lifes with a focus on the edible are appreciated in the culinary arts world where she was invited to have solo shows in the renowned James Beard House and French Culinary Institute. She is represented in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. by Christina Gallery and exclusively in Southern Vermont at the Three Pears Gallery in Dorset. Read more HERE…

All images via FortunatoStudio.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

St. Johns Marsh as Seen Through the Car Window…

On May 22, 2016May 19, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph2 Comments

St. Johns Marsh as seen through the car window – Clay Township/Algonac, MI. Many times when I see a photo and grab for my phone there just isn’t time to get the window down as well. So… that weird reflection in the middle isn’t something in the marsh. Look at this sky. Those peeks of bright cobalt blue underneath the whites and grays of the clouds.

Read more about St. Johns Marsh via this link: bluewaysofstclair.org

Catch you back tomorrow!

Simple beauty.

On May 21, 2016May 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, PhotographLeave a comment

I love the simple things in life. A smile, a beautiful flower, dew on a leaf in early morning. As we go through life we all encounter difficult times, happy times and times that we just go through the motions from day to day. Make a point to stop and “smell the roses”, notice the little things to be grateful for, it will make you smile, and when you smile, others will too!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Guess the artist: Late Afternoon, Monhegan Island by Don Stone!

On May 20, 2016July 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Guess the ArtistLeave a comment

Update 9AM!

We have a winner! Susan Graeber guessed Don Stone – Woot! Woot! Confetti drops from the sky! Good job Susan.

Don’s paintings are amazing – just look at the light – and that water!! Don was a mentor to many, and a first class guy! The art community (among others) miss his presence!

Do you know the name of this artist?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: 102 Henderson Road by Our Town Plans!

On May 19, 2016May 5, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House Plans1 Comment

House Plan: 102 Henderson Road by Our Town Plans. We all know that Our Town Plans has gorgeous large home plans, but they also have fabulous cottage plans and even smaller house plans. 102 Henderson Road is 536 square feet, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. I love the rustic look of it. This plan is as sweet as it can be with a wonderful screened porch (which adds to your living area!) and a small back porch and entrance.

Compact? Yes, but for those of you who are looking for small, and for first time home buyers who don’t need a large home yet, how perfect is this? Be sure to check out their website, they have plans for all sizes and styles. Gorgeous!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Felicia Forte!

On May 18, 2016May 18, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Hamtramck Year One- Portrait of Matt by Felicia Forte 12×16 Oil

Featured Artist: Felicia Forte – check out these two wonderful paintings. Wow, Wow, Wow!

Felicia Forte. I ran across Felicia’s work and it really caught my attention! There is something different about it. It’s got pizazz! She catches the subtle nuances that really make the painting stand out. Like the streak of light paint on the left lens of Matt’s glasses, you can see dimension. So much of this painting is realistic and incredible, the hair and shadows on his face are wonderful. The combination of that wonderful, funky blue and the loose background makes this painting a WOW to me.

In the Interim- Time Machine by Felicia Forte 20×24″ Oil

The freezer. Who paints a freezer with much success? The way that Felicia has that jaw dropping lavender, along with the bits of yellow and that AH-MAZING light in the back of the freezer. Good grief. Who would think a freezer painting could be so awesome? Be sure to check out Felicia’s work – it’s different. I love it!

Read a bit about Felicia, from her website:

Felicia Forte is a representational oil painter based in Detroit, Michigan. Felicia is a sought after instructor of drawing and painting who has taught at various institutions including The de Young Museum of Fine Art, The Walt Disney Family Museum. In December, 2013 she was awarded a month-long residency at The de Young Museum of Fine Art in San Francisco. In 2014 she participated as faculty at the Plein Air Convention and Expo in Monterey, California. In 2015 and 2016 Felica’s Self Portrait will exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in London for The BP Portrait Award. Felicia maintains a studio in Hamtramck where she works on commissioned portraiture, gallery work, and offers instruction in drawing and painting to private students. She was born in Los Angeles, California in 1979. Read more HERE…

All images via FeliciaForte.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!