Featured Artist: Karen Blackwood (& UPCOMING WORKSHOP)!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Closed For Winter by Karen Blackwood

Closed for Winter by Karen Blackwood 24×30″  Oil (Available at Haynes Galleries)

Karen Blackwood has wonderful work. This winter scene has such a wonderful feel to it. The subtle colors, the shapes of the trees, the grasses that break up the snow – nice!

Are you interested in taking a workshop with Karen? She has a one day workshop with a few openings… next month! Karen would be a great artist to take a workshop from, especially if you are interested in seascapes!

Karen Blackwood Workshop

Sounds like a fabulous workshop, doesn’t it? Contact Karen if interested!

Sun and Surf by Karen Blackwood

Sun and Surf by Karen Blackwood  18×36″  Oil (Available at Trees Place Gallery)

Karen’s seascapes are well known, they have such lively movement, fabulous colors, light and those waves! Wow!

Read a bit about Karen, from her website:

Karen Blackwood was born in N.H. and received her BA in the Studio Art program at the University of N.H. studying under Conley Harris and Sigmund Abeles, with continued studies at the  Art Students League in N.Y. and the Institute of Art in CA. After spending the earlier part of her professional life as an Art Director for a major New York City ad Agency, she moved to California, picked up her brushes and dedicated herself to painting. Trained in the classical tradition, Karen painted portraits and figurative work before focusing on landscapes. As a member of the California Art Club, Karen’s new passion for landscapes bloomed among a group of plein-air painters inspired by the rich tradition in California Impressionism. The clubs renowned members include Granville Redmond and Edgar Payne. They, as well as American Masters like John Singer Sargent, James Abbott McNeil Whistler, Winslow Homer and the Hudson River School Artists are influential to Karen.

Like the California Impressionists, Karen feels light is a defining factor, and it is the atmospheric quality of the light that she captures in her paintings. Her work is a desire to convey an emotional response to the landscape and to attain that perfect state of being that sometimes comes from painting it. Now living in Newburyport, Massachusetts, the coastal scenery is providing her with endless inspiration for her marine work, garnering her an award as a Finalist in the International Artist Magazine Competition, Honorable Mention in a recent OPA online showcase and numerous selections as the Favorite Top 15% in the Bold Brush Competitions. Read more HERE…

All images via KarenBlackwoodFineArt.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Recipe: Ham & Cheese Noodle Casserole – The ultimate in comfort food!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, THOUGHTS5 Comments

Ham & Cheese Casserole

A friend sent me this recipe. Oh. My. Word! I changed up only a few things, I used less butter, substituted low-fat sour cream, used a little more cheese, and a wonderful noodle I found, I also thinned with milk because Fred likes a thinner sauce – I included the original recipe, and then my version below. This casserole is comfort food at its very finest. There are no cream soups with unknown ingredients, good ingredients = a healthier meal for sure!

You can make this as healthy as you like. Less cheese, no problem, I think I’m going to try using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. One day. So afraid to mess it up. But I have substituted Greek yogurt in recipes in the past with good results. I will update this post if I do!

Click to print (both) the recipes (minus all my words)!

The original recipe (from a friend, thank you Heather Locke!!):

HAM & CHEESE NOODLE CASSEROLE

4 Tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped fine

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked ham

Salt

½ pound noodles, ¼ inch wide, cooked.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 2 quart casserole dish. Melt the butter in a skillet and cook onion over medium heat until soft.

In a small bowl: Mix the eggs and sour cream together, then add onion, cheese and ham. Add salt to taste. Put the noodles in the casserole dish, then add the sauce and toss gently. Bake for 45 minutes or until a straw inserted in the middle comes out clean.

_________________________________________________________

My variation (was more clear to re-write, even though there are only a few changes)

1-2 Tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup low fat sour cream

~1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

1 ½ cups cooked finely chopped ham

8 oz (½#) egg noodles (I used Amish Country), cooked and drained

Milk to your taste – I thinned it a bit using probably ⅓ – ½ cup 2% milk.

Follow above directions, I also topped mine with a little cheese. I baked it covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 15.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Lea Colie Wight!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Third Floor Light by Lea Wight

Third Floor Light by Lea Colie Wight  22×22″  Oil
Available at New Masters Gallery in Carmel, CA

I absolutely love Lea’s paintings! I was thrilled when I ran across her work! Lea is very versatile in the subjects she paints. Her interiors are full of life, you can find yourself imagining being in the space that she paints. Her portrait skills are over the top, not only capturing what the person looks like, but their entire “vibe”.

I love the painted floor in “Third Floor Light”. Also the brightness as if sun is streaming in, making those painted wood floors shine. The subtle shadows and light. Love this!

Lauren by Lea Wight

Lauren by Lea Wight  48×28″  Oil | Available at Haynes Galleries – Tennessee

Talk about fabulous. Lea can paint people in the most spectacular way. It’s no surprise she has won Honor Awards (see more below)… You’ve got to check out her website… and her self portraits – WOW!

In the painting above, Lauren looks as if she could get up from her chair and walk right out of the painting WITHOUT it looking too realistic. Perfection!

Lea has a few BOOKS available, I bet they are fabulous!

Read a bit about Lea, from her website:

Lea Colie Wight was born in Philadelphia, Pa in 1951.  She earned a BFA from The Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1974.  In 2003 Lea discovered Studio Incamminati, an intensive Atelier founded in Philadelphia by renowned artist Nelson Shanks and entered as a student.  After completing her studies Lea was invited to join the teaching staff rising to become one of the lead teachers at that school.  Lea periodically served as teaching assistant to Nelson Shanks at The Art Students League in New York and has served as lead instructor for various Studio Incamminati workshops as well as her own workshops.  She has been awarded an Honor Award at the Portrait Society of America’s national competition in 2009 and in 2010 as well as a Certificate of Excellence in 2011. Her work has been featured in numerous publications. 

Lea maintains a studio in Manasquan, New Jersey as well as in Philadelphia.

All images via LeaWight.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A heartfelt thought on this winter day…

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph1 Comment

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This bird is happy and free… the light from the sun is magnificent, leading you to another place and time.

This post is in honor of Randy Locke, a wonderful man who is loved by many.

I wish I had the opportunity to know him.

Godspeed. ❤️

Thinking of his family and friends, may they always feel Randy’s presence in their lives. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Have a peaceful weekend…

Calling all artists – Zimmie’s Artist Residence – Week Rental – Monhegan, Maine!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, MichiganLeave a comment

Zimmies Artist Residence- Island Inn

Image via Island Inn website

New… this year! Zimmie’s Artist Residence – The Island Inn’s home for working artists and students. How wonderful is that? Zimmie’s is in such a great location, close to the wharf, Island Inn, Novelty, Black Duck, hiking trails, etc.

Zimmies front Island Inn

Image via Island Inn website

Here’s a bit from the Island Inn website:

Named after Zimmie Brackett, a true Monhegan original, we’re thrilled to be able to offer this iconic space to artists as a place to live and create art together.  Zimmie was a bon vivant, a legendary host, dancer and fun-meister.  He made The Island Inn’s newest addition his home for over 40 years.

Zimmie’s is a 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, foursquare farmhouse located in the center of town, adjacent to Pierce Cottage, with views of the meadow and the historic Monhegan Lighthouse. The colorful gardens and clothesline have been favorites of visual artists for a decade…both are staying!

One of the nice parts of this is that you have your own space. Whether you rent one room or all three. I know most artists like to get up and get out and paint. This place to stay gives you that opportunity. There is a kitchen that is well-stocked with the basics, so you can put on a pot of coffee, grab a snack and head out.

Zimmie’s is a weekly rental. Arrivals and departures are on Saturdays – so see if you can plan your trip accordingly. Prices are wonderful. It’s so nice to have your own space. Zimmie’s is located right in the heart of things, right next to the Pierce Cottage. Be sure to check out the Island Inn’s website for more details, or call (207-596-0371) with any questions or if you would like to make a reservation! If you get a few more people who you plan to come to the island with, rent the entire house (all three bedrooms). What fun! Meals are not included, but hey, you can always whip up a little something yourself, or get something out! Options… lots of them! Be sure to check out the photos.. if you’ve been to Monhegan before you will recognize this house right away!

A little more from the Island Inn website:

This is a bright and spacious historic building built in 1922. A long time year-round residence, Zimmie’s has high ceilings, oversized windows, hardwood floors, original wood trim and doors, built-ins, and a one-of-a-kind shower tiled with pottery pieces and Monhegan sea glass. Common spaces include a kitchen well-stocked with cooking essentials, a dining room and ample common space to work, relax and learn together. The cottage has two full baths. The beautiful three-season porch overlooking the meadow is perfect for lessons, critiques, rainy day painting or just enjoying a Monhegan sunrise with a mug of fresh-brewed coffee.

Zimmies_BarbaraStroud-1024x768

You may recognize this wonderful clothesline – My photo

I’m happy to know that the flowers and the clothesline are staying! Every year I have wonderful photos from this very spot!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: The Vannoy by Allison Ramsey Architects!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

The Vannoy | Allison Ramsey Architects

The Vannoy Plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects

This is the Vannoy plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects – this plan is 3,539 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. If you have a big family and need a house with room, this is a great plan! The Vannoy plan is a beauty with ample porches, spacious rooms, a center hallway, wonderful closets, and a master bedroom downstairs. The exterior of this home is so sharp!

The Vannoy | Allison Ramsey Architects

The Vannoy Plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects

I like the large kitchen area with a wonderful island. It’s amazing how whenever you have people over, everyone ends up in the kitchen, no matter how small it is. Kitchens are wonderful, and worth making just right! With a powder room located off the foyer of the long hallway that leads to the great room, this plan has a great layout…

The Vannoy | Allison Ramsey Architects

The Vannoy Plan (NC0032) by Allison Ramsey Architects

A large upstairs with four bedrooms, a sitting area and a bathroom, that was smartly designed so if someone just needs to brush their teeth, they can do so and not disturb the person in the bathroom. Those spaces are separate. LOVE the sitting area! It becomes another area for TV, office, exercise, etc.

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: Nancy Romanovsky!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Artist to WatchLeave a comment

Winter Shadows by Nancy Romanovsky

Winter Shadows by Nancy Romanovsky  9×12″  Oil

Nancy Romanovsky. Wonderful work. I think it’s so interesting how each artist interprets snow. Each a bit different. I love the colors in this painting, the shadows, the dark trunks and the light on the tree trunks. Wow. Just beautiful! Nancy’s paintings are wonderful – check her out!

Check out the EVENTS on Nancy’s website, there is an event going on now at the Scottsdale Art School – this show runs through February 27th, so if you’re in the Scottsdale, AZ area, check it out!

Event Dates: 1/8/2016 – 2/27/2016
Reception: 1/8/2016  4-7 PM
Location: Scottsdale Artist School
Phone Number: 480-990-1422
Address:
3720 North Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Website: http://scottsdaleartschool.org/

She also has an event coming up in March/April – Note the date of the reception… It’s no April Fool’s ;)

Event Dates: 3/25/2016 – 4/28/2016
Reception: 4/1/2016  6-9 PM
Location: The Olney Gallery at Trinity Cathedral
Phone Number: 623-826-9912
Address:
100 W. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: http://trinitycathedral.com/?page_id=203

Read a bit about Nancy, from her website:

Nancy, a native Arizonan, began oil painting at a very young age. She studied art at Arizona State University and privately with several artists and at the Scottsdale Artists’ School. In 2012, Nancy left her career in graphic design and marketing to pursue painting full time.

Her paintings are held in corporate and private collections in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Hungary, and Italy. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America and Women Artists of the West. 

Artist Statement

I discovered my passion for painting at a very young age. I love the process of starting with nothing and creating something uniquely beautiful and honest. I paint landscapes and explore the quiet essence of being in nature. Aspens are a key element in this theme of dappled light and abstract shapes of reflective color. The groves capture individual differences of each tree while depicting the stand as a cohesive colony, as a brotherhood. My chosen medium is oil, with variety of brushwork, thick and thin, loose and detailed. It gives me the opportunity to portray the breadth and scale of nature. My love of hiking fills me with constant ideas for visual nourishment of paintings yet to come.

Thank you Nancy for submitting your website – I have so enjoyed featuring your work!!

All images via NancyRomanovsky.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Moving paintings around – like a room makeover!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

GALLERY WALL

It’s easy to keep everything where it’s at. You know, furniture, lamps, paintings – I simply cannot do that. Since I was a kid, I would work hard at changing my room around. Often. I loved moving furniture and creating a completely different looking space. It’s so rewarding. I know we aren’t all wired that way.

Too much moving can be a bad thing I suppose. Like the time my sister and I thought we could bring the love seat from the living room (like it wouldn’t be missed), up the stairs (very old house) to my room. It got stuck in the staircase. I don’t think my dad was too happy about that. (Thanks Dad :) ) but aside from your furniture getting stuck somewhere I can’t see a downfall. We have been known to change entire rooms. Living room one day… Dining room the next.

I have even changed a few kitchen cabinets around. Hmmm, I don’t totally recommend that. For years you will go to the wrong cabinet out of habit, ha ha… I say it’s good for the old brain, ha!

This is our gallery wall (click that link to see previous post regarding). This is a big wall that is difficult to make right with just a few paintings. It needs a statement. So a gallery wall solved that. Then all that gold started to get to us. So we made some changes. Exchanged some for floater frames, and took some out of the frames. They look fabulous! Now our gallery wall is in a different room.

Painting by Carol Bass

This painting is by Carol Bass. She’s a great person as well as a stunning abstract artist. We feel very fortunate to have one of her paintings. The frame on this painting is even beautiful with pegs (not nails)! Hand made by her husband (also a super nice guy).

The chair on the right had a striped slipcover, that didn’t work with this painting, so we had a white duck cloth slipcover made for it. Love it! Need a white/off white pillow to tie in the other chair that is the ultimate in comfort! A modern chair near a cool abstract painting… love it! Do you move furniture around, or are you one that believes it should stay put?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Paintings on gallery wall (top photo):

ARTISTS: (FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT): DAN COREY, ALISON HILL, DAN COREY (MIDDLE ROW): TIM BELL, TIM BELL, ROBERT ABELE, TIM BELL, TIM BELL, (BOTTOM ROW) BJORN RUNQUIST, DAVID KASMAN

Emerging Artists!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Emerging ArtistLeave a comment

ArtFoodHome.com | barbara stroud

Several times a year I like to post entries from Emerging Artists who have submitted their work to me. Check them out!

Take a minute to check out their websites and read a bit about them. If I didn’t post the entire bio/artist’s statement I provided a link so you could continue reading.

Thank you all for submitting your websites!

JULIA LAWING

Winter Folly by Julia Lawing 30x24" Oil

Winter Folly by Julia Lawing  30×24″  Oil

Julia Lawing  (JuliaLawing.com), Julia has a nice website and some nice paintings, nice shadows in this one above!… Check out her website!

Read a bit about Julia, from her website, to read in entirety, visit website!

Julia Chandler Lawing resides in Concord, North Carolina, with her husband Bruce and their four daughters. Born in Atlanta, her family relocated to St. Simons Island, Georgia, when she was 12. The beauty of the Golden Isles’ mossy oaks, tides and marshes, wildlife and coastline continues to influence her art today. Julia graduated from the journalism school at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, advertising sequence, with a concentration in drawing.

Post college, Julia experimented with various mediums including stained glass, ceramics, watercolor and photography. Past work experience includes undergraduate admissions recruiter at the Savannah College of Art and Design, advertising copywriter at The Charlotte Observer, grammar school art teacher, and volunteer docent at the Cabarrus Arts Council… (more)

GREG MARQUEZ

One Buffalo by Greg Marquez 24x36 Acrylic

One Buffalo by Greg Marquez  24×36″  Acrylic

Greg Marquez (Artquez.com), Greg has watercolor, acrylic and sculpture. Talk about well rounded! A very cool buffalo indeed! Also be sure to check out Greg’s blog while you’re on his website!

Greg Marquez is a native of Colorado and grew up in that mythical place called The West. Having spent most of his life exploring the western United States by foot, horse, bicycle and  car he finds that his artwork is imbued with the color and light so unique to this part of the world. Primarily thought of as a Watercolorist, Mr. Marquez also paints with Acrylics on canvas and is an accomplished sculptor. 

His work has been included in many prominent shows and has won accolades and awards. Mr. Marquez has also been awarded two commissions for Veneco Oil in Denver. The first was assigned based on the quality of his paintings on canvas and illustrates on two large, 5×9′, canvasses the natural life above and below an oil-rig near Santa Barbara, California.  The other commission was seated on a large, 4×8′  panel and details some of the wildlife found in the Sacramento Basin area by smaller panels affixed to the larger piece which in turn shows a landscape typical of the area.
Mr. Marquez also teaches painting and drawing and has volunteered many hours in the Denver Public Schools.
Most recently Greg Marquez was invited to participate in the Biennial of the Americas in Denver, CO.

YISRA PREVAIL

Broken Angel by Yisra Prevail 36x24" Acrylic

Broken Angel by Yisra Prevail  36×24″ Acrylic

Yisra Prevail (YisraPrevail.com), her paintings show strength. She has quite a story, be sure to read about her (and click the link to finish reading) and check out her website!

A childhood spent in civil-war torn Guatemala , … subsequently well-travelled, … a relatively new immigrant to Canada, … Prevail wishes to identify her present-day self through a spontaneous exercise/exorcism of paint to canvas. Early Canadian career-achievements in fashion illustration / design / modeling, and public relations eventually led Prevail to a wish for a more personal freedom of purpose—finally to emerge herself in a fine arts studio practice—to paint independently.

Glancing at Prevail’s Alfa series there can be no avoidance of an art historical reference … a flashback in time and place to modern, 1911-13, Germany,—consider an emerging ‘Expressionist’ movement struggling with the critical acceptance of the bridge between representational and non-objective imagery – the beginnings of communication of emotion through the purely ‘visual’ elements of colour and form in painting (witness: Jugendstil, Der Blaue Reiter group, … ).  

Artists are always limited in their choice of influences by taste and tenor of their own time. Where first generation Expressionists explored the metaphysical through orchestrated and articulate critical debate, art theory publication, artist associations, and theme-oriented group exhibitions, … ‘this’ generation expressionist Prevail has chosen to embark upon a personal, contemplative path (stream of consciousness) hoping —paint to canvas—to whisper —an essence of the divine power of creation— “a universal beauty held in heart, soul and spirit”. (…finish reading...)

All images via artist’s websites, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Valentine’s Day…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

IMG_5262

Happy Valentine’s Day to each and every one of you!

What do you normally do on Valentine’s Day? Go to a nice restaurant? Stay in and make a nice dinner? Read a good book? Do nothing special?

There are a lot of nice restaurants to visit in Charleston, that’s for sure! This weekend is also SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Expo) – so the city will be crazy busy.

I think we’ll find something nice to make ourselves… or maybe something from Goat Sheep Cow? Enjoy your day!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Larry Seiler!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

View from Sunset Point - Marquette, MI by Larry Seiler 8x8%22 Oil

View from Sunset Point – Marquette, MI by Larry Seiler  8×8″ Oil

Larry Seiler. A fabulous and versatile artist. This is a great little painting, those clouds are moody and wonderful! I love everything about it. This is a painting that would look great in a floater frame. I’m big on those right now!

I love how Larry adds a little info about the painting! Larry’s words:

Every year requires my wife and I to visit Presque Isle park of Marquette, MI…not far from our cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The bluffs and rocks are most inviting to spend time on, and the mood of Lake Superior is ever changing.

This is a most popular location for photographers to settle in for the end of day, witnessing often the most spectacular sunsets, and thus…its name. 

Walden Road In-Country by Larry Seiler

Walden Road In-Country by Larry Seiler  8×10  Oil

This is one fabulous winter scene. Look at the wonderful colors in the snow, the trees (love!) and the trees in the distance, top that off with those wonderful clouds and you have one heck of a painting – I love Larry’s description:

Familiar ground for my son and I, we made a day wanting to backpack in…see where deer travel was, other sign of wildlife, and I hoped to catch a good spot to set up and paint.  Was a lovely day…but neglected to bring my snowshoes.  Had nearly a mile of knee deep snow breaking trail.  This is looking back at trails we made walking in…and a lovely sun-filled day.

Larry has many DEMOS on his website and they are FABULOUS! He shows step by step and explains what he is doing. I could watch these all day! I love his process! How generous to share his information – THANK YOU LARRY! Be sure to check out Larry’s book and DVD’s – in addition to painting, Larry is also a musician! Check him out!

Read a bit about Larry from his website, and more from his blog:

Enculturation imbued with print media & tv means we live in a 2nd reality, one the lens sees. Lifeless shadows, static detail rank accurate to life. My renaissance from 20 years in studio came after taking my paints outdoors. Several things happened- I saw color as only an artist can see, (painting being the deeper way of seeing); I was overwhelmed with all to be worked out in short order; thirdly, that taunt of a feeling I knew nothing of painting! Such would send many back to the pretense of the familiar, but I’m not good hiding from myself that which I’m not able to succeed. By right…I should be able to paint outdoors, and was going to do this were it to kill me. Kill me it did! So complete was that death, I could no longer aspire to paint as artists I had admired. Their works now lifeless, labored, detailed, realistic, yes…but no sense of REAL’ness. I wish I had started nature’s schooling much younger, but lives are like books. Not one chapter stuck to one narrative. Life can be filled with many chapters. It can have interesting twists and new directions, and I say go for it! *See my book on landscape painting, and new DVDs available thru “Books & Videos” at larryseiler.com

All images via LarrySeiler.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Outbuilding Plan: Meet the Studio Shed – a Design Star!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, OutbuildingsLeave a comment

Studio-Shed.com | Signature Series

Studio Shed. I have seen ads for these “sheds” popping up more and more and I’m telling you, THIS is where it’s at! Who doesn’t need a backyard structure to use for work, studio, guest space or a multitude of other uses? It doesn’t seem like there is a limit to the options that are available. I spent time today looking at the Signature Series. Wow. There is also the Summit Series, Studio Mini, Studio Sprout and Studio Wag series. All are great!

You can design your own unit specific to all your needs and wants. Using the CONFIGURATOR you have options, size, siding choice, colors, configuration of doors/windows – and let me tell you, there are so many wonderful choices. I designed one and had a blast doing it. I really got into it thinking about how I would use it, what fun! I configured one, but then noticed I could scroll down for even more options – WHOA! Back I went… All you have to do is enter your name, email, and zip code so that they can give you pricing.

This is the one that I saw a photo of and whoa! This would be my choice! What sharp design. Nothing cheap about this. Built to last!

Image via Studio-Shed.com

Studio Shed has a great short video (Located at the bottom of their Home page) that shows the interior of some and how people are using them. Brilliant. Sharp. This is a unit that will most definitely make you smile. At this point I would love to tear down our garage, and put one of these in its place!

I was looking at the Signature Series – check out that link for more details. They build these in Colorado with the highest quality and green materials, pack them flat and ship them to you. You have the option for installation, DIY, Professional/Shell only or Professional/Including interior. Read more, you will be impressed!  The Signature Series line has sizes from 6×8′ all the way up to 12×28′!

You can see more images on Houzz for Studio Shed. I love seeing other people’s designs!

All images via Studio-Shed.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of Studio Shed.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Kimberly Santini!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Beamer by Kimberly Kelly Santini

Beamer by Kimberly Kelly Santini  6×6″ Acrylic

Kimberly Kelly Santini. Her paintings capture the life wiggling inside these furry little animals. This painting exudes sweetness. Just look at those eyes and that fabulous fur! I would like to meet this dog… it reminds me of Charlie, especially the wisps of hair in front of the eyes. Great colors in this painting.

24k Bun by Kimberly Kely Santini

24K Bun by Kimberly Kelly Santini  8×10″ Acrylic with Gold Leaf

This painting caught my eye. It makes me smile. Very unique. I like the addition of gold leaf. The colors in this painting are wonderful, it’s painted very loosely and is just perfect. THOSE EYES! The eyes make this painting! I think that’s true for most paintings of animals. If the eyes aren’t right then it doesn’t really capture the animal fully. LOVE the tiny bit of light hitting the eyelashes on the left side. Wonderful!

This is one watermark I don’t mind…

Read a bit about Kimberly, from her website:

First and foremost, I am a Mom. This means I have eyes in the back of my head, spot on intuition, the patience of a saint, killer multi-tasking skills, and mountains of compassion. 

Conveniently, these are also all prerequisites for being an artist.

I see details, study body language, filter and sift through the flood of ensuing ideas, get the kids on the bus, and THEN pick up the brushes and paint.

Painting is my livelihood. It is how I support my family. It is a passion I gratefully share with my students. It is how I give back to my community. It is an example to my kids (and others) to follow their dreams. It is also how I maintain my sanity (ok, in the interest of full disclosure, that last point about my sanity has been questioned).

I’ve got college degrees in art and art history, an extensive professional background in many different art arenas and some odder life experiences (like writing automobile owners manuals) that add up to who I am today. My work is widely and enthusiastically collected, sitting in corporate collections and homes around the world, and has been honored with a variety of wonderful awards (hello 2015 Kentucky Derby!!).

I’ve only just begun. I want to paint the world, to show you how I see light and color. I want us to share a moment where you reach into my paintings with your heart.

It’s the best sort of connection to build a new friendship upon.

Tell me what you think. Sign up to follow my daily pieces, stay in touch via social media, browse my portfolio, or visit my work in person. Then shoot me an email and share your thoughts.

I sincerely thank you for your time, your ideas, your business and your referrals.

Images are watermarked at request of the artist.

All images via KimberlyKellySantini.com, used with permission…

IMAGES ARE NOT FOR REPRODUCTION, THEY ARE PROPERTY OF THE ARTIST.

Catch you back here tomorrow!