Featured Artist: Alex Beck!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Alex Beck neighborhood scene detail ab

Neighborhood Scene by Alex Beck – Gouache

Alex Beck. A style all his own. Do you know how hard that is to accomplish? His paintings are unique, fresh and different. They have fabulous color and I’m crazy about these neighborhood scenes of his. The bits of salmony color pink against the green of the roof and in the tree just grabbed me. Whoa!

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Sketch in Arlington, VA by Alex Beck –  Gouache  5×8″

Alex simplified all the “stuff” that is normally there, yet he kept just the right amount, this painting has interest, color, shadows and light. So much is left to your imagination, which is just how it should be.

Be sure to check out Alex’s paintings on his website, as well as his blog on Tumblr, Facebook and Instagram!

And… may I just say… WHAT A WEBSITE! I love when an artist puts their all into their website. It makes a difference, truly, it does! This is fabulous!

Read a bit about Alex, from his website:

Alex Beck, an award-winning painter and illustrator, maintains a studio in Arlington, Virginia. Known for his uncommonly versatile work in oil, acrylic, and gouache, his commissions and full-time work range from traditional formal portraits of Malcolm Gladwell to complex personal figurative painting. He is also professionally adapted to new technologies and digital painting. Beck’s work experience includes working as a concept/production artist for the Oscar/Emmy-winning animation house, Moonbot Studios and production work for Myachi Entertainment, The Design Center, and Tervis Tumbler. His work has received recognition in several juried gallery shows, including “Best of Show” in Illest of Ill and most recently garnering an “Honorable Mention” in the Crystal City Underground Gallery “Mayhem” Show. 

In 2012, Alex curated his first solo show, Gadzooks. His illustrations have appeared in Arlington Magazine, Spectrum Fantastic Art Annual #19, and were showcased at the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition in New York City. Currently, Alex commonly exhibits at local Washington Metropolitan venues. His work can also be found at his regularly updated site AlexTheBeck.tumblr.com where he curates for over 10,000 followers. Beck was formally trained at Ringling College of Art and Design, graduating with honors in 2012. He also expanded his training at the Illustration Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, The Masters Class at Amherst, Massachusetts, and The Art League of Alexandria, Virginia where he now teaches during the winter semester.

All images via AlexTheBeck.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: Winward Villa by Flatfish Island Designs!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

Winward Villa by Flatfish Island Designs

This is the Winward Villa by Flatfish Island Designs. This plan is 2,200 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms (but can be customized to include more/less). You really need to look at the real life images of this one. Stunning design. I love how you see through from the entrance, to the living space and through to the pool behind the house. Breathtaking! See that area on the right? It’s a pergola where you park. See the actual images! Very nice…

Winward Villa by Flatfish Island Designs

This house has plentiful storage, which is ideal! A few of my favorite aspects of this plan is that the guest rooms are secluded away from the master bedroom. I think it’s nicer for guests to be in a different wing of a house than it is right next to the master. I like the openness of the Kitchen/Living and the abundance of open air living with the wonderful courtyard areas accessible both from the living area as well as the Master Bedroom. The only thing I would (personally) change is to eliminate the water closets. I know that’s the style right now, but it’s too much for me, I’ve never been big on that concept. That’s just me…

See actual images of this home, interior and exterior. It really helps you visualize it. Stunning use of space!

All images via FlatFishIslandDesigns.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: Bill Rhea!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Blue Whiskey by Bill Rhea

Blue Whiskey by Bill Rhea  16×20″  Oil

Bill Rhea. He paints what we see all around us. Cars, cities, random objects – he takes these things and creates fabulous paintings. His website is wonderful and will bring a smile to your face. Be sure to check it out. He also has a blog on Tumblr: http://dirtandtreasure.tumblr.com – even more paintings!

Sun and Metal number 12 bill rhea

Sun and Metal Number Twelve by Bill Rhea  12×12″  Oil

Bill packed a lot of oomph into this 12×12″ painting! Love these colors, the abstract quality to it, just fabulous! Who knew an old truck could look so fantastic!

Read a bit about Bill, from his website:


The scenes I like to paint, the images that “grab me,” so to speak, always seem so obviously right that I’m surprised that I don’t have to stand in line to paint them.

Armed with a strong subject, it feels as if the composition will fall into place. A strongly composed picture – the composition being the “bones” of the picture, if you will – is a pleasure to paint and continually suggests that the next logical step in the painting process.

The thing that I like the most in painting is form and weight boldly indicated with light, shadow, and rich color. To paint something well is deeply satisfying and I feel there is wealthy of subject matter just waiting to be found.


Bill has worked at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco teaching both Still Life painting and Composition and Painting. He has had extensive experience painting plain-air in the Bay Area as well as Wyoming and the Tuscan region in Italy. In addition he continues to paint weekly with fellow artist in his home studio and continues to regularly take advantage of the rich opportunities present in San Francisco Bay Area. Read more… click HERE!

All images via BillRhea.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes – Woohoo!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

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This recipe is adapted from the Scalloped Potato recipe in Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book 12th Edition – I’ve made a few changes, but the basic recipe is fabulous as well!

This is also a great dish to make if you have leftover ham… sprinkle diced ham pieces into the casserole and it’s a full meal – can’t beat that!

Hmmm, why is this photo only showing half of the scalloped potato dish? It came out of the oven… we dug in… OOPS!  P H O T O ! !  I’m only human, ha ha.

Click HERE to print the recipe without the extra babble.

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to Watch: Robert E. Buchanan!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Artist to WatchLeave a comment

December Path by Robert E Buchanan

December Path by Robert E. Buchanan  5×8″ Watercolor

Robert E. Buchanan does amazing things with watercolors. December Path is a nice, loose painting. I really like the moodiness of this painting. The sky is so typical of a sky seen in December, isn’t it? Great shadows!

Geometric Mood by Robert E Buchanan
Geometric Mood by Robert E. Buchanan 18×27″ Watercolor | Private Collection

This is another fabulous painting, Geometric Mood. Look at the detail. Quite different from the looser painting above. I love them both. I love the shadows in this painting, it makes it come alive!

Read a bit about Robert, from his website:

The work of Robert E. Buchanan reflects his love of nature and design. His goal is to create extraordinary images from everyday experiences and places. Whether working with watercolor, oil or acrylic, Robert’s work shows a mastery of technique and expression. Light, atmosphere and mood are key elements in all his paintings. His award winning portraits exhibit likeness as well as beautiful composition. 

Born and raised in Norristown Pennsylvania, Robert E. Buchanan received his M.F.A. from Syracuse University. His work is in the Harley-Davidson Museum and he has received over 75 awards for his paintings. Numerous magazines and books have showcased his paintings. Robert’s work is in prominent collections all across the United States.

All images via RobertEBuchanan.com, used with permission…

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

If you are an Artist (or Emerging Artist) I welcome you to submit your website for a possible future Artist To Watch post!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Treats in Wiscasset, Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS8 Comments

Treats | Wiscasset, Maine

I love to take photographs of this place. Treats is a wonderful location to STOP at if you’re riding through Wiscasset, Maine. If you’re staying there it’s even better, you can keep popping in, breakfast, lunch and dinner! They have such an interesting array of merchandise. Their food and coffee is out of this world good. Soup like you can only dream of… I took this photo last fall. What a dream this place is!

Treats of Maine – A place to gather, eat & share… their logo, love it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Portland, Maine and Charleston, SC…

On By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

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Exchange Street in Portland, Maine. All that cool brick and those beautiful buildings. So many interesting shops. Coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, boutiques of all kinds, wonderful food.

Charleston, SC and Portland, ME have so much in common. They really are quite similar in many ways. Artsy, classy, beautiful and interesting! I could live here and be happy.

Funny, most places we go we say that we could live there, with very few exceptions (high traffic areas excluded)… Charleston, SC is such a charming town with so much to offer. You would be lucky to land in either location!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Thoughts for the year ahead…

On By Barbara StroudIn PhotographLeave a comment

Peace

Is there a more perfect wish for the new year?

PEACE: the absence of war or other hostilities… any hostility… 

So let’s start 2016 off with kind words, helpful deeds for others, a smile to a stranger, a hug to someone who needs one. It’s the little things in life that make a difference in the world. Once we conquer kindness and add it to our daily routines we can work on…

WORLD PEACE: Our world simply cannot go on the way it has been recently. Something has to change, and change in a positive non-violent way.

Prayers for peace for everyone…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

*If you are a subscriber, you are not going crazy, this post has been updated… 😉

 

Best wishes for the new year ahead…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

Happy New Year's Eve 2016

For many 2015 has been the best year, for others, they may be happy to see it go, just know that tomorrow is not only a new day, but a new year. A year that brings promise and hope for the future!

If you’re out and about tonight – stay safe – call a taxi if you need to – don’t drink and drive – don’t text and drive – Off my soapbox now hee hee…

Catch you back here NEXT YEAR! 😉

Artist to Watch: Dorothy Woolbright!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Artist to WatchLeave a comment

Summer Finale by Dorothy Woolbright

Summer Finale by Dorothy Woolbright  14×11″  Oil

Dorothy Woolbright has some beautiful old world type paintings. I love those beautiful browns, especially with the pop of color from the sunflower. Very nice!

Be sure to check out Dorothy’s website and her blog!

Read a bit about Dorothy, from her website:

While her career path has led her to teaching and publishing, she has continued in her spare time to pursue her passions of drawing and painting.  Her award winning work has garnered recognition as Best of Show and Director’s Choice in several art shows locally and nationally.

Dorothy’s method of study continues to be a combination of studying the masters’ works, taking workshops and lessons, and keeping her drawing skills sharpened by attending weekly life drawing classes.  Dorothy prefers to paint and draw from life and she has studied painting still life in oil at the Scottsdale School of Art under Daniel Keys, Jean Chambers, and Kathy Anderson and landscapes in oil under Kathryn Stats.  She has continued her study with Qiang Huang and portrait artist, Anna Rose Bain.

She is grateful to her teachers, Kelli Folsom, Dennis Parker and Judy McCombs, whose influences have inspired her to continue her creative path. 

Dorothy lives in Oklahoma City close to her children and grandchildren and travels extensively for creative inspiration and adventure.    

All images via DorothyWoolbright.com, used with permission…

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

If you are an Artist (or Emerging Artist) I welcome you to submit your website for a possible ARTIST TO WATCH future feature.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Farmer’s Chowder – what a recipe!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Farmer's Chowder!

Two versions of chowder below. One with chicken, and one a bit different, with no meat. I  served both with the Jiffy-Like Corn Muffins.

OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD.

Recipes from a friend, is there anything better? It’s so nice to hear of other things to make for dinner rather than being in a rut with the same old thing.

I was excited to try this, it sounded delicious to me. I found the perfect time when we had a bit of rotisserie chicken left over. That worked perfectly! These are guidelines, but use what you like! I happened to use 4 cups of chicken broth, so mine may have been more “brothy” than what is normal, but I had two very large potatoes, and I also supplemented with frozen sweet white corn.

What I forgot… the bacon crumbled on top! We had it the next day, when we heated up what was left (be sure to heat on low and DO NOT LET IT COME TO A BOIL or it will curdle). So DAY 2 had crumbled bacon, which I was so excited about I forgot to take a photo. Story of my life!

This recipe was heavenly! Give it a whirl!

Click HERE to print just the recipe!

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Version two, I like to call Garden Chowder, click HERE to print the recipe! One hint is to warm the thawed corn in the microwave just a bit, just so it’s not cold when adding to the soup…

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to Watch: Craig A. Carlson!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Artist to Watch2 Comments

Dreaming by Craig A Carlson

Dreaming by Craig A Carlson  30×24″  Oil

As you may notice, I have created a new artist-type post that I will pepper in with my regular artist features. A while back I added a page to my site for artists to submit to be featured, they can choose whether they are an “emerging artist” or “artist”. It has opened my eyes to artists I may have otherwise missed. Are you an artist that would like to be featured? If so, see the ARTIST Submissions page, select if you are an Emerging Artist or Artist, and send me your website and email address. It’s that easy. No submitting images (but you do need a website). I look forward to featuring many more in the upcoming year – these will be “Artists to Watch”/”Emerging Artists to Watch”!  I am excited! The talent that is out in this world is truly amazing!

I think this painting “Dreaming” is so wonderful. This woman truly looks like she is lost in thought. The face, the hair, all so fabulous. Wonderful light in this painting. Be sure to check out Craig’s website!

I see that one of his portrait mentors is Ray Kinstler. I have featured him in the past, he’s a wonderful man and an extremely talented artist! A fabulous mentor for sure! Thank you Craig for submitting!

Read a bit about Craig, from his website:

Craig Alan Carlson has been painting original commissioned portraits  and figurative work in oil since 1985. He has an impressive client list of over 1000 portraits. He is always intrigued with trying to capture the essence of the person whom he is painting.

A native of Chicago, Carlson studied commercial art at Western Illinois University and continued his education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and the Art Students League in New York city. He has been represented by the top portrait agencies in the country. His portrait mentors include  distinguished artists Joe Bowler, Ray Kinstler, John Howard Sanden, and Michael Del Priore.

In his commissioned portraits and his gallery pieces, Carlson seeks to accomplish “enough detail to satisfy, but not bore the viewer.”Always intent on refining his painting techniques,he is intrigued with the variations and applications of color to achieve the most realistic skin tones and lifelike features. “I just love painting people, portraits and figurative work. Nothing excites me more than trying to capture the essence of a person with soft light or sunlight illuminating them. I like doing landscapes and still lifes, but doing a painting with a person in it is really makes me come alive!”

Carlson has won first and second place in the Alabama National Fair and a Purchase Award at the South Carolina State Fair.

All images via CraigACarlson.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!