Yesterday, Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown to walk around and stop in a few stores. As we drove down Broad Street we passed Saint Michael’s Church and saw it being painted.
No. Easy. Task!
It looked like they were using rollers. Can you imagine?
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Much of the country has seen a lot of rain and wild weather for November. This was a photo taken after another batch of rain that caused flooding in areas here in Charleston. The marsh looks swollen. I love those moody, gray, cloudy skies with the dark outline of the trees that line the marsh up close and in the distance. Beautiful light reflections in the water. It’s amazing how much the marsh can change. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Talent beyond belief. That describes Greg Block! I can look at this painting, Americana, forever. There is so much interest, and so much to see if you take the time and look around. Just think of all the stories that could be told to go along with this painting! How many questions can you come up with, like who’s teeth are on the top shelf? What is someone going to do with that ax? An interesting array of items. So interesting!
I saw this painting, Layer Cake, on Gallery 1261‘s website. Sold. Nice. I love this painting. Somehow I think Greg got a peek into the kitchen when I’m baking, ha ha. A fabulous painting, and it’s so represents how it goes with baking sometimes… I love the subtle colors with just the few twists of color.
Greg recently was part of an exhibit “The Renaissance of Realism” at Gallery 1261 in Colorado, the show runs through December 5, 2015. Now that would have been a wonderful opening reception to attend!
Read a bit about Greg, from his website:
Gregory was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1986 and moved to Colorado at an early age. During his childhood, he attended a Waldorf school where he discovered a love of painting, sculpture, music, and the natural world. He continued to develop his skills as an artist and musician throughout high school, and painted whenever he could while earning his BA in biology at Colorado College. As a student, he made a conscious decision not to take any painting courses or adopt a mentor, opting instead to learn through experimentation and close scrutiny of paintings by artists he admired. After graduating in 2009, he devoted his studies to painting and has since gained recognition as “one of the most promising young artists in the representational art world” (Fine Art Today). He lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
All images via GregoryFBlock.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
This is the Sawyer Farmhouse by Yankee Barn Homes. Impressive, isn’t it? It looks so stately, especially situated near a wooded area. Absolutely beautiful!
This home is 3,099 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. I think the color choice on this is especially nice. If you haven’t checked out Yankee Barn Homes before, you may want to take a peek!
I do like a Master Bedroom downstairs. It’s nice that there is a dedicated mudroom area, so necessary in many parts of the country, especially colder climates! Love the open Great Room/Kitchen/Dining and ample Entry. I wonder if the powder room could be tucked underneath the stairway. I’ve seen it done, and they are tiny rooms, but sufficient. Otherwise where it’s at is just fine! As you can see there is a part of the Great Room that is open to above. That is the one thing I might change (for us).
See the Balcony area on this floor towards the back of the house (upper right of image, next to the part that is “Open to Below”)? I think I would have the room open to below all the way across and just not use that one balcony? I think. Be sure to check out the images on their website!
It’s very nice that there are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony space that can be used as a sitting area! What a beautiful home!
Read more about the Yankee Barn Homes from their FAQs page!
All images via YankeeBarnHomes.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Larry Moore. A wonderfully versatile painter who is as charismatic as he is talented. I saw this painting Aloft in person and let me tell you… WOW! I love everything about it. First of all the subject matter is unexpected. I love paintings with an abstract quality to them, and this hits the nail on the head. Just look at that brick wall… the sofa… and I know, I know! THE BIRD! Larry’s paintings make me smile. Clever! This painting is available at Horton Hayes Fine Art, here in Charleston, SC.
Another great example of Larry’s work (and versatility) is Plenty of Work To Do. Look at all the details that are there yet they’re left to your imagination, aren’t they? That’s fabulous! Instead of painting everything exactly as he see’s it he gives subtle hints as to what it is and your mind fills in the blanks which is so much more interesting than if he were to paint the scene exactly as it was! The colors and shapes are fabulous! This painting is currently in Larry’s studio…
Ahhhh, Monhegan. Always a favorite. In the distance you see the Island Inn. Another fabulous painting! This one is available at Coco Vivo Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
I’ve met Larry a few times and have heard glowing reviews from those who have taken his workshops. Larry is a talented artist and he is hilarious. His workshops will be both informative and a good time. How can you beat that? Check out Larry’s 2016 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE.
For even more information and great stories, check out Larry’s BLOG. I swear I cannot read it without laughing out loud. I personally think Larry should also write a book. What an entertaining read that would be!
Read a bit about Larry, from his website:
I’m an artist and instructor/creative coach. I’ve spent many years painting outdoors, what we call “en plein air”, which is a fancy french term that means “outdoors”. I have a huge passion for nature having grown up on a river right next to the ocean with nothing but islands and wildlife behind my house. My background is in illustration (35 years) where I worked in almost every medium and style you can think of… except maybe egg tempera and marble.
As an instructor, I am taking my years of acquired knowledge from illustration, graphic design, plein air, teaching Critical thinking and the aforemetioned topics and morphing them together in my work and with what I teach. I give people a way to access the creative spirit and broaden not just the way they paint but the way they think.
All images via LarryMooreStudios.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Texting while driving makes you 23X more likely to crash.
Can you live with that statistic? Is it worth it to send a text while driving and risk killing or seriously injuring someone?
I know that texting is the way of the world right now. BUT… not while you’re driving. There comes a point where it should no longer be socially acceptable. The majority of people are confident that they can drive and text safely, while another majority says it’s “easy” to do so.
However more and more people are getting injured and killed because people are texting while driving.
I want to share some statistics with you from textinganddrivingsafety.com:
(Note: while these statistics are in reference to young adult drivers, this info is meant for everyone):
Texting while driving is a growing trend, and a national epidemic, quickly becoming one of the country’s top killers. Drivers assume they can handle texting while driving and remain safe, but the numbers don’t lie.
Texting While Driving Causes:
1,600,000 accidents per year – National Safety Council
330,000 injuries per year – Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study
11 teen deaths EVERY DAY – Ins. Institute for Hwy Safety Fatality Facts
Nearly 25% of ALL car accidents
Texting While Driving Is:
About 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving intoxicated
The same as driving after 4 beers – National Hwy Transportation Safety Admin.
The number one driving distraction reported by teen drivers
Texting While Driving:
Makes you 23X more likely to crash – National Hwy Transportation Safety Admin.
Is the same as driving blind for 5 seconds at a time – VA. Tech Transportation Institute
Takes place by 800,000 drivers at any given time across the country
Slows your brake reaction speed by 18% – HumanFactors & Ergonomics Society
Leads to a 400% increase with eyes off the road
Textinganddrivingsafety.com created a fabulous graphic, check it out!
Ready to sign a pledge to not text and drive? Click HERE! More info, or school contact: TextingThumbBands.com
Info and/or images via TextingAndDrivingSafety.com, used with permission…
Will you please consider sharing this post? Catch you back here tomorrow!
Jane Dahmen. A Maine artist with such wonderful paintings! Jane paints the world in which she lives. The beautiful trees in Maine are one of her subjects. They are fabulous paintings which makes you feel as if you are out in the woods with an incredible view! The painting above is actually two panels together measure 72×60″!
What fun! I love the composition of this painting. How the blooms are close to the viewer’s eye. This is a bright and happy painting. Just beautiful! This painting will brighten up a dreary day for sure!
Read a blip about Jane, from her website:
My most recent landscape paintings are the result of my wanderings around the mid coast area of Maine for the past ten years. Walking in the woods on the mainland, on islands, and along the Damariscotta River near my home, I see paintings everywhere. The complexity of the woods is challenging.
The large scale format of many of my landscapes helps to create a space into which the viewer can enter. My ideas begin in the natural world, but once a work is underway, the paint itself on the flat surface takes on a life of its own. Two dimensional aspects interest me and the views I choose have patterns that bring attention to the surface of the painting. At the same time, I am creating a spacial environment, not necessarily of a particular place but of my reverence of a particular place. In fact, I am as interested in painting what’s out there as what’s in here, and in communicating my deep attraction to this mid coast Maine landscape where I live.
The still life paintings are inspired by my home surroundings. As in the landscapes, two-dimensional aspects interest me as much as the subject. I often favor a top down view in setting up my still lifes because it flattens the depth of the paintings and allows for an arrangement of items spread out across the picture plane. Space extends in every direction, and the eye moves from object to object, as opposed to a one or two-point perspective where the eye is drawn to a vanishing point somewhere within the scene. Read more HERE.
Images via JaneDahmen.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Just look at these clouds! What a wonderful blue sky, the dark trees and the puffy rows of clouds…
I took this photo one day on our morning walk…
If it’s not a sunrise or sunset it’s a cloud that I’m snapping a photo of. This reminds me of being a kid…
Did you plop down in the grass and just look up at the sky? It’s like nature TV!
Don’t lose sight of the little things in life. Be grateful for what you have WHEN YOU HAVE IT. None of us will live forever, so make every day count.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Is there anything better than watching a sunset or sunrise? I absolutely love it. It makes you realize there is something out there greater than yourself. This is sunset from my parents front porch. I love this river. But the river with a sunset… WOW!
I have many photos of a stunning sunrise or sunset. There is something so magical about them. Have you noticed how quickly the sun sets? Once it starts going down, towards the end you can basically watch it drop behind the horizon. It’s amazing.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
What a wonderful bed & breakfast! The John Rutledge House Inn B&B located here in Charleston, SC. It’s got history, charm, class and the most wonderful breakfasts ever!
If you ever get a chance to stay, I highly recommend!! Click HERE to check out the history (and see fabulous photos). This is one wonderful place!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Whitten Architects. When I ran across their website, all I could think about was sharing this beautiful home with you. They build new homes as well as create gorgeous renovations. This happens to be a renovation which I haven’t featured before. Just look at what they have done. This is a stunning home in Maine called the Cortland Barn Farmhouse.
- Jessie Carroll: Project Architect
- General Contractor: Steve Brann Building & Remodeling
- Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates
- Landscape Design: Tide Walk Designs
- Stone Mason: Exterior Hardscape & Stone Walls – George Couture
Looking for a cool restaurant that isn’t expensive and is located in downtown Charleston? Well, I have a thought for you… Nick’s on King Street! We have a lot of BBQ restaurants here in Charleston, and I cannot say that I’ve been to many, but we found ourself with a picky eater (ha ha) who was trying to find something that sounded good for dinner. BBQ it was!
The BBQ was very tasty and the prices? Crazy good! Check out their menu! You can also buy it by the pound to take home, or if you have a gathering, etc! Good to know!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Good grief it looks good, doesn’t it? It is! I originally featured this recipe four years ago, but it’s one that’s worth repeating. I use spinach pasta, artichokes, shrimp, garlic, red pepper, feta, olives, a splash of wine and olive oil. This will put a smile on your face!
I like this photo better, more light, so I am replacing the old photo… Hey! Did I mention that this recipe comes together quickly? I know, you just can’t beat it!
It’s wonderful served with Trader Joe’s Olive Baguette and olive oil for dipping!
Here’s a link to the original post: MED PASTA WITH SHRIMP AND FETA RECIPE
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Bethanne Kinsella Cople. Nice work. Different! I like that she has texture to her paintings. Wonderful reflections in the water. One of my favorite parts of this painting are the highlighted tree trunks. A small thing like that makes a big diffence.
This small painting has some feeling going on, doesn’t it? It looks as if a storm might be brewing. Bethanne’s trees are fabulous. I love scruffy trees. It’s how they are in real life, not perfect and symmetrical. I guess that may be why I like the Christmas trees that are a bit different, even “Charlie Brown’ish”. Character. Tons of it! Nice work!
Are you looking for a wonderful workshop in a location that is out of this world? How about Provence, France?? Woohoo! Bethanne will be teaching a workshop in Provence, France this June 19th to 25th 2016. She just finished teaching one the beginning of October and said the trip was amazing. You can read about it in the Huff Harrington Blog!
Read a bit about Bethanne, from her website:
Bethanne’s plein air landscape paintings are known for their lush painterly quality. Loosely painted yet realist, they invite the viewer to experience each painting anew with every observation. This quality gives her paintings a timeless appeal. Using expressive brushwork and a finely honed sense of color, she creates a powerful image with both depth and beauty.
With a well defined style, Bethanne paints a diverse range of subjects. She fills her paintings with compelling skies and calming landscapes. Her paintings capture scenes of brilliant snow, rich farmlands, and the varied shores of the East and West coasts. Landscapes are her passion and she travels far and wide for subjects.
“I love painting the landscape en plein air. In the outdoors you can incorporate not only what you see, but the sounds and the smells of the landscape. All of this lets me convey the sense of wonder that I feel at the subject.” Bethanne has painted in blizzards in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, on steep cliffs in Monhegan Island, Maine, in strong gales along the rugged northern California coast and the sanctuary of summer and winter on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Potomac River in Virginia, and the east end of Long Island, NY. “I love being in the outdoors painting. It rejuvenates me in a way painting in the studio can’t.”
From the time Bethanne began painting professionally and entering competitions, she has been earning recognition for her work. Most recently, she received “Award of Excellence” at the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters 2012 National Show, Grand Teton National Park, “Dick Bell Bookmaven Award of Excellance”at the American Impressionist Society National Show 2010, “People’s Choice Award”, at the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, New York, New York exhibition and “Best Pastoral”, at the Plein Air-Easton 2005 and 2006 Invitational Paintouts, Easton, Maryland. She also received “Honorable Mention” at the Eleventh and Fifteenth Annual Invitational Paintouts, Carmel, California, and “Best Traditional Painting,” 107th and 113thAnnual Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Open Exhibition, National Arts Club, New York City. She was also honored as “an artist to watch” by Southwest Art Magazine February 2006 landscape addition and served two terms as President of American Women Artists.
Bethanne has also succeeded commercially with her wide range of plein air paintings. Her landscapes appear in both public and private collections in Europe and the United States. “I am passionate about painting, admittedly to the point of obsession on occasion.” Her family supports and embraces her passion. “My husband was the first one to encourage me. Before we were married, he saw my work and pushed me to pursue art in college, everything else is history.”
Bethanne lives in Historic Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia and East Hampton, NY with her husband and two daughters. “We love to travel together, which includes skiing in Park City, Utah every winter and exploring beautiful Assateague Island seashore in Virginia, where the wild ponies run every summer. I always manage to paint whenever we travel. My family understands and supports me, though I think they shake their heads at me sometimes.” Bethanne also travels to France every year where she paints and conducts workshops.
Bethanne is represented by Huff Harrington Fine Art, Atlanta, Georgia; Principle Gallery in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia; Gallerie Amsterdam in Carmel, California; Carmen’s Gallery in Solomons Island, Maryland; The William Ris Gallery in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.
Images via BethanneKinsellaCople.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
View from a morning walk.
You never know what you will see (or hear),
The turtles sunning themselves,
Church bells chiming on the hour,
Stark white birds having the time of their lives,
Sun on the marsh grass,
This looks so remote, yet it is so near it all.
The beauty of Charleston…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
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