Into the Distance by Shaun Downey – Available at Galerie de Bellefeville
Shaun Downey. An amazing artist from Canada. His paintings draw you in. Just look at the classy elegance of Into the Distance. I wonder what she’s looking at? Is she waiting for her date to arrive? Is that him far in the distance? I love possibilities… and stories, all told through a painting without saying a single word. Very. Cool. Check out more of Shaun’s work, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s quite amazing!
As outside viewers, we find ourselves longing to understand who Shaun Downey’s subjects are. What their lives are like, and which chain of events led them to the exact moment the artist has captured. His meticulously rendered paintings call out to be understood, but we the viewer are left to make our own assumptions.
Shaun Downey strives to breathe fresh life into realist painting by combining classical ideals within the context of his own life and surroundings. His paintings have elements of decades past, but are firmly grounded in present day. Often painting his wife and friends within the confines of his home, we are allowed a voyeuristic glance into his world as he reveals his efforts to capture the fleeting beauty of modern life.
Panera’s Egg White, Avocado & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich
Panera’s Egg White, Avocado & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich!WHEN will I remember to take a photo PRIOR to eating? Well I have to tell you about this, and actually you can see the fresh ingredients in this shot. I was unsure whether or not I could eat the sprouted grain bagel flat that this normally comes on (due to my avoiding soy products), so this is a Whole Grain Bagel… and it is too tasty. But, I just checked, and although it could come in contact with soy (for those with severe allergies) I didn’t see that it contained soy (always check if you are allergic, ingredients change all the time). So next time I will try the sprouted grain bagel flat.
This sandwich is an egg white, Vermont white cheddar, fresh avocado, baby spinach and tomato on a sprouted grain bagel flat. And it’s delish!
Terry Miura. Wow. Scrolling through paintings posted on Facebook by various artists I love it when a painting jumps out at me. And *POW* This one… jumped! Incredible in every way, including the title. This painting tells a story, which I love!
Without clearly seeing her face, you can feel that this woman is clearly having second thoughts about something? What could it be? Perhaps she shouldn’t meet that young man she was introduced to earlier like she told him she would? Maybe she should cancel her dessert order, the cheesecake sounded good, but can she live with herself if she eats it?? Should she have said YES to that job offer in a different state? Or should she just stay here where its comfortable? So many stories run through my mind! I love paintings that draw you in, make you think…
If you’re an artist looking for a workshop, Terry has several coming up, check them out! Also you might want to take a peek at Terry’s blog, full of great info!
Terry is one amazing artist, here is a bit about him from his website:
(b.1964) After graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1990, Terry Miura headed out to New York City to pay his dues. He began his career as a freelance illustrator, creating imagery for such clients as Time, Newsweek, Rollingstone, and Sports Illustrated, to name a few.
In between illustration assignments he painted and exhibited cityscapes, and continued his transition to becoming a full time painter after returning to the West Coast in 1996.
Miura’s evocative tonalist landscapes explore the relationship between memory, emotions, and identity. “Although they’re still very much representational,” says Miura, “they’re not about specific locations. Well, actually they are, but the locations are found in my and the viewer’s memories. Not out there in the physical world. “
With atmosphere, mood, and abstraction as driving characteristics of his work, Miura has, more recently been revisiting the complexities of the cityscape as a major part of his repertoire. Urban Aria, his latest solo exhibition at Thomas Reynolds Gallery in San Francisco, illustrates his mastery in this genre.
Emotion and abstraction carries over to his figurative works. It is in this genre that Miura finds most personal expression; “In painting the figure, I allow myself to get lost in the process and take more risks. Only by deconstructing the representational and the objective, am I able to tap into the more subconscious, intuitive voice which for me, is at once mysterious and authentic.”
His works are represented by The Christopher Hill Gallery in St. Helena and Healdsburg, Sloane Merrill Gallery in Boston, Thomas Reynolds Gallery in San Francisco, Anne Irwin Gallery in Atlanta, Sekula’s in Sacramento, and Holton Studio in Emeryville, Ca.
The College of Charleston is one impressive place. Gorgeous building nestled amongst gorgeous old live oak trees. The city alone is full of history, but part of that history is the college. The college was founded in 1770 which is pretty amazing! Just look at the glass in these windows. These are large, impressive windows. The buildings are beautiful. The layout is perfect and every student that I spoke to was amazing!
Dark side of the bridge that is… I took this photo a few weeks ago on my way over the Ravenel Bridge (headed towards Mount Pleasant)… look at these skies. Crazy? I love weather and clouds, so I was having a big time snapping away! (I wasn’t driving!) Had to share!
John Traynor. An American Impressionist with a style you can recognize from anywhere. It’s not easy to have such a distinct style, not when you consider how many artists there are in this world. To have the ability to have a clear style of painting is pretty cool! John’s paintings are timeless, they reflect a period of time (to me) that could be now, or could be long, long ago.
California Landscape by John Traynor 12×16
Stunning tree. I love the light in this piece – absolutely gorgeous!
OPEN STUDIO SHOW! If you’re in the Swanzey, New Hampshire area, check it out! This weekend (Saturday/Sunday)!
John C. Traynor was born on October 19, 1961. Traynor spent his early years in Chester and Mendham, New Jersey, attending Delbarton School in Morristown. He pursued formal arts training at Paier College of Art in New Haven, Connecticut, and figure painting with Frank Mason at the Art Students League of New York. Traynor continued to study landscape painting in Vermont with Mr. Mason, drawing with Carroll N. Jones Jr. of Stowe, Vermont, and sculpture for one year with Brother Jerome Cox in Florence, Italy. Read some great Questions & Answers from John).
Images via JohnCTraynor.com – used with permission from the artist…
Sitting majestically at the top of the hill is the Island Inn on Monhegan, Maine. It is such a wonderful place to stay. The people are fabulous, the food… divine, and the views… well, “out of this world” doesn’t even begin to cover it!
I would like to thank the Island Inn for a job well done. Every stay has been amazing, but this year everything seemed just a bit better. I am so grateful for our same friends that we met on the island years ago, for returning at the same time each year. How cool is that? (We need to come up with a name for ourselves!) We keep up with each other throughout the year, it’s quite amazing.
Monhegan is a place to forge strong bonds… I guess without TV, and places to go other than the church Jamboree, you spend time talking, sharing your life stories with others and become connected in a way far deeper than being home allows. Without work, and our day to day schedules to take away our attention, all of our attention is focused on the island, the people (and the food!)!
I am so grateful to have met a friend that will be in my life forever and ever… Fred and I met her through her brother who is no longer with us. While that is still hard to comprehend at times, the fact that she is there is just the coolest thing in the world and I am so grateful!
We were also able to spend a little time with a couple (and their adorable daughter) who works at the Island Inn and lives near us here in Charleston during the off season. They don’t get much spare time, so the fact that they shared it with us meant a lot! Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!
Scott Prior. Amazing. Just look at how he captures these scenes. I think Scott takes his viewers to a place they truly want to be. A wonderful memory of a fire with friends and family on the beach at sunset, you can feel the warmth from the fire. I can hear the lull of the water and feel sand between my toes. I long for this scenario… I love it!
House on the Beach by Scott Prior – 24 x 20″ Oil
Another fabulous scene… I feel like maybe I rented this place for a few weeks, the owners left the lights on for me… I’m walking up the sandy walkway with all my bags, ready for a few weeks of AHHHHHHH, relaxation and fires on the beach. Scott’s work is quite amazing. All of it makes me happy!
Scott Prior lives and works in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he has been a resident since 1971. Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, he received a BFA in printmaking from the University of Massachusetts in 1971. He has artwork in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the DeCordova Museum, the Danforth Museum, the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Rose Art Museum and other major public and private collections. He has shown extensively in one-person and group shows in the United States and abroad. In 2001 he had a mid-career retrospective at the DeCordova Museum. Scott Prior is represented by the Alpha Gallery in Boston and William Baczek Fine Arts in Northampton, MA.
AND AS A SPECIAL TREAT… Scott has written a short autobiography, and it is fabulous! You can just envision the stories he tells… click HERE to read it via his website! I loved it!
Ro Sham Beaux. What a fabulous lighting and design place that opened down the street from the gallery where I work. Located at 39 Broad Street, in Charleston, SC (in the heart of the historic district) – it brings even more style to the neighborhood! Fabulous lamps, tables and other miscellaneous pieces – this is one place you’re going to want to stop next time you’re downtown!
Read a bit about Ro Sham Beaux from their website:
Ro Sham Beaux is headed by owner and principal designer, Ann Yancy Rogers. Ann created her first lighting lines in NYC after graduating from the Portland School of Art. Since her early days in Manhattan, her work has been featured in magazines such as Metropolitan Home, House Beautiful, Veranda, and Charleston Home. In 1998 Ann relocated her lighting design firm, Y Lighting to Charleston, SC and then in 2010 launched Ro Sham Beaux.
Ro Sham Beaux was created to raise the standard in new and unique design. In addition to our production collection, Ro Sham Beaux specializes in custom services to the trade and hospitality industries, allowing designers to create lighting for their particular style and application.
Ro Sham Beaux’s designs can be seen in some of the finest stores, homes and commercial spaces from Southampton to Beverly Hills. Our product line captures the essence of functional art while bringing a whimsical element of beauty and durability to the forefront.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Hey, next time you’re in town we’ll spend some time in this cool shop and have lunch! I’m sure you will love it! xoxo, me
Isn’t this a fabulous painting by Roy Germon? Well, if you’re in the Portland, Maine area, stop by Greenhut Galleries and check it out in person! This is one of the new pieces in the gallery and I love it!
The sky and horizon is just amazing, I think this painting is so interesting without being detailed. Very nice!
Roy Germon received his BFA from The School of Visual Arts. He is a painter and internationally published illustrator with an extensive art conservation and printmaking background. He relocated to Maine with his wife, daughter and son from NYC in 2003.
Well, I’m not exactly sure of the speed, but we headed over the Cosgrove Bridge on the way to Mount Pleasant… I grabbed my phone, rolled down my window and *snap *snap *snap… pretty incredible that the photo turned out this good while I was moving!
Charleston, SC – too cool. I love the old wonderful homes in the heart of the city. I was walking down the street the other day, and passed this happy green bench… I had to back up, set my bags down and snap a photo… I love the pretty flowers against that green – so inviting!
Tollef Runquist. His paintings are joyful. Colorful, happy and make you want to be a kid again! His wonderful colors bring you in, the bold blots of red and orange keep me hanging in there… fun.
Tollef’s show at the Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, Maine runs from October 3 – 31, 2014! (Can you believe it’s October 3rd already?) Stop in and take a peek!
Pool Noodles by Tollef Runquist 20 x 20″ Oil
See, don’t you want to be a kid again? Colorful pool noodles dot the landscape of a cool house on the water. Happy & fun! Tolef has some wonderful work for this show, if you are anywhere near Rockland, Maine, don’t miss it!
” This work, a selection of pieces from the past year, reflects my ongoing interest in aspects of the Decorative, textile design, repetition, symmetry, flatness, and ideas of resolution and process as they apply to the construction of a painting. In addition I have been attending to a sort of cross pollination from other bodies of my own work, namely my ‘toy paintings’ and ‘revision’ series. These paintings contain elements of the whimsical, the dream image, something forgotten, something suggested, and are indicative of the ongoing evolution of my work.”
About Tollef, from DowlingWalsh.com
Artist Statement
“Painting for me is an undertaking of appreciation and inquiry. It is a means by which to engage the beauty and mystery of visual experience in an ongoing dialogue. This is a widening puzzle; as I partake in this conversation, it continually refreshes itself, revealing unexpected angles and new understanding. I feel no particular loyalty to realism or my own past work. I set to draw out a particular vision as long as my experience with it is visceral, attentive and useful. I try to encapsulate the fullness of my experience of a moment; weight and stillness, burning edges, massive calm. These move me towards a particular subject, I try to paint and honor them, and then move on.
Some visual artists who have affected me deeply have been Richard Diebenkorn, Monet, De Kooning, Gauguin, Bonnard, Rothko, Sargent, Gordon Grant, Gerhard Richter, Hopper, Homer, Klimt and Egon Schiele among others. I have been drawing and painting as long as I can remember. I received a B.A. in studio Art from Dickinson College in 2002 and have since been continuing my education through creation.”
This is the Four Gables (SL 1832) plan from Southern Living House Plans, designed by Mitchell Ginn. Four Gables is a fabulous plan with 2,341 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It looks like a house that has been around since the days of charm and character. Nice porches on both the front and the back of the house. What a treat!
This plan would work well for us. I love the kitchen, eating and living… we don’t need a big dining room, so this would be functional and used often. I like when homes are designed to be fully used. I have to say we use every room in our house. It works for us.
The upstairs of this plan is fabulous! Two or three bedrooms, a few bathrooms and a loft area. For us I would keep two bedrooms, then use one area for office, studio or treadmill – maybe only one bathroom and a small loft area. Perfect!
Crystal Moll. Urban Landscape painter. Don’t you just love this painting? It’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s welcoming and has all the feel good things in it. This looks like a happy home. A great place to sit on the porch and talk to your neighbors. It’s bright and happy! That’s what the world needs with all that’s going on. It needs more happy! Check out more of Crystal’s work!
For over 20 years Crystal Moll has been seen on location, with her canvas, brushes, and oils, interpreting the urban landscape as she sees it. Painting on location gives her work the feel of “being there,” allowing the viewer to enter the scene, look in the windows, and acquire a sense of place and time. Crystal works on several paintings at a time, moving locations with the sun, to capture the light and shadow of each scene at its optimum time of day. Her work has been compared to the subjects of Edward Hooper but with a brighter,happier feel. Crystal paints on locations throughout Baltimore and beyond, often using urban scenes as her chosen landscaped. Baltimore’s Federal Hill always being a favorite, along with yearly painting trips to South Carolina and Virginia. Her works have been published in Baltimore Magazine, Sketch Artists, Encyclopedia of Living Artists and Working Artists magazine.
For over 20 years Crystal Moll has been seen on location, with her canvas, brushes, and oils, interpreting the urban landscape as she sees it. Painting on location gives her work the feel of “being there,” allowing the viewer to enter the scene, look in the windows, and acquire a sense of place and time. Crystal works on several paintings at a time, moving locations with the sun, to capture the light and shadow of each scene at its optimum time of day. Her work has been compared to the subjects of Edward Hooper but with a brighter,happier feel. Crystal paints on locations throughout Baltimore and beyond, often using urban scenes as her chosen landscaped. Baltimore’s Federal Hill always being a favorite, along with yearly painting trips to South Carolina and Virginia. Her works have been published in Baltimore Magazine, Sketch Artists, Encyclopedia of Living Artists and Working Artists magazine.
While occasionally a participant and award winner in several Plein Air painting events including Norfolk VA, Easton MD, Mountain Maryland and Frederick… she prefers to paint plein air on her schedule.. choosing her optimum light!
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