As promised… more Monhegan artist photos… this is the last batch until I can get there again to take more photos!
Fred and I watched David Kasman (above) paint one afternoon and it was fabulous. This man is good. Really good. We didn’t want to bother him until he was finished… then I walked up and asked him WHO ARE YOU? He clearly didn’t set up, fumble around like I might do… he set up, got to work, painted away… and it was fabulous. It’s in our Monhegan Collection!
Caleb Stone teaching a workshop and Kevin Beers (not in the workshop) painting his heart out….
In this photo you see Kevin Beers painting off by himself (top right). On the bottom left hand side of this image is artist Caleb Stone giving a student assistance during a workshop. This is the one cool sight that you will see over and over on Monhegan. Groups of artists painting. Some are in workshops, most are just artist out painting like Kevin…
Tim Bell after he finished a painting…
We caught the last half of Tim Bell painting this gorgeous drop dead painting… Tim has the ability to set up, paint an entire painting without getting a drop of paint on him or on anything else. He neatly puts everything away, and when he leaves… there is no trace! This striking painting… in our Monhegan collection!
Kevin Beers painting by the Barnacle on Monhegan
Kevin draws a crowd when he paints because he paints on such a large canvas. It’s interesting to watch each artist paint. Artists all have different techniques, yet they all turn out fabulous paintings. Which just proves there isn’t just one way to paint. Do what’s best for you!
Tim Bell… Monhegan
A lot of people (me) like to set up out of the way, like out on a cliff somewhere… but I would say there are many more confident painters here… like Tim, he’s comfortable painting anywhere.
Joe FIdler (dad) painting in Port Clyde, ME!
Joe Fidler! He sets up and paints anywhere… he goes with the flow, doesn’t worry about things. Paints nice painting. Needs a website ;)
Maine is such a great place to paint. You can be close to others, off by yourself or somewhere in the middle.
Here’s a fabulous little plan (376 square feet) that I saw in a magazine years ago – Does this small bunk house (or boathouse) have oodles of charm or what? The design is simple and perfect. It looks like it has stood the test of time and has remained well cared for. Perfect if you don’t need a large space.
I love this painting by Eugene Quinn of his studio/gallery in Rockport, MA. Paintings of interiors are a favorite of mine… just look how special this studio space is! Studio and gallery located in one nice area, in a historic seaside cottage with so much charm!
Layla outside the Eugene Quinn Studio Gallery
Lucky Layla. From the looks of things she is definitely top dog! What a view! Wow… this is one gorgeous place to hang paintings. Speaking of paintings, check out Eugene’s website – fabulous paintings in a dreamy location… what could be better? The studio gallery is closed for the season right now, but I’ll have a little more about the actual studio when it reopens in the spring!
Eugene Quinn – painting in progress – what a view!
Eugene’s paintings are a wonderful depiction of an area that he clearly loves. It shows in his paintings. Each and every one is wonderful and has a very happy feeling to it. Eugene is an award winning artist, take a peek for yourself!
In the tradition of the tonalists, the luminists, and the artist-travelers of the Victorian Age; Eugene’s work conveys truth and beauty found in the natural world. He paints outdoors in all seasons rendering the feeling of particular places at a particular moment be they grand or simple, in lands far away and on the street where he lives, moved by experiences foreign and familiar.
Eugene earned degrees in Fine Art and Art History at Providence College all the while pursuing his interests in science and architecture. Then after years of part time study at The Art Students League and The New York School of Visual Arts he learned essential technical training from John Phillip Osborne at the Ridgewood Art Institute. Over the years he has won more than fifty awards at juried competitions across the country.
“Knights Armor” by Olympic/Painting by Ken DeWaard
It’s time to change paint color! This room has been the same color for years and years, while virtually every other room in our house has been painted different colors… numerous times. Do we have a problem? Maybe ;) Something as simple as paint can change a room so much… We’re living with different colors a little at a time… If you have a great color let me know about it! The brownish wall color is KUBA by Ralph Lauren (no longer made). The new darker color is called Knights Armor by Olympic. We were thinking about a gray… not sure if this is too blue gray for us or not… only time will tell… Note: See bottom for important update ;) from Feb. 7, 2014…
Here it is with the brown cropped out of it… What do you think? We have painted rooms a creamy white… our art work didn’t stand out to us? But we aren’t sure this is THE color… we will most likely go through a few more samples before we find the right one… UPDATE: After living with this for a few days we think that this is too blue and a bit too dark for us… hmmm, not the one… darn it!
View from Living room to Study. Paintings in living room: (over fireplace) Marlee Brown, on the left hand side, upper is Carol Marine and lower is Daniel Corey. Painting in opposite room is Betty Anglin Smith.
Here is the view from the living room (a more updated brown) to the study (the old Kuba color)… so need to pick a color that flows… as well as a color that looks great in a room that gets bright sun…
Painting by Ken DeWaard
Gorgeous painting by Ken DeWaard. This is a treasure we will have forever and ever. What an amazing guy, and just so talented. Ugh! It’s pretty inspiring to be around someone who can whip out a brush and literally paint absolutely anything that he sees.
Warm Stone by Sherwin Williams
This color (Warm Stone) looks so good in our guest room (which doesn’t get as much light as this room does), but I’m thinking it’s too washed out in this room… and even more so when the sun shines through… but later in the day it looks much nicer…
I think since we still have some walls to cover, we’ll try a few more samples… Maybe something similar to Warm Stone (above) but a wee bit darker… or something totally different like…
Do you have a favorite color for a bright room? Let me know!
Warm Stone/Sherwin Wms (guest room/long pink sticky), davenport tan or whitall brown (the two browns with stickys) or Beacon Hill Damask/Benjamin Moore? (Pink little sticky’s)
PLEASE chime in with any suggestions? What is a happening color that isn’t too cool… we’re not thinking gray any longer… I. Don’t. Think.
Am I fickle? Ugh. Probably… need help!
UPDATE: Feb. 7 (Fri)
Ok… I have gotten some cool comments, and some that have me looking back at my fan deck (that may be the death of me, ha ha)… I am intrigued by the 5th comment… what do you think of these colors? I’m leaning towards the HYDRANGEA FLOWERS (on the left) I think the CORAL ESSENCE may be a bit much for me. Actually, I’m not sure, I’m intrigued… this is not safe territory for me, ha ha… for years its been variations of brown. Let me know what you think!
Middle color on left is HYDRANGEA FLOWERS, the middle on right is CORAL ESSENCE. I’m liking HF better… if we were to go something like this… what are those freaky wrinkles in my hand!????? Good grief!
And just for a point of reference… this is the rug in the room we’re wanting to paint… I see bits of Hydrangea Flowers (Benjamin Moore) in the rug!
Ok, today is 2/8… after visiting some friends who just painted their bedroom a dark gray shade… and with a few of the comments, we are now leaning more towards the dark. Just hung a painting with a silver frame and… P. O. P. ! Hmmmm…
I. Remain. Fickle… any suggestions/comments are most welcome!
David Jon Kassan. Wow. I have just watched the most amazing trailer for artist David Kassan’s latest DVD “Painting a Life: Documenting an Approach to Painting“. Absolutely stunning how he can paint a portrait so realistic, capturing every nuance, I mean so completely it looks as if his models will walk off of the canvas. This ability to paint in such a detailed way is amazing to watch. When have I ever watched a painting DVD that resulted in goosebumps? Exactly. Not until I watched David’s trailer. It’s a hit already, and has made it to IMDB(Internet Movie Database) – is THE online database for all things movie related, trailers, reviews, etc.) – this guy is highly respected, just look at comments on various sites. Impressive!
Details below from David’s wonderful website – clicking THIS LINK will take you to his site, where you can click on the trailer, and i’m telling you… goosebumps! If you’re interested in portraits even in the slightest THIS is the DVD for you!
In this 7-hour, two disc, instructional documentary, I really wanted to weave together my philosophies on painting as well as how I paint technically. In “Painting A Life”, we get to know the subject, Jaece Lutrec. intimately — her thoughts, feelings and her life as I paint her.
Painting, for me, is my way of understanding the world around me; a way of slowing things down to carefully observe life. It was really important to me that this film illustrates not just the step-by-step process of how I paint, but also depicts my patient search to understand my subject.
To encourage a full understanding of the process, I completely vocalize my thoughts on how I use broken color to develop lifelike skintone and how I use color temperature, value, texture and brushstroke to turn form. I also discuss how to train your eye to see these subtle color shifts and transitions.
In my approach to direct painting (an integration of academic and organic techniques) I strive to demonstrate how we never lose sight of the model’s emotional character.
Included is a full discussion of my materials (brushes, mediums, paints, etc), how I prepare my painting surfaces, my studio setup and lighting, how I transfer my drawing to my painting surface, a brief introduction to my drawing process, and a field trip to Vasari Classic Oils Colors to discuss of all of the paints on my palette and their properties and history with Gail Spiegel, Vasari’s color expert.
The essence of this DVD is how I develop a full understanding and interpretation of what I see and synthesize that into a painting that captures the subtle character, emotion and life of the sitter.
Doesn’t look too bad, especially if you’re used to a cold climate. But let me tell you… things are different in the South. We aren’t used to snow and ice (I’m from Michigan, but have lived here almost 25 years, so I do know about snow/ice and all the fun that goes along with it… as well as all the beauty!) it just doesn’t happen here very often. Maybe an occasional dusting of snow ever once in a great while (the last time it snowed was years ago, snowed and then quickly melted). But this time there was ice. I’m sure you’ve heard about it on the radio. How Atlanta was crippled by the deep freeze. We were lucky here in Charleston. Officials dealt with it well keeping most people off the roads. Smart. You just don’t mess with Mother Nature!
We took a walk in our neighborhood, Charlie’s first snow, he was thrilled… was going full speed ahead looking for every single puddle and loving it! Crazy beast.
Charlie and his beastcicles…
We headed to the bakery, well, because they were open and it was something to do! It was nice to be out, and Charlie was having a blast, but his adventures in the puddles quickly turned to beastcicles on his body… time to get back home! Ha ha…
Make the best of the time you have… make everything an adventure and it will be less of a hassle ;)
With schools out and work closed we spent a few days at home. It was nice. We just hung around, didn’t really go out except for a walk to the bakery. For a short time it was snowing HUGE flakes. This is Charlie’s first snow, and he was absolutely amazed! He just stared out the window… its beautiful and it does mesmerize you. But then the snow stopped, cable/internet went out, and I’ve decided we’re way too dependent on it. Ugh. Time to catch up on magazines, see what there is in the freezer to bake (that doesn’t count calorie-wise)! Thankfully I found some homemade peanut butter cookies that I hadn’t baked yet… If you haven’t frozen cookie dough before, let me tell you what a treasure it is to find! I’ve done it with chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal! Yum!
Walking to the bakery…
We took the long route to the bakery and it was nice to get out. All the kids were playing in the street/making snow angels. You could hear cheers of joy when it was snowing, ahhh, fun times!
Icy Palm Trees – Charleston, SC
This was right near Normandy Farms Bakery (YUM!!)… icy palm trees… the weight is heavy, look how low they are! All this will quickly pass… this weekend is supposed to be so nice, and 70 on Monday! Woot woot, I do love Charleston winters!
Remember a few weeks ago, I mentioned that for the next few weeks I was going to post some images of artists painting on Monhegan Island (Maine)? Well last week, I forgot! (It must have been because of the cold weather??)… well, here it is… this week and next, and then back to normal posting.
This is artist John Oat. Nice guy, we met John several years ago. Fabulous artist. Here’s the link for John’s website… I love the painting DASHING, what a happy dog!!
There is a beautiful cottage that we have rented several times in Port Clyde, Maine. It’s called the “Periwinkle” cottage and it’s situated right on the ocean. I would call it rustic (no heat), but there is a fabulous fireplace and the view is earth shattering! Truly!
Today’s house plan… is the periwinkle. We always thought it would be so cool if we could build a house similar to the Periwinkle, but a little less rustic, and a little less space. Maybe 1 guest room upstairs, a 3/4 bath and a storage room/room for treadmill… something that would still give it this overall appearance from the outside. There were a few areas inside that weren’t useful spaces… those I would love to redesign to make useful. This plan is amazing. Fred and I are no architects (trust me, ha), but we kind of drew out the plan on our last visit, here it is…
Periwinkle floor plan – first floor
The ocean is located on the side of the house with the living, dining and bedrooms… big windows, wide doors all make sure you don’t miss the gorgeous view!
You come in the house between the mud room and bathroom on the other side of the house. The mud room used to have a washer and dryer, and could be used for that again. I would also add a wash tub that could accommodate a dog bath easily. From that room you can walk into either the kitchen or the living area.
This is the door you come in… door to the right is a bathroom. Then there is built in storage for pretty much everything which is handy… if you go to the left you head towards the kitchen…
Entry door… mudroom…
There is a large wasted space that has an old furnace in this area, I would use it maybe as a pantry and eating area off the kitchen…
Kitchen
I would keep wonderful large windows in the kitchen, have drawers instead of cupboards and possibly try to do away with some of the upper cabinets (replace with windows?). I wonder, wonder, wonder if you could lose that wall on the left and have it open to the existing dining room, meaning… OCEAN. VIEW.!!!
Dining Room
You then walk down a short hallway to the dining room. Beautiful expansive windows on two sides. I would probably make this into a reading room, with my desk, some great chairs, lamps. There are built in’s along the wall to the right. I would be willing to part with that if I could have the wall gone and open to the kitchen… Could be quite nice!
Cabinets below, shelves above, useful for displaying and storing. This view of the dining room is taken from the living room…
Living room with fabulous fireplace!
Great fireplace in this house… totally makes this living room, well that and the windows that look out upon the ocean…
Wide door that goes out onto oceanside porch
Big, wide door so fabulous! When you open it you get such a fabulous breeze! Large windows throughout. One large center pane that is stationary and then two smaller windows on either side that open.
View standing near dining, looking through living towards bedroom… See stairs that go to 2nd floor…
Great floor plan, I’m telling ya!
Bedroom – Excuse the bad shot!
Bad shot… when we checked in they had not made this bed… and I didn’t take a photo after we made it, ugh. Note the 9′ wall behind the bed. This is one of the most unique features. You are in bed facing the huge window with the ocean view. That little doorway on the right side of the bed… goes to a closet/storage area if you were to walk straight ahead. If you turned after you passed the wall, you would see hooks on your left and built in dressers on your right. Brilliant!
Storage area if you go straight
Two closets with great storage…
If you were to follow the short hallway on the other side of the bed, it led to the master bathroom, but if you turned right after the wall behind the bed, you would see this:
Built in storage in wall behind bed
It was so nice. We could put our suitcases on top of the ‘dressers’ and hang stuff on hooks on opposing wall. Such useful space!
I love windows like this!
This is my mom in one of the upstairs bedrooms… Such great light comes through those windows! AND they have such character!
These windows open out (and they have screens)… fabulous!
Ocean Side View
This is the ocean side view… that sometimes looked like this…
Marc Hanson. Amazing artist. Brilliant in everything that he does. Remarkably versatile, the man can do anything. Now add to his current oil painting, gouache, pastel…. MOVIE MAKING! What? Yep. I think this is so creative it makes me want to create a trailer for SOMETHING… Marc did this in a light hearted way, for those of you who know Marc, or follow him on Facebook you will even notice his beloved Milk Duds get a cameo roll in this trailer about his upcoming painting marathon “A leap into February”!
Was I right? I cannot wait to follow along and see what Marc paints – 4 PAINTINGS A DAY for 28 DAYS! (Whoa!) – Follow along by reading Marc’s blog “Painting My Way Through Life“. This should make for quite a fun February, don’t you think??
I am so excited to watch the progression of his daily efforts! Four paintings a day?!! Click HERE for Marc’s blog post from 1/27/14 which explains his venture more in detail, including his color palette, etc…
Just a tease… this is one of Marc’s recent pastels… 6×6 (copyright: Marc R. Hanson) – check out Marc’s website, blog and Facebook page for more!
There is nothing like a good homemade peanut butter cookie! I tell myself they’re healthy (yeah, right) – full of protein, ha. Well, not so bad if you only make the once in a great while! This recipe makes a lot, so share with your neighbors! I shared some and froze some so we weren’t eating them all! Try to control yourself with the cookie dough…. good luck!
With a mixer, beat together the butter, sugar and brown sugar…
Next… eggs and vanilla!
Add eggs and vanilla… mix just to get the ingredients blended together nicely…
Ooooh, lookin’ good!
Oooh, yeah, this is what you want to see!
Dry Ingredients…
I put dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a separate bowl, then give it a stir to mix it around, and then add to the wet ingredients…
Add the peanut butter!
Next… add the magic touch… the ingredient that makes peanut butter cookies, well… peanut butter cookies! Add the peanut butter, and mix to combine.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet
Get two teaspoons, scoop one teaspoon (mine are rather small, they get larger as they bake), then use the other spoon to drop it onto the un-greased cookie sheet…
Roll into balls lightly with your palms
Pick up the little blop of heavenly dough, and roll between your (clean!) palms lightly to form a ball. In no way does it have to be perfect!
Press with fork (lightly)
Then dip a fork in water (and shake off excess water) then lightly press down…
Press with fork the opposite way if you like
If you’re feeling fancy, press the opposite direction…
TA DA!
You will not believe how wonderful these smell!
TO FREEZE AND BAKE LATER:
Drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet, but leave room between them!
This recipe makes a lot of cookies (nearly 6 dozen). So I am sure to share and freeze some so that we don’t end up eating them ALL. To freeze, drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet then roll into balls leaving enough space between each cookie to “breathe” (allowing them to freeze).
Cover!
Then wrap in wax paper and then plastic wrap. For some reason I forgot the wax paper this time. No big deal… wrap them up good and put in the freezer several hours until they are frozen and hard.
Don’t forget to label!
Once they are frozen toss them into a zip top freezer bag and be sure to label. I like to add directions for baking as well so I don’t have to look it up! To bake after freezing: place on a cookie sheet and wait until they defrost (doesn’t take too long) (you need to press with a fork dipped in water and you can’t do this when they’re frozen). Then bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes!
ENJOY! I think these will quickly become a favorite!!
David Boyd has such a cool style. It’s plein air with a twist! These two paintings are NOT for sale (sigh, I know!) they are amazing aren’t they? Both of them stood out and are remarkable. They look like they could almost be watercolor, but they are oil. AND THEY ARE FABULOUS. How brilliant to paint it on a slight angle? It makes you feel as if you’re sitting on one of the steps of the porch looking up, doesn’t it?
Inside Out by David Boyd Jr. – NFS
Another not for sale, and I don’t blame David, these are in his private collection. Both of these paintings are of the front door of his childhood home. No wonder he wants to keep them! I would too! The interior… fabulous! The outside… I could look at it all day! Lovely painting…
David’s work is expressive and loose and I love that! Another subject that David is well known for… his tractors, trucks, etc. David isn’t afraid to paint large! It works because there aren’t a lot that are still for sale! So if you see something you like… I wouldn’t hesitate!
Little Red by David Boyd Jr. – Sold
Just look at this! How wonderful? It’s got a lot of abstractness to it which I really like! Be quick I tell ya… Little Red… sold!
Big Boy by David Boyd Jr. – Available!
Another cool tractor, more subdued colors, very nice! Big Boy is one of the few tractor paintings that are currently available… the more subdued color palette is amazing! The brushstrokes… get outta here! Stunning!
I love it when an artist is creative with their words. There are a few bio’s that I still remember, just absolutely so creative and interesting (Tom Balderas immediately comes to mind!). THIS IS ONE OF THEM! David clearly has a sense of humor which makes life that much better, doesn’t it? Read a blip about David from his website (read more HERE):
Biography
From an early age, Boyd was encouraged by his parents to create. There was never a shortage of art materials at the Boyd household. Even the walls of his childhood bedroom were left unfinished so that he could draw at will. He was influenced by his father; the elder Boyd is a renowned illustrator and character who draws for Jeff Foxworthy and Mark Morgan, Inc and once proprietor of The Print Shoppe in Newnan. Luckily, young Boyd was also heavily influenced by his mother, Rosalyn Boyd, the “quintessential southern belle”, beloved Heritage school teacher, and instructor to thousands with a penchant for dance and music. These facts coupled with early indication that the young Boyd had little, if any, math, organizational, or social skills pointed towards a life of crime or a career in the visual arts. After much consideration, Boyd chose the latter of the two.
As those early dreams of becoming a hired assassin or race car driver began to diminish, Boyd settled into the life of an artist. After moving to Savannah for school, Boyd began studying architecture, then graphic design and finally art history and illustration at Savannah college of Art and Design. Boyd graduated with a BFA in Illustration in 1995. Boyd painted his first painting during this time, focusing on the moonlight through the live oaks of Savannah’s Washington Avenue.
In 2004, Boyd’s father grew ill, and the younger Boyd was asked to take the reigns at Mark Morgan, Inc, an editorial cartoon syndication company, until his father could get back on his feet. With the elder Boyd now back in good health, father and son have continued working together on the editorial cartoons and can be seen at the Redneck Gourmet in Newnan each Saturday morning, planning and plotting their latest editorial attack. The father-son team also produce e-greeting cards with Jeff Foxworthy, which can be found at www.foxworthyredneckecards.com. The two Boyd’s are also responsible for the design and execution of design work, murals and signage for The Redneck Gourmet family of restaurants.
Boyd’s love of painting has been an odd journey resulting in many different types of paintings. Boyd considers himself an obsessed experimenter, not having settled on a single style or a concentration of subjects. Boyd’s pieces range from the expressionistic to the abstract, with subject matter that includes everything from trees and landscapes to chairs and doors, and sizes varying from small studies to murals.
Recently Boyd has been focusing on alla prima oil paintings of still lives and landscapes, especially a new found love of plein air painting. Boyd has been experimenting with daily painting, which is exactly as it sounds. He attempts to paint a piece a day and documents it on his blog with a written journal about each piece. Most of these pieces are smaller in scale. In 2009, Boyd was accepted as a member of the online art movement DailyPainters.com. Boyd is predominantly a self- taught painter having studied under Millie Gosch, Gene Costanza, Jill Steenhuis, Roger Dale Brown, Marc Chatov, and Scott Christensen and Greg LaRock.
Boyd is a member of OPA and AIS. He has been selected for regional OPA shows and AIS National where he was awarded an Honorable mention by the judge, Kevin McPherson. In addition, Boyd has been participating in plein air events around the southeast including the Quick Draw at The Great American Paint Out and an invitation the Plein Air Affair in St. Simon’s Island, GA where to received and 3rd place for his quick draw painting.
Sometimes, all you need is a nice hot cuppa love… like this one from Black Tap Coffee in Charleston, SC (70 1/2 Beaufain Street). If you haven’t been there I highly suggest that you go. They do not disappoint. Ever! The coffee is different. It’s good, very, very good. The atmosphere is very with it and you will leave with a smile on your face!
Here is an image from their Facebook page (Black Tap Coffee) to give you an idea what a cool place it is:
Gorgeous, right? One day Fred and I were walking in our neighborhood (Windermere) and the nearby area (South Windermere), and we saw a house that was empty and on the market. It had undergone a complete restoration by a high quality builder in our area. This is the backyard… Low tide… Gorgeous, isn’t it? I think these two adironack chairs and the view may sell the house!
What a fabulous nocturnal plein air painting! Love the moonlight, the deep blue sky and those lights way off in the distance. Very nice! This painting is available at the Lindsay Goodwin Gallery. Caution: the image on their website is lighter than the real painting. This image came from Kevin’s website, so I would say this is more the real deal. Brilliant composition how everything keeps your eye in the loop… Great painting! I really like Kevin’s work. Check out his website when you get a chance!
Kevin Menck was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. After graduating from art school, he worked briefly as a designer and then as a self-employed illustrator for 15 years. “Working as an illustrator helped me develop skills that are fundamental to what I do now, especially drawing. The ability to draw is the foundation to everything.”
In 2002 Kevin met and befriended local painter Jason Saunders. “Jason was very instrumental in my development as an artist. He introduced me to the basics of landscape painting and also instilled in me the importance of painting from nature. Nature is the best teacher I’ve had.”
Kevin is now committed to painting the landscape “en plein aire.” Being an avid outdoorsman for years, Kevin has a deep love and respect for the outdoors. “I remember sitting in a duck blind or deer stand and trying to figure out how to capture what I was seeing on canvas. To get that atmosphere, to make a cold day look cold and hot days hot. I want the viewer to look at it and know what it actually was to be there.”
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