Featured Artist… Terry Miura!

On November 25, 2013November 25, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Private Lives by Terry Miura — *Private Lives* by Terry Miura

This painting is so striking… it jumped right out at me, and I absolutely love it! The undertones and layers of paint really make this stand out. The fabulous light hitting the building with the shadows not far away… then that fabulous green… especially where the light hits, like on the ladder… STUNNING! I urge you to check out Terry’s work, it really is worth taking a look… if you aren’t familiar with him, I promise you will see some amazing paintings!

Arcangelo No. 3 by Terry Miura — *Arcangelo No. 3* by Terry Miura

Fabulous, right? This looks like something that was created centuries ago… there is just enough detail… and again, those wonderful layers and gorgeous background! Terry’s website is so good… full of information! Check out the 2014 Workshop Schedule as well as his blog!

Read a blip about Terry from his website:

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 revis- iting 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 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.

ALL IMAGES VIA TERRYMIURA.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Holiday Shopping with the Beast!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Richard Oversmith!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A place where time stands still…

On November 24, 2013December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

There is a sleepy town not far from here where it seems like time stands still. It’s called Rockville, SC – and it’s the most beautiful little spot. Truly I bet it looks like it did years and years ago. I mean that in a very good way. It’s not commercial (no stores, gas stations, restaurants). It’s like life the way it should be… the houses are beautiful and so well kept. The oak trees are extremely large and appear to be very happy. Rockville is Charleston County’s oldest surviving summer resort, dating back to 1824! I love places like this… it’s nice to be busy, but it’s nice to be where the pace is slower… and thanks to Ken DeWaard for this shot… I would never have seen it, but since he is way up in the clouds (tall), I saw him snap a photo, but couldn’t see what he was taking a photo of… so I pulled out my viewfinder and lifted my camera up high – EUREKA! I wanna be tall! What else am I missing??

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… What are these?? Vending machine stamps…

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A breathtaking scene…

On November 23, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL3 Comments

A Michigan Sunrise... — A Michigan Sunrise…

I took this photo last year when I took a trip home to see my family… they have the most amazing sunrises that reflect against the river. I am the crazy fool out in the cold with my camera snapping photos like a crazy person… PJ’s on… and whoever’s shoes are by the door… off I go. I cannot NOT take a photo. It’s not in me. When I see something beautiful that catches my eye SNAP* SNAP… there are some beautiful sunrises/sunsets in this part of the world! Wishing you a beautiful sunrise or sunset!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Featured Artist… Jane Barton!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to Watch… Larry Moore!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Elaine Lisle!

On November 22, 2013November 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Red Corner on Main by Elaine Lisle — *Red Corner on Main* by Elaine Lisle (*image*)

I think Elaine’s use of color is amazing! She’s definitely not afraid of it! Elaine has some spectacular paintings and a variety of subject matter.The color in the building (Red Corner on Main) is fabulous as are the shadows that play against the light… this looks like a place you could walk right up to and have a lovely lunch sitting in the sunshine…

Lobsters and Crabs by Elaine Lisle (image) — Lobsters and Crabs by Elaine Lisle (*image*)

After enjoying a nice lunch basking in the warmth of the sun you could meander over to Lobsters and Crabs and pick up something to throw together for dinner… Elaine’s paintings are fabulous and make you wish you were there!

Read a blip about Elaine from her website (there is more, so be sure to check it out)!

My paintings express the feeling of awe I have with the landscape. They are more likely to be joyous, energetic, vibrant, complex works as opposed to gentle, pastel or brooding canvasses. I look for the surprise in the composition, whether it be a statement made by a lone figure, a spot of orange found in an otherwise green wood, or an unusual lavender reflection in a river at dusk. It is exciting for me to take an ordinary scene and make it extraordinary.

I have been painting my whole life, and professionally since 1994. I work only in oil. I love painting en plein air (outdoors from life), as well as completing larger works in the studio from on-site studies, reference sketches, and photographs. With commissioned works I generally complete more than one on-site sketch and often use reference photographs as well.

I live and work in the Philadelphia area and love to travel, bringing my painting equipment wherever I go. I enjoy capturing bright warm colors, the long shadows of late afternoon, and creating complex compositions so the viewer has much to contemplate. Paintings can be found in the most unlikely places, as well as the likely ones. I know I have been successful in my work when the viewer feels as though he or she has been there. People often say, “It feels like you could walk right into it!”.

Painting is part of my life’s journey. Producing art is a journey in itself, as I never know when I begin a painting where it will take me.

Elaine is represented by the Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia, PA.

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Thanksgiving! Thank YOU! I am grateful…

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Homemade Cranberry Bread – it couldn’t be easier!

On November 21, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

This is a fabulous recipe that you may have run across before… it’s on the back of the Ocean Spray Cranberry bag (fresh cranberries in the produce department). This is the perfect time of year to pick up a few bags. Cranberries freeze well and you can make your own cranberry sauce (you will not believe how quick and easy it is – you will never run to the store for it again!)…. and the taste?? SO. MUCH. BETTER. THAN. CANNED.

This cranberry nut bread will make your house smell amazing! Here’s the link to the recipe on Ocean Spray’s website so you can print it easily if you need to!

CRANBERRY NUT BREAD

(Recipe courtesy of Ocean Spray):

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, well beaten

1 1/2 cups Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan.

Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf (16 slices).

To recap:

Mix together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder/soda, salt)

Then add the wet ingredients, orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg, once mixed together add the fresh cranberries and chopped nuts and pour into prepared pan…

Pop it into the oven, sit back, have a tea and wait… ooooh, smell that wonderful smell… it’s delicious hot, cold and it freezes well! E N J O Y !

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Scandinavian Bean Salad recipe, GREAT with Turkey!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Michael Chamberlain!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Judith Carducci!

On November 20, 2013November 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Tessa's Hearth by Judith Carducci — *Tessa’s Hearth* by Judith Carducci

Judith Carducci is an amazing pastel artist – I adore how she did this interior above. The golden glow of the fireplace and the portions left somewhat unfinished but so very cool!

Monhegan from the Cemetery by Judith Carducci — *Monhegan from the Cemetery* by Judith Carducci

For those of you who have been to Monhegan, ME, you will instantly recognize this view – spectacular, right? Pastels are a medium I’m not really familiar with, I just know when I see something I like, and I like this… be sure to check out more of Judith’s work, as well as her upcoming workshops!

Read a blip about Judith from her website:

Critique - a self portrait by Judith Carducci — Critique – a self portrait by Judith Carducci

When I was a child, my art teacher had me copy “Holbein Heads” – drawings by the great Hans Holbein, portraitist to the court of England’s King Henry VIII. That was the beginning of my lifelong fascination with portraiture and my enduring respect for Holbein’s genius. Even now, my teacher’s voice, as she showed me the fine points of his skill, echoes in my ear: “Look for the lost and found!”

This self portrait of the artist on a coffee break, in intense concentration assessing the work in progress (values? edges? gesture? composition…?), is also my homage to Holbein, his strength of characterization and his use of color (especially in the simple rich green background). And it is nostalgic for me – a reminder of my love and gratitude for my teacher.

ALL IMAGES via JudithCarducci.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Thanksgiving… Thank YOU! I am grateful…

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A few of my favorite things…

On November 19, 2013November 15, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS6 Comments

I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things with you on occasion… and Jo Malone perfume is definitely on that list! I’m not a big perfume wearer. I’m not one who likes to walk around in a heavy cloud of scent. I am sensitive to other people possibly not liking my choice in perfume, so I keep it light. I like clean fresh scents. A light spritz will do, although with Jo Malone perfume you can use more without being overpowering, which is nice. One cool thing about their perfume, is that some of the scents are unisex. The fresher scents tend to be that way, like the Lime, Basil & Mandarin scent. It’s so nice…

You can also layer perfume with different scents. I haven’t done that yet, and most likely won’t, I’m happy with a spritz of one or the other… But if this interests you, Nordstrom has a Fragrance Combining Menu for Jo Malone fragrances. For example, it shows you can mix the Lime, Basil, Mandarin (top) with Grapefruit (above). I’ve also read that those who wear citrus scents are perceived as being up to 8 years younger than those who wear other scents… excuse me while I go spritz!!

One of my last favorites is the Amber and Lavender… lovely scent, so unique. A clean, calming scent… I like this one a lot in the winter… don’t know why. These photos are 3.4 oz bottles, but they also come in 1 oz bottles which last a long time. It’s wonderful if you visit a store that carries Jo Malone. Nordstrom carries it in the store and online – free shipping and free returns… can’t beat it!

Images via Nordstrom.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe (THIS WAS AWESOME!! Quick and Easy as well!)

T W O Y E A R S A G O… A Window to my soul… or from the cottage in Maine…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Walt Gonske!

On November 18, 2013November 26, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, THOUGHTS1 Comment

Sea of Cortez by Walt Gonske — *Sea of Cortez* by Walt Gonske

Walt Gonske, an artist from Taos, New Mexico, has some wonderful work and I am thrilled to have run across it! Ahhh, the beauty of the Internet! I have found so many wonderful artists and Walt is no exception! He’s got some nice shapes going on, some fabulous color, nice brush strokes and he kept it loose enough to leave it to your imagination… I like that a lot! Give his website a peek if you get a chance!

Walt’s work reminds me a little of Charles Movalli. Charles Movalli is one amazing painter, and a fabulous person from what I hear. You can spot one of his paintings from a mile away. He has a way of simplifying that is incredible. Matter-of-fact, I just watched a YouTube video on SIMPLICITY by Charles Movalli and it was inspirational! Check it out if you get a chance!

Read a blip about Walt from his website:

“In the past, I would have an idea for a painting and hold to that idea through to the finish. I could pretty much see the end result before I started. There were no surprises. But now my understanding of the process is that the idea is just the first impulse. From that first impulse forward, improvisation takes over. The end result is not about that first idea, but is instead a record of all those impulses along the way. Each stroke of paint carries emotion and power. I work in a loose, painterly style in part because I want the viewer to see the process and not hide it behind ‘finish;’ for the viewer to maybe even feel how a particular piece of paint was put down.

Painting is not about reproducing nature. I like the notion that art should have more to do with the communication of the artist’s emotions to the viewer through the paint itself.

My goal in the work is not to show what I know, but what I feel. The more intensely I can express emotion though paint about the subject, the more likely the viewer will respond. All I can do is make an honest effort and then accept without judgement. To remain neutral about the paintings and to not judge them as good or bad is very important to moving forward.

My best work comes when I’m able to give up control, to trust my impulses. Then the painting takes on a life of its own. When I don’t know what is going to happen next, the process becomes full of surprise and wonder.

We go to art school to learn the rules about drawing and painting. After many years of developing skills and acquiring knowledge, I know what I will get as a finished product if I control the process. What I don’t know is where it would lead and what would happen if I gave up control. This is what interests me now.

It’s a different way of thinking – or not thinking so much. To remain empty of all preconceived ideas about how a piece will turn out. It’s simply a mind-shift away from repeating what I already know and to allow that unknowable, creative spirit to come through.

That’s easier said than done of 40 years of learning how to do this thing called art. But all that stops one from stepping into unknown territory is doubt and fear. If I’m willing to give up control over my skills and ability to do things a certain way, then new forms and techniques will come to me.”

IMAGE: WaltGonske.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… CFADA Fine Art Weekend Photo: Mark Horton

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Elizabeth Pollie!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Beach at Botany Bay in the Fall…

On November 17, 2013November 17, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Beach at Botany Bay - Edisto, SC — Beach at Botany Bay – Edisto, SC

I know I’ve mentioned it before… but, if you haven’t made your way to Botany Bay you don’t know what you’re missing! It’s like traveling back in time. There is a short, but beautiful walk you can take to the beach. You aren’t allowed to take shells (big fine), which is actually kind of nice because you see what a beach would look like if no one were to mess with it. It’s awe inspiring! This day just happened to rain while we were walking to the beach, but you can see the clear sky peaking through the clouds!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… The Beauty of the Greenway… Charleston, SC!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… I accept this award… hee hee… and I pass it on!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Broad Street Geranium…

On November 16, 2013November 26, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME1 Comment

This geranium sits in an office window on Broad Street. It is beautiful year after year… wonder if it’s the same one? Look at that wonderful light! As I write this we are in the midst of an “arctic blast” of cold weather. My fingers feel like they are about to crack… some of this sun would feel mighty nice right now! As you read this I believe our temps are supposed to warm up quite nicely! Woohoo, gotta love Charleston, SC!

Have a great day…

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Featured Artist… Quang Ho!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Pam Ingalls!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Paul Wright!

On November 15, 2013November 26, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Club Girl by Paul Wright — *Club Girl* by Paul Wright

Impressive isn’t it? Loose and fabulous! Look. At. Those. Eyes. Don’t they just draw you in? Don’t you wonder what she’s thinking? There is a story here, what is it? It’s fabulous when a painting can keep you locked in so your eye doesn’t just wander outside of the painting. This guys work is amazing! He has wild and fabulous brush strokes… and… you should see his portraits! Unbelievable! Paul Wright is an artist from the UK who’s work is wildly popular! There is a great article to read by Darryl McCarthy – it gives you a bit of a glimpse more about the artist… an excellent read!

This is the opening image on his website (as I write this)… I encourage you to check out Paul’s work, it’s amazing!

Read a blip about Paul from his website:

After training as an Illustrator, I have spent the last 14 years developing a painterly language through which I seek to capture a vitality beyond the establishment of a mere ‘likeness’ to the subject. Whilst I appreciate the importance of the individual being recognisable, the subjects are glimpsed rather than exposed, their inner selves hinted at but ultimately inscrutable.

Though I often work on a large, potentially imposing scale, the work remains approachable through fluency of brush mark and a rich palette. The spaces the subjects inhabit are often indeterminate, providing an atmosphere that allows for ambiguity of psychological state. The subjects retain their integrity and yet a sense of intimacy is evoked

The Red House by Paul Wright — *The Red House* by Paul Wright

Images via Paul-Wright.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… RECIPE: White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese with Bacon and Kale!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Charleston Chocolate Cake Just Got Better!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: INLET RETREAT by Allison Ramsey Architects!

On November 14, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

INLET RETREAT houseplan by Allison Ramsey Architects — INLET RETREAT – House plan by Allison Ramsey Architects

Allison Ramsey Architects always has fabulous house plans to choose from. They have homes of all shapes and sizes with all sorts of layouts, if you’re in the market to build a new house I would not hesitate contacting these people. They truly know what they’re doing. This is the INLET RETREAT plan (C0037). This house is 2210 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It has been built with all kinds of different looks on the outside. From the cottage look to a mountain cabin look, each is unique and inspiring!

This is a nice open plan with a master bedroom downstairs, as well as a guest bedroom/bathroom. I like the living room in the back of the house, it seems more private that way. Personally I would make the den an office/reading room. Matter-of-fact, since we don’t have guests that often, I think I might make the den the guest room and make the front bedroom and office/reading room. I would make it nice and cozy… Oh, yeah, that sounds delightful! I could work on my blog, then curl up with a good book as light streams in through the window… This is what you call gracious living…

The upstairs is the third bedroom/bathroom as well as loft space. I might even make this loft space and storage (stick the dreadmill, oh, I mean treadmill up there… where you can’t see it). Maybe build some nice storage space around the perimeter where there aren’t windows. Storage space is always a good thing!

See images of actual INLET RETREAT homes that were built, it really helps you get an idea of what it will look like, and see how differently the house can look depending upon your personal style!

Contact the architects at info@allisonramseyarchitect.com or 843.986.0559 to verify square footage, house dimensions and additional information or to purchase a set of plans. Their house plans show how their attention to detail time after time makes them a great architect to choose!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Featured artist… Louisa McElwain!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Karen Hollingsworth!

Featured Artist… Dru Warmath!

On November 13, 2013November 26, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment

Just look at these coastal landscapes. Pretty fabulous right? Artist Dru Warmath is known for her abstract work. Her abstracts differ from others because she paints abstract landscapes which makes them so interesting. Now is the time to purchase one of her paintings, she is still reasonably priced (very!), but her prices are going to be increasing soon, so if you’re thinking about it… now is the time! These paintings, along with others are available in Charleston, SC at Galerie on Broad. If you’re in the area, check them out in person. They are large impressive pieces (40×40). They make a statement for sure!

Read a blip about Dru from her website:

Charlotte, North Carolina artist Dru Scott Warmath has been a full-time, professional artist since 1990. Her artwork has won major awards in numerous regional and national shows. She is an elected member of the National Watercolor Society. Warmath employs an interesting division of space and odd, personal shapes to carry highly sophisticated color relationships in her paintings.

F L A S H B A C K

O N E Y E A R A G O… Featured Artist… Louisa McElwain!

T W O Y E A R S A G O… Artist to watch… Karen Hollingsworth!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images via DruScottWarmath.com – Dru’s work can be seen at Galerie on Broad, located at 29 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Pizza on the grill… Quick. Easy and too good for words!

On November 12, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

A friend and I were walking one morning and she was telling me about how they made grilled pizza… Grilled pizza? I had heard of it, but dough on a grill? Seems like a sticky nightmare. I’m here to tell you it is LIFE CHANGING! Seriously. It’s so quick and easy and you can change it up with different toppings! I found a website that gave direction on how to grill a pizza (SimplyRecipes.com) – I’m telling you… this is one you want to try! Check out the link I provided for details, but here is what I did:

HOW TO GRILL PIZZA

I bought pizza dough at the grocery store. Many stores now have it in their bakery section. You can also make it yourself, either way works!

Turn your grill on high.

Get your toppings ready, because once the pizza comes off the grill you work swiftly to get it back on, so it’s important to have everything ready to use… The top pizza I used pizza sauce, cheese, fresh mushrooms* and fresh basil. I had posted this photo on Facebook and mentioned that it was beyond fabulous, but the mushrooms made it a little watery, and I received a comment back from a master pizza maker… the secret? Sauté the mushrooms first! Tada! That did the trick!! You can make it traditional with pizza sauce or step out of the box and try just olive oil, cheese, red onion and olives – that was nice too…

Ok… next step… let the dough sit in a olive oil coated (lightly) bowl with a clean towel over it for about 30 minutes.

Then shape the dough, first by flattening with hands, then pick up and let it hang to stretch. I find this approach works best. You can use a light dusting of flour to keep it from sticking to the counter/your hands, etc. I cut the dough in half first and I make two pizzas with one package of pie dough, it seems easier to handle that way.

Shape them how you like, they don’t have to be round… I like my funky shapes… Place them on a rimless baking sheet or an upside down cookie sheet. If the dough seems sticky, dust with a little cornmeal or flour…

Once the grill is hot, oil the grates with olive oil. We used paper towels dipped in olive oil and used tongs…

Slide the crust on to the grill (or sometimes it’s easier to pick it up and plop it on the grill, whatever works for you)…

Then IMMEDIATELY CLOSE THE GRILL… cook approximately 2 minutes, check it if you smell burning. It’s ok for the crust to get charred a bit. You can check it part way through to see if its browning evenly, if not rotate it a bit if you can. Ours has never taken more than 2 minutes.

Now remove the dough from the grill, and place on the rimless baking sheet COOKED SIDE UP.

Make a mad dash to wherever your toppings are located, hopefully nearby… place the toppings on the cooked side of the dough. Add sauce or olive oil, then cheese, veggies, meat, but go lightly on top or it will be soggy and heavy. This one was made with olive oil instead of sauce, asiago cheese (Trader Joe’s!), red onion (next time I would sauté first) and olives.

Time to get it back on the grill!

and… CLOSE. THE. LID. Wait about 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bottom starts to char.

Then sit back and enjoy! Have you ever tasted crust like that? So heavenly light and crispy… just like it was made with a wood burning oven. Out of this world!!