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
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!
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.
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!
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!
“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.”
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
INLET RETREAT – House plan by Allison Ramsey Architects
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…
INLET RETREAT – House plan by Allison Ramsey Architects
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!
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!
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.
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!!
Regal. Doesn’t this sculpture look regal? This is FLYING HERON by Darrell Davis. His work is amazing and he shows locally in Charleston, SC at Anglin Smith Fine Art. FLYING HERON stands an impressive 85″ high.. I love how dark this photo is against the light colored building.
I like the funky blue’s in this photo… this was taken last Friday during the art walk… it was an amazing night for it. I think the prediction of rain kept some people home. There was still a good crowd and it only drizzled right at the very end. This photo looks like it would make a great painting… those clouds, the car lights, the steeple… nice! Have a great weekend!
Plein Air Painters of the Southeast (PAPSE) is a great group of artists that paint “plein air” (painting outdoors). Their work is nothing short of amazing. They have to be quick to catch the light, but each is so talented in their own way. If you are in the Charleston, SC area, you are in for a treat. The Wet Paint Exhibit & Reception Opens – November 8 (TONIGHT!), 2013 from 6 pm – 8 pm at 3 Galleries in Charleston, SC – Can you imagine? Nearly 30 artists paint their hearts out for days in a row in Charleston, then tonight the show appears in three separate galleries… Coco Vivo Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery and Galerie on Broad – you must check it out! Take a peak at the list of artists in each gallery. I am looking so forward to this!
The exhibit runs through November 16, 2013 – so catch it if you can!
Images via Plein Air Painters of the Southeast Facebook
Just a few examples…
Chillin by Larry MooreShem Creek Shrimpers by Katie Dobson CundiffBowens Island Morning by Richard OversmithPrices Alley by Bill FarnsworthWorkshop demo by Bill DavidsonPainting by Lori PutnamPainting by Rich NelsonMarsh Gold by Stuart RoperAngel Mystery by Scott BoylePainting of Old Red Grocery in Rockville by Shannon Smith Hughes – Image Shannon’s FBPainting by Andre LuceroThe Old Fisherman by Dee Beard Dean
Hope to see you there – catch you back here tomorrow!
Just look at that cool line of fog/mist on the water, pretty amazing isn’t it? I captured this while we were moving… spectacular shot!
Well, almost a spectacular shot… the line of fog/mist turned out to be the window that was rolled down… darn it!
The stillness, reflections and just pure beauty of that place amazes me! This was taken at Botany Bay, a gorgeous place to visit if you ever get the chance, it’s located near Edisto, SC.
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