A window to my soul… or from the cottage in Maine.

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL8 Comments
Cottage Window - Port Clyde, Maine

Those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook have seen this photo lately… This is one of my favorites. Taken from inside the neatest cottage on the planet earth. The cottage is in Port Clyde, Maine and looks out to the ocean facing Monhegan Island. This cottage is truly like a movie set. Nothing new or fancy about it, it’s been around for a long time. It’s situated so close to the ocean that during a storm it can be a tad thrilling… oooh how I’d like to be there now!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Elizabeth Pollie!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: ElizabethPollie.com

I try my best to select a painting that is for sale instead of one that is already sold, but I just think this is the sweetest painting. This is done by artist Elizabeth Pollie of Harbor Springs, MI. After reading about her, and the different locations that she paints, I was so pleased to see that she paints scenes of Mackinac Island, Michigan! I had vacationed on Mackinac Island this year, and this painting is reminiscent of that trip… This looks like the horses on Mackinac Island. I love the flag in the distance, the light in the horses mane. Excellent. Not typical at all. I often wonder why there aren’t more galleries on Mackinac Island. Why aren’t there artists with easels set up everywhere like on Monhegan Island, Maine? It baffles me. I think it would be an awesome adventure (once my husband retires) to pack up, buy a place on the island and open a gallery. Invite our artist friends to paint on the island and show their work… whoa! Who could pass that up!? I love to dream!

Here’s a blip about Elizabeth from her WEBSITE:

Elizabeth Pollie’s exposure to the arts came at an early age. Taken to museums, enrolled in classes by her parents and influenced by her father’s love and practice of art and architecture, she was always clear about her path in life. “Working within the field of visual arts never seemed like a choice, but rather a place of true belonging”. She enrolled in college art classes while still in high school and went on to receive an education at a formal Art School. She earned her B.F.A. at The College For Creative Studies where she later taught.

Harboring a deep love of travel and art history, Elizabeth has combined her travels with her painting practice. The images that she creates are imbued with a sense of poetry, mood and depth.

The artist paints full time and teaches from her studio, West Wind Atelier in Harbor Springs, Mi.  Her paintings reside in both public and private collections here and abroad and have received much national recognition.

Elizabeth has found a deep sense of place within the rekindled practice of representational painting in America.  Of this movement Pollie reflects, “ It is celebration, an homage and in many ways a joyous homecoming. I am pleased to be a part of it.

Check out Elizabeth’s website! Catch you back here tomorrow!

I accept this award… hee hee… and I pass it on!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Well I had a surprise this weekend, my blog, barbarastroud, was given an award! Was I surprised? Yep! A very happy surprise! This award was passed on to me from ADesignForWife blog, which is one to check out! A great design blog, she can showcase the neatest things. The photos are to die for and give you great ideas, so give it a peak… Rules come along with this award… This may as well be an Emmie or an Oscar, ha ha…

Apparently the rules of the award are as follows:
– Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you.
– Share a couple things about yourself.
– Send it along to at least 5 other (new/newer) bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So THANK YOU ADesignForWife!

A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME…

I’m from Algonac, Michigan…

I am thrilled with cloudy/rainy weather…

I move furniture around probably too much, but love to keep changing things!

I have the best husband in the world (next year will be our 20th anniversary!) and the sweetest beast Jack Russell named CHARLIE.

I love to cook, bake, eat, and then stress about it and walk, walk, walk…

SOME OF MY FAVORITE (NEWER) BLOGS:

Bridget Jennings Artist – a blog that’s more than just art, this girl is hilarious. She’s got the most refreshing sense of humor, great paintings, and has recently started auctioning her paintings on DailyPaintWorks.com!

Wondering – a blog with a great perspective, intriguing photos and interesting stories. Christy is a friend who started this blog not too long ago, where she finds the time I do not know!

Cay Digests New York – an interesting blog about a girl who takes you through different restaurants in New York (and other locations as well)… this blog always makes me hungry!

Tim Horn Paint – a fabulous blog done by one talented artist. He just started it a few months ago, and it THRILLS me to see his paintings. I love it!

Baby Talk Without the Babble – written by a local woman, this is an insightful blog, and hey, you never know what she’s going to say! Fun to read even if you don’t have kids!

I have many blogs that are just fabulous that I read when I get a chance… but they’ve been at it a while, so I will mention them at a later date!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Pam Ingalls!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment
Pam Ingalls – “The Kingdom of Ahhhh” /Image: RSHannaGallery.com

I love paintings of interiors. I especially love the ones that are painted loosely, like this one done by artist Pam Ingalls. This is a great little interior painting entitled “The King of Ahhhhh” and can be located at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Here’s a blip about the artist, this comes from the Meyer Gallery, who also represents Pam, they are located in Santa Fe, New Mexico:

Ingalls’ education in art began early. She first studied with her father, Richard Ingalls, who created the Art Department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. She continued at the Accademia Delle Belle Arte in Florence, Italy in 1977, then returned home to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga in 1979.
She later worked with Frederick Frank in New York and subsequently studied oil painting under Ron Lukas in Seattle. More recently she has studied with Richard Schmid and Burt Silverman.
Strong color and sound drawing are primary in her paintings. Her choice of simple subject matter is surprising, sometimes humorous, and always full of emotion. Portraits, still lifes and interior scenes populate her studio.
A table with chairs, a diner counter top, rubber boots standing by a kitchen door, even a bowl of cherries – all evoke a sense of humanity and presence, as if someone is either about to enter the frame or has just left it.
Pam has exhibited in over 125 national and international juried art shows, where she’s won more than 60 prizes. Her work has exhibited in 28 states, and is in collections in several countries.
Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Chocolate Cake just got better!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment
Carrot cake, red velvet cake and lemon cake!

Who doesn’t like cake? There is someone in Charleston, SC that makes THE BEST chocolate cake in all the land, her name is Christen Reese, owner of CHOCOLATE CAKE CHARLESTON. Fred and I went to a cake tasting a few weeks ago (yippee! I think that may be my calling!). The cake was DIVINE. The way everything was displayed was beautiful and I am thrilled to announce… there are more cake flavors that will be available and let me just say… each and every one of them is out of this world: a carrot cake so moist and delicious with just the perfect frosting, a red velvet cake that is as beautiful as it is tasty, and a lemon cake that is so light that it’s absolutely heavenly. I wish I would have turned this plate around and taken the shot from the top of the cake, pure beauty I’m telling you! Be sure to check out Christen’s website, get your cake order in early. Its nice that you can order a small 4″ two layer cake right on up to a 10″ three layer cake, as well as mini bites and medium cupcakes. Talk about flexible! We have our order in! For those of you who are out of town, shipping is available!!

Like I said, everything was so beautifully presented, in addition to the cake, there were little jars of local honey (Low Country Gold from Johns Island) that would make the sweetest gifts (for yourself as well). This picture doesn’t do it justice, I only had my phone with me… if you’re interested in this local Charleston, SC honey contact MORIAH WHITE, (M DESIGNS). (Email address: moriah_white@yahoo.com and phone is 843.637.4785). It would make a sweet hostess gift for sure! She also has her spiced pumpkin chutney available (fall harvest), so contact her while it’s still available…

M Designs – honey from Moriah White

Catch you back here tomorrow…

Artist to watch… Karen Hollingsworth!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"Sand in the Sheets" - Karen Hollingsworth, Image: Wynne-FalconerGallery.com

I can FEEL the breeze blowing in the window, I can hear the crashing of the ocean waves, the birds chirping… I can smell the salt air, I FEEL AS IF I AM THERE. Ahhh, this is a great painting done by an amazing artist from Atlanta, GA. She is known for her light airy paintings and considers a painting successful if the viewer feels as if they’re there. Here’e a blip from the artists website:

Karen Hollingsworth is known for her unique light, airy “windowscapes”. In the past the artist painted interior spaces, now she includes an open window that acts as a portal into the space beyond. Her large oil paintings often depict subject matter that is fairly minimal, chairs and ordinary interior settings, however what attracts many viewers is the mysticism evoked by the movement of the air and the ocean breeze through the curtains. 

For Karen, a painting is about the feeling it evokes. Although there are no figures present in her windowscapes, it is difficult to deny the implications of vacant chairs in such an empty space. Karen is interested in creating the “impression of looking through that room and seeing the view outside the room.

“I love to create paintings that evoke a sense of the familiar,” says Karen. “To blend the common objects of everyday life, placed within the interior of a room, with a glimpse of the ocean or mountains through an open window. My windowscapes are intended to provide the viewer with a sense of solitude and well being. A comfortable world bathed in sunlight and warm breezes. For me, a painting is successful if “I wish I were there.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sunset on the water in Meggett, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

Artist Betty Anglin Smith and her husband own the sweetest cottage in Meggett, South Carolina. It’s a place to sit and read, watch the beautiful view on the water, and for Betty a place to paint. This photo was taken back in 2006 at an oyster roast there for an guest artist in the Smith Killian gallery in Charleston, SC. It was a beautiful night with a spectacular sunset. The reflections were just gorgeous!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Keeping your memory sharp – a game!

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: DoctorOz.com 

Who doesn’t love Doctor Oz? I appreciate his information, and there’s tons of it! If Alzheimer’s is a concern for you, I highly suggest you visit his website, there are amazing video’s, tests you can take if you suspect you may have Alzheimer’s as well as plenty of suggestions to help PREVENT it from occurring in the first place! One of his suggestions to PREVENT it in the first place is to not only exercise your body, but EXERCISE YOUR MIND. Click HERE to go to Doctor Oz’s website where you can easily print this game above.

From DoctorOz.com: Studies have shown that keeping your brain challenged and engaged can actually help to prevent Alzheimer’s. Try games like crossword puzzes that work both the visual and language areas of your brain while combining decision-making and motor coordination. You can also try brain games like the card above. As fast as you can, read out loud the color that each word itself is printed in – not the word itself.

Whoa, that’s a challenge. Do things that are foreign to you, drive a new route to work, learn another language, learn another type of puzzle if you’ve mastered the sudoku or crossword. Learn to knit, crotchet, paint, play the piano, the possibilities are endless. What we don’t want to do is sit in front of the TV and become zombies.

Keep this little puzzle handy, use it until it becomes easy and fast, then move on to something else!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Mark Horton!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
The Barbershop - Image via HortonHayes.com

Mark Horton is a fabulous artist (as well as a super nice guy). That’s nothing new, however I’m seeing some work like none I’ve ever seen of his and I like it. A lot!  This painting is one from the workshop he and Chris Groves gave in Italy this year. It’s so unique. I love it!

If you’re in the Charleston, SC area be sure to stop in the Horton Hayes Gallery! Stop by, say hello and check out the wonderful art work! If you aren’t in the area, check out Mark’s work on the gallery website. Here’s a blip from the gallery website, there’s more, so check it out!

Mark Kelvin Horton was born and raised in rural North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Art in 1983, Horton moved to New York City to begin a career in advertising and design. He carried with him the dream of someday becoming a painter.

Eighteen years of living in New York were spent working as a creative director in various advertising agencies and eventually founding his own design company. Those years also provided an invaluable opportunity for Horton to view and study firsthand the seemingly endless number of masterworks of art in the city’s museums and galleries. Horton became particularly fascinated with the works of George Inness, Herman Herzog, Frederick Church and the tonalist photographer, Edward Steichen. He was also captivated by the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer as well as the romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters. The experience had a profound effect on his artistic development.

During his years working as an artistic director and designer, Horton continued to nurture his “fine art side”, drawing, sketching and painting whenever he had the opportunity. In early 2001 Horton made the decision to devote himself full-time to painting. He left New York City and returned to his Southern roots, moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

Horton is particularly fascinated with the effects of light and weather upon the landscape. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities while capturing the spirit, color and changing light of a place.

Adding this a bit late, but just in time… this past weekend we went to a fabulous demo that Mark Horton and Chris Groves gave at the Horton Hayes Gallery, it was about painting the English countryside and it was AMAZING! To watch these guys paint is fascinating. I took notes like a crazy person and can’t wait to try what they mentioned. They are full of information, and lucky for you they have workshops in your future! There are a few in England that will blow you away. We’ve seen the photos, seen the paintings and whoa! If you have ever thought about taking a workshop, check them out! Besides learning a lot, trust me, you’ll have a good time. They’re fun! Click HERE to go to the Horton Hayes workshop link!

Mark Horton demo at Horton Hayes Gallery

You liked his work, didn’t you? Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Otto Lange!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment
“Milkman” – Image: OttoLange.com

OK, who here remembers the milkman? You know, the man who delivered milk and other dairy products to your house each week. Well now the secret is out, I’m old enough to remember and I kind of miss the concept of the milkman! How nice would it be to answer your door and have your dairy products right there? Or reach inside the milk box that was outside the door in case you weren’t home? Well, I think the milkman era has long been gone, but here is a painting done by a very cool artist entitled “MILKMAN”. I just happened upon this artists website and it’s just so different. Very realistic images. The artist’s name is Otto Lange and he lives in Athens, GA. He has work in several galleries…

He’s been in several publications and has a great BLOG. So if you get a chance, check him out!

Oh… this has me now thinking about the bread man… He. Had. Pastries. I guess I’m glad there is no longer a bread man… I think I’d be in trouble!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Hop on and take a ride AROUND the island…

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Bikes at the Island House Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Sometimes the most everyday things become the inspiration for a great photo… I would have loved to spend more than a few seconds on this shot, but we were on a roll, heading out to accomplish something or other… (eating, bike riding, photo taking, shopping, you know…??) Next time! In front of the Island Inn Hotel on Mackinac Island they have a great place where you can rent bikes. It comes in handy because that’s the best way to get around the island. And I do mean AROUND the island. Yep, bikes are great for back and forth running here and there, but what many people don’t do is take the time (doesn’t take that long, it’s only approximately 8 miles) to ride their bikes around the island. You will LOVE IT! The back of the island is very quiet and peaceful, the scenery is unreal. So take some time to enjoy the view!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

November 6, 2011 @ 2AM Daylight Savings Time ends… reverts back to Standard Time.

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: Charlie Riedel, AP (news.nationalgeographic.com)

You either love it or you hate it… few fall somewhere in the middle. Do you prefer Daylight Savings Time in the Spring where we lose an hour? Or do you prefer when the time reverts back to Standard Time where we gain an hour in November? Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK 1 hour tonight before you go to bed. Time officially changes at 2AM (it will then be 1AM) on Sunday, November 6, 2011.

You’ll have to work a little harder to exercise outdoors before it gets dark, but I happen to like this time of year… ALOT!

Catch you back here tomorrow… after you set your clock back !