Artist to watch… Bradley Hendershot!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist4 Comments
Image: BradleyHendershot.com

Bradley Hendershot. Nice guy… met him a few years ago on Monhegan Island. He does fabulous watercolors mainly of Pennsylvania, Maine and Maryland’s eastern shore. If you aren’t familiar with his work, check him out! He has a website with paintings, gallery information and upcoming exhibitions. Brad’s work reminds me of some of Andrew Wyeth’s work.

 
Funny thing, when I think of Brad I think of blueberry Pop-Tarts. Ha… He had a studio set up on Monhegan across from the Island Inn (the John Sterling House for those of you who are familiar), Fred and I popped (yuck, yuck) in to introduce ourselves and check out his work and there were boxes of blueberry Pop-Tarts on the counters. Not just a few boxes… MANY boxes. Too funny… what’s any better than an unfrosted blueberry Pop-Tart? Too bad it’s not health food…! So if you haven’t seen Brad’s work before, click on the website link above!
 
Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Art quote weekend continues…

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment
Garden at Giverny by Claude Monet

My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.

–Claude Monet

Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Quote from ArtQuotes.net; Image from TokyoRoomFinder.blogspot.com/

Are you an artist? Do you have a website?

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment
Image: FASO.COM

Are you an artist? Do you have a website? In this day and time it’s pretty much a necessity to have a website. You need a website that is up to date that provides information to potential art collectors. Problem is… we aren’t all well versed in creating a website, especially one that may also include a blog, email newsletter, “buy now” button, the ability to add images, etc. Well LOOK NO FURTHER… with Fine Art Studio Online   you can create a website so easily it will make your head spin, AND if you need help, they have wonderful “artist support agents”. Pricing is low compared to paying a webmaster. You have a few options and the pricing varies. Their most popular plan (the Gold plan) is only $28/month and allows you to add up to 750 images! Check it out HERE.       

Many wonderful artists use the http://faso.com  site to create their own sites… Brian Blood, Glenn Dean, Logan Hagege, Bridget Jennings, Brian Kliewer, and Kevin Macpherson, just to name a FEW…

 A blip from FASO.com website: Enjoy quickly designing, maintaining, and updating your site, blog, email newsletter and more. You won’t have to wait for a webmaster every time you want to make a change. (Say goodbye to your web developer’s change fees too!) If you can surf the web, you can use our software! Plus, if you run into an area where you need help, you can always turn to our professional Artist Support Agents and take advantage of our Positively Remarkable Customer Service.

 So if you need a website, but have been putting it off, check it out! They offer a 60 day free trial, can’t beat that! Check them out, you’ll be glad you did!

 Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com!

Tasty Greek yogurt I adore…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTHLeave a comment

 Owwiiieeee… Chobani Greek yogurt! Have you tried it? You’ve heard the hoopla, better for you, more protein, yada yada… but have you TASTED IT? Absolutely delicious. Even the plain (especially when mixed with a cut up cucumber and some green onion… oh heavens!)… give it a try if you haven’t already! They have lots of flavors to choose from!

Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Image via Chobani.com…

Artist to watch… Keith Oehmig!

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

Wiscasset. LOVE that little town… “Maine’s prettiest Village” also has a pretty fantastic gallery, Wiscasset Bay Gallery. Keith Oehmig, the guy who established Wiscasset Bay Gallery, just happens to be a fabulous artist as well as a really nice guy. The kind of guy you WANT to buy a painting from. The piece above is entitled “Camden Waterfront” (oil on board/24×30) is an excellent representation of his work, AND while I already had him scheduled to be a post on this blog, an art card arrived in the mail with this very painting on it! Whoa…! It’s wonderful receiving those cards, and THANK YOU to the galleries who still send them. I have a bulletin board full of artists that we would like to collect from one day… This card is now going on my bulletin board!

If you haven’t been to Wiscasset, what a fabulous place to stop! If you haven’t been in Wiscasset Bay Gallery… hoof it on over there! You’ll be SO GLAD you did! It’s a treasure of paintings!
Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Kitchen Aid Mixer -A biscotti-makers dream come true!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment
Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer

The Kitchen Aid Artisan mixer is a biscotti-makers dream come true… no kidding! The first few times I made biscotti I only had a hand mixer, so that worked for the first part of the recipe. Then it says to stir by hand… What?! It’s like stirring glue mixed with cement, are you serious? Then I had to call in the big guns… well, ahem, he does have a name… “HEY FRED… PLEASE COME AND STIR THIS FOR ME“… ha… it was kind of like having a nice mixer BUT one that talked back… hmmm… then came the Kitchen Aid mixer… throw the ingredients in and hear it roar… I love this thing! I like my counters clean and cleared off, however this mixer gets used enough that it has the privilege of staying put! Did I mention how great this mixer is, ha ha??

Of course it’s good for everything, not just biscotti, it was just necessary for biscotti!Hey, enjoy your day! Catch you back here tomorrow! Image via Google.com

Artist to watch… Margaret Petterson!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments
Watching the Tide Roll Away by Margaret Petterson

Isn’t this fabulous? I LOVE the light coming through on the adironack chairs! This is one example of Margaret’s wonderful work, a mixed media monotype entitled “Watching the Tide Roll Away”. My husband and I have loved Margaret Petterson’s work for many years. She’s versatile, paints in watercolor, oil and does monotypes. Margaret’s work is shown at the John C Doyle Gallery  (John, another wonderful artist and future blog post!). Margaret can paint large paintings so full of color, they truly are special. If you haven’t seen Margaret’s work before be sure to check it out (click HERE)…

 
Have a wonderful week, I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!
If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !
 
Image via www.margaretpetterson.com
 

Art quote: Pablo Picasso – Interior With Girl Drawing…

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment
Interior With A Girl Drawing – Pablo Picasso 1935

Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility.

  -Pablo Picasso

Ruh roh… mental note… once I ever get painting again… although I do believe if I master anything I would stick with it for at least a little while!

Enjoy your weekend… catch you back here tomorrow…

If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Image and quote via artquotes.net

 

Art quote… Andrew Wyeth…

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: ReviewPainting.com

You probably recognize this image don’t you? MASTER BEDROOM by Andrew Wyeth. I think he was just the most talented artist and interesting man (judging by his biography). OK, enough already, time for the quote… (artquotes.net)

 
You think you’re developing and getting better and then you see something you did years ago. Looking at your early work.. sometimes it has a depth that surprises you.
  -Andrew Wyeth
 
When I look at his work over the years it’s amazing how it changes, not from good to bad, but just different. I guess there are a few paintings I can look back on where I’m surprised at the depth… hmmm… good!
 
Catch you back here tomorrow! Check out my photo blog if you get a chance… http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

“Bessie Mae” by Jonathan Green…

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOMELeave a comment
Image: GalleryChuma.com

I would like to introduce you to BESSIE MAE. She is a strong presence in our house – and, may I say, how can she not be? We bought Bessie Mae during Spoleto (art festival) many years ago, she was created by artist Jonathan Green. He is a wonderful artist depicting the southern experience in the most interesting detail. If you aren’t familiar with his work, check it out, it’s facinating! Jonathan moved back to the lowcountry several years ago and resides on Daniel Island. Check out his website with his gallery information (click HERE) as well as Gallery Chuma’s website (click HERE)…

We like to collect original work. Bessie is an exception. Bessie is an original lithograph. The process that Jonathan uses is impressive, click HERE to learn more about it!
 
Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry… Dinner this eve??

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe3 Comments

 

Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

I made a few changes, one reason was that I was cooking for two and didn’t want leftovers… the other, I didn’t have any sesame oil… I made this a few times before I feel it was perfected. The first time I halved everything, BUT I kept the amounts for the sauce the same. There wasn’t enough. It was a tad dry… I didn’t measure the broccoli, so perhaps I had too much AND I had more shrimp… For two, I made these changes: 3/4# shrimp, and however much broccoli you want, it’s awesome so we ate quite a bit, probably close to 4cups… I used 1/3 cup of low sodium chicken broth, 2 1/2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar and 2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce and 2 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch.

If this sounds tasty to you, view the recipe below, or click HERE to go to their website for easy printing… NOTE: start your rice long before you start the stir fry because it goes quickly. I start the rice, and then start getting the other ingredients ready. Once the rice is almost done (or is done) THAT is when I start tossing ingredients into the wok!Enjoy!

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Stir-fry a zesty shrimp dish for a quick weeknight dinner. Spoon over basmati or jasmine rice. Try the recipe with chicken or steak, too.

  • YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
  • COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 cup vertically sliced onion

Preparation

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic to pan; stir-fry 30 seconds. Sprinkle shrimp with salt. Add shrimp to pan, and stir-fry 3 minutes or until done. Remove shrimp mixture from the pan.

Add remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil to pan. Add broccoli and onion to pan; stir-fry 4 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Add shrimp mixture and broth mixture to pan; cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly.

Jackie Mills, MS, RD, Cooking Light
JANUARY 2008

Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Artist to watch… STAN MOELLER!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: http://www.stanmoeller.com

Stan Moeller. Nice guy, great artist… and FANTASTIC web site!  I love this painting… GULLS (18 x 24, oil on linen panel) – I love the lights and darks, the movement and the water in the background… Check out Stan’s website at www.stanmoeller.com it’s full of information, paintings, workshop schedule, gallery links, etc. If you haven’t seen Stan’s work before, CHECK IT OUT!

 
Catch you back here tomorrow… If you get a chance, check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Parmesan Chicken (with salad) – Ina Garten

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe4 Comments

Ina Garten's Chicken on Salad

Oh do I have a tasty treat for you today! If you haven’t made Ina Garten’s (aka, Barefoot Contessa) Parmesan Chicken I encourage you do so… you will be oh so thrilled. The chicken coated in parmesan has SUCH fabulous flavor. I like how she puts the salad on top, I usually put the chicken on top of the salad… the light and fresh tasting lemon vinaigrette compliments this nicely. Tasty without being overpowering!

Click HERE to print this recipe!

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/3 cup unbleached flour

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 egg

1/2 tablespoon water

1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving

Unsalted butter

Good olive oil

Salad greens for 2, washed and spun dry

1 recipe Lemon Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Directions

Pound the chicken breasts until they are 1/4-inch thick. You can use either a meat mallet or a rolling pin.

Combine the flour, salt, and pepper on a dinner plate. On a second plate, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. On a third plate, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan. Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the flour mixture, then dip both sides into the egg mixture and dredge both sides in the bread-crumb mixture, pressing lightly.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 tablespoon of canola oil in a large non-stick sauté pan and cook 2 or 3 chicken breasts on medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Add more butter and oil and cook the rest of the chicken breasts. Toss the salad greens with lemon vinaigrette. Place a mound of salad on each hot chicken breast. Serve with extra grated Parmesan.

Lemon Vinaigrette:

1/8 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemons)

1/4 cup good olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Yield: 2 servings

Everyone needs more birthdays… Artist Michael Schwab…

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment
Image: MoreBirthdays.com

I love this poster! Artist Michael Schwab has created this poster for the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

“Every year, thousands of cancer patients stay for free at American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities when receiving treatment away from home.”  JUST. IMAGINE. Going through something so difficult and being far from home. What a wonderful idea Hope Lodge is!

You can order a poster, a limited edition print or wrapping paper. You can also use this as wallpaper or send an e-card (both free), check it out by clicking HERE.