The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love Christmas!!  It is truly one of my favorite times of year.  It's also a busy time of year, filled with commissions for those who want to give their loved one a customized painting to go under the Christmas tree.  Being that we're less than a month away, I've been painting away and I can't wait to post what I've been working on.  That said, I have to keep it a secret for now until after the holidays!

In the meantime, right now you can find my "Out for a Ride" limited edition prints at ArtSpace Herndon for a limited time.  Prints make a great gift and is an economical way to get fine art without breaking the bank!  To get a print online, visit my website or Etsy page!

Miniature Arts Society of Florida 38th Annual International Miniature Art Show

Leepa-Rattner Museum, Photo Courtesy of spcollege.edu

I was incredibly honored to find out that my two pieces I entered into the 38th Annual Miniature Arts Society of Florida (MASF) International Show were accepted!  The show runs from January 20th-February 10th, 2013 at the Leepa-Rattner Museum in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and each year there are over 800 pieces on display from miniature artists around the world.  All pieces had to be under 25 square inches (ex., 5"x5") in most fine art mediums.  My two pieces that I entered were La Pasticceria (The Pastry Shop) and Reflections of Bellagio, shown below.  Hope you enjoy and if you happen to be in the Tampa area, please stop by!

La Pasticceria (The Pastry Shop), oil on canvas, 5"x5"

Reflections of Bellagio, oil on canvas, 2.5"x2.5"

Christmastime & Four Seasons of Oatlands Miniature Art Show & Sale

(Photo courtesy of George Petropol)

It's that time of year again!  Christmas at Oatlands officially begins today and runs through December 30th. In annual tradition, the Carriage House & Mansion are fully decorated for the holiday season, and many of the decorations on each tree are for sale at the gift shop.  If you haven't been, I highly recommend it.  Admission to the Carriage House is free, and tours of the mansion are $12 adults; $10 seniors (60+), $8 students (6–16) and only $6 for National Trust members. They also have afternoon teas beginning at 1 p.m. in the Carriage House on Saturdays & Sundays, which are warm and inviting. Take in the decorations (and some art!) while munching on some delicious treats and being served wonderful tea.  To find out more, click here.

In addition to the decorations, each year Oatlands has their annual Four Seasons of Oatlands Miniature Art Show & Sale in the Carriage House.  In comparison to the show that runs in the summer, this show is comprised of small paintings only, which is a great way to decorate just about any space (especially small and narrow spaces!), and part of the proceeds goes to help preserve Oatlands.  This year, I submitted three paintings for the show, so go check them out!

To check out more info about the event, click here!  Happy Turkey Day!!!!

Capitol in the Snow...Big Time!

Earlier this year I did a miniature painting of the Capitol in DC from far down Pennsylvania Avenue right after a fresh snow.  It was such an inspiring picture I decided to capture it large scale, so the picture above is a 24"x36" (vs. the 2.5"x3.5" from before) and it was really fun getting into even more detail.  The Capitol building is just amazing with all of its architectural touches and I loved painting all of the people walking down the middle of the street which would normally be lined up with cars at most times of the day.

If you want to see the painting in more detail (along with others!) click here!

La Pasticceria (The Pastry Shop)

If you're beginning to notice a pattern here with the Italian scenes, you're onto something!  My most recent inspiration is again from the majestic Lake Como, however this time, my inspiration comes from the sweet memory of eating delicious Italian food.  Incredibly hungry, my friend Susan and I stumbled upon this restaurant for its perfect location on the water.  Next to it, a pastry shop (Pasticceria as they say in Italian) sits nestled within soft pink walls and shady trees.  The view itself looks practically edible!

This 5" x 5" miniature oil on canvas makes me want to take a long walk around the water after a big bowl of spaghetti carbonara.  Oh boy. I think I need to stop writing as my stomach has started grumbling...this painting is making me hungry!

If you want to check it out along with my other Lake Como scenes, click here: La Pasticceria

Reflections of Bellagio

One of the most special trips I've ever taken was to Lake Como, Italy, in March.  As it happened, my dear friend Susan and I both happened to be in Europe (albeit in different countries) and decided to meet up for a weekend.  As both of us had never been to Lake Como, it was an easy decision for us to meet there to check out the sweeping views of where the mountains kiss the lake.  On top of it all, impressionist paintings of Lake Como are part of what inspired me to begin painting, so what better place to visit, right?!

The image above is from a photo that I took as we crossed over the lake to Bellagio, a town (really a municipality) that rests at the intersection of the three branches of the "Y" shaped lake.  It has great shops and cafes, with one of the best features being the incredible silk tie and scarf shops.  Little did I know, Lake Como is a world leader in silk production and I was able to take a little piece of its claim to fame home with me!

This painting is part of my miniatures collection, standing at a petite 2.5"x 2.5".  To see it up close, click here:  Reflections of Bellagio

Reston Century After Party!

 Two guys eating snacks in t-shirts

At the welcome booth selling prints

On August 26th, the Reston Bike Club held their 30th annual Reston Century.  While it rained most of the morning, many of the bikers could not be thwarted and continued pressing on even in the midst of storms.  Afterwards, hundreds met back in Reston Town Center for the after party which included music and delicious catering from Silver Diner (they make a GREAT greek salad, just in case you're planning to dine there anytime soon).

It was great to talk to all of the bikers, sign the t-shirts, and sell prints, and it was unbelievably cool to see my print on the back of 1,200 t-shirts.  Congratulations again to everyone who rode!

10 Collectibles That Aren't a Waste of Money

Check it out!  Mainstreet.com wrote an article about 10 Collectibles That Aren't a Waste of Money...the coolest part?  The last tip!  I was excited to be quoted in this article about limited edition fine art prints.  They really are an economical way to be a bonafide art collector and investor!

30th Anniversary Reston Century

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Reston Bike Club's annual Reston Century, a ride throughout the Northern Virginia area with over 1,200 riders anticipated to be in attendance.  The ride is self-paced, and there are three routes to choose from; 34 miles, 65 miles, and the challenging 103 mile route.  The ride begins at 9 a.m. in Reston Town Center, and an after party begins when the riders return.  Proceeds for the event go to various non-profit organizations.

As part of the ride, participants will receive a free t-shirt, and every year, a prospectus is put out through ArtSpace Herndon to create a painting which will go on the back of each shirt.  This years theme is Leesburg and cycling, and I entered the above painting, "Out for a Ride," into the competition.  I was incredibly honored to find out that it won first prize, and will go on the back of the t-shirts!

I will also be selling prints at the start/finish line at Reston Town Center, so please swing by!  If you're interested in learning more about Reston Bike Club, click here!
 

Cherry Blossoms!

Since I had such a great time painting the last mini, Capitol in the Snow, I decided to go ahead and try my hand at DC in the springtime with my rendition of the Jefferson Memorial during the Cherry Blossom festival.  While it's hard to admit, I have to be honest that having lived in DC my whole life, this past year was the first time I had ever been down to see the festival in person.  As this was the Centennial year for the blossoms, it was the perfect time to be there, and was it ever spectacular.  The pink blossoms look so fluffy and frame the monuments and tidal basin perfectly.  If you haven't been, I highly recommend it!

Above is a 2" x 3.5" oil on canvas.  If you would like a close up of this painting, please visit here:  Cherry Blossoms

Don't Forget! Four Seasons of Oatlands Ends July 31st!

In case you haven't yet visited the Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show and Sale, make sure to head down there!  The show continues on until July 31st, and viewing the show in the Carriage House is free (and air conditioned!)  Since the grounds are absolutely beautiful this time of year, I highly recommend a trip around the estate and also a guided tour at the Mansion.  Tickets to tour the mansion and garden are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and only $8 for students (6-16).  To learn more, check out the tours at http://www.oatlands.org/visitoatlands/tours.asp

Hope to see you there!

DC Capitol Mini

As you might have already seen, I like to paint big.  I started in murals, then moved to canvas, so when you're used to filling up walls that are 7 ft. high by 15 ft. wide, a 24"x36" canvas doesn't seem like too tall an order.  That said, last December I entered into a "minis" show at Oatlands Plantation, with the largest allowable size being on a 5"x7" canvas.  I thought that there was no way that it would be feasible painting on such a small canvas, but sure enough, I found that I actually enjoyed the attention to detail in the size constraints.  So recently I found myself researching the world of miniature paintings, and realized that many miniature artists groups define a miniature painting as no larger than 25 square inches (ex., 5"x5").

Having had a photo of the Capitol in the snow that I absolutely loved, I decided to give an even smaller mini a whirl.  How small you ask?  2.5"x3.5" and I can honestly say I had fun painting every bit of it.  I especially love the scene; not only is it a gorgeous view of an area I grew up close to, its a reminder of the beautiful snowstorm we got a couple years ago that left the DC metro area blanketed in up to 75" of snow, a record breaking season for many cities.

If you would like to see a close up of the painting, click here:  Landscapes

Hope you enjoy!

Fourteenth Annual Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show & Sale

Photo courtesy of Oatlands.org

Every year, the carriage house at Oatlands Plantation transforms itself into a unique gallery filled with works by artists all over the region.  I am honored to be showing a couple pieces there this year, and am really excited to see the transformed space!  Last year was my first time entering into Oatlands and it was a wonderful time (you can read the recap from last years show here).  Admission to the show is free, and there is a preview party July 1st, which is open to patrons and all friends of the artists.  Let me know if you want to come!

What:  Fourteenth Annual Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show & Sale

When:  July 2nd - 31st

Preview Party Sunday, July 1st 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where:  Oatlands Plantation Carriage House

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane Leesburg, VA 20175

Why: Because it'll be a blast!

Hope to see you there!

Tremezzo

Ever since I was first inspired to paint, I have always wanted to visit Lake Como in northern Italy.  I don't know if it's the way the mountains kiss the water or the gorgeous landscaping, but I knew that I just had to see with my own eyes what inspired the artists that I admire so much.  That incredible opportunity came for me this Spring, and I spent the whole time taking in the majestic landscape and snapping as many pictures as I could take with one of my dearest friends, Susan, who is an avid photographer.

The painting above is of Tremezzo, on the western shore of Lake Como.  Tremezzo is nestled in between several popular towns on the lake, but is slightly quieter with a great deli that serves the best gelato I've ever had.  Strolling up and down the streets leads to some beautiful villas with lines of clothes drying in the warm sun.  It's the type of place that begs you to stop and smell the roses.  If you are ever in Como, it is definitely worth a trip! 

I loved painting this particular scene as it was one of the first images that I took on the trip and the first area we really explored.  It was also fun to experiment with a new canvas size.  A 16"x40" sounded slightly daunting at first, but it turned out to be a blast!

If you want to see this picture up close, please visit my gallery:  Landscapes

Kennedy Gallery!

(Photo courtesy of ecayonline.com)

Have you ever felt so content that you couldn't help yourself but let out a little laugh?  For me, that's being in Grand Cayman.  The crystal clear water, pure white sand, and abundance of palm trees delights me in a  way I almost can't describe.  That said, I feel really blessed to be able to have a piece of myself down in Cayman at the Kennedy Gallery where you can find some of my prints!  Kennedy Gallery is one of the Cayman Island's most established galleries and is located in West Shore Center off of West Bay Road in the Seven Mile Beach corridor.  There you can find everything from fine oils and watercolors to photography, prints, and even greeting cards.  They have just about everything to satiate your artistic palette!

For more information about Kennedy Gallery, please click here!  Make sure to stop by if you're in Grand Cayman!

Jazz and Juleps!

Every year, Oatlands Plantation holds their "Jazz and Juleps" cocktail party which serves as a fundraiser for the historic landmark.  In addition to the party, they simultaneously hold an auction which includes a variety of things to bid on, everything from teas and guided tours to restaurant gift cards.  

In addition, this year I will be donating a piece to the auction!  It's still a work in progress, but as a hint, it's something that inspired me after visiting the Cherry Blossoms for the first time this year (can you believe just the first time...I grew up in the DC area)!

If you want more information, please click here:  Oatlands Jazz and Juleps

Hope you can make it!

Art at the Mill

Art at the Mill, 2011.  Source:  Edward Leonard, Clarke Daily News

Yesterday I took a trip to Millwood, VA to drop off my art for the upcoming Art at the Mill show at the Burwell-Morgan Mill.  Located between Leesburg and Winchester near the Shenandoah River, this amazing mill has been around since 1785 and is still in operation today, grinding a variety of grains that can be purchased directly at the mill.

Twice a year, the mill transforms into an art gallery where over 1,000 pieces of art line the walls salon style (meaning floor to ceiling!) and serves as a major fundraiser to help keep the mill up and running.  Over 300 artists participate, and the works are just incredible.  Here are the details:

Who:  Over 300 artists, myself included!

What:  Art at the Mill

When:  April 28th - May 13th, 2012

Hours:  Sunday - Friday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Adults - $5, Seniors - $3, Students - Free

Patron's Night Preview Party:  April 27th 6-8:30 p.m. (Call  (540) 955-2600 for information)

Artists' Reception:  May 6th 2-5 p.m. (All are welcome!)

Where:  Burwell-Morgan Mill

15 Tannery Lane

Millwood, VA 22646

If you would like more information about the mill or the show, please click here:  Art at the Mill.  Hope to see you there!

NOVAL 10 Art Show at ArtSpace Herndon

Jerald Daemyon on jazz violin

Saturday evening marked the opening of the Northern Virginia Artists League 10th Anniversary art show at Artspace Herndon located in historic downtown Herndon.  Twelve artists from the group (myself included) are exhibiting for the month of April in the space, which has both a dedicated gallery as well as a studio for various art classes and workshops.  I have been a part of the group for a couple of years now and have really enjoyed and grown tremendously through having this community of artists around me.

The reception was a blast, and included incredible demonstrations from several members of the group as well as music from jazz violinist Jerald Daemyon.  Jerald did an excellent job and kept the room entertained throughout the reception.  Below are a few additional pictures from the event, and don't forget that the show runs through the month of April so if you didn't get a chance to see the pieces at the reception, there is still plenty of time!  Visit Artspace Herndon

Lorrie Herman demonstrating her amazing watercolor skills

 Donna Robinson showing off her incredible still life techniques