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