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

Notre Dame Cathedral

The painting above is a commissioned piece inspired by a fantastic photo taken from the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral in France.  Although I really love painting buildings, the gargoyle perched atop the Cathedral really inspired me and was my favorite part to create.  It amazes me that people can take blocks of stone and can chip away at it to create an amazing figure.  When something goes wrong in a painting, I can usually just paint over it.  If you chip away too much at stone, there's not much you can do about it!  

This is an original oil on canvas (16" x 20").  If you are interested in a print of this painting, please click here: Gargoyle's View Print

Blue & White!

 

Above is an image of my rendition of the mighty white and blue stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. This 18"x24" oil on canvas and was a blast to make. Out of the whole stadium, I must say that I especially love the senior student section, known as the "S-Zone" in the lower right hand corner. What a cool way to represent!

If you are interested in a print, please click here:  Blue and White Print