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!