A smart place to eat lunch

Maproom Cafe, BPL

20" by 20"

Oil with a palette knife on panel
$500 framed

I love to go to the Boston Public Library at lunch time, especially when the weather is nice and you can enjoy a sandwich out in the beautiful courtyard. This lunchspot indoors, The Maproom, is a wonderful alternative should the weather outside not be so nice. I love the feel of this room with it's beautiful tile ceiling and large windows. This painting is large for me and I painted it while we were working at the Art Gallery at Patriot Place last weekend. You can see an update on our weekend by checking out that blog.

Looking out on Lafayette

Concrete Jungle

8" x 8"

Oil with a palette knife on panel
SOLD

Another painting from my visit to NYC. This is a view out onto Lafayette Street from my friend's place on Great Jones in the lower east side. I just love painting these windows, the color of the window reflections changed from orange to blue as you moved up the building. I can't help but sing that Alicia Keys song when I think of New York. "...concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do... when you're in New York..."

New Exhibit Space

You just never know when show opportunities arise. Our painting group, The Neponset Valley Artists, just organized and hung a show at the South Shore Dermatology Practice office in North Easton, MA. Isn't it great to see an appreciation for hanging original art in such a venue? And isn't looking at art better than reading the latest about William and Kate in People Magazine? This show will be up for 4 months before they switch it out for a new exhibit.

That reminds me... I probably need to make an appointment.

Judging an art show

This past weekend I was asked if I would be a judge for the 2011 Taunton Art Association's Spring Art Show. Of course I said yes and what a great experience it was. There was a wide selection of art in each category: oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography, and mixed media.
They have a wonderful building to exhibit their work and the committee was so organized and supportive while me and the other two judges, Christina Beecher, and Jack Gannon discussed, debated, and deliberated. Picking only a few winners proved extremely challenging, but we worked well together to come to an agreement on the final prize winners.

Congratulations to all the artists on a wonderful show.

A masterpiece in frosting

Last Friday night was the reception for the Just Desserts show at Gallery 9 in Norwood. In addition to submitting a painting, artists were encouraged to bring a dessert that was inspired by their submission. I had always wanted to try my hand at "painting" a masterpiece on a cake with frosting. A logical transition for a palette knife painter, don't you think? Well, here it is...

My first Ann Gogh:

Here is a close up after the first few bites were enjoyed:
Which masterpiece do you think would look good frosted on a cake?

Happy Mother's Day

Mother and Child, after Cassatt

7" x 5"

Oil with a palette knife on canvas
SOLD

Who is that masked kitty?

Catman

6" x 6"

Oil with a palette knife on cradled board
SOLD

I think that black and white cats often look like they are wearing a mask. Their bright eyes pearing out of the darkness. Just like Batman.

Opening weekend at our new gallery!

Within just two weeks, a group of 6 artists have met, organized, and set up a brand new art gallery at Patriot Place and we opened our doors this weekend! The Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place will have live painting, local art on display, and activities that partner with the area restaurants such as art openings. This is an amazing opportunity for us as well as the Foxboro Art Association. We will be featuring 3 new local artists each weekend to keep things fresh and interesting. I've included some photos below of our fast paced set up.

The gallery front.

Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots play, is our backdrop!

Polo and I contemplating our arrangement of paintings.

Our final display is shown below with our names showcased on the wall above our art!

Live painting with Polo.

At Friday night's reception.

What an exciting new venture. I will keep you posted as things develop.