"A Very French Welcome" SOLD

"A Very French Welcome"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

I found the perfect spot to sit and sun and eat and  talk.  Even Eddie likes it--although he just slipped inside the open door to check and see if the the fish is fresh...

There's room for two on the bench.  I thought it looked so....well, welcoming!  Like, hello friend, sit awhile and soak up the good things in life.  Plenty of  fresh air, incredible colors, and most of all---shared laughter amongst friends to go around.  I'll save your spot...:)) 

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"Italian Hideaway"

"Italian Hideaway"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

It's Friday.  And I am thinking you are needing a place to get away .  Somewhere where no one knows your name and you can sleep as late as you want and stay up as late as you want and eat what you want.  It's on a side street,  a bit off the beaten path but an easy walk to the corner market to pick  up fresh chevre and some home-made  olive oil to dip your bread in.   There's some great Merlot and lemoncello in the cabinet so help yourself.  My only tip is---don't tell anyone where you're going. Especially if his name starts with an Ed and ends with a 'tude.  Dude with a 'tude.  That's all I'm sayin'.

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"Plan A...Italy" SOLD

"Plan A....Italy"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Risk everything. Plans B, C, D, and E will always be there.  Grab plan A. 

                                                                             ~Jacquelyn Mitchard

My plan A is Italy.  Plan B is France.  Care to join me?

• 
  
  Listen in Thursday, June 24, Artists Helping Artists blog radio.This week's guest? Randy Higbee of King of Frames fame, next week's guest? Carol Marine.  12 noon EST--check sidebar on my blog for number to call in and to listen to past recordings.  I and co-host Leslie Saeta will be opening up the lines for real conversations between real artists...that's you!
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  I am warming up my brushes and pipes for a painting demo and presentation on the inspiration for the body of work, Let There Be Love... .  Main stage,  4 pm at Harrodsburg Festival of Books and Arts.
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  It's Time! 1 Day Workshop on Taking Control of Your Art Career--Pasadena, Ca, Sept 26, 2010  (Leslie and I have learned so much to share in this past year--and we are delivering the best at this workshop...:))
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   3 Day Oil Painting Workshop with Captivating Color, Expressive Painting--Pasadena, CA, Sept  23-25 with me and Leslie--full of  instructor demos, paint along demos, jam session musical easels, and extended evenings of gourmet meals and fireside chats on the artist's life.  This is going to be a totally immersive and inspiring workshop experience.  Can you tell I am excited??!!

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"Baby Blue"

"Baby Blue"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$350

We did a paint along in the workshop today (see above demo)....and it seemed to bring out lots of smiles and happy paintings in everyone!  Second day in the workshop means everyone is more relaxed and so there is even more laughter and good art taking place.  I feel so lucky that I get to do this--there is so much work that goes into preparing for one, I almost forget how much joy there is when I actually get to the "doing of it" part!  From dear friends I have known for 30 years to new ones just met yesterday, it makes for a one of kind experience each and every time.  Hard to believe it will be over tomorrow!  Gotta get this group to stand still long enough to get a group shot...:))  Will post that tomorrow.

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  Just a reminder for those who live in Kentucky.  Harrodsburg Festival of Books and Arts is coming up the last Saturday in June.  I am the  featured main stage artist and will be speaking about my book and doing a demonstration painting from 4-5pm from the stage.  I would love to meet you! This should be a great festival so mark your calendars..:))
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  Remember, I am giving away my first copy of my book, "The Artist's Toolbox" --to be eligible, leave a comment on my blog!
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  Leslie Saeta and I are finalizing plans for our upcoming workshop in California in September.  We anticipate this will fill quickly so let us know if you are interested and/or planning to attend.
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  If you are enjoying our Artists Helping Artists blog radio show--help us spread the word!  Please tell your artist friends they can call in or listen to previous recordings.  Also, if you have a blog, you can add the badge for the show to your page to let others know about it (and it gives one more reason for others to visit your blog, knowing you are posting cutting edge art info..:))(to add badge just the share button on the blog radio badge that is on the sidebar of my blog)  Thanks so much!

Happy Friday! 

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"When in Rome..." SOLD

"When In Rome...."

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

After giving it some serious thought I have concluded that the only way I can hang laundry out my window is if I  move to Rome.  Or Florence.  Or Provence.  Somehow flaunting  your undies from a one level, 3 bedroom, brick  ranch  just doesn't have the same feel...in fact, I'm not sure, but I think it might get you arrested.

....I'm just sayin'. 

That's my excuse.  What's yours??

Tip for the day:  Go green...move to Italy and let Mother nature dry your unmentionables....

And in other news..:))

I am starting to get excited about sharing my new ---soon to be released--book on how to get started marketing your art.  It's the book I wish I'd  had when I first started looking around, trying to decide what to do first to get my career moving.  Here's a sneak peek for your viewing and reading pleasure...:)  The Artist's Toolbox

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"Festa Italiano" SOLD

"Festa Italiano"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

How decadent can you be??  Hanging out in Italy, enjoying the home-made pastas and local wines--and doing it while sitting at the water's edge....now that's what I call a holiday! 

Be sure and make a toast to return here, same time next year...but maybe stay a whole month...or what the heck...just go ahead and buy the villa...it's only money people...:))). 

And in other news....

"Paintings in Window at Bromwell's Gallery for Opening Night"

I had a beautiful time at the opening at Bromwell's Gallery this past Saturday night.  Not that you would know by the photos I have included here.  True to form, I took photos before it started, promptly got caught up in the evening.....and well...you will just have to trust me--it was great!   

"Local Cat, Cinders, Attends Opening...well, actually, he let us have an opening at his gallery.  Please do not let Eddie know about this--Cinders was in the window posing in front of Eddie's painting...."

As you can see, I am absolutely no good with the camera when it comes to events.  Give me a cat and a camera and you would think no one else was there.  There was a great turn out--  Cincinnati is an amazing town.  I met talented, engaging people, listened to some fine music from David Dutton, mingled with the local cats (Wewis was also in attendance--yes, you read it right, Wewis) and then headed upstairs to  gallery owners Jeff and Tracy's home for cappuccino's and dessert (it was Jeff's birthday!).  Altogether a very wonderful evening!

Getting excited about this week's blog talk radio show, "Artists Helping Artists", that I am co-hosting with California artist, Leslie Saeta (see side bar on my blog site for details).  This week's topic is  "How to Host an Art Workshop"--call in to listen or contribute your two cents worth..:)) 

Which reminds me---my next 3 Day Oil Painting Workshop is  coming up June 10-12 in Lexington, KY.   The workshop is full and a mix of new students from several states away and some veteran workshop gals from last year.  I am excited and I promise to do a better job photographing the event...:)))

Back to the easel...and let me know when you close the deal on your villa....I wanna come paint at your place...:)))

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"Cafe' de Bleu Francais" SOLD

"Cafe' de Bleu Francais"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

French pastries and  espresso at 11.  Grab us a seat outside.  And wear that great new hat you bought.  With sunglasses.  Then everyone will be looking to see who you are---perhaps some famous person having coffee at the French blue cafe.

 I promise not to give you away....:)))  Just remember to call me Angelina while we are there.....

And in other news....I have just added something special for my collectors--.  Read about it here...

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"French Blue Stripe" SOLD

"French Blue Stripe"

6 x 6 in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Simple colors, simple pleasures. The French seem to have an unerring knack for pairing things. Blue-stripe market umbrella + salmon pink flowers = thrill up spine..:))

Add to that a perfect sunshine day in Auvignon and you have the perfect recipe for a place to daydream.

So--- today I am serving iced tea with a fresh lemon wedge and sprig of mint under my blue stripe umbrella. Eddie, of course, is asleep under the roses.....:) You can join me or make up your own story for the day---

It doesn't cost a thing to daydream or smile...:)))

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"Icing...Italiano Style!" SOLD

"Icing...Italiano Style!"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Scooping up colors that look good enough to eat and icing them onto a slice of Italy. Maybe that's why I love to paint....



And the fact that I have to support Eddie. I worked 'til late. Eddie napped.


That's how Eddie rolls. It's good to be Ed.

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"Balcone di Amore" SOLD

"Balcone di Amore"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Painting this coastal balcony in Italy reminds me--- how precious each little piece of the world that we make ours, actually is.



Hands, not as young as they one time were, spreading out a well worn, but well loved cloth on a table for two.



Plants watered and spoken too.



Deep breaths taken of sun warmed air.



We bring the gift of ourselves to everything we touch. Perhaps that is what makes me so happy when I see these minuto balconies with their arms so full of such things that we humans find precious. What each of us has that goes into all these things---that thing that fills all the space and then some....



Amore....Love!











May you have a love of a day.











May the plants nod their heads to you when you pass.











May the birds sing their song just for you.





Just for the day, may you be infinitely aware!

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"Derby Time"

Living in central Kentucky, one quickly comes to realize....Derby madness is alive and well. I live in the heart of horse country, surrounded by some of the most beautiful farms imaginable. Barns nicer than many homes. Horses that earn their owners hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day from stud fees.

Do I ride horses or know anything about them?

No.

Other people have animals that make them money.

I, on the other hand, have Eddie.

The closest I get to anything horsey would be painting silver shiny things (does that count??) So it seemed fitting in this moment of horse mania that is the Kentucky Derby, to showcase the painting "Truth", which sports the famous mint julep cup. That's as close to a horse painting you are likely to see coming from me...:)

This painting is quite large (24 x 30) compared to my blog paintings. It is loosely painted, but looks "tighter" when shrunken down to photo size--one of the things that happens online and in magazines to larger works. If you would like to see a little larger version, click here.

Happy Derby Day!

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"Douceur de Vivre" (Sweetness of Life!) SOLD

"Douceur de Vivre"

oil, 6 x 6in on panel

$150

Okay. I don't speak French. Not like my good friend Mary Neely. However, I loooove the sounds of the language. Take this little phrase ....the sweetness of life...sounds even sweeter on the tongue when spoken in French! And I have concluded the French have a corner on the market when it comes to dressing up windows and awnings....you just can't look at 'em and not get a little happy thrill up your spine.

Unless your name is Ed. When I showed this to Eddie he said he found it all a bit blas'e. Who knew....Ed speaks French. Of course he thinks he's le miaelement du chat (the cat's meow)!

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"Afternoon with the Artist...(that's me...:)"

This was such a special day for me. Gallery B (pictured below) hosted "Afternoon with the Artist" which gave me the opportunity to spend time with some of my collectors and share some behind the scenes info on the making of the art for Let There Be Love....

Art friends Dana and Linda with moi...:)

Just trying to give you a sense of scale on some of the paintings!

Who could resist buying a painting from these two??? Me with John and Lora Lea, who added one of the pieces from this show to their collection.

Lynda and me with her new painting, "Love" (alternate title, Evan).




Tricia and me hanging out with her newest art acquisition, "Kisses". I should mention here that Tricia kept reminding us all that it was her painting...not her and Darrell's painting. Guess who won the drawing for my painting "Cup of Miracles"??

Darrell, of course!

It was an altogether satisfying day in every way, on every level. Thanks to everyone who came out. It was a great time to share and feel the love!

P.S. My talk about the work was videoed so I may end up posting it later--have to see if I can figure out the editing part...:)

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"Something Borrowed, Something Blue" SOLD

"Something Borrowed, Something Blue"

oil, 6 x 6in canvas panel

$150

This window is in France. I "borrowed" it just long enough to paint it.

Pure and simple. Blue shutters, old stucco, bountiful geraniums in pinks and salmons. And warm sunlight to make it glow. Ahhh, such are the pleasures of life. Pure and simple.

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"Abundance"

"Abundance"

oil, 16 x 12 on canvas panel

$1025/ Framed

Thanks to everyone who commented on my new video I posted yesterday--I am having fun, so who knows what it could lead too...:)

Don't you just love the periwinkle blue in the umbrella above? I bought two shirts to sleep in this past week-end simply because they were that color---it's a happy, feel good color. Like sky and ocean it just conjures up all manner of things that connect me back to the pure joy of life...:)

"Cheap Thrills"

oil, 8 x 8in on canvas panel

I love my job. Seriously. In so many ways it is almost impossible to pin it all down....:)

Today I get to give away something that makes people happy. The winner for February of the painting give-a-way is...(here are your hints)...... She is a watercolorist. She is a really sweet lady. She has a home in the Bahamas (I have had to work at not holding that one against her this winter...:) And she was in one of my workshops last summer.

Ann Greely of Lexington, KY. is the winner. Congratulations Ann! Pin It

"To the Oscars and Beyond...."

"Joy"

30 x 24, oil on canvas panel

Just when you thought it was safe to visit my blog. ...(can you hear the Jaws music playing?)....life as you know it, will never be the same. Because..

I am now the proud owner of a Flip video camera. I have always wanted to be in the movies and now thanks to modern technology and 200 bucks.....your worst nightmare has happened. You now will have a voice in your head to match what you have long suspected....they will let anyone have a blog. Even me.

I profusely apologize in advance for the nasal, twangy, mountain voice. I know you probably expected something different. After all, if you have read much about me, you know I am from Paris. You should have read the whole thing. It's Paris......Kentucky.

Tomorrow I will post the winner of the February painting give-a-way...:) and a new painting.

So here for your viewing pleasure, live from my office in Tuscany....

Information Video about my Upcoming Art Business/Motivational Workshop (I had been calling it Dreamatology--The Art of Thinking Like Dreama----but it seemed to be scaring people off...go figure!)

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"Under the Tuscan Sun...." SOLD

"Under the Tuscan Sun....."

oil, 6 x6in on canvas panel

$150

What is it about Italy that sets us off? Could it be the homemade mozzarella? The abundance of good wines served at every meal? Incredible art? Statue of David? The staggering oldness of it all?? The graciousness of the lives we see hinted at with every curtain moving in the breeze, every scented splash of color hanging from a balcony?

Maybe it's only the gelato. That would be enough...:)

Another slice of Italy served up for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy~

IN OTHER NEWS......

Enquiring minds want to know. Or then again---maybe you can't handle the truth. My interview with Daily Painters has hit the stands---click here to go to the Daily Painters website and check out the DP cafe link at the top of the page (you'll see a photo of me). I am the second interview on the page. Feel free to leave a comment. Just remember---I will be reading them and I know where you live....and if I don't I soon will. It's the Internet. There are no secrets.

Also, Gallery B has begged me to come in on Saturday, March the 20th, and chat about my inspiration for my show, "Let There Be Love.....". I will be there from around 1-3 to tell my story. I know that everyone of you now reading this will be there. Even if it means you have to fly in for it. And because of your extreme loyalty I felt the least I could do was to have a drawing for a small painting created specifically for this occasion to be given away at 3pm that day. Only those who have purchased a painting from the show at Gallery B and those in attendance (they are hauling in the red ropes for crowd control as we speak) will be eligible. I may have exaggerated when I said that Megan at Gallery B had begged me....but everything else is true....except for the red rope part. Okay, nothing is true except I will be talking at 1:30 and giving away a painting at 3 pm.

I only promise to entertain you here on the ole blog--I never said anything about telling the truth. Even if I had, it would most certainly have been a lie.

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"Corner Cafe in Roma" SOLD

"Corner Cafe in Roma"

oil, 6 x 6in canvas panel

$150

Some days you're just not in the mood to cook. Especially on a gorgeous Italian summer day. What to do? I guess you just call your friends and decide on a gathering place. How 'bout the cafe on the corner of Via di Santa Maria? Yeah....that'll work. I just hope there are enough seats. After all the friends I realized I had after yesterday's post, it could be a full house...:)


Ciao' Baby!

Sorry--this piece has sold--but Italy is a favorite place of mine, so there's more to follow..:)

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"Momma Mia--It's My House!" SOLD

"Mia Casa Italiano"

oil, 6 x 6in panel

$150

I have long wanted a home in Italy. A big yellow house with a walled garden. A place I could share with all the talented people I know and love. Giving them room to expand and do their creative work while I did mine. Over a fine wine with the aroma of fresh bread baking we would talk way into the night about art and life and love. Eddie would sit on the sill of the open window and our laughter would spill out into the night. And the next day we would get up and do it all again...paint, write, laugh, share, and love.

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"Paint Out at the U of K Art Museum, Art in Bloom Style!" SOLD & SOLD

"Museum Tulips"

oil, 6 x 6 on canvas panel

SOLD

"Art in Bloom at the Museum"
oil, 8 x 8in on canvas panel

SOLD

I had the best time yesterday. Pretty much was in hog heaven. I got to a) be in the art museum surrounded by beautiful paintings b) Hang out with other artists c)work from incredible floral arrangements d) Paint not one but two paintings e) have both paintings purchased by two beautiful ladies. Talk about a picture perfect day...all puns intended!
Now if the UK Art Museum could just arrange to have fresh flower set ups for me everyday and cater in some food.....hmmm....I think I could live there!

Seriously, the camaraderie of fellow painters mixed with art, artfully arranged flowers, and appreciative passersby--I am thankful to have spent the day so well. Here are some pics from the day....

Artist Mary Neely and Ann Pass with their paintings. One heckler, Ted Mudge, at my set up....in spite of which I still managed to paint....:)

And one more note.....My blog is officially one year old. 178 posts later.....:) That's about one every other day. I think this calls for a cake. A large one. With lots of icing. Remember what Eddie says.....if no one sees you eating it, the calories don't count......

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