"Just a Simple French Cottage" SOLD

"Just a Simple French Cottage"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Gotta love the way color bypasses the brain and heads straight for the heart.  The heart is not stimulated by facts and details.  It just knows beauty the minute it sees it.  You can't sell the heart on things that aren't true.  It ignores the facts, fluff and fodder and grabs hold of truth and beauty.  One may see "red", be pea "green" with envy, feel "blue", or be accused of being cowardly "yellow", but that's just the brain trying to fudge in on  color's territory.

Color is beautiful, always,  and it knows it:))

I see your true colors shining through:)

(and you thought your monitor was just one way viewing... in the words of Billy Crystal---

you rook mavelous:)!

In Other News:

• New Workshop Added to Fall Line-Up!!  Laurie  at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, Mass. made me an offer I couldn't refuse:))---she even invited Eddie (although I haven't shared that little tidbit with Mr. Furry Pants himself).  I will be teaching a 3 Day Workshop in Sept, 2011, and you can check it out by clicking here.
• Speaking of Laurie...she is a phenomenal artist with a big heart.  She is auctioning a beautiful painting with all proceeds going to benefit the disaster in Japan.  Here's her link (tell her Eddie sent you). Click Here
• Speaking of Japan--I will be offering a painting up "auction style" via the Daily Paintworks site with all proceeds going to help out our neighbors in Japan.  If you have been wanting to donate, this is going to be a fun auction and a way to do something good and get something nice in return:))  Details to follow:))
• Speaking of getting nice things...I will be drawing this week for January and February give-a-ways...stay tuned:))!
• Speaking of staying tuned....Artists Helping Artists radio show that I co-host is now at 10,000 listeners a month!  You can play past episodes by going to our site --just scroll to the shows you like and click to play! Go Now->->

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"France, Friends, and Sunshine" SOLD

"France, Friends, and Sunshine"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Certain things bring a smile to my heart every time I see them.  French windows are one of them.  If eyes are windows to the soul then French windows like these surely must open into happy places.  Window boxes bursting with blooms means someone has a generous heart.  If you have ever grown plants in a window box you know it takes much diligence and attention.  They dry out much faster and of course, getting water to them is not as easy.  So for many reasons (including color and sunshine) it gladdens my heart when I see them.  Someone is loving their plants and sharing them with all of us.  Just a reminder when we are doing the things we love, everybody benefits..:))  Keep doing the things you love and let it slosh over onto the rest of us!  Thanks to each of you for the joy and warmth you bring to the world.  We need each other's sunshine.....:))!

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"Light Hearted in France" SOLD

"Light Hearted in France"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Hmmm....talk about heart healthy..a stress free jaunt in France...that should do it!  If it looks like one of the roses is missing here, it's because you just cut one to tuck  behind your ear (after first having buried nose in said rose and inhaling deeply)  before you headed off to class--it helps when you're local to speak the language...:)--no one said it hurt if the teacher happened to be cute as well.

Of course, listening to Stacey Kent's Raconte Moi helps put you in the mood....to learn the language of course. 

And in other news:

• 
  
  Carol Marine, one of the most well known of the daily painters and a super artist and lady will be our guest this Thursday, July 1st, 12 noon EST,  on Artists Helping Artists blog radio show.  We have lots to talk with Carol about and will be opening the phone lines for all your great questions and comments!  Check sidebar on my blog for details on calling in.  Remember--the shows are recorded as well for later listening.  Please help spread the word to your fellow artists about the show--Thanks!
• 
  
  Leslie Saeta and I have been having some awesome discussions via phone on how to make our September workshop an unforgettable, extreme learning experience.  I am learning things from Leslie about color and how to make your work have it's own signature look--and that's just with talking to her--just think of getting to see how she lays the paint down with the knife!  Stay tuned as we are each going to have a video addition on our sites to give you more information on what we plan to cover in this workshop set.  Click here for more info
• 
  
  And another thing--a bit of an unusual request.  But no one as ever accused me of being...usual.  Romiley Jack took my women's artist retreat back in the spring.  Romiley is an artist without brushes....she's an actress!  She has sent in her audition tape to "host your own show" that Oprah is sponsoring.  We can vote on our favorite.  Romiley is one of us--a generous, talented, lovely human being---and who doesn't like to see good girls win??  Here is the link to see her video audition and to vote.   Let's be part of pushing her to the top! (hint, you can vote more than once..:)
• 
  
  And, the pressure is building --- people are wanting to see paintings of Eddie.  I am hoping these are genuine requests and not something Eddie has engineered....so if he agrees to model, I will be adding a painting or two of Ed to the mix.  Just a heads up in case you are a fan of Eddie's.  He tells me has fans.  He also says he doesn't shed.....

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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!
• 
  
  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.
• 
  
  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...:))
• 
  
   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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"Lynda's French Blue Gate" SOLD

"Lynda's French Blue Gate"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

I have a dear friend named Lynda.  Lynda's whole face lights up when she laughs--as she often does.  There is a stuffed camel that hangs out on Lynda's bed, often times sporting a gaily colored scarf.  The last time I saw Lynda out she was wearing the scarf that I had previously seen the camel wearing.  That's how Lynda rolls.  She has a French room that is very ...well,   French.  It is full of unique, interesting, beautiful things--kind of like the lady herself.  Things that have long stories and histories that come with them.  Lynda is a writer and her writing desk is there.  It is a room full of sunshine.  Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly where the light comes from....Lynda, the sun, or a bit of both.  I treasure having her as a friend.  This blue gate is from a photo she sent me last week from her trip to France.  She will see the painting for the first time here, just as you are now.  If it is still around after she sees it, then I will post the price on it tomorrow.  But if I want to keep her as my friend, I figure I best post the painting without a  "buy now" button....:))

If you have a photo laying around from a trip abroad that you would be curious to see turn into a petite painting, you can send it to me.  If I paint it, you will get first dibs on it...nice and easy....that's how we (Eddie and me) roll...:))

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"Color Me French Blue.." SOLD

"Color Me French Blue.."

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Get quiet and the peace comes.  Words don't do it sometimes, not the way the color can.  Take the specific color of blue that adorns so many shuttered windows of southern France.  Blue shutters smothered in sunshine and a crush of roses.....when I close my eyes, I am there....:)))

Lots of things to keep you up on....like.... I am  pleased to announce that I am part of a new daily painting group called Daily Painter Originals. You can visit the new site here.

And
"Artists Helping Artists" blog radio show topic (that I am co-hosting with Leslie Saeta) for this Thursday is   Top 10 Tips for Online Marketing That Every Artist Should Know--which leads me to...

I will be doing the broadcast on my lunch break during the first day of my 3 Day Oil Painting Workshop in Lexington, KY...:)) Never a dull moment I tell ya!

And for all you artists who are thinking about launching into marketing your art, my book, The Artist's Toolbox will be out in a few days.  It is a simple, straight line book , geared for those of you wanting to get started.  I have worked to keep the information narrowed down to what I feel is the most important and have deliberately not tried to cover everything--I didn't want it to be overwhelming.  I have written it like I would to a friend (which you are) telling you what I have done and what I feel is most important.  I want it to be a great service to those just getting started on this part of their artistic dream.  And just because I like you so much....I will be holding a  drawing (from those who comment on my blog) to give away the first copy.  The contest starts today and ends when I get the first copy in my hands with which to mail out to you....This is gonna be so fun!!

And just remember--as my way of saying thanks to those who purchase my daily paintings--a gift with each painting (read on...)

And let me know, by way of words and/or photos--where's your Dreama original in your home?  I have already had some nice responses that I will be sharing in upcoming posts and my newsletter and would love to hear from you..:)! 

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"Giorno della Lavanderia in Tuscany" (Laundry Day in Tuscany) SOLD

"Giorno della Lavanderia in Tuscany"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

"Laundry Day in Tuscany"---funny how laundry just sounds better the minute you put Tuscany in the same sentence with it.  Suddenly, I could do it all day, if I was hanging out in Italy....:))  Especially knowing I could "reward" myself later with some gelato......

Bet I could even bribe you to do the laundry....I'm just sayin'.

And now inquiring minds want to know.......

"Where's Your Dreama Original??" Send me a photo of your Dreama original in it's new home-- I would love to see where you put your painting and why you chose that spot...:))... I will be sharing the paintings and their stories on my blog and in upcoming newsletters. Tell me your story!

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"Bliss Blue French" SOLD

"Bliss Blue French"

6 x 6 in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Periwinkle blue is a favorite color of mine.  Obviously I am not alone in this ----  turn down any street in the south of France and you're likely to happen upon this delicious color dusted onto shutters, doors, gates and the like.  And what always makes the blue so blissful is the addition of just the right touch of pinks and reds in the way of a scented welcome. 

 On this spring day, I am heading out to the market to pick up a loaf of fresh baked--what else---French bread..:))  Later my friends (you know who you are...:)) and I will share it, with a big dollop of creamy butter, and sip our glasses of Merlot together....and since it's such a lazy, blissful afternoon.... we'll spend the rest of the day curled up in overstuffed chairs with our favorite books.  And maybe take a nap....Eddie says 16 hours of sleep a day is just the right amount....:)  This is one time I am not going to argue with Eddie....

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"Italiano Entrata Gated" SOLD

"Italiano Entrata Gated"

6 x 6 in oil on museum quality panel

$200

I love a good mystery and there is mystery with the gated entry.





Especially when the gate is iron and framed with roses. The spacing of the bars on the gate allow for air and sunlight to pass through, but keep out the stresses of life. It is a private garden, an oasis of coolness, that offers respite.





Today this is your place. Only allow in those with a ready laugh, open to living their life with arms wide open.....drink in the divinity of life at its best...:)





And when you have rested and are ready to leave, slip the key behind the bush on the left. Only those who read this will know where to look for it...:))





Now get on with your day--only you and me know you started the morning out in Italy!

P.S. If you would like to know how to leave a comment on my blog, click here..(each comment left on my blog = another chance to win one of my petite paintings that I give away each month!)

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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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"Just One French Window...." SOLD

"Just One French Window..."

6 x 6in, oil on panel

$150

They say the first step in getting help is admitting you have a problem. Well, I am admitting I have a fixation on windows. Especially French windows. However, I am just gonna go ahead and say it. I don't want your help. I can handle this. I am still in control. Just a window a day. That's all. Well, on a day I am feeling nervous, maybe a window and half. But that's it. Seriously. Okay. If you see me post two window paintings in one day, then call for help.

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"Provence" SOLD

"Provence"

oil, 6 x 6in on canvas panel

$150

Sun-dappled streets, story-book dwellings, pink flowers blooming....all on a morning's stroll. Provence...

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"French Blue" SOLD

"French Blue"

oil, 6 x 6in on canvas panel

$150

The color of the sky embraces flower filled windows---whether you are looking within or looking without--- the view is picture perfect in French blue.

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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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"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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"Paris Garden Cottage" SOLD

"Paris Garden Cottage"

oil painting, 6 x 6in on canvas panel

$150

Sheds and garden houses are often a thing of beauty within themselves. Parked on the edges of lawns, tucked away in back yards, they give way to more color, more whimsy, more personality than the demure homes they hide behind. They always seem like people to me. The inside beauty that lies behind that initial covering we see....:) Being a lover of flowers and all things home grown, the quiet beauty that little garden houses offer up are a never-ending source of delight!

This fairytale place could be anywhere---it just happens to be at home here in Paris. I have admired it and photographed it more than a few times as it backs up to a public garden in town. This last gallery hop afforded me the chance to meet the owner---a beautiful soul and obviously, a lover of beautiful flowers!

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