Big and "Little" or 'do it again".

Pleine air version 9x12 of Robert Frost's farmhouse-

Large Version of Robert Frost's farmhouse-

One of my very first mentors, James Wilson Rayen, passed away yesterday. He was my art professor at Wellesley College back in the 60's. He had a really huge influence on me. He was kind, extraordinarily talented, patient and an inspirational young man. He stayed that way up until his death-(except perhaps the young part). I was thinking a lot about him and how he taught me so much and all about patience. We would draw things in the studio over and over and over again. Initially they looked pretty good; but the more we drew, the more we realized how much room there was for improvement. When I first met him we drew circles for a week. Yup-circles. Every day in every way imaginable. We got better and better and soon realized it could never be "mastered". Now when I go out and do a small painting, I often like to return with that and photos and do a larger version in my studio. Sometimes I like them better, sometimes not, but I always think about what I learned from James Rayen-keep on painting!

The Sea as Inspiration

Along The Marginal Way, Ogunquit, ME/private collection

Let's Boogie 6x6 oil

Big Surf/gallery wrap oil

Kathy and Emma/gallery wrap  oil

Beautiful dawn/private collection

Growing up on the beach in Old Rexhame, in a house that my grandfather built, provided me with an idyllic childhood that began my love affair with the ocean. I respected it's power, was in awe of it's beauty, and was mesmerized by it's abilty to bombard of all my senses at once.

Plein aire painting-my favorite!

 Turner Pond, Walpole, MA

Charles River, Medfield, MA    

Camden Harbor, Camden ME-view from Mt. Battie

Manana from Monhegan Island, ME

West Street, Walpole, MA-

Jercho, VT-Mt. Mansfield-

West Street, Walpole, MA-

View from our deck on Monhegan Island, ME-

Early morning in the Adirondacks-

After teaching in a room without windows for 24 years, I couldn't wait to be outside. Fresh air, ever changing light and conditions and "sunshine on my shoulders"-all this has great appeal!  These are a few examples of various places I have painted. I find lots of inspiration right here at home. When I go anywhere, I feel more connected by painting than by photos. Of course I take a lot of photos as well, but painting really makes an imprint in the brain.

Off to a good start-the world of the Still Life

     I decided working on still life paintings would be a good way to explore composition and color harmonies, as well as technique in beginning, modifying and completing a painting in a limited amount of time. I think working this way helps with plein aire painting quite a bit. I am able to speed up my painting which is so necessary when working outdoors. I have been going to Dianne Panarelli Miller for classes and  have learned so much from her. She is an amazing teacher. Having taught art myself for 36 years, I am pretty picky about teachers. She is a fabulous Boston School artist who really knows her stuff and how to impart that knowledge to her students. There are lots of good painters, but really exceptional teachers are so hard to find.
 Here is my first still life attempt. I use it as a baseline for where I began. I think my silver pitcher works well. The reflections were really fun to paint and since water is one of my favorite subjects, it was a natural. I received an Honorable Mention  ribbon on this painting in the annual Norwood Art Association show, Art in The Park in 2011. That helped spur me on to do more. Feedback motivates me- good or bad. Viewing art as communicating means it either works or it doesn't. If it isn't working then more needs to be done. If it is-leave it alone and move on.

Judged worthy!

11x14 oil Dynamic Trio

9x12 gallery wrap "Evening Solitude" 

I was encouraged by Dianne Panarelli Miller to enter a show at the Hull Lifesaving Museum. We didn't discuss it at great length and I figured she suggested it because it was a good place to sell and gain exposure in a new market. Dianne never steers me wrong. I entered these paintings because I felt they portrayed two very different feelings about the ocean. One experience was  very calming and peaceful, while the other was a mesmerizing one as I watched the power of the waves rolling in and listened to the furious sounds of the surf. I found out after submitting them that it was a juried show. There had been no mention of judging on their website and I was thinking I probably would have chosen differently. Both pieces were accepted much to my delight. I thought about the gentleman who purchased a painting from me last month. He told me that he was in love with my purples. Maybe this judge was too. Or maybe she liked the feelings I was trying to evoke. Some judges actually post a little blurb about why they choose a piece. I hope that is the case in this show. The show "Sea and Sky" opens next Friday evening and I guess I'll find out then.

Lasting Impressions

Sometimes we do something for someone that touches their hearts. This painting for my friend was one of those things. I presented it to her at a restaurant that was a meeting point half way between our respective homes. When she saw it she started to cry and the others in the restaurant started clapping. It was a special moment. When she got home she posted the following on Facebook:

Today my incredibly talented great & dear friend honored me with the gift of this painting she did. It is of my Mom sitting on a boat down at Aucoot Cove holding her beloved Robbie. We will treasure this forever Ellen ..Love you! Thank you!.. 

Many people had wonderful comments that followed her post.

Painting always makes me feel good. Seeing someone love their painting so much is like icing on the cake!

Bird Park, Walpole-a favorite place to paint

Welcome to Bird park-16X20 oil-
selected for Zullo Gallery Juried Exhibition

Up, up and away 16 x 20 oil

Splash of sun 6X12 oil

Winter's Glory 8x16 oil

Theater in the Park 8x10  oil  

Walk down Memory Lane 11x14 oil

Stroll in the Park 12x16 oil

Memorial Gate-16x20 oil-

These paintings are inspired by one of my favorite places-Bird Park in Walpole, MA. Many happy memories remain of the park from my visits with my grandparents back in the 1950's. Today the park remains much the same with the exception of the former swimming pond which is now taken over by geese and weeds. Concrete benches are being slowly replaced by modern ones, but the spirit of the park remains the same. Painting en plein air is perfect here. There is a feeling that permeates the park that is inviting, yet provides a kind of solitude. Gates and bridges are unique, people dot the landscape -often with their dogs,  wildlife abounds and the rolling hills and open fields are dotted with trees and structures thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. Every bridge in the park is different in design and one of my goals is to eventually paint all of them.