Rodrica Tilley's Pastel Paintings

Stephanie's Afternoon at the Studio

2012-01-25T06:46:00.003-05:00

This is my fourth and last drawing in the four-week January mini-semester at the River Gallery School of Art in Brattleboro, Vermont. My intention for this final week was to complete an 18 x 18in. drawing of the model and surrounding elements:draperies, windows, etc. I wanted to get the values right while preserving a likeness in a sensitive contour drawing of the model. I feel that I was mildly successful...at least it was a big jump ahead from week one's effort. I also wanted to preserve some of the excitement and strength of the abstract 5-minute thumbnail I always start with. That I'm still hoping to achieve. Next time. It is good to have a goal and a project hanging around in my thoughts for a week, until the next class.

I used carbon pencils on cream canson paper.

Yes, a new semester starts next Tuesday for me with a 10-class session of Life drawing...so stay tuned.

I am working on two new pastel paintings, too; Yellow House and Purple House.

Long Pose

2012-01-23T10:22:00.002-05:00

Most of the subscribers to this blog are artists, so they understand why I love figure drawing...and drawing from life in general. For non-artists, direct observation (not from photos) sharpens your skills just as practicing your golf swing (or piano pieces) improves your game. For me, those are the rewards; being able to see and describe on paper the nuances of shape and line and changes in value helps me to make a better painting. I also think that changing your methods or medium opens doors in your everyday work...in my case, landscape painting.

Drawing is my fall back mode...when things are new or uncertain and I am not comfortably moving in the direction I want to go...I draw. That is the one thing I always know I want to do...no hesitation.

This model has a great deal of character and attitude and he is really fun to draw. I used charcoal pencils on Canson drawing paper. The pose was about 3 hours. My teacher at The River Gallery School of Art, Jason Alden, liked parts of the drawing and had some ideas how I might improve my efforts this week. We'll see...first I have to get to the school studio without slipping on the ice.

My weekend on the wild side with yupo

2012-01-15T20:18:00.004-05:00

Zoe and I just finished day 2 of the 2-weekend workshop taught by Leonard Ragouzeos at the River Gallery School of Art in Brattleboro VT. Leonard is a master of very large black & white work; India ink on Yupo paper. He is a generous artist who taught us lots of his tricks. (Too bad we don't have the ten years plus experience he does with this intriguing medium or we could just do what he does! ha! looks easier than it is, as usual.) I've posted my forest piece which is about 18" x 18" on Yupo. We had fun. We got out of our comfort zone. We got creative. We got covered in ink. It was a good day. Be sure to look at what Leonard does.

My Resolution

2011-12-31T10:37:00.010-05:00

Just as I was pondering the annual opportunity to focus on some changes and improvements in me...and the approaching deadline for declaring these at least to myself I received a New Year's letter from one of the wise women. Kim of Summerhouse Grill in Montrose, PA included this quote in her email:

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful. ~Barbara Bloom

This really struck a chord with me.

The movers were careful and the numerous trips were safe. Yet it seems that upon arrival in my Vermont studio, old patterns and methods are in need of some repair. My tiny Vermont studio's thermostat is not under my control it seems. It is sometimes hot and sometimes not, but it is well stocked with art supplies, quiet and calm and the rent is paid. The only thing largely missing has been me....the artist. So my resolution is to resume my pre-move-normal working hours in 2012 and see what happens. I have an opportunity to make some art (with history) this year. I'll use some gold.

Wishing you the same good luck and fulfilled intentions in 2012.

Was My Mother a Pagan?

2011-12-22T08:35:00.007-05:00

Happy Winter Solstice to all! This is my favorite holiday. Its meaning I can relate to; ending of the old, beginning of the new, more daylight - possibly sunshine - each day forth. My mother never missed informing her family that December 21 was a very important day and cause for joy. The daylight from then on will lengthen. In the midst of a hectic holiday season of baking, shopping, wrapping, sewing, cleaning house, care-taking and holding down a job she needed a star to pin her hopes on. As far as I know she never lit any fires on the lawn or practiced paganism or worshipped much. She taught us to treat others as we wished to be treated. She is an optimistic 93 year old and today I will have to inform her of the date, not the significance. That she will know.

As the above photo of my Vermont living room window shows, Solstice suits my holiday decorating skills. Wishing you many warm holiday memories filled with light.

There's a new state on http://fiftystatepleinairpaintingproject.blogspot.com/

FRACTURED

2011-11-29T06:13:00.004-05:00

The Butternut Gallery in Montrose, PA hosted a well-attended opening reception for an exhibit on a controversial subject; Hydraulic Fracturing in the Marcellus Shale and the influences the natural gas industry has inflicted on the rural, agricultural communities of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Michael Poster's photographs and Melissa Whalen Haertsch's intriguing essay shared the walls with my prints and assorted ephemera relating to the gas boom. The exhibit is the personal expressions of three people, two of whom have fled the region...of their own choice. Both Zoe Poster and Pete Comly have written work on display, also. It is a good setting to talk/think about your reactions, too.

The land and landscape are very important to me. It is crucial to my work and life. I could no longer find solace, inspiration or peace in my Pennsylvania home of 35 years. Maybe my new-found happiness in Vermont explains the jubilant expression on my face in this photograph of me. Or maybe it was the wine or the delightful photographer. You can see more of Richard Karp's photos and a summary of Melissa's essay at www.rikkisan.com

The exhibit is open through the end of the year thanks to Betty Bryden and Tom Canouse, owners of the Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books. 570-278-4011. There is a great deal of beauty and happiness and holiday cheer there. Be sure to stop in.

Phyllis' Garden

2011-11-01T19:58:00.005-04:00

On July 10th my friend invited a few plein air painters to her new home. It is an airy Pennsylvania hill-top site wedged between two defunct dairy farms. Being a sucker for garden views, I chose this veggie garden as seen from one of several elevated porches and balconies. I was attracted to the linear elements and the protective presence of the large maple tree. In my crazy season of packing and moving I forgot to post this. Now it is a nice reminder of a midsummer's afternoon painting with friends....and another of the Transitions series.

The Pond on Rice Farm Road

2011-11-01T19:54:00.002-04:00

It was an exquisite fall day in my neighborhood two weeks ago...and the days here have been mostly soggy for months. I spent the afternoon painting this Vermont scene amidst the birds (?) rustling in the cattails next to me and quite a few leaf peepers driving by on the dirt road.

That was two weeks ago and Black Mountain, where I live, has turned into winter rather suddenly. This is another of the Transitions series. 12 x 16 pastels.

My new studio is growing on me. And some days I can actually find what I am looking for. (Yes, I did put the pliers in that drawer, but why?) It is quiet and warm and bright and near home....and thanks to the local Tru-Value housewares guy, it smells good now. So, I am settling in for a long winter's work.

Later this month I am showing some of my new work at the Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books, in Montrose, PA as part of a show called FRACTURED; an exhibit of photographs, pastel paintings and writing that explores the social ramifications of gas drilling in Susquehanna County, curated by Michael Poster and Melissa Whalen Haertsch. FRACTURED will be on display from November 25 - with an opening from 6-8pm, Friday - through December 31, closing at 3pm. Zoe Poster and Pete Comly, among others, will have work in the show, too.

Sally Strand Workshop

2011-10-26T17:45:00.006-04:00

Last week I was among the lucky 18 to spend the week with Sally Strand exploring her style of painting. The 5-day course was named The Color of Light and it was held at the beautiful and well-appointed Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester. There was a lovely display of color and light on the Green (looked purple-blue to me) Mountains touched with warm autumn foliage and sun. But this was not a landscape class.

We worked from still life and live costumed models all week. Sally made sure we left our comfort zones, so we could learn something new or at least re-enforce solid principles of value and the ways light affects and changes colors. It was a wake-up call for me; easy to fall back on one's old ways of working and not SEE the subtleties and beauty in familiar scenes. Sally's instruction will prod me to practice and increase my skills and abilities. Yes, I felt like going home at some point on Tuesday, but the week ended on a brighter note.

Thank you to gifted teachers, wherever you are. Thank you for forcing us to step outside our comfort zones.

I did a Marathon!

2011-10-16T11:59:00.003-04:00

OK, stop laughing, it was a 12 hour life drawing marathon at the River Gallery School of Art in Brattleboro VT. I can't believe I finished it...totally surprised myself. At the end of the 12th hour there were only a handful still standing (slumping over my easel trying not to fall off my stool and fearing I wouldn't walk the next day) just me and some cute boys about one third my age, who must have shared some of their youthful energy.

Matt Peake, one of the instructors from the school, facilitated the event; coordinating models and setting up lights, backdrops, poses. There was no official instruction, but Matt was generous in helping participants achieve success with their drawings and paintings. I usually sketch in ink and I think I was the only one using it. Others used charcoal, pencil, conte, watercolor, acrylic and pastel. It was a great chance to experiment with medium or just to stick with one thing and really explore that for all poses....about 35, counting some very short warm-up poses. I hope they do it again so I can finally say at the end of a life drawing session, "I'm ready to stop drawing and go home." I am usually the one who does not want it to end. Apparently I am not alone. Why else would someone even think up a life drawing marathon?

BTW, if you are not a committed sketcher of the human figure, you may not understand the purpose life drawing has traditionally and still fulfills for an artist. Since the human form is complex and difficult to draw accurately it hones the observation skills of artists who practice it regularly, often frustrating and infuriating them, too. It is undertaken for the practice, not for the end product. That is why my life drawings can most often be viewed at Recycling.

Irene Storms by Us

2011-09-01T14:14:00.005-04:00

Our home and two studios are safe and dry here in Brattleboro, VT. Others in our community have not been so fortunate. We are saddened by the loss of homes, gardens and livelihoods.

Let me know how Irene found you, your family and trees.

We are still in the midst of sorting out our possessions from the move from PA but I am drawing and planning new work and will post some soon.

In the meantime the Butternut Gallery in Montrose is exhibiting some of my paintings. Stop in to see Betty and Tom. They always have interesting shows and often Sunday events.

Fireflies

2011-06-17T14:36:00.006-04:00

It still seems magical to me when the fireflies first appear. The other night on a late stroll around my dark garden I was surprised by bright lights - close. It was a real "what the heck ? kind off moment" until I realized what was happening; a lightning bug had gotten caught in my bangs. In trying to free itself it kept flashing and reflecting off my glasses. It was quite disorienting until I realized what it was....not a psychedelic flashback after all.

This painting is a scene I caught out of my side window driving back from town just past dusk; the neighbors' pond turned into a mirror and the fireflies are still low, in the grass.

12 x 16 - latest in the Transitions Series. This nocturne was painted on a red sheet of Art Spectrum pastel paper, using a surprisingly small number of soft pastels; some Giraults, Nupastels and Unison mostly - probably less than 15 colors total, plus the red of the paper. So few colors, but a precision choice nevertheless. To pick the right dozen colors all pastel artists know you need a thousand or so to choose from!

Day Three

2011-05-29T07:33:00.001-04:00

The art studio moving sale is proving to be a success. Thank you to everyone who came bearing gifts and those who left bearing gifts (for themselves and others). Thanks for wishing us well in our move to Vermont. Thanks for your hugs and tears. Thanks to those who found room on their walls and in their hearts for one more painting of mine. I am a very lucky artist.

But, we're not done yet. Two more days to go! Plenty of paintings, prints, photographs, clay sculptures and books are still looking for a home. Each morning I make the rounds with my red pen to see what could be discounted even more.

We are accepting offers on the kiln. The Framers Edge 650 matt cutter is in fine condition and retails new for over $600! MIne is now $225. The display rack is pine with oak slats and presents your work favorably. $200 today.

Stop by to say hello....or goodbye.

Art Studio Sale

2011-05-28T10:30:00.000-04:00

Day 2 of the studio moving sale. We've found quite a bit more objets d'art. Sculptures, ceramics by Zoe Poster and photographs by Michael Poster as well as many books. Deeply discounted prints and paintings by Rodrica Tilley. Books, Art supplies, Mat Cutters and Display rack for itinerant artists/photographers. Come have a look. Each morning I will be further reducing prices. Kiln, books and much more. A whole library of dog training books...and the dogs to convince you it worked...dogs not for sale of course. Willing to consider all offers.

Studio Moving Sale

2011-05-07T04:50:00.008-04:00

Everything is discounted - many deals.
Partial list (I'm still finding stuff) of what will be available May 27,28,29,30 from 11-5 at my studio near Montrose (681 McCollum RD) :
paintings - some hidden for decades in a darkened room
prints - current, giclees, mixed-bag, older, almost forgotten
books - art, garden, fiction, reference, non-fiction - coffee stained and 'like-new'
rack set - portable pine slotted racks for display of paintings
plein air gear - 2 umbrellas, stone bag
signed Keith Haring poster
large custom applique "open studio" flag
ceramics, sculptue, pots, kiln,
mat board,
mat cutter - Logan Model 650 Framers Edge
unframed pen and ink originals, your very own "hunk" in pastel,
original watercolor illustrations that appeared in Woman's Day & Horticulture magazines,
oak 4-drawer file cabinet,
materials for children's art projects,
papers - watercolor, pastel, drawinng, finger painting including 144" x 44" d'arches CP watercolor paper on roll
note cards, blank envelopes
ten 12" x 12" stretched, primed canvases - HD Masterwrap
2 sets of oil pastels
and much, much more...you'll be suprised. I am!

Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-07T04:08:00.006-04:00

Trying to ignore my chores, I set up my easel in the garden just before 10 am because it was a warm, clear day and we haven't had many of those here in the Northeast this spring. I wanted to capture some of the soft colors and a feeling of the garden bloom beginning it's seasonal progression. I was pretty sure the dandelions would still need weeding later as would the latest closet cleaning in the studio.

In this picture the lead role is taken by the aptly named Star Magnolia, a sweetly fragrant bush we love to sit near. The supporting cast is a diverse lot of conifers, hardwoods and two apple trees with an adorable guest appearance by the little coral species tulips.

About 10:15 the wind kicked up and my board threatened to take the whole easel for a sail across the garden. My trusty stone bag saved the day and I've included a photo of this fold away piece of indispensable gear I carry in the bottom of my backpack. Stones can be found in most places I paint, but in their absence I've scooped up hands full of sand or purchased a gallon of water. Whatever you use for ballast will stabilize your easel in a surprisingly stiff wind. It lowers the center of gravity, there by making painting actually possible.

Later when I did get around to cleaning out some drawers in the studio storeroom I found a brand new spare stone bag! I didn't even know I had two! That one will be included in my upcoming BIG STUDIO MOVING SALE May 27, 28, 29 & 30 along with an array of prints, paintings, art supplies and other unique items useful...or at least interesting...to artists and collectors. There will be deals, trust me.

Dwarf Iris Rules the Earth

2011-04-18T01:36:00.004-04:00

In early spring my garden has a riveting swath of intense blue slicing through it. Iris reticulata are small (4-6 inches tall), but they make a big statement. Their display is especially welcome set in the debris of my untended winter garden. They like good drainage, sun and can survive much colder temperatures than we get here in Zone 4/5. 100 of the bulbs will only cost you $30 and once planted you can pretty much sit back and watch your investment grow, doubling annually. They have been pest-proof for me for about a decade...and you don't have to stake them like their larger relatives with beards.

For me they have been an elusive subject for camera or easel, until this year. I finally have a pastel painting of them I like. Dwarf Iris with Lichen is part of the Transitions Series.

Perigee Moon Set

2011-04-08T12:07:00.001-04:00

Huge moon setting behind my garden...worth getting up early for! This is another of the 12 x 16 Transitions Series. It is done with soft pastels on a grey Art Spectrum paper.

Hint of Spring?

2011-04-07T12:04:00.006-04:00

This is Silver Creek which I have painted many times. For some reason it does have a shimmery silver color to it many days...more so than other nearby brooks. It is a good day for ducks...and artists who like to look for the subtleties in color that are hidden from our view on a bright day. It is painted with a variety of brands of soft pastels on art spectrum gold paper. It is one of the 12 x 16s from the Transitions Series.

Ragged Ends

2011-03-01T17:12:00.006-05:00

A February evening in my neighborhood looks peaceful and quiet. I am certainly taking advantage of this exceptionally snowy winter in both Pennsylvania & Vermont. Often I don't get more than one or two snow scenes done per winter because I have a habit of trying to avoid February and March by traveling to warmer climes. This is another 12 x 16 from the Transitions series.

Wood Road and Snowdrops!

2011-02-19T10:46:00.009-05:00

Yesterday turned into a very special day. After returning from the painful & mundane (physical therapy and grocery shopping), I decided to seize the 60+ degree afternoon for my first plein air painting of the year. The light was rather flat, but I liked the way the sky matched the earth in value and hue and subtle pattern. I grabbed my gear and drove a couple miles outside of Montrose to a favorite wetland area. The usually soggy and precipitous road shoulder was still frozen which made setting up the portable studio (Prius and half box french easel) a snap. Look,ma,no gloves! During the hour and a half I was there only three vehicles passed me and one was a good friend that I hardly ever get to see.

I used a sheet of UArt #500 and a jumbled up box of soft pastel bits. This image shows my work for the day. I think the foreground needs some strokes to complete it and as soon as I am inspired to see what those are and where they should go I'll finish it and add it to the growing Transitions series.

As if that was not a wonderful enough afternoon, I spot the welcome sight of spring bulbs along my front walk. Galanthus nivalis. They are called snowdrops for good reason. They are weeks earlier than crocus. They are cheap to buy and clump quickly. They only come in white. I know there are hundreds more under the snowbanks waiting for more melting. Alas, this morning they have disappeared under a fresh coating. They'll be back...they have the toough alpine spirit except they can even tolerate frozen puddles of poor drainage. Get some. Have HOPE at a time when we in the frozen tundra need it most.

Lewis Road

2011-02-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

Yellow is a color that is found seldom in the background of a landscape. It disappears as it recedes into the distance. Most painters have struggled with trying to make a distant sunlit hillside of yellow fall foliage behave and take its place in the background. There are several ways to deal with the problem. In this painting I have used diminishing parallels (the lines in and on the side of the road) to tell the viewer that those trees catching the warm afternoon rays are the farthest object away from us on the land in this picture. That the moon and clouds are further away is something we all know and don't need convincing of, even if they are sometimes yellow. This is one of the paintings in the Transitions series.

Ground Hog Day in Vermont

2011-02-09T13:22:00.008-05:00

No woodchuck saw his shadow this year...and many of us in the NE are ready for a hint of spring. So we are reassured that spring will come early. I spent the day looking out on two of my garden trees....sort of an incongruous, artless pairing. They are of a similar size; a black cherry and a paper birch. They appear to be growing away from each other like the north poles of magnets...likes repel. The day was full of heavy snowfall, but we did not get the 30" predicted...around 12", I think, which makes over 36" on the ground in southern Vermont. It was tough shoveling to stock the bird feeders. The snow blower is in Pennsylvania.

Birds in the Bush

2011-01-25T10:40:00.007-05:00

This is a familiar view to me and to many of you as well; out the east window of my studio in Pennsylvania. The slate-colored juncos are the early risers here. They spend winter nights in the protection of dense shrubbery so at first light they are up and looking to see what I've sprinkled on the snow for them to eat.

Mondays & Tuesdays are my Cornell Lab of Ornithology Project Feederwatch days, so no matter what I'm doing in the studio I have one eye on the birds. These are the birds I've seen Monday & Tuesday so far;
mourning dove, cardinal, blue jay, tree sparrow, common redpoll, house finch, goldfinch, tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatch, black capped chickadee, goldfinch,red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers, crow, starling and the dark-eyed (formerly slate-colored) junco. These are the regular customers in winter. If I am in Vermont on Mondays and Tuesdays I count there and I get pretty much the same birds with the red-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper and pileated woodpecker being more frequently seen than here at my particular PA location. I have not seen the Carolina wren this year and I would like to. Nor have I seen an owl or a hawk on count days, but I have seen evidence in the snow of their presence.

Juncos at Sunrise 12 x 16

Fields of Snow

2011-01-19T10:56:00.005-05:00

Very pretty around here...lately. Amazing what a good whitewashing does for the place.

Fresh back in the studio from a late afternoon drive around my PA neighborhood I choose this subject photographed across the fields above Williams Pond. I use one of my favorite pastel papers; salmon-colored Sabretooth. It has a deep, open tooth, which means that the color of the paper will show through a bit in the finished painting. I started with a light wash of some purple/red pastel and turps and then worked 5 or 6 layers of very soft pastels into the tooth. I love the depth and complexity this paper gives; you can see into it...like looking through layers.

My snow scenes are popular; probably because they are warm...in hue.

Fields of Snow 12 x 16...I cropped it poorly when I photographed it...there is a bit more sky than seen here.

Gone is my PC world. So using my new Mac and my same old lousy camera skills makes everything take longer so I hesitate to photograph it again for the fourth time right now. I am loving the Mac, though... knew I would.

Easel Mania

2011-01-18T14:42:00.002-05:00

I admit to having a deep and enduring interest in easels. This new David Sorg Easel is my largest (and heaviest!) so far. I've just started using it today to work on a snow scene and so far I like it very much. It is counterbalanced so that the painting can be raised or lowered effortlessly. It is on wheels (2 of which lock) so it can easily be moved around. And the paint tray and brush shelf are generous enough to stop dropped pastel sticks from going all the way to the floor and shattering. I can see that this easel will be even more useful when I am working on large scale paintings. It is a little congested in this area of my studio, but this is a temporary location. If my Vermont studio is even half as spacious as I imagine it will be, there will be plenty of room for the Sorg and all it's smaller companions.

How many easels can you find in this partial view of my studio? There are more in the closet including the folding one my grandparents gave me for my 11th birthday. It is too flimsy for working, but perfect for dragging out to a demo to display small finished work on...and 54 years later it is a symbol of my grandparents' interest in and love for me.

One can never have too many easels.

Return to Autumn

2011-01-14T20:25:00.004-05:00

Some of you may recognize this to be the plein air painting demo I started in the garden on October 12, 2010 during the Artists' Open House Weekend. The time was right today to finally finish it...something about January makes me want to clean up leftover business. I'm glad I had this one hanging around.

Transitions

2011-01-06T14:23:00.011-05:00

For the last few months my husband and I have been traveling back and forth between southern Vermont and our home of 35 years in Pennsylvania. We bought a house with 5 acres on Black Mountain near Brattleboro and are preparing to move there full time this summer. The frequent 5 hour trips back and forth, although providing a great chance for landscape viewing, often leave me feeling disoriented.

I think I'm going to go with the flow and make some paintings of two similar landscapes that may blend together in unknown ways. I'll be working on 12 x 16 boards with a plein air easel in VT and a new studio easel here in PA. The location of these pieces will be nebulous; somewhere between southern VT and northeastern PA; someplace between plein air & studio work. But the size and subject and medium will give me a sorely needed continuity right now. I may not know what clothes are in which closet in which state, but I'll be able to find my winter north woods color palette.

This is the first of the transitional pictures, as well as being the first painting of the year for me.

Transition #1 12 x 16 pastel

American Eyes

2010-11-20T20:06:00.005-05:00

American Eyes: Art from the Collection of Gil and Deborah Williams is at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University in Ithaca NY until January 9, 2011. Don't miss it.

My husband and I just spent a wonderful afternoon in the museum today. This is a small selection from a vast personal collection of a lifetime. The Williams are astute collectors and my husband and I just kept going from piece to piece exclaiming to each other "wow, look at this color woodblock", "did you see that watercolor?" "I've never seen such a beautiful gouache painting!" Others were looking with equal enthusiasm. This 20th century exhibit, curated by Nancy Green, is primarily works on paper; interesting examples of etchings, drawings, lithographs and most every kind of print and painting, including one of my plein air pastels: Agricultural History.(above)

I was awed to be represented in an exhibit that contains Thomas Moran, Thomas Hart Benton, Frederick Church, Charles Burchfield, Fairfield Porter and many other notable American artists. What thrilled me most was to be hanging in the same room with a stunning Marguerite Zorach silkscreen!!! She is one of my favorites! For many years I have had the nasty habit of tallying ratios of male to female artists represented on museum walls. This show passed with flying colors. The women artists don't necessarily have the most recognizable names but their work is top notch and I hope every one of you can get to Ithaca for this show. (It's free and there are several other exhibits there that we liked, too.)

No photography allowed or you'd be seeing a photo of me next to my painting rubbing shoulders with Charles Burchfield's Sunflowers, grinning from ear to ear.

Watercolor Demo

2010-10-19T10:44:00.005-04:00

This is the 10" x 10" watercolor demo I started on October 12th on the patio while some of you watched. It took another few hours to get this far. It's close to finished, but I'm leaving for my 7 state southern loop tomorrow. So, it will settle until I return and see what needs to be changed.

Look to the right>>>>>>>>>>>>>and up; the email subscription box has returned. My daughter of pearled earth found it! Now you can subscribe and not miss a post. Thanks to all of you who comment regularly. I love it.

A thank you & a (mild) scolding

2010-10-14T16:34:00.006-04:00

photo by Rodrica Tilley

Thank you to the hordes of happy art lovers who turned out for the Artists' Open House Weekend...I was too busy selling & wrapping originals & prints to actually take any photos of you all enjoying the fabulous autumn weather in my garden. It was a wonderful ending to my 14 years on this county-wide studio tour. I'm moving to Vermont in 2011 as most of you know. I so enjoyed seeing friends, fans & familiar faces.

The garden received many compliments. People were surprised that it was colourful! To my way of thinking a fall garden can be a little too subdued without DAHLIAS! Yes, they are a fair amount of work...you must dig, wash, label & store them after the frost...sort of like potatoes; you need a cool, frost-free storage spot...like the basement. But, that done you can forget about them until mid- to late April. Then drop the tubers in pots of gro-mix in the greenhouse or sunporch or living room window. When they sprout, water them and plant them out with 4' stakes in mid to late May. So those of you who go to the trouble of growing tomatoes & marigolds, may want to steal a corner for some real fall color. And in a lucky year that may begin in July and last until October. Your house will be full of bouquets.

Swan Island Dahlias is my favorite source...and their catalogue is great reading. I don't go for the dinner plate dahlias, but you may. Dahlias are a great investment...buy them once...plant & give away forever.

Four Nocturnes

2010-10-03T19:36:00.005-04:00

SOLD
These are the four nocturnes that I mentioned in the previous post...well, actually they might more accurately be termed "almost-nocturnes". They are all on the edge of day...but leading towards night: two moons, two suns. They are hanging at my studio ready to greet visitors to the 14th Annual Artists Open House Weekend...October 9, 10 & 11. Hope to see you there.

Sometimes the Moon Just Blows Me Away

2010-09-26T14:07:00.008-04:00

SOLD
A stormy night just after sunset at my place, is the source of this 9 x 12 pastel painting. It, and a few other small nocturnes will be for sale here at my studio during The 14th Annual Artists Open House Weekend ; studio tour in Susquehanna County PA coming up on Columbus Day Weekend.

I will be doing demonstrations on Monday, October 11th: watercolor at 11 am and pastel at 2pm.

Nasturtiums in Creamer

2010-09-23T13:51:00.004-04:00

SOLD
Another watercolor...and more nasturtiums in Nan Burti's cream pitcher....I do love these two small clay pieces, but so far I've used them in several paintings and never put cream or sugar in them. They have nice necks for flowers and I love the glaze colors.

I used the roughest watercolor paper I had for this just to see what would happen. Besides, I did a similar pitcher full of nasturtiums last year at the Artists' Open House Weekend on a very smooth - hot press paper- so I wanted to mix it up a bit.

Night Watchman

2010-09-11T14:38:00.005-04:00

This 9 x 12 sunset beach scene was done in the studio today recalling my lovely trip to Delaware in May. I thought it a fitting and reverent way to commemorate the 9/11 tragedy; by thinking and wishing for peace and tolerance among all people - religious or not. And by acknowledging those who now rest in peace. And by offering comfort to those who miss them with every waking breath. I titled it in hopes that our protectors are vigilant and watchful.

Watercolor Bouquets

2010-09-10T15:24:00.011-04:00

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These orange nasturtiums in one of Zoë Tilley Poster's vases are one of several small paintings I'm doing this September. There are also roses and sweet peas, so far. I always do these from life...set-up on my drawing board under the skylights so the light is quite clear and somewhat flat giving a specific characteristic quality to the colors. These will be available at my studio during the Artists' Open House Weekend in October.

In the Footsteps of Georgia O'Keeffe

2010-08-31T14:37:00.006-04:00

I spent last week in Northern New Mexico with eleven other women from the Montrose Area Adult School. (the title of the course is the title of this blog post)

We began in Taos at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House. I slept in her bed! A great place to stay when you are in Taos....the stories those walls could tell. The breakfasts were fabulous and the staff friendly & helpful. For those of you who love houses, this is the place...second floor bathroom windows painted by D.H. Lawrence! Two nights here gave us a chance to explore the Taos area as well as sample the margaritas, birdwatch, visit museums, shop, walk over the Rio Grand river gorge on America's most beautiful steel span bridge and get used to the dry air at almost 7000' above sea level. We visited the often painted and photographed Rancho de Taos Church.

Driving up to Abiquiu was breath-takingly beautiful for our planned-long-in-advance special tour of Georgia O'Keeffe's home & studio. We were guided by the Historic Properties Manager of the Georgia O'keeffe Museum, who worked with Ms. O'Keeffe for 10 years. Most of our group had studied the artist's life and work before arriving and speaking for myself it was a thrill to stand in her studio, kitchen, garden and see the scenes that inspired some of her paintings.

Then on to Ghost Ranch...home of the best sunsets in the west. I love staying there in spite of the "ranch food". We took a landscape tour and saw the exact spot where many of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings were done on location in the desert; Cedar Tree with Lavendar Hills and others.

At the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe we viewed Abstraction. We were able to see how the artist worked in series, starting with a "realistic" interpretation and changing her vision in subsequent paintings until an abstract image resulted. There were some very powerful painting that I had never seen before. It was an exciting exhibit....and showed that she contributed greatly to American Modernism. She was truly an innovative American painter. For months I've been hearing from some of you how much you enjoyed this exhibit when it was in New York and then Washington, DC. I couldn't agree more. I've seen many exhibits of her work and this one was particularly enlightening.

Still there were galleries, museums, shopping, mineral hot springs, pueblos, pots and more margaritas awaiting. I wish you were there, too.

Fenced Sunflowers

2010-08-02T12:43:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday morning I was visited by some young artists from Camp Susquehannock. They drew in charcoal and I worked at the bottom of the garden on this pastel painting. For those of you not living in white-tail deer country, we must fence the deer out of our gardens especially when we grow sunflowers - a gourmet item on the deer menu! This is a 16 x 20; rather large for me to complete in one sitting en plein air. I had to finish it up this morning in the garden. The light was coming from the same direction, but it was much stronger this morning. A newly hatched family of tufted titmouses (titmice?) were practicing their whistles & cheeps in the branches over my head.

Michael Poster, my husband took some photos of the kids and made a slideshow with music by Booker T & the MG's. http://www.backroadsproject.com/kids_draw/

Lilium 'Pizzazz'

2010-07-30T13:37:00.006-04:00

I've been amusing myself by painting some of my wonderful Asiatic & hybrid lilies in watercolor. The weather has cooled off a bit and is more conducive to spending time in the garden- painting or weeding. This is a small 4" x 4" and there are a few other companions to it.

A Fine Home

2010-07-23T13:12:00.007-04:00

It was nice to see so many of you turn out at the opening last night of Three Artists Paint Their County. Yes, the gallery is air conditioned and the show will continue until August 22; wed-sat 11-5 and sunday 12-4. 570-278-4011

I love this spot. I've painted it before. This time a small trailer (mobile home, RV?) had appeared in the window created in the trees. I like the winter landscape colors and most of all the open expanses of sky, field and view. The tongue in cheek title is actually a sincere expression of what I think constitutes a "fine" home; fresh air, clean landscape, nature all around and plenty of long distance views. It is included in the Three Artists Paint Their County Exhibit at the Butternut Gallery in Montrose. It is 18 x 18 image size.

Whistle Stops & Depots

2010-07-19T22:06:00.006-04:00

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All aboard, railroad buffs! An exhibit of railway-related artworks by the members of Pennsylvania En Plein Air Society. Opening reception Friday July 23, 2010 6pm ? Music by Steamtown Ramblers with songs of railroads and hobos. This is your chance to attend a party and add a piece of original art to your collection. There will be oils and watercolors, acrylics and pastels; stations and trains. The work will be varied in size and scope, but all will be reasonably priced. Meet the artists; some are established well known names in Northeastern PA and some are emerging talent. All have taken on a two year project of recording our local railroading history on canvas and paper. It is a beautiful sight, if you love trains and history...or just ART!

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 5-8pm through August 25. Schulman Gallery, 2nd floor of the Campus Center at Luzerne County Community College, 1333 South Prospect Street, Nanticoke, PA. My pastel painting, Alford Switch Tower is included.

The switching tower, built in 1915, was used to switch the multiple tracks in use at the time. It was all done mechanically with steel rods and levers and muscle power.

Three Artists Paint Their County

2010-07-19T21:36:00.004-04:00

Betty Bryden, Bob Smith and Rodrica Tilley paint and draw inspiration from Susquehanna County, PA July 24 - August 22 at the Butternut Gallery 42 Church St., Montrose, PA 570-278-4011

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This is my pastel painting; My Neighbor's Garden as it is featured on the invitation card. The image size is 18 x 18 inches, soft pastel on Wallis paper. Opening reception is Saturday July 24 6-8pm.

Happy Garden

2010-07-04T15:31:00.007-04:00

This is the plein air demo that I started for a group of Hill Country Artists 2 weeks ago Thursday evening. I love painting for them. They are an interested group of painters with many questions. I did a little work on it later in the studio, framed and hung it on the wall.

I usually avoid yellow in the garden and in paintings, but other people like it and this is one of the rare garden exceptions. In July it is a hot, happy border with sort of a Chinese Restaurant style color scheme. It's 11 x 14 on Wallis paper mounted on thin gator foam.

Annual Summer Art Exhibit

2010-07-01T08:45:00.006-04:00

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I have been having a rather exciting spring...painting, watching a den of red foxes on my property, traveling to Delaware for a few sublime beach painting days, looking for the kit red foxes, weeding the garden, smelling the roses, wandering through the woods with binoculars peering around trees to spy the adorable little foxes, finding a rafter of wild turkey poults and thinking what a good meal they will make for the foxes (my apologies, hunters), wondering who will eat our blueberries this year...turkeys or foxes.

Please come to my July 2 opening reception here from 6-8pm. The annual summer art exhibit continues through July 11th. Open every day 10-6 - except one - closing at 4pm on the 11th. I will be showing pastels and watercolors of landscapes, rivers, flowers, gardens, travel...and, you guessed it, foxes!

Artists are invited to set up easels and paint in the garden any day during the exhibit.

Birch Trees Dancing

2010-06-25T16:30:00.005-04:00

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I was invited to a paint out yesterday by members of Hill Country Artists. At Christine Olson's home there were many wonderful trees and flowers to paint but these two caught my eye. In fact, it seemed like they were the only couple on the dance floor, gracefully swaying in the morning light. For such a simple subject they gave me a surprisingly difficult time. I'd love a chance to paint them again; I think I could use fewer strokes, a smaller amount of pastel and considerably less sweat and swearing the second time around. I'm not even sure this painting is finished now. Maybe tomorrow will bring even further clarity.

Rose and Pansy Bouquet

2010-06-23T10:55:00.006-04:00

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A small watercolor done yesterday; I set up a tiny vase on my drawing table containing what I consider to be a wonderful bouquet of a single blossom of Winter Sunset Rose and some almost black, huge pansies.
It will be for sale during my upcoming Annual Summer Art Exhibit July2 through 11 here at the studio. The exhibit is open daily 10am-6pm with the following exceptions: July 2nd is an opening reception only from 6-8pm and July 11th the show closes at 4pm.

Dame's Rocket

2010-05-23T21:10:00.006-04:00

I finally got out to paint today. Actually I just walked down the pathway from my home & studio and found this wonderful patch of Hesperis matronalis, commonly mistaken for phlox. It is not a phlox. It has 4 petals. Phlox has 5. It is all over the rural northeastern US right now and it is commonly called Dame's Rocket.

I amused my husband by loading my easel, pastels, sketching chair & a few dog biscuits in the wheelbarrow and disappearing into the green jungle at the bottom of the garden.

This 12 x 9 pastel was done on Belgian Mist Wallis paper with very soft pastels - Senneliers, mostly. The dog biscuits were used for holding Rosalita's interest while I asked her to "down-stay." She's a good little blue heeler, but she does love to chase other mammals; not conducive to concentrating on a painting.

I collected & scattered seed for these flowers decades ago. Now they are sprinkled cheerily around the borders of my woods. Every June I proudly enjoy the lovely shades of orchid-pink-white that I have encouraged. Imagine my surprise when my google search turned up a caution not to let this invasive species run rampant. !!! That's just what I want. The authority said no known ill effects, but nevertheless it is an invasive species. There are thugs and there are really bad criminals in the plant world, too. Garlic mustard & poison ivy being Charles Manson; Dame's Rocket being your teenager arrested for shoplifting. There will be no paintings of garlic mustard here...now that's an invasive species! And one I am waging war on here daily...and losing.

The Art of Rejection

2010-05-19T12:46:00.007-04:00

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This painting is named for Pierre Bonnard & his wife Marta. The French Impressionist, Bonnard, inspired it. His paintings are rich and lively with color, patterns & pets. They often have a gauzy or whimsical bent. One of his favorite themes was a set table and the family life surrounding it. So I thought it a fine subject for one of my entries into FOCUS, a regional show. The juror thought otherwise, apparently. The Red Shirt is included in the show until June 5 at The Butternut Gallery in Montrose.
Pierre and Marta -18 x 24 image size- for sale this summer at the studio.

Forget-me-not on Berry Street

2010-04-21T14:45:00.006-04:00

There is legislation being introduced in Pennsylvania by Rep. James Casario that will, if passed, limit the length of time and conditions under which Pennsylvania dogs can be tethered out. You can find out why I think this is a good thing here. And it's not just dogs who are endangered by this neglectful practice.

Not all dogs are as lucky as this one who gets to lie in a field of flowers with shade & water and then go inside with her family.

This 18 x 18 pastel painting will be shown later in the summer at The Butternut Gallery in Montrose, PA

'RIVERS' at Summerhouse

2010-04-07T15:16:00.005-04:00

This Sunday, April 11th, the reception for my exhibit of river paintings is from 2-3pm (not as previously stated - 2:30). It's Free. I'd love to see you and share my paintings of rivers around the US.

This pastel painting is Up River from Great Bend and features the Susquehanna River.

The Summerhouse is located at 32A (rear) South Main Street, Montrose, PA 570-278-2000.

August Evening

2010-03-31T11:23:00.007-04:00

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This is an 11 x 14 studio painting depicting a typical summer evening scene near my home in Susquehanna County, PA. It is heart-breakingly pastoral. I can only hope we will continue to see this kind of beauty, peace and productivity on a daily basis here in the future. Neighborhoods change, but mine is undergoing a radical and brutal transformation. The best I can do is continue to record the beauty of this landscape as I have done for 35 years. Thanks for looking. Leave a comment.

Summerhouse

2010-03-24T08:23:00.006-04:00

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I was asked to do a mini-workshop on a lovely Sunday afternoon at my favorite Montrose, PA restaurant, Summerhouse. The brunch people lingered to watch and I set up this still-life in a corner and blocked it in. I brought it back to the studio to finish and I think it a nice way to start spring; with a painting I like. I love the colors. I relied on a few eggs for spring symbolism - fertility. I used one of my own framed paintings for background element and a bit of reflection and depth.

I think some guidelines for setting up a still life should be:
1. Pick some objects you have an affinity for.
2. Make them visually contrasting; size, texture, etc.
3. Unite them with a theme; color, purpose, mood; a cloth or surface can tie elements together.
4. Keep in mind the basics of composition...leading the eye around inside the painting and not off the edge.

I am still working on this painting, but it won't change much. I see no big problems...some small areas may be improved a bit over the next week before it gets framed.

It will be for sale by June 4 & 5 when the Montrose Garden Club sponsors an open garden tour & my studio shows some floral and garden paintings by Betty Bryden and me.

Garrison Road Plein Air

2010-03-18T19:51:00.006-04:00

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Yesterday was my first plein air day of the year. As I navigated the rutted, frost heaved gravel (MUD) roads of my rural county I finally found the picture I wanted to paint; this long view of rolling hills, farm and wood land, but...Oh, no, I had no long paper in the car. Luckily I did have two 9 x 12 sheets of UArt #500 so I taped them together (adjacent) and ran my painting across both sheets. I think I will frame it just like that. Why not? 9 x 24.

Good new! My optometrist today pronounced my eyes in excellent health...that is a refreshing diagnosis.

Looking East from My Studio Window

2010-03-12T13:34:00.006-05:00

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Returning from a month in sunny, but cold, northern New Mexico this sight was a bit of a shock. It turned out OK though (most of the shovelling and plowing was all ready done); just left me with some easel work to pull this together. It is 9 x12 and will be put in a black rustic wide wood frame with a thin gold bevel to match the snow scene from January. Thanks for having a look and keeping the homefires burning.

Hawley Farm

2010-01-31T16:11:00.005-05:00

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Unusually restrained color for me in this typical Susquehanna County Farm scene. The image is 18 x 18 and will be for sale this summer at the Butternut Gallery. I am working on some new Susquehanna County pieces for an August showing by Bob Smith, Betty Bryden & me; part of a year-long celebration of the 200th birthday of our county. My focus for these new paintings will be places and small scenes that interest me; not the county icons. I'm on the look out for little buildings and quirky twists to a typical scene.

Moonlit Winter Garden

2010-01-26T18:34:00.009-05:00

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This small painting was done in the studio yesterday, but the scene is outside my studio window. It is my snow covered garden complete with shadowy creatures and a crescent moon. 9 x12.

Earth Stewards Coalition Art Show

2010-01-23T20:41:00.018-05:00

I am feeling very possessive about the beautiful Susquehanna River. A half century of canoe trips gave me an intimate knowledge of her islands and banks. I’ve swum in her waters; cold, rushing, warm, meandering; sometimes murky, sometimes clear. I’ve slept on her gravel banks next to toads and herons. I’ve shared her beauty and adventure with my own daughter and saw her grow strong, as I did when I took some of the river’s power and made it my own.

And I’ve seen the devastation that this river is capable of. Don’t anger her.

More river paintings at www.rodricatilley.com

The Earth Stewards Coalition Art Show is organized by an ad hoc collectiveof activist women artists called "The Gaia Grrrls: from Binghamton NYwho are trying to increase awareness about the potential ramifications of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation of New York State & Pennsylvania. The purpose of this show is to give artists an opportunity to express their feelings about the situation, and hopefully to alert the public at large to what may happen in our communities.

First Fridays in February & March (2/5 and 3/5) from 6-9pm in City Plaza Gallery, as well as during regular business hours in Binghamton, NY's City Hall. City Plaza Gallery is located in Binghamton's City Hall. My painting is a large pastel of Standing Stone in Bradford County and it will be for sale after the exhibit.

Reuben Tam - American 1916-1991

2009-12-21T10:51:00.010-05:00

I have recently "discovered" the abstract landscape expressionist paintings of Reuben Tam. Although born (and died) in Hawaii he spent much of his life painting and exhibiting in New England & the eastern US.

He was a beloved teacher at The Brooklyn Museum Art School, where he encouraged his landscape students to explore the geology beneath as well as the topography of the land. Another lovely pairing of science & art.

It has been difficult finding information and images...if anyone has other sources, please let me know. I will be looking for him in museum collections; Met, Whitney, Brooklyn in NY; Lowe in Miami, Smithsonian in DC, Farnsworth, Reading (PA) and San Diego.

Back in the Studio

2009-12-03T08:50:00.007-05:00

Foggy Break is a studio painting done from my own photo references and recollections. I started the year trying to include water in most of my paintings...so it has been a dominant theme in both my plein air and studio work. I used a limited palette to convey the mood of an early day breaking through the fog. This is one of my favorite surfaces; Art Spectrum Colourfix paper with a mix of soft pastels....I have and use most every high quality brand available...and operate on the theory that one can never have too many pastels. They may look disorganized on my table, but I keep all my boxes sorted for value. Hard, soft, in between, French, Dutch, Australian, US made, red, green yellow, purple all jumbled together with others of their same value.

This 12 x 16 painting is being shown at The Butternut Gallery in Montrose through the holidays. 570-278-4011, along with French Broad & Roadside Flora...not ladies of ill repute as their names coincidentally might suggest.

Reflections of a Wanderer

2009-11-07T19:53:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came to my solo exhibit at Orazio Salati Gallery Friday night in Binghamton. It is always a thrill for me to see my work hung & lit well in a lovely large gallery. I know many of you enjoyed it, too. Such a lovely evening. The show will be up until November 28 at 205 State St Binghamton. It will be open on Saturdays from 11-3, but you can call Orazio at 607.772.6725 for an appointment to view the paintings. The title refers to reflections of the mind as well as water & other reflective surfaces. There are some paintings from my travels and, as usual, about half the work is en plein air (painted out of doors on location).

There were many pleasant surprises of the evening; two are seen here...my cousin, Liz Tilley and my daughter, Zoë Tilley Poster. Do we look related or what?

And a favorite friend from Girl Scouting showed up that I hadn't seen in some 45+ years! Thanks to all who made my First Friday opening a wonderful one.

The Big Gold Tree - Demo

2009-10-27T12:55:00.000-04:00

Here is the finished painting (bottom) that I started on October 12th in front of those of you that watched the pastel demo at my studio. It was born of a sketch from my mind rather than a photo or plein air study. I am happy with the gold glow of this pastoral autumn scene. I like the various textures. It has a lot of energy, but still conveys a quiet peace. The composition is a little quirky, which I like, but it works.

I've included the top image which is how I left it that day after about one and a half hours of intense work. The middle image represents another couple of hours work, as does the final one...add an hour for sketch work...and several hours of looking and thinking...plus framing...and selling.

I am often asked how long it takes me to make a painting. My temptation is to say " four hours and 40 years"...meaning it used to take me a long time...now I know what I am doing and it still takes me a long time because I am not so easily satisfied. That said, some paintings paint themselves and some sell themselves, but that is not the norm....most take hard work...and time....and I love it.

It is 14 x 19 and will be for sale soon at $650 framed.

Nasturtiums Demo

2009-10-14T09:24:00.006-04:00

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Monday during the Artists' Open House Weekend I painted this bouquet for my watercolor demo. It is on a hot pressed surface; Strathmore 500 illustration board. Most of this was done during the initial one and a half hours. I had been studying the pitcher of flowers for two days as it sat in my studio. And I spent some time putting a few finishing touches to it on Tuesday. Maybe it is done now. I will look at it a bit more before it goes into a frame. I am very happy with the way the orange flowers pop out from the grey background. It has a certain looseness that I like. Of course it could always be better....next time.

Thanks to everyone who watched...so nice to have a truly interested audience who actually love to watch paint dry.

My Barn Flower Box

2009-09-04T14:28:00.006-04:00

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This display of Gleam nasturtiums and Midnight Sun pansies has greeted me daily as I go about my garden chores and it is the last of the August paintings...a small four inch square watercolor.

I set out to paint every day in August and I almost did that (missed 2 days). Some paintings took more than a day or two to complete. I ended up with about 14 new framed paintings, manyof them gardens or flowers.

I like working on projects. I enjoy waking up every day and thinking about what I am going to paint that day. Projects lend a certain focus to my work. I appreciate the continuity; not allowing interruptions to derail my painting. I also got some ideas for larger studio paintings to work on in the coming months.

During September I will be adding to the Fifty State Plein Air Painting Project, visiting New England. And I'll be preparing my new work and messy studio for visitors during the Artists' Open House Weekend October 10, 11 & 12. On October 12th I'll be demonstrating watercolor here at the the studio at 11 am and pastel at 2pm. Please join me. I will be happy to answer technique & materials questions as well as those on "art."

My Day at Gibbs

2009-09-04T14:13:00.010-04:00

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These are two of the last August Painting marathon pieces; both done as the guest at Gibbs Garden Center, LeRaysville, PA last Saturday. The morning especially threatened rain which allowed me to have a really active sky in each painting. They are each about 2-hour paintings with minimal adjustments back in the studio. They will be for sale here at my studio during The Artists' Open House Weekend October 10,11,12.

Touché

2009-08-26T12:31:00.005-04:00

The new dahlia Touché is looking great with one of the last tall poppies and some fragrant nicotiana. This is a large (16 x 16) plein air piece for me to attempt in one day. I only added a few touches in the studio. It is vibrant & wild & oh, so summery.

Barbara's Garden

2009-08-24T18:42:00.006-04:00

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Last Monday my friend and I painted in her garden. Hot, humid, stinging bugs of all sizes, but beautiful. I feel I did not do justice to the lovely sunlit corner of her garden with two tall lilies, some bronze fennel, clethra and dazzling glancing morning sunlight. To say it was sultry is a definite understatement...one of us dripped sweat all over her painting. Therefore I am calling my little pastel a "sketch". I hope to re-visit this same lntriguing scene later...maybe even during the winter with my photographs and my plein air sketch to make a larger studio painting

Williams Pond

2009-08-22T17:32:00.003-04:00

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August 9th I wrote:
This morning the haze & mist hung heavy over Williams Pond. It is a location that I have been painting and drawing for 30 years. It is, so far, quite unchanged. This is the initial lay-in; defining shapes, values and suggesting colors. It was too wet outside today for pastel painters so I worked on this inside. I like the way mist & haze transforms space and distance and makes my familiar surroundings look alien.

Today I have almost finished the painting of Wiliams Pond 10 x 15 inch image size.

My Hummingbird Garden

2009-08-17T14:25:00.010-04:00

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This is a bright corner that I planted with all sorts of vivid plants; huge gleam nasturtiums, thai basil, portulacas, sparkler geranium, salvias, daylilies. Only problem for the hummers is the cat likes to sleep there, but the birds are way smarter than this particular large grey doofus of a cat and they are frequenting the tall red beebalm on the other side of the garden.

The drawing is my partial sketch using a pastel pencil on colourfix paper.

Wowie

2009-08-13T20:54:00.006-04:00

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That's the name of the short (but loud) dahlia in the lower left - Wowie! It's a lovely bright section of my garden and this is what I got done in a couple of hours this afternoon...dodging rain drops...even a few drops are cause for umbrellas & plastic when working outside with pastels. I will add a few foreground flowers before it's done. And it is too weighted on the left right now. I'll fix it tomorrow.

Birthday Bouquet

2009-08-11T15:57:00.006-04:00

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This watercolor of a bouquet that my daughter picked from her garden in Scranton took me forever! I'm glad I didn't count the hours. This is the second day I worked on it and it's only 4" square! This happens to me with watercolor. I get hung up in the details and that's not where I want to be right now. It's on Fabriano paper. I used the complimentary colors of the zinnias & ageratum. Can't wait to get back to some larger pastels.

Stargazer

2009-08-08T13:38:00.002-04:00

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Never say never. Watercolor is not a choice I ever make for plein air work...except for yesterday. Seated at the patio table facing my new Stargazer lily in a pot, I was tired. It was late and I felt I could probably manage a small watercolor. I painted it while my husband grilled up some burgers and corn. (Thank you, dear.) It's on rough Arches w/c paper and I did most of it with a 1/2" flat chisel brush (ran in the studio for a small pointed round for the speckles...no masking fluid.) It has good contrast & movement and great color! It was worth it's while and it'll be in a 10" maple box frame and on the studio wall soon. I'm pretty sure it will outlast the one in the pot I'm about to feed to some delighted critter in my garden.

"Arena" Lily

2009-08-07T16:42:00.004-04:00

Maybe I will feel better about this painting when I don't still have the real lily blooming in my garden. Right now I'm a little lukewarm about it. I was battling with a paper I haven't used much lately...Sabretooth from Canada...salmon colored. I loved the old paper and then it was discontinued and then the new one came out. I don't like it as much. OK, I'll stop whining now.

Bella's Garden- done?

2009-08-06T15:17:00.004-04:00

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Finished...for now anyway. What a fun painting this has been. Today I added a few more flowers & leaves and made sure that your eye would travel all around the garden. The reflecting ball is very compelling and I may make some adjustments to the painting if that seems to be a problem. Paintings need to settle for awhile before they are declared finished.

Day 2 of Bella's Garden

2009-08-05T14:12:00.005-04:00

I told you yesterday it was going to be strong & wild & chaotic, didn't I? Today I added the colors. I started with the blooms and suggested foliage. I spread the colors all over, not just in one spot. I maintained the vibrant action in the painting and I had a great deal of fun doing it. Can you tell? I have quite a few layers of pastel in places, so I have had to resort to removing some of it with a #4 bristle flat brush, just in the places I needed to use a light color and didn't have enough tooth left to make it stick. Now I am reaching for my softer brands...Senneliers & Unisons. I need a day to look at it and analyze. A well-behaved painting will tell me what it needs. I think this is one. Check in tomorrow and leave comments, please.

Bella's Garden

2009-08-04T15:01:00.007-04:00

OK, I said I was going to paint every day in August, which is not the same thing as creating a new painting every day. There are intrepid painters who have been making "a Painting a Day" for years now. I intend to paint on all days in this month and today I've started a new studio pastel of a delightful garden near Brackney, PA. It's wild and it's bold and it's strong. And it has a blue reflecting ball...something I never felt the desire to have in my own garden...but it is perfect in Bella's. I'm not even going to change the color.

I've been thinking about this painting for about a week. Today I worked out the overall structure in my sketchbook. No need for detail now.

When I felt comfortable with the shapes & patterns, I started working with black & blue Nupastels on my 20 x 24 piece of rose gray Colourfix paper. This painting will be framed with a mat so the paper is actually 6'' larger than that to allow a full border under the mat.

Next, I chose 2 warm and 2 cool medium value colors (orange, blue) and proceeded to energetically develop my abstract "underpainting". There will be quite a bit of chaotic color coming next so I want to have a painting underneath that holds it all together. Hope I've done that.

I am excited about this painting, and I want to keep right on going, but today is my birthday (Barack Obama's, too) and I'm going to a French Restaurant for dinner. So...more tomorrow.

(Still having trouble making my images mind! They 'sit' and 'lie down' wherever they want. Yikes, they are in the reverse order of what I thought I had done. If you know how to control where and in what order images appear, please comment and tell me.)

Third of August

2009-08-03T16:56:00.007-04:00

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Look what I found in the garden today. This 14 x 11 is just fresh off the easel...might get a few small changes here in the studio. Might not. Also done with a selection of soft pastels; Unison, DianeTownsend and Senneliers by and large with a few miscellaneous others on UArt paper mounted on board.

Most of these August paintings will be framed shortly and offered for sale either at my studio or by one of the galleries I am represented by: Butternut Gallery in Montrose, PA; Orazio Salati in Binghamton NY or The Portal Institute Gallery of Fine Art near Susquehanna, PA.

Albuquerque Hollyhocks

2009-08-02T14:05:00.001-04:00

SALE PENDING
This is a larger studio piece done using my photos from May as source material. It's not quite finished, but this will give a pretty good idea of how it's shaping up. And, in the spirit of a Garden Painting Each Day in August, this is what I worked on August 2.

The image size is 34" x 14" and it is done using a variety of soft pastels on Belgian mist Wallis paper mounted on board.

There are many wonderful things about New Mexico, not the least of which is the healthy condition of the hollyhock and rose foliage. If water is available to the roots and not the leaves, they both thrive. As my husband and I were having a patio breakfast and I was admiring the gorgeous healthy clumps of hollyhocks across the street...a man came out of the cafe kitchen with a basin of water for them. In the desert folks have learned to conserve...water that has washed the greens at the sink is greatly appreciated by the roots of the dooryard flowers & trees. They thrive. The loving attention may be partly responsible.

Afternoon Delight

2009-08-01T13:52:00.001-04:00

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This is a lovely bright corner of my garden which I painted on the afternoon of August 1. It is a 9 x 12 plein air pastel done in one sitting with no studio work at all.

It's about time I got to paint instead of weed, weed, weed, deadhead, move plants,weed some more. I plan to capitalize on all my back-breaking garden work, by standing at my easel most every August day right in the midst of the weeds and Japanese Beetles...and assorted fungus spores & despicable plant diseases. I'm going to edit all that out and only bring the lovely parts to my palette of pastels.

Stay tuned.

The Red Shirt

2009-07-01T15:07:00.008-04:00

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This painting attracted a good deal of attention at the annual Summer Art Exhibit at my studio in Montrose, PA. It is a fairly large pastel at 30 x 20 inch image size. People respond to the sky and the space and it was great fun hearing people's responses and ideas of a story to go with the painting. I'd love to hear yours.

The Red Shirt is in the 13th EMCA Annual Regional Art Exhibition through September 27. The venues are Wyoming County Courthouse Gallery (business hours) and Endless Mountains Council of the Arts Center (F, S, Su 1-5) both in Tunkhannock 570.836.EMCA.

30 Years of Open Studios

2009-06-24T19:12:00.005-04:00

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Friday night my Annual Summer Art Exhibit opens here in Montrose, PA with a reception for the artists: Zoë Poster - small clay work, Michael Poster & Melissa Whalen Haertsch - book art...and my recent paintings, of course. It continues every day from 10-6 through July 5th. Directions can be found here.

In celebration of thirty years of home-grown local art there will be many deals; 30% off all framed prints on the wall, including the two new ones; Fig Street Garden and From the Bridge. When certain designated paintings are sold, I will donate 30% of the selling price to one of 5 local charities - Humane Society, Red Cross, Food Bank, Hospital or Library building funds.

Wait, there are more reasons to come... look at some of the paintings from The 50 State Painting Project, set up your easel or sketching chair in the garden any day June 29 through July 5. Bring your friends and family to look at some art or make some art of your own.

Thank you for making 30 years of art a reason to celebrate.

Gibbs Garden Center

2009-06-10T15:00:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday I spent the day in LeRaysville, PA as the guest painter at Gibbs Garden Cente r. This 16 x 20 was an ambitious size for such a complex scene and it took me about 4 hours, by which time the light had completely changed. This explains the often small size canvas & boards that are preferred by many plein air painters. I prefer to work large...and I should have simplified accordingly...but I like it. The gardens are not in full bloom yet, so I'll be going back. It was a fun day...everone at Gibbs is friendly & nice and Grovedale Winery was hosting a wine-tasting while I was painting and the merriment crept into my painting I think. I brought home a couple of nice whites and three plants and a painting! My (artistic license) clothesline adds a nostalgic touch. It really is a very professional garden center that can answer your questions and help plan your gardens and solve horticultural problems.

FOCUS

2009-05-18T08:10:00.004-04:00

Last Friday Night FOCUS opened at the Butternut Gallery in Montrose, PA. It is a juried exhibit of local art "exploring our regional sense of place". Included were artworks in clay, paint, photography & various sculpture media. I think it is an exciting exhibit because it explores the breadth of vision in the area of primarily NE PA and southern tier New York state. Artists tend to send their best work when there is a chance of winning cash prizes. I know the three jurors worked hard to select the work and choose the awards. Members of business & community provided the awards.

My pastel painting "For the Birds" won an award. Many of you will recognize it as my daughter's Fig Street Garden in southside Scranton. It is 30 x 20 inch image size - framed to 39 x 29 - and priced to sell at $1600. I also have two other paintings in this exhibit: Snowy Woods & Wyalusing Creek.

Please stop in at the Butternut Gallery & Second Story Books at 42 Church Street- Thursday-Saturdays 11-5, Sundays 12-4 through May 31) to see it and all the other interesting art works. All the art is for sale (excepting those all ready purchased this past weekend, but still onview). Proceeds will benefit Susquehanna County Library and Endless Mountains Health Care building funds.

FOCUS was held to coincide with the now famous Chocolate & Wine Festival held on May 16th in downtown Montrose.

Shady Grotto

2009-04-09T10:43:00.005-04:00

Shady Grotto is a recent 18 x 24 pastel painting. The inspiration came from Chanticleer...a public pleasure garden in Wayne, PA. I've been visiting since they opened in 1993. It has inspired me in my gardening as well as my paintings.

This painting will be shown at Marquis Art Gallery in Scranton during May, opening April 24. Please come visit.

Fall Brook March

2009-03-29T10:42:00.009-04:00

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Friday I got out for a lovely spring day of painting at Salt Springs State Park. This is done from one of my favorite spots; the bridge on Buckley Road. The color palette was surprisingly similar to many of my Arizona paintings done in March of 2007...more water, though. I used an orange-toned sheet of Wallis paper mounted on board and very soft pastels...mostly Unisons. It was a challenging composition, but I think it is complete.

Love to have your comments on Fall Brook March 12 x 12 plein air pastel.

Ides of March Moon

2009-03-15T13:14:00.006-04:00

SOLD

An early morning sighting from my bedroom window was an auspicious beginning to a fine spring day. I rushed into the studio to capture the feeling of the waning moon and reddening maple buds across the field. I used a minimal number of soft pastel colors (just counted...15!) on Art Spectrum Colourfix paper rose-grey...a small number of colors, but many layers.

March Moon 10 x 10 framed in rustic gold wood frame, off-white matting - $400.

Snowy Woods

2009-02-19T09:02:00.013-05:00

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"This is my beauty - all the beauty I wish for: the love of this nature around my home. They talk of Italian Skies. I envy not the Italian. Nor do they envy me. I find no sympathetic beauty in the sky I have not lived under. The Elysian fields are not at the ends of the earth - they are here at my feet."
Charles Burchfield wrote that in Salem, Ohio in September 1914...and it speaks to me.

I have been (for quite some time now) reading Charles Burchfield's Journals; The Poetry of Place. I will be reading it into the foreseeable future (unless my arms give out first). It is abridged, thankfully; the artist wrote approximately 2,000,000 words between the two world wars and gave us wonderful insight to culture & conditions of the time as well as a picture of his own thoughts and career. His watercolors are haunting modernist expressions of nature...including those things usually difficult to depict; sound and heat, for example. You can view some of his work here.

This is one of my recent studio paintings, Snowy Woods, 19 x 19 (image size) pastel .

First Plein Air Painting of 2009!

2009-02-09T19:17:00.006-05:00

SOLD

My first day out was a balmy 37 degrees! I didn't think I could stand the cold below 40, but determination, calm air, warm February sun this afternoon made my day a success. That and my Zippo Handwarmers!!! (see them in their little soft black pouches lying on my easel? They were in my jacket pockets the rest of the time.) I Love Them...two thumbs up! (Thank you to my husband for a very thoughtful Christmas gift) I had to spend an inordinate amount of time negotiating the back roads looking for A. sun, B. ice-free spot to stand on, C. good scene with water and D. parking space for Prius that I thought I wouldn't get stuck in. It all came together finally and this is the 11 x 14 painting I did on UArt paper mounted on board with an assortment of quite soft pastels. It may get a few touch ups in the studio but this was how it looked when I left the field today at 4pm. Beebe Hollow Road

Recyling Pastels Sticks

2009-02-03T14:33:00.007-05:00

For several years I've been throwing scraps of pastels into a box on my workbench, knowing some day I would try turning the tiny chips and bits into new sticks. I had purchased a delightfully heavy granite mortar & pestle for the purpose of grinding the pieces into a fine powder.

4 or 5 years ago a friend and fellow pastel artist presented me with three pastel sticks she had made herself at a Santa Fe workshop. They were very lovely colors and I saved them...they seemed so precious. A part of me wondered why anyone would spend time recycling used-up pastels when you can buy thousands of colors in varying hardness/softness grades at the flick of the mouse.

Sunday was the day for me to give it a try. Who knew it would be so much FUN! As is often the case with making something by hand it is an incredible thrill to see the project unfolding magically; whether it is baking, woodworking or music. It is just plain rewarding to have a simple project turn out well.

It is basically; select for color, grind thoroughly, add enough water and not too much, roll into a stick-like form and let dry. More thorough directions can be found here from Richard McKinley.

As far as color goes, I had some control, but the results are serendipitous; not a reasonable way to obtain that mysterious shade of smokey blue you forgot to buy. I was surprised at the cost effectiveness, though. I produced 22 pastels at an average retail value of about $3.50 - after deducting the cost of the mortar & pestle, I'm still about $20 ahead! Artists are always aghast at the price of their supplies. Feels like I made something out of nothing!

E. I. Couse at the Rockwell

2009-02-01T18:26:00.006-05:00

I finally dodged the ice and snow storms to travel up to Corning, NY to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art to see the excellent showing of one of my favorite "western" painters; Eanger Irving Couse; A Place In the Sun.

Couse (1866-1936) has influenced me for quite some time. Born in Saginaw, Michigan he was classically trained at the Chicago Art Institute, the National Academy of Design in NYC and the Academie Julien in Paris. There he studied under Adolphe Bouguereau. Three large Bouguereau canvases are part of the Rockwell exhibit, showing his influence on Couse.

Many of Couse's early sketchbook pages, photographs of his models, plein air oil sketches and figure studies in oil are included in the exhibit; most of these from the years previous to his membership in the Taos Society of Artists.

The exhibit highlights are the figurative pieces from New Mexico...mostly Native Americans, many lit by the moon or firelight. Couse's strength lies in his incredible skill at portraying the (often) crouched human figure and the way light played off of it. His paintings literally take my breath away and it was a very worthwhile afternoon viewing pieces from the Saginaw Art Museum's collection as well as from the Rockwell's permanent collection. I love his unconventional use of strong color.

Couse was a successful artist before he even got to Taos...his wife feared he had made his reputation as a painter of sheep...lovely French pastorals (four on display). His success escalated throughout his life and later.

BTW this museum has some wonderful pieces of very contemporary Native American artists work. I always love visiting to see what they have been adding. The museum building itself is quite the showpiece...all lovely old Victorian structures should be so lucky as to get a facelift like this! Couse show only through Feb. 8!

Three Oranges Times Two

2009-01-20T13:25:00.007-05:00

SOLD

These bright little painterly pastel still life studies brightened my January gloom and look great on my freshly painted lavender grey walls. One includes a clay bottle and the other a little Nan Burti sugar bowl. They are available in the studio for $250 each. The image size is 8 x 10 inches each.

December Thaw Completed

2008-12-31T12:31:00.003-05:00

This is the finished painting. Very little else was done to it. I didn't want to lose the freshness and I am quite pleased with it....a good finish to 2008.

Blown Off the Field

2008-12-28T14:07:00.008-05:00

I was so excited to be met with a day above 50ºF that I quickly grabbed the easel and a few pastels and drove down my road until I spotted a likely subject. A cold front was moving in quite fast and the sky was very active. I kept a death grip on the easel against the gusts and did manage to get the panel covered with color before the rain sent me packing. I don't care; it was my first day out since Nov. 4!

I like this painting...it has strong composition, interesting color and it is fresh & windy. I might normally title it 'spring thaw' but we are far from spring here and we've all ready had several of these thaws, then ice storms, then foot of snow and we're only a week into winter officially.

December Thaw (11 x 14 UArt #800 on panel) will get some finishing work and I will publish the finished piece then. Such a delight to get out of the studio even if it was brief.

BTW the studio is open for appointments during most of the winter. email is best rtilley@rodricatilley.com

Season's Greetings

2008-12-22T11:20:00.009-05:00

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The studio is shrouded in clean new snow...about a foot now, but we keep having thaws and freezes. Just want to thank everyone who has visited the studio or one of my exhibits this year. Your interest in my work is one of the reasons I keep painting.

It seems for the past month I've been mostly moving paintings around to and from various exhibits, but I look forward to some serious studio time in January...I have ideas collected in my brain.

My exhibit in Ithaca at Kitschen Sink (two posts below) is on until just after the New Year and the exhibit at NOW (one post below) will hang through January. And I'll be here not far from the woodstove at my Montrose Studio.

This pastel painting, Watrous Corners Barns is available for $475, framed to 20 x 26 in a rustic gold wood frame. You can see it in the window of NOW Hair Studio at 132 Adams Avenue Scranton.

NOW Hair Studio

2008-11-30T12:56:00.006-05:00

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I am honored to be the first painter featured at NOW. The exhibit opens on December 5 with a reception 6-9pm during Scranton's First Friday art event.

Fran Kavulich is the owner of NOW....she and her stylists are into color and design and so am I so I think this will be a fun exhibit in a great location for me; 132 Adams Avenue...570-961-8875 for an appointment or info.

Kristie Miller McMahon of Clarks Summit, will be showing her jewelry there, as well. Hope we see you this Friday night...or stop in all month and see my work. It's in the windows and in the back, too.

Family Dinner Exhibit in Ithaca NY

2008-11-20T14:16:00.008-05:00

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November 21 through the end of the year my cousin, Liz Tilley, has invited my husband, daughter, her sister & me to exhibit some of our paintings, quilts, clay work, photographs and collage in her gallery;
the Kitschen Sink, 210 Elmira RD. 607-277-4914.

The gala meet-the-artists reception is Friday night, Nov 21, 6-9pm. The exhibit continues through Dec. 31. It is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas; Mon, Tues & Sat 11am to 6pm, Thursday & Friday 11-9, Sunday 12-6pm.

Liz always has plenty of eclectic art, vintage finds, painted furniture, jewelry & more at Kitschen Sink. Many (and I do mean many!) unique stocking stuffers and presents, even costumes, and you get to meet Liz, who is a delightfully unique member of our family. Please bring yours in.

Two Recent Demos

2008-11-12T06:26:00.009-05:00

I have finally finished Front Walk which was painted mostly during the Artists' Open House Weekend on October 13th. Although I fussed and adjusted details quite a bit I think those of you who watched the painting appear in the front studio garden will recognize it as the same painting, but finished. At the end of my demo that day I knew I had some choppiness...too many competing areas in value. Luckily I kept the colors limited to a fairly narrow range because the texture & values were contrasting and bordering on chaotic. By constantly looking at this painting I feel I have worked out it's problems and made a dense and complex garden scene with the warmth of a perfect aurtumn day in my tangled garden.

Last week I was asked to give a demo in front of Hill Country Artists. They are a great audience; asking educated questions and absorbing concepts like sponges. What fun. House with Blue Roof is my finished painting and not much was done to this one after I left the meeting.SOLD

Both will be for sale soon at $400 framed in rustic gold wood frames. If you write to me I will tell you where they are being shown.

My Vacation

2008-10-27T18:48:00.007-04:00

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Eight days with my husband driving south to Washington DC, we visited several galleries and the National Museum of Women in the Arts and then to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. We went there specifically to see Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities. This exhibition alone was worth the trip. I've been to the Georgia O'Keeffe museum in Sante Fe numerous times as well as most of the major exhibits of her work on the east coast in the last 30 years and I saw several "new-to-me" paintings. The parallels between these two friends working at the same time in different parts of the southwest were surprising. This exhibit continues through January 4, 2009 (and it's free). Also at the museum is Earth and Sky: Photographs by Barbara Bosworth which we both liked immensely; images from her series National Champion Trees and wonderful color works of songbirds being held by people - only until Nov 9.

We loved this museum so much we went back the next day. The National Portrait Gallery shares the same building and we spent hours looking at Women of Our Time; 75 Twentieth Century Photographs...included some very enlightening reading - click on link for web exhibition.

We finally tore ourselves away from DC and headed to Chincoteague/ Assateague refuge and National Seashore. That's where I did this small plein air painting, looked at ponies and birds, sketched for hours, read some, sat on the beach lots and generally acted like I was on vacation.

"Local Talent"

2008-10-08T08:57:00.010-04:00

Glenburn Township 4th Annual Show and Sale is going on right now through December 11. 9-noon Monday through Thursdays. It's not often that a township gets lucky enough to have Joanne Benson as an employee. She's turned the historic and beautifully renovated train station into a community center for art. She has found room on the walls for over 80 pieces of local art this year.
And she finds time to paint, too, as can be seen in her lovely featured watercolor "Anemones." The township supervisors and Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Municipality Grant have supported her efforts. So has Patsel's Restaurant.

Just goes to show what can be done in a community that wants and welcomes art.

570-563-1177 for directions and info.

My painting Narrow Gouge Again that is featured on the cover of the Artists' Open House Weekend brochure is on view, but not for sale, at "Local Talent." Also Clouds Roll In is there and it is for sale along with many wonderful oils, watercolors, acrylics, prints, photographs by other local artists.

Artists' Open House Weekend-12th annual

2008-10-05T07:26:00.009-04:00

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October 11, 12 & 13 is a great time to visit over 26 artists in their studios from one end of Susquehanna County (northeastern Pennsylvania) to the other. Award winning potters, carvers, woodworkers, clay artists, painters, collage makers, printmakers, photographers will be ready to welcome you to our beautiful rural area. Penn's Woods are putting on quite a show of their own. You can pick up a map brochure at many local businesses, any of the studios or download one here.

This is a free, self-guided driving tour to about 20 studios. Some of these studios are only open at this one time of year. It is a rare chance to see work before it goes on to a gallery or National exhibit. The artists enjoy showing their work in person and talking about the process of inspiration and technique. Monday is demonstration day and most everyone will be demonstratins an aspect of their craft.

I will be doing a watercolor demo at 11 and a pastel demo at 2pm here at my studio . Please stop by. Follow the pink arrows.

Irresistible Palette

2008-09-26T13:10:00.005-04:00

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I love these colors. I use similar strong complimentary colors often to create a painting that has power.

I took Night Begins to the Butternut Gallery where it will hang with Goldenrod Field for the next month or so. The Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books is at 42 Church Street Montrose PA 570-278-4011. They are open Wed-Sun afternoons. Both paintings are framed with mats in rustic gold wood frames about 17 inches square overall. Night Begins is a studio painting and Goldenrod Field is a plein air painting. They are each priced at $400.