Fireflies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.