Music- abstraction on Aaron Copeland's Appalacian Spring

This months Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge was music- so I decided to listen to one of my favorite pieces of music and just see what happens- I squeezed out an octave of paint colors and just responded to the 30 minute piece. It it what it is.I tried not to judge myself here!
If you want to hear the version I listened to click here.
In other news- today is the last day to bid on the OTB (out of the Box) at the North River Arts Society. I am mentioned in this article.
Its a lot of fun- I can't wait to see who is who!

Trouants Island, 9"x12" oil on panel

This is one of the loveliest spots I know. I fantasize about buying the tiny house for sale out there- I definitely will if I can sell a $500,000 painting :)
I apologize for the low- res picture- it's pouring out today and I couldnt get a good shot....

I am so happy its raining so I can get to the pile of laundry and chores. I find it agonizing to be inside on nice days and we have had plenty!
Off to fold the mountain of clothes....

Naugatuck River Review poetry magazine

I was asked to submit art for the cover of this poetry magazine- what an honor! I can't wait to get a copy (this is from their website)

pop fish 10"x10" acrylic

Started this one early this summer as a demo the the South Shore Art Center and finished it this morning. I've been doing more representaional  stuff lately, so it was fun to do this one.
I have enjoyed summer so much , been around lots of water.  I've been loving the Macombers Ridge/Trouants island section of Marshfield- kayaking to the "spit"- and yesterday I walked through the very  high tide across the causeway to see my friend Beth on the tip of Trouants... It was amazing to walk through the ocean amidst the crabs and jellyfish, egrets and gulls. Like being a part of the sea. The water was up to my mid- thighs- what a workout!
 I ended the day kayaking around Long Pond in Plymouth with my friend Caroline, visited a metal sculptor who lives on the pond, heard a little music floating across the water from the music camp there..and had a cocktail looking up at Osprey through the pines. Life is magical and I am feeling lucky.
Today I am pretty sore, wonder why!

Crafty Girls 12"x12" acrylic on canvas

This is from a photo of my two daughters and niece in Onset this past month doing crafts on the porch. It is always my favorite part of vacations- doing projects together.
A rare moment without a phone in sight...
I've been fiddling on this a bit too long -as I look at it here I still see more stuff to do to it- but I like the abstract design of it.. and I took lots of liberties with the color. I think its hard for me not want  to make them look like who they are....

Little bird 10"x10" acrylic

My youngest left this morning to go back to school at the college of Charleston.
She turns 21 at the end of the month. I am so proud of my baby-she worked hard this summer as a rehab assistant at Braintree Rehab and moonlighted as a waitress in Scituate harbor.
I know that is the absolute best to be able to set them free, yet my heart is heavy today. We have had the greatest summer.
I painted this for a little baby boy named Callum. I hope he likes it! His name translates to "little bird".

Christmas Cove 12"x12" oil on canvas

This is a wonderful cove in Maine- the sky was amazing that day.
I have worked (maybe too much?)  into this one in the studio.

my walkway, 12"x12" oil on canvas

I started this one the other day on the perfect, dry, sunny summer morning. I worked into it this morning in the studio and glazed over the background quite a bit with Galkyd medium mixed into prussian blue. I love glazing -got a little carried away but I like the effect.
FYI any of my painter pals - Michaels art store in Hanover ( actually probably all their locations) has 7 packs of 12"x12" canvases on sale for 14.99. I am not a huge fan of that store but thats a very good deal!

Maine buoys 11"x14" oil on canvas

On Monday my niece Mikayla visited my studio and we painted together- those buoys are from Maine and were still just laying on the ground. It was so fun to paint with her- she's 19, and is such an amazing artist. ALready she has won several awards. She had never done oils- I will post her painting when I can get a good photo of it- I think she wanted to work into it a bit more.
Spending time quietly painting with her was the best.

WInnie- 8"x8" scratchboard

This is the first scratchboard I have ever done.
Inspired by my good friend Lisa Mackin, the master of scratch, I tried doing this from a photo of my girl Winnie. It was fun and relaxing and new for me to work light into dark. I think furry beings are well suited for this medium.

Onset cottage

It's funny how I never knew about this place until my sister stayed here last year and became enamored with it. Its only a 45 minute drive from home but feels far away. The beach on the bay is nice and quiet and no chance of shark bites( I hope!)There was a concert on the town green last night and we watched it as we ate our ice cream cones from Nanas. Tonight we are planning on seeing the acapella group Hyannis Sound in Brewster.