In progress

My intention when I started this blog was to present works in progress. 
Here's one from this year's visit to Florence, Italy. 

The River Arno.

In progress, 12" x 24" 

Oil on canvas.

Lily Pads

I don't intentionally try to mimic the great Claude Monet's style, but somehow it might appear that way in this little oil painting. It was more about color. The blue, water portion was finished but I knew that something was needed for contrast and LIFE. 

Lily Pads on Bare Hill Pond

Oil on panel

8" x 10"

Available

Inspiration

I've been spending quality time in the studio since my Open Studio event, but the time I had to spend NOT painting is taking its usual toll. Prepping for the event means de-cluttering, putting unfinished and unsatisfactory works aside, vacuuming, and generally tidying things up. Afterward, I have to reverse the process, to arrive at the chaotic atmosphere I like to work in. Multiple projects are in the works, but here's one I did earlier this year. Sometimes, when I'm trying to figure where a painting is going, I play with watercolors, pastels or mixed media until inspiration floats back to me.

"Waiting"

Mixed media on wood, 6" x 6"

Annual Open Studio this weekend!

This Saturday and Sunday, I'll be hosting my annual Open Studio. My sister, Jane Bailey, will share the space for the event. We'll be offering original art (framed and unframed), prints, calendars, and affordable gift items. We'll set up the tent for specially-priced original artworks. 

Please plan to stop in if you're in the area this weekend! Browsers welcome!

To see all artists and downloadable map: http://www.actonopenstudios.org

Fresh paint

An antique house near me has just been freshly painted. I needed to fulfill a long-held wish to capture this house, and a rare-these-days sunny day provided the opportunity. Here's one of the three (so far) studies I've done.

Study for White House #3

5.5" x 5.5" (Approx.). 

Oil on canvas, unframed. $75 plus small shipping cost.

2019 Desk Calendars

I'll be picking up the unassembled desk calendars today, and spending the weekend collating and packaging them. Ready to order next week! Still only $18 + $3 S+H. Available at Open Studio too — October 13 – 14, 2018.

Greetings from Florence, Italy!

Well, not really — I've been back for weeks now. But paintings take time and this is one of the first from the trip. I hope it conveys a mood.

A Square in Florence (Working title)

Oil on Wood Panel

Vacationing with water media

I took a "working vacation" last week. I started out with a few oil underpaintings, which are taking days and days to dry enough to continue working on. Then, I pulled out my tiny watercolor set, a prized Christmas gift from my son, and sketched my surroundings. 

Next Up!

Showing new works June 1 – 13 at Larkin Gallery, 405 Commercial Street, Provincetown!

Reception June 8, 7 – 9 PM.

"Queen"

Oil on wood panel, 24" x 24"

Larkin Gallery

Last week of show!

"Making Our Mark", the group show that I have several paintings in, is entering its final week. I'll be gallery-sitting tomorrow, Saturday, from 1 to 4pm. I'd love to have visitors!

Closing reception is April 29, 1-4 pm.

38 Harlow Street, Worcester. Easy to find!

Upcoming Exhibit!

Please plan to attend the opening reception for my upcoming show with five other distinguished artists, "Making Our Mark".

Mark your calendar: Saturday, April 7, 2018, 5 – 8 PM
Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow Street, Worcester 
Gallery is open weekend afternoons, 1-4.

Snowy Wednesday

Here's a house I see a lot in Cambridge, MA. I know I'll paint it several times, but here's a view on a sunny day after a snowstorm.

Oil on canvas. 8" x 8". Available.

Cold Harbor

A year or so ago I met some friends on an upper floor of a Boston building with a great view of Long Wharf. On this frigid and rainy day, I looked out the window and decided to paint this iconic spot.

Long Wharf

Oil on panel

24" x 36"

Available

Back to the Farm

Here's a 12" x 12" oil on wood panel, one of an ongoing series. From a local beef cattle farm.

Available

"3 Cows"

Back in the studio

I'm taking an online course on simplification. So far it's a lot of fun, and forces me back into the studio — a long, 20-yard walk in sub-zero temperatures and over a foot of snow these days. After working on my homework and 3 additional works-in-progress, I finished up my day with this 8 x 10, a snow scene painted over a badly failed, 2-year-old painting.
My back yard.

Happy New Year

It's been so long since I shared anything here that I thought it must be time. Here's  a recently-finished painting of a doorway in St. Augustine, FL. It looks somewhat European, I think. Le Macaron, 8 Cathedral Street.

24" x 36"

Available