St. Francis is back

I was hoping to finish this painting today but I guess it will have to wait until tomorrow.  Until then I thought I'd post this sneak peak.  Until then......  Catherine

Sneak Peak of my newest painting.

Even though I haven't put the finishing touches on this new painting, I decided since it's Friday I'd post it anyway.  After being interviewed by Linda Merrill for her magazine, "Surrounding"  I began to think back on my days in the mid 80's as a clothing buyer, taking the shuttle to New York City, going to all the beautiful showrooms and dreaming about being an actual fashion designer. 

That's where the idea for this painting came from.  I am still very much interested in textile design and I'm working on some very interesting designs also.  I will properly post this painting as soon as I add the finishing touches.  Have a great weekend.  Catherine 

Lily In The Valley

Growing up my Dad wasn't much of a gardener, or lawn care- taker for that matter. It just wasn't a priority. Even as a young child, I couldn't help noticing the golf course looking lawns on either side of ours. We had too much shade for grass to grow he would say. It's no wonder that when a patch of lilies of the valley (they like shade) came back every year in our yard, I was in awe of them.

I still love them along with their lovely fragrance and try to include them in my paintings often.

This new painting is 8x10 and the sides have been painted so no frame is needed. For sale in my Etsy shop. I am obviously crazy for peonies also, I hope to plant some next year in my yard if I can find a sunny spot since my yard is too shady~

The Botanical Queen

I adore art from the Renaissance period. I love the rich colors, beautiful clothing and landscapes. This is where my inspiration came for "The Botanical Queen. " She isn't based on anyone I know but she is contemplative yet peaceful. Although she is Queen, she chooses to pick her own flowers from the royal garden.

This new painting is 16x20 painted on linen and cotton. The sides have been painted so no frame is needed. For sale in my Etsy shop soon. Long Live The Queen.

Letting Go

In between my more serious and epic paintings I enjoy throwing in a whimsical, care free piece here and there. It gives me a chance to experiment with color, pattern and texture plus I saw a Matisse painting (not in person) this morning that put me over the edge. I just love peonies and every year I say I am going to buy some to plant in my garden but I am always too busy painting and forget. This little number is 9x12 and done on stretched textured linen. The sides have been painted so no frame is needed. For sale in my Etsy shop. Stop by on Saturday, July 24th to see this painting and the rest of my new work at MANCHESTER BY THE SEA ART FESTIVAL. It's going to be really hot~both the show and the weather!

Be Still Life

I have decided to begin a series of small test paintings. Some of them will be more abstract and whimsical than others. I am getting ready for my summer art shows, which take up a lot of my time, time I would rather be spending in my studio. Creating small fun works will alllow me to keep painting. This little Matisse-like piece is 8x10 done on stretched cotton. For sale in my Etsy shop.

Sweet William

Dianthus Barbatus that is. This lovely flower dates date to the 16th century. I am looking forward to seeing them in my garden. This small painting is 8x10 done on gallery wrapped stretched cotton. For sale in my Etsy shop.

When We Dance

Happy Tuesday! This is my newest painting. While sitting in my car at a traffic light in downtown Andover, I noticed a group of sweet little girls in their pale pink leotards and tights getting dropped off at the local ballet studio. Some of them were clearly not happy about going. You can figure it out from there.

Beacon Hill

The first Sunday of June is the Beacon Hill Art Walk. This will be my eighth year exhibiting at this unique and wonderful outdoor fine art show.

The people of Beacon hill graciously allow artist to display their work for one day within the charming gardens, streets and alley ways. It's worth checking out June 6th from 12 to 6 pm.

This painting is 16x20 done with acrylic paints on stretched cotton.

Long And Winding Road

This painting is also 9x12 on primed stretched linen. This painting is part of a new collection of work I am very excited about. I love how colors make each other look. I haven't been a pink fan since the 80's. Put it with the right colors and I am loving it again.