Notecards

My neighbor just reminded me that notecards make great holiday gifts, she's already ordered 9 boxes. They're terrific for hostess gifts, office gifts, teachers gifts, stocking stuffers and to keep on hand for that unexpected little gift. You can choose from any of the images you see on these blog pages to make your own assortment. A box of 5 cards is $8.00, 10 cards $15.00. Plus shipping. Email for more details or click on the notecard link over on the right side of the blog.

My Gallery at Nationwide

Since the galleries that represent my work are closed for the season I wanted to remind everyone in the Portland area that several of my paintings are on display at the Nationwide Insurance Offices (the Harris Agency) on Brighton Ave in Portland. If you're looking for a special Holiday gift paintings can be purchased directly from the Agency. Wishing all my friends a very happy holiday season.

Carmel Plein Air

Yes, I managed to find a marsh to paint in California. There aren't too many of them where I've been traveling but this one was special. It's at Carmel River Beach. Spectacular with the hills in the back, the Pacific ocean to the rear. I did a couple of paintings which I will post on the daily painting blog another day.

Sonoma Plein Air

This week I spent two fabulous days painting in Sonoma County, California. This photo was taken at the B.R. Cohn Vineyards. The fall colors were still very vibrant and it was a glorious day. If I wasn't already addicted to plein air, I am now. I'll post a few paintings when I can over on the daily painting blog.

First Snow, Mt Washington

Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas, 6x12

I finally had time to finish this painting I started the day after our trip to Mt Washington in October. The mountain had been snowcapped for about 2 weeks but the snow cover was light enough that the mountain's character was very prominent. You can see more about this painting in the acrylics portfolio.

Pastel Painters of Maine at Kennebunk

The Edge of Light, pastel on Wallis, 5x5 image, matted to 12x12.

The Pastel Painters of Maine show "From Dark to Light" has opened at Rivertree Arts in Kennebunk Maine. Opening reception is Friday, November 6 from 5-7. Everyone is welcome to stop by and meet the artists. The show will continue through December 12. If you can't come to the reception come anytime and view this wonderful show.

New Work at Nationwide

" New Snow" now at the Harris Nationwide Insurance Agency in Portland Maine.

Several of my pastels are on view in the office of the Harris Agency at 949 Brighton Ave. All new work. Stop by and see the paintings if you are in the area. All work is available for purchase.

Holiday Cards from Maine

I have several images that are suitable for Holiday Cards. You can order the 5x7 cards with envelopes from Fine Art America or Greeting Card Universe. Price depends on quantity. I've used these cards personally and they are top quality. In fact they get rave reviews. Links to the websites where you can order the cards are over there on the righthand side bar, or you can email me for further information.

Daily Painting

I've been doing a lot of daily painting lately and not posting much to this page. The daily paintings are posted on a separate page. See the link at the top of this page. If you don't see anything new here, check out that page.

Crucible Gallery at Portland Glass Blowing

Inner Harbor Morning, pastel, 5x5 image framed to 12x12, now at the Crucible Gallery

Tonight is First Friday Artwalk in Portland. Stop by the new Crucible Gallery at Portland Glass Blowing. Lots of SEA (Society of East End Arts) members will be showing their work.

Scarborough Marsh

Friday we had a wonderful plein air day at Scarborough Marsh followed by lobster rolls at Pine Point. What could be better. Here's the view from my painting spot, it was such a beautiful day and the marsh was gorgeous. I hope to be able to post two (finished) paintings shortly.

The Art District

Yesterday I delivered several new paintings to The Art District by allen david Gallery. The other gallery artists have done the same and there will be an opening celebration on Saturday September 12 from 6-9. Lots of artists, goodies and fun. Stop by if you're in the Boothbay Harbor area at 15 Townsend Ave. If you can't come to the celebration then stop in any day. The gallery is open from 11-5, 7 days a week.

High Tide Stroudwater 2

Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas, 6x9

We had a perfect painting day on Wednesday. Members of PPOM painted at Stroudwater in Portland and the weather was grand. Getting some fall colors now. I've been posting most days on the Daily Painting page and not posting as much on this page. So be sure to check over on that page for more regular postings. There is a link over on the righthand side bar. There is more information on this painting on the daily painting page.

Daily Painting Project

Stroudwater Marsh, 5x5 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas.

Well, I've started my daily painting project. Well, maybe almost daily project. All will be very small and will be acrylic or oil on gallery wrap canvas or cradled birch panels. I've a new blog page for these paintings. See link at left.

Peaks Island

Yesterday was a perfect day for Pastel Painters of Maine's annual trip to Peaks Island in Casco Bay. There were 10 of us including a few friends of PPOM. We had a great time. If you're on FB you can see a lot more photos of the trip. For me it was mostly a photo taking opportunity. Today I started work on a painting of the cliffs at Cushing Island which I photographed from Peaks. I've been thinking about this painting for a few years, hopefully it will be finished soon.

Plein Air at Scarborough Marsh

Back to work if you can call it work. Painting with a few friends at Scarborough Marsh. It's always fun to see the kyackers paddling around in the marsh. We go to the marsh so often we decided to paint a new view today. I'll post the painting later in the week. Right now it's still a WIP (work in progress).

Art District Opening Saturday

Saturday, August 1 is the opening reception for "New Works" at The Art District in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 6-9. I have several new pieces in the show, including High Tide and Rhythm of the Marsh 3. If you're in the area please stop in and say hello.

High Tide

Pastel on textured surface, 8.5x11 image, 14.5x17 in gold plein air frame

I'm on a roll. Nothing like a gallery deadline to get work done. I painted this piece at the Yarmouth town landing with Pastel Painters of Maine a couple of weeks ago. Got it in the frame today and it's off to the Art District tomorrow. For more information on this piece go to the landscape portfolio page, link over there on the righthand sidebar.

Rhythm of the Marsh 3

Pastel on Wallis, 16x16 image, 22x22 in gold plein air frame

I had a very productive week. I painted Wednesday at Scarborough Marsh with a group of painter friends from Facebook. We had artists from New Jersey, Texas and Maine. What fun. It was a grey overcast day but at least no rain. This painting is much larger than I have been doing recently, so I was happy to get it finished and framed so quickly. It's off to the Art District Gallery on Tuesday. More information on Rhythm of the Marsh 3 on the Marsh paintings portfolio page. Link over at the right.

Grimes Cove II

Pastel on textured board, 5.5x10 image, 10.5x15 framed

It's just started to rain again. A good day for framing. I painted this small piece on location in February on a beautiful warm day. More like summer than it is today. More information on this painting on the pastel landscape page. Link over there on the righthand side bar.

Little Sebago Gallery, New Show

The Edge of Light, pastel, 5x5 image, framed to 12x12

The new show is up at Little Sebago Gallery in Windham, Maine. It includes my painting "The Edge of Light" which is one of my favorites. The new show features "affordable" works of art. Stop by and take a look at all the wonderful pieces of art that have come together for this show.

Maine Women in the Arts

"Rockport Harbor", now at the Maine Women in the Arts Show, Kennebunkport, Maine

The Maine Women in the Arts summer show is now open in Kennebunkport at the Masonic Hall. We have fine art and crafts. There are a lot of new artists showing as well as your old favorites and the show is spectacular. Come on down and take a look. The opening reception is tonight from 5-7. The show is on now until 4 on Sunday. For directions click on the links at the righthand sidebar.

This Week's Show Openings

Water's Edge, pastel, 5x5 image, 11x14 framed

There are 2 new shows this week. The Maine Women in the Arts Summer Show opens in Kennebunkport at the Masonic Hall Friday through Sunday. Opening reception Friday July 17 from 5-7. Marshes and Meadows opens at the Art District in Boothbay Harbor. Opening reception Saturday July 18 from 6-9. I have work in both shows, including Water's Edge. Stop by if you're in the area. There are links for directions and hours over on the righthand side bar.

Visions of the Marsh II

Pastel on Wallis, 10x10 image, 16x16 in gold plein air frame

Back to framing after a lovely weekend. This piece is another one for the upcoming "Marsh" show at the Art District. Of course - it's my favorite - Scarborough Marsh. The colors were hard to reproduce but I think I came pretty close here to the original. More information about the painting on the Marsh portfolio page.

Visions of the Marsh I

Pastel on Wallis, 8x8 image, 14x14 in gold plein air frame

Two framed pieces in one day. I'm on a roll. (I still want it to stop raining though). This is a real plein air piece. Finished 100% on location (Scarborough Marsh). I'm doing a series "Visions of the Marsh" for an upcoming "marsh" show. This is the first piece. More information on this on the Marsh paintings portfolio page.

Pemaquid 5

Pastel on textured surface, 6x8 image, 12x14 in gold plein air frame with museum glass

It's pouring here today. In June we had 21 days of measurable rain. That doesn't count the foggy days. Now it's July 2 and it's still raining. A good day to get some framing done and remember when we could paint en plein air.
Come to think of it, it was raining the day I painted this at Pemaquid in May. No drought in Maine this year. More information on this painting on the Pemaquid portfolio page.

Boothbay Region Art Gallery

I just delivered 2 new paintings to the Boothbay Region Art Gallery for their new show. It will open tomorrow with all new paintings from over 100 regional artists. Stop by when you're in the area. There are some fabulous paintings as well as bin art, prints and photographs.

Munjoy Hill Studio Tour

This Sunday is the Munjoy Hill Artist Studio Tour in Portland. Over 30 artists will have their studios open from 10 -4. I'll be with a group of artists at Joan Jordan's home studio at 15C Obrion St. I'll have some notecards and prints of paintings from the Eastern Prom and Portland area as well as a few original paintings. There will be maps available at all locations which are designated with green, blue and white balloons. You can click on the image over on the right side of this blog and it will take you to the SEA page where you can download your own map. Hope to see a lot of you there.

The ART DISTRICT by allen david GALLERY

Join us Saturday June 20 for the Grand Opening of the ART DISTRICT in Boothbay Harbor. The reception is from 6-9. Hope to see you there.

Water's Edge 3

Pastel on textured surface, 6x6 image, 11x11 framed

This piece was painted in Olde Mystic, Connecticut. I don't get to paint out of state very often but I had a chance to paint at this wonderful marsh in April. More information on this painting on the landscape portfolio page.

Gilsland Cove

Pastel on textured surface, 5x5, matted to 11x14

I started this almost a year ago and finished it up a week or so ago but never got around to posting it. It's now at the Boothbay Region Gallery and you can see it there. It was painted at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Sanctuary in Falmouth, Maine. It has a magenta underpainting so it has a little different look than some of my work. More information about the piece is on the Five By Five portfolio page.

Rocky Coast

Pastel on textured surface, 6x6 image, 11x11 framed

Here's the second of the Pemaquid series. This one is a small one and is framed. I think it captures the feel of the rocks at that location. There's more information about this painting on the Pemaquid portfolio page.

Pemaquid IV

Pastel on textured board, 6x12 image, framed to 12x18

Finally, a painting from the Pemaquid trip. It needed a little tweak, but here it is. This is actually a studio painting, it was raining on the first day of the retreat and we had to paint in the studio.
There is more information about this painting on the portfolio page for Pemaquid Paintings.

Audubon Cove

Pastel on textured board, 8x8

WOW. I finally have a NEW painting to post. I'm on a roll now. This was from our painting excursion a few weeks ago to Maine Audubon Society's Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. It was a beautiful spring day and we had such a good time. You'll be able to view this painting in another week or so at the Art District in Boothbay Harbor. There is more information about this painting on the landscape portfolio page (link on righthand side bar).

Little Sebago Gallery

"Beach" now available at Little Sebago Gallery, Windham, Maine

It's almost summer and it's show time. The opening of the annual Lake Effect Show at Little Sebago Gallery is Saturday, June 13 and the show is running now through July 20. Be sure to include a stop by in your plans. It is always a delightful show and includes many of the regions finest artists. See link on sidebar for directions.

Plein Air at Pemaquid

I just spent the best weekend at the Pastel Painters of Maine annual Pemaquid retreat. 21 of us gathered for 3 days of painting, demonstrations, critique and generally a good time. And a good time we had inspite of some weather challenges on Friday. We managed to create a lot of good paintings and made many new friends. As the organizer of the event I want to thank all of the participants for their many contributions to the success of the weekend. You were a great group.
Thanks

Plein Air Painting

Thursday was a beautiful day here in Maine. 90 degrees no less. Pastel Painters of Maine had a paintout on the coast in Kennebunkport. Here's one of the artists capturing this beautiful scene. Since then I have been framing to get things ready for the Little Sebago Gallery and so I haven't any paintings from Thurs ready to post yet. I thought this scene was worth a post of it's own. This week I am getting ready for our artist retreat on the Pemaquid Penninsula. I'll have lots of work ready to post after that.

Marsh Magic #4

Oil on Wood panel, 8x8, framed

I'm getting pieces together to take to the Boothbay Region Art Gallery which opens Wednesday.This is one of the paintings that I will take. The scene is Stroudwater Marsh in Portland. Click on the Oil Portfolio link for more information. If you're in the Boothbay area this summer be sure to stop in at the BRAF Gallery as well as the Art District. The gallery managers in both galleries are super terrific to say nothing of the fabulous artwork available in both. More gallery information in the right hand side bar.

Pemaquid I

Oil on Canvas, 6x6

I have been framing today to get ready for the opening of the Boothbay Region Foundation Art Gallery. Not my favorite task, but the advantage of oils is - no glass to clean. You can see more of the oils on the Oil portfolio page. The Boothbay Gallery opens for the season on Wednesday.

Incoming Tide

Pastel on textured surface, 5x5

I had a wonderful day yesterday painting with my friends from Pastel Painters of Maine. We picked a glorious day to go to the Maine Audubon Society's Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. I did a series of 3 paintings. This one is the smallest. I'll post the others in the next few days. For more information on this painting click on the Five By Five Portfolio page.

Gilsland Farm, spring

Pastel on textured surface, 5x7

I was away last week so no posting got done. Today I'm back to work. This is a piece I did a couple of weeks ago at the Maine Audubon Society at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, Maine. I love the shapes of the meadow at Gilsland, I've painted it several times. This new textured surface that I'm using is perfect to get the feel of the rhythm of the meadow. For more information on this painting click on the landscape portfolio page.

Rockport Harbor, Morning

Pastel on prepared surface, 8x8 image, 14x14 framed

This is the second Rockport painting that I finished yesterday. It's in a gold plein air frame. For more information go to the landscape portfolio page.

Rockport Harbor I

Pastel on textured surface, 8x10 image, 14x16 framed

I finished up two pieces today that I had started on a trip to Camden last month. This is a view of Rockport Harbor, Maine, former home of Andre the Seal. The painting is done on a surface that I prepare with a texture of pumice. I'm loving the new look of this surface. For more information see the landscape page.

Ebb Tide

Pastel on prepared board, 5x5 image, matted to 11x14

I just returned from an art filled trip to New York City where I spent some time at MOMA and the Art Students League. There is a wonderful show at MOMA "Tangled Alphabets" if you have a chance to go in and see it. This painting was completed on one of my painting excursions to Boothbay Harbor before I left. For more information click on the Five By Five page of this blog.

The Art District

Allen and Priscilla Bunker of the Art District by allen david Gallery, Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

I took some paintings to the Art District in Boothbay Harbor today. Over the winter Allen and Priscilla have transformed 15 Townsend Ave into a fabulous and welcoming gallery. Many well known national and regional artists will be represented there and I am very honored to have my work included in the gallery. If you are in the area you must stop in. The gallery will be open weekends until Memorial Day and daily after that until October. It is so exciting that the Art District, after a long winter, is now open.

Beach

Pastel on textured surface, 5x7

This is a pretty subtle painting but I think it shows up fairly well here. I'm having fun playing with the textured surfaces which I create with pumice medium and then use as a base for the pastel. For more information on this painting click on the landscape portfolio link.

The Edge of Light

Pastel on prepared board, 5x5

I've been traveling and not able to post these paintings as I had planned. So NOW I'll get them posted in the next few days before we take off again. This piece was painted in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. You can see it at the Art District by allen david Gallery in Boothbay Harbor which will be open weekends now until Memorial Day, open daily after that. For more information on the painting click on the landscape portfolio page.

Ocean Point # I

Pastel on Wallis, 6x8 image, 12x14 framed

I must say I haven't posted anything for quite awhile. But I have an excuse. I've been framing and matting and framing and matting. Not my favorite activity but the reward is I have several new pieces to post over the next couple of days. I titled this piece Ocean Point #1 because I know I am going to be painting a lot more at Ocean Point (near Boothbay Harbor) this year which will eventually produce a series. This piece was painted a couple of weeks ago and it was just such a wonderful day at the water's edge. More information on this painting if you click on the landscape portfolio.

Meditation on the Landscape I

Pastel on handmade paper, 5 x 5 image, matted to 11x14 or 12x12

Here's the 3rd meditation piece. This is a continuation of the post from yesterday. You can see more information on the color field portfolio page.

Meditation on the Landscape II and III

I just posted two meditation pieces on the color field portfolio page. These are something I've had in mind for awhile and I finally got 3 of them finished. (2 are on the portfolio page, 1 more will be posted tomorrow). They are done on handmade paper which gives them a lot of texture. There's not a lot of detail but I think they are interesting statements on the landscape. They remind me of my "Midsummer Night's Dream" paper pulp series (see the paper pulp portfolio). I thought of a lot of titles for these paintings: Variations on, Reflections on, Dreams of, maybe even "breaking all the rules". I decided on Meditations. If you have an opinion register your comment at the bottom of today's blog. I'd love to hear it.