Owner: Art & Life URL:http://www.janblencowe.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2006 07:23:42 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: Art & Life is a chronicle of plein air paintings, outdoor painting adventures and studio work from life. It also features my $100 Flower-a-Day series. Information and resources for artists and collectors is abundant. Lots of great links to other art rel Site statistics:Click here
The Squares are Finis!! 2008-01-31 09:40:00 Morning Meditation, 30x30, acrylic This has been a most challenging and satisfying project. Working large always has it physical challenges, your arm really does get tired spreading paint over a large area! Of course, I had to choose to do these in the time span of just a few weeks and using an entirely new medium, Chroma Interactive Acrylics!! I will admit that a I was a litle nervous starting this, but I'm so glad I did. I feel like I just scaled Mount Everest LOL ! I now feel pretty confident handling the acrylics and actually really love them! I suspect I will be using them for my studio work from now on unless I get a commission for an oil or I get itchy for a change of pace. I'm eagerly waiting for the warm weather to see how they do outdoors. I'm going to put all six in a s Read more:Squares
The Way Home 2008-01-25 20:30:00 The Way Home, acrylic, 30x30Well, I'm in the home stretch of this series! This is number 5, one more to go. Stay tuned.
Time and Tide 2008-01-24 18:23:00 Time and Tide, 20x24, acrylic Aaaaah the end of the day time to take a deep beath and de-stress. That's how this painting feels to me, I hope you get the same sense of peace and relaxation from it that I do. Enjoy!
NEWS FLASH ! 2008-01-22 17:09:00 Top 50 Mini Selection 2nd 50Mini selection 2nd 50 Mini SelectionHi everyone , I have some good news to share (good thing because today was a disaster of a day LOL). I have just been informed that one of my paintings was selected to represent the state of Connecticut in the Paint America Top 50 Mini Competition and two others were selected for the 2nd 50 Mini category. This is a very interesting competition and I was fortunate enough to have three paintings selected to be part of it last years also. Here's how it works: Large size paintings can be entered into the Paint America Top 100, paintings must represent one of the 50 states. A panel of judges selects 2 pantings to represent each state, thereby creating a collection of 100 paintings that represent America. This collection will trave
The Squares Keep Rollin' 2008-01-22 16:21:00 Follow Me Follow Me, acrylic, 30x30 Number 4 out of 6 of my new large square format series. This series is reserved for a show in Feb. I am accepting pre-show sales, if you are interested e-mail me for details.send me an emailQuestionQuestion the beautiful earth; question the beautiful sea; question the beautiful air, spread thinly over all the earth; question the beautiful heavens; question the arrangement of the constellations; question the sun brightening the day with its shining; question the moon, lessening with its splendour the darkness of the following night; question the living creatures that move about in the water, those that stay on land,and those that flit through the air - question al these things and they will all answer:"Look and see! We are beautiful." Their beauty is the Read more:Squares
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The Squares Series Continues 2008-01-21 13:24:00 A Peaceful Moment, 30x30, acrylic Here's another. I'm painting like crazy and loving every minute of it! I'm at the half-way point and needing to make some decisions about the direction the series will take. Because it's a small series each painting will be important to the overall feel, look and statement the series makes. Stay tuned! Read more:Squares
More Square Landscapes 2008-01-19 12:25:00 Far Away, acrylic, 30x30It's called Sailing Away(aka Far Away as of 1/22) because, though it's hard to see in the photo, there are two small sailboats in the distance in this piece. They are far more noticeable in person. One is near the tree branch that obscures the horizon on the right and the other is further out, on the horizon to the left of center. See them now???(Ok, no one sees them, so I've changed the title to "Far Away" LOL) I'm pleased as can be with the way this series has started off, and I'm looking forward to the show in February. I still continue to be impressed with the way the Chroma Interactive Acrylics perform. I had a field day this morning finalizing the sky with glaze after glaze and a significant amount of scumbling thrown in for good measure. It would have taken Read more:Square
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A BIG New Series 2008-01-16 14:22:00 Still Waters, 30x30, acrylicHere's the first in a new series. They are for an upcoming show in mid-Feb. They will all be 30x30 in. executed in acrylic( my new favorite, Chroma Interactives), featuring marsh, water and wetlands. Enjoy! More to come soon.
Sunrise Over the Inlet 2008-01-14 14:00:00 Sunrise
Over the Inlet, acrylic, 20x24 Another in the acrylic series, still loving them! Getting some nice, soft atmospheric effects and lighting in this. Six new 30x30in. cavases arrived today so stay tuned!
Willard Island Walk (On and On) 2008-01-09 19:39:00 WillardIsland
Walk (On and On) 20x24, acrylic OK I'm officially thrilled with the Chroma Atelier Interactive acrylics!!! This was a thrilling piece to paint because every effect that I wanted to achieve from a soft edged hazy distance to a brightly back lit tree, to fine lacy foliage at the edge of the tree to creating believable "sky holes" in the trees, to a shadowed path to fine lines for grasses was so do-able with these amazing paints. I changed surfaces and I think that helped some too. Instead of the regualr cotton canvas I painted the previous piece on this one is done on Yes! a canvas specially primed for all manner of watermedia. It's triple primed with their unique primer and the weave of the canvas is especially fine and tight so the surface is very smooth. It's also mount
No Eye Has Seen 2008-01-07 13:03:00 No Eye Has Seen, acrylic, 20x24 This was a very enjoyable piece to paint, seemed to flow right out of me. I had to crop the bottom of the photo a little because the easel was visible, so the composition actually extends another inch or so at the bottom showing a bit more of the marsh grass on the right and more of the cloud reflection on the left. In person the cloud has more of a luminous yellow glow to it than you can see in the photo, so nicer in person than what you see on the screen. Enjoy!
Explorations in Acrylic Continue 2008-01-06 16:10:00 Don't Ask Why, 6x8, acrylicI'm having a jolly time with these Chroma Interactive Acrylic
s. They are allowing me to paint in an atmospheric way, and achieve results that I like but am too impatient to achieve in oils. ( It's a character flow, I know LOL) So here are a few things I've learned: You need to use A LOT of paint to get results similar to oils. Oil paint is, well oily or buttery, and spreads smoothly over the canvas, and it's more opaque even in thin layers. With acrylics you need to use a lot more paint because it doesn't spread over large areas as easily. Not a really big deal, just something to get used to. A good paint extender is a must. I'm using Golden brand soft gel gloss and like that very much. You can really get juicy effects and good brush strokes or use it to get lum Read more:Explorations
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The New Year 2007-12-31 17:21:00 The New Year, acrylic, 6x8"A Morning Wish"W.R. Hunt"The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of the new year. What can I wish that this day, that this year, may bring to me?Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer, nothing at the expense of others; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength: A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.An understanding heart.A sight of the eternal hills and unbelting sea, and of something beautiful the individual hand
Beginning 2007-12-30 15:11:00 Beginning, acrylic, 20x24 Fast away the old year passes! A New Year is about to begin, full of possibilities. Like creating a series of moody, atmospheric landscapes in acrylic. Which is my plan for 2008. I keep asking myself why I would want to put aside oils and start this whole new direction. There are a couple of reasons. One is that I'm less able to tolerate the cold so plein air painting through the winter is probably not going to be a reality this year. I am planning to do some painting from my car though, and will use watercolors for that, as I find that the easiest medium in such cramped quarters. Second, I'm getting effects with acrylics like scumbling, glazing, layering that I really like. While I can get those some effects with oils it requires a lot of waiting as layers d
Flanders Field 2007-12-28 09:56:00 Flanders Field
, 30x30, oil Here's a recent oil painting. I really like this large square format, it makes for an interesting composition. This painting will be featured on the cover of the February issue of The Art Guide Magazine. The Art Guide is a regional magazine featuring art, artists and galleries in the CT, RI, MA and NY area. Poppies and fields of poppies have been a recurring theme in my work this year. You can find more of them in my gallery at the Daily Painters site here.
California Poppies 2008-03-13 21:18:00 California Poppies, acrylic, 6x8 sold Well it seems the poppies are as popular as ever! I've just begun this series and two have sold already and I've had an inquiery about yet another. I think it's the bright cheerfulness of the reds and oranges, just the thing for brightening a room and lifting your spirits! Read more:California
Poppy Series II Comes to a Close 2008-03-18 09:37:00 Shadows and Poppies, 6x8, acrylic Poppies by the Water, 6x8, acrylic Contemporary Poppies, 6x8, acrylicSeaside poppies, 6x8, acrylicWild Poppies, 6x8, acrylic Here are poppies #'s 6-10, and they will bring Poppy
Series II to a close. Some are sold already, and I expect the others will find homes too! It's been a fun change of pace from the large landscapes and now I'm formulating ideas for a new series....stay tuned! Read more:Close
Happy Easter! 2008-03-22 09:39:00 Spring LambsAbout This Painting:Media: oilSize: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)Price: $100,unframed, + $5.00 s/h in the USAHow to Purchase:send me an emailThe LambLittle Lamb, who made thee?Dost thou know who made thee?Gave thee life, & bid thee feedBy the stream & o'er the mead;Gave thee clothing of delight;Softest clothing, wooly, bright;Gave thee such a tender voice,Making all the vales rejoice?Little Lamb, who made thee?Dost thou know who made thee?Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,Little Lamb, I'll tell thee:He is called by thy name,For he calls himself a Lamb.He is meek, & he is mild;He became a little child.I a child, & thou a lamb,We are called by his name.Little Lamb, God bless thee!Little Lamb, God bless thee!~ William Blake Read more:Happy
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On the Auction Block ~ 7 days only 2008-03-26 08:25:00 Dark Iris, oil, 6x8 Auction
bidding begins at $59.95 click here to bid Open Iris, oil, 6x8 Auction bidding begins at $59.95Click here to bidGreetings Friends and Collectors! Spring has arrived and with it new growth and changes here at Art & Life. As you can see I have two paintings on the auction block at Art by Us. These are not e-Bay auctions, Art by Us is an auction site just for artists and artisans. During my three years of daily paintings (which I will continue to do at www.thepaintingadayproject.com) I've sold many, many paintings, and yet I have many wonderful paintings still in my studio, and it's time for a spring cleaning. Once a week I'll list 1 or 2 paintings from my inventory at Art by Us at 40% off, which gives you a chance to bid and possibly win the painting for a
Orchards and Vineyards 2008-03-27 19:04:00 Apple Tree, 6x8, acrylicAsian Pear Tree, 6x8, acrylicApple Trees in Spring, 6x8, acrylicIt seems I've stumbled into a new series of paintings! I love going to the orchard to pick fruit, starting with strawberries in June, blueberries in July, (also raspberries and gooseberries) August is for peaches, September apples and pears, and finally pumpkins in October. I've been doing this for years and years and I've accumulated quite a few photos of the orchard, which is what I'm working from at the moment. But as soon as the weather gets warmer I'll be packing up my paints and heading there for some plein air painting. I think the new series will be called Orchards and Vineyards
, as there are some beautiful vineyards I can go to also. We'll see where this goes because I have it in the back of m
Paintings From Poppie Series I Now Available as Museum Quality Giclee Prints 2008-04-03 10:25:00 All the paintings in Poppy Series I are Now Available as MuseumQuality
Giclee Prints !! So, if you missed purchasing the original or wanted it in a larger size, your time has arrived!The popularity of The Poppy Series paintings has allowed me to offer high quality giclee prints of all the paintings in Poppy Series I through my gallery at FineArtAmerica. There will be a permanent link in the side bar to my FineArtAmerica Gallery. Paintings
from Poppy Series II. will also soon be available as prints.Each painting is available in 3 sizes, (Sm. Med. Lg.) at very affordable prices. You can choose from a variety of papers and canvas, as well as matting and framing options, along with the option for several styles of gallery wrap canvas.PaperPremium Archival Matte PaperEpson Premium Glossy Photo
Orchard in Spring 2008-04-03 06:41:00 Orchard in Spring
About This Painting:Media: acrylicSize: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)How to Purchase:This painting is sold Read more:Orchard
Larger Poppy Paintings 2008-04-01 15:30:00 Poppies in SummerAbout This Painting:Media: acrylicSize: 24 in X 20 in (61 cm X 50.8 cm)Price: $1,050, unframed, $15 s/h in the USAPay safely with out exposing your credit card info. through PaypalHow to Purchase:send me an emailAlmost half of the small paintings in Poppy
Series II have sold, and I've had a few requests for larger poppy paintings, so here's one that's a nice size for a dining room or over a sofa. I have on hand several really nice wide gold frames in this size. If you would like to purchase this piece framed it would be an additional $230, which would cover the frame and the additional shipping charges. Read more:Paintings
Impressionist Pansy Paintings 2008-04-04 10:16:00 Morning Pansies, 6x8, oilSOLD Afternoon Pansies, 6x8, oilSOLDAren't these a charming pair? Morning and afternoon smiling pansy faces. We're having a string of April Showers here but as soon as the sun is shining again and the earth has warmed a little I'm filling my garden with pansies. Can't wait! But until then I'll just enjoy these darling little pieces, hope you do too!ReverieA warm and cheery fire roars merrilyAnd shadows dance about the darkened room. Beside the hearth a gardener sits and dreamsOf sunny days, of flowers in full bloom. Some hollyhocks should tower near the fence,Bright red. ones that the bees can't help but find.The trellis at the gate again must wear Blue morning glories, or the rosy kind. To lend a bit of distance to the scene,Close to the rear I'll plant in shades Read more:Paintings
Bright, Colorful, Happy Pansy Paintings 2008-04-13 17:30:00 Pansy Trio, 6x6in, acrylic Spring Pansies, 10x10, acrylic Just Us Three, 20x24, acrylicPansies are one of the great delights of spring. Different than daffodils that seem formal, like trumpets announcing the arrival of a monarch, pansies seem unassuming and filled with good cheer like the villagers and peasants lining the street to catch a glimpse of their King or Queen, gazing with smiling faces lifted up. Lately, I've tried out painting this year's pansies in three sizes, in the first two the pansies are pretty much life size but in the third the pansies have become super-sized and have the presence of guests in your home.Speaking of flower paintings, I came across this site to share with you, it's ARTinthePICTURE.com and they have a page of the TOP 10 FLOWER PAINTINGS (of all times pr Read more:Bright
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Unknown Woman's Portrait Found Beneath a Van Gogh Painting 2008-07-31 18:35:00 Here's the link to the story of how modern technology reveals what's beneath the final version of a painting. In this case a portrait of a woman painted in mostly subdued browns and reds buried beneath the gorgeous light filled painting of blue, green and yellow grass in the painting we know as Patch of Grass, by Vincent Van Gogh
. It seems that experts have suspected that there was some kind of po Read more:Unknown
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Marsh at Sunset- Contemporary Impressionism 2008-08-17 21:13:00 Marsh
at Sunset
, 30x20, acrylic Look for this painting in my ad in the September issue of American Art Collector Magazine! Several people have asked me how I get that warm, rosey glow in my sunset paintings, and I'm happy to share my method. For quite a while now I've begun my paintings with a loose under-painting done entirely with transparent red oxide. This is painted on linen which has a lov Read more:Contemporary
27 Thoughts on Blogging for the Artist 2008-08-15 21:38:00 Motif #1, Rockport, MAIf you're an artist and blog already or want to blog, this is a must read. In fact there are some pithy, pointed, tidbits that every artist blogger or not needs to hear!I particularly like #'s15. Though tempting, you’ll never crush your own mediocrity working only four hours a week.22. Remember that the mainstream culture has yet to catch on to the power of the individual Read more:Blogging
, Artist
New Impressionist Summer Landscape Paintings 2008-08-15 20:31:00 Queen Anne's Lace, 20x20Painted at Hammonasset State Park, Madison, CT View from St. Mary's, 30x20Painted in St. Mary's cemetary, Clinton, CTMcKinney Wildflower Garden, 12x24Painted at the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge, Saltmarsh Unit, Westbrook, CTI love the months of August, September and October. The frenzy of spring and the burst of growth in summer has peaked and now, nature matures an Read more:Summer
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