Artwork Headed to the Daylesford Abbey Art Show

I am pleased to announce that this year I will again be participating in the Daylesford Abbey Art Show.

Last year was my first try at being juried into this exhibit and it turned out to be my favorite show of the year.

Below is a sneak peek of some of the work I will be exhibiting this year.

Put Your Best Face Forward
18" x 22" watercolor on paper

A few years ago I took many reference photos of this yellow Gerber daisy. As I was looking for a reference for a new watercolor painting I saw this photo. The image made me think of how we all have a public face that we present to the world - showing what we think is acceptable - and a private one that we keep hidden - keeping to ourselves the parts that we think will make it harder for us to fit in.

Still in Yesterday's Clothes
8" x 10" watercolor on paper

My family shops at local farmers' markets weekly during the growing season, and I have a habit of painting the produce we bring home. I especially love when I find produce that still has it's leaves and stems attached. This pair of peaches reminded me of a couple getting home very early in the morning after a fabulous party. They may not be as beautiful as they were before the event, their clothes are a little wrinkled and they look a little tired, but you just know they had rockin' good time.

Leaves with Helicopters
8" x 10" watercolor on paper

I love autumn! It may be my favorite season. I love the smells of burning leaves and sweet apple cider. I love the warm, sunny days followed by cool, crisp nights. And I love the riot of color that explodes across the landscape. Yes, especially the colors, because I know they will be replaced by months of winter grey. So when I am out taking my morning walks in the fall, I can't resist collecting a colorful leaf or two... or possibly ten. And when the grey descends I paint the pretty leaves and return to the joy that autumn brings me.

Are You Getting my Good Side?
10" x 8" watercolor on paper

Cardinals are normally skittish birds, flying off at the slightest noise. This guy was hanging out in my pine tree feasting on some bird seed. Instead of flying away, I swear he started posing as soon as I trained the camera lens on him. He seemed a little full of himself, wanting to make sure I was capturing his best side.

Seasons' Reflections
10" x 12" watercolor on paper

I collect glass Christmas ornaments. I love how they catch the tree lights and magnify the shine. Many of the ornaments in my collection were gifts. Others I purchased while on vacation. As I unpack each ornament and hang it on the tree, I dip into those warm memories and linger in their comfort. The good feelings wrapped in those memories are reflected onto me each holiday season much the same way the glass reflects the lights on the tree.

Waiting
8" x 10" reproduction of graphite drawing

This little house finch comes to my backyard bird feeder. I tried to take his picture a few times but he always seemed to fly off when I went to grab my camera. I think he is shy. Then one day he showed up with his lady friend and I was able to snap a few shots while he was distracted by her attention.

Produce Note Cards

An assortment of 8 blank cards and envelopes featuring a collection of my produce images. Two cards each of the beets, peach, apple and pears.

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Related Links:
Daylesford Abbey Art Show

Show Details:
Opening Reception - October 13, 2012
3:00 - 6:00 pm
$30 per person

Free Admission to the show begins on Sunday, October 14, 2012

Show Dates: Sunday, October 14th - Sunday, October 28th
Show Hours: Daily 12 noon - 4:00 pm
             Wednesdays open until 8:00 pm

Address: 220 South Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301

Call (610) 647-2530 ext. 100 for more information

And the Winners Are...

Thank you to everyone who let me borrow their brain cells and suggested titles for my "Name These Paintings" contest.

I can't tell you how much fun it is to read all the entries as they come in! You are all a creative bunch!

So without further ado... here are the winners...

The winning title for painting #1 is

"Pearfection" submitted by Len Murtha. Thank you Len!

The winning title for painting #2 is

"Waiting for the Party" submitted by Kathleen Probst. Thank you Kathleen!

Len and Kathleen, please email me your mailing address and let me know if you would like a pack of note cards or a small sketch as a thank you for your winning title.

Thank you again to everyone who helped me out by entering your suggestions! A great title can make the difference in whether a painting sells or sits in inventory. And in the end I had so many good suggestions it was tough to choose.

Sketching Eggs

sketch of eggs

approx. 8" x 7"

water soluble graphite on paper

Working some more with the water soluble graphite pencil, last night I decided to sketch some eggs. Well, actually it was one egg sketched from three different angles.

What better sketching subject than an egg on a beautiful spring night the week before Easter?

I really liked how the dry sketches looked, so in the end I only wet the one at the top. In fact, so far that is the only negative thing I have to say about this pencil. I enjoy the look of the dry sketches so much that it is difficult to decide if I want to finish them with the water brush or not.

(The lines emanating from the top egg aren't really there. The scanner picked up the shadows from the slightly wrinkled paper.)

The Dangers of Multi-Tasking

Vase of flowers - sketch

Pitt brush pen and Inktense pencils in Moleskine watercolor sketchbook

©2011 Stacy L. Rowan

Forgive me for any typos you find in this blog post. I am trying to type without using one of the fingers on my left hand.

I burnt my pointer finger tonight while I was making dinner. I accidentally grabbed the handle of the frying pan below the plastic portion. Not smart. Especially since I did the same thing two weeks ago. (Luckily I am right handed so I can still hold a pencil or paint brush.)

You might be tempted to believe I am a slow learner, having made the same mistake twice in one month. But I believe the truth to be more about distraction.

I was in a hurry trying to get dinner on the table before everyone had to be run to their evening activities. I was thinking of all the things I had to do after dinner. And tomorrow. And the next day. And every day between now and Christmas.

I wasn't thinking about how this pan is lighter than my cast iron skillet so I don't need to grab it so far down the handle. I wasn't thinking about how the plastic handle doesn't continue all the way to the bowl of the pan.

Distraction from multi-tasking seems to be a pretty common part of modern life. From applying make-up or talking on the cell phone while driving, to reading the paper while eating breakfast, or taking care of emails while "watching" kids sporting events.

People pride themselves on being able to accomplish multiple things at once.

However, one of the things I have realized that I love about days spent is my studio is the luxury of concentrating on one thing at a time. When I am creating art I have a singular focus. And I love it.

I love not having to juggle multiple tasks. I love getting engrossed in the creative process and not caring, or even noticing, that the hours are sliding by.

The act of creating art quiets my mind. The quiet feels peaceful, relaxing. It allows me to enjoy the activity at hand, and the moment I am living in, without thinking about or worrying about what the next hour or day or month will bring.

I want more of that feeling in my life.

I want less of the busy, multi-tasking, grabbing the hot pan feeling.

Next time I'll tell you some of my ideas on how to have a less busy life. I realize the blister on my finger points to my needing more practice with this concept. After tonight's run in with the frying pan I suddenly have a burning desire to do just that.

Newest Cupcake Painting

watercolor on paper

©2011 Stacy L. Rowan

Fresh off my painting board is my newest painting of cupcakes.

These little lovelies were baked by my neighbor, who has forever ruined me for store bought frosting. Her frosting is so good that I even enjoy the vanilla. This from a chocolate lovin' girl!

I am considering the image below as an alternate crop. What do you think?

alternate crop

©2011 Stacy L. Rowan

Relax with a Cup of Coffee

Coffee Break

©2007 Stacy L. Rowan

watercolor on paper

Hi all! Last weekend was my Open Studio and I am pleased to report it went very well.

A nice number of guests stopped by and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with everyone. Some came to buy, some to look and some just to offer their support. I felt blessed by the presence of every one of them.

I am working on a little something different this year in terms of sharing the Open Studio with my blog readers. But it's not quite ready yet.

While you wait I thought I would share my little mug of coffee and a couple of cookies with you. Our weather here has been of the rainy and cool variety. If it doesn't improve soon I will need a nice warm drink to fill in for the warmth of the sunshine.

Open Studio This Saturday!

Zipping in and out quick today without even any new art to share. My schedule is full of things to do that I want to complete before my Open Studio this weekend.

The paintings are hung along with their labels, prints are out in their print racks and note cards* are restocked.

Food is planned and ingredients purchased, waiting to be mixed up fresh.

So how is it that my "To Do" list seems to keep getting longer?!?

No matter how long the list grows, at noon on this Saturday (the 17th), the work stops and the fun begins! I am really looking forward it!

*Speaking of note cards, this week I created a new set using an assortment of my produce images, which you can see below. This set will be available at the Open Studio. If you are interested in purchasing some cards and can't make it on Saturday, just drop me an email. My email address is in the right hand side-bar.

©2011 Stacy L. Rowan

New Watercolor - Pears

untitled pears

watercolor on paper

©2011 Stacy L. Rowan

My children went back to school this week, and as soon as the house was empty and quiet I made a beeline up to my studio.

I loved the slower pace of summer and really enjoyed having fun with the family, but I also missed my regular studio schedule. I didn't realize how much until I was sitting back at my table surrounded by my paints and brushes.

The above watercolor painting of pears is fresh off the board. I finished it yesterday.

I started it a few weeks ago after buying our first batch of pears from the farmers' market. I grabbed three pears when we got home and took them right upstairs for a painting session.

The pears were long since gone by the time I got back to this painting on Tuesday, but luckily I thought to take a picture of the arrangement on day one.

I hope to have this painting matted in time to have it available at my 3rd Annual Open Studio on Saturday, September 17th.

Sculpture Doesn't Have to be Stuffy

Glumpy (left) and Oliveia (right)

watercolor sketch ©2011 Stacy Rowan

sculptures ©2011 IG & DG

With the relaxed schedule of summer the kids have more time for the occasional sleep over. And what is better than staying awake til the wee hours of the night having fun and laughing with friends?

Okay, so maybe as the parent in charge of these late night soirees, I could name one or two things that I would like better, but that's alright. Sleep overs are a part of childhood that all kids must experience and all parents must endure.

One of the fun activities the kids did during their last sleep over was craft some colorful creatures using a Presto Dots kit. I love their creativity and the great details and expressions they gave the creatures so I decided to immortalize them in a sketch.

Meet Glumpy, created by my Inventor Girl, and Oliveia, created by my Dancer Girl.

Comparing Watercolor Papers

(untitled - any suggestions?)

8" x 10" watercolor on Arches paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Ever since I first started painting with watercolors, I have used Arches 140lb Cold Press watercolor paper. I think I chose this paper because the instructor of the first watercolor class I took recommended it. And it has never given me any reason to switch.

But I kept hearing other artists talk about different papers that they adored. I tried to ignore their enticing stories, after all I was in a committed relationship with a paper I loved, but curiosity is a temptress.

One of the papers I've often heard lovely things about is Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper. So I did the unthinkable and bought myself a sheet. I stored the paper away in my flat file and there it sat. And sat, and sat, and sat.

The problem was that I didn't know how paint would handle on the Fabriano paper, and I was afraid to use it for any painting for fear that I my inexperience with the paper would lead me to mess up the painting.

I kept waiting for a painting that I wouldn't mind sacrificing in the name of learning and that painting never came. It was like contemplating sacrificing one of my children. Not gonna happen.

But I really wanted to try the new paper.

Then it came to me... the idea to paint two simultaneous paintings - one on Arches and one on Fabriano. So that's what I did. You can see the results in this post.

Sweet Dreams

8" x 10" watercolor on Fabriano Artistico paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Visually I think the paintings are very similar except for a few minor changes in color choice. (I found that I wanted to make some changes along the way and have them not be completely identical. I just couldn't help myself.)

I enjoyed trying out the Fabriano Artistico. It did handle paint differently than the Arches. The biggest difference was the ability to lift dry paint. It is much easier to lift the paint on the Fabriano than on the Arches.

In some cases this is a benefit, like when I wanted to soften edges but was a little slow at getting back to them. At other times it was a little frustrating, like when adding a wash to an already painted area. Occasionally the dry paint would lift causing the two washes to physically mix. I found that water control is very important when painting over a dry area.

I actually found that painting on the Fabriano was similar to painting on Aquabord. If I hadn't had experience with Aquabord I might have been more frustrated working on the Fabriano paper the first time.

My verdict - I will definitely use the Fabriano paper again. Although, given my comfort level with Arches paper and the fact that the stuff is nearly indestructible, I will probably still reach for the Arches more frequently. For me Arches is like that old pair of shoes that fit so comfortably. And since I've never had any problems with it or been dissatisfied, I don't feel that I need to make a change.

That being said, I do think it is good to have more than one option when it comes to supplies. So I am happy to now have two papers which work well for me.

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Links
Arches Watercolor
Fabriano Artistico

Note: I was not compensated for this review in any way.

Majors at Daylesford Abbey Art Show

This is the last weekend for the Daylesford Abbey Art Show in Paoli, PA. It is open today and tomorrow from 1pm until 4pm.

As I mentioned in my last post, I am showing artwork in both the miniatures and the majors categories. So as not to be accused of playing favorites, I thought I would show you some of the major works as well.

Each artists is allowed to bring up to 5 major pieces. You have already seen 3 of the ones I am showing - Icebreaker and Keep on Your Toes from my tap dance series, and Peter's Missing Snack which is the carrot painting in my blog header.

Here are the other two pieces.

"Sacrifice"

18" x 8" watercolor on paper

©2007 Stacy L. Rowan

"Ten Minutes Peace"

28" x 22" charcoal on paper

©2008 Stacy L. Rowan

Miniatures at Daylesford Abbey Art Show

"Sweet Dreams"

8" x 10" watercolor on paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Since the Daylesford Abbey Art Show in Paoli, PA continues through this weekend, I thought I would show you a couple of other paintings which I have in the show.

One of the things I love about this show is that they allow you to bring work in several different categories. I entered framed original artwork into both the "Majors" category and the "Miniatures" category. Their definition of miniatures is anything with framed dimensions of 8" x 10" or less. Conversely, the major category includes anything over 8" x 10".

I already shared two of my miniatures with you in my post about the opening reception. The painting "Sweet Dreams" above is another new painting in this category. I completed it during the last week of 2010 and matted and framed it for this show.

The subject matter may look familiar to you. These adorable mini cupcakes were made by my friend and served at my Open Studio. Before anyone arrived I quickly snapped at least a dozen photos. Then I took even more after everyone left the first day. There are definitely more cupcake paintings in my future!

"Hand Picked at Hausman's"

8" x 10" watercolor on paper

©2009 Stacy L. Rowan

This painting of an apple is another miniature I have in the show. Hausman's is one of the vendors at our local farmers' market. When summer turns to fall they offer a wide variety of apples. As the weather cools they also sell hot apple cider which they warm up on this old metal (cast iron perhaps) stove. I can't figure out how they load the hot stove back up to take home. I'll have to ask them sometime.

If you would like to see either of these pieces in person, head over to the Daylesford Abbey. The show closes on Sunday, February 27th at 4pm. It is open daily from 1pm until 4pm today through Sunday.

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Additional Links
Daylesford Abbey Art Show - Paoli, PA
Emmaus Farmers' Market
Hausman's Fruit Farm

Daylesford Abbey Art Show Opening

Persephone's Downfall

8" x 10" watercolor on paper

©2011 Stacy L. Rowan

Available through Feb. 27th at Daylesford Abbey Art Show, Paoli, PA

Yesterday my husband and I went to the opening reception for the Daylesford Abbey Art show.

This is my first time doing this show so I was excited to attend the opening. And I have to say my husband and I were both impressed.

The Ladies Chapter has done a wonderful job. The opening was lovely, complete with live music and an impressive assortment of appetizers and wines.

But of course the most important part any opening is the artwork. This is a large show and features a beautiful collection of artwork in a variety of mediums including sculptures, etchings, pottery, stained glass and jewelry as well as pastels, watercolors, acrylics, oils and mixed media works.

The available works come in a wide range of sizes from miniatures smaller than 8" x 10" to master works upwards of 28" x 22". 

Over 85 artists are taking part in the show and many of them have impressive bios detailing membership in major art societies, publication in respected magazines, receipt of prestigious awards and more. I am honored to be showing work with this talented group.

As icing on a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon I was happy to spot that one of my paintings in the miniature category, "Queen of the Winter Garden", was sporting a jaunty red dot indicating that it is going to a new home.

Queen of the Winter Garden

8" x 10" watercolor on paper

©2008 Stacy L. Rowan

sold

Overall I am more than pleased to be part of this event and will gladly participate again if I am invited back.

If you are interested in more specifics such as the show hours or address, please either check out my "Now Showing" page or follow the link for the Daylesford Abbey given below.

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Related Links
Now Showing
Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA

Therapeutic Sketching

sketch of wooden leaves

8" x 11" graphite on paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Although I've been very busy over the last month or so, one of the things I haven't been doing is exercising. I typically do a combination of walking, running and tap dancing to stay in shape, with the occasional weight lifting, Wii Fit or pilates workout thrown in for good measure.

sketch of bamboo plant

approx 8" x 11" graphite on paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Around the middle of November I noticed some pain and swelling in my left ankle which I think is tendinitis. The prescribed treatment for tendinitis is rest which translates to no walking, running or tap dancing.

While it is good to have a little extra time in my schedule (i.e. time I would normally spend exercising), I quickly realized that I miss the stress relieving benefits of physical activity.

sketch of mug

approx 4.5" x 4.5" graphite on paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

One night I was feeling pretty restless and frustrated. What's an artist to do if she can't go out and run a mile or two?

I decided to try some therapeutic sketching. For me that meant sketching big (8" x 11" paper instead of my typical 3.5" x 5.5") and loose a without a care for the outcome or likeness. The results of my sketching session are shown throughout this post.

face sketched while watching TV

approx 2" x 1.5" graphite on paper

(this was the fourth sketch and I was back to sketching small)

©2010 Stacy Rowan

Sketching wasn't quite as effective at releasing stress as exercising is, but it did help some and it definitely distracted my mind from chewing on the sources of my frustration.

another face sketched from TV

approx. 1" x 1.5" graphite on paper

©2010 Stacy Rowan

How does sketching compare to other stress relieving activities for you? Do you find sketching relaxing? Is more tension released when you make big loose marks or when you lose yourself in the rich complexity of detail? I'd love to hear about the ways you relieve stress, especially if they don't require the use of your ankle!!

Update

There has been a lot of activity going on here. Paintings being painted, cards being made, sketching, baking, planning... So many different things filling each day.

The new works I am creating are for an upcoming juried show. The show isn't until February, but my inventory needed to be sent in by Monday.

One of the new paintings I recently finished is this pretty purple pepper. I found him at our farmers' market a couple of years ago and fell in love. If you want to add beautiful color to a fresh salad, add some chopped up purple pepper. It tastes essentially the same as a green or red bell pepper, but is more of a feast for the eyes. My daughter, whose favorite color is purple, always asks to buy these when we see them. Another of life's simple joys found at the farmers' market.

My Friends are Green With Envy

8" x 10" watercolor on paper

©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Virtual Open Studio 2010 - Post #5 - The Final Post

When you entered the family room, you probably noticed a basket of note cards.

There is another basket of cards in the living room along with some matching note pads.

There are even a couple of packs of holiday themed cards on the Christmas table.

All of the note cards feature my artwork. Each pack has 8 cards (blank inside) and 8 envelopes. Some packs contain an assortment of cards - two or four different images depending on the pack - and some contain eight identical cards featuring a single image.

This year's big sellers were the new cupcakes assortment

and the new "Life Cycle of a Tulip" pack.

This card was created using three of my daily sketches. I admit that it is one of my favorites.

I also created an assorted floral pack combining two of my most popular floral images with the newer Sunbathed Poppy and Rhododendron

and two packs of thank you notes.

The card with the three coffee mugs is also available without the words "Thank You"

Many of my paintings and drawings have been made into note cards.

 The first name pulled in the door prize drawing will receive a pack of note cards of their choosing..

As I mentioned in the Virtual Open Studio - Post #4, since I have received so many nice comments, I decided to add a second prize. The second name pulled from the hat will receive one of the ornaments created from my daily sketches. These ornaments are featured in VOS - Post #2 and are shown in the Christmas table images above.

So make sure you enter by commenting here! Remember you get an entry for each of the VOS posts that you comment on. You don't have to worry about being creative with your comments, a simple "I was here!" will do.

Before you leave, there are a few more paintings to see on your way down the hallway to the front door, including my favorite grouping.

Peter's Missing Snack is hanging in the hallway on your left.

And this grouping, featuring Clear Favorites, Queen of the Winter Garden, and Winter Treat, is hanging to the right. I love how the blues and greens in each painting tie this grouping together.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting my Virtual Open Studio! I am so glad you stopped by. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing this event with you.

All images ©2010 Stacy L. Rowan

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Comments on all of the Virtual Open Studio posts will be left open until 10pm EST on November 6, 2010. At that time, the comments for each post will be closed. All comments will then be printed and placed in a hat. Winners names will be chosen from the hat by unbiased personnel (namely my kids - they love this kind of thing). Good luck everyone!

Days 123 and 124

Two food related sketches to share with you today and a bit of news.

First a sketch of the basil plant we bought at the farmers' market at the beginning of the season. I love using fresh basil, especially in the summer when I can pair it with fresh, local tomatoes. YUM!

sketch of basil plant

sepia ink in cahier pocket sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Then a sketch of some salty pretzels - the perfect late night snack. Even better when paired with some ice cream.

sketch of pretzels

sepia ink in cahier pocket sketch book

 copyright 2010 Stacy L. Rowan

And now onto the news...
After much deliberation, I decided to end my sketch-a-day project at the six month mark instead of continuing it for a full year. So I completed my last project sketch on June 30th. I guess that makes it a Project 181 instead of a Project 365.

I will continue to share the project sketches until I have posted them all. I appreciate all of the support I've received here and plan to summarize my thoughts on what this project taught me after you have seen all of the sketches.

Days 121 and 122

These scissors were sketched very late at night and I think it shows. By my definition, my day for the sketch-a-day project does not end at midnight. It ends when I go to bed. I believe this was an after midnight entry.

scissors sketch

sepia ink in cahier sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy L. Rowan

A better sketch here. I was working with the set of gray pens again.

radish sketch

gray ink in cahier sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy L. Rowan

This is a French breakfast radish - my favorite kind of radish. I buy them at the local farmers' market. This little guy looked a lot fresher when I first bought him, but right after I laid him out for the sketch my husband called me outside to look at some landscaping blocks he had purchased. Many hours and a lot of hard work later I finally got back to my sketch. By that time the leaves had wilted, but I sketched him anyway.

Days 119 and 120

Some more spring buds and blooms from my yard. I am really enjoying sketching flowers. My only disappointment is that I don't have more in my yard to choose from.

azalea sketch

sepia ink in cahier pocket sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy Rowan

iris bud sketch

sepia ink in cahier pocket sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy Rowan

Days 117 and 118

We seem to get a lot of wind where I live. This was one of those very windy days. I did my sketch while sitting in the car watching these poor trees getting blown around. Needless to say I was happy I wasn't outside like they were!

sketch of wind blown trees

sepia ink in cahier pocket sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy L. Rowan

Most days I do a little journaling with my sketch. My notes from Day 118 say I was feeling kind of grumpy. They also say that I was wishing grumpy moods would wash away like dirt, because I really don't like feeling grumpy. I guess that's why I chose to draw a liquid soap dispenser. All I can say is it made sense to me at the time.

soap dispenser sketch

sepia ink in cahier pocket sketch book

copyright 2010 Stacy L. Rowan