Ladies Wednesday Morning Art Class...

A few images of artists busy at work to help inspire and encourage you ~

A beautiful, sunlit morning is wonderful for filling the
studio with warmth and light.


A "Winslow Homer"ish seascape comes to life
with strokes of dark and light values of color.


While an impressionistic winter scene gains vibrance and depth
through brush strokes and dabs of pure color.


And a gorgeous water scene receives finishing touches
before the artist signs her name.

Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.
Bo Bennett

May you feel encouraged to go forth and produce!

A few finds for the Outdoor Adventurer...

A treasury of outdoor art created by Art Walk on Etsy Team Members. Curated by Sandy's Cape Cod Orig. Enjoy Sandy's sweet little taste of springtime goodness.

Bunny Rabbit Art Print ACEO and Let's Cuddle Blank note card



Flourish Fine Art Photo Print and Tulips Wall Tile


Girls Pixie Gnome Flower Hat and Song Birds Original Painting


Family Beach Walk

For more information on any of the items listed above, just click on the image. Thank you Sandy for your wonderful selection - which can be seen in its entirety here: AWE Team Goes Outdoors

Soft and Sweet Springtime Colors

Put together into a beautiful treasury created by ErinJade

Here are a few of my favorites from her collection ~


Well Rounded Print by Citrus Tree and A Flower For you by Joojoo


Tea Party by Circ's and Fly away ring by BlockPartyPress


Shamantic Love Necklace by Crystal Runway and Vintage Doll by ErinJade


Sunday Stroll by Magicmarkingsart

Thank you ErinJade for putting together this gorgeous selection which can be seen in its entirety
here: Etsy Treasury - Soft and Sweet or, if you are interested in more information on any of the images above, simply click on the image itself.

Gifts for him...

Cufflinks!

A brand new addition to my art and shop repertoire.
What was initially inspired as a gift for my son has become a new gift idea for any man looking for a unique way to display his passion.


Thomas Jefferson's Rendering of the U.Va Rotunda
I made this set as a gift for my son who is part of the Guide Group at U.Va and who loves giving historical tours around campus. The group is having a black tie fund raising event this weekend and I thought he would get a kick out of wearing his passion on his sleeve.


Surfer Cufflinks
For the surfer who, when out of his board shorts
and dressed up for an evening out, wants to show off his love of the sport and passion for the ocean.

Now to make a pair for my husband!

Now that Spring has Sprung

and the weather is getting more conducive to outdoor activities, your thoughts might be turning to long outdoor bike rides. To support this healthy activity I searched the web for the newest and coolest ideas in the two-wheel variety. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Walking Bike
Found here: Technogad
If you can't quite decide whether to bike or run - or if there's a biathlon in your future, this bike is exactly what you'll need.


'Intelligent' bicycle of the future
Found here: Telegraph.co.uk
Some interesting features include puncture-proof self-inflating tires, a mini computer that counts calories as the pedals turn, a battery-assisted motor, run by solar panels, that takes over the pedaling after a long day and, to keep you entertained, music accompanies the ride.


Unique Tandem Bike
Found here: Frankenstein via Flicker
There would definitely be no whining from your couch-potato spouse if you surprised them with a long, leisurely cruise around town on this bike!


Hermes Sea Shell Bicycle
Found via Daily Vitamin Sea Blog
I think this is one of my all time favorites.
How I would love to have shell encrusted sculpture parked inside my house!

I hope these images have inspired you to grab your favorite bike and to take a leisurely ride around your area. If you do, and would like to share your photo's - please feel free to post a link in my comment section!
Enjoy your weekend!

Surf's Up....Again!

Yesterday I wrote about my husband and son's passion for surf.
Today I pay homage to them with these hand painted surfing art blocks.

Two Surfers


Surfer's at Dusk

Surf's Up

Each of these hand painted wooden art blocks are playful pieces of sculpture meant for arranging and stacking on a table or shelf. A fun way to show off your love for surfing and for art!

Each set of art blocks are available in my etsy shop ~
MagicMarkingsArt

Hoping your ride is a smooth one!

Surf's Up

My husband and son are both surfer's so our family vacations are usually centered around a beach town somewhere. Even though we live on the coast, as a surfer, there's always the desire to ride the waves somewhere else - and, upon arrival, to find the perfect spot. I suppose, perhaps through osmosis, this is why so much of my art and the art in our home is either beach or surf related. Here are a few paintings I created for our "home art gallery"


My husband and son
Summer of 2000


Our daughter - Summer of 1999


My sister and me circa 1969


Oceanside Table for Two

Trust me, I'm not complaining! I love living near the
ocean and know, no matter where our children end up
living , coming home will always be a fun destination.

Wishing you a day of sunshine and warm ocean breezes.

Women Who Art - Monday's Ladies

Almost every Monday since this past September

I've been blessed with a wonderful group of women
artists who come to my little home "studio" to paint.
These ladies add so much joy to my week that I just
wanted to publicly thank them - and show off their
ongoing artistic progress.

September and October Sessions





November and December Sessions















January - February - March Sessions









Nothing exists until or unless it is observed.
An artist is making something exist by observing it.
And his hope for other people is that they will
also make it exist by observing it.
I call it "creative observation." Creative viewing.
William S. Burroughs

Thank you for your creative viewing, and thus confirmation
of this wonderful group of women artists.

Hello Spring!

A New Painting to welcome Spring
which officially begins tomorrow!


Red Bikini
8 x 10" acrylic on canvas

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top o' the Day to You!

My precious grandmother and my grandfather,
who passed away the year I was born, were from Ireland.
This Saint Patrick's Day, I celebrate all those Irish souls
who were brave, independent, and strong willed enough
to cross the ocean and begin a new life in America..
To all of them (especially Grammy and Pop Smith)
I say thank you, God Bless, and Slainte!
~ Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone

Grammy Smith's Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Preheat oven to 350 f.
Mix together:
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t.sp. baking soda
2 t.sps baking powder
1 t.sp. salt
1 c. raisins
2 t.sps. caraway seeds
Mix together: 1 pint sour cream
2 eggs
Then mix into flour mixture. Dough will be sticky. Sprinkle with flour; with floured hands, knead and turn dough to mix thoroughly. Shape into a ball, place in pan. In center of ball, cut a cross shape with a knife.
Bake bread for 1 hour or until cake tester comes out clean.
ENJOY!

Womwn who Art - Student Spotlight

This beautiful piece of restful art -
painted by artist Susan Bernhardt -

temps one to grab a great book, a cool glass of wine
and settle in for a relaxing afternoon in the summer sun...


Susan began the painting by adding luscious cool colors
to a yellow ocher background.


She layered gorgeous shades of blue, purple, yellow
and green onto the chairs and surrounding space.


Then created depth with vibrant shadows and highlights.


After a "wall worthy" critique from her art group peers,
Susan signs her name -


And invites viewers to kick back, grab a glass and unwind.