Furniture

The last few days I have taken a break from my "fine art" work in the studio and focused on creating one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. They were a collaboration with my mother, a master furniture refinisher. She painted the base coat, I chose the color and painted the design, and she distressed and glazed the pieces for a unique look.  These pieces are available to purchase at A Whole New Light. Where would you put these pieces in your home?

Sunset Silhouette Over Philly

This painting was something I've never done before: a city skyline! The photograph from which I worked from came from my one of my good friends, Don. You might remember him as my photographer from our engagement photo shoot.

I worked differently than I normally do: I mixed right on the canvas to achieve the sunset colors I wanted. It was also a much quicker painting due to the simple nature of the composition. A nice change of pace!

Below are the progression photographs of the development of this painting. 

"Sunset Silhouette Over Philly" - Acrylics on Canvas - 4" x 6" by Kimberly English

Miniature Painting: Sunday Stars II

My latest painting, Sunday Stars II, is another miniature canvas: 3" x 3". The photograph in which I worked from again came from my in-laws driveway (They have so many inspirational views!). It was taken on the same day as the photograph for Sunday Stars I but from a different angle.

Below are the progression photographs of the development of this painting.

Miniature Painting: Sunday Stars I

Behold! My latest painting: Sunday Stars I. This painting is a on a 3" x 3" canvas. I have never worked this small and wanted to try after seeing the artwork of Debbie Shirley. I found her through Etsy and began following her blog and Facebook page. Her artwork is usually 4" x 4" and depicts areas where she lives; New England.

In the beginning of June I came across Gallery 50's miniature art competition on their website. I called and requested more information and after reading the requirements thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try working small, like Debbie Shirley.

Below are the progression photographs of the development of this painting.

Salem County Arts in Bloom 2014

This year I did not participate as an exhibiting artist in the Salem County Arts in Bloom 2014 Studio Tour. Instead, I had the opportunity to visit fellow artists and support the work they are doing. Here's a glimpse of my day driving around Salem County:

I started my tour at Daniel Chard's house. He was my painting professor in college and he recently moved to another part of the county. I've been meaning to go over and visit and it was the perfect opportunity to do so. We talked about life, toured his home and, of course, talked about painting. It's great to catch up with old friends and I can't wait to begin working with him again.

Next, I headed to Alex Alampi Jr.'s Studio. I viewed his original watercolors and the works of Marion Williams, a porcelain painter. I purchased a print of "Crossing the Herd". This painting depicts the famous Smith dairy cows crossing through Aldine. As a lover of cows and resident of Aldine I HAD to have this print. I also purchased an ornament by Marion for our Christmas tree (A tradition we started to mark our travels and events throughout the years).

I headed home for some lunch and to regroup. I then went to Monroeville Vineyard and Winery to see what the artists and vines had to offer. I purchased a mini blanket with tags for my daughter (She is currently OBSESSED with tags) from Lminstitches and some wine to add to my collection.

My last stop for the day was to one of my best friend's, Janice Chassier. She recently purchased a shed and transformed it into a gallery. It is breathtaking! I snagged some of her signature clay log pieces for my kitchen; they are my favorite. I even got the chance to meet some potential homeschool art students and help them create some things in clay.

Below is a picture of some of the wonderful pieces I found on my journeys. It was a truly amazing day! Great weather, great artists, and great conversations. I am really looking forward to participating again next year and have lots of ideas to make my site exciting for visitors of all ages.

Another Hiatus

It's been six months since my last blog but there is good reason for my long hiatus: I had a baby! My husband and I welcomed our daughter, Courtney Danielle, into the world on October 23rd, 2013. Needless to say, life has become a little busier and a lot more fulfilling! I'm finding time after she goes to sleep to work on paintings. Below is a picture of what I am working on now. This will be a painting of Skyline Drive and the second of my vacation series.

Wedding Signs

One of the best aspects about being an artist is having the ability to work on different types of projects. Recently, I painted signs for my cousin-in-laws', wedding (you may remember the signs I painted for Bobby and Annaliese's engagement photo shoot). Here are some pictures from their wedding featuring my hand painted signs courtesy of Walter E. Homan Photography. Enjoy!