A Tulip {Bountiful Observations no. 47}

Pink Tulip

{8" x 6" (20.3 x 15.2 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

Thank goodness for cut flowers during the winter months! It is during this time that I appreciate them the most.

What are you most thankful for during January?

{14" x 12" (35.6 x 30.5 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Bountiful Observations {2012 in Review}

This series began with the idea of recording the passing of the seasons each week. A painting to celebrate what was in bloom, details that had captured my notice, and impressions of the day.

This series began as a way to commit to painting while also learning how to juggle my new life role - mothering my daughter.

This series defined the year that was, making 2012 one of my most exciting and rewarding ones ever.

And this series is going to continue into 2013, adapted to include new sizes for new compositions. Still with the goal of celebrating the present, the simple details that make up the day and make life so interesting. I hope you will join me as I continue on.

Wishing you the best and brightest in 2013.

Liz

45 paintings were completed and presented.

December's Bounty {Bountiful Observations no. 45}

December’s Bounty

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

Sometimes a painting just comes together.

Last week I focused on another painting for this series, but my heart was not in it, and it did not express the feelings I have for this festive month. I wanted to create a painting that did, so I thought a bit about it, what I wanted to include that would distinguish and celebrate all that is available during the month of December.

When I found a potted hellebore at Whole Foods, I brought it home knowing it had to become part of the painting I wanted to create. Hellebore also goes by the name, Christmas rose, so it seemed perfect to include in the painting I had been building in my mind. I am drawn to the delicate structure of these flowers, and wanted to emphasize how luminous the petals are, even on a gray, low-light day in December. Thus the painting is darker in key than usual to emphasize the white petals.

Everything else just fell into place, the holly had been gathered earlier in the week and during the winter months I always have pomegranates around.  So after several days of thinking of a painting, one just seemed to come together.

I hope you have a wonderful Monday and enjoy this festive season.

Liz

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

High Tea {Bountiful Observations no. 44}

High Tea

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

Do you have a dream? Something that falls within the lines of a new focus or spending your energy on a new path?

I like to think that art inspires greater awareness in life, thus art inspires embracing life more fully. Encouraging an openness to what is in front of you, actively asking you to find ways to appreciate what is nice, what is pleasant, so that things begin to add value in unexpected ways.

All this enables the possibility of dreams being allowed in, allowed to grow, and maybe someday attained.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Autumn Reflections {Bountiful Observations no. 43}

Autumn Reflections

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

A new round of autumn color appeared this week in the DC region. It is more delicate and sensitive than the early exuberant colors that announced the changing of the season.

The subtle colors and near naked trees are inspiring a more thoughtful state of mind in me. I feel encouraged to savor the simple beauties of life, like holding with two hands a hot steaming mug of tea, hugging Naomi and bundling her in layers of blankets for our morning walk, and in the evening having a hot plate of stew or soup.

How does the autumn inspire you?

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{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Quinces & Apple {Bountiful Observations no. 42}

Quinces and Apple

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 starting bid + S&H

When I purchased these quinces from a local farmer's market, the guy tending the stall said that it was a rare person who knew what quinces were and who so determinedly made a selection of them, so he wanted to know what I was going to make with them.

I smiled, probably a little sheepishly, and said I was an artist and planned to use them in a still-life painting because I liked their shape and form.

Though maybe I will make this quince paste, and serve it with my favorite manchango cheese...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Crab Apple and Silver Cup + Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser

Still Life with Crab Apple and Silver Cup

6" x 4" (15.2 x 10.2 cm) – oil on linen panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Unframed painting: $100.00 starting bid + S&H

To help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, 100% of the net proceeds of the sale of this painting will be donated to the Red Cross.

We were lucky that Hurricane Sandy did not affect the DC region as predicted, and instead I have been amazed at the level of devastation that other areas along the Eastern seaboard have experienced. This image from New York Magazine really brought the magnitude of those affected home to me, I am really a visual person and a picture says a thousand words.

{New York magazine via DesignMom}

When thinking of all the chaos that this storm has created, all I want to do is contemplate something calm and soothing, and find a bit of distraction. So on Monday when I set out to paint something to donate to the DPW fundraiser auction, I settled upon a small crab apple and the beauty of a silver cup, reflecting its surroundings in such a reassuring manner.

If you are interested in this painting, please visit the online auction, and to learn more about the other auctions taking place on the DPW website, please click here.

Thank you,
Liz

Autumn Marigolds {Bountiful Observations no. 36}

Autumn Marigolds

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Available for purchase via Online Auction

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

Yesterday I came across a list of things that exemplify autumn. things like sweaters, falling leaves, crisp apples, and pumpkins. The only thing I felt was absent from the list were the flowers that also bloom prolifically in the fall.

To me, all the russet tones marigolds are an important part of autumn, as are the dense bushes of mums and asters.

So I think my list for fall would look something like this:

sweaters

walks in the woods

the fireplace

falling leaves

crisp dry air

pumpkins

crisp apples

scarves

hot stews and soups

roasted root vegetables

and

mums & marigolds

...what would you add to your list?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Sunflowers and Lemons {Bountiful Observations no. 35}

Harmony in Yellow
Still Life with Sunflowers and Lemons

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

It seems to me that sunflowers are the most open and friendly of flowers, with their broad faces following the sun across the sky and how when they are bunched together, they just seem gathered as if in a group in pleasant conversation. Like ladies on a school day morning visiting after dropping off the kids.

Funny how some images will pop into the mind's eye.

However, I like it that connections are made and that looking at a sunflower reminds me of friends and acquaintances, creating a sense of familiarity in my life, and inspiring me to take notice of it. Painting a scene asks the same thing of me, to be more aware. And by actively raising my awareness, I feel as if my world becomes larger and more colorful.

This is an idea I hold true, that art inspires greater engagement in the world we live in.

Have a glorious day, my friend, and thank you for being a part of it.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Watermelon {Bountiful Observations no. 34}

Sliced Watermelon

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}
Sold

Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

Have you noticed any signs of the changing seasons?  This past week I began to notice some, like acorns littering the sidewalks and longer shadows earlier in the evening.

Then I also began to notice that the watermelon in the garden had also quit growing in size.  The days were no longer getting hot enough to make a difference.  This watermelon was brought inside and sliced open, but before I cut it up to eat, I fell in love with the beauty of the red flesh surrounded by the light rind and green skin.

So into the studio it came...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Tomatoes and Corn {Bountiful Observations no. 30}

Garden Harvest

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}
Sold

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

One of the best gifts of summer are vine ripened tomatoes gathered from your own plants or maybe a neighbor's or even the farmer's market... they all taste extra sweet and juicy.  I love getting my hands dirty tending the garden and savoring the rewards of all the effort invested months ago is worth it.

Do you keep a summer garden?  Has it been a productive year so far?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Roses and Pewter {Bountiful Observations no. 29} SOLD

Roses and Pewter

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Framed painting

I am fascinated how some images impart so many thoughts and emotions, how art has the capacity to inspire exploration, investigation, and then provide a feeling of hope and happiness.

And then in finding this quote about roses, I realized that most anything can take you out of yourself and speak to your heart.

“The rose speaks of love silently,

in a language known only to the heart.”

What is your heart hearing today?

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Black Eyed Susans & Cherries {Bountiful Observations no. 28}

Still Life with Pewter Pitcher, Black Eyed Susans, and Cherries

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

A benefit I hope my artwork provides, is that it leaves you feeling refreshed and calm. With the painting providing a deeper sense of meaning when the entire composition is observed as a whole, than if each object is individually absorbed alone.

I hope by viewing this still life today you are given an opportunity to pause and reflect, pause from a potentially hectic day and schedule, and reflect that there is beauty to be found in all things, and it only takes a moment to notice.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Painting Giveaway

Bowl of Cherries

{Framed 4" x 6" (10.2 x 15.2 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Two Cherries and a Derby Cup

{Framed 4" x 6" (10.2 x 15.2 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

 Good morning,

I am excited to share something with you this morning.  The talented Patricia van Essche of PVE design blog is hosting a giveaway of one of my paintings today.  Please stop by her blog and leave a comment sharing which of the two paintings you would be interested in owning to be eligble to win a small framed painting. 

One painting has an ornate wood framed

and the other has a simple wood frame.

Thanks and have a wonderful weekend,

Liz

Roses & Wild Blackberries {Bountiful Observations no. 24}

Roses & Wild Blackberries

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Do you like wild blackberries? For me, wild blackberries remind me of summers during my middle school years, harvesting ripe, sticky and sweet berries from wild bushes in the empty lot next to our home. I think of my fingers turning purple from the overripe berries bursting and more berries being eaten than gathered, hoping to have enough to make a blackberry cobbler or maybe some preserves.

The blackberries in this painting were harvested from a little stretch of abandoned land along my morning walk. It was a gift of beauty and remembrances.

I paired the blackberries with more Queen Elizabeth roses from my garden in an atlas e-z seal canning jar, celebrating the abundance this season is already providing.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Peonies {Bountiful Observations no. 21}

Peonies

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to Purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Peonies from my garden.

Each year I add one more peony bush to my flower boarder hoping to one day have a profusion of flowers because I believe you can never have to many of these luscious blooms. These were the only blooms I got this year and I savored every moment of them.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Spring Harmony

{20" x 16" (50.8 x 40.6 cm) – oil on linen}

Available for purchase via my Esty shop

Framed painting: $1,200 + S&H TBD
 

Currently in an exhibition at Artomatic, Crystal City, VA
(delivery at the end of the exhibit - June 23, 2012).

This Friday is the opening night for Artomatic, an open art event held periodically in the DC region, and this painting is my newest painting to be included in my display area. 

In 2009 I also participated in this event, here is what my wall looked like then...

I will share a photo of my wall on Friday, so please stay tuned!

Azaleas and Bowl {Bountiful Observations no. 20} SOLD

Still Life with Azaleas and Bowl

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD

Framed painting: $300.00 starting bid + S&H

I have a flowerbed on the side of the house that is home for two azalea bushes, and every spring these bushes provide the most beautiful bright pink flowers. A gift I look forward to every year and lament when the flowers fade...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Pansies {Bountiful Observations no. 19}

Pansies in a Silver Cup

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

Click here to purchase

Framed painting: $400.00 + S&H

Amazingly we have had a cool spring, so my pansies are still going strong in the garden. My friend Jane told me that when you plant pansies in the fall that they will come back stronger and more beautiful than before in the spring, and boy was she right! The pansies have been blooming like crazy since late February...

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.

Spring Time Tea {Bountiful Observations no. 18}

Spring Time Tea

{8" x 8" (20.3 x 20.3 cm) – oil on canvas panel}

SOLD
Framed painting: $300.00 + S&H

Some of the daffodils in this still life are from a friend, the grape hyacinths are from a neighbor, the green china plate is from my mom, and the silver spoon is from my husband's grandmother.

{14" x 14" (35.6 x 35.6 cm) with frame}

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This is a painting from my Bountiful Observations series, with 25% of the net proceeds of each sale being donated to the American Horticultural Society.