Merry Christmas!!

Just a little note to wish you Merry Christmas! I hope you have a safe and festive holiday. I will be back on a regular posting schedule soon!! Aside from the delicious foods we are having for our Christmas feast, from ham to turkey to lasagna, you wouldn't even believe the dessert menu...chocolate cream pie, pumpkin pie, lemon crunch pie, peanut butter chocolate pie, a variety of cheesecakes, peanut butter cookies, my mother-in-law's famous Italian cookies, pudding and homemade gingerbread cookies! I can't wait to get started!!!!

"Chocolate & Vanilla"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

Since time is very limited lately and will be for the next week, & I have received questions about auctions that didn't sell, I decided to re-post some over the next few days...

I plan to finish up all the little last minute things tomorrow so that I can spend the weekend cooking and baking for Christmas. I will post something else tomorrow night...

"Stylin'"

--Sold!

I saw this little dog while I was shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics this week. He was so cute in his little paw print sweater - I knew I had to paint him!

"Sweet Kiss"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

I am a self-proclaimed junk food-a-holic, and candy is no exception! I'm not a big fan of regular Hershey Kisses, but the Cherry Cordial Creme ones are incredible!! I even throw a couple into my hot chocolate - YUM!!!

"Order Up!"

NFS

This painting is for "L"... The painting you ordered is done! Give it a few days to dry and then you can pick it up. I hope 'M' likes it'; can you keep it a secret until Christmas??

"Snow Day"

--Sold!

I thought I would do an outdoor scene in honor of this season's first snowfall last Monday...and the first official school cancellation. The cold temperatures didn't seem to put a damper on the day for these two; in fact they were nothing but smiles!

NFS

I've mentioned that I am working on Christmas gifts and commission work...this is one that I've owed for a long time. Unfortunately, I'm the typical artist-type: I have to be in the creative mood to get things done! I hope the recipient is happy with the outcome!!

"Boxed In"

--Sold!

This handsome guy made a great model, and this painting practically painted itself!
Still busy working on tons of different things; I will try to post some of them as I go along...

"Pear"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

I know, I know...yet another pear. I don't know why I love to paint them, but I do. And I think this is my favorite one yet. One thing I am trying to do is to paint more quickly. I feel that when I try too hard to make a painting technically accurate that I lose some emotion; it almost feels mechanical. I finished this entire painting in 30 minutes! I love when a painting is loose and impressionistic with soft edges; I think I accomplished that with this one.

Click here for a taste on Ebay!

"Morning Fix"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

I start just about every morning ordering a medium hazelnut iced coffee at Dunkin' Donuts, and if I'm not there, I'm at Starbuck's. I think I'd better change my diet; between my iced coffees and my Dunkin' Donuts bowties, I probably don't have much time left!

Click here for your morning fix on Ebay!

"Open Bar"

--Sold!

I spotted these two gentlemen at a retirement party recently, and instantly saw a painting in the making. I just couldn't resist!!

The party was for the owner of a company that my best friend works for. I hadn't realized how long I had known him also; it has been about 21 years! My, I am dating myself, and my friend (also named Robin) too, although I will add that I was quite young when I first met him. ;) Anyway, here's a toast to you John - double fisted, might I add - Best of wishes to you wherever life takes you; you will be greatly missed.

There's one more thing I'd like to share with you...the plein air group I belong to entered some pieces into the Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm Holiday Fine Art Sale this past weekend. I've had so much going on, I forgot to post the information. I was thrilled to find out that myself and two other members sold pieces. Congratulations, Grace & Cindy - you go, girls!!

I just wanted to post a little something to let you know I'm still here! I have been painting everyday, but I have been working on other pieces....gifts for the upcoming holidays, commission work (some looong overdue) and of course, pieces for upcoming shows. Bear with me - I promise I will be back posting on Monday! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with family, friends and good food!! --Robin

"The Practice"

9" x 12", Pastel

I entered this piece into the 'Sleigh of Gifts Holiday Show' yesterday. I delivered it late, so I was able to get a sneek peek at the entries. The works look great! My entry is the first pastel painting of figures that I have ever done. I really enjoyed doing this piece; it was such a change from the landscapes I normally do. If you are in the area, and can stop in to see the show, it is located at the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water Street, Newburyport, MA, 978.465.8769, and runs from 11.16.07 - 12.27.07. Enjoy!

"Welcome"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

You already know that I LOVE pears. But I also LOVE pineapples - their history, actually. They are original to the Western Hemisphere, and it took over 2 centuries to develop a hothouse method to grow the plant, and therefore was not plentiful in Europe. Due to its rarity, it was the treat of kings during the 1600's, and was considered a symbol of stature. Traditionally, though, the pineapple is America's symbol of commitment to hospitality, family and friends. Here's to you!!


Click here feast like a king on Ebay!

"Juicy, Too"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

I received many emails about my first orange painting, "Juicy", and so here it is: "Juicy, too". What I really like about these paintings is the simple, geometric shapes paired with complementary colors. The blue background really makes the orange jump out!

Click here to get juiced on Ebay!

"Forelle"

8" x 6", Oil on Mounted Linen

I'm back! And by popular demand, (drumroll, please!) another pear! This one is for you, Uncle Carlos!!

I just want to take a moment to explain to everyone my motives behind this blog and my auctions on ebay. Kevin MacPherson talks in his book 'Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light and Color' about '100 starts'. Its a way of training yourself to be disciplined to paint EVERYDAY. I tried to do that, but with no one watching it seems I always needed to do something else: laundry, errands, etc. So when I came across other artists' blogs, doing a small painting everyday, I figured it was just the push I needed. I love to paint, and just knowing that someone somewhere is waiting for their daily painting by email or a new ebay auction gives me the motivation I need to get it done. So, that being said, besides working on larger paintings for shows, I try to do a small painting each weekday in less than an hour. It is great practice, I am slowly broadening my horizons, I am trying out new products and techniques and I can even watch my own progress. What more could I ask for??

Click here, Uncle Carlos, to buy this pear on Ebay!

"Flying High"

8" x 8", Oil on Gessoed Masonite

There was nothing but air between this little guy and his trampoline. Good exercise and lots of fun, too!!

Click here to take a jump on Ebay!

"Sweet on Sweet"

--Sold! (after auction ended)

6" x 6', Oil on Masonite

Chocolate covered strawberries!! How sweet it is! I saw some of these last week at the Ghiradelli store and have been thinking about them ever since!!

"Afternoon Delight"

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Masonite

More junk food! I did a lot of baking over the past two weeks, mostly swedish apple pies and dozens of chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say, this was today's 'painting a day' and also, my afternoon snack!!

Click here for your afternoon delight on Ebay!

"Chocolate & Vanilla"

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Masonite

Although I enjoyed painting dogs last week, it feels good to get back to one of my favorite themes: Junk Food!! This Napoleon was a double treat - it had chocolate and vanilla filling!

Click here for a sweet treat on Ebay!

"Dog Day Afternoon, VI"

--Sold!

12" x 6" OR 6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Masonite

This is painting #6, the finale in my 'Dog Day Afternoon' series. I was going through my supplies today trying to find a wider board to paint these two dogs on. I put two 6" x 6" boards together to estimate a size I might want to use, when I thought of painting each dog on its own board in a way that would complement each other, like a set or dyptych. They can either be displayed together, maybe on an easel, bookshelf or mantel; or, each could be framed separately. Let me know what you think about it!

"Dog Day Afternoon, V"

--Sold!

8" x 8", Oil on Gessoed Masonite

This is painting #5, second to last in my 'Dog Day Afternoon' series. Are these not the cutest little furballs you've ever seen?

"Dog Day Afternoon, IV"

--Sold!

8" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Masonite

This is painting #4 in my 'Dog Day Afternoon' series. I love the perspective on this painting - this is exactly what this little pup looks likes when I look down at her!

"Dog Day Afternoon, III"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Hardbord

This is painting #3 in my 'Dog Day Afternoon' series, the little sidekick of 'Pugged'. I love how she just plunked herself down for a little rest while I chatted with her mom. Is she adorable, or what??

"Dog Day Afternoon, II"

6" x 8", Oil on Mounted Linen

This is painting #2 in my Dog Day Afternoon series. These big guys, father and son, were hanging around outside of the Half Baked, Fully Brewed Coffee Shop in Lincoln, NH.

Click here to check them out on Ebay!

Dog Day Afternoon Series...

In the last week I've received a few comments on my blog & through email requesting more dog paintings! You asked for it - you've got it!

I'm dedicating the upcoming week of my 'Painting A Day' to the dogs in my 'Dog Day Afternoon Series'. Be sure to watch for your favorite pup!

--Robin

Thanks for all the wonderful comments and emails...please keep them coming! ; )

"Mr. October"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Hardboard

In honor of the baseball season coming to a close, I thought it would be a great idea to capture this child having fun playing America's favorite pasttime.

"Pugged"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Hardboard

Another neighbor, another dog! Actually, this handsome little guy has a pretty little side-kick that you'll be meeting soon!!

"Dog Day Afternoon"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

I took a picture of this dog at one of my shows this summer. I think I took photos of about 10 dogs that day alone. This may be the start of a new series...

"Twilight"

--Sold!

5" x 7", Pastel on Pastel Card Mounted on Foam Core

Today I worked in pastel. I love the vibrant colors and the great texture that can be achieved using pastel. This scene is from Cape Cod, MA at the end of a beautiful day.

"Love Bouquet"

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

Sorry I'm posting so late; my computer is being very bad today! It wouldn't cooperate with me at all...

My daughter picked these daisies for me from our yard. Some had stems that were broken and some had missing or crumpled petals...the most beautiful bouquet I have ever received.

"Lemon Fruit Pie"

--Sold!

6" x 8", Oil on Mounted Linen

I was at the market today when I saw this lemon fruit pie. I haven't seen one of these in years! And I haven't eaten one in that long either. So under the guise of 'a painting a day', I bought one, painted it, and yes, I ate it. And it was just as good as I remembered!!

"Bosc"

--Sold!

8" x 6", Oil on Mounted Linen

Today I felt like doing a painting that was a little more 'finished' than I have been doing lately. It is very simple and elegant - I like how it turned out. In honor of its elegance, I have included a picture of what this painting would look like in a contemporary frame.

"Double Trouble"

--Sold!

8" x 8", Oil on Masonite

These are my neighbor's dogs - very BIG dogs! Despite their intimidating appearances, they are very mild mannered and well behaved. And they made very good models, too!

"Farm Fresh"

6" x 8", Oil on Masonite

Today our group Band of Brushes painted at a local farm. It ended up being a gorgeous sunny, cool morning after a shaky start - the epitome of autumn. With a fresh cider doughnut (or 2 for some of us!) for a snack - who could ask for more?

Click here for a taste of fall on Ebay!

"Look Out Below!"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

I had to take a picture of this boy that was determined to keep up with his dad. I'm glad to say that his perseverance paid off! This was a lot of fun to paint, but I'm sure he would say that he had more fun that day.

On another note - my plein air group and I participated in the last outdoor show of the season this past weekend - fun, fun, fun! I'm taking a few days off before I get back to the grindstone, but of course I'll continue with my daily paintings!

"Lighthouse"

Not for sale.

8" x 8", Oil on Masonite

This was done as a special request - Jack, I hope this is what you were looking for...

--Robin

"Shallow Water"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Hardboard

This picture was taken from the pier looking down into the water at Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine. I really like the perspective in this piece. The water looked green because it was so shallow, so you could see the kayaker's shadow on the ocean floor. I started this painting a few weeks ago, and decided to finish it up today. I spent the rest of the day getting ready for tomorrow, my last show of the season...

This morning I visited my best friend's new baby boy that was born yesterday. He is healthy and absolutely gorgeous! As I sat there holding him, I couldn't help but think about what a great subject he will make for my little paintings ;)
God bless little Logan!!!!

"Juicy"

--Sold!

6" x 6" - Oil on Masonite

I woke up this morning feeling so good because I was looking forward to doing what I love to do most - Paint! Here is my little wish for you - That you find what you were put here to do, and do it with PASSION!

"Contented"

--Sold!

6" x 6", Oil on Masonite

The title says it all - this pretty little girl was completely and perfectly happy just hanging out watching her brother play with his toy. I love how this little painting turned out; her expression is just purrrfect!

Yesterday...

Hi all - Just wanted to let you know that I didn't forget to post yesterday....I did a painting of a Golden Retriever and her owner, but again, I wasn't happy with the outcome. I would have done a second one, but I needed to work on some paintings that have to be done for an historic show that I am showing in this weekend. I'll keep you posted on that, but for now I need to get cracking! I'll try to post today's painting at a decent hour...bye for now.

"On the Fence"

--Sold!

5" x 7", Oil on Masonite

This was a picture that I took last week on my son's field trip to Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA. The kids ran ahead and climbed a fence to see what was on the other side. I loved the colors and shadow shapes they casted, and how I could see their personalities shine through their stances.

"Morning Addiction"

-- SOLD!

6" x 8", Oil on Mounted Linen

Decisions, decisions, decisions...would I like my bowtie with or without an iced coffee? Mornings can be brutal!

"Free Ride"

--Sold!

5" x 7", Oil on Gessoed Hardboard

Give a dog a fish, he'll eat for a day...teach a dog to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime! I nearly broke an ankle running along the shoreline trying to get this photo! This dog was so cute just hanging out enjoying the view while the owner did all the work. Truly a free ride!!

"Paired"

I am posting a painting I did a few weeks ago...Today I chaperoned my son's fieldtrip to Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA and it has been a looong day! We had so much fun but it was hot and the bus ride was over 2 hours long each way! Anyway, as I've told you - - I LOVE pears!!

"Morning Marsh"

--Sold!

6" x 8", Oil on Mounted Linen

I belong to a Plein Air group called "Band of Brushes" that meets each Tuesday morning at a different location. Today we painted a beautiful marsh, one of my most favorite landscape subjects. The colors of fall are just beginning to peek through, and I was lucky enough to be there to capture them!

"Chillin'"

--Sold!

I thought my obsession would be with painting pears, but apparently it is going to be with dogs for awhile. This little cutie was just hanging out and was not about to move for anyone. Love his attitude!

This is the painting I worked on today, but something just wasn't feeling 'right' about it, so I did a second painting. When I figure out what is bothering me, I'll let you know...

"Pail in Comparison"

-- SOLD!

6" x 6", Oil on Gessoed Hardboard

I loved watching these two dig in the sand and compare what each other had in their pails. I loved the bright colors of their bathing suits, too. Being at the beach is truly one of life's little pleasures.

"A Dog's Tale"

-- SOLD!

6"x6" - Oil on Gessoed Hardboard

"My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie..." - This dog's eyes told the entire tale, and I fell for every word.

"A Pair"

I promised myself I wouldn't do it. At least not so soon. Day three and already I've caved in. I LOVE painting pears! I know, they're a bit cliche...but I really do love to paint them. So get ready - you'll be seeing more of them, I'm sure of it...