2012 Holiday Series #24 ~ the last one!

2012 Holiday Series #24
5"x 5" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD!.

 
This is my last Holiday painting for the year!
Actually, my last painting for 2012.
Thank you to Nancy Bradley, photographer
extraordinaire who took the photo from
Rock Ford Plantation in Lancaster County,
during our last snow storm.  What I believe is
bittersweet on a window with a view of a snowy
outside.  It made a great segue painting from
holiday to winter!

We ran a few errands today,went to the grocery
store which was packed.  I went to sit with my
Mom and she watched me paint.  Meanwhile
Linda was making my second birthday cake.
The first was a requested fabulous carrot cake
which we shared at a party of special friends. 
She offered to make whatever else I wanted
for the big day.  I picked something new called
Coffee-Toffee Crunch Torte which now rests
in the freezer.  I licked the spoon... and can't
wait till tomorrow!  The torte is a small concession
to having to eat pork and sauerkraut on my
birthday.  Not a favorite.  Everyone else gets to
pick a "special" meal but since my day is New Years
I end up with kraut... 
As for tonight, we plan to hang out and watch
2 CD's of Boardwalk Empire and sip wine with
raspberry sorbet to ring in the new year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

2012 Holiday Series #23

2012 Holiday Series #23
4"x 6" Original Miniature WatercolorSOLD!

This holiday door is from our trip to
New Paltz, NY  last year.

We packed up the Christmas decorations
around the house today... officially over!
One more holiday painting to finish out
2012, then I plan to take a few days
off and start on "winter" scenes.
My watercolor classes start on the 8th.

2012 Holiday Series #22

2012 Holiday Series #22
6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor


Another painting from Landis Valley Farm Museum
in Lancaster. PA.  Great little still life and the
poinsettia offers a pop of color. There will be only
two more holiday paintings.  So if you wanted one
don't wait!

Snow day today.  Pretty much sat at my table and
painted.   Linda had a book she had been struggling
with, Moveable Feast by Hemingway and she finally
finished it and was very happy!   Overall a quiet day
at the Smith house.  

I plan to move on to winter paintings as of January
so if you feel moved to go out into the snow and snap
a few interesting photos feel free to email them to me!
Not just snow, there needs to be a focal point of
interest!

2012 Holiday Series #21

2012 Holiday Series #21
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

This painting is from Landis Valley Farm Museum in
Lancaster. PA. 


Painted, ran a few errands, had my photo taken for
my drivers licence.  Bought a new shovel for all the
snow tomorrow. 

SNOW DAY SPECIAL...one day only!
Must be ordered on Saturday 12/29
30% OFF any unframed Still Life Interior Print
Click to see your selection.
Email or call 717-627-3383 with your order.
Want it framed? I can quote a frame price.
This is a one day only offer... a great way to spend
your Christmas money!!

2012 Holiday Series #20

2012 Holiday Series #20
6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor
Again I offer this one at $100.00 to the
first person to email or call 717-627-3383!
SOLD!

I like this view, street level looking up!
Williamsburg...

Lunch with friends and then a visit with
Rashetta.  Somehow managed to squeeze
in painting.

2012 Holiday Series #19

2012 Holiday Series #19
6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor
Williamsburg...

SOLD!!!

OK... for anyone not wanting to mess with
eBay, I offer this one at $100.00 to the first
person to email or call 717-627-3383!

A wintery mix here but we are headed to
Reading with Linda's parents to see
Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
Also a Happy Birthday wish to our daughter
Abbey. We could not be prouder.

2012 Holiday Series #18

2012 Holiday Series #18
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
 
An inside view at the Berkeley Plantation
near Williamsburg, VA.    A simple wreath.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone, I hope
you had a wonderful day.  We had lunch
with my Mom and then headed to our
friends the Hildebrands.  Drank "Poinsettias"
had ribs and watched two good movies.
Trouble with the Curve and Arbitrage, I
recommend both.  I painted at their house
which I have done many times.  Great day.

2012 Holiday Series #17

2012 Holiday Series #17
4"x 6" Original Miniature WatercolorSOLD!
A friend gave us a bunch of holly and
this is hanging on a door.  The sun was
shining and created a nice shadow against
the white.

We had a busy few days.  Saturday we had
our annual get together with the group of
friends who went to France with us.  Had a
spectacular evening.  Sunday we went to see
the movie Guilt Trip with Linda's parents.
Very enjoyable movie.  Today is Christmas Eve
and we have a tradition of having dinner out,
so we will be having a fantastic dinner at
Hayden Zugs in East Petersburg.

2012 Holiday Series #16

2012 Holiday Series #16
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD!
(click over painting to make larger)
A beautiful gate from the Berkeley Plantation
in Charles City, VA. (near Williamsburg)

This will be the third painting I will make
prints of.  Monday it goes to the printer for a
quick scan.  You are still buying the original
watercolor but knowing there will be prints
available later.

Busy day, I worked from 8 to 1 on this painting.
Took a break to visit my Mom and back home
to paint.  Abbey and Ben are coming tonight
for a late dinner.  Linda has been in the kitchen
all day.  Mini vegetable potpies for dinner.

2012 Holiday Series #15

2012 Holiday Series #15
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD


Another great door from Williamsburg.  Notice
the reflection of the sky and tree branches in
the transom panes.

I am painting!  Had a few clients stop in for prints
today.  Linda is in the kitchen working on a dessert
called syllabub... I will tell you how it turns out
tomorrow!

2012 Holiday Series #14

2012 Holiday Series #14
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD
A beautiful red poinsettia in a red pot.
This little gem was bush size and we
saw it at the Botanic Gardens in Washington,
DC.  Nothing says holidays like red!

I painted today to the smell of cookies baking!
 

2012 Holiday Series #13

2012 Holiday Series #13
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

This porch was right on the Duke of Gloucester
Street in Williamsburg.   I painted it with just
parts of it, a hint of a wreath, a hint of a shadow,
part of the door...  You will be able to fill in the
missing parts.

Did we ever get GREAT news tonight.
Ben (our son-in-law) just landed his dream job!
He is now General Council (attorney) for the
European Division of NEA (National Education
Association).  He will be defending teachers on our
Military bases in Europe.   We could not be prouder
of him.
Linda started baking cookies...  the macaroons are
wonderful!  

2012 Holiday Series #12

2012 Holiday Series #12
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

A nice porch from our house tour in Williamsburg.

Linda had several errands to run today.  I took my
drawing to work on while she was at Target.
We need to return a bathroom light to Home Depot.
We opened it and it was plastic.  Yes, a plastic globe
not glass, that will not do!  Trying to squeeze in holiday
with my holiday paintings.

2012 Holiday Series #11

2012 Holiday Series #11
5"x 5" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

 

Wreath with a jucey bow on a door!

 

Another one that I decided to make prints from.
Tomorrow it goes to the printer for a quick scan.
You are still buying the original watercolor but
knowing there will be prints available later.

Returned from two busy days in DC with the kids!

This is from the Botanic Gardens.   We walked, and
walked and walked some more!
Fantastic dinner at Floriana.

2012 Holiday Series #10

2012 Holiday Series #10
6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

This mantel is from the Kings Arms Tavern
in Williamsburg, VA.  We had an excellent lunch
there.  The painting has a bit more pizazz than
it photographs.  I promise it looks even better!

I painted all morning.  Then ran errands; Boxes
to UPS, stop at the bank, visit my Mom.  Tonight we
went to American Music's Christmas Show.
This is an annual thing we do with Linda's Mom.
Again they did an excellent job.
Looking forward to two days with the kids in DC.

2012 Holiday Series #9

2012 Holiday Series #9
5"x 5" Original Miniature Watercolor

SOLD!

(click over painting to make larger)

A beautiful wreath hanging on a
brick wall. While in Williamsburg, VA we
took a house tour of private residences
within Colonial Williamsburg. 
This was view from that tour.
Also, I decided to make prints from this original.
Tomorrow it goes to the printer for a quick scan.
You are still buying the original watercolor but
knowing there will be prints available later.

Someone asked about us going to DC.  Don't
worry, we are only gone Saturday and Sunday.
It's a quick weekend with Abbey, Ben and Rashetta.
Our housesitter does not let clients into the studio
nor answer the studio phone so if you need
something, Friday from 8 to 5 or next week is when
you can catch us. 

2012 Holiday Series #8

2012 Holiday Series #8

6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor

SOLD

Berries, greens and a window make a great
holiday still life.

Painted almost all day.  You would not think
something so small could take so many hours
but they do.  I do not scrimp on the detail.
Linda was gone all day running errands.
There is a pile of food I am not to get into so
I am guessing its almost cookie making time!

A little reminder that if you want to visit the
studio we are not open this weekend.  Heading
to DC for Christmas with the kids.  Otherwise
trying to be available.  Call to make an appointment.
717.627.3383

2012 Holiday Series #7

2012 Holiday Series #7

6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor

SOLD

A juicy red bow.  This was from Merchants Square
in Williamsburg, VA.  I do not think there were
bows in the historic part.

I actually cheated a bit and stayed up late last night
and did the drawing for this one so I could start
painting right away this morning.  I was able to
finish it by noon today and then off on a few errands
and visit my Mom.

2012 Holiday Series #6

2012 Holiday Series #6

4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor

SOLD

A classic Williamsburg fence with greens.

I don't have much to say... stuck to my paints
all day.  This little busy number took me from
9 till 5 with no break.  Not sure how that is
possible but its true.  OK, I did heat up a bowl
of soup but I ate while painting.  You truly
get full detail in these little gems.  They are not
slapped together.

2012 Holiday Series #5

2012 Holiday Series #5
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

Greens hanging on a porch. This one
features a bit more architecture.
That's a dried sunflower in the center.

Stuck to my stool painting all day.
Linda was looking up recipes for the
holidays.  Expecting some good cookies!

2012 Holiday Series #4

2012 Holiday Series #4
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD!

Very nice...  My signature brick.
Wreath and swag on a white door.
Screams Christmas!

This one took most of the day.  I did not
leave my stool.  We had a few clients stop in
for prints.  Linda was at her desk most of the
day.  She made me a spicy chicken white bean
chili soup and also made her parents a chicken
corn soup.  We dug out a few decorations,
no tree this year, don't trust the cats to leave it
alone. 

2012 Holiday Series #3

2012 Holiday Series #3
4"x 6" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD

This is even warmer than the photo.
I am getting my groove back!  Seeing
a few bids on yesterdays painting helps
the mood!

I plan to paint in the morning if anyone
wants to stop in.  Otherwise give me a
call/email to make sure we are here.

2012 Holiday Series #2

6"x 4" Original Miniature Watercolor
SOLD!

If you would like to bid but are unsure how
please send an email and I will walk you through
the process.  It really is easy and you could end
up owning an original for only $100!

I am focusing on views I saw in historic
Williamsburg, VA.  A simple white bench
with greens and fruit.

I don't know why but I feel like I am putting
extra pressure on myself to paint fantastic
holiday pieces.  Today was a bit of a struggle.
I find it goes much easier if I do not take a break
from painting.  I only had 7 days off and it feels
like weeks so I need to get my groove back!

Back from Williamsburg...

We just returned from a few days in Historic Williamsburg.
Privileged to see the Grand Illumination and spend time
with my brother and family. Great weather, great food
and great family time.

My brother Carl, daughter Sarah, wife Beth, daughter
Emily and her new husband Matt and my wife Linda.
I took over 400 photos so I am ready for my
"Holiday Series" starting tomorrow.

2012 Holiday Series #1

2012 Holiday Series #1
A Painting A Day
4"x 6" original miniature watercolor


OK, I am starting the Holiday Series.
A little night scene with lights.

Tomorrow morning I am at Lancaster Mennonite
for career day.  Planning on seeing the movie
"Lincoln" in the afternoon.  Then packing for
Williamsburg for some real holiday inspiration!

Anyone who received their invitation after the
open house please send an email telling me when
it arrived and your name and city/state.  I am asking
my mailing service to file a complaint with the
Post Office.  Someone somewhere messed up.
The more names I have the bigger the case.
Thank you to all who already sent me a notice.

FYI: Due to the slow mail I am extending the $10
off coupon on the mailer to December 15! 
You can still place an order.

2012 Window Study #3

2012 Window Study #3
miniature original watercolor 6"x4"
SOLD

A little window study for today.

I took my first load of orders to UPS and the
Post Office.  Shipping costs have sure gone
up.  Other than that... a quiet snowy day.

Still Life #23

2012 Still Life #23


I had two weeks off from painting and
felt it was time to get back into a routine.

The house is almost back to normal. It takes
almost as much time taking things apart as it
does setting it up! The exhibit is down and all
the panels and lights are away.
The furniture is still not back into its place.
Linda is working on paperwork from Open
House and also keeping up with orders.
The Post Office made a mess of the mailer
delivery this year.  All invitations were at the
Post Office on 10/29.  I apologize to all the
clients who's invitation was delivered this past
weekend... a full week after Open House and
26-27 days after they were dropped off.  It is
hard to get an explanation as to where they
have been all this time.  Very frustrating.
I need to go, I still have a few mats to cut tonight.

Cyber Monday

"Harvest Finished" print
Print only: $50
Framed Print: $100

In honor of Cyber Monday...
FREE SHIPPING on any order placed today.
Check out all the prints and the originals
on my website: www.andysmithartist.com
Order on line (after you click on "buy print"
wait a few moments while it takes you to the
shopping cart.  
Rather talk to me... call 717-627-3383

I am soon starting my Holiday Series.  If you have
any Holiday photos you think would make a good
painting email them to me!

Small Business Saturday...

"Twas the Nite" mini print
Print in a mat $15
8x10 Framed $35

My studio is open on Saturday from 10am to 8pm
at 4 N Spruce St in Historic Lititz, PA
Support your favorite artist and my small business
on "Shop small business Saturday"

Lots of prints framed and unframed are available and
plenty of original watercolors in all price ranges.
If you missed my Open House last week you can still
stop in this weekend. You missed out on the wine and
great snacks but there is still some spiced cider and
pretzels and paintings!  Can't make it... check my website
and I would be happy to ship!  See an original painting
not quite in the budget, talk to me about a layaway plan!

Open House went very well, not much time to catch
our breath and turn around and be open all this
weekend.   I had a question about my Open House set up.
We move the furniture in the first floor of the house and
I use my show panels with nice covers to hang the paintings.
Use my indoor display lights and Linda makes nice labels
and like magic its a great show display!!

And we are ready...

I do not think anymore can be done. I declare us ready! 

Linda on the other hand is still puttering around, finding
little things to do.

To keep it fair to everyone, on Friday, we will open the
doors promptly at 2:00 (not earlier)   We will not answer the
phone before 2:00 to keep it fair to anyone calling
with an order.   I have no problem if you walk in with your
own marker to write SOLD on a painting in case I am
to busy to help you!!  In fact you may take as many originals
as you want!!

A small peek at what is waiting for you.
See you all at 2:00!

2 More days to get things done...

Spring
Framed: 13x24
Available on Friday at 2PM!

This is the last painting I am doing for
Open House.  This was Linda's request
and I think it turned out really good.
I am off to give a lecture to the Hershey
Art Association.  Linda is staying home
to make truffles!

Open House Update:
Framing totally finished.  Studio is set up.
Labels are printed.  I went to market for the
final groceries.  Cleaning almost finished.
It rained this morning which foiled my plans
to gather leaves so just overlook them please!

3 more days till Open House



We are down to a few days.  Linda is still pretty
calm... makes me worried!  Framing will be finished
in the morning.  All the panels are up and most
originals are hung.  An email invite went out to
every email we have.  I think tonight we are going
to get groceries.  I am finished painting and working
off my honey do list!

The cat got out for the 2nd time...
an unhappy Linda or maybe...
the boss getting some fresh air.

 Linda call in extra help!  Here is Lori putting in
screws and wire.  It is still looking pretty messy!

Stacy putting glass in a frame.
Tomorrow is a cleaning day.

7 Days till Open House

Untitled Original Watercolor
Framed 17x21
Available on Friday, 11/16 at 2:00pm

I set up tomorrow for my weekend show:
PA Guild Fine Craft Show
November 10 & 11
Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 10-5
Held at the Lancaster Convention Center
25 S Queen St.  Lancaster  PA
This is a great quality show.
($1 off admission coupon on their website)

Open House Update:
I finished all my glass cutting and then
I went for a haircut... it is very important to
look well groomed!  Linda spent the day in the
studio with matboard.  We also scrubbed the
porch floor and laid a carpet.  Went on a hunt
for inexpensive small pumpkins for the top of
our fence, the others are a pile of mush!  I have
a painting I want to finish tonight.
Linda is a little panicky since there are still a lot
of clients who did not receive their invitation.
They were all mailed 10/29...10 days ago.
If you want a more detailed idea of how we get
ready for open house go to November blogs
from past years.  Prep is the same each year.

8 days till Open House

Another 11x22 watercolor

Untitled and not priced....

 

Open House Update

I got the canopy up around the porch yesterday.
In time for the bad weather tonight, my heart goes
out to all my clients and friends in New Jersey, I
cannot imagine snow on top of all the mess you have.

Linda finished her menu and grocery list.
Today we picked up glass and took a few
hours to visit our friend Joan.  Home by
5:30 and now I am cutting the glass. 
I have 105 pieces to cut... it will be a long
night.

10 days till Open House...

untitled Original Watercolor
Framed 11x22

It is fun creating paintings to fit in this
unusual shape. 
This will be available next Friday!

Open House Update:
I am still painting.
Linda has the panels up in the living room
and some paintings hanging.  Our framing supplies
come from New Jersey and today is their first
day in the office so we will be able to get glass on
Wednesday.  I am doing a survey on who has
received their invitations.  I am thinking outside of
PA has not received them as of yet. Shoot me an email
or post on facebook and let me know. I am a little
worried... The post office is less than satisfying.
Linda has the table filled with recipes for hors devours
while she is planning the menu.  More thought goes
into this than I think is necessary!!  It is good you
are not relying on me for snacks.  I am sticking to
painting!

Family News...
We have been telling everyone who will stop and
listen, can't help it we are so proud.
Our son-in-law Ben Hunter passed the NY Bar!
Yes, passed the first time around.
Very proud.

14 days to Open House!

5"x 5" miniature original watercolor

This apple was a class demonstration.  I added
more detail after class.  I have been studying
oil painting backgrounds and working on
a similar style only with watercolor.  It is hard
because the approach is much different.
Click over apple for a better view.


Oops...  I am having website issues.  You currently
cannot order from the website.  You can send an
email and tell me all the info and I can send you a
paypal invoice or arrange other payment.  Waiting
for the webmaster to work on it.  Never happens at
a slow time!

Open House Update:
Mats are mostly cut.  Frame order is placed,
glass order comes Wednesday.  Linda has the
rooms all torn up, moving furniture around.
Lights on a pile.  The new framed originals have
pieces of paper taped to the glass with the price
and then I write a few title suggestions.

I am still painting!

Invites in your mailbox...

Watch your mail for your invitation!

Please note: Open House is Nov. 16-18.
I am simply opening the studio to the public over
Thanksgiving weekend!

Also I am officially taking orders for my
new print "Harvest Finished"
Print: $50.
Framed (17x21")  $100.

This painting wordlessly sums up the season.
An empty bucket and bare trees clearly tells us
that autumn is passing and winter is close behind.
There is a peaceful feeling, quiet and soothing,
the world entering a phase of rest.
This is a classic Andy Smith
You can order on the website or
call the studio ~ 717-627-3383

16 Days till Open House

untitled watercolor
framed 22x12
Available at open house!

My heart goes out to all my NJ and NY clients who
may have had losses in the storm.   I know your Smith
paintings and prints may be the last thing on your mind
but if you need replacements or values for insurance
let me know.


Open House Update
My mailers are at the post office...  hopefully they arrive
in your mailbox dry!  Linda has been glued to her desk
making 250 corrections to the mailing addresses that
were returned from the mailing house.  Who knew so
many people move in a year! Today I picked up the new
print and now they all need numbered and signed. 
I do a stack of 50 at a time so my had does not get tooo
tired.
Tomorrow is scheduled for matting and framing.  I was
asked to vacate the studio!   I will be painting for one more
week and then it will be time to clean and set up.  I saw
Linda's folder with hors d'oeuvres so I think she is quietly
thinking what to serve you.

I had a question...Anonymous said...
First of all I would like to say awesome blog! I had a
quick question which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
I was interested to know how you center yourself and
clear your head before writing. I have had trouble
clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure
out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thanks!
My blog is simply an extension of my day.  It is just like
I am talking to someone in front of me, giving a quick
rundown of my day.  I don't think to hard about it,
I simply share. There is a general plan.  A photo of my
newest painting.  Info about this new painting.
Then my day, who is doing what in the studio.  My next show.
Any info I think I need to share.
Linda and I talk all day so by the time it comes to the blog we
already know what to say,  she types faster so she often
types it for me.  I rarely have a day with nothing to say!!
So relax and just chat!

Untitled

Untitled
Framed 24x18
Available on Friday 11/16!
A second in my early morning series.
This weekend I will be at the Carlisle
Expo Center at 100 K Street, Carlisle, PA
Exhibiting with the Yellow Breeches
Chapter of the Guild
Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 5
$5 admission 
there is a $2 off coupon on their website
http://ybcrafts.org/?page_id=242

23 Days till Open House

Untitled
Framed 24x18
Available on Friday 11/16!

This is a view from my early morning
bike ride.   The sun is just coming up.
Open House Update:
We took the 6000+ invitations to the mailing
house this morning.  After 28 years of Linda and
friends and family stuffing, closing, labeling and
stamping it seems a bit off to take them to be done.
A big step for Linda to let someone else handle it.
They should be at the post office by Monday. So keep
an eye out for yours!
Otherwise  Linda is framing and I am painting.

Pumpkin #2

Pumpkin #2
5"x 5" original watercolor painting
SOLD!

I was able to squeeze in a blog for the first
time in ages.  Feeling the season!

This is the last week for my classes. I need
to really concentrate on painting in November.
December I work on commissions. So
classes will start again in January.  Keep in
mind you can do a gift certificate for classes
as part of your holiday shopping!