2014 Holiday Series

Two more Holiday paintings...

Holiday Series #9
SOLD

Holiday Series #10
6"x 4" 

We had a very nice Christmas with family and friends.
Linda spent today at her desk, my watercolor classes are
now listed.  Email if you are interested... get out of the
house this January!   Show applications are spread out
and "end of year" sticky notes everywhere.    I went out
today and took extra photos for this big commission I
have for January.  I am expecting it to take all of the
month to paint.    That brings you up to date here at 
the Smith house.

2014 Holiday Series

Another set of four new "Painting A Day"
miniature originals...

 Holiday Series #5

SOLD!

 Holiday Series #6

SOLD!

Holiday Series #7
$225.
this window was from Williamsburg last year.

Holiday Series #8

SOLD!

We spent most of the day in the kitchen
baking and cooking, I had clean up duty.
Merry merry!!

2014 Holiday Series

Since the Season is upon us I am going to put

4 of my latest "painting a day" pieces on at a time!

Holiday Series #1

$275

 Holiday Series #2  

SOLD!

 Holiday Series #3  

SOLD!

 Holiday Series #4

$225.

It has been a month since I took the time to blog.

Open House went well, we had a nice Thanksgiving
and a good Open Studio.   Linda had a fabulous opportunity
to go with her friend Joan on a trip to Croatia.  She was
gone 15 days.  That left me home alone to my own devices!
I biked and painted and went to friends for dinner.  Cooked
several times for my father-in-law.  Handled orders, kept
pretty busy.  I wanted Linda to see all the paintings I did while
she was away in case she wanted to print some next year.
Now I am posting several at a time and I promise you they look
even better in person.  You can't go wrong with this Holiday
collection.   Meanwhile...
Linda is back and now it is Christmas!
Rashetta comes home Tuesday morning and Abbey and Ben
Tuesday night...the festivities will begin.

Count down...

Only 7 day till Open House!
I am assured we are on schedule... New prints are here,
all signed and numbered and framed.  All the matt
cutting and framing will be finished on Monday by noon.
Then its time to clean!  All 199 change of address have
been entered.  Show panels, covers and lights are up.
Paintings are hung (except a few last minute ones)
We must clean, did I mention that??  I comment on this
every year, Linda treats the cleaning as her big Fall Clean.
I am not sure I understand this...you are here to look at
paintings not to notice the dust, I am pretty sure I am right
about this but my opinion is greeted with an eye roll.

Still to be done: more grocery shopping, titles, price and
labels typed, all new prints put on line so you can view them
early, cleaning...

A sample of what will be on display.

Is it Thursday already??

Painting and painting and painting.  That's about all
I am doing.  Morning to late night.... I will say the
new work is looking really good!  Can't wait for you
to see it.  Remember the best selection is on Friday
when the doors open. Linda has a no originals sold
before 2PM policy but you can have it picked out
and ready!

this one is 18 x 14"  I like painting crocks.

Setting up Friday in Lancaster with the guild show.
Lancaster Guild Show
Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Indoors at Lancaster Convention Center
25 S. Queen St
Lancaster, PA 17603

Monday check in

Open House update:

Keep your eye out for your invitation.  If you are from out of PA
feel free to let me know you received it!  Not totally trusting the
Post Office.  If you want an invite email your address and I will
make sure one goes out to you.  Also, feel free to share with
friends you think would like my work.

I am taking orders for the new prints...
Menu is put together and grocery list made.  Wine was purchased.
Mats are being cut daily.   Gigantic order of frames coming on
Tuesday.  Wednesday I go watch the new prints being printed.  
Newest originals are framed.  I am cutting cases of glass and
still painting.  We are on schedule!

2014 Pumpkin #2

6"x 4" original watercolor
 $225  SOLD!

A pumpkin setting on a porch.

Thank you Gerry for helping Linda fix
her computer issue.  He was here and gone
in under 30 minutes!  Thank you Joan for
visiting and taking Linda out of the house!
Other than that... nothing new.

2014 Sunflower #3

5"x 5" Original Watercolor ~ SOLD!

A different variety of sunflower, smaller
flower but still stands tall and has great color.
Linda thought they may be called
Velvet Queen...

Today was filled with painting, errands,
a bike ride, dinner followed by more painting.

Open House Update:
The bill for postage just came in...
over $2000.  Just for postage on the invitation.
About now Linda gets a little hyper... some days
a lot hyper!

Oh... anyone living in Lititz really good with the
program Access?  We use it for my mailing list
database.   Linda screwed something up and
does not know how to fix it.  Requires a house call!
It was a "lot hyper" day!!

2014 Pumpkin

5"x 5" Original Watercolor   SOLD!

Just a nice pumpkin in the sunshine.
This comes unframed but you have the option
to have me frame it.

Two classes yesterday, two classes today and
painting in between.

Open House Update:
Invites are ready to print.  Mailing House is on
alert.  More mat cutting and framing going
on in the studio.  Supplies everywhere, I saw
two cases of glass for me to cut down...

2014 Sunflower #2

5"x 5" Original Watercolor ~ SOLD!!

I am going to try to get some blog paintings
done this week. Concentrating on fall.

Open House Update:
Linda is proofing the invitation and the tear
sheets, she made a few corrections this morning.
She goes back tomorrow for final approval.
We use a local printing company for this, Miller
Printing.  We like to support local.
I went to Pemcore Printing to check the next phase
of the print printing, they are looking good. Another
supply order comes tomorrow.  We plan on having
5-6 of each older print framed and ready for Open
House. That requires a lot of frames, glass and
matt board.  I also saw the folder with hors d'oeuvres
laying on the table, this is a big deal for Linda.
She puts lots of planning into your snacks!

Open House Update

 It's time... the work on my 31st Annual Open House starts
now... actually it started the first of October.  My painting
madness is in full swing so I can offer fabulous new
original paintings.  I will start teasing you with them and
you can pick your favorite but no early sales!

Meanwhile, the new prints were picked:

"Heritage"

framed 20x22 $115

"Misty Morning"

framed 20x22 $115

They are at the printer now but I have seen the proofs and

they are looking great.  You will be able to email and place
an order but no deliveries till Open House.
Linda has been in the studio working round the clock.
Invites are almost designed, copy for the tear sheets is
finished, frames and supply orders are placed.  Mats
are being cut, extra prints are being framed.  I was told we
are on target! More to come...

On another note... Linda's Mom made all kinds of cards
and Linda is looking for a couple of special places to
donate them.  Any ideas other than Nursing homes are
welcome!

Wednesday check-in

I have not blogged in ages, not because I was not

working but because time was tight.
Porchwalk went well, I am sharing the hay bale
sofa we made in the back yard.  Clients enjoyed it.

Classes are going well, we mounted a student exhibit
at United Zion Retirement Home (in Lititz) for the
month of October. Also you can check out my
Students Blog to see the latest works.

This weekend is my last outdoor show:
Crafts in the Meadow
Held at Tyler State Park, Richboro, PA
Saturday and Sunday 10 to 5
there is a discount coupon on their website
this is a very nice show!!

And... save this date:
Andy Smith's 31st Annual Open House
November 21-23
You don;t want to miss it!!

Monday check in

It has been a rough time at the Smith house.
My Mother-in-Law spent 4 days in ICU and
then 11 days in Hospice.  Linda was with her
round the clock, going home only two nights.
Sadly she passed away on Thursday morning
with Linda and I holding her hand.
It has been very hard on Linda who has been
Arlene's caretaker for many years.

Arlene was always in my corner, she supported
my painting from the very first day I met her.
Always told me I could "make it".  She helped
with mailers and anything she could do in the
Studio.  For 30 years she was the cashier at my
Open House.  Her presence will be greatly missed.

I have tried to keep painting and attended two
shows by myself.  I am taking Linda along this
weekend to the Berkshires.  I hear the leaves are
starting to change.

Country Fair at Hancock Shaker Village
held on the grounds of the Shaker Village
1843 West Housatonic St. Pittsfield MA
10am to 5pm
Admission includes the village

2014 Still Life #14

4"x 6"Original Watercolor
$225.

I worked on this piece as a study for a larger
painting.  The watercolor is actually richer color
than it photographed.

I am switching gears and teaching classes
this week. One this morning and one tonight,
and again tomorrow.  Meanwhile I had to unpack
the van and dry out all the show equipment since it
rained 30 minutes before closing the show on Sunday!
So everything was wet.   Linda's Mom has not been
feeling good so Linda has been helping her, leaving
me to grocery shop and run errands... no loafing here!

2014 Still Life #13

4"x 6" Original watercolor

The great advantage of painting these little
gems is that I get to practice and study.
I am attracted to light and shadow and this
floor with the bottom of a cabinet was interesting.
A bit obscure but interesting.

2014 Still Life #12

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
$225

This is from the KY Shaker Village,
the room used to worship.  I like the
light across the backs of the pews.

Heart of Lancaster Show has been mentioning
me often in their ads... click here!

2014 Still Life #11

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
SOLD

Glass...
Always good practice.

We had a great visit with Abbey and Ben
this past weekend.  Yesterday Linda and
I had the tandem out for spin.  Other than
that I am just painting.  Linda is framing for
this weekend's show.
Heart of Lancaster ~ August 30-31
Held at Roots Market, 705 Greystone Rd
Manheim, PA ~ 10am to 4pm
Booth #136

2014 Still Life #10

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
$325

This is part of a larger painting I am interested
in doing.  I wanted to get a feel for it.  It has
warmth and a bit of color.  Turned out well.

Linda just started her fall panic mode...I have been
informed we only have 5 weeks till we go to the printer
with whatever new print we are doing this year.  I guess
part of the panic is she does not have something in mind.
I start teaching in September so class notices need to
be sent and with several classes a week the flow of our
days change.  I am sending her out into the garden as much
as I can!!

2014 Still Life #9

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
$225

More still life...

I finished drying my wet tarps from Sunday morning's
rain.  Packed up my extra tent, won't need two any more
this year.  Cleaned off the porch, a friend gave us a pile
of bubble wrap that needed bagged.  Mowed the lawn.
Painted.

Friday check in

There was no time to paint today.  We had to set up our
booth at Mount Gretna.   I thought I would share what
goes into that exciting display you walk into at a show.
By the time you arrive everything is in place looking fun,
as it should.

Remember I took about two hours yesterday to pack the
van.  We left the house at 9:15am.  I had to dolly all my
stuff across bumpy grass.  I start by laying down my rug,
nailing it into the ground so no one trips, and to give a
nice "this work is special" feel!

At this show I have a double booth, so that's two of

everything. Next is my tent.  This is a lot like camping,
lots of  poles to put together.  I happen to have two
different tent styles, which is a lot to remember!

Add the top, tarp the sides, sun shades on three sides
and a rain gully in the center, (just in case it rains)
Two sets of banners so you know who I am and what
I sell as you walk past!  And so you know its watercolor
not photography which I get all the time, and I take as a
compliment.  There are 18 wire show panels all cleverly
arranged for optimal hanging space and so you can walk
around inside.

I added covers over the show panels to display my

fabulous paintings to their best.  Bungee and zip-tie
and nail everything together so it is safe in wind...  

You are looking at about 5-6 hours of work by both
Linda and myself. Made harder because I had to carry
everything so far. Linda will hang the paintings early
tomorrow morning.  The dampness is not good for
watercolors.  We zipped up and went to the
Jigger Shop for a treat!  Its early to bed tonight, I need
to be chipper for the next two days!  See you at the show.

Mount Gretna Art Show
Mount Gretna, PA Rt 117
Sat. 9am-6pm and Sun. 9am-5pm
$10 admission
By space is on the path #228 

2014 Still Life #8

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
SOLD!

Another still life from the Shaker Village.
Simple clean lines.

I started my day by packing the van.  Linda must
be expecting a super good Mount Gretna because
we are loaded!  We always have a double booth;
one tent has prints and one tent has original paintings.
Set up is tomorrow at Mount Gretna.  Fingers
crossed for good weekend weather.
Someone from Hospice stopped in for a  donation
and clients stopped to pick up a painting.
So it was afternoon by the time I started painting.
Worked from about 3pm till just now.

2014 Still Life #7

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
$225

Glass is always intriguing to me.

Started my morning with Men's Prayer breakfast.
Painted most of the day.  Ran to the grocery store
for a few things.  Dinner with the family and now
I am getting this blog on early so I can go out
for a bike ride!

2014 Still Life #6

6"x 4" Original Watercolor
$250

A bit of pottery from the Shaker Village.
I told you I found lots of new inspiration.

Getting ready for Mount Gretna this weekend.

2014 Still Life #5

5"x 5" Original Watercolor
SOLD!

Shaker...  got to paint it!  After visiting and getting all
new inspiration it simply calls me.

My usual busy Monday; bike ride, unpack the
van, paint.  Linda was at her desk all day.
Going for ice cream after the blog is finished!

2014 Landscape #9

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
SOLD!

I went with a Kentucky landscape for my final
weeks painting.  I love the dry-stacked walls that
you see everywhere.

Took longer to pack today than it will to drive to my
space in the BIG Lititz Rotary Craft Show!
Sat. Aug 9 ~ from 8am-4pm ~  FREE!
Booth Change: Linda did not read the application correctly!
My booth is F8
Near the Square... on Broad Street (Rt501)
in front of Young Mens Business League.
Stop and see me!!

2014 Sunflower

5"x 5" Original Watercolor
SOLD

Rows of different sunflowers were growing
at the Shaker Village.  I singled out this one
because I liked the way it was reaching for the
sky. Enjoyed the colors in this little painting.

Linda was on a cleaning kick today.  We went
through a few shelves of old paint cans and
cleaned up a few other shelves.  Then she finally
read the show info for Saturdays big craft show in
Lititz and realized our space was moved.  I am
now near the square, on Broad St.  In front of the
Young Business Mens building.  Space #F8.
The BIG Lititz Rotary Craft Show
Sat. Aug 9 ~ from 8am-4pm ~  FREE!

2014 Chicken

4"x 6" Original Watercolor
$250.

A chicken from the Shaker Village.

Somehow this took most of my day.

2014 Kentucky River

6"x 4" Original Watercolor
$275.

This was my view everyday while driving from our B&B in
Wilmore to The Shaker Village. Route 68/33 snakes around
and crosses over the Kentucky River.  This was my view from
the bridge.

We had a nice time in Kentucky, worth the 9 hour drive!
A fellow artist decided to try the show so we spent some
time getting to know them.  Lynn & Jim Taylor...
Kingston Pottery.  Today I painted, mowed, picked up a
frame order and shipped some orders.

2014 Landscape #8

4"x 6" original watercolor
SOLD!!

As you know by now, I am enamored with
Lancaster County farmland.  I love the roll of
our hills, the quilt pattern of the fields and the
wonderful shadows.

I  spent the afternoon packing.
We are headed to a show in KY.
The Show:Pleasant Hill Craft Show
August 2-3
Held on the grounds of the Shaker Village
3501 Lexington Rd.  Harrodsburg, KY
(There is road construction)
Sat. 9:30-5 and Sun. 9:30-4:30 

2014 Still Life #4

5"x 5"  Original Watercolor
SOLD!

In anticipation of my upcoming trip to the
Shaker Museum I painted Shaker today.

Linda had 4 cases of glass for me to cut down
this afternoon.   Family dinner and then we took
the tandem out for a 9 mile ride.  Ice cream at
Greco's  and home by 8:30.  A full day!

2014 Lewes

4"x 6" original watercolor

While showing in Lewes DE  I found this
interesting corner.  Love the play of light
dancing against the house.  There are truly
subjects everywhere I look.

Lititz Art Show went well.  It was nice to be close
to home, sleep in my own bed and have off on
Sunday!  Kentucky here we come, heading out on
Thursday to one of my favorite places.  The Shaker
Village in Harrodsburg. (near Lexington)

Check in...

We have had a few days off which is a joy.  I managed
to get a few bike rides in.  Linda has been puttering in
the garden.  But it has not been all play.  All my supplies
were wet from the Penn State show so  I had to unpack
all the tent supplies and the camper and dry everything
off and repack.  Linda has been at her desk.  I saw
frames come in and matts were cut.  I wrote a large check
to the post office for a postcard update.

Linda had me busy painting of another kind, all our
patio furniture was in need of sanding and a fresh coat
of paint.  I sanded most of today.

This is the painting I finished at Penn State...

Framed 17x21  Needs a title...

Reminder... this Saturday is the Lititz Art Show.
Its FREE!  So I hope to see all the locals in my booth
holding paintings!!

2014 Night

4"x 6" original watercolor
 $200!

While exhibiting at Penn State we camped
for five nights.  This painting is the full moon
with fellow campers below us.
A bit abstract impressionism...

Today is Linda's birthday... God certainly blessed
me when he had us meet 36 years ago!

2014 Homage to Homer Series #1

Original miniature watercolor   6"x 4"
 "Blown Away"  Winslow Homer 1888
interpreted by Andy Smith
 $275.  SOLD!

 At the show in Toledo an artist was interpreting a Vermeer
and I got the idea to pay homage to Homer, my favorite artist.
I was so excited to start this project.  I did not want to copy
it exactly, but to add a bit of my own style.
Below is the original Homer painting...

2014 Landscape #7

 4" x 6" Miniature Original Watercolor
$275.
Another nice landscape...

And another larger painting.

"Berkshires Morning"

$600  14" x 18"

Penn State Art Show info:
Central PA Festival of the Arts
My booth is A1 on Allen Street
Thurs. thru Sat. 10am to 8pm
Sun. noon to 5

2014 Landscape #6

 4" x 6" Miniature Original Watercolor
 $200.

I cannot get enough of Lancaster County farm
land.  This is off Brubaker Valley Rd.


I mentioned that I have been painting larger pieces.
This is one from Cape May... I found it while walking
along the streets.  The sun made this ordinary garage
look exciting.

"Cape May Sunshine"
21x17"  $875.

This weekend is the Penn State Show...
more info tomorrow.