Thursday, April 30, 2020

planning ahead to Mother's Day

Mothers Day is coming up in about 10 days.  We had train tickets and plans to visit our daughter in NYC for that weekend.  You can imagine how bummed Linda is to have cancelled.  Anyway, you need to think ahead.  I am going to feature a few prints that we can ship directly to your Mother!
I am thinking flowers...  Price good till Mothers Day!

Bellissimo     Image: 5x16"   Framed: 11x22"



Rare Find      Image: 12x9"    Framed:  18x14"



Potting Shed     Image: 9x12"   Framed:  14x18"


Mother's Day Special:
Print only $22.50 -  that is 1/2 off the regular price of $45!   You Save $22.50!!
Framed Print:  add $40 framing - choice of walnut or black wood frame with a double mat.
plus shipping...
AND a gift to you... a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value)  a win win all around!  You might want to send one to yourself!!

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Rocking horse...

I have always been interested in antique rocking horses...

 Window #1  framed 8x10"   $225

This was from a walk in Howth, Ireland.
The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!

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This was discovered in Linda's closet clean out!!   We go back to 1982... way back,  I was only painting for 2 years... Experimenting with my style, much more painterly.    The image is 7x11"  (unframed)

SOLD!
$100 to the first person to email.   (this is a steal!!)  Unframed and you cover shipping!

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Antiques


Still Life #13   Framed 8x10    $225.



Still Life #14  framed 10x8     $225.

The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!

Monday, April 27, 2020

Still Life

2020 Still Life #1    framed 8x10      $225.

This is from an antique shop in Bath, PA  I left the price tags on, as a realist artist I thought it was authentic.

2019 Still Life #1   framed 10x8   $225

I really like painting antique pottery, it has always been in my wheelhouse.

The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!


UPDATES:Lititz Porchwalk in October has cancelled.  I am guessing there will be no shows this year.  Who wants or should be walking around in large or even small crowds.  A temporary alternative is to keep up with my blog and website and FaceBook so you always have first chance on any of my paintings!
Years ago artist had sponsors.  I have been blessed over the years with clients coming into my life when I most needed them and bought paintings.  I have clients with wonderful collections of my work. These are unusual times and those that can afford to support their favorite artist and craftsman should; become a sponsor.

I had an interesting comment from yesterdays chat about paper and cotton.  This is from a client, Anita:  Speaking as an agricultural scientist, cotton is a huge crop around the world.  So there is lots of selection for improved traits, such as staple length, disease resistance, drought tolerance etc.  Breeding for several desired traits invariably also selects for other things.  Likely some of the basic chemistry or structure of the cotton may have changed with time.  And changed the way the paper absorbed the watercolor.   
Thank you Anita

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Finished!

Finished!!   I think you can click over it to make it larger.
untitled        framed 17x21"            $1250.

I am so pleased with how this turned out.  There is so much to see, let your eyes wander.  Also a huge THANK YOU to Nancy B. for allowing me to use her photo.  Hope I made you proud.


Backing up to where I left off on Friday,  I added warmth to the front of the first house and painted in two of the flags.  There are three sources of light,  the full moon and porch lights are the obvious ones however there was something (unseen) in front of the house because of the shadows laying on the first house.



Another full day of painting...  now you can see the shadows.  I rubbed off the misket and started the trees.   Darkened the sky. 

 In terms of time spent, 4 full days/nights.  I often paint late into the night so my day is not a day!  I also do not normally count hours per painting.  It is done when its done, however long that may take.  While I would not have picked this to paint after I had the drawing finished I really got into it.  I love night/moon paintings but this one has something just a bit different about it. 
Title??  If you purchase it you may title it!!

I have been having issues with my watercolor paper.  I used Arches for years and something changed so I switched to Kilimanjaro which I loved...for years...until something changed. Both are 100% cotton.  Thinking outside the box are they spraying something on the cotton when it grows??    Both companies claim they have made no changes BUT something is different.  The paper does not accept my washes the same way.  SO I am on a new paper hunt.  Linda just ordered 7 different brands of 300lb cold press. Want to know about paper...click here.  I am starting a waterlily on Cansons Moulin du Roy.

Friday, April 24, 2020

New 17x21 painting

I took a day or two off after finishing the covered bridge and started into another painting. This is at Linda's request and is different than my usual and a bit off beat. Thank you Nancy for the use of your photograph. We cropped the original a bit to make it more interesting as a painting.

Step 1 - study the subject, understand it, take it apart in your mind.
Step 2 - Because of the very interesting angles I sketched this several times just to get a feel.
Step 3 - draw on the watercolor paper.

I knew I wanted to do washes across the painting instead of painting around the areas that needed to be saved.  I rarely use misket/maskoid/frisket (used to prevent paper from absorbing color and to keep certain areas white, paint it on and then paint over it and later rub it off) but this painting called for it.  Now is a good time to tell you traditionally watercolor artist do not use white paint.  I learned not to use it from the very beginning however after seeing the watercolor masters exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art a few years ago I noticed they used it but called it body color.  I still do not use it and encourage my students not to use it.  In all my painting any white is the white of the paper.  It does require understanding light.

Step 4 - start laying on the under washes.  This is what sets my paintings apart from other watercolors. The under color that bleeds through.  Watercolor stains the paper and is always there.



OK. I was really into it and forgot to photo as I was painting.  Obviously I moved along.
You may not be able to pick out my original under colors but they change the shades of grey/black.  I never use black out of the tube.  I mix to and layer to get the shades I want.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Glass...

Glass takes some practice, understanding the shadows and the light.  What to paint in and what to leave out.

SOLD!
Still Life #9      framed 8x10      $225.




SOLD!
Still Life #10   framed 8x10    $225.

The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Architecture

Today I am featuring some interesting architecture...

Window #3   framed 8x10    $225

This is from Bethlehem, PA . Notice the reflection in the window.


Door #3     framed 8x10       $300.

A Dublin Ireland door.

The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!   Build your mini collection.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Covered Bridge Finished...

SOLD!
Finished... this first photo shows you the whole paper, sitting on my chair rail, drying.

Did you know watercolor paper takes overnight to dry. Even when you use a hairdryer to dry it actually only drys the surface. Paintings soften and settle in a day after you paint them.

OK, I am going to back up to where I left off in yesterdays post. I am working on the road in front of the bridge... softening the light and adding definition to the sides. Soften the light across the left wall, that one catches the moonlight. Also adding lines to inside the bridge floor. Slowly, layer after layer.


Below is the finished painting close up (I think you can click on it to make it larger) I softened the moon and added a glow around it. Toned down the light at the house. Finished the little sign at the back of the bridge. Simply, I spent several hours just going around softening the edges.


FINISHED! Untitled.... framed 21x17 $3000.

For me, there is a mixed emotion in finishing a painting. After over a week (like 80 hours) of steady painting, it's a huge relief. I am FINISHED. I tear off the tape that holds the paper to my board, leaving a crisp white border (hopefully paint did not bleed under!) and I just am thrilled, actually awed that I did it. Next comes this odd sense of loss. I am FINISHED...

Every artist travels through with their own internal struggles. Fears; of ability, of acceptance both of the work and of the artist as a person, of inspiration and motivation, selling and earning a living. Conflicts; of painting what you desire and actually being able to sell, measuring up to your own ideas and the ideas of others. Health; bouts of depression, a support system, a healthy work ethic. Being an artist is a bit different than a lot of other careers because you are actually creating something other people happily judge, something coming from your heart (soul) and your hands. It is deeply personal but at the same time you need the acceptance of others to like it.
I am extremely blessed.

Monday, April 20, 2020

Covered Bridge and more...

In keeping with the night theme I am featuring two night paintings that you would have seen at my Miniature Show but still have a chance to own!

Landscape #9     framed 8x10      $225.



Landscape #2   framed 9x9    $200.


The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one! Build your mini collection.
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The nicest thing happened: I sold a mini painting and the client did a porch pick up/throw the check in the mail slot...but he rang the doorbell and handed me (Yes he had a mask on!)  a bag with lunch and iced coffees from Tomato Pie.   I cannot tell you how thrilled we were.  I guess because it was so totally unexpected, a simple kind gesture from the heart.  We were blessed and it also helped keep Tomato Pie in business, a double blessing.  Linda was inspired by the kindness and "passed it on" We made (I helped!) a huge pot of chili and handed it out to our neighbors.  So... give some thought on what nice thing you could do to spread the kindness...
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Now to my bridge. you might want to scroll down and see where I left off...  Also, I am considered a fast painter, however you are looking at days (and nights) of work, this is not a fast painting.

I added the trees to the right above the houses  and worked on the trees on the left. I am doing the under washes for the street and darkened the sky.  But notice how the under wash color still bleeds through the blue in the sky.  I often lay in the color and go over it with darker colors as if I am covering the original colors but they always bleed through adding to the texture.



More layers in the street, the darker it gets around the bridge the brighter the light inside the bridge.



and darker... it almost looks like I lost the street...but that's next.    There are multiple light sources in this painting.  Lights on at the house on the right.  Light from the full moon and there was a bike (from my buddy the biker and photographer) sitting with its headlight shining into the bridge.  After much discussion with Linda... the bike was left out (more salable without a bike????  really??)  I guess we will see!   It is not finished yet...



Friday, April 17, 2020

Update on Covered Bridge

NEWS: My Penn State show in July just cancelled. To be honest, I will be surprised if any shows will be held this year. But I am blessed with loyal supportive clients who keep me going; a HUGE thank you to you all.

I have been painting round the clock on my covered bridge. Driving Linda crazy with my mood swings:  I go from "it is fantastic" to "I ruined it" every hour which is unusual for me but for some reason I am out of my comfort zone.  We had a discussion on whether or not an artist can peak and rest on his abilities, paint what is easy or MUST he stretch himself and push himself and continue to struggle when he is near the end of a career.  Does he deserve, or earned the right to just sail though?  SO, if you know Linda at all, you can hear the other side of this discussion... I think I may have tuned out somewhere around the striving for excellence and knowledge and growth till the day one dies, and no one deserves anything...  just kidding, I heard everything she said and then I went back to my painting!

 I think this may be the hardest painting I have ever attempted.  Between the structure of the bridge and the light it is simply hard.  You cannot see it yet but it is a night scene with a light shining into the bridge from the back. So it must get darker and darker without ending up with a blob.

So... building the washes on the inside posts.



darker...



and darker. 

Thursday, April 16, 2020

winter...

I should start with the mini paintings for sale BUT I was too excited to show you the build of this painting.  You are seeing two days (and into the night) of painting.  STUDENTS... painting is a process, a SLOW build of washes, dried hard and washed over again.  Think about the shades of color that will shine through. my sky will get very dark.

Looking below, see how the pink in the sky is still there?



OK, back to the business of art... my mini paintings for today...
The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
Scroll down in case you missed some previously posted minis and if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!   Build your mini collection.

Winter Series #2   Framed 8x10   $225.


Winter Series #2   Framed 8x10   $225.


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Landscapes

Since I wanted to show you the drawing of my latest larger painting I thought I would keep with the theme of landscapes and offer you two of my latest.  These are all paintings that I had ready for my Spring Miniature Show that was cancelled.

Landscape #10   Framed 8x10    $225.



Ireland # 2     Framed 10x8"      $225.

The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
They look fantastic together, if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one or any two previously posted.
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OK, I am excited about this one...  The original photo is from a riding buddy Ron.  He took it early morning.  Linda fell in love with it and insisted I paint it, I was trying to avoid it because I knew how difficult it would be.  From a watercolor painting perspective it is a nightmare!  I took a full day sketching and studying it, taking every area apart in my mind.  It does not look like much but this drawing (on my watercolor paper) took two days.  Remember I hand draw all my work.  I like the connection I get going from my eyes to my hand.   I always stress with my students to really understand what you are painting.  Study the subject.  With this it was almost like building the bridge, understanding how all the posts and beams were connected.  And the perspective...  So after a bit of fussing I am now so excited to get the first layers of under wash laid down!! I am super excited but at the same time, even after 40 years of painting I still question if I can get on paper what I see in my mind.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Still Life...

I am doing a still life theme today featuring two Original Watercolor miniature paintings...

Still Life #12  Framed 8x10   $225.



Still Life #15  Framed 9x9    $225.

The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383
All are framed in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
They look fantastic together, if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one or any two previously posted.

As promised, I finished this gem...
Framed 14x18   $875.

































A raku pottery that challenged my skills to get the iridescence.  I was not totally sure what was inside the pottery, looked like eggs??   Below for the art lovers is the process.














I am starting a covered bridge today...

Monday, April 13, 2020

SPRING!

I am thinking SPRING...   This is a very limited edition print with only about 15 prints left.
A wonderful Mother's Day gift and I can ship it for you!
$50. print only with FREE SHIPPING
OR
$100.  framed 15x21"  and I will split the shipping with you.
Includes a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) 
To order...Send an email

UPDATE:  Obviously my shows are cancelling... check my website for the latest.
Williamsburg in April, Heart of Lancaster  and Chestertown in May, 
Lititz Art Show in July and Mount Gretna in August are all cancelled.  I have a few hold outs but I cannot see them being allowed to go on.

Here at the Smith house all is well.  Linda spent four days making bookmarks.  I finished a painting which I will post tomorrow.  Linda is a bit sad, this was our week to be in the Azores...
Abbey and Ben managed to escape NYC and are spending time in the mountains of Maine, both working from home and enjoying the latest snow storm!  We feel better knowing they are out of the city.

Friday, April 10, 2020

Trying this again...

Auction style...You may send an email with your highest bid... OR you may go to Facebook (Andy Smith Artist) and place your highest bid.
Opening Bid...$100. includes framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value) and FREE SHIPPING!
email your best price...  UNSOLD... available at regular price

       Still Life #5      Framed 8x10     $225.
Thinking Easter basket!!

Please help me out and share this blog with your friends
http://andysmithartist.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Who is paying attention...

Linda is busy cleaning out a closet and found some older paintings in a box. This one is from 1985!   My drawing skills were always good, but I was working on my style, this painting has more of a watercolor feeling to it.  I remember setting up a still life with antiques we owned  on our kitchen table and I worked from life.  I think I may have done a few of these in an old photo Kodak print.

Image 10x13"   Unframed   1985 Original Watercolor

WINNER:  RoseEllen at 4:21AM
As a very special offer to only one client who reads my blog and contacts me FIRST... this original watercolor painting is FREE!   Unframed and you pay the shipping, otherwise it is free!   This is a THANK YOU to my clients reading my blog and for your continued support of my work.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Gift Cards...

Can't get out for an Easter gift or thinking ahead to Mother's Day... I will email (or snail mail)  a gift certificate!
PLUS you can take 10% off any amount you choose!!  Want to give a $100 certificate...  You pay only $90!!   Just send me an email with your wishes and I will do my best to help you.

Purchases may be made by check, PayPal or charge card.

Gift cards may be used for online orders, at the studio or at a future show.  They may also be used towards a watercolor class or a commissioned painting.

Meanwhile, just to show off a bit, I finished this fantastic painting and SOLD it to a client who gave it to his wife for an anniversary gift.   Thank you John for the use of your photograph, this scene is from Nemours in DE.

SOLD!             Framed 21x17                   $1800.   

















I thank you all for your continued support of my work!


Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Still Life

I am going to feature some still life paintings. Today is single objects; antiques.  In a grouping...


SOLD!  Still Life #8       8x10       $225.


     Still Life #19     8x10        $250.



Still Life #11   framed 8x10   $225.
The price includes acid free framing, a coupon for 2 free shrink wrapped mini prints ($25 value)  and  FREE SHIPPING!
Paintings are available to the first person to email or call 717.627.3383 


All are framed 8x10, in black wood frames however you may have them in walnut frames.
They look fantastic together, if you purchase more than one I will offer $20 off each one!