Good Bye 2023...Hello 2024!

Good Bye 2023...
I am rather glad to close the door on 2023 after spending the whole year battling cancer.  I want to say a HUGE thank you for all your prayers and support, meals and gifts. Thank you to the staff at the Barshinger Cancer Institute for their kindness and care. Thank you to my walkers who made sure I got fresh air and limited exercise!  And finally to Linda who took great care, kept me on schedule, kept me eating, kept me walking and loved me through a difficult time.

Today is my 71st birthday, yes a New Years baby and it is impossible to believe I am 71.
We are having pork and sauerkraut for good luck and a baby Bundt cake from the new bakery.

I did not blog since the 14th so this may be a long update...

We were invited to help celebrate 4 birthdays at the Log Cabin.  


Abbey and Ben came home the 17-18 for a visit, we would not be together for Christmas, they left for Namibia (yes, in Africa) to celebrate Abbey's 40th birthday!  My baby is 40?

AND we left for 11 days in Connestee Falls, NC with friends the Woodruffs. For our home base we rented a beautiful house on the TOP of the mountain with stunning views.
We spent a full day at the Biltmore. Did a morning Rooftop tour which was excellent.

We had a good lunch on the grounds at the Stable Cafe and then took an evening candlelight tour.

Did some shopping in the cute town of Brevard.  One evening we went to the Grove Park Inn (WOW!!) to Elaine's Dueling Piano Bar for a fun evening of music.  We had a very good Christmas Eve buffet at the Seasons at Highland Lake.  So...we ate well, did a few fun things, and laughed. 

Back home to laundry and mail!  And to close out our year we spent New Years Eve with our friends the Hildebrands, who we have spent time with every year for 40+ years!   A perfect way to close out a year.

My plan is to do a few more (late) Holiday mini's, then a week of NC paintings and then birds!

HAPPY 2024 and I wish you all  good health and happiness.

2023 Holiday #9

SOLD!  $155 (unframed) 4x6” mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10  $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/16 the price goes to $250.

I liked the textures on this one.

This is the last weekend you can pick something up at the studio.  We plan to go to Asheland, NC on the 19th.  We have tickets to see the Biltmore all decorated.  My blog posts will be spotty all next week.  It depends on how much sightseeing Linda has planned.

Health Update: My MRI was clear AND I managed to have my scope done without being put under. Another all clear. AND my hyperbaric chamber is on hold since I am healing. Doesn't get any better!

2023 Holiday #8

SOLD!  $160 (unframed) 6X4" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/15 the price goes to $275.

This one turned out fantastic. You could leave it out all year!

A client sent a photo of her 2 new paintings...

2023 Holiday #7

SOLD!  $155. (unframed) 4X6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/14 the price goes to $225.

Staying on a mitten theme...

2023 Holiday #6

SOLD!   $155. (unframed) 5X5" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 9x9 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/13 the price goes to $250.

Thank you Millbach Homestead for all the Holiday inspiration.  I am starting with mittens!

"Snowman" my new 2023 Holiday print...available to order

Description: Featuring a snowman ornament from our tree. This was actually a paper pulp ornament that Linda made and painted years ago. It is hanging in a tree with lights.

Category: Holiday Mini Prints Edition: open edition mini print Framed: $35.00 Framed Size: 8x10

There are 17 Holiday mini prints available and they make perfect gifts... 
Don't wait, we can only take orders thru the 17th.

Health Update:  This is my week for the first of my 3 month check ups.  I have an MRI tonight and a surgeon check on Thursday.  I am feeling better, finally off the Tylenol and more importantly, I rode my bike!

2023 Holiday #5

SOLD!  $155. (unframed) 4X6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/12 the price goes to $250.

Our Holiday fun has started!  Thursday evening we had dinner with long time friends Rick and Karen, we went to the Blue Bird Inn in Cornwall PA.  Saturday morning we did our annual stop at Millbach Homestead, a fantastic shop with antiques and Christmas decorations.  They allow me to take photos to use for my Holiday Blog paintings.  We came home with a small old stool and 2 table runners.  Then we went to friends Carol and Ron's house so Linda could string a fresh swag made of cranberries, dried orange slices and fresh bay leaves.  


Came home and hung it over the french doors.

But we are not finished... Saturday evening was "Pizza and Game Night" with friends Kathy, Bruce, Betsy and Mark.   We are not a big game players and this group insists we play!   Linda won by 1 point!  Which brings us to Sunday.  An afternoon spent  with my brother Carl and Beth at Hershey Theater to see  "Straight No Chaser" followed by dinner at Hidden Still Spirits.

2023 Holiday #4

SOLD!  $155. (unframed) 5X5" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 9x9 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/8 the price goes to $250.

I went a little rogue today... full moon, moody sky, lights on a tree, star on top of the barn and a wreath.
Maybe overkill but I had fun!

We drove around a little and I actually was able to get a bit of new subject for Holiday. We applied for our TSA this morning. I think it is the first I have been fingerprinted. A bit unsettling. Then I spent the rest of the day finishing my second commission. I had fun with this one and my client loved it.  Now on to commission #3.

2023 Holiday #3

SOLD!   $155. (unframed) 6X4" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/7 the price goes to $250.

Found this view driving around Lititz.

Took another load of orders to UPS, if you are planning to place an order, don't wait!

Had some fun today, a videographer for WITF came to interview me for an Artist series on Mosaic YouTube channel. They highlight artist in central PA.

2023 Holiday #2

 
mini original watercolor   $250.

This is the entrance off Rt 501 to Brethren Village.  I like the way the light and wreath look against the stone.

_________________________________________________
I almost forgot... Lancaster Newspaper 2023 Readers Choice...
Congratulations to Andy Smith, the talented artist who secured third place in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards by LNP Media Group, Inc. 🎨🥉

It’s remarkable to see artists being recognized for their creativity and contributions. May Andy continue to create captivating works that inspire and delight! 🌟🎨

2023 Holiday #1

SOLD!   $155. (unframed) 4X6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 12/5 he price goes to $250.

I am starting the season with a snowman ornament.

Meanwhile I finished and framed my 1st commission, this was for a Christmas gift so I cannot show it till after.  Commission #2 is started and my clients stopped in last night to watch me work on it.
I NEED to go out looking for subjects...

All over...

All over... taking down the sign.

Linda spent the day getting the studio back together so we can work on orders.
I finished commission #1.

Wanted my new print? Do not wait, either order on line or send an email.


1700's
Print: $35.00
Size: 9x13

Framed print: $95.00
Framed Size: 14x18

Pick up at the studio or UPS shipping available at cost.

Shopping at my studio:

This weekend you can check all the boxes with one stop shopping at my studio!

Black Friday: My studio is open from 10 to 5

Small Business Saturday: My studio is open from 10 to 5

Cyber Monday: you can place an order on my website

You can shop for yourself, buy a gift for someone special,  AND my mini prints make perfect Hostess gifts for all your Holiday parties!  And if you are just not sure you can get a Gift Certificate.

I am open this weekend  (without the snacks and wine!) 
Friday, November 24  from 10 to 5
Saturday, November 25 from 10 to 5
Sunday, November 26 from NOON to 3
AT: 4 N Spruce St.  Lititz, PA

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...

Framing...

More framing was happening today and I took 9 orders to UPS. Linda made a fantastic Mac and Cheese from the leftover weekend cheeses. She was at her desk most of the day balancing and entering the weekend sales. I started a rather difficult commission which I cannot show till after Christmas.

Here are 2 more paintings still available!

Week #2...

THANK YOU to all who came to my first weekend of Open House.  I appreciate all your support.

I am open this weekend  (without the snacks and wine!) 
Friday, November 24  from 10 to 5
Saturday, November 25 from 10 to 5
Sunday, November 26 from NOON to 3
AT: 4 N Spruce St.  Lititz, PA

No rest for the weary!  Today we restocked all the prints so there is a big selection!  We  also reorganized the available original paintings.  IF you cannot make it, you may go to my website and order  OR  Call  OR email and we will be happy to help you. 

These two beauties are still available!  

I wanted to show Linda's table this year... being respectful to our vegetarian clients she had a separate meat board.  There were smaller amounts so they could be refreshed often.

2pm Friday...

It is time!    We open our doors at 2pm on Friday.
Today I got a haircut, Linda had a pedicure, we shopped for fresh veggies and fruit and a few things to stock up. Came home and cleaned and cut veggies and did a tidy up walk around. It is 6pm and we are heading out to dinner.   We are ready!

Add these landscapes to your wish list!

See you this weekend...

Only one more day…

Today was the girls prep day for the charcuterie boards. There was a lot of discussion on what goes where, in what and a fork or tooth pick! I was not helpful.

 My buddy Bruce and I escaped for a few hours to Shirk’s Bike Shop. Linda took a few orders for the new snowman print and panicked that we may not have enough ready. She called our supplier to order a case of 8 x 10 glass only to find it’s out of stock in definitely. So I spent a little time tonight, cutting down some glass by hand.

Now is a good time to share a clients wall filled with my paintings.

Salon style, floor to ceiling, and I will say it looks great! Just giving you a few good ideas.  Open house will have a huge selection of original paintings in all sizes and also fully stocked prints. Hope to see you this weekend.

Only 2 days till Open House

Busy Busy!    I am finished painting and now helping get ready. Linda, Lori and I worked off a long "to do" list.   I shop-vac'd the basement so its clean if we need to restock plus Lori, our helper has a big thing against spiders so I had to really clean!   Moved the framing supplies to the basement. Set up the back room for sales. Cleaned the backroom windows, personally I think you should be looking at my paintings not out my windows BUT they are clean. 
I am not sure what this has to do with open house but I was asked to put away the patio furniture and get out the bird feeder...
I taste tested the new hot drink, "Hot Butter Beer" with no beer but hot cider, and with or without rum. It was very good and we will be serving it!   I packed up my paints which admittedly were all over the kitchen. The squirrels ate some pumpkins so I went on a pumpkin hunt.  You get the idea!!

A bit more to tease you with...put on your wish list, available on Friday 11/17 at 2pm.
These are larger originals (no mini's or prints)

Open House Update:

Only a few day till my Annual Open House! We hope to see you this weekend.

Lititz is a great town; so plan on the whole day or even spend the weekend.

Open House Update:  We did the food and wine shopping.  Cleaned one of the studio rugs.  Linda finished hanging and putting labels on the originals.  Just working off her to do list!

We spent from 8-11 on Monday getting part of my 1st three month check up.  Blood work and a meeting with the oncologist.  I am to keep my port for another year.  We set up appointments for an MRI and surgeon internal check for December.  Then we treated ourselves to a late breakfast at the newly opened Pancake Farm located where Rachels was in Richmond Square, Lancaster.  Great service and good food.

2023 Landscape #40

SOLD!  $145. (unframed) 5X5" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 9x9 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 11/10 the price goes to $225.

This one is from a walk in the woods!

Open House Update:   Here is another one to put on your wish list, available on Friday 11/17 at 2pm.
Pumpkin on Broad Street.  Framed 15x15  original watercolor

2023 Landscape #38

 
SOLD!  $150. (unframed) 6X4" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 11/9 the price goes to $250.

Loving the views in Lancaster County.

Open House Update: Linda and Ron cutting bittersweet.  It is now hanging all over the house!


Here is one to put on your wish list, available on Friday 11/17 at 2pm.
Blue Slip. Framed 16x16 original watercolor

2023 Statue of Liberty

mini original watercolor   $250.

This statue never fails to give me a thrill.

Open House Update:  Only 11 days to go.  I have two paintings I am trying to finish.  Linda and the girls have been putting a LOT of hours in the studio.  Framing, framing and more framing!
Lititz is a wonderful town to visit, after you spend time at my studio looking at all my new paintings you have more wonderful shopping and restaurants to explore.  There are several fantastic Inns to spend the night. If you need help planning your weekend, send me an email.

Add this to your wish list, available on Friday 11/17 at 2pm.
Green Cabinet . Framed 14x18   original watercolor

2023 Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

SOLD!  $145. (unframed) 5X5" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 9x9 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by the price goes to $225.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia.  We loved it here! 
We climbed all over the rocks, had fabulous views.  Beautiful weather for the end of October.

2023 Water #6

original watercolor  $225.
Bar Harbor at sunrise from my balcony. A wonderful way to wake up!

2023 Landscape #38

SOLD!   $145. (unframed) 4X6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 11/2 the price goes to $225.

Boston...  planning to go back and do some tours and really take time to see it. I painted this one on the ship.

2023 Pumpkin #3

SOLD!  $145. (unframed) 4X6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 11/1 the price goes to $225.

I started these pumpkins before we went away but I took them along to finish. Love seeing pumpkins stacked!

Went away:   The timing was not the best with getting ready for Open House but I am sure Linda will get it all done!  I was able to paint while on ship.   We celebrated my finishing treatment with a one week cruise from NYC to Canada and back with our friends the Linns. Our first time cruising since Covid and our first time with Princess.   Excellent service, good food and perfect weather, could not ask for more!  We dressed for dinner each night just to make it more special.  I got to wear my bow ties which I love! 

2023 Pumpkin #2

SOLD!  $145. (unframed) 6X4" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 10x8 $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 10/20 the price goes to $225.

A great little pumpkin!

That's it for the week.   I am taking a week off for some fun.
Details to follow!
Next blog is Monday 11/30

SAVE THE DATE:

2023 Landscape #37

SOLD!  $145. (unframed) 4X6" mini original watercolor
Available to the 1st person to email
(framing 8x10- $35 - shipping available at cost)
If unsold by 10/19 the price goes to $225.

The countryside near Middleburg, VA


Picked up my new print today!!

"1700's"
very limited edition of 50 prints
Image: 9x13 Unframed: $35.
Framed: 14x18" $95.  (walnut or black wood)
A snapshot in time.  This view is from Stratford Hall in VA.  I love everything about this painting.

You can place an order and have them shipped (at cost)  after Open house or pick up at Open House.   We are waiting on my frames to be finished.  

2023 Landscape #36

SOLD! 4X6" mini original watercolor
When the homeowner saw I painted her house on 10/9 and stopped to pick it up, she saw I was painting it from a different view and wanted this one also.
There is something about the way the morning light lays across this house that moves me.

I am feeling a little snake bit... At the end of last week I felt like I was getting a cold.  I know my immune system is low from all the treatments.  BUT not a cold, Covid.   We just had our boosters on the 3rd!  I still feel like just a cold, sleeping in the spare bedroom and taking Paxlovid.  Hopefully Linda will not get it.

CLAIMED!!     
And...because I like to see who reads my blog to the bitter end!!!
FREE to the 1st person to send an email and claim it!
If you are a past winner you are not eligible!

"LIGHTHOUSE in VIC" original watercolor, painted in 2018 

This painting has a peaceful feel to it. A lighthouse in Vic Iceland  -  value $675 
 UNFRAMED,    framing available $60  14x18" - shipping available at cost