Black Swan... The Unexpected Gift

BLACK SWAN...THE UNEXPECTED GIFT

It was early in November that although I have a husband and two wonderful sons, 

 I realized I would be spending Christmas 2013 alone in Alaska.  I took a deep breath and then came to terms with that knowledge.   Thoughts of how we will celebrate later, and reminiscing some of the incredible adventures we've all shared in the past kept me going.  I thought much of this just comes along with empty nesting and my husbands work that involves travel.

Well, here is how Christmas of 2013, empty nests and Black Swans all came together.

A very generous woman, who I have yet to meet!, heard of my upcoming lonely Christmas season that was soon and certain.   Unknowing to me, she discussed with my husband that she would be very happy to share her over abundance of airline miles so that I could travel all the way across the country to spend this Christmas with my mother and all my New England relatives.  

It was a wonderful, unexpected, fantastic gift and Christmas.

I was deeply blessed.

So how do I say thank you to a stranger for such generosity?

I asked my husband her size...sweatshirt?, didn't quite cut it. 

I asked my husband if she had any special interests?  
He remembered her once saying how she loved the black swan.  She once had the opportunity to buy a painting and regretted not following through with the purchase.  
For me...done deal.  I know exactly what to do.  But where in Alaska does one find a black swan??   Well, another miracle trip that I'll share more about later, brought me to the island of Kauai and there I found the black swan.  

Via the Internet, and with mostly business purposes in mind, I find the definition of a Black Swan more than appropriate...

"An event or occurrence that deviates beyond what is normally expected of a 

situation and that would be extremely difficult to predict. "


Now that you've heard the story, here are a couple of photos 
that take you along the journey of the painting,
 "Black Swan...The Unexpected Gift"

To start, a very loose and changeable drawing and a wash of background color added.

The addition of darks and color notes placed, and a little more refining on the drawing.

With glimmers of light and many glazed layers of colors, the final Black Swan.

Captivated

"Captivated"

24 x 36 Original Oil
Gallery Wrapped, no framing necessary
$1725

That feeling you have when you can not look away.  The moments when all the world slips away.  

The rustle of nearby grasses, a soft and gentle breeze 

and the song of the sea birds lingering in time.  

Filled with wonder, delight and a sense of peace, there is a time in space 

that you never want to leave.

The longer you linger, the more you see.

Whenever I fly east to visit family, I always love to visit my 

old stomping grounds of Newport, Rhode Island.  

Even in the winter, there is much charm and in locations like this, 

I can feel the hands of the clock simply stand still

as long as I'm willing to stay.

Camo and Lace

Well, I have not quite kept up on the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge but I have blogged more and that is good for me.   Although I haven't painted and posted a daily painting I have been working... playing... uh, working daily.   Okay, so I love my job.

When asked to paint this portrait I was thrilled by this little girl with her auburn hair and fatigue  clothing with white eyelet lace and a pink ribbon!  So adorable.

I thought this time I might show a little more about the process.

Here is a photo of the very beginning stage and a photo of the almost done.  

A little tweaking still to do but it's always fun to put the oil paints aside for 

just a bit and play with the pastels.

Camo and Lace

I'll come back with the finished piece in a couple of days!  (I hope :)



to see more of my pastel portraits, visit my website at 

Angelini Studio

5th Avenue Anchorage, Dreaming of Paris

Take a stroll down 5th Avenue in Anchorage, 

and follow your nose to the best steak in town.  

Enter in and re-live boomtown Alaska, back in the days of the pioneer.  It was a new frontier only for the strongest.  

The gal with the red umbrella has just finished a fine, rare, blue cheese stuffed, fillet and is warm to the core regardless of the cold wet day.  Trust me, there's a big smile on her face even if you can't see it!

5th Avenue Anchorage,

Dreaming of Paris

12x16 Original Oil

If you're ever in Anchorage, you don't want to miss this one!

Club Paris has been serving since 1957 and going strong.

http://clubparisrestaurant.com/origins.html

Contact the artist for purchase information:

angelinistudio@hotmail.com

By the Light of the Ranch

Well, it's no secret to those who know me well that I tend to jump around a bit. 

I would love to have more qualities like those who have a definite path, always knowing what the next step is going to be, but as they say, you can take the girl out of spontaneity, but you can't take the spontaneity out of the girl!  Ok, so that's not exactly what they say, but I have moved back to my previous post when I said "Back on the Ranch" but there was a painting of boats! 

Now it's truly time...

Back on the ranch... here is a second painting from my visit to Rankin Ranch in California.  I was so tickled to be invited to a paint out weekend with the California Art Club.  There were some very wonderful people there as well as amazing artists.   My first painting from the trip "Counting the Herd" started my fascination capturing the light in a new way.  I loved painting that cowboy and have many wonderful memories and photos from that trip.  I hope this is the second of many from that series. 

"By the Light of the Ranch"

Rankin Ranch, California

10x10 Original Oil
300.

Mystic Star

Well life on the ranch here has been none the less than hectic.  Okay, so it's not a ranch, but it was just last night, January 16th that we finally were able to celebrate Christmas with my oldest son and his girlfriend.   That's a little ridiculous but we sure had fun!

Mystic Star 

10 x 10 Original Oil

So now that I've had a chance, I've spent some time finishing another start from David Lussier's workshop.   When I spent that Saturday morning in the little town in Connecticut and I knew that I had to leave within 30 minutes, but knowing that he (David) had some of the greatest photos, and after his demo and new inspiration I knew I had to try.   At that time I decided I would quickly put as much as I could on a canvas using his photo of boats from Mystic.   I still see some areas to finish up on in this one but I just loved the composition.  I believe in some way, these boats are like salty dogs, sharing stories of the sea.  Just hanging out together, both very different but beautiful in their own way. 

Garnet Barn

"Garnet Barn"

It was Saturday, Jan 5th, and I was scheduled to fly home on Monday.  

It was about the 4th time I had visited New England with plans to meet artist team 

David and Pam Lussier.   Facebook posts and phone calls were often shared, but we were never able to connect personally, so this time was it.  No excuses.  After contacting them, I found out David would be teaching his class in Willington, Conn.    It was an hour and a half drive starting around 7:30 in the morning.  Very out of character for me :) but it was a beautiful drive.  Back roads to the little town with morning light, 
fresh snow, creeks and barns along the way.   
Once arriving in Willington,  I found David's studio in an old mill on a 
pond with waterfall and all.  Wooden floors, track lighting and big beautiful windows make up the studio space and of course the walls were adorned with fabulous paintings that sparkle with snow and sea alike.  
David's paintings were an inspiration to start the day.   Both David and Pam are so very warm and welcoming with big smiles and hearts to match.  Shortly after introductions and set up David began his demo.  I'm walking away with some great nuggets, my favorite being how he uses his color wheel to create a palette that will ensure harmony through out his paintings.  

So, with feedback from both David and Pam, my Day 9 painting is from a lovely little Connecticut scene called Garnet Barn.

Garnet Barn

10x10 Original Oil

David Lussier showing his palette set up. 

David Lussier standing and Pam seated.  Both happily painting.

Garnet Barn Unframed $300.00 USD Framed $385.00 USD

Sparkling Water

Day 6 of the 30 day painting challenge is a fly day for me. Changing location from New England to Alaska. So today, I'll reminisce about a day gone by but very much cherished.


Sparkling water is sometimes something to quench a thirst or delight a tasty palette.... but speaking of palettes, sometimes sparkling water is a great opportunity to set up the paintbox and just try to capture a single moment of this joyful dance. A wonderful blinding light captures an eye and keeps it there as it does a melodious dance among the water. When the waves break upon the rocks, rolling, splashing and playing until it lays again only to return for another set. The sun often joins in on the playful dance and adds musical notes of color and light to entertain even the most somber soul. It's a place where the problems of the human race can seem very small and like the snowflake, no two are ever the same.

Newport Jewel

The coast of Newport, RI, also known as 12 mile drive, is a real jewel in itself and while some days are meant for still life, others are meant for plein air. The cold, ocean air at the beginning of January tends for quick studies though. At times it's hard to get started because of how amazing it is to just watch and be moved by the movement. Crashing sprays, breaking waves, light changing the colors and intensity of the deep living ocean. It swims within my veins. Then, as daylight gives hints that it will be leaving soon for another day and another place, I must set up quick and sing the song of color notes.

Quick studies, along with photos, are the souvenirs that will come home to my studio for larger and more detailed paintings. Until then, this little 6x8 will keep the moment alive.

Jewel of the Past

This 8 x 10 piece is a jewel of a memory. It's been on my mother's dresser from the day I was born. She has two of these perfume bottles and a little ring container. I would love to put more time into this one but the challenge of painting and posting daily (plus visiting friends and family, plein air painting, begin packing and daily road trips) it had to be a quick one. And because I'm sometimes a little crazy, let's add the challenge of cut crystal :P Really am happy about painting it for the journey.


Oh and speaking of plein air, it was delightful to hear from friends that my photo was on the cover of the Newport Daily News of Rhode Island! 29 degrees and painting the beach.

Bejeweled Barrels

A second day of a 30 day painting challenge and a second day of the vineyards of Oregon. I haven't yet actually painted the vines yet but everywhere I looked, there was a painting to behold. The owners are artists themselves! Great wines and flowers for everyone to enjoy.

Jewels in the Vineyard

January 2nd marks the beginning of a 30 day painting challenge thanks to Leslie Saeta! I am excited and looking forward to the discipline (much needed by me :) and dually challenged by the fact that I am on vacation. But let this be a year of "no excuses" and I'm happy about that.

A quick post as my painting backpack is ready, the sun is shining and Newport is not far.

My theme for the 30 days is, like the song, "There are Places I Remember"

Remembering a visit to Portland with my husband and two sons, (a less frequent event now that they are grown) is always a favorite. These little jewels were found in a vineyard in Newburg, Oregon and painting yellow always brings me happiness. I hope it brings you happiness too.

A Break in the Action

After a third year boarding the Conception for 5 days sailing and painting the Channel Islands, I'm finding myself painting in beautiful Southern California. Leo Carrillo is an amazing point on the Malibu coastline. It's become a weekly event and there are thousands of paintings awaiting their turn. This 12 x 12 is a painting that shares the drama of the location. As I stood out on the rocky point, looking left in awe and looking right in awe, my painting faced me head on. Wind and force gave way to salt water sprays and sea foam tangling ankles and tripod legs while painting on site. I am loving plein air on the southern coast of California. Beautiful scenery and friendships abound.



My first IPAD blog! I hope it all goes well :)

"Awakening"

Yes, it has been a while since I have posted.  That means I have been very busy and lucky for me, I have been very busy painting, sharing and showing art in Alaska.

"Awakening"

18x24 Original Oil

While standing in a field, looking off into the distance, a flock of Snow Geese are settled on the ground of this Palmer, Alaska hayfield.  They are stopping for a quick layover on their way further north for the summer season.   It is an amazing experience to be there, focused only on their prescence, and then suddenly... one is startled... the whole flock lifts one at a time.   It's as though they are connected by an invisible string.  There is a roar of gaggles as they follow suit lifting their bodies to take to the air.   They circle around and overhead with sounds not to go unoticed, twice around until one at a time they lower themselves like a beautiful ballet, back to the ground.   They have been Awakened.

Thanks for visiting, hope you are well.

Love to hear from you.

Nancy

Rugosas by the Sea

A wonderful day with my friend,
Kelley MacDonald!

After catching up with a cup of coffee, we were off to Horseneck Beach in Westport, Ma. Before I could settle in to a view of crashing waves and people dancing in the sand, the dunes and the morning fog entranced both me and my brushes. Between reminisces and art talk "Rugosas by the Sea" was born.

Painting Alaska Wild

April 20th proved to be a beautiful day in Alaska.  And a Friday at that!  Fridays are the day the Plein Air Painters of Alaska get together and fling some paint.  Indoors through the winter but this was the 2nd week that outdoor painting was at it's best. 

So this was my start. Then it was off to lunch with an old friend and a new one!  Great visiting with you Marianne and Diane :)


So, Sat April 21st rolls around and it's time to take that painting back outdoors and continue on while the whole feeling of being there was still fresh in my mind.   Note, that the scene in my backyard is not quite the same as this painting site but there was enough on my canvas and in my memory to get it to a place of completion. 

"The Happy Dance"




 Except curious eyes made it difficult to decide where the next brushstroke will go!

I do believe this little on~looker thought there should be a moose in this painting one way or another :)

Then realized it just wouldn't work, so he continued to satisfy his large appetite and let me paint.

Painting is almost done but cold hands and nearing moose caused me to pack it in for the day.

Be watching my website,  www.AngeliniStudio.com for posting of completed painting.

Thanks for visiting :)

Hen~wa

Hen~wa

Picasso's co-painted partner!

8x8 Original Oil

Gallery Wrapped.  

No Frame Needed!

Picasso

Why the name?

Well, how about beautiful color, wildly arrange to create 

beautiful work of art!

That's how I feel about these gorgeous birds that rarely get the 

kudos they deserve :)

Picasso

8x8 Original Oil on Gallery Wrap
No Framing Needed!

Nepali Mule Train

Nepali Mule Train

For the second year in a row, Blaines Art Supply in Anchorage, Alaska is supporting the needs of those less fortunate in Nepal. Each day in the month of March, 1 or 2 artists paint on site. Each artist donates their daily painting for auction. All proceeds go to the needs through the actions of some very caring people. Helping Hands for Nepal.

This artwork depicts a lifestyle unlike one that I am used to. It is a painting where mules are used for hauling goods. The leader carries no burden other than the burden of leading itself. A man follows and behind him a long following of mules carrying loads to make it through this forested destination. Wearing a tall and majestic head dress comes the second mule, but he too carries his load. As a work to stay warm in Alaska, moving from my studio to my heated vehicle, daring icy roads or white out conditions, I wonder what the daily concerns of this man might be.

Nepali Mule Train

Unframed Painting $100.00 USD Framed Painting $185.00 USD

Inside Looking Out

Inside Looking Out

6x8 Original Oil

First kayak painting!! 

(yes! painting in the ocean in a kayak!)

This little beauty has a special meaning to me, even more than my other Channel Island pieces.  Notice the kelp in the foreground?  There was enough of it floating up to the surface of the water to hold a kayak in place long enough to capture this little scene.   You can see our ship, The Conception, in the distance through the hole in the rock wall.  

As the waves started picking up my painting quickly ended.  Tidy up the box on my lap and tuck it neatly under my half bent knees.  That was the position rowing zealously back to the boat.  On the way back, I slipped my kayak through a tunnel in the wall of rock to be sent off with a wonderful sea lion farewell.  He zigged and zagged along side my little yellow boat until I was safely through the tunnel.

What a day!!!

The tunnel home.

Good friend, Cindy Compert, kayak painting.

NFS