Post 332: Last Light LIghthouse NC

Painting Name: Last Light Lighthouse NC

With the Cape Lookout Lighthouse in the foreground, Shacklefort Island across the way and Harkers Island fading away in the distance to the right, the sun is setting on a day on the South Core Banks.

SKU: 11EL23ACG

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 24x24 Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2023

Framed?: No

Commissioned? No

What Brought About this Painting?

Sometimes paintings take a lot of research and planning before paint, nay, even gesso hits the canvas. I went through all of the sunset photos I had from Harkers Island, NC and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, and viewed Shacklefort Banks maps and waterways. Occasionally, you go by the research and sometimes you throw it all up in the air and go with your vision.

I actually started the painting Wednesday, November 1, 2023 and while doing some research, I came across a Facebook post that had:

"One hundred sixty-four years old never looked so good! Happy Birthday, Cape Lookout Lighthouse!

On November 1st, 1859, the newly completed Cape Lookout Lighthouse was lit for the first time. Standing 163 feet high, made of red bricks, and its distinct daymarks, it has been a navigational aid through the Graveyard of the Atlantic for 164 years. It will continue to be a beacon of light, guiding mariners around the shallow ten miles of shoals that extend off Cape Lookout." - https://www.facebook.com/CapeLookoutNPS

Too cool I think! 

Painting in Progress Images…

Watch the painting as it progresses! A big mess but I suppose you can see where I am going with this...

Paintings NEVER EVER look like much in the beginning. At least mine don't. 

Recognize the lighthouse? Cape Lookout

Painter's Tape is my friend

Friday, November 3, 2023 5:25 pm I'm liking it more as I go. Let's see what I can do to it tomorrow.

Sunrise finds me painting a sunset. Saturday, November 4, 2023 9:20am. By clicking on an image, you can see the photo closer. Must be high tide - a few of those mini marsh islands appear. Those ponies swim (or walk) over to those to graze. Yes, there are the Shacklefort Ponies on that island.

Hmm. The painting to me is still no where near done. I'm not happy with the sky yet... 

Monday, November 6, 2023 4:36pm I'm thinking it is getting better. It's certainly not as dark. Not completely happy yet though.

Monday, November 6, 2023 6:16 pm When the signature goes on, I know its close to done. Camera kinda lightened it up some too. Perhaps the decision To Tweak or Not to Tweak is the question would be best answered in the morning light.

Sometimes I can't leave well enough alone but...
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 9:17am I like the changes, how about you?

And she's done! I'll be bringing this with me to Harkers Island Dec 1-3, 2023 for the 35th Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival - I'll be at my friend's house on Sound Point Drive for a popup art show.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!

Post 331: The Dove at the Jordan

Painting Name: The Dove at the Jordan

I hope you know the story on this one. 

SKU: 10EK23AC

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 11x14x.75 Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2023

Framed?: No

What Brought About this Painting?

I've watched "The Chosen" several times now. If you haven't, I highly suggest you do. Season 4 is supposed to come out in theaters in 2024 so you have Season 1 through 3 to binge on til then through the Angel Studios app on your TV. And this December, Dallas Jenkins (son of Jerry Jenkins, one of the writers of the Left Behind Series) has worked on combining "The Shepard" and "The Messengers" for a Christmas special.

I did touch up the faces some and tweaked here and there after taking the picture above. Getting the varnishing done now. Debated on the name of the painting as well (artists...we are always piddling, you know). "The Dove at the Jordan" or "The Lamb and the Dove at the Jordan"? 

The art label making folks LOVE shorter names for paintings and I understand that. When they are making those small labels, it is far easier to make and see a shorter name. Also, if the name is going into an online art store, limited characters in that line may cut something off. Oh the challenges. 

I've painted a few Christian-based paintings and here is another one to add to my list. Previously, I have these:

A mini acrylic painting 3x4 called "Genesis 1:1" on mini canvas with a mini easel. I hope you know the words..."In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth." I am a believer of this - my hope is that you do too.

"Genesis to Revelations, He's Got This" is 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas and is Sold. When you read about the crucifixion of Christ on the Cross, it is often said that the nails were probably actually in His wrists. The weight of His body would have torn His hands if the nails were driven through His palms.

16x20 Acrylic on Canvas "There Once Was a Boat". I based this on the Ark Experience style of Ark. The animals were INSIDE the ark and I'm pretty sure the giraffe's heads were not sticking out of the top window nor were the monkeys dangling off the railings or the elephants standing on the deck with their trunks in the air. Imagine what it would have been like to be Noah and his family in a world covered with water for months on end. And knowing you were the only people left on earth...

3 Mini 3x4 "Holy Bible" paintings in acrylic on mini canvases with mini easels. Holy Bible script is in gold leaf, 1 is Sold

"The Day the World Changed" is 4x5 small painting in acrylic. Everything changed on this day. What can we say about a God that loved us so much that He would die for us, and was actually killed by us? The foremost thing is that He became like us, hence the body CAN be killed, but we cannot actually kill God. He rose from the dead - He is a living God. That is how HE - saved - us. 

HE paid OUR price.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!

Post 330: Cardinal Day Spa

Painting Name: Cardinal Day Spa

I recently went to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware with a friend of mine for a couple of days. We stayed to the Avenue Inn and Day Spa and had a wonderful time including 5 o'clock happy hours, walking around Rehoboth and over the sand to the water, and partaking of facials and massages, seafood, and relaxing.

SKU: 10EH23AC

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 8x8 Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2023

Framed?: No

What Brought About this Painting?

Sometimes you just picture a painting in your head and start drawing it then throwing color at it according to your vision. A cardinal (or any bird, really) taking a bath is a funny thing to watch as they cautiously approach their chosen day spa spot, then shake, rattle, and roll, tossing water everywhere. They stretch their feathers and wings and wiggle their bodies, throwing water all about. Then quickly, leap out of the water and fly off to preen for a few minutes before they go about their business of food finding once again.

So out of the Avenue Inn and Day Spa and the beach, somehow I got to a bird bath painting. Was it the pool? The hot tub? Who knows. But when I got home, this is what I painted.

Rehoboth Beach

But I did go to Delaware from Sunday to Tuesday, October 22- 24, 2023. A little cool especially in the morning, but it was certainly a beautiful couple of days. And notice hardly anyone was on the boardwalk!

_______________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!

Post 329: Artwork at Stonebridge, GoWell

My Artwork at Stonebridge, GoWell 

The Prince William Art Society was recently asked to show their art at a new spot at Stonebridge called GoWell, an urgent care location directly across from Wegmans. The art group has about 65 pieces on display throughout the GoWell space and all are available for purchase. 

How can I see the artwork?

If you are a client/patient of GoWell, you will see the artwork as you walk down the halls or if you visit any of the exam rooms and other offices/rooms in GoWell. OR, you could visit the Prince William Art Society Art Store at
https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/category/all-products If you see artwork you would love to have in your own home, simply add the art to your cart (hey, that rhymed!) and the artist will do their part and contact you to hand off the art to you from GoWell. 

A Few of My Paintings at GoWell…

Click to enlarge the photo

"Belmont Bay Marina in Occoquan, VA" and "Sun, Sand, Surf and Seashore" both Acrylic on Canvas, 16x20

"Rose Garden Walk" Acrylic on Canvas, 20x20

"Only God Can Make a Tree" Acrylic on Canvas 18x24

"Sunrise at Historic Manassas Train Station" Acrylic on Canvas 16x20 and "East Coast Sunrise" Acrylic on Canvas 20x20 - in one of the exam rooms

The Prince William Art Society is looking forward to their open house which could be slated for the Spring. So in the meantime, check out the PWAS Art Store!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!

Post 328: The Piedmont Regional Art Show and Sale at The Plains

The Piedmont Regional Art Show and Sale at The Plains 

This was my first time taking part in this art show out at The Plains. Not quite as far as going out to Art at the Mill in Millford, driving out to The Plains is another art show in the area well spoken of by fellow artists. 250 submissions from 105 artists, the show is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year at Grace Episcopal Church.

Piedmont Regional Art Show and Sale

6507 Main St PO Box 32, The Plains, VA, United States, Virginia

October 20-22, 2023 - 75th Anniversary

https://www.facebook.com/artshowatgrace

Friday, October 20, 2023 Opening Gala

The art reception was very nice - lots of artists and art lovers amongst all of the 250 art pieces, enjoying the art, the wonderful snacks, the wine and each other.

Walking around and viewing the artwork was absolutely wonderful, such gorgeous art! And you can recognize many names from seeing them around various art shows as well as members of the Prince William Art Society. And those sold dots on the artwork start appearing!

Sandra McClelland Lewin, Michelle Baker and I 

Go by and enjoy the show!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!

Post 327: Art Reception at Art at the Mill

Art Reception at Art at the Mill 

Art at the Mill is the most outstanding of all the art shows that I have been a part of thus far in my art career. They know how to do it ALL right! From art submission, selection, drop off AND getting all that art online, and hung; then to having their art reception - WOW! Followed up by processing their art sales and art pickup (awww) if your work didn't sell, the Art at the Mill folks do a wonderful job all around.

https://artatthemillfall2023.artcall.org/pages/web-gallery

(Note this link is for THIS show and will eventually end)

Art Reception at the Mill 

The Art Reception this year was on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 2-5. And what a beautiful day it was after AATM first opened this fall's show on Saturday, September 23, 2023 with tons of wet soul-drenching rain and the next weekend the weather was expected to be so bad that the Occoquan Arts and Craft 2-day event was cancelled. Thus a LOT of people were out this past weekend to see the show, along with all the artists meeting and greeting everyone. By the way, nearly 300 artists with their work on display with 980 (give or take) pieces of artwork.

The FOOD. Yeah. That salmon was spectacular. Well, all the nibbles were terrific. But that salmon was not only tasty, but beautiful. Thinly sliced cucumbers layered over the entire fillet so that it looked like the scales. Appropriate to say, off the hook?

Art at the Mill, the fall art show will only be up another week (until October 8) so get out to the Mill ASAP. I was speaking with one of the visitors this past Sunday and she was saying of all the art galleries and shows that she visits, the quality of the artwork at this show was the best she had ever seen. I agree. Incredible work all over the Mill.

I didn't take many pictures this time but I grabbed a couple of my works on display.

I was surprised to see some small fish swimming in the stream that flows into the Mill and also splits off around the Mill.

No One Can Teach Riding So Well As A Horse 18x24 Acrylic

Saltwater Aquarium 16x20 Acrylic - and PWAS member Maria Briganti's art is below mine. That I know of, several other PWAS members were on display for this show including Sandra McClelland Lewin, Ann McCarty, Maureen Guillot, and Michelle Baker

Streams Never Stay the Same 11x14 Acrylic

Art at the Mill Past Posts and Pictures

Fall Art at the Mill Art Show - A Nice Drive to Millwood

https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2023/09/post-322-fall-art-at-mill-art-show-nice.html

Art at the Mill and Open Space Arts - Where My Art Is

https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2023/08/post-319-art-at-mill-fall-2023-and-open.html

Art Reception at Art at the Mill

https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2023/05/post-303-art-reception-at-art-at-mill.html

Art at the Mill - Art Drop

https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2023/03/post-296-art-at-mill.html

Well worth the drive from Woodbridge, Art at the Mill is another level. Take the drive and get out and see this show! I'm so looking forward to the Spring Art at the Mill in 2024!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!

Post 326: Almost Always, Something on the Easel

Almost Always, Something on the Easel

Painting Name: Fall Up and Down

I've done a few paintings of looking up a tree - I really enjoy the angle. I've sold 2 of them and have one large one left. This one is a smaller version of looking up at a tree and captures that point where all the leaves have changed color in the fall and are about to come down.

SKU: 09CT23ACG

Medium: Acrylic

Size: 8x8 Stretched Canvas

Edition Year: 2023

Framed?: No

Paintings in the Works

There is almost always something in progress on one of my easels or awaiting varnishing or it's hardware. I like that. Sometimes people ask me how often I paint, how long does a painting take and how many do I paint in a year. The first 2 questions are harder to answer but the last one is much easier.

2020 - 35 pieces (I didn't start till September 2020)

2021 - 219 pieces

2022 - 174 pieces

2023 - 122 pieces, so far. Granted, the small 3x4 mini paintings certainly don't take as much time as the larger art pieces like the "Sunrise at Manassas Train Station". And I have done about 280 minis so far since 2021.

I do like having several things going at once so that I can let one dry out before coming back at it. Good thing acrylic dries so fast but occasionally you do need to ensure its thoroughly dry.

I'm also working a mini series of NC Lighthouses. They are all 3x4 and in acrylic. Recognize any of them so far?

Ok, enough show and tell. I have more paintings waiting on me AND I have to go to the Art Reception out at Art at the Mill. Have a great day!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Let me know if you like my paintings and if you need a handmade, original painting for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member. If you want to commission me to do a painting for you, please contact me through this blog, on Facebook, My Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com, or go to Donna Liguria Art on Etsy at https://donnaliguriaart.etsy.com to shop my available Artwork.

*Thank you for visiting and remember to Share, to Follow, and please Comment!