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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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 325: A Short Trip to Charlottesville, VA

A Short Trip to Charlottesville, VA 

I recently made the almost 2 hour drive to Charlottesville, Virginia and visited with Family (one in the hospital) and made a few stops while there; including Trump Winery, Yoders, and Carter Mountain. As you can see from the pictures, a beautiful day it was on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Trump Winery

On the way to Charlottesville, on 29 North (although I was going south), about 25 miles outside of Charlottesville is a very cool store called Yoders Country Market. It is well worth the visit as it has wonderful jams, jellies, flours, baking supplies, candies, baked goods, ALL types of wonderful spices, frozen goodies, refrigerated goodies, a deli and SO much more. 

2105 S Seminole Trail, Madison, VA 22727
https://www.yoderscountrymarket.net/

I guess I should mention the Petting Zoo as well with Leonardo di Goat "I'm King of the World!" up on the ramp over head.

After spending some time visiting with the Family on Tuesday, my aunt and I decided to revisit Trump Winery. We had gone there prior to Covid, around Christmas-time maybe in 2018 or 2019 and had such a great lunch there and the wine tasting was really exceptional as well. We remembered the lovely view and had a wonderful time there and hoped for a repeat. Well....

Over the river and through the woods we go, past the Carter Mountain Orchard entrance, past Michie Tavern https://www.michietavern.com/ and the gift shop, past Monticello and Jefferson Winery (I have GOT to go back to these spots too!). And then we realized the GPS wasn't stopping where we once entered the Trump Winery...on we drove, over hill and dale. And then discovered, low and behold, a NEW Trump Winery! Jaw-dropping. I'm hoping you heard my, "WOW".

We did not realize that the huge 'mansion' viewable from the previous spot across the valley on the mountainside had been under renovation and was now THE Trump Winery for the last 2 years. It was gorgeous. It was awesome. It is now the largest winery on the East Coast.

https://www.trumpwinery.com/

Click on the image for a larger view.

The original Trump Winery was on the far distant tree line and will become a cidery. The ground nearby is going to be planted with apple trees.

There was plenty of outdoor seating, also with tables and chairs in the shade, and plenty of people enjoying themselves. We met people from Florida, Colorado, and Ohio. Lunch was devoured, wine tasting was GREAT and what an interesting presentation! Select the wines you want to try (and size) and they served on a wooden tray with small glass container inserts. Or you could build your own sampler. 

We enjoyed the flat bread pizzas and LOVED the wines we sampled.

Only one tasting room was officially open but we counted 2 other rooms that had tasting areas. And LOTS of indoor seating as well, in nooks and crannies and great views all around. Wouldn't this be an incredible spot for a wedding! Of course, that is what it is built for as well and they could handle several going on at once, I suspect.

The Gift Shop included not only all the wines, but the wine merchandise - wonderful selections and the quality of everything, the BEST!

The courtyard. Immaculate was a word that came to mind besides beautiful.

After leaving the winery and winding our way back past Monticello, we decided to stop and Carter Mountain...apple cider, just picked apples and MORE. An ice cream cone was in our future. Charlottesville lays there between Carter Mountain and the distant mountains.

https://chilesfamilyorchards.com/carter-mountain-orchard/

It's been awhile since I've been to Carter's. I remember getting peaches there before, but those are past their time. The drive UP the mountain is now paved - good to see. Apples and pumpkins are the featured items this time of year, along with apple doughnuts. Ohhhh yeah. Along with a large gift shop with all kinds of goodies and souvenirs. 

The opposite side of Carter Mountain.

I told my aunt that even though she had visited Trump Winery many times in the past, everyone will need to come back again and see it now. Lucky her, she's only about 12 miles away or so.

Definitely more time was needed to go back to Monticello and there are so many other wineries in the area. Not sure we could ever get such a beautiful, perfect day with a light breeze the next time! But it would be worth it.

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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!