SEE MY WORK AT ART UP FRONT STREET. 120 FRONT STREET IN UPTOWN EXETER, NH

11.24.2014

Trees in Winter

Thank you  again to everyone who came out to NH Open Doors. It was a terrific weekend to be traveling the roads of New Hampshire. We had five studios on our tour and I suspect there will be a lot more next year... so mark your calendar! And thank you, too, to the visitors of last Friday's art opening at the Main Street Art Gallery in Newfields. We had a full house at one point and when it thinned a little we cranked up a bit of Karaoke, baby.
Gaby Grossman's artwork is luscious with its warm periwinkles and blue-greens. It was a joy collaborating with her. The Newfields gallery volunteers did a fabulous job of hanging the show and putting on the reception... Heather Park-Hanlon, Joe Perna, Deb McLarnon, and Kelley Corson.
My recent additions to the Willow Shop walls have gone up. This time the new work involved trees for the subject matter. In the winter all one has to do is look out through a window pane at the bare branches for a perfect beautiful composition. And I like being the recipient of that beauty. It finds its way to my canvas ...sometimes in unexpected colors, but the feeling is still "trees". Mosey down to the Willow as you start your holiday shopping, I would love to know what you think of them. While you are there, check out the series of bird prints by Matt Adrian also known as Mincing Mockingbird. He is one of my favorite bird painters.

11.18.2014

Gaby and Rose. COLOR and KARAOKE this Friday. 30% of every purchase goes to support the programs at Main Street Art in Newfields

Join us for a night of COLOR and KARAOKE!
Original paintings by Gaby and Rose at the charming gallery of MAIN STREET ART in Newfields. We will have big art, little art, treats, hot cider, good friends AND Karaoke.... not to be missed :-). 
30% of every purchase goes back to Main Street Art programs. 
Exhibit continues thru December 20. 
Gallery Hours: Every Monday and Friday 10:30-2:30, Wednesdays 1:30-4:00, and whenever the "OPEN" flag is out!

11.08.2014

Three TINY Give-away Saturday (Today) and Sunday 10 to 4 during open studios

Stop in at 8 Union today and tomorrow 10-4 to enter to win all three TINY Paintings
Today and tomorrow, come to my open studio during NH OPEN DOORS and enter to win all three of these little bits of color. No purchase necessary. At the end of the day Sunday, I will draw for the winner. If you are here from out of town, I will ship! Looking forward to seeing all of you... I'll have the fire going, cider on, and Mal will be "catering". I have a couple of projects in the works on the easel, plus I will have all of my cards and art up. Look for the white signs - "NH Open Doors".
All the studios will have a red and white sign
Be sure to click and print the big photo (at the bottom) with the listing of all of us participating locally. Heather has her yurt (what better conversation than to talk with a yurt owning artist), Lori is at her new office on String Bridge, Don Stone, N.A. is a stop NOT TO BE MISSED (seriously, an Exeter treasure with a lifetime of beautiful art), and Bruce Jones' studio is a place you will want to live :-). All I can say is, you will be mesmerized by all that is around you.
Lovely Bruce Jones' Studio (No snow, yet! Thank goodness)

CLICK AND PRINT THIS PHOTO FOR YOUR TOUR

11.07.2014

Don and Sarah Stone

"Under Whitehead" by Don Stone, N.A.
 I know a few of my closer friends have have heard me mention the art of Don Stone, N.A. I have small images of his work from gallery guides and magazines clipped and stored in my "art file". Don maintains a studio on Monhegan Island and in Exeter and resides in Exeter through the winter. I have seen his work for years.... but had never met him. My art friend, Bruce Jones, knows Don well and has painted with him. Bruce and his wife, Tracy, visit Don and Sarah on Monhegan, as well as share time with them in Exeter. When Bruce asked me to participate in NH Open Doors and mentioned that Don would participate as well, I had no idea how rewarding this experience would be. Yesterday I finally met Don and Sarah. Two of the loveliest people you could hope to meet. And his studio, art, and stories could keep you for days. There were large paintings of the sea, rocky shores, water splashing, lobster boats, gulls fleeing.... with blues, lavenders, sea greens... and pops of orange. This is one studio you MUST see this weekend if you are in the Seacoast, NH area.... Thank you Don and Sarah for an inspiring visit. And thank you for being a part of our open studio tour. Local studios open this weekend (with pictures). NH Open Doors Seacoast Fine Art and Sugar Tour.
(My photo taken on the way to Don's studio)
(My photo taken on the way on Brentwood Road)
Bruce Jones, Don Stone, N.A., Sarah Stone, me at Don's incredible studio. Photo by Tracy Jones.

11.01.2014

Butternut Landscape recently sold...

Why are these studio models dancing? They are happy a favorite painting of theirs, "Butternut Landscape", is going to a color-filled home. The orange painting on the wall just past the dancers was seen online by someone who surrounds herself with color... in her home and in her attire. As she came into the studio to view it in person, she spoke about her attraction to color.She didn't have to say a lot... we both agreed - really, how can one not have color around them? To me it is like drinking water. How can one not? And I was intrigued and thrilled when she said the painting is planned for a purple wall in her home. (Sounds. so. delicious.)  The amazing thing was how easily she made the decision. She didn't need to take the painting home first... she didn't need to "try it on". As an artist, I am "in it" every day and all the time and to think someone else has that same kind of ease.... well... I LOVE that. Really, I LOVE that.
Thank you again, NR. I hope this bit of color keeps your days bright.

A Process note: The small orange color here is a detail of the painting. The process for this painting was a little different from the rest of my work. The texture is achieved by layering tissue paper and crinkling it within the layers of wet paint. Once the texture is there, I paint the entire canvas and the "veins" with the darker butternut. Then I rub in a lighter creamier butter color between the veins. The last layer over the veins is done by lightly touching  the surface of all the veins with a still slightly light butter color. Love the depth it creates... hope you do, too.

10.30.2014

Blue and red color for Open Doors November 8&9

Plus a little green, green-blue, orange, soft yellow, lime, peach, indigo, yellow oxide, periwinkle, warm lavender...
I took this photo and now I can't stop staring at it. It is not so much about the imagery as much as it is the color. I look at these relationships and I think, how does this happen in my brain and in my heart that makes this so mesmerizing? It is like the smell of coffee to me. It is like the scent of lavender. I can NOT let it go. And what I love and appreciate is that everyone has a different sensibility or tolerance of their own.... like my neighbor Beth and I talked about... It must be like cilantro -  maybe you like it or you don't. I like it. Actually I love it.

10.27.2014

Recently sold

I love to see how others see my work fitting into their spaces. And I love to understand the reason why a certain piece of art was chosen.... each choice has a story. The new owners (J and P) invited me to come over to see how they had hung the painting. They live on the edge of a marsh ....and the landscape, so serene and lovely, seen from large windows to the left of the fireplace, is much like that in the painting. One would almost think this painting was planned for their room. But for them, just the opposite... this was a "find", not a commission. Both the husband and wife, separately and at different times, had seen the painting at The Willow (J, an artist herself, loves going into the Willow because it smells so good :-)). Later, they commented to the other.... "did you see ...?" and at that point the decision was made - it needed to be a part of their home. Once I saw the painting in their home, J commented that the art, with a few details added, could easily have been painted from their porch..... kind of gave me goosebumps. I guess it was just meant to be. A quiet scene in a very tranquil environment. It fits perfectly. Thank you J and P.

10.25.2014

Bruce Jones Studio... it really is this lovely

Once upon a time, there was a studio, nestled back in the trees, beside a little road leading out of Exeter Town.... In that studio was a man who painted things of beauty, who read books on great artists, who loved his mentors and his own artist family members who came before him....
This sounds almost like a fairytale. But it is true! Once inside Bruce's studio, you sense his love for what he does, you see his work in frames, you breath the light that streams in the windows.
His studio will be open Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 9 to 6 both days. The address is 28 Dogtown Road. There are five artists in the Exeter area participating. Click for info.
See you soon. Enjoy.

10.24.2014

Now this is just fun.... November 8 and 9

My art friend, Heather Crowley, will have her new yurt studio ready for New Hampshire Open Doors this November 8 and 9. How exciting! She and her husband, Brad Rice, will be sharing their East Kingston  "marker" on the NH Open Doors map. Heather is Willow Road Watercolors. Brad is Willow Creek Sugar House (which is how the map reads). Both have their own spaces. Brad's sugar house was hopping this past spring when the maple syrup was flowing. They have a lovely little set-up there. Be sure and check out the chickens, too. This will certainly be a wonderful stop for your Open Doors tour... you could talk endlessly about art, maple sugaring, and yurt building. Open 10-4 Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9.

10.17.2014

NH Open Doors..... Join us.

Five spots in the Exeter area will be open for NH Open Doors. I hope you can join us. This state-wide event is coordinated by the League of NH Craftsmen each year. I am one of the artists participating, but just between you and me.... I can not WAIT to see internationally known Don Stone and his studio. He is tres fab (I hear)... and so now's my chance! :-)

Studio remodel

This is always the way for summer and fall in New England... we pack it in while the weather is FABULOUS. Besides me doing my usual flurry of art festivals and farmers markets this year, my studio got a much needed remodel and fresh coat of white. Yay! The old horse hair plaster and "sketchy" (small art joke) insulation are out. In are the new walls and windows. Getting ready now for New Hampshire Open Doors on November 8 and 9 during which several art studios will be open. More details to come on that, but for now here are some pics of my studio in the works. Art is going up as we speak. Drop in on November 8 and 9 to check out the finished space.... see you soon!

6.27.2014

Before and after.... irises

before
after
Varnish is drying and the tag is ready .... this art is soon headed to the Willow downtown. The "before" was started during a demo at our annual open house this past Mother's Day weekend. The "after" piece was finished this week and actually has many layers of color even though the visual difference seems minimal. During the process I changed my mind several times. At one point, though, I thought I was done. Then a friend, Mary, asked me questions about my painting processes ......for example, how do you know when to stop? And why is this color/technique not like that color/technique. Well.... I thought I was finished, but apparently Mary's questions challenged me... and I did something I don't often do - which is go back to similar colors I had started with. Yup. All that thinkin' and paintin' and then I go back to a place very close to where I had started. And I lived. Usually re-doing makes me crazy, but I learned a ton. Thank you, Mary! So when does one stop a painting? Good question.... I guess when it has gotten to the point when you say to yourself in amazement... "wow". And since I say that several times while I am painting (because I love to watch the color flow from the brush).... that means I have no good answer. :-) So...carry on.

6.20.2014

Summer travel gifts?

Are you on the road soon? Or do you need a "thank you" gift? These little treats travel nicely. Just send me an email. Postcard packs of ten with ten envelopes are $10 each. Folded art cards (blank inside) with envelope are $4 each. Gallery by appointment (lots to choose from).... or I can ship.

6.07.2014

Art sale to benefit the American Independence Museum today!

Take a look at downtown Exeter today. Artists will be everywhere.... and what a gorgeous day we have! Artists will be painting plein air from about 8am to 4pm today and then taking their works to the (click link) Museum for an artists reception and sale. The reception goes 4 to 6. You will be able to find art created from places around town like beautiful Swasey Parkway, the iconic bandstand, cascading Exeter Falls, stately town hall and more. You may even find a simple little piece just of a flower near the boat house. 30% of sales from the art goes to the Museum. If you see something you like while it is being painted but can't make it to the reception, buy it from the artist there on the spot. 30% still goes to the museum.
I will be on Water Street near the Willow, Stillwells Ice Cream and the boat house (strategically planned so I can get treats at Stillwells and St. Anthony's nearby!) Look for me. I will be the one with paint, a brush, an easel....oh, wait... :-)
Thank you for supporting local art and the American Independence Museum.

UPDATE: The finished piece... now in a happy home. Thank you, all for coming out to the plein air event. See you on the street next year!

5.08.2014

Once-a-year Mother's Day Weekend art show... this weekend


www.artonunionstreet.blogspot.com
Colorful things, round things, shiny things, happy things, food things, garden things, little things, big things, Mom day things... we hope to see you here. We will have Willow Pond Community Farm, Lori Martone Pottery, Deb McLarnon Photography, Gaby Grossman Paintings (celebrating her first time showing at an art show!), Lois Matheson jewelry and hats, Rose Bryant Original Paintings and 500 TINY paintings, Maizie Argondizza Watercolors, Community Artists exhibit, a "Mother's Day Flower Patch" photo-op, art demonstrations, a free painting give-away... plus good friends like you. Hope to see you soon... Friday 1-7 and Saturday 10-4. Click the picture for more information. Have a very Happy Mother's Day!

4.25.2014

And the winner is...

This month's winner of the "Nubble Lighthouse" art card (out of several correct answers) is Joanne King. Congratulations, Joanne! Thanks, everyone for chiming in via email and messages. The correct answer to the question "What kind of jar is Lori Martone bringing to Art On Union?" is ... a COMPOST jar. And most certainly her compost jars will make a lovely combo gift when paired with a garden plant from Willow Pond Community Farm. See you in two weeks at Art on Union Street!

4.24.2014

Process simplified....

For the students out there..... this is pretty much how a painting goes. First, you determine the "thing" (what or how are you going to paint?) Then you decide your composition (don't over think that part). Then you explore the color (to me, THIS is where you engage and have fun). Then continue to apply paint (don't clean your brush... it is much more exciting that way). Add some details, then decide if you like it. And if you are like me, you will cover half of it up and start again. No worries! No mistakes! Just keep moving. Of course there are many ways to do each part.... but keep practicing. Then, you will look at your work and say "my goodness, I painted that! yay!".

4.22.2014

Loving this warm amber and caramel color... by Lois Matheson

Lois is bringing her jewelry and her summer hats to Art on Union Street .... and on Saturday, throughout the day, she will be showing us how she ties-off, wraps wire, measures for size, attaches clasps, chooses the right glass, metal, and beads.... all with those little thing-a-ma-tiny tools she uses. Then she might even do her favorite bird calls. She is just crazy, that Lois.... :-)

4.18.2014

Enjoying blues and greens....

Not quite sure where this is going at the moment... but I love the blue and green together. I am often inspired by a color combination I see in fabric, on a dinner plate, or a postage stamp... the inspiration for color comes from so many places. The image of the tree in this painting is based loosely on a photo I took while at Swasey Parkway in Exeter, NH. The photo is of a beautiful birch alongside the river... however here, a birch(?)... maybe not. But I enjoy the paint and fluidity... and thinking about our lovely town Parkway. See the finished piece at our ART ON UNION STREET this May 9 and 10.

4.01.2014

Happy April..... some color to warm your day.

I think it will happen. Spring will come. I am opening the all the orange, red and magenta paints I can find! Is it working? Just varnished.... "Roses on Orange" 11x14 on deep profile canvas. Ready for May 9 and 10 here at the studio.

3.24.2014

Art of Great Bay

I'm headed to The Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center in Greenland, NH this April 4th, Friday night from 5:30-8:30. Wonderful earthy facility. Lots of artists, lots of good vibes. Click here to see what the facilities look like... and then imagine, the doors wide open, the lights on in the evening, and people walking by the trees up the drive to an art soiree being held to celebrate the environment. The proceeds from sales at the show go to help protect beautiful Great Bay. So if you are thinking about a good time to buy some art, this might be it. Hope to see you!
UPDATE after the show: The show was great so full of art and people! When I arrived at the reception at 5:40, the place was packed... had to wait until late to take a picture with my art (now Laura Byergo's art). Thank you Pam Short (artist) for taking this pic. 
Thank you to the Great Bay Stewards for a lovely show and to all of the volunteers that handled the work of 60 artists! See you next year.

3.12.2014

And the winner is....

Trust me. I am not only doing this for you :-). I NEEDED to give a gift today.... the weather is starting to affect me (as well as many of my New England friends)! Hopefully, though, this little gift will also brighten Brenda Conroy's day. Congratulations, Brenda! You are the winner of today's noon:thirty give-away! Thank you for "liking" my facebook page and my art.
To all of you color lovers, if you want to get in on my future facebook give-aways, "like" Rose Bryant Original Paintings.

3.05.2014

Appreciating "peas" ....or snow

Ok... it's snowing again.... and when it snows...well. Reminds me of a little family story from the 50's or 60's (that is not the current temperature, by the way). My cousin, Brenda, while expressing frustration to our farming grandfather over eating peas meal after meal was told by my grandfather, "When we have peas in the garden, we eat peas." I see that as a good lesson of resourcefulness artists almost unknowingly and naturally follow. When at the shore, we paint the shore, when in the mountains, we paint the mountains. The snow this winter has been too beautiful to not be influenced by it.
The top painting is 24x36... almost finished... I"m still thinking. The bottom painting is the same painting but a few days earlier. The under-painting is yellow. The trees were painted in dark green for the composition and structure. Then the blues, creamy light yellows, and whites were added. Hope this helps you to appreciate your "peas".

3.01.2014

Rose Bryant Original "Green Sky in Snow" on the easel

This painting is based on what I see from my back window... a neighbor's barn and the growth along our shared fence. I love this area in the winter. The birds find shelter, the sun highlights the top of the trees, and when it snows heavily, the growth is weighted with white. I am still working on parts...
In the meantime, take a look at my video of part of the process. This painting and more will be here at ART on UNION STREET, Friday and Saturday, May 9&10.

2.20.2014

Rose Bryant original "From the Earth"

I know it will happen... eventually. The earth will again be green (no signs of it yet :-)). This 12x12 original abstract, "From the Earth", $230, is just off the easel and on its way to the Willow in downtown Exeter - a favorite place to find things that entertain the senses. Drop in and take a ... nice ... long ... deep .... breath. Enjoy.

2.14.2014

Happy Valentines Day. Print, cut and deliver!

The snow has calmed, the day has warmed (a little) and there was just a tiny touch of sun. I know this is only a short reprieve here in New Hampshire, but it makes sending Valentine wishes so much better! I hope this little collection of color brightens your day.... feel free to print, cut and deliver :-). Enjoy.

2.12.2014

On the easel. Sunflowers in the breeze.

Yesterday I added blue sky... today I added a few highlights and strokes of paint for atmosphere. See the video of the end of the process. Stay warm and safe everyone!

2.11.2014

Adding blue sky....

I love the process of filling in backgrounds... especially on a bold under-painting. To see some of the progress, click here. Enjoy.

2.10.2014

Art on Jewelry for Mothers Day

I know there is still a foot of snow on the ground... and I know the birds are not singing spring songs ... but the sunshine today prompts serious planning for my upcoming art shows and festivals. I have just started playing around with some new ideas.... what do you think? Art in miniature intrigues me. :-)