It's been a long hot summer here in New England.  Having the kids home from school proved to be quite a challenge getting to the studio for regular hours.  I confess it was near impossible what with getting to the pool, who was going where, and late nights.  There were days that I literally felt as though my hands were tied behind my back!  But, I have to remember that I am very fortunate to be able to spend this time with my children and that they are my first priority as a mother.  They are only this young once, and hopefully will remember the fun we've had.  I know I will. 

We did manage to visit Vermont on one of our weekend excursions to see the Art of the Animal Exhibit that I was fortunate enough to be juried into this year at the Bennington Center for the Arts.  Lo and behold, my entry actually won the "People's Choice" award.  What an amazing tribute to any artist.  I am absolutely thrilled to have this honor and thank those that voted for my painting very much.  Thinking back over the past year, I never even dreamed that I would be accepted into the exhibit, never mind have the honor of the people's choice.

Looking forward to new adventures in painting this year.  Now that I've managed to meet a personal goal of the Bennington jury show, I need to really work hard at my next piece. 

Thanks for checking in.  I hope to be able to blog more regularly, now that the studio is "open" again!
Jen   

Greetings everyone!  During the Melrose Arts and Cultural Festival another wonderful artist asked me what painting I would be working on next.  I confessed I was actually thinking on that and was rather stalled.  He suggested I take a walk down the street from the Festival to look at how close the swans had built their nest to the side of Main Street.  I agreed and went on a day I thought to be perfect.  Of course, my camera my didn't cooperate, and when the absolute perfect shot presented itself---no battery left---no perfect shot!  Ugh!  Oh don't you hate when that happens, and there's nothing to do about it! 

So back I go, another day, and it was a beautiful day at that.  I must have taken more than 300 photos and was so pleased with myself.  I was so pumped to get back to my studio to look at what I had.   Lucky for me, I had invested in photo recovery software years ago, because as it happened, there were no photos on the disc.  What's that saying, if something can go wrong, it will go wrong?  Well, to make a long story short, the software worked and I recovered almost all of the unbelievable photos and am hard pressed to decide which direction to paint.  I may end up with a series as another artist friend suggested.  Can't wait to get started.

If you get a chance, I think the swans will be hatching this week and the crowds are forming.  It's quite an interesting community event and I am so happy to see people involved with the wildlife around us.  Perhaps when I photograph the chicks my camera will actually behave itself---we'll see---but I will be ready!

The Tiger is finished!   And it's off to "Frame One", in North Reading MA, where they'll take excellent care in choosing the absolute "purrfect" frame!
"Moonlit Stare" limited edition gicleés are ready as well.  Just in time for the Melrose Arts and Cultural Association annual show the weekend of April 16th.
It's a great feeling to have finished this painting.  I have wanted to paint a Tiger for the longest time and pushed to challenge myself with painting the snow.  I think the two make a lovely contrast in color to create a soft yet powerful image.
Thanks for following the journey on this one...now it's on to the next! 
Jen B.

Getting to the bitter end with this Tiger painting.  As you can see I have added more detail to the twigs and snow on the left and am working the lighting to it's fullest.  Thinking of the title now as something with "Moonlight" in it.  Thanks for taking a look! 
Jen

Talk about struggling with a painting!  I feel like I have been battling this one big time!  Transforming the background from dark moonlight to soft light --back to somewhere in between has proven challenging for sure--without and airbrush-- in acrylic.  Here is where I've happily landed at last and feel a positive direction.   I was elated to have the snow fall recently in order to be able to really see it with fresh eyes.  The color is amazingly blue in shadow and so rich.  With school vacation behind us, and a definite direction, I am sure to make some progress now.   Can't wait to get into some detail!

Here is the second stage of my Tiger painting.  Funny I had a dream the other night that I had a Big Cat as a pet.  Think this painting is on my mind or what?  I am pleased with the way the color is blocked in and will now start to tighten up the detail and work on finalizing color.
And for those of you who know how much I have complained about working in acrylic before, it's actually working out for some reason so far this time.  Perhaps I'm not fighting it, I don't know.  But it's a pleasure for once!  How refreshing.

Thanks for taking the time to look, I appreciate all support.
Jen

Did anyone catch the news the other day when the unfortunate incident happened at the New York Metropolitan Museum?  A 105 year old Picasso painting was damaged when a woman accidentally fell causing it to tear.  Can you imagine her horror?  The art is estimated at $130 million dollars.  The good news is that the museum thinks it can be repaired.

Time ran an article of the Top Ten Art Accidents recently.   Interesting list if you have a chance to check it out at http://su.pr/2ZWeDf

One of my favorites was about the German artist Gustav Metzger...and I am directly quoting the Time article...  "His work was rubbish - literally.  In 2004, the artist's insallation Recreation of First Public Demonstration of Auto-Destructive Art was on display at the Tate Britian when a museum employee accidentally threw part of it away.  How was he to know that the plastic bag of trash sitting next to the artwork was actually part of the artwork?  The bag was later recovered, but it was too damaged to display, so Metzger replaced it (whew!) with another bag." end quote

There is more, take a look, it's cool to see the human connections, interactions and sometimes accidental happenings with art.

Be well friends,
Jen

Here is a glimpse of a new large painting in progress for those of you who are interested.  The finished size is 24" x 44".  This is purposefully large because it will be hung in a solo show at the Andover Library next October.  There is a beautiful wall just perfect for it's size and "personality". 

I will look forward to being able to offer BigCatLuxe.com a Gicleé for sale when the painting is done in support of the Big Cats and Big Cat Rescue.  Fifty percent of proceeds are donated to helping the Big Cats, one of my favorite charities.  Currently they are offering 2 other Gicleé prints of mine; the "Jaguar" and the "Lion".  I think this Tiger will add nicely to the collection.  Although I will be thinking of a more interesting title to the painting.  :0)

Thanks for taking a look!  Jen

It's hard to believe how fast time can really pass.  How great to have the rush of the holidays over and to be back in the studio.  I am excited to have "Feathers and Fur" extend into the month of January for those of you who did not get a chance to attend.  The show is still hanging at the gallery of Frame One in North Reading at 45 Main Street.  Stop by and say hello to Paul and Mary, they're wonderful people and terrific at framing artwork!

Having had such an extremely busy Fall and 2 shows back to back I haven't had much painting time.  But now I can really feel how much I miss it, especially while I watch my students create their beautiful works of art.  So I have put together some ideas and research and will start a new piece.  Many of you know it takes more than a month for me to complete one painting carving many hours out in that months time.  I am leaning toward an animal in the snow, sounds appropriate for the season doesn't it?   

Also, the smARTist Telesummit begins mid-month.  For those artists who are interested in a real career boost and inspiring bunch of speakers with tons of information check it out at www.smARTist.com  Fabulous telesummit in it's fourth year run by Ariane Goodwin one of my favorite people.  Just listening to her voice will lift anyones day and she really knows her stuff.  Check it out.

So it's back to production for me.  What's everyone else up to?  Hope you're all happy and enjoying your New Year!
Take care,
Jen

The Beebe Estate Show has been taken down but not to worry!  The owners of Frame One, 45 Main Street, North Reading MA, have asked Robert Cyr and I to hang our work in their gallery for the months of November and December.   The name of the show is "Feathers and Fur" and will include all of the work seen here on my website.  Robert will have most of his available work as well, all of which was shown at the Beebe Show.  We are only too delighted to have our work display in the Frame One Gallery and will enjoy yet another fantastic opening for those who are interested in attending Friday November 6th from 7 - 9pm.  Many of my paintings have been beautifully and meticulously framed by these talented owners, Paul and Mary.  They are true art professionals and wonderful people.  Why not come by and say hello?  We would love to see you there.  Jen