Collector's Pics

Christmas updates from my collectors:

It ALWAYS makes my day when I receive Collectors Pics of my paintings in their new home.
This year a couple of people sent in these pics of the paintings under their Christmas trees. I see it as a great honour being included and getting a glimpse where my paintings find their home.
I was so busy tending to commissioned paintings that I didn't have a lot of time to post on my blog in December, so I hope to thread in in the next few weeks what has happened last month in my 'studio' (actually my easel is pitched in my living room by the warm fire, haha).

If you have been following my blog, you have seen above painting before. You can read the story behind this painting in the blog post by clicking here.
And the painting below was purchased by a sweet husband who wanted to surprise his darling wife. I had painted the Winnebago Cabover Painting as part of my 'camper a day' project this past September. He called me up mid December and I got the painting on its way right in time for Christmas. I am smiling as I see how lovingly it is placed! You collectors of mine are theee best, thank you! I appreciate each one of you so very much! You keep me painting and pushing my limits to become better at what I love to do! Thank you!!!

Cold Snap

Have I mentioned it was cold here in the Maritimes the last couple of weeks? Below are some photos from the St. Andrews wharf I took just a few days ago. The sea smoke on the water is a sure fire indication that it is a verrrryyy cold day. 

My painting day today

We are expecting a 'snow bomb' to explode here in the Maritimes tomorrow. Markus and the people of St. Andrews have been busy getting their houses ready. I hope people will stay home and stay away from the roads. Here this was the view from the wharf this afternoon. Isn't it beautiful? I started a painting, but couldn't quite finish due to frozen cold fingers. Will post about that in the next few days sometime. Hope to finish some last touches, maybe tomorrow. 
Thanks for taking time to visit, and stay in touch again tomorrow.

Annual Europa Inn Art Open House

You are cordially invited to our annual Art-Open-House at Europa Inn!

Markus and Simone Ritter invite you the Europa Inn Open House
this Saturday, December 5th, 2015. 9am-3pm!

This will be a very busy weekend for us again with our Christmas Art Open House. On Saturday, December 5th, 2015, 9am-3pm, 12 different artists and artisans coming and showcasing their works for anyone interested. I always try and invite people that have not previously exhibited and am proud to introduce my friend                                                                                                         

Natasha Tessmann who just moved to town a few months ago: she is sewing the cutest one-of-a-kind stuffies along with kitchen-witches and some painted art. All her works are whimsy, bright and cheery. I am encouraging her to open an online store as I have never seen anything like her works. She makes everything from scratch, even the little faces, fingers and accessories! She is fun to talk to and very positive as a person, I think anyone stopping in will enjoy meeting her!

Another artist I am proud to introduce is local pastel artist Helen Stevenson. Helen has worked exclusively in pastel for a few years now and her work is quite exquisite. Her colour sense is refined and she has been painting almost daily for many months now. It is mostly local land- and seascapes that she features, but she takes her pastels with her on her travels. She works often in small format. Helen had doubts to be ready for the show, but I am sure she will be a wonderful addition to our set of artists! Come check her works- you will be amazed!If you are interested in woodworks,                                                                                   I am excited to have Colin Green's petit woodworks available. His darling wife Jessi will be at the booth answering your questions and selling. From small jars with lids, bowls to spoons and tree ornaments, there is something for everyone to discover. As every year, I am pleased to have Joe Hunt from Mascarene Woodworks offer his high quality and sought after wooden bowls with us.

Anne Hill Watercolours

One local artist, Mabel Ketchum, a St. Andrews household name who has been designing many of the 'St. Andrews Trade Dollars' has just picked up the paintbrush again this year and been busy creating a most wonderful series of fun, whimsy, encouraging women paintings and cards. There is a total of 21 different images available- the perfect way to send a smile to that special friend! I have seen some, but not all and am really looking forward to her exhibiting.

If you love teddies and fabric works, check out Barbie Smith's display. Her second year with us, she is a great addition and brings insight and expertise to anyone interested in collecting, giving or looking-to-give a personalized teddy to a child or adult. Everything is handmade, too, bear AND accessories. You will see classic to hip, and get a smile and good conversation from this local, retired high school teacher.

St. George, Mascarene landscape artist Anne Hill will be exhibiting with us this year, too. Check out her bright, whimsy landscape works: using three colours- one brush method that both Barbara Neilson and I are using, too, she is a student also of Chinkok Tan who comes every summer to St. Andrews to teach his method. Barbara Neilson, who many of you know will have a new array of greeting cards available along with her super large size watercolour paintings.

Lynne Bowland Glass Lamp Bead and Jewellery Artist

For jewellery and sewn gifts we are proud to have back with us lamp bead artist from Deer Island Lynne Bowland who's exquisite craftsmanship has a loyal following, local and aboard; she sells on Etsy, too and I'm a big fan of her works! Bertha Day from right here in St. Andrews will have an enticing dispay at our Art-Open-House of fabric and yarn wearable art. Earrings, one-of-a-kind travel scarfs, cards, brooches bangle bracelets and many more- most are easy-to-mail and the perfect pick-me-up gift or stocking stuffer. She is always very busy selling and talking to interested customers.

One more Deer Island artist- did I say yet that Deer Island is a VERY creative place??? Award winning surrealist and landscape artist Jerome Andrews has his very own unique style that he's been developing with a productiveness and relentless work ethic that not many artists have like him. His dear wife, Jenny shared with me that he walks over to his ocean front studio every day, working hours on pieces, developing characters that are a cross between fantasy and surreal storytelling. Truly a one-of-a-kind we are proud to have share his works with you!

Of course, you have seen my works on here and for the first time in a few years, I will actually have my own proper table and display at our open house! I've been wrapping, packing, sorting, printing to get ready, only two more sleeps- excited! I hope you can come, I'd love to see you and I'm sure you will not regret and maybe even make it a new annual tradition to stop by Europa Inn Art-Open-House

Jerome Andrews Art

Church of St. Andrew Steeple

Today another steeple: the Catholic Church of St. Andrew. It was a beautiful late summer day, very sunny and hot, with white clouds drifting by here and there. Sabrina is back from her trip to NJ and it was so sweet how she brought me water from time to time!
Can you guess where I painted this?

Church of St. Andrew Steeple, plein air, oil, 6x6, 50$

Heute nochmal ein Kirchturm Bild: Die katholische St. Andreas Kirche. Es war ein wunderschoener Spaetsommertag, sehr sonnig und warm, mit vorbeiziehenden Schaefchenwolken. Sabrina ist auch zurueck von ihrem New Jersey Urlaub und war so suess- hat mir kaltes Wasser zum trinken gebracht waehrend ich malte! Weiss jemand von wo ich das Bild aus gemalt habe?