Thursday, December 3, 2009

A Bit of Sunshine

"A Bit of Sunshine"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
5" x 5" acrylic on paper

Nothing like a bouquet of flowers to cheer you up! I love painting these as they always get me warmed up for more...painting!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Family Tree & Elmo Saves Christmas

"Family Tree IV"
©2009 Nancy Laliberte
7" x 5" acrylic on paper
Matted and framed with an archival soft white mat and natural gallery frame
$85

Available at the Center for Visual Arts, Wausau, WI (715.842.4545)

Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your friends and families. I am thankful for the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do: be an artist and paint! And I am thankful to all you who check out my blog and support me in my creative endeavors. ;-)

Elmo Saves Christmas!
This past Monday I helped my friend Kris decorate a tree for our area Festival of Trees event. This is a great cause as it benefits the area hospice organization. This year Kris came up with "Elmo Saves Christmas." Even my kids got into it by donating a pair of Elmo slippers, an Elmo doll and an Elmo car. Another dear friend, Suzanne, scored some great Elmo books and CDs to stuff the gift baskets. If you are in the Wausau area, check out the event! It is taking place at the Stoney Creek Conference Center near the Cedar Creek Mall (exit 185 off of I-39/Hwy 51). And bid on our tree, too!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A Pair of Pears

"Pear II"
©2009 Nancy Laliberte
7" x 5" acrylic on paper
Matted and framed with an archival soft white mat and natural gallery frame
$85
"Pear III"
©2009 Nancy Laliberte
7" x 5" acrylic on paper
Matted and framed with an archival soft white mat and natural gallery frame
$85

As you know, I love playing with color. Painting a simple object such as a pear is a great opportunity for experimenting with color and light.

Both of these pieces are currently available at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, WI (715.842.4545).

Friday, November 20, 2009

Beyond the Trees

"Beyond the Trees I"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas
$275

"Beyond the Trees II"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas
$275

When I want to play with color combinations and mixing, something a little abstract is a good way for me to "play with the paint." I'm not thinking about making it "realistic" or "perfect," I am just playing in the paint and seeing what happens.
"What if...?"
Love it!

Stay in the paint,
-N
btw: both of these pieces are available at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, WI 715.842.4545

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Petite Peinture: Meandering

"Meandering"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
4" x 4" x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD

While this painting is only 4" x 4," I used dabs of color and flowing paint and wrapped (painted) the scene around the edges to create the feeling of depth and expansiveness in the landscape. This piece is currently available at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, WI--715.842.4545. It's perfect for gift giving even if it is for yourself. ;-)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Petite Peinture: Evening Sail on Lake DuBay

"Evening Sail on Lake DuBay"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
4" x 4"x 1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD

Here is another "Petite Peinture." This one also has the tissue paper texture to it.

Lake DuBay is a lake located between Wausau and Stevens Point and is a wonderful place for sailing. I have only sailed a couple of times and both times it was on Lake DuBay--very fun and exciting!

This little painting is available at the Riverfront Arts Center in Stevens Point, WI (715-343-6251). They are having their Fine Art Gift Gallery show on now through December 24th. The walls of the gallery are covered floor to ceiling with art for gift giving--it is awesome! Gallery Director Brenda and her volunteers do an incredible job hanging and displaying everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, pottery and more! If you are in the area please check it out!


Monday, November 16, 2009

Petites Peintures: Perfect for Gift Giving!

"Poppies"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
4"x4"x1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD
"Field of Blooms"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
4"x4"x1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD
"Queen for a Day"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
4"x4"x1-3/8" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD

I have been painting up a storm (hooray!) to have pieces in several gallery holiday shows. I focused on smaller paintings--I call them my "Petites Peintures," French for "little paintings." They would make great stocking stuffers or exchange gifts for family members, friends and colleagues who love ORIGINAL art! With these three, I first gave them some texture with gel medium and tissue paper and then painted over that. All three are available at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, WI. If you wish to purchase one or all three, give them at call at 715.842.4545. Thank you for investing in original art! It's art therapy for the soul.
--N

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fall Charette with Gingerbread Men


Gingerbread Series I through X
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
3" x 3" acrylic on canvas
$15 each

Last week, I had the opportunity for a mid-week "charette" with my great painter friend Val Berkely at her Lake Superior "Lake Effect Art Studio" in the UP. We painted morning, noon and night, and talked about art the whole time. We also watched the Georgia O'Keefe and Alfred Stieglitz movie I mentioned in the last post. A video of some sort seems to be a tradition with the charettes. That, and a good glass of wine ;-)

The gingerbread guys were one of the projects I worked on during the charette. I used the opportunity to work on some color and brush techniques. The gingerbread guys were simply a means to an end. Yes, I "used" them and now I am sending them on their way! Half are going to the Center for Visual Arts gift gallery in Wausau and the other half are headed to the Riverfront Art Center's gift gallery show in Stevens Point. If you are interested in a purchase, they come complete with gold ribbon for hanging, stop in the galleries or send me an email and I can let the galleries know.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Oak Leaves with Acorn

"Oak Leaves with Acorn"
© Nancy Laliberte
28" x 22" acrylic on canvas
$350

This painting was inspired by my love of Georgia O'Keefe's work, and a video about Thomas Hart Benton. Huh? Georgia O'Keefe and Thomas Hart Benton? Well, I really love the artwork from the early 20th century, the WPA murals, and every so often I digress.

Did any of you catch the recent show on Lifetime about Georgia O'Keefe and Alfred Stieglitz? I loved all of the scenes that showed her artwork! I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the O'Keefe museum twice in 1998 and also go to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch.

I am fortunate to have a public library that has a lot of art history videos, and the one about Thomas Hart Benton was fantastic! Check out your local library and see what they have to offer. You may be pleasantly surprised.

keep your brushes wet,
N

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Maple Leaves

"Maple Leaves"
© Nancy Laliberte
28" x 22" acrylic on canvas
$350

The fall color is alive and well here in north central Wisconsin and it is beautiful! (Even on a cold rainy day like today.) This painting was inspired by a walk with my youngest son. Fascinated by all of the color variations in the leaves, we had a great time collecting leaves, talking about trees and why the leaves change color in the fall. Science and art--don't ya love it!

This painting also won a "Best of Show" award in the Wisconsin Visual Artists' Guild's "Colorama" show.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Mum's the Word

"Mum's the Word"
© Nancy Laliberte
10" x 8" acrylic on panel

Mum's the word this time of the year here. A bouquet with a play on color using complementary colors and a couple of extra "spice" colors for, well, spice! Can you figure out the complementary color scheme and spice colors?

Remember, if you see a painting on my blog that you would love to have in your home or office or to give as a gift, email me and we can make purchase arrangements. Original art is great therapy and a wonderful investment in yourself!
N

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Fall Early Evening Light

"Fall on the Farm – Early Evening Light"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
5" x 7" acrylic on paper

Having grown up on a farm, I am drawn to landscapes like this. This scene was inspired by a farm in western Wisconsin visible from Hwy 29. A pencil sketch and a very quick photo from the passenger window was all I needed. I love the cool shadows/warm light contrast on the buildings from the evening sun.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Back to School

"September Landscape"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
5" x 7" acrylic on paper

I'm back! and it was back to school today at my house. My youngest started kindergarten and my oldest is a senior in high school : )

I thought this fall landscape would be fitting as around here the leaves are already starting to change color--transition time.

I had a great summer traveling with my family, having campfires and s'mores (isn't that what summer is all about!), and hanging out with my painter friend Val Berkely for the "Second Annual Lake Effect Art Studio Charrette." Well, it was sort of like a charrette as the goal was for me/us to get as much painting done as possible over three days. It was all art talk and artwork. We celebrated the last evening with a "Tuscan Night" dinner, a great bottle of red wine and a couple of Stephen Quiller videos. I did come home with some finished work and a plan of attack for the next few months. All in all, it was a success and a lot of fun!

Keep your brushes wet...
Nancy


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Plein Air Landscapes

Morning Creek at Driver Property
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
9"x12" acrylic on panel
This is a heavenly spot on the John Driver property just outside of Viroqua, WI. How fortunate to have this as a part of your yard! There is a fence (not painted) and cattle roam through this area. I loved the morning light on all of the greens!

My painter friend Becky paints beautiful paintings with a colorful, abstract style. The painting she is working on in the photo turned out beautifully--very Monet-like. Becky and I met in '07 at a Bob Burridge workshop at Dillman's in Wis. (See Bob's and Dillman's link at right.) She is a terrific painter and friend with a great sense of humor! Thanks Becky!

Paintin' chicks! While painting at the Driscoll farm property outside of Viroqua, the chickens roamed about, pecked at our easels and provided us with a lot of comedic relief.

The chickens loved Susan! One became so enamored with her painting, it jumped up onto her palette! We squealed! The chicken squawked! And the poor chicken ended up with ultramarine blue feet and a blue stripe down its breast. It gives a whole new meaning to chicken cordon "blue"! (sorry--that was just too good to pass up!)

Morning Stream off Maple Dale Road
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
6" x 6" acrylic on panel
Another piece done off of Maple Dale Road. (See Monday's post.) This was a quick color study to work on trees, greens and water. I like the quick color studies as I paint more intuitively or with more of an emotional response to the subject and don't "over think" the whole process.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Color Notes

Stream near Maple Dale Road
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
10" x 8" acrylic on panel

This was a fast painting from my DeWaard plein air workshop--fast because I was set up on the side of the road on a bridge and there were two dump trunks continuously driving back and forth past me and a couple other plein air painters also set up near the bridge. The noise and dust was annoying and Ken was ready for a heart attack worrying about our safety, so we all relocated elsewhere. Long story short, a reference of quick color notes for a future studio piece.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Shed in Morning Light

"Shed in Morning Light"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
6" x 8" acrylic on panel
This painting (study) is from the plein air workshop I took in June. I am not sure what the building was/is used for--not an outhouse as it was near a driveway and highway and right next to fuel barrels??? I loved the sun lit side of the building contrasting with the shadow side and the tree shadows by the window.



Friday, July 10, 2009

Peonies in Bloom

"Peonies in Bloom"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
8" x 10" acrylic on panel
This is the first time I have painted peonies. I love the flowers despite the ants that also seem to love them, too! The petals are silky soft like feathers. We had peonies in the yard growing up so I guess they remind me of my childhood or something. I want to paint them again...

Monday, June 29, 2009

Hillside Haven

"Hillside Haven"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
6" x 6" acrylic on panel

This view is across the road from the painting in yesterday's post. There were painting opportunities at every turn at this location and at all of the locations we went to during Ken DeWaard's plein air workshop. I would consider it more of a study of color and composition rather than a finished painting.That is what plein air is all about to me. Capturing color notes, working on composition and simplifying shapes, and then taking that knowledge and applying it to larger canvases.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Plein Air Painting

"Field from Cina Road"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
6" x 8" Acrylic on panel
Where has June gone?! Sorry to have not posted in a while, but I have been traveling, soccer momming and painting. In other words, I just haven't been home!

A couple of weeks ago I was in Ken DeWaard's plein air intensive workshop in Virocqua, WI. We were up before the sun with easels set up in the field ready to catch the first rays of the morning light. It was spectacular. Ken is an excellent instructor--check out his workshop schedule on his web site. We had terrific group of eight artists and everyone was a joy to be with. There was a lot of laughter, sharing of ideas and a lot of painting! Thanks Becky for letting me stay at your studio house! This is a piece I did around 9 am the first morning of the workshop. I really wanted to work on greens, simplifying shapes and capturing the light. Oh, and put in brush mileage.


Sunday, June 7, 2009

Painting, Posting & Plein Air

"Inside or Outside"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
7" x 5" acrylic on paper, archival mat 11" x 14", unframed
SOLD
I haven't posted much this past week as I was working on some freelance graphic design work (deadlines! deadlines!) and getting all of my gardening and landscaping completed before the rain and cold weather hit over the weekend. I think the daytime temps reached about 50 degrees yesterday and today. This is a painting I did before I got caught up in everything else. It has a light cad orange wash and then I quickly painted in shapes of color. I have trouble with my greens looking too bright, so I concentrated on making them have more yellow and blue undertones. I had some reference photos and I had also just purchased my geraniums (they're all planted now).

Monday I head to Viroqua, WI for a three day plein air painting workshop with Ken DeWaard. Can't wait! We will be starting at 6 am and wrapping up around 9 pm. I will post more on that when I return at the end of the week.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Echinacea purpurea

"Echinacea purpurea"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
6" x 6" acrylic on panel
nfs
I received this perennial for my garden from my folks. These flowers really attract butterflies while in bloom. I leave the dried plants alone over winter and the birds love to feast on the seeds.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Bouquet in Blue II

"Bouquet in Blue II"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
8" x 6" Acrylic on panel
$120
Another variation to the blue theme and playing with color and values. I often work small because of time constraints. At least this way I can still complete a painting even if it is just a little one. Besides, good things come in small packages and small paintings are no exception. :-)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Bouquet in Blue

"Bouquet in Blue"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
8" x 6" acrylic on panel
$120 plus shipping
Reviewing what I have posted so far, it is apparent how much I love painting flowers. These floral paintings are a great opportunity to play with color and composition. I think this one has some nice value contrasts and luminous passages. And I loved smooshing the paint around! Even the sides are painted so the panel can be displayed on a small easel instead of framed. All of my pieces have a satin UV varnish, as well.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Bouquet in Red

"Bouquet in Red"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
8" x 6" acrylic on panel
$120
A little painting done to work on color relationships, lights and darks and all those other things we need to remember while painting. I have taken a couple of Bob Burridge workshops and enjoy using his "Goof-Proof Color Wheel." Spin the wheel, pick your color combinations and paint away! Check out his workshop schedule and sign up for one or two or three...five days with Bob and you will never be the same!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Pansies from Heaven

"Pansies from Heaven"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
10" x 8" acrylic on archival matboard
SOLD

My Granny O'Gara always planted pansies in her garden. In her memory I always make sure I plant a pot or two in my own garden. I started this piece last fall from life and then recently finished it up in the studio using a photo reference. It starting looking a little too "tight" so I took a big brush and went back in to simplify the shapes and give it the painterly look I was going for in the first place.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Amaryllis & Exhibitour


"Amaryllis"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
6" x 6" acrylic on panel
$45 plus shipping
I love these flowers and find it fascinating watching them grow and blossom. It's kind of like watching your children grow and bloom into a special person who brings great joy to your life.

My friend Val Berkely (she is the tall one!) and I named our Exhibitour event, "Double Blooms" and had a painting demo going for added interest. We set up my plein air easel and started with a simple sketch and a reference. As we painted we explained the "method to our madness" and how we work in layers and often start out with colors opposite to what the final layer will show. We used finished paintings to further exemplify. While Val and I have different styles, we both love COLOR. Watch for the finished painting in a later post.

The Three Muskateeers! Chris Mosse, Val and I will be having a three-person show next spring at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau. "Where We Live" will feature paintings by Valerie and myself, and hand-painted furniture and other 3-D pieces by Chris. It is going to be a terrific show with lots of color and more...

Exhibitour has not only great art but also yummy treats. My little Nicholas, 5, came to support us and have some cheese and crackers, too. Nicholas is a budding artist and contraption-maker who loves painting, Playdoh, race cars and trains.

Art fans Debbie and Rick Clements stopped by to enjoy the art, conversation and wine. Thanks Debbie and Rick! Also a big THANK YOU goes to Amber and staff at Associated Bank for sponsoring us, and everyone else who stopped by to say "Hi" and check out our work.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Wausau Spring Exhibitour

"Plein Air Heliopsis"
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
8" x 10" acrylic on panel
$150
These flowers grow in one of my mother's gardens and my challenge was to create a variety of greens, capture the "spirit" of the flowers, and simply work en plein air. It is part of a plein air flower series I have going. This painting will also be featured in Wausau's Spring Exhibitour Gallery Walk tomorrow night from 6-8 pm. My artist friend Val Berkely and I will be at Associated Bank (corner of Scott & 4th St). The theme of our show is "Double Blooms" and will feature all florals. Here in north central Wisconsin, winter is very, very long. We thought lots of bright floral paintings would be just the ticket to welcome spring! If you are in the Wausau area--please stop by and take in Exhibitour. It is a huge social event that always draws a large crowd, and you just may find that perfect flower painting to go above the sofa ; )

Monday, May 11, 2009

Blooming

"Blooming"
5" x 7" acrylic on paper
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
archival mat 11" x 14", unframed
$85 plus shipping
My crocus' are done blooming and some of my tulips are starting to open. It is taking a lot of Liquid Fence to keep the rabbits and deer from munching my painting subjects. This piece actually started out by making a mess, that is I cleaned off my palette by getting the paint pretty wet and using a wet Viva paper towel to make splotches and blobs of many colors. I did this to several pieces of gessoed watercolor paper. Once the paint was dry, I started looking for abstract shapes within the positive and negative spaces. Soon "Blooming" came to life.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Misty Day Bouquet

Misty Day Bouquet
8" x 6" acrylic on panel
© 2009 Nancy Laliberte
SOLD

A colorful bouquet for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day and just in case you didn't get flowers today, you can enjoy these. My 17-year-old son gave me a huge bouquet of beautiful roses--I will be painting those this week!