Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Feeling like "Hello Spring!" original painting by artist Nancy Laliberte

"Hello Spring"
© Nancy Laliberte
14" x 11" acrylic on canvas
click here for larger view/purchase
available

After painting for several weeks with oils, I switched back to using acrylics to finish up this piece which had been started earlier this year. Interestingly enough, I sensed a change in the way I handled the paint, and in my color mixing. I enjoy working in both oils and acrylics for different reasons. With oils, I find it easier to create lost and found edges; with acrylics, I love the versatility and easy cleanup. I feel with this piece, I was better able to bridge the gap in my handling of the two mediums. 

This painting is currently a part of my "From the Earth" exhibit at the Alexander House Center for Art & History in Port Edwards, WI. The gallery is open Tuesdays (today!), Thursdays, and Sundays from 1 - 4 pm. The show is up until January 5, 2015. Be sure to stop by if you are in the area.



And, from last Saturday's Playing with Paint class. What a wonderful and talented group of artists - Thank You, Jeanne, Sharon, Gloria, Sharon and Cheri! 

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Creative therapy and gift-gifting while "Playing with Paint" this Saturday, Dec. 12

"Winter on the Farm"
© Nancy Laliberte
acrylic on canvas
private collection

Strangely enough, there is no snow on the ground where I live in northcentral Wisconsin. To rectify that, we will be painting snow in this Saturday's Playing with Paint class. It will be a fun way to get in some art therapy(a gift!), and paint a holiday gift, too. I tailor the class for all levels, so if you are thinking about joining in, do it! Rumor has it there will be chocolate treats... ;-)

Details and registration are on the website:  www.nancylaliberte.com/workshops

One of the gallery walls of paintings available at the Alexander House Center for Art & History,
Port Edwards, WI, now through January 5, 2016. It is a wonderful venue!
With this beautiful, balmy Wisconsin weather we are having, it's a great reason for a road trip to Port Edwards, WI, to take in "From the Earth," my two-person show at the Alexander House Center for Art & History with ceramic artist, Joe Clark. The exhibit continues through January 5th, 2016. If you are in the Port Edwards area, be sure to stop in to see it, and enjoy a tour of the historical Alexander House, too. It is open from 1 - 4 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. 

Friday, December 4, 2015

"Summer Circle," 6" x 6" original oil painting by artist Nancy Laliberte

"Summer Circle"
© Nancy Laliberte
6" x 6" oil on panel
sold


I love painting from life whenever possible. "Summer Circle" was painted in my friend Carla's garden, amidst conversation on family, travel, art, gardening, and desserts. ;-) Thank you, Carla!

This piece is framed in a plein-air gold frame, and currently available at The Alexander House Center for Art & History, Port Edwards, WI, now through January 5, 2016.

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If you are needing a break from all of the holiday busy-ness, and are up for having some creative fun, join me for the next Playing with Paint class on Saturday, December 12th from 10 am - 1 pm. More details are here.

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Thank you so much for being a part of this creative journey,
– Nancy

Monday, November 30, 2015

"Always with You," original acrylic painting by Nancy Laliberte

"Always with You"
© Nancy Laliberte
6" x 6" acrylic on panel
SOLD



I loved the challenge of capturing the vibrant and subtle shifts of pink in the flowers, the blues in the jar, and then having it all come together with a neutral, yet colorful background. While painting this piece, I found myself thinking of my breast cancer "sisters" out there, and families who have been affected by cancer. There is a lot of love and prayer mixed in the paint on this one.  

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If you are yearning to try out acrylic painting without the investment of supplies, join me for the next Playing with Paint class on Saturday, December 12th from 10 am - 1 pm. More details are here.
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Thank you for being a part of this creative journey,
– Nancy

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

"Stronger Than You Seem" 20" x 20" original oil painting by artist Nancy Laliberte

"Stronger Than You Seem"
© Nancy Laliberte
20" x 20" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
Currently available at The Alexander House, Center for Art & History
Port Edwards, WI
click here to view/purchase information

Always remember, you are Stronger Than You Seem.
Don't ever give up.
You are not alone. 

Thank you for being a part of my art journey. 
You are a blessing!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Nancy
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"Friends" keeping me company in the studio:
Music:  Praise Painting - personal itunes playlist
Reading:  I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
For color and joy on your Instagram feed, follow @nancylaliberteart

Thursday, November 19, 2015

"Summer Sisters" original oil painting by artist Nancy Laliberte

Summer Sisters
© Nancy Laliberte
10" x 8" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
SOLD


In my world:  Zinnias + Hydrangeas = Summer Sisters. Colorful and belonging together enjoying the sunshine, warm breezes, and secrets shared in the garden of life. 

I love how these look together! All are on gallery-wrapped canvas with the painting continuing around the sides, wired and ready for hanging. 

Friday (11/20), my show opens at the Alexander House Center for Art & History. I delivered my paintings this week. I am excited to see them installed with artist Joe Clark's beautiful ceramic pieces. The opening reception is from 5 - 8 pm. I'd love to see you there.

Thankful for:
My 2001 Ford Windstar van (reliable art delivery mobile ;-) )
My very supportive family and friends
You, my dear blog reader 
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"Friends" keeping me company in the studio: 
Music:  Praise Painting - personal itunes playlist
Audiobook:  The Paris Wife by Paula McLain  
Reading:  I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
For color and joy on your Instagram feed, follow @nancylaliberteart


Sunday, November 15, 2015

"Surrounded by Love"
© Nancy Laliberte
10" x 8" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
sold

This painting is the third in a series of four, and is a part of my upcoming show at the Alexander House in Port Edwards, WI. The exhibit opens this Friday, November 20th, with a reception from 5 - 8 pm. Also featured will be ceramic artist, Joe Clark, from Port Edwards, WI. The show runs through January 5th, 2016.
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"Friends" keeping me company in the studio: 
Music:  "Praise Painting" personal iTunes playlist
Reading:  I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
For color and joy on your Instagram feed, follow @nancylaliberteart

Thursday, November 12, 2015

"Blues 'n Jazz" original oil painting by artist Nancy Laliberte

"Blues 'n Jazz"
© Nancy Laliberte
10" x 8" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
available
click here for more information

This piece is a part of my upcoming show at the Alexander House in Port Edwards, WI. The show opens next Friday, November 20th, with a reception from 5 - 8 pm. I am thrilled to be sharing the gallery space with ceramic artist Joe Clark from Port Edwards. 

A work-in-progress shot – I often begin with a transparent under painting and then build upon that with opaque paint mixtures. There is a lot of stepping back, thinking twice, and painting once. And then some scraping and trying it again. ;-)
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"Friends" keeping me company in the studio: 
Audiobook:  Big Magic (audio book) by Elizabeth Gilbert (LOVED it, btw)
Music:  Amy Grant
Podcast:  Artists Helping Artists with Leslie Saeta
Reading:  I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer
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Just a reminder that there are few spots left in the Playing with Paint class this Saturday, November 14, from 10 am - 1 pm. Details are here.  

Sunday, November 8, 2015

"From the Earth" - Show Opening November 20th

The opening date is drawing near, and I am super excited for my upcoming show "From the Earth" at the beautiful Alexander House Gallery in Port Edwards, WI. The amazingly talented Joe Clark will have his ceramic pieces paired with my paintings. I'm loving how my painting "Beckoning" pairs with Joe's pieces on the invite cover! I have been painting away on many new pieces for the show, and am so excited to share those with you all! 

Here are the details:
You and your friends are cordially invited
to attend an opening reception
"From the Earth" 

featuring 

Oil and Acrylic Paintings by Nancy Laliberte
Wausau, Wisconsin
www.nancylaliberte.com

With

Pottery by Joe Clark
Port Edwards, Wisconsin

Friday, November 20th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm

The exhibit will continue through January 5th, 2016
The artists will be present. Refreshments will be served.
The Alexander House is open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
or by special appointment.
Parking is allowed on Wisconsin River Drive on opening nights.
www.alexanderhouseonline.org

Sunday, October 4, 2015

"Georgia on My Mind" - Playing with Paint class Oct. 10 with artist Nancy Laliberte

"Georgia on My Mind"
© Nancy Laliberte
sold/private collection

"Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time." - Georgia O'Keefe

This Saturday is Playing with Paint time! I am excited to share the love of painting at my monthly acrylic painting class Saturday, October 10, from 10 am - 1 pm. Georgia O'Keefe is one of my favorite artists, and this month's theme is "A Brush with History:  Homage to O'Keefe."  I'll be picking up some fresh flowers from the local farm market and we will be taking the time to see, smell and paint the flowers while enjoying the friendships of like-minded people who love art as much as we do. 


Details and registration are here, but feel free to email me if you have any additional questions. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you are "playing with paint" and the pressure is off, and the focus is on having fun! Try something new, come join us...
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook


Friday, October 2, 2015

"Sweet Celebration," original acrylic painting by artist Nancy Laliberte

"Sweet Celebration"
© Nancy Laliberte
8" x 8" acrylic on panel
available
click here for more information

Sweet Celebration is another painting that is a part of The Artist's Muse:  Wisconsin Artists and Poets exhibit showing at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau through October 31st, 2015. I love painting cupcakes! When artist and show curator, Christine Alfery, came across Tori Wellhouse's poem, Theory of Cake, Christine thought of my cupcake paintings and asked if I would like to team up with Tori. Well, Yes! Thank you, Christine and Tori! 

Tonight is the opening reception from 5 - 7 pm. Several of the poets featured in the show will be reading, including Tori. 

Did you know that Sweet Celebration pairs up beautifully with Coffee and Donuts, and Almond Joy? And they have zero calories! All three are available for a special purchase price of $500, a savings of $85 and about 2,585 calories or so. ;-) 
"Coffee and Donuts"
© Nancy Laliberte
8" x 8" acrylic on panel
$195, framed
click here for more information

"Almond Joy"
© Nancy Laliberte
8" x 8" acrylic on panel
$195, framed
click here for more information

And here is the delicious poem by Tori Wellhouse...


Theory of cake 
You are an occasion.
Cake, in fact.
All your ingredients –
flour, sugar,
the look in your eyes –
measured parts
of a sucrose destiny.
You have memorized
yourself: finding fate
in the small spaces,
blending eggs, milk,
the air around your edges,
pouring the light-haired
batter: a mix of heat, poise,
s o d i u m   b i c a r b o n a t e.
You froth an alchemy
that swells, gilding
aroma, deep-seated
as hipbones. Your
surface splits joy.
There’s a sheen to you,
made for buttercream;
the knack of hiding crust
with long-leg frosting.
You cube womanhood,
serving yourself up
with a party napkin --
thumbing the crumbs.
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
Looking for a Creative Time Out? Join me for a class or workshop  

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

"The Afterlife of Roses" original acrylic painting by artist Nancy Laliberte, Day 30

The Afterlife of Roses
© Nancy Laliberte
24" x 20" acrylic on canvas
click here for more information


This painting is part of an invitational show, The Artist's Muse:  Wisconsin Artists and Poets, exhibiting at the Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Wausau, WI. Artists and poets teamed up for what is an amazing show. The Afterlife of Roses was inspired by Louisa Overidge Gallas' poem by the same title (listed below). Stop by the CVA Friday evening from 5 - 7 pm for the opening gala, including readings by some of the authors. 

The afterlife of roses

Have you ever fallen
naked together
in one easy glide
onto the faded yellow petals
of roses gathered to scatter
beneath you one late silky summer day
these petals of roses loosened from the bough
whose cool flesh still remembers
the ride high on long stems
in twilight rain

these roses you bless
with an afterlife
against your skin against skin
your embrace     your heat merged
with their last flourish of faint yellow
journies of pollen,
froth of bees in your kisses
memories beyond memories, the rhythm
of wind through your open windows
these petals bruise sweetly beneath
your weight, beneath your bellies
in your murmuring sheets they spend
their last visions of fleet white moths
and final secrets, secrets they shared
with pastel sweet peas, scarlet peonies
secrets now tangling in your hair;
         
             if only you could sing 
to all those flowers, who were neighbors
of the yellow rose, who miss those old blossoms
if only you could sing to them
the song of your ecstasy
until the whole garden realizes fully
the future of blooms about to release
from the branch. . .that you will come come
to gather them up by the handfuls
just before they fall, just then
just when they feel certain
they’re completely
finished  you will 
you will     come

Louisa Loveridge Gallas
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Whoa! Day 30? Happily, I have been painting and/or sketching daily this month. That was my biggest goal - though my blogging portion doesn't show that. Rest assured, the sharing of creative joy will continue long past today! Keep following, and even more than that, if there is a longing in your heart for some creative joy, follow your heart, and start. 
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
Looking for a Creative Time Out? Join me for a class or workshop  

Friday, September 11, 2015

Work-in-Progress - Day 10 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days with artist Nancy Laliberte

Work-in-Progress...I never met a painterly sky I didn't like! Sharing a detail of the sky portion of the commission. I like that it could be it's own painting. 

Speaking of painterly skies, check out artist Mary Maxam's sky paintings and other beautiful work here.  

Thank you for allowing me to share my creative joy with you!
- Nancy

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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
Looking for a Creative Time Out? Join me for a class or workshop  

Do what you Love, Pass it on - Day 9 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days with artist Nancy Laliberte

Samples from my sketchbooks
ink and watercolor on arches watercolor paper
I teach a weekly art class at Acton Academy in Wausau, WI. Today's class involved going on an ARTventure in the school courtyard. Taking the time to see and sketch with an artist's eye is a great way to instill attention to detail habits in a fun way that can carry over to other areas. The meditative aspect to being outside in nature can't be beat. And, when we finish a bit early, I make the kids play for a bit before going back inside. ;-)
watercolor and calligraphy pen on paper
A page from my sketchbook/planner/journal - a quote from the late Dr. Wayne Dyer - while catching a part of his movie, "The Shift." 

Thank you for allowing me to share my creative joy (and life) with you!
- Nancy
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See additional artwork at www.nancylaliberte.com
Connect and follow along with the studio on Facebook
Looking for a Creative Time Out? Join me for a class or workshop