Summer Vine

Summer Vine

4x4 inches

acrylic on gessobord panel

This is a companion piece to yesterday's Fruits of Summer. Hopefully they both will be hanging at West Village Provisions next week. I am always thrilled to see the tomatoes on the vine at the grocery store during winter because they make me think of summer. However, I am always disappointed when I actually buy them - they have no flavor! I miss the summer tomatoes!

Can't believe that 2011 is just about over.....it went by so quickly! I have yet to sit down and write my goals for the upcoming year, but I hope to do that in the next few days. I think I did a pretty good job with my 2011 goals - I am looking forward to digging out that list and seeing just what I accomplished.

One thing I did do today was to look back to see how many paintings I completed this year. I did not start "Daily Painting" until late February - with the goal of 2-3 finished paintings/week. My final tally for the year - 126 paintings completed. This was a big number for me! My goal was to get back into the discipline of painting every day and pushing myself to complete more small paintings and not letting myself obsess over the little details that keep me from calling a painting finished. I think I made some progress here!

Anyways, I think this may be my last post for 2011 - I suspect the boys will keep me pretty busy tomorrow. So a very Happy New Year to you all....and see you in 2012!!

Summer Vine - $55 + $4.95 shipping in the US

(please contact me for international shipping)

Fruits of Summer - New Still Life Painting

Fruits of Summer

4x4 inches

acrylic on gessobord panel

It finally turned truly cold here in the Northeast. My husband and kids went north in search of snow, while I stayed home and dreamed of all things summer  ;-)

The color looks a little off in this scan - I will have to play with it again tomorrow.

Fruits of Summer - $55 + $4.95 shipping in the US

(please contact me for international shipping)

Kissing Up SOLD

Kissing Up

2.5 x 3.5 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper
SOLD

I hope that everyone had a lovely holiday!

I took a few days to try to get the house back into order (somewhat!).....and now I am ready to paint!
I suddenly realized that I have a lot of painting to get done in the next few weeks. It is also time to start making goals and plans for the new year. Hard to believe it is almost 2012 already.

And to all........

Fair Weather Friend

4x6 inches

acrylic on canvas panel

SOLD

I've baked, I've cleaned, I've cooked, I've wrapped, the kids are tucked in.....now it is time to wait for Santa......

Merry Christmas to all! (And to all a Good Night!)

Love & Kisses - SOLD

Love & Kisses

2.5 x 3.5 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper
SOLD

I bought a bunch of Hersheys Kisses for something at one of my kids' school and had a bunch leftover. They looked like they would be fun to paint - especially since I've  been wanting to work with more candy. I was surprised had just how difficult the crinkled foil was to paint! I still have a few left, so I may have to give it another try if the kids don't get to them first.

I was surprised to realize that this is the 100th ACEO I have painted since April 2010 (49 of them so far this year)! I have been enjoying the challenge of this size, and while I never expected that when I first started painting them that I would do so many, I am looking forward to doing more!

New Gallery!

Capturing Light

5x5 inches

acrylic on gessobord panel

I am very excited to say that this painting, along with about 8 more of my acrylics, are currently available at a lovely little gallery in Ipswich, Massachusetts. MiXtmedia Gallery is a wonderful place - small, but filled with a range of work of impressive quality. I am very proud to be a part of it! Make sure to check it out if you are local.

The current painting has been going slow lately - with birthday celebrations and holiday preparations and all kinds of last minute orders, there hasn't been much time at the easel. I hope I have something new to show soon!

Season's Greetings SOLD

Season's Greetings

5x7 inches

acrylic on canvas

SOLD

Poinsettias always feel so festive to me!

I bought two this year from a school band fundraiser....let's see how long I can keep them alive.

I had hoped to do a few more poinsettia paintings this year, but I don't think it is going to happen...the holiday is sneaking up on me waaaaaaaay to quickly!

I really wrestled with this one - it took me much longer than usual. Maybe it was all the red - always a difficult color to work with. I'm going to touch up the canvas edges this weekend - and resist the urge to go back into the painting.

Lots of holiday preparations to be done in the next week - my shopping is almost done, I just started the Christmas cards tonight and I haven't even begun baking. Tomorrow  - first on the agenda is the tree......

Brass Jingle - New Holiday Painting

Brass Jingle

2.5 x 3.5 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

on exhibit

I took a break from my newest poinsettia painting to sneak in this little one. I need to take a few paintings to a possible new venue - I hope to be able to share the details tomorrow!

Poinsettia - 4x4 original holiday painting - SOLD

Poinsettia

4x4 inches

acrylic on gessobord panel
SOLD

Good news!
Some of my work is now available locally at West Village Provisions in the heart of West Boxford, Massachusetts. WVP is a lovely little old fashioned "general store" with a small town feel. You can buy supplies, gifts, local eggs, milk and honey - not to mention wonderful food - and the BEST coffee around.  Mike and Kim have made it into a wonderfully welcoming place - and they asked me if I would like to hang some of my work and make it available for sale. I currently have a few holiday pieces there as well as some small local landscapes. Be sure to check it out if you are in the area!

Hanging Out

Hanging Out

3.5 x 2.5  inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

These little guys look like they are just hanging out, waiting for the big day.

available on Etsy

Follow the Leader

Follow the Leader

3.5 x 2.5 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

Trying to squeeze in a few more holiday ones before it gets too close to Christmas. Painting Christmas decorations is definitely fun. I find these little reflective ornaments a challenge, yet somehow addictive. I'm sure you will see a few more of them in the days to come - and I have a couple poinsettias vying for my attention as well.....

Follow the Leader - $15 + $1.70 shipping in the US

(please contact me for international shipping)

Blog Mention - Exhibition Critique

"Bountiful"

2x2 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

on exhibit

I am thrilled to have a wonderful write up in the blog for The Renaissance Gallery in Huntington, WV!
It is very exciting to be called an "accomplished miniaturist," especially when I feel like such a beginner. I currently have three pieces in their Annual Miniature Exhibition (running through December 12th). It's a wonderful show and I look forward to it each year. Please check out the blog if you have a chance!

[Adding the link again here: http://renaissancegalleryart.blogspot.com/2011/12/debbie-shirley.html?spref=bl
for the people who couldn't find it!!]

Wicked Nutcracker - SOLD

Wicked Nutcracker

5x5 inches

acrylic on gessobord panel

SOLD

My nutcracker is a bit beat up. The paint is chipped, he is missing half his moustache. He has seen better days. The first few times I painted him last year, I painted his profile, showing his "best" side. Then I decided to paint him head on, chips and all. He looked decidedly evil....and the "Evil Nutcracker", a tiny 3x3 inch painting, sold earlier this fall. I had a few requests for a new nutcracker, so I dusted him off after Thanksgiving for another go. The angle is slightly different, and this version is a little larger and on a smooth panel surface instead of canvas. I think he looks a little more "wicked" than "evil", don't you?