Best Cat Ever

Nice story behind this little guy. He was born at the farm next door along with many others. Two of the farmers noticed that no mother was taking care of/feeding him. They kept a close eye and when no feline stepped up, Chris and Jami took him in, fed him formula and lovingly nurtured him into the BEST CAT EVER! and then they let us have him. :o)

By the way...his name is Bone Thug. Youthful music lovers will understand.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Frosting

Some fall leaves dusted with frost... which today are buried under the 8"...and counting... of fresh snow that's been falling all day! It's beautiful.

I haven't posted for a while but I've been painting like crazy! Larger and on canvas for the first time. I'll post as soon as I get some clear weather to photograph the new pieces...since they won't fit in my scanner.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $100 + $10 domestic shipping

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

Remembered

I did this on the day of the tragedy in Connecticut. I painted to help forget. I painted these to help me remember.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Muffled

This is a gentle intimate little painting (5" x 5".) The pussy willows remind me of old- fashioned mufflers people used to wear to keep their hands warm.

Oil on panel, 5" x 5"

SOLD

First Snow

This chickadee was sitting on the deck railing right outside the window where I stand to paint each day. He was waiting for his turn at the suet we hang there...in line after the cardinals, blue jays and woodpeckers. And my cat sits inside on the window ledge keeping a close eye on it all.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

The Bells, Bells, Bells

School bells, cow bells, sleigh bells...I've had this reference photo for a few years.  I've loved the idea for that long...but wasn't sure I could make a painting of it. The photo was taken under fluorescent lights, the bells were so similar in color and kind of washed out. I couldn't be more pleased with how the painting turned out! I really love the warm glow of the old brass and silver bells. I guess it was worth the wait! :o) Here's a little comedy break that seemed appropriate. It's worth the view!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6" SOLD

Wet

What first drew me to this and my main focus was the rust and cream colored bisected stone, so that's what I started with. I like the way the sun was sparkling off the wet rocks and tried to capture that wetness. Here's some appropriate painting music.
Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Winter Hat

I like the contrast of the cool winter tones with the still warm dried sunflower colors. Here's some great painting music.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $100 + $10 domestic shipping

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

One Baaad Apple

I don't know what kind of apples these are...they're a beautiful waxy kind of yellow green with a pale red blush. Try as I might, I couldn't get this adjusted on my monitor so that it looks like the original. The painting is rich ...but a bit gentler in color...does that make sense?  I like it. Here's a great song...inspiring music. Doesn't it make you want to dance?!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

To Every Thing

I've painted from this series of images before and am drawn back to it by the great contrast of color and temperature. I love the shape of the oak leaves and the darkness around the edges. This is one of those paintings that really glows in person...a much deeper blue-ish red. I like the portrayal of both seasons in this piece...or the change of seasons. Here's some fun painting music for you. Love it!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $100 + $10 domestic shipping

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

The Falls in Fall

This is one of my favorite recent paintings. I think because I've not painted much falling water and I'm pleased with how it turned out. Plus I love all the color. I spent a day this fall at Seal Harbor with friends. It was one of those magical fall days that was warm enough to be in shirt sleeves...warm sunshine, peak foliage, lunch on the rocks at the ocean's edge followed by a long walk through a glorious wood's path that led to this waterfall. Like I said...magical. In fact I could have sworn I saw wood nymphs hiding in the trees.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

Here are a few steps along the way:

 

 

Triplets in Blue

I've painted this nest several times. It's as much fun every time...and it turns out different each time...I think. I do the eggs first (get the hard part out of the way) then have a blast with the loose nest strokes. I like the lighter bit in the top right corner. Here's some VERY sexy painting music. :o)  Enjoy...

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Frosted

We got a couple inches of snow here in Maine a few weeks back. It didn't last long but was beautiful while it was here. I love this kind of dark dramatic sky and the way the late afternoon sun lights up the birches in our back field. Every time it happens I run out on the deck to see. 

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Seeing Red

I haven't seen the cardinal for a few days. This is the last of the paintings I did from last week's images. Funny...all four cardinal paintings I did sold at the open house. Hopefully he'll be gracious enough to come pose for me again...and maybe he'll bring the snow with him!  Here's some fun painting music!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Illuminata

I so enjoy painting these colorful sheep. My favorite part (the sweet spot for me) is that bit of light that catches his chin. Don't sheep's half-mast eyes make them seem kind of laissez-faire? Like he's saying, "I'm tired...tired of being admired."  Ha! I just LOVE this music.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

Schoodic Seagull

I met this seagull on one of my summer excursions to beautiful Schoodic Peninsula in Down East Maine. It's one of my favorite places...and one of his, too, I think. We shared lunch. Here's some cool painting music. Here's to peace, love and unity!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $100 + $10 domestic shipping

or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

Studio Open House

Yesterday was our annual Studio Open House.
The day was perfect with just a few flurries falling adding to the festive holiday spirit.

As always, I've been preparing for weeks. Cleaning, clearing, organizing, decorating and hanging over two hundred new paintings.

Here are a few of the displays.

My studio - (above and below)

 

 

The hallway -

 

The 'pig wall' in the bedroom -

It's fun choosing these small vignettes for each wall section.

And of course the porcelain pig herself.

 

I was very excited to offer a new item this year. A 2013 desk calender of my art. Twelve months of color. We sold out!

 

There was mulled cider warming on the wood stove and a variety of wines for those who preferred. We snacked on sugared almonds, various cheeses and gingerbread cookies baked by our local high school culinary training program. 

 

All afternoon, both upstairs and down, the house was FULL and loud and fun!

Midway through the event, we held the much anticipated drawing and gave away a free painting, Christmas Spirits. (Our daughter Sadie did the honors)

This year's winner is Neil! Some of you may recognize him...he won a couple of years ago, too! 

It was truly a grand afternoon...filled with music, art and friendship...we even had elves!

 

From all of us Fergusons (Molly, Lucas, me, Doug and Sadie) ~

to all of you who came from far and near to share in this day with us,

thank you for your support, your encouragement and the invaluable part you play in life's unfolding adventure.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bren 

(Thanks to Kyle and Lucas for the images)

~ Some brief thoughts from the previous day...

My Thoughts the Day Before the Annual Exhibition

Such a nice brisk day!
Got out for a bit late this afternoon
to gather some pine, spruce and cedar boughs
for arrangements in pitchers and vases.
No poinsettias this year;
they're poisonous to animals
and my cat eats all my plants.
I like the natural look better.

I'll do some write-ups 
to post alongside each painting group
with thoughts and inspirations.
It will take awhile.
They're all drafted at least but
I have to type/print/cut and put up.

I made candied almonds this afternoon.
The house smells good. All is clean,
all paintings hung and lit,
just the finishing touches with food,
last minute things. I'll choose music
and more tomorrow.
Four dozen gingerbread men
are being made this afternoon
by the chefs at United Tech Center.

I'll finish up,
spa in the frigid night air,
watch a bit of the Celtics game,
and drop

Is Anybody Home?

Here's the third of four cardinal paintings I did of the male who's been watching me paint. Wonder if he's thinking, "Always on the outside, looking in."  One more sleep until our annual Studio Open House...very excited! Here's the music that's got me going...and going...

Oil on panel, 6" x 6" 
SOLD

Tidal Pool

I worked from a photo I'd taken on one of my many sojourns to the ocean this summer. I was painting this at a recent art fair when a lady stopped by to view the art. She really loved this piece, but it was wet. So she's coming by our Open House reception this weekend to pick it up. That's a lady who knows what she likes and has the patience to wait for it!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Artisan Fairs

I spent the past three weekends doing art fairs for the first time. I've gained an added respect for the folks who do 25-30+ shows year round. I think I'll stick to 3 or 4! I met a lot of great artisans and customers, talked art with kindred creators and actually got to paint while I was there. It was a wonderful learning experience for me and another aspect of my artistic journey. The adventure continues!

Gearing up now for our annual Studio Open House this Saturday with about 200 new paintings. The anticipation builds...

The Visitor

What struck me when I looked out my window was the contrast of the dark bird and nature's green background. Lots of birds have been visiting my deck recently. :o)

Oil on panel, 6" x 6", $100 + $10 domestic shipping

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

In this Together

This is the last of the recent stone series. It helps me to paint in a series. By doing three or four or more paintings,  I can really get a feel for so many things...color, shadows, shapes, composition. Sometimes one painting just doesn't feel like enough. Here's some of the painting music for you to enjoy.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

To Love!

This was a commission for a man's girlfriend of 30+ years, his wife. His words...sweet, huh?

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Hot Spot

Same cardinal...different pose.  I've been busy getting ready for one more art fair the three days after Thanksgiving...and our Open House the following weekend. Very excited for it all! Here's some great music to paint to....energetic! HO - HEY!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Bright Spot

Yes, we had our first snow last week! It was just a tease of a couple inches and only lasted two days, but it was beautiful. And this guy's been visiting our deck for a couple of weeks now. He sits right outside the window where I paint. If I'm really stealthy, I can grab my camera and snap away.Here's the music I've been painting to lately.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD