Something to Say

This nuthatch was painted before Christmas as a personally commissioned gift...which I'm always so delighted to be a small part of. 

My friends, I can't even begin to tell you of the days and the ways your words of caring support and encouragement have bolstered me. And in those moments when one can feel so small and fragile, I'm reminded I'm never alone. 

I hope to be painting again soon...

With a full heart,

Bren

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

In-lightened

Dear friends, fellow artists and art lovers,

It has been a whirlwind (hurricane!) of a couple of weeks. You may have noticed I haven't posted anything here for a while. This isn't easy news to share, especially in such an impersonal way, but I wanted to tell you myself why this blog has been lacking as of late.

I've heard lots of anatomical, scientific and medical words over the past week, but the bottom line is I have metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I begin chemotherapy treatment (I prefer to call it "Elixir of Life!" therapy) after Christmas.

Painting has always been a meditation for me...one where blissful hours pass unnoticed. As time and energy allow, I fully intend to continue that joyful meditation.

We all know that it's not the circumstances that are important but how we choose to respond to them.

I choose comfort.
I choose happiness.
I choose peace.

Bren

oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

2014 Art Calendars

My 2014 Desk Calendars are now available while supplies last.  Each month displays a different painting from the past year. Below you can see each month's art selection. The calendars are 4" x 8" and are self standing. Perhaps a stocking stuffer gift?

SOLD OUT

 

 

You Chick

Here's the last of this chickadee series. But they were so popular and we are so surrounded by them and I take more reference snaps by the minute...I'm sure there'll be lots more! See the whole Dr. Seuss series below.

Oil on panel, 5" x 5"

SOLD

One Chick, Two Chick

Red Chick, Blue Chick
Warm Chick, Cool Chick
Me Chick, You Chick

Me Chick

I love the size and shape of these guys. So sweet! This is another little 5" x 5".

Oil on panel, 5" x 5"

SOLD

Two Chick

We have a beautiful long piece of driftwood attached to the deck off our second floor bedroom. We hang suet cakes from it and I love the way the birds come and perch there. Its smooth weathered beauty and twisted shape add a fun element to the compositions. 

I'm busily preparing for our Open House in two days! I've hung over 175 new paintings. Today I will light them, set up displays of my work spaces, prep refreshments, decorate, do some write ups about the paintings...and clean, clean, clean!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

One Chick

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

Blue Chick

Here's another intimate little gal. She, like Red Chick, is done on a 5" x 5" panel. Just perfect for her diminutive size.

Oil on panel, 5" x 5"
SOLD

Red Chick

Here's another in the "Chick Series." This one's a little more intimate on a 5" x 5" panel. That size seems to fit these little creatures so well. Today's the last day of a three day art fair I've been participating in. So I'm off to peddle my wares...but not before I feed the chickadees! 

Oil on panel, 5" x 5"

SOLD

Cool Chick

Here's another in the 'chick' series. I'm really enjoying painting these little creatures. 

Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving as you joyously reflect on your many blessings.

Gratefully,

Bren

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Warm Chick

The chickadees are here in full force...and they're hungry! I love these little guys. We have feeders all around. There's one right outside the window where I stand to paint, so I can watch them up close. One of my greatest pleasures is hand feeding them from my second floor studio window. In fact I spent time doing that this afternoon. I've begun a little series in appreciation of them...it has sort of a Dr. Seuss flair (the tiles)...you'll see.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Lost

A couple of years ago I spent some time hiking in southern Maine with friends. It was a beautiful place and a glorious day. I was totally focused snapping shot after shot with my camera...enjoying myself. Until I discovered that in my excitement to capture all this beauty, I had gotten separated from my pals, wandered off the trail and couldn't find my way back. After 20 or so VERY uncomfortable (ie. PANICKED!) minutes of shouting and imagining every possible scenario of how this late afternoon might lead to a night by myself, my friends and I were reunited! They soon realized I wasn't following behind and came back in the direction we'd come...but it took a while. I was never so glad to see anybody in my life! I got some great shots though! 

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

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

Studio Open House

Art Studio Reception

Saturday, December 7, 2013
between 1 and 4 pm

Please gather your friends and join me,
Brenda Ferguson
for an art celebration in my studio home in Dixmont, Maine.

Enjoy refreshments and browse my newest art.
I'm excited to share close to 200 brand new petite (6" x 6") oil paintings
with petite prices.

Win the above painting
Early Winter
6" x 6", Oil on panel

The drawing for Early Winter is at 2:00 pm.
No purchase is necessary; recipient must be present to win.

My gift for all who attend
is a 25% discount on all
displayed paintings during this event only.

Quick Directions
I95 Etna-Dixmont Exit 167,
turn onto Route 143 toward Dixmont for 3.5 miles,
turn right on North Road for 2 miles to studio-house number 298.

Drip

I thought I was intimidated by water drops...honestly I used to just leave them out. But I loved painting these! It's great fun!

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

Studio Open House

I've begun, in the past couple of weeks, preparing for our annual Studio Open House. Clearing the walls and spaces, prepping the paintings to hang, planning the refreshments...decking the halls so to speak! It's only a couple of weeks away on Saturday, December 7 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. We open our home, hang 150 or so new paintings and share some holiday cheer! If you're in the neighborhood, stop by! (and who wouldn't be in Dixmont, Maine?? It's a happenin' place!)

Thought I'd share a few of the initial preparations with you. We had a beautiful day a few days ago, so I took all the paintings outside to varnish. Then brought them in to finish drying.

 

 

Shadow Play

I'm really intrigued by windows....and doors. I think this is my first. I'd like to paint more of them....but I'm not sure I'm covert enough! I coated the panel with black gesso to begin...and left the windowpanes that way. The flatness of the black seemed to add to the illusion of depth. 

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Sunrise on Martin Stream

Martin Stream borders our land on one long side. I painted this from a photo I shot early one morning a year or so ago. I liked the way the frozen stream had created a ridge in the middle from drifting snow.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Pile Up

It is such a blast to paint peppers! I love the irregular shapes, all that orange and red warmth and the translucent and shiny skin...not to mention the curved stems! What's not to love?

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"

SOLD

Lights and Darks

This is another painting I was able to do while manning my booth at a recent art fair. Love that!

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

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com

Ram Bo

I originally painted this guy for the challenge I hosted on Daily Paintworks a few weeks ago. The challenge was all about creating texture so I focused on his horns at the time. But I knew ever since I photographed him, I wanted to capture his magnificent face and expression...and I wanted to incorporate gold leaf in his horns. So here's his second portrait, gilded horns and all. 

I began with a toned canvas and applied the gold leaf. then painted with oils on top of and around it.

 

 Here are a few snaps taken outside in natural light so you can see the leafing better.

Oil on panel, 6"x 6"

NFS

Monhegan Harbor

This is one of so many glorious views on Monhegan Island, Maine. I visited for the first time this summer....and can't wait to return. This is my entry for the H2O Challenge on Daily Paintworks. Click on the link to submit to the challenge and to see all the other entries.

Oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

Bunches and Bunches

These are scallions grown by our organic farming neighbors. This is another painting I did at last weekend's art fair. I love being able to get some work done...while I'm working! I did four more this weekend at another fair. What's so cool is kids seem to love it the most. They drag their parents over, "Mom! Mom! Look what she's doing!" and they get right up close and watch in fascination. Kids are the greatest! :o)

Oil on panel, 6" x 6" SOLD

Two Suns

I did this painting while at a recent art fair. Several interested shoppers marveled at how I could paint with all the foot traffic/noise/Christmas music around me. It's amazing that with all the activity, once I touch my brush to the canvas, they just seem to disappear.

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

 
or contact brenda@brendaferguson.com