Not Really a Cleaning Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:38:00 +0000

"Tropical Roses" 6x6 oil on panel

My painting for the Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge.

Wolfie and Abba and Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:44:00 +0000

I take about a zillion pictures of the girls who are into everything especially the bathroom sinks and their little fleece bed. Please support Standish Humane Society in Duxbury, Massachusetts who rescued these two from a field at two weeks old. Does Abba have a guilty look or what?

Too Many Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Marie Kinnear greets visitors to the "Nuts about the Von Liebig" event


The little girl in the pink hat was my buddy because I had lollipops

It's hard to keep up with one blog never mind the several that I'm keeping up with. We're in Naples for about a month now and it's beautiful. I always have a hard time transitioning from home to home but I've settled in. I volunteered at the Naples Art Association last Saturday for their children's event promoting summer programs at the Von Liebig Center. To say that the cute-ness factor was off the charts doesn't describe it! I also met a fellow blogger Kimberley McLaughlin who is a Bob Ross instructor and a fabulous person. She's friendly and loves what she does and her paintings were beautiful. This Saturday I'm working at the Ferrari Show. Yup, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis. I am bringing my sketchbook and I'll post some photos!

Kim McLaughlin, certified Bob Ross instructor demonstrates

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Wolfie grooming Abba

It's true that the older you get the faster time goes, just like the older folks always told us. It's been five years since I started this blog and my Just Painting blog which have opened up a world I never imagined. I've met and have had the support and encouragement of fabulous artists whose work has inspired me. I'm challenged and pushed just by seeing the blogs of the vast numbers of kickin' artists of all stripes! I'm entertained and validated the the generous comments I receive from all over the world. I wish everyone the courage to believe in themselves. Blogging is the best social network going.

N'orEaster

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:29:00 +0000

The day before the storm

The day before the storm the water hits the wall

The new wall and the old section

The day before

Ocean Storms are called N'oreasters here because the winds swirl around coming in off the ocean from the Northeast. They're really winter hurricanes and I could tell you some stories about the infamous Blizzard of '78 but you can probably Google it so I'll let you decide. Here in my neck of the woods we're really below sea level and in the 1930's a seawall was built along the shores of many of the coastal towns on the South Shore. The problem is that they are crumbling and last Spring the one at the end of our street failed causing a need to replace a 450 foot section. Only the tip of the iceberg though as it ALL needs to be replaced. You know the story. No funds etc.. Well, if you live there it's a must.


Same place the day of the storm

The high road above Brant Rock Village

WHOA!!!!

Green Harbor at High Tide

Storm clearing over Green Harbor Lobster fleet

Brant Rock Village the day before the Storm

Work in Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:32:00 +0000

(detail)

I am doing this 12x12 of Colin and Ryan at the beach. Kids on the beach are a popular subject which I plan to do more of. Come see me at Open Studios this weekend. For info click here.

Summer in Marshfield

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:28:00 +0000

This was the most incredible summer here in New England. The sun came out almost every single day for three months and the weather was hot and beach appropriate! This rarely happens and we all enjoyed it thoroughly. If this is climate change we (selfishly) welcome it here!

Ft Myers Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:06:00 +0000

some photos of our little trip to Ft Myers beach yesterday. It was really fun!

Sanibel Causeway in the distance

Malachite Bowl Demo

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:53:00 +0000

Every once in a while I like to post a series of stages leading up to the finish of a painting. These are the demo steps for the Malachite Bowl posted on 2/22/2010.

First a sketch to work out the composition

I grid the canvas with four small marks at the midpoint of each side and mark the center of the canvas so I can compose through my viewfinder.

Adding some color and value to make comparisons.

the finish.

Detail

Proud to Be from Massachusetts

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Wendell and the Paperwhites

I never get political on my blog but I have to make an exception here to say that Massachusetts 'Gets it'. The Independent Voters, of whom I am one, voted against the arrogance of Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats who have been trying to shove a deceptive 2000 page, "Trojan Horse", of a "Health Care" bill down our throats.

Forget all the sentimental drivel about 'Teddy's Seat' and 'Teddy's Legacy' and "making history". Teddy's gone and it's the "People's Seat", as it always was, in a government supposed to be 'Of the People, By the People and FOR the People.

I don't dislike Martha Coakley but she should know that Curt Shilling is not a Yankees fan and YES, she should have been standing outside Fenway Park, in the cold, shaking the hands of the "PEOPLE".

Is Scott Brown the answer? I don't know but it seems like he is listening and that's what I want from my elected representatives. It's about time.

Winter in New England

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:15:00 +0000

I say this every December, but it's true. I'm a New England girl, born and raised. We are leaving in a week for Naples, Florida and will not return home until May. I love Naples and I will be with my sister and my family who live there but, I will miss the snow, the cold, my Mama, my Painter girlfriends and my studio. Call me crazy. Here's a shot of the ice formed by the waves breaking over the seawall.

Provincetown Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Yesterday I took a trip to Provincetown to drop off a painting and visit my friend, Irene. We went for a walk in the dunes at Race Point on a gloriously sunny and calm day. She swore me to secrecy regarding the exact location, so the whole world doesn't show up there all of a sudden ;)

As we left the dunes around 3pm we could already see the full moon, which is the first of two this month. The other will be the 'blue moon' at the end of December. After I left her house I had to keep stopping and jumping out of the car to shoot photos. What is it about the moon that is so mesmerizing? Each time I see a moon rise it's as though it's the first time and each time I visit Provincetown, I feel the same way. Mystical and magical. The edge of the world. I decided to post my photos, without PhotoShop enhancement.

Peas in Pods 6x6

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Sneak peak of yesterday's daily painting. I did a bit more work on the greens to finish this but it's too sunny today to get a good photo of it so I'll post this one until it gets cloudy again. Shouldn't have to wait too long here in New England ;)

Holding Court 12x12 WIP

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Let's see if anyone actually visits my neglected blog. This will be for the Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge blog and will also be featured in my November Show.

Balloon Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:53:00 +0000

I went to New Hampshire this weekend to attend a family birthday party for my nephew, Colin, who turned four last week. Sunday we spent the day at a hot air balloon festival in nearby, Hillsborough. It was a fantastically summer-y, sunny, breezy day, for a change, and there were rides for the kids, plenty of food of all sorts and booths with stuff to buy. This is my brother and sister in law, Tom and Anne and my little boys Ryan and Colin, watching the liftoff around 6PM. Spectacular! A great time!

Colin Page Workshop Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:13:00 +0000

I think he's enjoying the class.

Margaret McWethy, in a class by herself . I did not put my work next to hers ;)

These are serious painters and the work tells the tale

Kelley gets a great painting

Indoor Still life demo

Some of the paintings

the 'homies' at Scituate Harbor

Colin Demonstrates

We had one beautiful sunny day of painting outside and one rainy day for indoor still life. It was a perfect balance as Colin is equally skilled in both genres.

Yellow Apple Study

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:01:00 +0000

This was Carol's brush stroke exercise. The initial block in shows that I'm sort of 'getting' it, but, once I got on it at home, you can see how I just worked it to death, not to mention that the lighting conditions were totally different. After much practice, I am learning to 'see' better and stop after every brush stroke. The new brushes I've been using are a world away from what has been my customary style of brushwork. I am really liking the crispness they give to the paint application.

Morey , Another Dog in Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:27:00 +0000

This wonderful dog just left for Heaven a week ago. It was my joy and pleasure to have his love and affection for the many years I did. He really belonged to my across the street' (barely a street) neighbor, Suzie. But he shared himself with Don and me. I'll miss bringing him out on beautiful days to lounge on the lawn. I took these photos last Fall, knowing that his days in the Sun were slipping away. I like to say, there's no love like dog love.

My Idol Prediction

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Allison Iraheta

Adam Lambert

I missed the first several seasons of American Idol, but now it's one of my favorite shows. Also, it's TV that the hubby and I can enjoy together. The remaining contestants are the best overall singers/finalists I've seen. I predict that it comes down to Allison Iraketa a sixteen year old, who is channeling Janis Joplin, and Adam Lambert, (strong resemblance to Elvis) who makes every song he sings his own and has mega stage presence and star power. These will be the last two standing, in my opinion.

SouthWest Florida Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Notice everyone in the family is holding a bird.

Yesterday, Don and I took a ride up to Flamingo Island Flea Market, one of our favorite places. It was a picture perfect day and we met some people who rescue Parrots of all types. They had a half dozen birds there for the day, out of somewhere near 30 birds. They visit hospitals and nursing homes with them. Such caring people. It warms my heart. Here's Don with a friend.

Sneak Peak of Nizzy

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:27:00 +0000

We'll see if this somewhat neglected blog gets any hits with a sneak peek of this work which I've not yet posted on Just Painting. Yesterday, I did this painting of my cat Nizzy who passed November 1st. She was such a beauty. Her white fur just glowed in sunlight. After this one, I did a very inspired version of the star fruit which I'm holding back until after I post this one. I'm being very disciplined because I have a show coming up in November. Very motivating. All new work. It will be in the lobby of Tishman Speyer Properties again. 125 High Street, Boston

Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Birches

The Harbor

Wind whistling off the roof

Easy for me to rhapsodize about the beauty of the snow and the brisk winter air because I'm spending the rest of the winter in Naples, Florida. Here are some local scenes after a beautiful snowstorm. Yes, I did shovel snow, so I know where of I speak. The great thing about the internet is it doesn't matter where I really am because I'm always here :D

Red Rock Balloon Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:05:00 +0000

I can hardly be seen here being encased in fleece and tucked beneath Don's arm. I was dressed properly for this.

The fun began pre dawn when Captain Mark Stewart picked us up and right away had us laughing with his witty repartee. To our surprise, we were the first of 15 people who were going that day.

Setting Up

We arrived at the launch site, sky still dark, where the Balloon Posse began setting up the intricate Basket & Balloon rig. What a sight. The balloon itself weighs 750 lbs and has to be inflated by two high powered fans while the crew assists at different points. The basket, which was custom made, to the specifications of Captain, Mark Stewart, can hold 20 passengers in 4 compartments. The center compartment holds the fuel tanks and Captain Mark. He also had the sides made 6" higher than usual, for which my 6'2" husband was thankful.

leaving the launch site

This TOAT-LEE ROCKS!

Incredible view Optical illusion

WOW

beautiful desert landscape

Mark Fires up the Flame

The Crew Follows Besides the fun balloon ride, the Captain and his Posse, are entertaining us with their routine over two way radios, as the crew follows us. Stand up comedy as we fly up and over the tops of the red rocks for a hour or so, the lights of Sedona, twinkling on the horizon. Interestingly, the overhead view renders the big red monoliths camouflaged as though you are seeing a flat desert landscape. But the concentric rings are visible. REALLY COOL! Mark likes to land on a lightly traveled roadway if possible, as to avoid damaging the balloon or having the customers truck through prickly cactus among other hazards, and he did make a text book landing. From the air we'd been able to see the crew as they tracked us and they were waiting.

The Posse comes to assist the landing

I LOVE my job (Captain Mark) Don enjoys his pipe !

The Toast

To our surprise (we didn't read the whole brochure) we were taken to a nearby circle of rocks where a table was set up with breakfast goodies including fruit, muffins and champagne mimosa's (or not) for whomever wanted them and we were toasted with the Balloon Flyer's Prayer and given our certificates, attesting to the fact that we had all broken the bonds of gravity. Neither of us had a bit of trepidation about doing this and we are so glad we didn't miss it! For those in the New England Area, there is a Hot Air Balloon event in June 2009 in Vermont, which I plan to attend. Hope they are giving rides too.

Red Rock Balloon Adventures

Open Studios Heads Up

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:32:00 +0000

6x6 Oil on GessoBoard bidding starts at $60

I'm slacking a bit here but I've been traveling. First to Nova Scotia Oct 4th-11th, and then this past weekend to New Hampshire and Vermont. Saw peak foliage as beautiful as it's ever been, set against impossibly blue, distant hills and mountains. Spectacular! This morning I've been updating my mailing list and attending to the business side of art. First aspect of business. 4th Floor Artists's Annual Open Studios will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 & 23rd, from 11-5 at the Sandpaper Factory and the ET Wright Building. They are two blocks apart and there is plenty of free parking. I am in the Sandpaper Factory at 83 East Water Street in Rockland, MA. Fourth floor, top of the stairs, on the right. My studio looks out over the Street. Click on the above link or search Google for www.4thfloorartists.org for directions and a list of artists. I will be sending out a mailing about my First Annual Studio Liquidation Sale. You heard it here. Paintings are going to be slashed in price. I am removing many from frames so you may have seen it before at a considerably higher price. I will still have my $35 & $50 'bins' to pick through. Also, new this year are a number of matted original watercolors, and some note cards with images of my paintings on them. I'll update with photos and such on my Just Painting blog. I also, listed some 6x6 paintings on eBay which I "priced to sell" since they are stacking up around here. We are in a recession, after all. Or haven't 'they' made it official yet?

Monty of Dennisport

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Sheehan Winn) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:11:00 +0000

What can I say here? His name is Monty and don't even THINK about walking your dog OR parking here! (just kidding, he was really sweet)