Art Smart Car

Nancy and Bebe visit Charleston, SC

2009-04-21T10:59:00.008-04:00

Bebe and I had a wonderful trip to Charleston, SC this past weekend. My friend, Debby and I signed up for a two day painting workshop with Karen Hagan. Karen lives and works out of Charleston and hosts many painting workshops, in SC, Italy, France and the Bahamas. Great way to travel, paint and learn. We had 12 students and not a one was from SC. Great bunch of women and good energy.

Saturday we painted in Mt Pleasant, down at the beach and on Sunday went to Charleston, we spread out from the Battery and Meeting Street, each selecting our own view to work on. I have always found it fascinating that you can have several people looking at the same scene and each will complete a totally different painting.

Here's the view of palms and chairs at the beach - Mt Pleasant, SC...

and here is my finished painting.

Bebe got lots of attention in SC, never did see another smart car all weekend, and especially not one as cute as Bebe. Always fun to see all the smiles she instigates. I think she looks like she has a permanent grin on her face.

Haven't decided where I'm going next to paint...Star and I have started to talk about Santa Fe...wouldn't that be fun?

Rosen Show

2009-02-17T08:00:00.008-05:00

"Waiting to Launch"

Star and I just got back from Philadelphia and the Rosen Show. A great show of national artists put together to provide incredible art and craft for galleries and museum shops. We attend to gather new work for Spectrum Art & Jewelry. The new art will begin arriving in March, come check out all of our exciting finds.

I've been busy in the studio painting as much as possible. The winter months are always a productive time for me as it's often too cold to be outside. I'm including a couple of new pieces here and you can always visit artsmartcar.com to see more.

I'm constantly amazed at how much I can pack into Bebe, the art smart car! For such a tiny car, she really can hold alot. I can get in quite a few paintings, suitcases and supplies. In April, Debby, a friend of mine from Florida, will be arriving here in NC and we will travel together to Charleston, SC to take a two day painting workshop. I trust everything will fit into Bebe's back storage space.

I heard an ice cream truck the other day...summer can not be far behind.

Keep it in the road!

Nancy

"Double Red on Banks"

Bebe is in the news

2009-01-27T21:45:00.003-05:00

How Exciting! I was recently interviewed (along with Bebe) in the Star News by Si Cantwell. We had front page..."above the fold"...in the Local /State section. There was also a video shot and you can view that below. I have had many calls and emails from folks who had seen the press coverage and it is greatly appreciated.

Come see Bebe and me in person at Spectrum Art & Jewelry, located at The Forum Shops on Military Road, Wilmington, NC

Nancy & Bebe

New to journaling

2009-01-18T09:21:00.006-05:00

After much contemplation, I have decided (once again) to change up my style of writing on my blog. I have always thought of myself as a painter, not a writer, so this is all new territory for me. Trying to "find my voice" has been difficult, and I know that those of you who know me personally are chuckling...no deep belly laughing, at the thought I might have trouble speaking. However, sharing my thoughts on the written page seem to be much different than my usual stream on consciousness style of speaking.

I think I will give journaling a shot, to see if this isn't the better choice for me to share my thoughts and dreams. Where I want to see my work grow and how Bebe, the art smart car fits into my life.

I have been spending as much time in the studio as possible, painting away. I do some plein air painting, but most is done from photos I take. I have a large file of images to use, and many times I use elements from 3 or 4 photos to construct my own unique view of the world. I am contemplating creating a new painting, similar to the one on Bebe. That piece sold before I had the wrap done and I would like to have a companion painting to Bebe's wrap. I can use this one to create giclees if I so choose. I will post the image when it is finished.

It's funny how Bebe has created a personality of her own in the short time we have been together. From time to time she will probably pitch in her own point of view. Whenever that happens, I will be sure to let you know that it is not necessarily the viewpoint of this writer.

To view more of my work visit www.artsmartcar.com

That's all for now...keep it in the road!

Nancy

Bebe goes to Asheville, NC

2009-01-09T09:11:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful trip Star and I had going to Asheville, NC. I must admit now that I had trepidations about driving Bebe in the mountains. However, she did great! Plenty of pep and never had to worry about the huge trucks pushing us off the side of the mountains. There was one drawback, and that was the voracious winds... I had a few "white knuckle" moments. Now I know that Bebe can really go most anywhere and do a great job.

We stayed at the fabulous Grove Park Inn and had a lovely time, we especially enjoyed their extensive spa facilities. I look forward to returning there for a longer stay.

The purpose of the trip was to attend a jewelry show in Asheville, where we stocked up on pearls and gems to create more finished pieces for the Starsong line we have at Spectrum Art & Jewelry. Come visit the gallery and see our newest creations.
You can keep tabs on my newest work on my website: www.artsmartcar.com

Bebe - The Art smart Car...Driving art to a new level.

Bebe's first big adventure

2009-01-04T15:40:00.005-05:00

Thought I'd start off with an image of one of my latest paintings. This is titled "Downtown Beauty", 16"x20" and will be at Spectrum Art & Jewelry tomorrow. I have several new pieces as we are having our monthly wine tasting on January 9th (always the second Friday of the month). This month our featured artist will be: Bebe's Debut! If you are in the area, please drop by, it promises to be a fun event.

Star and I are leaving for Asheville on Monday to attend a small jewelry show. This will be Bebe's first big road trip, and certainly the first time she will be driven in the mountains. Glad she has the ability to convert into manual shift for those hills!

Russ May, my husband has been writing a blog as well. His is about how to take a better photograph and is very informative, but more important, funny and well written. You should check out his "Scoot Tuna" blog.

Keep checking in at ArtSmartCar.com to see my latest paintings and keep a lookout for Bebe, you never know where we'll turn up.

2008-12-20T17:11:00.003-05:00

Exciting news! The January '09 issue of Southern Living has an article about Spectrum Art & Jewelry. We are featured in the regional section with a title of "A Wilmington Jewel". If you live in the Carolinas this will be in your magazine, check it out.

When I was taking pictures of Bebe, I shot a photo of men hauling in their nets on the Intracoastal with Wrightsville Beach in the background. It's at the gallery now, 11x14 with a wide gold frame.

Star and I are planning a trip out to Ashville the beginning of January. We are going to a jewelry show, but are going to take Bebe and photograph her along the way. Don't miss her big debut in January at our 2nd Friday Open House at Spectrum.

May the blessings of the season surround you all with love and joy.

Nancy

Bebe's got back

2008-12-07T16:11:00.003-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I am about my new tag. After a month of waiting...my new plate came in - "ARTSMART". How cool is that? Mom said everyone would know me anyway by my wrap, but I insisted on a new plate. "PADLE ON" was on Mom's other car and I wanted to have my own identity. We went out today to take pictures for our Christmas card. It turned out way too windy and I got cold, so we came back home. Dad has his own blog site "Scoot Tuna", where he gives great hints on how to take a great photo. You should check it out (plus he's funny). Hopefully, we'll get the pictures taken and the cards made before Christmas, Mom said in years past they sometimes didn't make that deadline. Oh well, it's not my problem, I was ready, willing and looked adorable. Mom (Nancy Noel May) and I are at Spectrum Art & Jewelry Monday through Thursday. If you are in Wilmington, NC - come visit.

Love, Bebe

Bebe visits Honey Hill

2008-11-30T09:51:00.002-05:00

Well, it's the last day of November, and I am starting to think about Christmas. It is a very short season this year and I am already stressing...shopping, decorating, cooking and that dreaded cleaning.

Thanksgiving Day was fabulous, as it always is in my family. Pictured are my beautiful niece, Sarah and my four very handsome nephews, Robert, Charles, Tyler & Josh. I wrote earlier about our family celebration held on Thanksgiving at Honey Hill. I must admit, it has long been my favorite holiday, and this year was no exception. Bebe had a ball being the center of attention, but had to plant her wheels firmly on the ground as it was mentioned more than once how easy it would be to pick up and carry her around.

I need to start planning more travels for Bebe, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
You can contact me through Spectrum Art & Jewelry at my email: nancy@spectrumartandjewelry.com

Nancy

Bebe awaits new tag

2008-11-26T07:52:00.003-05:00

As an avid kayaker at Wrightsville Beach, NC, I chose an appropriate license tag "PADLE ON". Yes, I know the spelling is not correct...I took artistic license ;-) to make sure it could be understood. Although I still love to go kayaking, I have ordered a new plate - ARTSMART. Should be here soon, keep a lookout for Bebe and her tag, she goes to the smartest places.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving, remember to wear your expandable pants!

Nancy & Bebe

Bebe gets ready for Thanksgiving travel

2008-11-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

Bebe is getting very excited about her first Thanksgiving and meeting all of her relatives. My relatives have the most wonderful retreat in the woods on Shelter Creek. We usually have 45-50 people, and I can't remember the last time it was cold or rainy. This is a very good thing as we gather outside in a circle to share news and updates and sing our blessing. A couple of years ago my cousin got smart(er), and placed long tables outside to put all of the food that we bring. Now we can go down two sides and not have a traffic jam in the kitchen. There was also much pushing and shoving to get to the front of the line (mainly the parents). After a feast fit for royalty...southern royalty anyway, many of us take a walk through the camp. Honey Hill has many purposes and one of them is to grow stands of pine trees for lumber. Because of this, there are dirt roads all throughout, making it the favorite place for the teens and preteens in the family to learn to drive. Other than driving into a ditch, they can't get into too much trouble. Bebe will have to be especially careful because I'm sure they all will want to get behind her wheel.

I start emailing all of my cousins several weeks before Thanksgiving to see what they are bringing to the table. As this yummy list grows and grows, I get more and more excited. I come from a family of excellent cooks and this is a time to pull out your best recipes and share the bounty.

At Spectrum Art & Jewelry we are sharing the bounty with Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. If you care to help, please drop off at the gallery canned or boxed food items to help those who are hungry. We are located at The Forum on Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC.

I'll take some pictures of Bebe at the camp to share with you.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, save me the wishbone,

Nancy

Art smart Car learns to blog

2008-11-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

Bebe and I went to the Connection Cafe on Racine Drive this morning for a lovely get together with the Wilmington Bloggers. Bebe was slightly upset that she had to wait outside in the parking lot as she could not fit through door. Being a neophyte blogger, I was made to feel very comfortable asking questions. Everyone was friendly and very generous with information, I will definitely return.

I left the meeting to go to Art For The Masses. This has become a huge art show and sale, over 250 artists gathered to sell work for no more than $250. It was packed, I had to elbow my way through the crowds. Unfortunately for some of the artists, the lighting was terrrible. I saw several that were using flashlights to highlight their work for interested buyers. Hopefully next year they can find a venue that has more space and better lighting. It is a wonderful idea to have a show for any interested artist to participate, as evidenced by the large number participating.

Russ is going to go out with Bebe and me today to take some more photos. He purchased a great new camera and a fill flash. It will be interesting to see if his pictures are better than what I've taken (probably will be).

Stay tuned for more of Bebe's travels and my paintings.

Nancy & Bebe

How Bebe came to be

2008-11-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

In September on 2007, I placed a reservation for a smart car, not fully realizing it would take a little over a year for my car to come to America. At the time, gas was escalating in price and the world was talking about becoming more "green". Although, I already had a very economical car, a Subaru Outback, I decided to go smaller. I had researched and purchased the Outback to carry my kayak, but I found that I rarely left the Wrightsville Beach area where my husband, Russ and I keep our boats. Another important consideration was transporting my paintings. I am an artist, and delivering artwork is of critical importance. After much soul searching, I realized that if I needed a larger car I could borrow my husband's. I also really wanted to have a convertible again...the sun on your face and the wind through your hair makes life worth living!

Several trips to Europe had me familiar with the smart car, it's tiny size and perky demeanor always brought a smile to my face. In October 2008, I picked up my car at the smart car center in Cary, NC. The folks there were very helpful and it was a smooth transference. During my two hour drive home to Wilmington, NC, I tried to determine what my car's name should be. "To Be" inspired Bebe, and my sweet little car was christened.

From the beginning, I knew that I wanted to have one of my paintings put on as a wrap. Looking through my portfolio of images, I decided that I wanted to honor my home town and love of the beach, by selecting a local scene that is dear to my heart. I belong to a family beach club, The Hanover Seaside Club, at Wrightsville Beach, NC. I spend as much time there as possible and looking from the third floor porch is a wonderful view of the Crystal Pier. That is the image I selected to wrap Bebe in. Image Monster, a local business that specializes in all kinds of print mediums did a fantastic job on Bebe's wrap.

I have been fortunate to work as the manager of Spectrum Art & Jewelry, located in Wilmington, NC since 2000. The owner, Star Sosa is a dear friend and an inspiration in creating exciting media events. She has encouraged me to take Bebe further than I ever dreamed possible.

Please join Bebe and me as we travel and explore, you never know what smart places we will turn up next.

Nancy and Bebe

P.S If you would like to see more of my art, click HERE.