Nancy and Bebe visit Charleston, SC

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

"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

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

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

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

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.

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