You see that photo above? That was my dog Addy. She was a rescue and one of those dogs that you will remember always. She was in my life during happy times but also on sad times, as well. Such a great comfort to have. Rescues give back so much.
At some point a friend must have been in my house and took a different photo from her and for Christmas she gave me the following Christmas ornament, handpainted. I love it and every year it takes a special place on my Christmas tree, which by the way, as I write this post, it is still up. Coming down today for sure.
What do you give someone for Christmas or any other ocassion that is meaningful? If you have a pet maybe something relating to them would be perfect. They would love it.
I don’t give a gift just for the sake of it. I want that person to know that I was thinking of them when a decision for giftgiving was made.
I was in Dallas this past Thanksgiving and taking photos, as usual, I took a photo of Ragnard (Raggie) as they all know him. Did not think anything of it until I got back to Rehoboth Beach and saw on Facebook a post from Lisa Lorelli Miller. In it she was showing that she was back into painting pet portraits. A lightbulb went on. I private messaged her asking her to see if she could do Raggie. She paints in oil now. Wait until you see what kind of work she can do. The first photo you will see is the one I took in Dallas and the second photo is her painting. You be the judge.
I am sure you are impressed. Look at those eyebrows!! Lisa can frame the paintings, as well. I had her do that too and off to Dallas it went. They loved it.
My next commission to Lisa was for her to do 3 pets. I sent the photos. She also came to the house to take photos of one of them so that she could capture what she wanted. If you are local this works great, but if not I am sure you and her can work it out somehow.
The first one is Karma.
His name is TC. He has beautiful features. It has been some time since Lisa had done a cat. She told me the whiskers are usually the hardest. But following you will see my photo and her painting.
Her third subject was Lucky. He is spunky, loves to chase and at times even wonders around his neck of the woods. For him, Lisa came to the house to take a better photo.
First impression was that Lisa truly captured the soul of these pets. The eyes are the windows to the heart and soul and she was able to embodied such a feeling that when you see them you know it is them.
Word of mouth is the best advertising. You can Private Message Lisa Lorelli Miller on Facebook. She is working on a website.
You may also leave a message on my AboutMyBeaches Facebook page as well.
She is very talented and whoever you decide to give this personal gift would love it and treasure it forever.
Have a great day!!
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I was looking forward to seeing Courtney’s paintings in an exhibit. I must tell you that Courtney herself is one of Rehoboth’s daughters. Grew up running around and swimming in this amazing coastal town. Her paintings are sensitive to her growing up at the beach.
She is a talented artist pursuing her passion. She is so creative and her smile and friendliness will win you over once you meet her. But, wait, here she is.
The painting on her right is called Dappled Dunes. Acrylic on Cotton-Linen Blend – 26″ x 14″. Scenery in its most pure form of technique, giving it an interpretive quality. The colors stay bold and true to “straight out of the tube”.
Here is Courtney with her creation of Love at First Sight – Acrylic on Cotton-Linen Blend – 29″ x 20″. The Gloxinia flower symbolizes Love at First Sight and this traditionally small flower is enlarged to enhance this meaning.
The exhibit had a total of about 22 paintings. I don’t have them all but I have enough in order for you to appreciate Courtney’s abilities as an artist.
Best Kind of Lonely – Acrylic on Canvas – 20″ x 15″. This beach beckons to you from the trees; calling with its splendor and beauty.
Surfer – Acrylic on Canvas – 16″ x 12″. This piece is a dream beach for the lone Surfer.
Courtney can be contacted by telephone 302-519-9372. Or, by e-mail at courtneybateman118@gmail.com.
Beach Day – Acrylic on Canvas – 15″ x 20″. Picture yourself sitting in Lynam’s finest enjoying a great beach day!! Anyone that has rented beach chairs in Rehoboth Beach knows Lynam’s; he is the one.
Pina Colada – Acrylic on Canvas – 36″ x 60″ x 1.5″. Created from a study of microscopic views of this beverage. Adapted into an optical illusion, which metamorphosed to reveal Butterflies.
Coca Cola – Acrylic on Canvas – 36″ x 60″ x 1.5″. Created from study of a microscopic view of Coke Classic. Adapted into a lotus flower. Contrasting with the symbolism of purity, rebirth and divinity.
Secret – Acrylic & Soft Pastel on paper – 18″ x 24″. Well manicured nails close around a metal ball, containing a tree. The magic behind the mystery intrigues. Making the piece “Pop Art with a side of the Surreal”.
Information on Commission Work:
Medium – Acrylic, Soft pastel, Others available upon request.
Canvas (stretched with or without wrapped edge)
Paper (Linen, Cotton, etc.)
Canvas Board
Size – High profile side or frame-able
Approximate Time Frame – and location shipping is at buyer’s expense. Canvasses may be taken off frames and shipped rolled.
Color Palate – Warm, Cool, Neutrals (details are welcomed)
Subject – Specifics are welcomed, as well as, pictures.
Freesia represents sweetness, friendship and trust. A lone flower shares spectacular lights. Flowering Northern Lights – Acrylic on Canvas – 12″ x 36″.
Blue Irises – Acrylic on Canvas – 22″ x 28″. Irises are a symbol of the importance of Friendship, enhanced with strong colors.
Lily Sun – Acrylic on Canvas – 11″ x 14″ x 1.5. This light drenched lily almost pales in comparison to the blazing sun, but maintains its own inner glow.
Blue Nasturtium – Acrylic on Canvas – 10″ x 12″ x 1.5″. Blue Nasturtium is too cool for a plant known to have a peppery taste!! Used in WWII as a pepper substitute. The blue tones cool down a “hot plant”.
The next 2 paintings were grouped together.
The first one is Garden View – Acrylic on Canvas – 10″ x 10″ x 1.5″. This give the viewer the chance to be sitting in the garden, looking through the plants. It has a strong play on color and size.
The second is called Beach Bloom – Acrylic on Canvas – 12″ x 12″ x 1″. Flowers? Umbrellas? Pinwheels? Fireworks? All of the above and more. These optical illusions are fun and a great POP of color.
Jane – Acrylic on Canvas – 36″ x 48″ x 1.5″ – Dedicated to my Grandmother, Jane, AkA – Gramsy. She supported my love of art as much as my parents. The lily symbolizes purity and is a Chinese emblem for Mother.
Micro Flower – Acrylic on Canvas board – 8″ x 10″. This textural “up close and personal” Orchid begs to pop out!!
An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity and boldness to challenge status quo. s. godin
The artist takes it personally.
We wish Courtney the best!! Now you know where to contact her. 302-519-9372 or email courtneybateman118@gmail.com.
Growing up in Rehoboth Beach….well, it is a small town; just like all other towns in Coastal Delaware. It is great to see some of our local “kids” pursuing their dream and their future.
Courtney Bateman is one of those “kids” that grew up in Rehoboth Beach. She is a talented artist, sensitive, creative and intuitive. Her art speaks for itself.
She will be in Coastal Delaware from June 15th to July 9th. I want you to see samples of her work. If you think that you have an interest in one of these works or art, please e-mail her at courtneybateman118@gmail.com. Prices are upon request! Courtney is also available for commission pieces.
Artist Statement:
“The pieces I create are such a strong balance between the beach life I grew up with, in Southern Delaware and the California desert, in which I currently reside. The movement and whimsy of both places create such beauty and movement, which I try to capture in my brushtrokes. Also, the balance of hot and cold with the scenery; the ocean and the desert; hot and cool colors influence my work greatly to create the environment within the pieces.” courtney bateman
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
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I met Susan Gladstone last year. She is a potter located right here in Rehoboth Beach. The name of her company is called The Happyrock Pottery. Her studio is in the shops at Celebration Mall on 20 Baltimore Ave. Tel. 410-375-7120. She does not have a website yet but if you see something on this post, please giver her a call, email her at thehappyrock@earthlink.net. Or, better yet, visit her studio.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had never seen Susan’s pottery. She told me that she had been a potter for 40 years. Giving it her full attention for about 16 years.
Susan is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. For many years she was a member of Baltimore Clayworks. This is the region’s only cultural institution dedicated solely to the ceramic arts. Now, she is part of the Rehoboth Beach artists’ community. She is a welcomed addition to our area. I think you will love her pieces.
I decided to visit her studio. It is so funny because what is now called Celebration Mall was the original Epworth Church. Many years ago they had a great pre-school. One of my sons attended for several years; great lasting friendships were made then.
There are several artists located in the Celebration Mall. I am glad I stopped by because I had no idea. Different and very impressive.
Her studio is where my son’s classroom was located. It really brought so many memories. But, I was there to see her work with her hands.
I am in awe and amazement to see someone shape a lump of clay into something as beautiful as some of her pieces.
The Raku pottery has small cracks that turn black. These are made by the deposits of carbon in them, turning them black, no matter what color of clay used. The final product is unique.
Susan was working on a “vessel” or bowl when I got there. She made it look so easy. She did a little bit of trimming and then exclaimed: It is not centered. I don’t like it. She picked it up and started kneading it just like bread. She was starting all over again. Here are the pictures from that first start when the term used is “throwing”.
Susan threw that moist lump of clay on a bat. A bat is an accessory. Okay, Susan, if you say so. A lot of people just use the wheel head instead.
Susan found the “center” of the clay by moving a thumb across the lump until no more friction was felt.
Then, the next step was the opening. Susan’s thumbs kept working the clay and stopped very close from the bat.
The sides are pulled up and then the process of “shaping” the vessel or bowl begins. This shaping continues for some time until the desired thickness is obtained.
Susan has Raku pottery, as well as wood fired pottery.
She also has plenty of very affordable pieces that are, obviously, made by hand and no two are alike. Different sizes and colors; the minis were beautiful.
She is also a member of the Rehoboth Art League. That’s where I first saw her pottery.
I learned a few things. I hope I posted them correctly. If not, I will never hear the end of it. She’ll let me know.
It is the night before the begining of a frenzy of movie enthusiasts descend on our beaches. On Wednesday, November 10th until Sunday, November 14th the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will be taking place.
This year, it will be the 13th year in which American and Independent films, including shorts, documentaries and features will be here in Rehoboth Beach.
All films will be presented at the Movies at Midway. For all information pertaining to the festival please visit www.rehobothfilm.com.
Already there are so many sell-outs, but even though a film might be listed as sold-out, there are many tickets that come back to the Box Office throughout the Festival so visit the Box Office in the Big Tent to check screening status.
It has been suggested that Sunday afternoon is a wonderful time to purchase tickets as many movie marathoners end early and return tickets.
The Big Tent was getting ready this afternoon. It is located behind the theater and it is where you will go to check the status of screenings, eat, buy posters, t-shirts, etc. etc.
I have to tell you about Anita Peghini-Raber. She is an artist and has been active in the local art scene for many years.
She sent me an e-mail yesterday and told me that she hoped to see me at the festival and that she was a sponsor of one of the films: Alamar.
Alamar – “Filmmaker Pedro Gonzalez- Rubio treats the eyes and soul to a breathtaking vision of life at tropical waters’ edge through the bonding of a father and his young son.
Jorge grew up in Mexico and has been separated from his wife Roberta for several years. She longs to return to her roots in Rome and is taking their 5 year old son with her. Intent upon imparting his Mayan heritage to his son, Jorge is given several weeks to take Natan to the Chinchorro reef on the Mexican coast.
At first, the boy finds this new way of life uncomfortable, getting seasick on the boat and working constantly, but his father eventually eases him into the rhythms of a fisherman’s life.
As day to day existence carries on, the relationship between man and nature is subtly revealed and the boy learns to live in harmony with the natural world.
While Alamar is a fictional narrative, the film effectively blurs documentary and fiction as the main actors play themselves and the director delicately captures the serenity of life at a realistic pace. Natan’s emotional journey leaves him and the audience with an experience that will remain long after the film comes to a close.”
Alamar is the recipient of many awards and Pedro Gonzalez Rubio is making his filmmaker’s debut.
The movie is going to be shown on:
Friday, 11/12 at 12:40 p.m.
Saturday, 11/13 at 9:40 p.m. sponsored by Anita Peghini-Raber
Sunday, 11/14 at 3:00 p.m.
The movie is in Spanish and Italian with English subtitles and you may visit www.filmovement.com for more information.
Anita has been inspired by the story and it reflects in her new creations; images of ocean scenes and parents with their children.
She tries to create a mood with her paintings and mostly loves to capture her subjects deep in thought.
Anita is exhibiting during the festival at Preshy’s Restaurant. Preshy’s is right there at the Midway Shopping Center on Rt. 1 where the Movies at Midway is located. Perfect place to catch lunch or dinner and then head to your films.
Preshy’s location is 14 Midway Shopping Center. Tel. 302-645-8300.
I went to check out Preshy’s today. Looks are deceiving, you know that. The restaurant was nice inside. Just in case you were wondering. I knew what you were thinking.
I wanted to take some pictures of Anita’s paintings. I will have to tell you that I have not eaten there but the people there were having a great meal.
The special today was a lamb shank and the aroma was so good. Preshy’s specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. Italian is spoken in the restaurant.
Some of the pastas were, Rigatoni Calabrose, Penne Ortolano, Penne Firenze, Penne Arrabiata among others.
Dinner entrees are served with soup or salad and some of them were: Salmon Livornaise, Gamberi Toscani, Chicken Scarpariello, Chicken Francese, Veal Piccata, Marsala or Parmigiana, Salmon Fantasia and other specials.
For dessert they had Tiramisu, Profiterols, Tartufo and others.
Anita’s paintings are exhibited throughout the restaurant. The owner of the restaurant, Roberto, was gracious enough to let me take the pictures.
Note: For more information on Anita Peghini-Raber, please visit her website www.rehobothart.com.
Art is so subjective. You might not like what I like and vice versa. But, I do enjoy visiting art galleries and museums. I just did that, some weeks ago in New York. The MOMA, modern art, oh yes, did not understand a lot of it but interesting to say the least.
Sometimes something catches your eye. That’s exactly what happened on Saturday when I was walking on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. I was going to take a picture of the location where the Clear Space Theatre Company is now located. They are at the old Epworth Church building, now renamed Celebration Mall.
Right on the courtyard and to the side, color caught my eye. There was a sign on the door, Juleez. It was an art studio. So here is what I found out.
Juleez is located on 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-3792. The website is www.juleez.com.
The artist? Julie Borden. She was not there but I spoke to Guy.
Juleez is a member of MOSAIC which is an association of privately owned commercial art galleries whose mission is to promote art awareness in the Rehoboth Beach area. If you would like to know about them, please visit www.mosaicrehoboth.com.
You could not help but smile; there was color everywhere. Whimsical, definitely not boring.
Her work is all custom, from her signature curvy piano and piano plates to giclees and hand painted bags. All conversation pieces and very unique.
Her own national brand
Her piano pieces are beautifully custom painted; some are music boxes and some are jewelry boxes.
The same goes for the painted musical instruments. At times, an instrument, dear to someone’s heart will be brought in for her to paint. Upon inspection, she will do that, as well.
At the present time a lot of her work is in Wilmington, Delaware at The Grand Opera House & Baby Grand, 818 N. Market St., Tel. 302-652-5577. Website www.grandopera.org.
Wilmington is hosting Art on the Town as part of the Delaware Valley Artist Exchange. For more information, please visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/artloop.
Julie Borden attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and to date has completed more than 700 commisioned works of art.
Commissioned work is one of her strengths and does this year-round for clients all over the U.S.
Painted Chocolate Frames
Her mother does not stay behind either. At the gallery in Rehoboth you can see some of her work, under Mad Creations. She works with dichroic glass which is one of the most expensive glass products made today. It is used in jewelry, and in the laser industry for camera filters, by NASA and other commercial applications.
Each piece is as special. Some pieces are smooth to the touch; others have more texture.
I thought the gallery was so interesting and Guy was very friendly and helpful.
At the present time Juleez is open Wednesdays through Sundays. So, if you are in Rehoboth stop by. Remember, it is that time of the year; shopping for the upcoming holidays.
Some say passion is your key to success and others say that if you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life.
The subject of my post is Tiffany Erwin Cant. When you meet her for the first time you can feel the passion she feels for her painting; it is palpable.
I met Tiffany, through Anita Jennings. I have written about Anita in the past; she is one of the advertisers on my blog. I have been wanting to write a post about Tiffany and her art.
Tiffany was born in North Carolina. She graduated with a BFA and Certificate in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City.
She has been a resident in Delray Beach since 1983. She and her husband have travelled extensively.
Tiffany has been painting in oils and other mediums for 30 years and has exhibited her work in the All-Florida Show at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Ritter Gallery at Florida Atlantic University, Gallery on Green in Key West and Art Expo in New York City.
Tiffany has lived in the Bahamas and it is only when you have experienced the daily life of your subjects that, as an artist, you can then translate them into a canvass. The faces, expressions, the colors, the fruits, the ocean and fishing; is all real.
Tiffany paints original pieces and from those she has giclees made. Both, originals and giclees are for sale. The prices differ between originals and giclees; sizes also affecting the cost. But, I will tell you that her prices are reasonable. The best way to get an idea of Tiffany’s work is by going to her website. Her type of website is like an exhibit. She is constantly adding to her collection. If you have an interest in Tiffany’s art then please call her to 561-276-3839. She is so easy to talk to. Her website is www.tiffanycant.com.
What is a giclee? The word is derived from the French language word “le gicleur” which means “nozzle”, or more specifically “gicler” which means to squirt, spurt or spray.
A giclee is an individually produced, high resolution, hi-fidelity, high tech reproduction done on a special large format printer. They are produced from digital scans of existing artwork. It is a new vibrant medium for art.
They can be printed from canvass to watercolor paper, to vinyl, to transparent acetates. They are so superior to traditional lithography in nearly every way. Colors are brighter, last longer and details are crisper. Giclees are sold by the square inch. Large print sizes are available.
I invited my friend Donna, from Baltimore, to come with me to meet Tiffany. We arrrived at her house in the morning. She lives in a beautiful piece of property in Delray. Her home is her museum; the paintings adorning many walls in her house. It is a unique Florida house; the paintings enhancing every aspect of her home. The palm trees, the koi ponds, the intracoastal all in unisom to serve as inspiration, as well.
Following is an Exhibit of her work:
Tiffany sometimes paints other subjects. For example, one of her beloved dogs. He is a little older now. The mermaids, the Spanish dancers, the monkey and the coral reef, which is in 3 panels; could be bought as single panels or all 3.
The koi is her newest subject. No giclees have been made yet, but will be done soon. Tiffany does not have to go far to get inspiration since her ponds are all she has to see.
I have to show you Tiffany’s inspiration for the koi paintings; her own backyard.
And what subject could this artist possibly take in the future? Maybe the frogs, perhaps? All she has to do is look past her door.
So, as Donna and I said our farewells, on a chilly South Florida morning, we were warmed up by Tiffany’s graciousness and definitely by her work.
I could have put a sweater on, sat outside and just gaze at the view.
The painting on her right is called Dappled Dunes. Acrylic on Cotton-Linen Blend – 26″ x 14″. Scenery in its most pure form of technique, giving it an interpretive quality. The colors stay bold and true to “straight out of the tube”.
Here is Courtney with her creation of Love at First Sight – Acrylic on Cotton-Linen Blend – 29″ x 20″. The Gloxinia flower symbolizes Love at First Sight and this traditionally small flower is enlarged to enhance this meaning.
Information on Commission Work:
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