Here's the latest piece I've been working on. It's a larger version of Day 21 from the 30 Day Painting Challenge. 

Shortly after posting the small 6 x 6 painting I received an email to have this piece painted larger.

I put both paintings side by side so you can see the difference in size. 

I've been commissioned to paint this scene at 24" x 24" too! (Can't wait for the challenge! I just purchased the canvas today!)

When painting the small 6 x 6's, it trains me to be conscience of each brushstroke and color that I apply. It's like studying a puzzle and carefully fitting all the pieces together... and boy do I love to do puzzles! But when  a request comes in to enlarge a painting... it's so exciting because I get to really play with the brush strokes, refining the colors or adding new ones and adding more depth by the way I paint the edges soft or sharp. 

If  one of my small, mini paintings catches your eye and you would like me to paint  a larger version... just give me a call or send an e-mail, I would be happy to give you an estimate and time frame. Or if you have a great photo that you would like to be reproduced as an original oil painting... it would be a pleasure to work with you! 
Thanks for viewing my artwork,
Linda

Thank YOU Annette for being a Linda S. Marino Art FAN!
This is the first Facebook Fan Page Give-Away!(Hopefully of many because I truly love to share my artwork with those who enjoy it. )

Each month I will be giving away either a painting, drawing, notecards, calendar to my Facebook fans... as a way to say "thank you" for your support, your kind words, compliments and "Likes". and sharing my work with their friends..... 
I can't wait to package this painting up and ship it off to my friend Annette. Annette and I are college friends from Western New England College. We just recently reconnected on Facebook and it's nice to see her again!

I painted this small 6 x 8 painting last summer while my family and I were on a picnic in Guilford. It was a beautiful summer day and this little girl happened to walk into my view when I was just about finished with the painting. I added her in and so pleases with the results. Hope you enjoy the painting Annette! 

I still can't believe I painted all of these in 30 days?!!

I have to laugh now how hesitant I was to start this challenge. In fact, I kept hear Leslie Saeta talk about the challenge on her weekly Blog Talk Radio Show "Artists Helping Artists" and a little voice keep saying "do it, Linda" but I kept ignoring the voice. 

I would make up excuses each time I heard that voice. I even rehearsed my excuse so when that voice spoke again, I was ready, prepared with the fastest, roll-off my tongue excuse. I could say it with conviction 
"Sorry, too Busy!"

But the voice grew louder and louder until the first day of the challenge when I saw all those artists post on Day 1.

The voice became a command "DO IT LINDA... NOW!" 

I played one more excuse card, thinking it was the trump card, 
"but I don't have a theme?" (said in a very sheepish voice)... 

and the response... 
"Oh Yes You DO! Where do you live Linda?"

"Connecticut"

"and how often do you say how beautiful this state  is and how much you'd like  paint this place or paint that place?"

"I guess I say it... almost daily..."

"Sooo, Excuses ... Be Gone!"

and now, February 1, 2013... I can confidently say to my inner voice... 
"I was gonna do it anyways, why'd ya have to nag me so much!" 
(well, that's what my kids say to me)

But it feels like a beginning and not an end. This challenge was only the catalyst for something bigger... why? because that inner voice is speaking to me again and this time... I"m going to not only listen but ACT!

Thank you again to all my friends, family and new online friends, I really appreciate all your support and kind words of encouragement... you are a blessing to me and if you live (lived) in Connecticut... you are a "Connecticut Treasure" to ME!
Linda