painted mostly en plein air and finished up in the studio. This is a favorite place for both me and my husband to go on a painting/fishing outings. It's hidden little spot with a public boat launch on Trolley Road in Guilford. There are just a few parking spots and easy spot to load your kayak or small boat into the the marshy area that has fresh sea water rolling in during high tide. There's a small beach that residents enjoy and the views of the shoreline houses is amazing. It's a very desired location in Guilford.
This is the first time I saw this small row boat parked up on the shore next to tall grass and I just had to paint it! It felt so inviting, calling out "do you want a ride?"

I also love the distant  seagull perched on the rocks waiting for his next meal. 

• free shipping in the US or free delivery in Connecticut
• certificate of authenticity
• 7 day return policy 

This piece was created on location at Hammonasset State Park. I met up with my friends Lorraine and John on Sunday. We painted for most of the day. The sky was bright and with no clouds in the direction that I was facing. I was able to complete at half of the underpainting and drawing.

The next I returned for another three hours. I bumped into a few of my friends from another art group, the Hamden Art League and we all painted in close proximity. It was so nice to see them, It's been almost one year since I saw them last. This year has been a crazy year, even though we're finding ways to cope with the social distancing and isolation due to Covid, I still miss the freedom of our casual gatherings.

The second clouds filled the sky. I painted them in but upon returning back to my studio they seem to be competing with the rocks. So, I painted over the clouds to clear blue sky again and I think it will start that way.

What I love about painting rocks is that the more you see and observe them the more colors seem to appear. They may start off as a dull neutral gray but over time I see more and more colors come out. From muted violets to warm burnt Sienna oranges, even greens and a few pinks here and there.

Painting Details:

18 x 24" acrylic on canvas

• price includes frame, framing options are available
• free shipping in the US or free delivery in Connecticut
• certificate of authenticity
• 7 day return policy 
• link here for online store

Buying art as a gift or for yourself always makes you happy! 

The Inspiration behind this painting began with the sounds of the water gently bubbling over the fountain sculptures. The one large fountain that is not shown in this painting was to my right and directly in front of my easel was a green patio umbrella and two Adirondack chairs.  (see photos below)

I would have loved to include all these elements in my painting but the canvas just wasn't big enough! So, I focused my attention towards the back corner of the Fountain Garden. The large round sphere sculpture and the three stacked planting pots took center stage. I included the mixed metal  pinwheel sculpture and the sign. Although the sign would not have been necessary, the space was so well designed that one could easily tell its main purpose: a place of rest and relaxation. But,  the cream color sign with green lettering  was welcoming touch that graciously invited any visitor to this visual oasis.

The sound of the bubbling water from the fountain was the initial pull but I was also captivated by the color harmony, the various plant textures and the contrast of the light and darks between the base of the Japenese Maple tree.

Although I am not a gardener, and have very little knowledge and experience of successfully growing a garden. I can still appreciate and marvel at the work of the experienced gardener's hands. Master gardeners like the folks at Acer Gardens have the ability to visualize a space similar to the way and artist visualizes a painting. Using the same principles of shape, color texture, composition and focal points. I love seeing how others use their imagination and create beautiful spaces for all of us to enjoy.

A small group of us from the Madison Art Society gathered that day, a little overcast but still worth going out to see my fellow artists friends, explore the beautiful scenery and painting together.. 

Plus, we were invited back - always a great sign!
Look forward to painting a winter scene - perhaps with snow and wreathes and Christmas trees! 
'Thank you Acer Gardens!

Link to Acer Gardens Website: https://www.acergardens.com

Painting Details:

• Painted in acrylic paints, with a protective coat of varnish
• Size: 11 x 14" on canvas panel
• frame: shown in a gold and dark toned frame - other framing options are available
• Certificate of Authenticity will be provided to the buyer
• Free shipping in the US or free delivery in the state of Connecticut
• free gift wrapping is available
• Includes a sturdy box and packaging
• CT sales tax included

for purchasing online go to the online shop here - or contact me directly by email or by phone 203-444-5705
​

Oct 21 -  Nov. 4, 2020 Capturing New Canaan - Sale and Exhibition at The Carriage Barn Art Center in New Canaan, CT. I have three pieces in this show. Here's the link for more information carriagebarn.org

Shoreline Art Trail 20 -Open Studios is ON!! For the month of November and December the Shoreline Art Trail artists will be opening their studios, for one on one scheduled visits.

If you live in the area of Connecticut, New York , Mass or Rhode Island,- come and visit my home studio. Appointments are made through an easy to follow online app and you can choose the day and time that works best for you. Days and times are Friday- Sunday 10-3pm.  
I will have my latest work available for sale, some framed and some unframed. With special pricing on older works. 

Open Studio Appointments will be available for scheduling on November 1, 2020. - 
or sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear about latest works and news. Sign up here -


Like always, thank you for being apart of this journey!
​Linda

Painting Detail:
30 x 36inch on gallery wrapped canvas.
Sides are finished. Wired and ready to hang. 
available in online shop here


This painting is based off of a plein air piece I did one evening while my husband Dean was fishing at Stony Creek, Branford, CT. A favorite place for us to just hang out and relax after a long week of work. Only minutes from our home, we often take an afternoon walk along the trolley trail or just grab a bit to eat and sit down by the water to watch the sunset.

It was busy this evening, we could smell the fresh baked pizza pies from the Market across the street. Folks were filling up the grassy area with lawn chairs and coolers. Chatting away and enjoying each others company. The children played in  the sandy beach and splashed in the water.  

I tucked myself away on the other side of the gazebo, down near the water in a small sand bar. As the tide shifted from high to low more rock formations appeared.  As the sun dropped lower in the sky the bright pinks, oranges and yellows peaked through the soft hazy purple clouds.

I could see in the distance the lights of the coastal homes flicker on as the evening progressed. It's early September now and the days are getting shorter as the fall season approaches. Sunrise is a little later each day and sunset a little earlier. But no matter how long or short the day is, taking the time to enjoy a gorgeous sunset brings a sense of tranquility and peace to my soul.

When I asked my husband, what should I name this piece? He quickly replied Tides are Changing. Hmmm... I like that! Now that was easy. That's not always the case though, naming a painting can be very challenging. Trying to condense all those thoughts and ideas of what this painting is to convey in just a few words can be tricky.  

For my husband, he likes to think more literally. That was exactly what was happening when I painted the plein air study. But for me the title Tides are Changing has an even greater meaning.

This year has been a year like no other. Who could have ever predicted all that has happened in our Country and around the world in 2020. Without getting into the details and rabbit trailing to the negative, I want to focus on the beautiful things that can transpire from something so damaging.

How we as humans can go through such distressing times where things are turned upside down and we're in the middle of a storm yet we make it, one day at time, one foot in front of the other. Where we can look back and say that's behind us and instead we fix our eyes on what's ahead.

We can feel the shift in our spirit, that as the day closes we can say, we've made it through another day. And as each one of these days fills the calendar pages our confidence is found not in anything we have done but when we put it in the hands of our Creator. The one who loves us. Who cares about us and who is there for us. All we have to do is search for Him and he is there.

We ride on the wave of hope knowing that there is God of Universe who is for us and not against us. Yes the tides are changing and it's for the good. Faith over fear.

This painting and two others will be featured in an upcoming show at Friends and Company Restaurant in Madison CT.  Sept 9 - October 19, 2020.

I've asked 7 of my artist friends to join me in a Plein Air Art Show based on our Wednesday Morning Plein Air Group with the Madison Art Society. Each week a few of us would gather together to paint at various locations along the coast and surrounding towns.

We will be holding a Paint Out and Demo for a Show  Reception on Sunday Sept 13, from 3-6pm - All are welcome to join us. To see the rest of the show and enjoy a meal at Friends and Company it's best to call the restaurant for reservations.

Address: Friends and Company Restaurant
11 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 

Thank you for being apart of my art journey - hope to see you at the show!

#artshow #MadisonArt Society #pleinairpainters #FriendsandCo #madisonCT #LindaSMarinoart #lindamarinoartist 

I painted this piece en plein air in two sessions with finishing details in the studio. 
One of my favorite places to paint is on the Guilford Green in Guilford, CT. It's truly a classic New England town setting with churches, the library, town hall and quaint shops that line the parameter of the large grassy green. 

There are several restaurants in the area that offer outdoor seating and a really cool hardware store that has everything in it! I've seen folks gathering on the grass of the green for their book clubs meetings or discussion groups, parents bring their kids to ride their bikes around and even yoga classes on the green. 

It was early on Wednesday morning in July I was out with the Madison Art Society Plein air painters for our weekly paint out. I walked all around until I found this spot. I just love the way the trees cast an interesting shape shadow on the yellow Mix Design Storefront. And the peak through to the red barn like gallery in the back, which is now BSK designs. 

As the morning moved on toward noon time more folks were out strolling around. I would quickly pull out my camera and snap some shots for reference photos. I also loved the way the red door, red barn and the red heart signs on the lawn lead the eye around the piece. But my favorite part of the painting, are the two golden retriever dogs. 
​
I love to add pups into the painting along with their owners. It just brings such joy when a piece like this comes together with the structure of the architecture, the light, shadows and the details of people and their pets.

this painting is available through my shop page here - or send me a message

Progress shots:

Here's a few additional photos of the painting in a frame and in an interior 

Sooooo excited to announce an upcoming Show!!

Finally! After so many months of shows cancelled, events postpones and this restriction or that restriction we have the green light to have an ART SHOW! Whoa! 

As you can see I'm super excited because I've been painting along with the Madison Art Society  plein air painters the past few months and we've been working hard to continue to paint scenes of our beautiful Connecticut. We meet up every week on Wednesday mornings at different locations and paint together. 

Now we have a wonderful opportunity to show our work at Friends and Company restaurant establishment in Madison. 

The show will start September 9th and run until October 19th -

And.... we're organizing a Sunday Afternoon Paint Out Reception on the grounds of Friends and Company. Restaurants are require to take reservations because they are only allowed half capacity because of the Covid restrictions but Friends and Company has a beautiful patio with umbrellas for shade. It's best to make reservations early.

I'll share more details in the upcoming posts and in my newsletter - if you're not on the newsletter - click here to join - stay in the loop!

Thanks so much for being apart of this art journey - I hope it inspires you -
warmest regards,
Linda




#guilfordgreen #guilfordCT #newenglandlandscape #mynewengland #pleinairmag #enpleinair #pleinairpainting #MASpleinair #MadisonArt Society #artforsale #localartistconnecticut #ctartist #oilpainting #originalfineart

Today my friend and student Lisa had our second plein air painting lesson. 

We joined the Lyme Art Association Plein Air Group on Tiffany Farm in Lyme, CT. The farm was once one of the largest dairy farms in Connecticut. This iconic farm has been in the family since 1848.  According to the Tiffany Farm website, in 2017 the dairy cows were sold and then in November the almost full silo fell. The farm now provides the best beef around (so I've been told) and a Saturday morning farmers market with a nice selection of local farmers and vendors sell their goods. We'll definitely need to return to purchase some beef and check out the garden flowers and vegetables.

The cows weren't out that day. 

It was very hot but we found a nice place in the shade to paint.

I decide the painting needed a friendly face of a cow standing by the gate so I painted it in when I returned to my studio.

A few years ago I painted a series of farm scenes and farm animals. It became an obsession of mine. I would drive around looking for different farms to paint.

New England and especially Connecticut have some of the most interesting farms. Perhaps because these farms have been around for years and probably passed down from generation to generation,  you'll find all sorts of stuff on these farms,

Yes, the classic old tractors and farm equipment, weathered barns and haystacks. But some will have rundown cars, rickety boats, an old bath tub or sink. You just never know when you show up to paint what you'll find. It's always a surprise!

At Tiffany Farms, all the painters stayed close to the road and side property so we really weren't able to peruse the property. There was construction going on that we might be interfering with. There was plenty of subject matter right from where we were standing. So we settled under a huge tree next to the side of the main white house. I could see a John Deere tractor near one of the barns behind the house, something I've been wanting to paint for years, perhaps another day.

It's fun exploring new places and seeing all the incredible beauty Connecticut has to offer.

Thanks for reading my blog - hope you get a change to explore your area!

Linda

Looking for a larger size of this painting? Contact me, I   would be happy to paint a custom painting like in the photo above  or custom prints is another option. Original art just makes each room in the house special and unique.

#tiffanyfarm #connecticutlandscape #connecticutfarm #ctpleinairpainting #cowandbarnpainting #onthefarmseries #artforsale #originalart #lymeartassociationpleinairpainters

I knew the moment I stepped onto this property and took a quick look around, this was no ordinary garden shop. And you could tell by the way each section is carefully designed and maintained. For a painter I could quickly spot 5-6 different locations that would make a great painting. The only trick was to find a place that could offer shade and be out of the way of customers. 

I opted for this spot, tucked into a little nook and off the path. The sun made it's way out from behind the clouds half way through our painting session. I was with 6 other painters from the Madison Art Society. This was our first time painting at Acer Gardens in Deep River, CT. 

I spotted the gardens on my way back from the Goodspeed Opera House in May and popped in to take a quick peek.  It was busy with plenty of folks pulling around carts filled with an array of colorful flowers and shrubs. 

Along with  beautiful surrounds, we found the staff to be just a wonderful group of friendly and helpful folks. They were busy moving plants here and pots there but never too busy to stop and take a peek at our paintings and engage in an enjoyable conversation.

We exchange instagram info and shared posts and tags - They seemed very happy to have us there. And the best part... they invited us back!


Thanks for being apart of the journey!
Linda

P.s. are you on the newsletter email list? Want to receive the latest Fresh Perspective Art Magazine right to your inbox? Click this link to sign up ! 

Love this painting but want a larger size or custom print?
​Contact me here - for more information. 

Painted on location at Bauer Farm in Madison CT. This is a beautiful property with plenty of great places to paint. There is an old white farm house close to the main road with barns and an old tractor off to the side. Then in the back there's a lily pond with a covered bridge. As you follow the windy driveway up to the back of the property there's a community garden that offers a wide array of colorful flowers and vegetable plants. This feels like such a classic New England property I could only imagine the history of the family and activities that took place on this picturesque setting. It feels like a scene out of a Nicholas Sparks book. 

This is a favorite place for the painters of the Madison Art Society to go. It's not only convenient and close to home it offers so many choices. There were about 8 or 9 of us painting yesterday. Some working in oils, others in watercolor and a few in pastel. Each painting is so different, so unique. That's what I love about going out plein air painting. So much variety and an abundance of inspiration.


this painting and many more are available in on shop page here

#Ct painter #ctartist #pleinairpainting #farmhousepainting #whitehousepainting #farmand gardenpainting #CPAPS #Madisonartsocietyct #connecticutcoast #connecticutlandscape #Connecticutcoastalliving #shorelineCT #mynewengland #pleinairmag #artforsale

So how did I get connected with Weir Farm and have the honor of my artwork selected for the cover of the mailer distributed by Friends of the Weir Farm to their supporter list?

​

I'll tell you a little story that started back in 2015. I had heard about Weir Farm for a few years since several of my artist friends would recommend the farm as a highly desirable place to paint en plein air (on location). I knew a little about the history of Weir Farm since Julian Alden Weir, the owner was a famous American Impressionist painter. 

It was late October and I read that the park grounds would close by the end of the month for the season. It was a cold day, I definitely could have used gloves and a warmer jacket. But the grounds were magnificent  and the autumn trees made the perfect backdrop. The narrow and curvy roads that led up to the 68 acre farm heightened the anticipation of finding this hidden prize. 

​I walked the grounds, snapped a bunch of photos then jotted down a few notes in my sketchbook. I found a spot on the hill just below the studio. That day I had only small canvas panels with me, 8 x 10 so I knew my limitations for the amount of information I could capture on the canvas. 

As tour guides would walk guests through and around the studio some would walk down to check out what I was painting. I always get caught off guard when someone asks to see what I'm painting when I'm just getting started.

I of course say, "Yes!..... but there's isn't much to see yet. I just started."

But once someone asks to see what you're painting, there's no turning back.  They have initiated the conversation, their curiosity is peaked and they take action.

Yes, I have to say it's a little awkward when they make their way to the front of the easel and see either a blank canvas or one that might have a really rough sketch. 

But it usually turns into an amusing moment where we both smile, I shrug my shoulders and say something like "what do you think? -hahah" or "come back in a few hours and you'll actually see a painting" 

I know of only a few artists who don't like to engage in conversation when painting, but for the most part, my artist friends, including myself enjoy the connection and conversation when out on location. It makes each experience unique and enjoyable. And you never know, you might just be talking to a future collector!

Once I completed the painting on location, which usually takes about 2 and half hours to 3 hours to complete, I headed home.

I looked the painting over the next day with "fresh eyes" to see if any minor adjustments need to be made or a second layer of paint needs to cover some bare spots. But I try not to rework the entire painting. I love the energy that is expressed in the brushwork from working on location and responding to the subject in front of me. 

I then take a photo, crop and edit, label and tag to put into my inventory system. Next, I'll upload the image to my website and sometimes I'll write a blog post about the painting. I'll then share on social media.

Fast forward 5 years later, the coordinators of the Friends of Weir Farm were looking for images of paintings of Weir Farm and discovered mine through a google search. Jim, contacted me, asked for permission to use the image for their mailer and that's how the  connection was made.

So the moral of the story to my artist friends: you never know who is looking for your artwork right now, especially if you paint local recognizable scenes. Having a way for your paintings to be discovered on google searches could lead to some exciting and amazing things! 

Below is what the mailer looks like. It's not a very large piece, approximately 4.5 x 6 inches and came in an envelope. A real US quarter was glued on to the silver emblem on the front.

The inside of the card reads: 
 Weir Farm NHS (National Historic Site) is the only national park dedicated to American painting and was home to America's most beloved Impressionist, Julian Alden Weir. The  reverse (tails) design of the quarter portray's an artist, wearing a painter's smock, working outside Weir's studio. It is inspired by Weir's paintings an the many images of this site by artists who have lived and visited here.  The design perfectly captures the feel of the cultural landscape of the state, and how Weir Farm NHS is connect to it through art, nature and creativity."

I feel honored that my painting was selected to be part of the celebration! 

To read more about Weir Farms National Historic Site go here.

The  Weir Farm - US quarter can be found here.

At the time this blog post is being written, we are still in the quarantine period for Covid-19. The Farm is not open to the public but I'm sure they're eager to open their doors again and invite visitors to enjoy the grounds. 

Hope you get a chance to visit this charming historical New England farm and if you're a painter - I hope you get to paint there someday! .... oh, and if you have painted there.... let me know in the comments below - I would love to hear about your experience.

Keep creating,

​Linda

My first trip to the Lavender farm and I was so amazed at how beautiful and peaceful this place is. It's a 25 acre farm that grows lavender plants. But that's not all... they make lavender oil and from that they have fragranced a huge variety of charming gifts and products.... all with the intention to relax and stay calm!

The first time out here I came with the Madison Art Society we were just a little bit early for the full bloom season. So I began my painting, blocking in the shapes and the gazebo with full intentions of returning a few weeks later.

My friend Patty and I have been painting together for a few years now. We headed out around 9:30am on Friday morning. We arrived about 20 minutes later - walked around, checked out the shop and found a cool place under a shady tree. 

I brought this painting back with me just to pop in the violets and bluish-purples of full blooming lavender plants. When I was here the first time the day was slightly overcast. The dark tree line in the distance gave a nice backdrop for the gazebo architecture. I was debating to put a few people in the painting but for now I'll just assume they are laying down in the fields.... relaxing of course! 

Definitely planning a trip back again soon!


Painting Details:
11 x 14" oil on canvas
coated with protective varnish
framed
$425 + tax and shipping 
click here to purchase

Lavender Pond Farm website