"Around the Block" 2013 - Parklane Gallery, Kirkland WA

I'm happy to be participating in Parklane Gallery's group show, Around the Block!  This is their 4th annual juried show of exactly 12 x 12 inch work, including frame, from artists and photographers in the Puget Sound area.  This is my first time submitting to this show.  My entries are three of my pieces from the Wood Nymph series, Just Between You and Me, Lost and Found, and Snail Tales.  These three are smaller works matted and framed in 12" x 12" frames.  You can view all the work in the show on Parklane Gallery's online website here.  Look for my three works close to the bottom.

Lost and Found  © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Gessobord  5 7/8" x 5 7/8"

 Lost and Found, from my Wood Nymph and Other Curiosities series, is not a piece I get to show often.  It's the only one from that series that I've painted, so far.  The rest have all been done using graphite and mixed media on film.  Revisiting it now, makes me want to paint more!

The 2013 Around the Block Show runs from Octobe 8th to November 3rd.  The Artist Reception and the Kirkland Art Walk takes place Friday, October 11th, 6 to 8 PM.  Parklane Gallery, 130 Park Lane, Kirkland,  WA.  (map)  All work is for sale.  Looks like a fun show!  I'll be attending the Artist Reception tonight, hope to see you there too!

August Group Show Meyers Cafe - Tribute to Ebey Island

The Hunter   © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

Acrylic on Gessobord  3 5/8"  x 3 5/8" Fine Art Miniature

During the month of August, I will be participating in the annual group show at Meyers Cafe, curated by Everett artist, Shannon Leah Danks. The exhibit this year, Tribute to Ebey Island is an eclectic mix featuring Ebey Island inspired work from local artists using a variety of styles and mediums. My work in the show is the new acrylic painting,  The Hunter.

This miniature eagle painting was inspired from a walk that Shannon told Wayne and I about.  We are always looking for fun walks and hikes to learn about the area we live in.  We found the trail and followed it along the Snohomish River.  It was early spring so the trees were just starting to get some leaves.  As we rounded a curve in the trail, I looked up and the eagle was perched as though surveying his kingdom!  He stayed that way for quite some time while we were snapping away with our cameras.  It is always exciting seeing these beautiful large birds so close in the wild.  We've since driven over Ebey Island on highway 2 and seen The Hunter soaring over his domain. 

The show, Tribute to Ebey Island, runs the entire month of August. There will also be an Artists' Reception on Saturday, August 11th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.  Meyers' Cafe is located at The Everett Marina, 1700 West Marine View Drive, Everett, WA.   Come to see all the different impressions of Ebey Island and meet the artists who created them!  Music will follow at 6:30!  The Everett Marina is also the location of the Sunday Farmers' Market! Be sure to see the show during your visit! All work is for sale ... support your local artist!

Three New Miniature Paintings

As promised, my three latest miniatures, all done in acrylic, each on a different substrate.

From the Highlands  © Barbara A. Freeman
Acrylic on Illustration Board  2 1/8" x 2 1/8"

This cow is from a hearty breed of Highlands cattle.  He kindly posed for me while on the Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms, which takes place around the end of September, first of October.  The farm tours are self guided, so you can pick and choose which route and farms you want to visit. They are so much fun and a great way to learn about different farm animals, as well as veggies and fruits. One of our favorite stops is the apple orchard. I never knew there were so many varieties of apples!  We do the apple tasting, then purchase the ones we like, along with my favorite pears. They store well and we can enjoy them for weeks to come.  Another one of the many reasons I'm really starting to enjoy living here in the Pacific Northwest!

I Got My Eye on You  © Barbara A. Freeman
Acrylic on Illustration Board  2 5/8" x 2 5/8"

These pelicans, however, are not from the Pacific Northwest. This one along with the one below are from our trip to Dunedin, FL in January when I attended the Miniature Art Society of Florida's (MASF) annual miniature art show.  Gina, Wayne and I took a walk along the causeway where folks were fishing.  The pelicans were in various modes of relaxing and watching all of us! 

Catchin' Some Rays © Barbara A. Freeman
Acrylic on Gessobord  3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

This pelican was hunched down into his body, looking very relaxed, indeed! He was a bit older I think and trying to have his afternoon nap. We didn't seem to be bothering him at all, but I'm sure he wished we'd go away!  One of these pelican miniatures will probably be heading back to Florida for this year's MASF's show.

I have been busy with many different projects this summer.  Unfortunately, I have not been able to keep up with blogging as often as I'd like, nor have I been able to visit my blogging friends' sites and leave comments. Facebook has taken away from some of that time. It's really been difficult to stay connected to everyone and all the different events taking place. I'm sure many of you must be experiencing some of the same. Therefore, I thank all of you who do manage to take the time to read about my work and leave a comment. Your support is much appreciated!

*The faint red marks on the images are my watermark and do not appear on the actual work.