Nancy Moskovitz In and Out of the Art Studio

Orlando -7th ArtistsRegistery.com Juried Members Exhibit

2011-12-09T18:25:00.001-05:00

This is the painting I delivered to Gallery at Avalon Island for the 7th Annual ArtistsRegistry.com Members Juried Exhibition and Sale.

Created for The Barrier Island Series, it is one of my favorites. The mood is set by contrasts of the large oak, expansive vista, and small deer in the cool morning light.

Morning Walk with White-Tailed Buck
24 x 30 acrylic on canvas

Gallery at Avalon Island is housed in a striking green corner building on South Magnolia Avenue in the heart of downtown Orlando. There are several convenient parking garages including one above the gallery.

Day or night, there are many charming eateries to visit on foot. The reception takes place during the Art Walk so there is even more to explore.

You are invited to the reception on Thursday, December 15 from 6-9 pm.

Gallery At Avalon Island, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: 407-312-0708

Gallery At Avalon Island

The Mob Show and Really Big Changes

2011-09-08T18:34:00.009-04:00

When the student is ready, a teacher will appear -- Buddhist proverb.

Sapelo Marsh Sunset

On view at Thornebrook Gallery, Gainesville, FL, Sept 9 - 14.

Opening gala Sept. 9 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

I'm honored to be included in The Mob show with about 30 other local and very talented artists in this lovely gallery and gift shop. Owner David Arrighi is known for his excellent curating skills.

I must be ready because suddenly I'm surrounded by wonderful teachers. One of them is Gretchen Rubin who wrote The Happiness Project and helped inspire me to "go off the path" as she says "to encounter the unexpected thoughts, unfamiliar scenes, new people, and unconventional juxtapositions that are key sources of creative energy - and happiness. I am going to spend more time on exploration, degression, and failed attempts that don't always look productive."

More specifically I'm meditating, working out with a trainer, learning Tai Chi, and wearing silly hats.

I will paint for the next while

1. to please myself
2. to please you...I am happy to continue to do your custom work, and
3. to support the Barrier Islands: Creations of Tide and Time exhibit for the benefit of all

Future art events--You will find my exhibit and paint out schedules light or absent. I'm transitioning on a high note and am deeply grateful for all your support in paint out visits, purchases, and commissions. Thank you also for your warmth and support in response to the e-newsletters.

Consider a studio visit to see all my Barrier Island paintings. They are back from the Florida Museum of Natural History. I'd love to have you visit. We can sip cucumber infused water (or wine) and feast on anything from gazpacho to homemade maple trail mix.....and look at paintings!

Barrier Islands: Creations of Tide and Time

Our next scheduled venue is at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts in Valdosta, GA from November 5, 2012 - January 2, 2013. We are actively seeking other venues and will keep you posted.

Evinston Paint Out 2011 and FL Museum of Natural History

2011-04-03T19:30:00.001-04:00

Evinston Paintout is April 11 - 16 with the patrons gala on Friday, April 15. You can still purchase paintings on Saturday the 16th. And that's not all that's new!

Come to the wet room/art gallery at the Wood & Swink Old Store and Post Office, located at 18320 SE County Road 225 in Evinston, to see where the artists are painting for the day. The gallery will be open M-F from 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday 10 am 4pm.

Nancy painting in Evinston

Saturday is the first annual Heritage Fest. There will be vendors with hand made products, artists painting the Wood & Swink and FREE children's activities.

The wet room/art gallery is the big white old package house right next to the Wood & Swink. Friday's gala is conveniently right in the same place!

For $20 online or $25 at the door, you can feast on good ole BBQ catered by Pearls County Store. And.....should you fall in love with a painting, your $20 is applied to the purchase price!

For more information visit the website at http://evinstonpaintout.org.

Current Exhibits

March 17 - June 26, 2011 "Creations of Tide and Time - The Barrier Islands" - an important 3 artist exhibition - the Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida

Morning Walk with White-Tailed Buck

***************************

Been Fishin'

Artful Gifts
Circle Square Commons
8405 SW 80th Street, Suite 10, Ocala

For more info: (352) 237-3747

Book Signing for "The Gift of Grace"

2011-03-07T18:16:00.004-05:00

You're invited to the celebration of the publication of Grace McClelland's picture book, a cosponsored event of Shands Arts in Medicine and the UF Orthopaedic's 'Division of Hand Surgery.'

I'm plagiarizing from the invitation but want to be sure all is correct.

"The Gift of Grace"

This exquisite picture book, written by Grace when she was five, is perfect to educate and change perceptions of readers about limb difference, preventing bullying through understanding.

Sunday, March 20th 2011

2 pm

Criser Cancer Resource Center

Room 1302, Shands Cancer Hospital

1515 SW Archer Road

Gainesville, Florida

Please join us to celebrate the release of this book and help us get Grace's message out: that we are all "wonderfully made."

Illustrated by Nancy Moskovitz

Published by Shelley Fraser Mickle and Dr. John Parker Mickle, Wild Onion Press

Grace, Shelley, and I will be there to sign books. Grace will read her story aloud.

I'm so proud to be part of this.

Paintings on the Ceiling

2010-09-14T10:40:00.002-04:00

No more wall space? Busted! This posh New York City rooftop nightspot has 'em on the ceiling. A black ceiling.

Talk about a conversation piece!

Ocala Magazine's State of the Arts Issue

2010-09-09T23:12:00.002-04:00

There's a special joy in being noticed/honored/appreciated/celebrated in your own backyard.

Ocala Magazine included me in the annual State of the Arts issue, and it's a truly beautiful issue. I'm proud to see our developing art scene providing solid meat for the issue, and humbled to be included in such great company.

Associate Editor Brittany Batsel wrote the opening quote. " Award-winning Ocala artist Nancy Moskovitz is celebrated for her ability to put the beauties of everyday life onto a rich, colorful canvas."

With much appreciation to Brittany et al at Ocala Magazine. Many thanks, nancy

p.s. Above is one of the included images. The original is long sold. If you're interested, there's one archivally matted giclee left from a very tiny edition.

Thomas Center Gallery - Gainesville exhibit

2010-08-11T21:23:00.003-04:00

Suwanee River Moss is on exhibit as part of the 10th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition at The Thomas Center Main Gallery in Gainesville, Florida until September 12.

That's Suwanee River as in "Way down upon the." Floridians are especially sentimental about the Suwanee; and frequently request that I paint a favorite view.

I very nearly missed letting you know. That's what happens when I go on vacation (see previous post) and miss the reception.

There's still time to catch the show. I'm thrilled to be hanging with such a wonderful collection.

This one's an Out of Studio post

2010-07-29T22:28:00.007-04:00

I'm back from 10 days in Maine where I got to catch up with long lost cousins over THE ABSOLUTE BEST LOBSTER ROLLS at the River House on the New Hampshire/Maine border. We tried lots. In fact Rick and I aimed for lobster at least twice a day.

And share in a very special wedding of the son of old friends. The beautiful Kittery waterside setting was at his aunt's home. All wedding events revolved around the tides. It doesn't get any better...

And I got to visit with my oldest son who is learning to fly and took us for an exciting aerial tour of Moosehead lake.

Some bloggers let you know when they are traveling and cannot post. Not me. Too superstitious about the "bad guys." Instead I tell you when I'm back. Hope that's ok.

Above are just a few of the totally off topic highlights. I'm back in the studio illustrating a book while being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of remodeling. More on both later.

Dear Gallery East

2010-07-13T16:23:00.003-04:00

Dear Gallery East,

Thank you for an absolutely first class reception...flowers, food, attendance, sales, seeing old friends, making new friends...it doesn't get any better.

Best, nancy

Above is a candid...duh. Below is County Commissioner Barbara Fitos posing by my painting of a scene from her garden.

Meet 2 artists from Gallery East, Belleview, FL

2010-07-02T15:41:00.005-04:00

While hanging my art for Friday night's reception as guest artist at Gallery East, I got to see some beautiful art. Artist Cydney Robbins (above) was arranging her colorful acrylic paintings; her personality is as vibrant as her beautiful art.
Carol Catania, porcelain artist was artfully arranging her classically lovely 2 and 3 dimensional work.

These artists exemplify the skill and diversity available at Gallery East in very southern end of Belleview, Florida.

If you can, please join us Friday at 5pm for a reception.

Artful Gifts

2010-07-01T11:19:00.002-04:00

Important info on Artful Gifts, a new gallery now Art in Bloom artwork as described in my previous blog post.

phone number 237-3747

Hours "at least for the next few weeks" are

Tuesday 12-5

Wednesday 12-5

Thursday 9-4 opening early for the Farmers Market

Friday and Saturday 12-7

Food Paintings at Bakers & Cooks, Ocala, FL

2010-06-29T16:36:00.000-04:00

Bakers and Cooks, Ocala, Florida

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Complementary Wedges is now on view with my other foodie paintings at Bakers and Cooks in downtown Ocala.

They even serve breakfast now. It's a great place if you like to cook and/or eat.

Read past newsletters

2010-06-28T15:47:00.010-04:00

Housekeeping post - I've set up an archive page of 2010 e-newsletters for your easy access. I'd love it if you tried it and let me know what you think. Eventually there will be a link to the archive from my website.

My intimate landscape and portrait website is at http//:www.nancymoskovitz.com

Click to read past e-newsletters at
Nancy's Newsletter Archive

It's easy to stay up with the latest by signing up for my art e-newsletter from this link.

Art in Bloom Exhibit at Circle Square Commons

2010-06-25T11:25:00.005-04:00

Here are my paintings in the Art in Bloom inaugural exhibit and sale at the spanking new Artful Gifts operated by Marion Cultural Alliance. Artful Gifts is at Circle Square Commons at
On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida. Circle Square Commons is a fun place to visit. Check the link to find the farmers market hours.
Rick and I saw the Smothers Brothers perform there a couple of months back. *They are just as you remember them.

Definitely worth a visit.

First Friday Art Walk

2010-06-04T13:08:00.005-04:00

I was captivated by the urn above in "Mrs. Johnson's Garden" and had to paint it. This framed, ready to hang, 24 x 30 oil painting will be with me for you to see tonight at

First Friday Artwalk in downtown Ocala tonight from 6-8.

I'll be in front of Bakers and Cooks with some make an offer originals and prints. Cool off inside while browsing amazing gourmet cookware and more including more original art.

Best of America Watermedia Artists Vol II

2010-05-22T22:10:00.005-04:00

Banana Jewel

It's really happening! I'm included in Best of America Watermedia Artists . These beautiful coffee table books will ship in early July. I'm awed by the other artists.

Volume II just means the second half of the alphabet. Most of the work seems to be transparent watercolor and acrylic. It's amazing to me that Kennedy Publishing found my acrylic work which, unlike most, is on canvas. The two page spread came out nicely, I think.

Should you wish, the link has a shopping cart for your convenience. $45 for either the first half or the second half of the alphabet. Good enough!

p.s. Only Banana Jewel is still available

Hunker Down

2010-05-09T15:46:00.004-04:00

That breeze you feel is me heaving a huge sigh of relief. I skidded into a deadline. Sheer luck granted good weather to photograph the painting, edit the image, rephotograph in better light, reedit, and email it with time to spare to blog.

But blogs are going on hold for a bit.

I'm entering hunker done mode to illustrate a very special book.

Now off to a Mother's Day Symphony Under the Stars and a chance to play with my grandbaby.

FLMNH link to upcoming exhibit

2010-05-08T18:50:00.005-04:00

Florida Museum of Natural History posted a beautiful announcement of our 3 artist exhibit called "Barrier Islands: Creations of Tides and Time." It provides a couple of images and links to the 3 artists website.

Both Mary Jane Volkmann and Brenda Hofreiter were painting at the recent Evinston Paint Out; It was great to have a chance to catch up on news and paint together.

The museum is a treasure. We greatly appreciate how they incorporate fine arts into the exhibits.

Above is a mini Sapelo Island painting...too small for the museum exhibit. Contact me if interested in the painting.

Misty Palms and Phlox

2010-04-29T12:01:00.006-04:00

Misty Palms and Phlox

The gala at UFL president's home won really high praise from everyone who attended. Music and food and drink complimented the elegant ambiance. Very important... display of the artwork was well-lit and beautifully done. Thank you to Leslie Long and her team of volunteers!

Sales were good. For starters, see this recent post on Intimate Florida Landscape Paintings. That said, 12 x 12 oil painting Misty Palms and Phlox above was the painting nobody saw.

The outside was perfect; the inside was lovely, but the art blended into the decor. Still not complaining.......

Sales were good enough to generate post paint out work. An e-news to subscribers is next on the agenda. Blogging is sparse. I've yet to post new work to my website. And oh...that record keeping.

Email me for more info on this and other paintings. Or....consider subscribing to the e-news.

Second Evinston Scout Out

2010-04-14T22:50:00.008-04:00

I got to share favorite painting spots with 2 artist friends today which means I saw new-to-me nooks and crannies to fall in love with. The wild flowers are outstanding this year. Could it be due to the impossibly cold winter?

The famous Evinston wind picked up as the day progressed reminding us of the year the portapotties got blown over. That was the year I learned to paint while sitting in my trunk for shelter. I'm ready with a CRV this year. Wind? Bring it.

Paint out starts Saturday. http://evinstonpaintout.org

Evinston Paint Out 2010 + Stuff for FL buffs

2010-04-08T18:09:00.000-04:00

Evinston Well House 8 x 6 available

Evinston Paint Out is April 17 - 24.

I urge you to visit the official Evinston Paint Out Link. It's for anyone interested in the history, flora, fauna, culture, agriculture, railroads, churches, geography..of north central Florida.

You will find links to fascinating facts about Orange Lake, Paynes Prairie, Evinston, the River Styx, and historic structures....here's a sample

"Little has changed since 1882. The Wood & Swink Old Store & Post Office is Florida’s oldest working post office and one of the last working general store post offices in the nation. An old wood stove and sixteen of the original brass mailboxes are still in use today. In addition to being a post office, the Wood & Swink is also a gathering place for locals to sit around the old wood stove in the center of the store and swap stories."

Wish I could link you to individual pages. Spoiler alert * the site will hook you. There's even a link to a cell phone tour for while you're driving around.

Plus One More at Art and the Apparatus

2010-04-02T21:07:00.005-04:00

There was room for Sharpe's Ferry Bridge IV, the one with the Anole after all! It's large...40 x 30...so I'm glad I was asked to bring it.

The one with the anole got named while I was watching a Seinfeld marathon; "the one with...." is how they named the episodes. Couldn't resist. And no regrets.

Opening gala tomorrow (Sat) night.

For those who don't know, Sharpe's Ferry Bridge is a local landmark under, or soon to be under, reconstruction. This is the 4th painting of the popular series.

p.s. If you click on the anole link above, you'll see a Wikipedia image of an anole with its dewlap. (Yes, I'm typing English.)

Art and the Apparatus - Two paintings

2010-03-31T20:06:00.012-04:00

Fuel Master, a plein air rainy day oil painting. Available.

I was looking out from behind a screen door.

Fair Oaks Hinge, 8x8 oil painting created especially for this show. Available.

These may well be the smallest entries in an exciting exhibit featuring real antique apparatus from the McIntosh, Florida area. If you can, stop in for the festivities this Saturday from 6-9 pm.

The show runs through May 29. Call 352.591.5930 for details.

p.s. The Ice House Gallery is what was an actual ice house, and sits in the heart of Florida. The link takes you to an interactive visitor's guide. Enjoy.

Art and the Apparatus -- opening party Saturday

2010-03-28T10:01:00.001-04:00

That's the gallery owner and handmade furniture maker extraordinaire sitting on/in (?) that hunk of apparatus. I'll exhibit two small, easy to add to your collection. paintings. Images coming soon.

Evinston Paint Out Gala with Keynote Speaker Buddy MacKay

2010-03-24T20:48:00.002-04:00

Save the date........

Buddy MacKay
former Governor & Lieutenant Governor, FL
Keynote Speaker & Guest of Honor

Saturday, April 24th 6:30 PM

University of Florida President’s House

The GALA is the culmination of the Evinston Paint Out where 30 of the best landscape painters will be painting in Evinston.

A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will be donated to the preservation & restoration of Florida’s oldest post office, the Wood & Swink Old Store & Post Office.

Bring home a memory by buying a beautiful painting!

Tickets $35 each

www.conserveflorida.org
(to purchase tickets online)

www.evinstonpaintout.org
(artist & event info)

352-466-1178 or vicki@conserveflorida.org

Sponsorship Opportunities
Click here to buy an AD in the event program.
(Deadline is April 5th.)

Click here to Sponsor the Event.

Click here to host an artist.

(Host families recieve a free painting.)

We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for your support.

Mind, Body, Soul and my Wedges

2010-03-21T21:03:00.011-04:00

Open Air Arts reception last Saturday trumped all my expectations. Kudos to a tiny town with a dedicated art community. But wait! Another party this Thursday!

Mind, Body, Soul reception is Thursday. Here's the scoop. This is the show that juried in my healthy oranges; the link will take you to some ambitious work.

Complementary Wedges

available

"The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs announces the opening of the Mind, Body, Soul art exhibition, which is scheduled to run March 20 – May 9, 2010 in the Thomas Center Main Gallery. A free public reception will be held Thursday, March 25 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Center, Gainesville, FL.

The exhibition features a variety of 50 works of art that were created by 37 artists. The exhibiting artists are: Claire-Lyne Xylena Apotheloz, Nancy Asbell, Roberta Bloom, Libby Bloom, Amanda Boekhout, Paige Broadbent, CJ Calvin, Jerry Coker, Fleta Collins, Reyna Collura, Aliye Cullu, Frank Curtis, Sandra de Nijs, Carol Drummond, Elayne Dubin, Duane Ellifritt, Lorelei Esser, Kathleen Giddens, Rose Haftka, Linda Henderson, Carline Hines, Renee Hoffinger, Miquel Kendrick, Harimandir Khalsa, Adria Klausner, Wes Kline, Grace Leal, Patricia Linck, Nancy Moskovitz, Linda Pence, Sherrie Pettigrew, Phil Robinson, Ed Rowe, Sidney Lanier High School art students taught by Monica Coker, Frank Sledge, Andrew Stringfellow, and Ellen West.

The exhibition demonstrates the importance of the relationship between art and health. It encourages empathy, understanding, and awareness of the role of art in maintaining physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It also explores how art can act as a part of the healing process, and as a tool for connection and cooperation between people."

First Azaleas

2010-03-19T14:11:00.004-04:00

First Azaleas 6 x 6 oil

available

The hot pink intensity makes this tiny painting stand out amongst the many beautiful pieces on the walls at Open Air Arts in Melrose. Come see Saturday night!

I love painting realistic close ups like this little one.

I did use my specialty colors of radiant magenta and quinacridone red to get that delicious color. The challenge was in making a good composition out of that burst of color. Brings me back to my watercolor beginnings. Used to paint azaleas every spring. It's a delight to do it again.

And yes, I did regular landscapes to post soon.

3 - 5 Art Parties for You

2010-03-18T15:54:00.011-04:00

5 if you count the closing receptions. I'd love to catch you at any of them if you're in the area and wantin' to feast your eyes.

''Just Picked" 6 x 8 oil depicts still dirty carrots from a Melrose back porch during the recent paint out. Glare from the wet paint makes for a middling image. It, and the other artwork, look better in person. It's a great opportunity to add to (or begin) your art collection while meeting the artists.

April 17-24, 2010 Evinston, FL invitational paintout
April 24 reception details to be announced view ›››

April 3 "Art and the Apparatus" at the Ice House Studios
Opening reception April 3rd, 6:00 to 9:00pm
Closing reception May 29, 12 - 5 pm
view ›››

March 20 - May 9 Mind, Body, Soul exhibit. Gaineville, FL
March 25 Thursday reception 5-7 pm co-sponsored by Shands Arts in Medicine view ›››

March 20 Open Air Arts, Melrose FL opening reception 6 - 10 pm
April 25 closing reception 1-5 pm view ›››

Patron Holds Painting That Got Away

2010-03-02T10:17:00.005-05:00

My newest patron and I stand in front of the palm shown in this, the only photo of the little painting that got away. A lovely lady and new friend, she is not tied to email so I won't name her.

Much thanks for adding two of my plein air paintings to her collection. We'll meet up again at Open Air Arts in Melrose next week.

Orange Lake Overlook Event Poster

2010-02-17T09:43:00.001-05:00

Click to make it easy to read.

I'll be there on Saturday. Event is Sunday afternoon also.

Newspapers Step Up for Ice House Exhibit

2010-02-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Gainesville Sun posted a great article on Ice House Gallery and its current exhibit with interviews of 3 artists including my friend Ocala landscape palette knife artist Peggy Watts.

Suwannee River View is another of my paintings now on view. More art at previous post.

****Star Banner published with even more photos ******* addendum

You could stop in after your friend and family outing to this weekend's Orange Lake Overlook event.

Here's to Florida weather for fun, food, music, painting, great scenery! More on OLO soon because you don't want to miss a great afternoon and two new free Florida Scenic Guides.

Ice House Gallery Exhibits New Works

2010-02-12T15:22:00.014-05:00

George Ferreira, is a master of wood sculpture and sculptural furniture. As owner of Ice House Gallery in McIntosh, FL, has curated a magnificent exhibit of New Works by selected regional artists, and I'm honored to have my work included.

He has beautifully lit Suwannee River Moss Too and hung it to show possibilities to prospective collectors. You can gaze up at the Spanish moss.

You can see how beautiful the gallery is inside. Outside it still looks like the ice house it once was.

Locals have driven by for years noting "it's always closed." But no more!

New hours are Thursday - Sunday from 1 - 5 pm and by appointment.

p.s. Several of my smaller intimate landscapes hang in a smaller, more intimate room off the main gallery.

Can you see yourself slowing exploring room after room uncovering yet another treasure just around the corner?

This exhibit runs through March 21.

Paintings at Bakers n Cooks

2010-02-10T00:32:00.006-05:00

Speaking of Bakers n Cooks, Marie has graciously agreed to continue to exhibit my citrus paintings. Banana Jewel hits the food painting spot too. It's beautifully lit so you can get the full 48 x 36 inches effect.

If you're in Ocala, please stop in for some yummy eats, gourmet kitchen shopping, and art browsing.

p.s. One of the customers tells me the painting is of plaintains, not bananas. Thoughts?

First Friday in Fotos

2010-02-06T16:53:00.003-05:00

Ocala Star Banner published some really excellent pictures* from last night's First Friday art walk...particularly of artists working outside in the dark. Here's the Banner's link.

I was painting comfortably indoors at Bakers and Cooks, munching on Chef Adam's sweet hot meatballs and chatting with folks ... they came...they really came.

*none of moi, but really worth checking out

First Friday Ocala Art Event

2010-02-01T16:44:00.004-05:00

Square, Twist, Zoom, a 12 x 12 oil painting on canvas

is one of several yummy-looking paintings you

can see and buy while watching me paint outside

Bakers & Cooks on Broadway.

Easy parking. Tappas too.

Third Out of Three: Oil Painting of Oranges

2010-01-24T18:19:00.008-05:00

Complementary Wedges is an 11 x 14 oil painting on canvas of two red navels in a crystal bowl sitting on a blue towel of all things. The outdoor photo shoots to gets that iridescent glow.

The title refers to complementary blue and orange colors with dull blue punching up vivid orange.

I'm planning a Six by Six Citrus Series of small 6 inch square paintings. Haven't yet decided on whether it will be 6 panels squared or 6 feet squared. I'm loving bold color and exaggerated realism. Not to mention the food! What's a later in life foodie to do?

Marketing food paintings is another bear entirely. I understand portraits and landscapes. Landscapes are big sellers these days. Still life? Food specifically? Dunno. Unless your name rhymes with Fane Seizer or Barrel Tourine, that is. Sorry 'bout the artist code, but I'd hate to have folks searching for them and ending up here.

3 horses + 1 art studio

2010-01-18T17:16:00.007-05:00

Two different artists Googled, found me, and asked for advice today. Turns out I come up if you Google "outdoor painted horses." How 'bout that.

Above is Maretisse....get it? Matisse + mare = Maretisse. Actually the fiberglass horses were very much "hes and not shes." But still....

I painted Maretisse and Subtle Glitz, bottom image, as part of a Marion Cultural Alliance and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association public art project begun in 2001 to raise funds for charities.

The very top image is me with Suncatcher, a horse I love and painted later for a private commission.

And B, I come up under "art studios, Ocala, Florida" as noted by a visiting artist looking for studio space. I don't rent out space but was able to provide leads.

You just never know how far and how wide your reach extends.

No. 2 Citrus Painting

2010-01-09T21:51:00.009-05:00

I'm calling this one "Square, Twist, Zoom" because that's what it is compared to the first red navel painting. I twisted by walking around to a new vantage point. Sunlight is my muse.

This 12 x 12 oil painting on canvas shows the same fruit, bowl, and Ocala book. The corners show far less of what is my pool deck.

Forgot to tell you #1 citrus is 11 x 14. Wouldn't they look smashing in a kitchen or breakfast nook?

I love working with hot colors in this wintry weather.

First of the Citrus Paintings

2010-01-05T15:00:00.022-05:00

As promised. You are looking at red navel orange wedges in a bowl on a book titled Ocala: A Portrait of Life. ISBN 978-1-883987-36-7

My painting Backlit Tree is its inside back cover. Way cool.

Two reasons to tell you this.

1. Now that you know the book's personal significance to me, you can see how even a still life life can be called a self-portrait.

2. You get a free print of Backlit Tree when you subscribe to my e-newsletter. Also pretty cool.

The title Handmade Trumps Perfect is my answer to the imperfect bowl shape.

**By the way, Ocala, Florida is FREEZING....in the 20's .... ALL WEEK! Somebody get Al Gore to explain please.

New Painting Series Sweetly Beckons

2009-12-27T17:09:00.008-05:00

Florida's fabulous citrus season is inspiring a new series of paintings which I promise to start sharing with you at the top of 2010.

I'll announce in an enews* and then post the Catch 'em Bein Cute Pet Pose Portrait contest's winning $700 value painting.

Till then, I highly recommend a little Grand Marnier and fresh-squeezed red navel oranges with the bubbly in your Mimosa.

May the best of the season and new year be yours.

* I'd love you to subscribe. It's but a push of the button in the margin.

4 The Birds 4 Real

2009-12-11T08:02:00.003-05:00

Real live birds of prey greeted gallery goers! Above a barred owl. Below Barbara Perotti is engrossed in painting said owl. Look at all the people enjoying the art.
I was this close to a bald eagle!!
Karen Carasik whipped up a most creative and fun opening. The exhibit is being held over at Comma Gallery, Orlando through January.

I've gone mobile; hence the quality of the images. And....I forgot to take one of my painting at the exhibit. Will post one soon.

4 the Birds: An Invitational Exhibit at Comma Gallery

2009-12-03T19:43:00.007-05:00

I am excited to be included with some extraordinary artists in this special exhibit at Comma Gallery in Orlando, FL. So many people visit this time of year; I hope you can join us.

4 The Birds is an invitational exhibit with a portion of proceeds to benefit the AUDUBON Birds of Prey Center.

The public is invited to the opening reception on Tuesday, Dec. 8 6:30-9pm.

Founded in 1979 in Maitland, FL, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey has treated over 12,000 injured or orphaned birds of prey (raptors), releasing more than 40% of these former patients back into the wild. The Center handles the largest volume of eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and kites east of the Mississippi River--averaging more than 650 admissions, or injured or orphaned birds of prey, each year-and is a leader among all North American rehabilitation centers for specialized eagle care.

The Center also provides environmental education programming to over 20,000 local students, teachers, and visitors annually, while promoting a culture of conservation towards birds of prey and their habitats. A nationally renowned research institute, the Center is an influential voice in the ongoing fight to save endangered and threatened birds of prey.

In collaboration with Nurse Artist International.

Corporate Sponors: Flamingo Framing, Tavernier Capital and The Greek Corner Restaurant

Rafflle drawing--

Comma Gallery
An Alternative Art Space and Gallery
813 Virginia Drive, Orlando FL 32803
407 894 4505
Tue - Sat 11am - 4pm

Definitely off topic

2009-11-30T19:10:00.002-05:00

Dear Blog Friends,

I've got the crud.

Thankful it's nothing swine-like, but laying low and trying to keep my drug-addled brain out of trouble.

Soon,

nancy

Food, food, everywhere food

2009-11-25T15:37:00.014-05:00

The last thing I packed was my back brace. You know you're old when you wear a brace to pick up your grandbaby.....and I do and I am. **

The photo shows the view out my Princeton, New Jersey window. Imagine... Bare branches and overcast. And austere colonial homes of my childhood.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE living in Ocala, Florida. I'm sure we have everything anyone could want. Then I fly into a plethora of foodie goodies like Trader Joes and a real Whole Foods. Wish I took a pic of the brussel sprouts growning on a stalk. Did take a pic of a really strange sign and did buy some yummy aged cheddar.

And last night....OMG!....I'm salivating again over this photo of my mesquite grilled romaine Caesar salad from Salt Creek Grill.

* Old fart painters tip....Start your day in the back brace, while it's still cool out … important if you're in Florida.

Announcing the winner of the Catch em Bein Cute Pet Portrait Pose Contest!

2009-11-20T17:06:00.005-05:00

** This post is best viewed in Google reader or in your email subscribe in margin. :)

Dear Pet Parents,

A thousand and one thanks for entering the Catch em Bein Cute Pet Pose Contest. And a bucket load more for your patience awaiting the results.

You guys have awesome pets that made this choice challenging.

If you sent a double pet portrait, please forgive me for being relieved when some good shots of just one pet showed up enabling me to give away ONE free portrait, not two.

Take consulation in knowing the winner will need continued patience while I whip up some pre-holiday commissions.

I wish I could have met your guys in person, and have been in email negotiations with a couple of you. I want a finished portrait you'll love.

Runners UP!!!

And the winner is....Jasper Schoenfeld!

Jasper is a Bedlington Terrier, an unusual color-changing breed worth a google. Jasper and his blankie...yes, I keeping the photo secret for now...takes up the canvas. I'm hoping he'll inspire lots of new portrait ideas.

OOHA's Last Exhibit Day Today

2009-11-13T09:46:00.006-05:00

Here we are...Out of Hand Artists salon group....all decked out for our opening at Brick City Center for the Arts. Today is the last day and I will be on hand to welcome you 2:30 - 6 pm.

Some of our smaller works will remain for another week as part of the annual Artful Giving event where you can purchase an outstanding selection of moderately priced and often holiday themed art and fine crafts. (I'm partial to the painted gorgeous painted gourds.

From left to right...Sharon Crute, Margaret (Peggy Watts), Lorna Effler, Nancy Moskovitz, Jackie Schindehette, Moe Hahn, and Mary Verrandeaux.

Ocala Style Magazine and Ocala Star Banner took tons of photos. Here's a link.

Star Banner Covers OOHA Hugs Ocala

2009-11-10T15:09:00.002-05:00

Here's a link to my honey and me at OOHA Hugs Ocala.

Ocala's First First Friday greets OoHA "Hugs" Ocala

2009-11-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

I'm posting from Brick City Center for the Arts where OoHA "Hugs" Ocala is hanging and awaiting our opening celebration Friday night. It's also Ocala's very first...First Friday event with eateries and shops staying open late with fun enticements. tomorrow!

If anyone ever tells you, there is no "season" for central Florida art, they are lying to you. We are in high season with artists tizzying to meet exhibit, festival, and gallery tasks....and more mundane yet crucial stuff.

I took photos of our exhibit for you who cannot come in person to see. Here is part of the exhibit. Blogger limited me. Yes, the row of palms painting is there, at least for now.

We are lucky to have such a gorgeous space.

T'was the day after Halloween

2009-11-01T19:46:00.004-05:00

and 2 of my favorite guys are sugar sleepy. Please forgive a little grandbaby spam today. Ryder is closing in on 18 months of sweet and funny despite of his serious little self.

Halloween ends the Catch 'em Being Cute Pet Pose Portrait competition. Now I sift and sort and sketch to a winning picture. They are all very cute. No doubt about that. It's a matter of choosing an image I can improve with paint.

Two Paintings - Two Birds

2009-10-30T11:23:00.010-04:00

Did you notice the compositional changes? They say every painting is a self portrait which may be why my previous version had a pudgier post. I trimmed it and receded the background making the post appear taller. The sky is further along. I think it's better. Still more to do.

**That jinx blog came out ruder than intended. You don't jinx; I do.

Below is Nanny Goat Beach on Sapelo Island, GA after one painting session.
There will be a pelican diving in the upper right sweet spot of the canvas. Can you find the smudge marking the spot? A pelican plunge is tricky to catch on camera. So far so good on this 14 x14 oil painting.

Running to OOHA "Hugs" Ocala

2009-10-29T18:07:00.000-04:00

Rundown

You are looking at a digital slide sheet of original Nancy Moskovitz contenders to hang in OOHA Hugs Ocala.

Criteria: A painting needs to be salable. I mean, if it’s beautiful, it’s salable, right? If it matches the drapes and fits over the fireplace, it’s salable, right? Fairly priced makes it salable, right? Unh, no. Think affordable.

Sapelo Island Sunset diptych will debut here, and I can’t wait for you to see it. It glows. It introduces the Barrier Island series. It might knock your Nikes off. (I’m hoping) The odds of selling it may be as remote as gobbling gator wings this Thanksgiving, but it only takes one person...the right person.

Ok. One sunset and just one of the new Suwanee River Moss paintings for a gentler drama. And I really do want to show you Sharpes Ferry Bridge IV; the one with the anole.

Tweet this. I do take time payments.

The rest sing out affordable.

Don't Jinx These

2009-10-26T13:03:00.021-04:00

Please don't jinx these.

More paintings than I'll admit to have slipped their tail between their legs and slid into a Hefty bag after you have seen them in progress.

An aside ... I've noticed my peers post more professionally than back when blogs were virgin. If you prefer that, please see my Intimate Landscapes blog. Or .. stay here for for what you see is what you get, warts et al.

Both oil paintings are inspired by my Sapelo Island artist-in-residency. Both are one painting session. Both are part of my Barrier Islands series. Both have a show to be in that I'll fill you in on as it nears.

Neither will hang in OOHA Hugs Ocala.

OOHA HUGS Ocala Countdown Begins

2009-10-22T20:21:00.001-04:00

Countdown. Fewer than 9 days till 7 women artists plus 2 husbands (not mine) cart paintings into The Brick to hang OOHA "HUGS" Ocala.

Acronyms. Gotta love ‘em.

OOHA rhymes with BOOOO-HA and stands for Out of Hand Artists. Do not confuse us with your Aunt Sadie who dabbles in paint on Sundays. We are a salon of professional painters. One for all and all for one and glad to get out of the studio for a little wine without whine. Shoot good thoughts into the ethers. End economics 2009.

From the HUGS website: The H.U.G.S. organization encourages Heartfelt Unconditional Giving to benefit cancer patients through prevention, detection and treatment. Their words. This non-profit raises funds for the research, prevention, detection and treatment of all forms of cancer and assists individuals and families whose lives have been adversely affected by it.

Still plagiarizing. Can you tell? HUGS is an umbrella org. for others who do same. They’re good people. OOHA is giving a portion of the proceeds to benefit HUGS.

Ok. So ... OOHA HUGS Ocala. Ocala is our home. Locals like to call Brick City Center for the Arts “The Brick.” Down to

back to fewer than 8 days to paint, to varnish, to frame, to choose, to pack, to cart, to arrange, to hang paintings. Fewer than 8 days to send invitations, to post posters, to plan the opening party for the 6th. And then...

... and then fewer than 6 days to pace while waiting for the party to start and YOU to arrive.

Out of Hand Artists Art Exhibit & Sale, Ocala, FL

2009-10-17T20:23:00.004-04:00

OoHA "HUGS" Ocala

"Out of Hand Artists" (OoHA) announces an
Art Exhibit and Sale at the MCA Brick City Center for the Arts

to benefit H.U.G.S. Charities, Inc.

Ocala, FL - October 17, 2009 - "Out of Hand Artists" (OoHA) announces a fine art exhibit and sale at the MCA Brick City Center for the Arts on November 3 - 14, 2009. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will go to benefit H.U.G.S. Charities, Inc.of Ocala.

A gala opening reception will be held on Friday, November 6th from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at The Brick City Center for the Arts located downtown at 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free.

OoHA is an artists' salon comprised of seven professional fine artists and painters. Included in OoHA are; Sharon Crute, Lorna Effler, Moe Hahn, Nancy Moskovitz, Jackie Schindehette, Mary Verrandeaux and Margaret Watts.

H.U.G.S. Charities, Inc. is a non-profit organization that raises funds for the research, prevention, detection and treatment of all forms of cancer and assists individuals and families whose lives have been adversely affected by it.

For more information, you may reach Nancy at
352-854-8307 or nancy@nancymoskovitz.com.

# # #

Pet Portrait Contest Closing....Hurry

2009-10-15T17:54:00.003-04:00

I know you're busy.

But I gotta remind you that the Catch em Bein Cute Pet Pose Portrait Contest is skidding into the end zone.

Hark! Halloween cometh.

Put down your spring water. Finish that bite of chocolate. Dust off your digital camera.

Keep it at the ready to catch that tilted head, cocked ear, and wagging tail.

Last chance to win a ridiculously generous prize. Read details here.

Alpine Park Farmhouse Painting Linked

2009-10-14T11:54:00.002-04:00

This links to the post with the only painting image I have. It's in Intimate Florida Landscape Paintings because it R one.

Post Paint Out Ponderings

2009-10-13T18:02:00.008-04:00

How was your paint out?

Listen up all. My overtired self is going to ramble on only one time.

A paint out feels soooo good when it's over!

A paint out is too hot, too cold, too wet, or too windy.

This one? Too hot. 100% humidity. In October!

Too hot = sandals at some point every day. Pity the feet.

Feet hurt no matter how many shoes I pack.

6 days of bug spray make the skin on the back of my neck orange peely.

Paint out committees have a ton of heart.

How I feel is directly related to my sales.

Lighting the paintings is everything.

How I feel is directly related to the ratio of my painting quality to effort required to get there.

Haven't a place to reliably sell paintings as small as I paint at paint outs. End up with a lot of small frames getting knocked around in storage.

Sales are more related to what someone paints than to skill. People buy paintings of their own property, horses, cows, bird house collections.....

People buy sunsets.

People by paintings by artists they schmooze with and like. Schmoozing is a must have paint out skill.

As is ability to either sleep well in diverse circumstance or ability to function well without.

p.s. Internet aggravations continue; cannot upload an image tonight. So...we have something to look forward to.

Why didn't you tell me???

2009-10-03T11:25:00.000-04:00

Cryptic sticky notes bedeck bins heaped upon my dining room table.

They hold frames, boards, and canvases for the Painting the Region; The Bartram Trail paint out.

I'm trying to match up how many of which size of each to pack.

I just packed 4 blank, but ready to rock canvases,into 4 frames.

Exact number of frames and boards. Or maybe an extra frame for a change of style.

Extra boards? I don't think so. If I mess up that bad, I'll switch to another size.

Duh, you say??? Well, sure wish you had said it to me. You know I need all the help I can get.

See you on The Bartram Trail next week in Jacksonville, Switzerland,

The William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway, a century-oak-framed window into "Old Florida," runs parallel to the St. Johns River in Northwest St. Johns County.

Painting the Regionsm venues are located off a five-mile stretch south of Mandarin and Julington Creek, in the communities of Fruit Cove, St. Johns and Switzerland, Florida.

Framed into Painting the Bartram Trail

2009-09-22T11:26:00.004-04:00

Shallow breaths. Racing heart. I just ordered frames..... for Painting the Region: The Bartram Trail paint out Oct. 6 - 10.

Yeah, yeah. I know. I wasn't going to do paint outs this year. Did one very low key one. And now this one. I had truly forgotten how much it brain space a paint out uses way before the painting begins.

Ordering frames. Save the comments on gallery wrap canvases that don't require frames. Got some for the baby paintings.

Larger gallery wraps get beat up in travel, and paint outs are TRAVEL. More importantly, when they later hang in galleries next to framed paintings, most look naked. Ok, most of mine look naked.

And 3, I'm recycling frames for exhibit and am being too stingy with exhibiting my paintings cuz I need the frames in a minute.

I'd like to recommend http://floridaframes.com

Barb takes orders by phone only and is very helpful. They are fast, reasonably priced, and make great mitered corners. Barb will send you samples so you can see before you order.

Is your pet cuter than this one?

2009-08-31T11:24:00.007-04:00

copyright Bonnie Luria

Aww. Is your pet cuter than Cloud? Not that your prejudiced or anything.....

The real trick is to get the cutest photo of your baby for the Catch 'em Bein' Cute pet portrait pose contest (with its obscenely generous prize of a free portrait.)

Bonnie Luria has generously allowed me to share these pics* with you. To give you a creative BOOst!
*not competing photos

We've got some good entries, but you could still knock it out of the park!

Contest deadline -- Halloween!

Does that spark an idea?

Send me up to 3 of your best hi-res jpg images.

Good Luck!

p.s. I never promised the photography would be easy. My end (the painting) is challenging too. It's sooo worth it!

Pioneering Moms

2009-08-26T11:31:00.000-04:00

What can you learn from being plunked smack dab between 2 blogging sisters?

Friends of a certain vintage think I'm computer savvy. Hah! I more than met my match.

Chefdruck and Jessica are pioneers in a movement unknown to said vintage.... the world of Mom bloggers.

Stay at home moms hone their journalist skills while chronicling their lives. Merchants ferret out the demographic to review kid/mom-friendly products. They network, travel to conventions, earn money from their blogs, and have a blast.

When I was a young mom, Phil Donahue was my link to the world, and talking weather to the Piggly Wiggly bag boy was my adult conversation.

On the other hand, Rick appreciated seeing women spending more computer time than I. Imagine!

p.s. One thing I learned is how to let you open links in a neighboring tab instead of losing you to wander the web.

No Paints No Pants

2009-08-24T22:45:00.005-04:00

A facebook pal thought I posted "I didn't pack my pants." While that makes a point, it's paints I didn't pack. Plus it's possible I'm penning while O T. That's how we spelled overtired when the kids were, well, O T.

While my eyes feasted on Outer Banks waves grown dramatic thanks to hurricane Bill, there's no regrets on the paints decision. I wanted to observe, be, and enjoy.

Fun quotes about Fun

2009-08-21T11:50:00.001-04:00

Getting there is not half the fun – it is ALL the fun. (Robert Townsend)

You've made your bed, now go bounce on it. (Peter Scott)

Later if you want

2009-08-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

If it's important to you, let me know and I'll fix that bottom image so you can read the sign whence I can return to my fully powered Dell.

Confession: I did not pack my paints. This is family time and it's fabulous.

Letter to Dell

2009-08-18T21:23:00.001-04:00

Dear Dell
Please share your very good reason for not allowing one Dell laptop power cord to work with another Dell.
Sincerely,
An unhappy camper

Williamston, NC Part Deux

2009-08-18T14:48:00.005-04:00

Would you trust this hotel? How about if its address was Prison Camp Rd as shown below?

Who could make this stuff up?

Turned out to be a perfectly lovely Holiday Inn Express walking distance from lunch at Ribeye's as described in yesterday's post.

How about the bottom image for a painting? Wish you could read the sign just left of the red door.

Carolina hospitality leaves you with the phrase..."Y'all come back now!"

Lunch in Williamston, NC

2009-08-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

Pit stop required. Rick and I take the next exit despite the lack of lodging, food, and gas signage.

We find ourselves surrounded by fields in rotation for soybeans, tobacco, and cotton. Ensconced by same is our future lunch stop named "Ribeye's."

The sign below tempted us by being the only game in town. Wish I could capture Ribeye's digital essence for you, but all those cars in front blocked the fields.

Ribeye's had one young waitress and one young cook. Our cook personally took our orders for....wait for it............................ribeye steaks. A genteelly dressed after church crowd quickly filled the seats.

Prepared by a cook filled with pride in his restaurant, the food was amazing. Perfect steaks, sides, and service. I felt like Rachel Ray discovering a local treasure.

Next post shows a sign I never thought I'd see. You could see it now if I hadn't accidentally deleted it. Consider this a 2 part post.

Will have to retrieve from my battery-challenged Dell.

Fuller's Old Fashioned BBQ

2009-08-17T16:41:00.003-04:00

The photo meant for the previous post is up at last. Sigh. No link.

I'm on a borrowed computer because the cord in my case belongs to an older laptop...and I have to make the battery last all week....and the keystrokes are not enabled on this one. Yada yada. No link.

But if you're inclined to try Carolina style BBQ, this is the place.

We lived in N.C. for 3 years 30ish years ago. It's where I first started painting in earnest. Watercolors. You can see some on my website in the Archives. http://nancymoskovitz.com/archives.

Coming up. Sights and lunch for day 2 as we head to the Outer Banks, NC barrier islands. Think Kitty Hawk. Orville and Wilbur Wright. Do you think it's changed much in 30 years?

Only a lot.

Carolina BBQ

2009-08-15T20:19:00.015-04:00

Rick and I drove 6 hours north to find ourselves in the "deep south" aka Lumberton, North Carolina. A foreign country with southern drawls and reminders of times past. Eagerly anticipating the vinegary pulled pork BBQ that could only be had in NC, we pulled into Fuller's Old Fashioned BBQ because it aced the parking lot test.

We could order the buffet or the.....buffet. Do we want smoking or nonsmoking? Woah! Well what else to expect in tobacco country.

The place was plain. One wall sported a huge buck's head. Another a painting of Jesus. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller oversaw the dining hall from their portrait hanging between the two.

The food did not disappoint. I feasted on okra, greens, black-eyed peas, yams, chicken and dumplings and BBQ followed by sweet potato pie.

The capacity crowd was due to the Spaulding Monroe High School's class of 1964 reunion. A grad was beaming while showing around a poster of his two faves... Obama and Jack Kennedy.

Can you guess what was unusual about the class of '64?

Every grad was African American. Could desegretation really be that recent?

Yes. I looked it up.

Segregation, entrenched in the laws and customs of North Carolina for many years, faded out in the 1960s. By early 1970s schools were the only segregated facilities in the state.

This isn't the road trip post I planned to write. But still....

Zesty Bean Salad Recipe

2009-08-07T17:04:00.006-04:00

By popular request:the yummiest bean salad recipe (served at Out of Hand Artists - OOHA meeting at my house)

ZESTY BEAN SALAD from the Anheuser Busch Cookbook via my friend Carrie

2 ears sweet corn
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces

*me - you could parboil corn and green beans instead of sauteing

1 small red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
½ red onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño chile
1 can (16 ounces) cannellini (white kidney) beans or other white beans,
rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon hot sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced

Over a small bowl, cut the kernels from the ears of corn. Scrape the
remaining pulp from the cobs using the dull side of the knife blade, then
discard the cobs. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil
over medium-high heat. Add the corn and green beans and sauté until lightly
browned, about three minutes. Transfer the bean mixture to a bowl. Add the
bell pepper, onion, chile, cannellini, black beans, and cilantro. Toss well.

In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, vinegar, the remaining 1 tablespoon
olive oil, the hot sauce, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne.
Add the lime juice mixture to the bean mixture and toss well. Cover and
refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Gently stir in the tomatoes and avocado and
serve.

Makes 8 servings

It's a doggie doggie world

2009-08-06T09:55:00.006-04:00

So said my puppy-lovin' son back in his little day. It's a sweet misquote that still makes me chuckle.

Just my way of reminding you about the Catch 'em Being Cute Pet Pose Contest to win a free pet portrait in oil.

My sleepy summer mode gives you time too. I'll be making a decision upon return from beaching with family at the Outer Banks, NC.

Email subscribers: This is your test email. If you got it, all is well.

to my email subscribers

2009-08-05T14:48:00.000-04:00

If you read my blog via emails to your inbox, please shoot me an email. I'll be changing something technical and don't want to lose anyone.

In the next few days, I'll post a test blog.

Thank you for reading and caring.

Nancy Moskovitz July Newsletter link

2009-08-01T11:45:00.002-04:00

Link to July eNews complete with images.

More on NAPW

2009-07-29T10:44:00.004-04:00

Conclusion - We but skim the internet.

The National Association for Professional Women has taken up too much cognitive space of late.

1. They contacted me with an articulate invitation referencing specifics of my website.

a. as opposed to the gazillions clogging my inbox.

b. cannot find that email anywhere

c. I'd swear the email mentioned artists. Entrepreneur is closest now.

2. I did check out their site. Very professional even though tempting pages are blocked unless you are a member.

a. Seems to be updated frequently

b. Or I am senile

3. I did check out the Members page.

a. Don't know how since the Members page is not a menu offering today.

b. Found it today via the search box.

c. Found my listing via the advanced search. Canned, by the way. No real info. No link.

4. Recent recheck of Members page showed all but the first (above the fold) entry were incomplete. No member photo. Never a link.

2. Just 86 members today

3. To be fair, featured members look legit

5. Recheck of affiliated charities - NAPW says it supports charities suppporting women. How exactly?

6. Recheck of news - Restates info plus worldwide news - not NAPW news. At least not today.

7. Checked "Reading" - A motley selection from Deepak Chopra to best selling Dummies titles. No working links today.

Membership Free knocked down red flags.

Phone call put 'em back up. Textbook red flag.

a. Fake phone number given.

b. No way to verify that call even came from NAPW. If they are legit, they should be pissed.

You do know not to give your credit card info over the phone unless you initiated the call, right?

Hope these posts help.

Next up, take an offical stand on that NAPW review page. http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/napw-national-association-of-professional-women-c168573.html

Then on with art!

p.s. Why 2 posts? Because I realize many of my readers are artists. Since they don't specifically target artists, the whole shebang is not covered by our usual safety nets.

Scam Alert for Professional Women

2009-07-28T13:24:00.003-04:00

Still digesting this scam. Read at http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/napw-national-association-of-professional-women-c168573.html

I was accepted into National Association of Professional Women twice: once by email and once by postal mail. Membership is free.

Then came the phone call. Seems a telephone interview was necessary before the final decision. Same questions as on application.

Accepted again.

Next came a high pressure sales pitch pretty much word for word what you'll find in the above link. I did google while still on the phone to find said link. Much thanks to google who suggested "review" as I typed in the org.'s name.

I didn't bite.

Red flag radar is professionally activated. What more could their seminars offer?

Although I stuck with the complimentary level, I'm still uncomfortable as my future presence on their site might give others confidence in the organziation. It's .com, not .org - red flag number 1.

Dang! I have to update my resume yet again.

How much game face is enough game face?

2009-07-21T19:07:00.003-04:00

If you watched Next Food Network Star Final 4 on Sunday, you saw a particularly intense episode that I can't shake from my brain.

According to the judges, all are excellent cooks with star quality.

So how did they eliminate one?

Semi spoiler warning! Just in case you still need to visit your TIVO or hulu, I'll only tell you it was one of the women.

Specifically - the woman who could not keep her game face on.

Wow. I could so identify with her, and yet I knew the judges were right.

As artists who exhibit and sell, we need game faces. I know this.

I'm very suggestible.

So suggestible I waited 20 minutes at Red Lobster to order and take home Jeffrey's winning dish of chili rubbed tilapia, scallops and shrimp over asparagus in a sweet hot broth unlike any other.

(It's on the fresh fish menu for a limited time. If you split it, it's affordable. And amazing! Yum.)

But on game face, all that suggestibility has no staying power.

I know people who can be "on" as quick as a flip of a switch. I'm in awe of such professionalism. I'm also scared of it. Yes, scared. To elaborate would be dropping my game face. But that's just me.

Since the world runs on game, the problem remains mine to work out.

Pet Portrait $700 value Contest

2009-07-18T23:56:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone

All good things (like a March pencil pet portrait special) must end by late July(now).

That's ok. You may like this even better.

It's a contest to win a full color oil painting of your pet. A $700 value!

Details coming up.

Best,

nancy

Catch 'em Bein Cute!

We are looking for the cutest paintable pose this time.

You're not competing against these, but you get the idea!

Hey cat people!

This is perfect for you. And yes, we already have an entry.

Rules? Can't think of any.

Contest ends when a pose shouts out to me.

Hi res images please. No mobile uploads.

If there are lots of entries, look for a runner up prize.

Can't wait to see what you email me!!

Good Luck!

Contests are more fun when shared with your friends. Please forward.

Forward email

Press Release for Thomas Center Exhibit

2009-07-16T17:47:00.002-04:00

Did you miss the press release? Here's the link for the 2009 Regional Juried Exhibit at the Thomas Center Galleries, Gainesville, FL

Newest Kitty Portrait

2009-07-15T12:45:00.005-04:00

Luna is cute, furry, and finally loved. I'll let you play Finding Waldo with the last 2 versions.

Clue: check out the ear and stripes. Those markings are very important to an owner.

Biggest Art Theft Ever

2009-07-13T11:38:00.003-04:00

Do you like Boston, art, thievery, art thievery, Sargent, Rembrandt, Vermeer, rebellious smart women, and mystery in an engaging step up from historical fiction?

Then join me in reading Ulrich Boser's The Gardner Heist:The True Story of the World's Largest Unsolved Art Theft. Maybe Alyson Stanfield will pick it up as a Twitter group. Alyson?

Who knew I could get hooked on a book so upfront about not having a happy ending. Clearly crack writing with anecdotes about her collected artists, celebreties of the day.....

According to a recent Amazon review, The Boston Herald is keeping the publicity and reward $$$ alive.

My connection to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum goes back to my preheist Simmons College, Boston, MA days. You can verify this on pg 1 of my bio or the laid back pg 2 version.

I walked by it daily to get to class.

Back then, it was like entering Ms Gardner's personal home. What I remember most is the interior garden courtyard and the bag lunch chamber music concerts.

Now it feels like going to a museum.

I learned why it was so vulnerable then and so institutional now.

Just found this link with photos of the Gardner, the courtyard, her portrait, the stolen paintings, news clippings. A better review than I could write as are the ones on amazon.

Commissions Client is Always Right

2009-07-11T10:28:00.005-04:00

For Previously on Luna, see image below. Above is where we stand now. Not quite there yet.

You saw the reference photo in the previous post.

Commissioned work is collaborative or as I like to call it... mindreading.

The artist is always editing to make a strong painting. You try to emphasize what's important. If you change one thing, you need to adjust another.

Meanwhile the client's concern is the likeness. Only they can tell you whether you captured the kitty as they see it.

While adding white to the face, I added emphasis to the whiskers for design. Need to change it back now. That involves going into the background.........

And more stripes to the leg.

And for me...I have to adjust what turned into a straight line atop her head between eye and ear.

Digital Refs Aren't Really All That

2009-07-08T19:13:00.002-04:00

Another lesson learned. Photo references bigger than my thumbnail required.

Unforseen consequences. I have become sloppy with my questions about the subject's actual fur and eye color.

Always ask.

Attention Fellow Bloggers!

2009-07-05T13:28:00.005-04:00

I actually won a free consultation with Jon Morrow of Copyblogger. It's the 4th post on the linked page as I type. But do read all of 'em. He's very good.

So good you'll want to read them.

Thank you, Jon!

Been implementing his suggestions, much of which turned out to be more about my enewsletter than blogs.

Wonder what he'd say if he knew my most widely read and commented on post (including Twitter and Facebook) was about my lost (and found) purse.

Suwannee River Paintings - Update

2009-06-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

Long-time readers may remember these two large intimate landscapes teeming with backlit Spanish moss in progress. ils sont accomplis and on exhibit at Comma Gallery, Orlando, Florida.

Update - The two Suwanee River paintings only are back in the studio. Let's set up a studio visit so you can see them in person in Ocala, Florida.

The two are keeping Twenty-five MPH from the previous post company along with three more newly uploaded intimate landscapes. Inquiries on the smaller paintings by email to commagallery@gmail.com

You can read the specs at http:nancymoskovitz.com.

Rick braved torrential downpours and unexpectedly heavy traffic to help deliver 6 paintings today. He got to meet Karen and Kim at Comma. We laughed, looked at art, talked about that and this. Anyone would feel right at home here.

Then sweeet/salty lettuce wraps and yummy Singapore noodles at PF Changs at Millenia Mall. No sign of a recession in that parking lot. . ...

Worry Not

2009-06-21T21:49:00.002-04:00

Just in cast you've been up pacing and worrying about me..

1. My Palm is now password protected.
2. I made some painting decisions.

Have you ever entered the studio with one plan, and found yourself doing something else? I worked on the sunset diptych.

It's 3 tweaks from done.

Robbed?

2009-06-19T17:06:00.002-04:00

I'm half-way home from Publix. The William Tell Overture, without the all important words, is booming from the radio. Singing in my head, I caught sight of the bare naked passenger seat. My purse should have been on it. It wasn't.

Gasp! ##*&%#!

First chance, I pull over to rummage through the grocery-filled trunk. Not there.

Flip a youeeee (sp?). Hyperventilate at a long light.

Ok. Don't panic. What's in there?

Phone. A nuisance + $. Should have paid for cyber storage. Can disarm it asap.

Palm Z22. Low tech. Info on laptop. But, countless hours contacting contacts whose accounts are open to who knows what.

I-Touch. Now that hurts. $$$ Info retrievable by me and password protected from the bad guy.

Credit cards will be canceled within the hour.

Insurance cards. Another nuisance.

Water bottle.

Cash. Have at my spare change. Least of my worries.

O what a horrible weekend ahead.

Narrowed the scene to the parking lot. Could someone have swiped it from my cart? Who was close enough? I didn't see or hear anybody.

Of course not. My brain was on autopilot.

Fixated on my Nevada County Wine Guild certified organic, no added sulphites, Vintage 2007 California Red Wine, labeled Vegan Friendly.

Because NPR convinced me my usual beverage was processed chemically to turn out in quantity, consistently, and on time. That's why.

I pull into my old parking spot nearly bumping into 3 empty shopping carts, none of which was exactly how I left mine.

The cashier sent me to customer service.

"Did anyone happen to turn in a purse?" I sheepishy ask.

"Yes," the loveliest service representative on the planet answers.

And she handed me the only purse on the shelf.

A nearby customer comments. "There are still good people."

Yes, there are. Happy weekend, everyone.

What to Paint by 3 Great Minds

2009-06-19T12:32:00.010-04:00

Quoting Genn quoting Berenson with a link to be sure to give proper credit.

Sometimes I post what I want to keep track of . Witness "figure sales tax backwards" which, it turns out, is a popular search phrase for this blog.

Back to point. Robert Genn who writes to me twice weekly and will to you to if you like... hit home for me today. Here's a quote.

When I was younger and much more idealistic, I used to worry I was not serious enough. In my studies, I eventually got around to the critic Bernard Berenson and was relieved by his idea that art ought to be life-enhancing and not life-deprecating. I figured it was okay to please, both myself and others. Anger and angst were just fine for anyone else.

Exactly! says I.

Barred Owl: Friend or Foe

2009-06-17T12:39:00.004-04:00

An owl hunted from my front gate for a fortnight before heading to new hunting grounds. I've been jonesing to paint it ever since. We're talking years.

Since I can only find my paper photo, above is a Wikipedia image. Hopefully legal.

Key finding: In U.S., an owl connotes wisdom. Elsewhere, 'tis an omen of death and disaster.

A barred owl is cuter than most. Proof above. Still, it has given me pause.

Would you paint it?

It's for a gallery show which may or may not happen.

I'll figure it out. All part of the process. Maybe switch to pastel for a while. Geeze. Loose ends and I'm not even trying to reinvent myself.

This Old Blog

2009-06-15T20:31:00.000-04:00

I was fixin to delete the posts that embarrass me the most. Discovered I've been blogging since December 2005.

Blogs were brand spanking new, at least artists' blogs were.

They have spidered into huge knowledge/resource bases with multiple contributors, teaching venues, group painting challenges, personal journals, eBay auction doorways, portfolio website substitutes, and more. Feel free to add to the list in a comment.

My plan for this blog is to post less often. Hope you've noticed.

But still to post.

I love you guys. Many of you are bloggers. I read yours too. We're a community.

Here's what I recommend.

If you come for the images of paintings, subscribe to http://moskovitzpaintings.blogspot.com/.

That's where they'll be. Got a post scheduled for tomorrow noonish.

Idea B. Friend me on Facebook. I'm posting images there too. I got my personal url http://www.facebook.com/nancy.moskovitz1 at one minute after midnight. See? There's a story there.

no. 3 Sign up for my eNews. Super idea, that. The sign up box is top of the page.

And finally, follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/nmoskovitz It's a time saver; helps you decide whether to click through to a blog.

Oh... the reason for the switch is to concentrate on posting content of interest to my present and future collectors.

See ya on the other side.

Evinston, FL Painting

2009-05-20T12:56:00.001-04:00

I was thrilled to find my workshop painting Twenty-Five Miles per Hour on Elin Pendleton's blog

http://elinpendleton.blogspot.com/2009/05/may-18-accommodations-and-more-florida.html

For Artists Only Today

2009-05-20T11:29:00.001-04:00

Linda Blondheim asked me to compare Elin Pendleton's workshop to Carol Marine's and Larry Moore's.

Apples and oranges, eggs and onions.

The big answer is Elin's Color System which is easiest to understand and accept directly from her. She emphasizes mood and time of day. You can apply her system in the other two workshops.

Carol and Larry taught traditional color theory, but the workshops' meat was elsewhere.

Larry Moore's workshop is en plein air which is its own beast. He is one of very few artists teaching the Florida landscape. No mountains. No fall foliage. Palm tree ball tops. How to find a painting in a quiet landscape. He is so talented; I'm sure he gives a sense of place everywhere he teaches.

Carol Marine's workshop is excellent for small still life from life. Learn how to set up and light your arrangement. How to compose and paint directly. No under painting. Make the stroke and leave it alone...technique. Very fresh. Also how to get that vivid glow of light shining through fruit, flower, glass, etc.

Carol's toning method and advice saved me at Elin's...no tone with thalos or anything containing white so can paint immed after. I like the paint quality of painting on a wet surface. Learned from Carol.

Elin's needed all 5 days to be to cover morning, late morning, noon, afternoon, late afternoon, sunset, moonlight, misty, and backlighting with practice. Not so, the others.

Elin is dead serious about her teaching. Compare their sites. She is working on a book on her Color System.

It works.

As I said on her blog...Learning how to use yellows, especially lemon yellow to create a morning mood. Learning how to keep sunlit fields in the distance with ochre. Thalo blue in sunlight; thalo green in shadow - wow!"

Stop! Read! Before you buy art online

2009-05-19T09:47:00.002-04:00

Link to an important article for art collectors -

http://moskovitzpaintings.blogspot.com/2009/05/stop-read-before-you-buy-art-online.html

Dear new and returning readers,

Thank you for reading and even subscribing to my blog.

It's great to think you find my posts helpful. Maybe you even regularly click through to my collectors blog. I like to think so.

Best, nancy

Pics

2009-05-16T21:21:00.002-04:00

Here's Elin demonstrating morning light on the sun porch. We were on the gorgeous grounds of the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort

takes a sec to load.

Most workshoppers stayed at the lodge for the full immersion experience. I tell you this to encourage you to join us next year.
The painting that got away. Three of us wanted to buy this one. You know those shadowed whites are subtle and gorgeous in person.

Just in case you are a "bad guy," the image is too small to pilfer.

For My Artist Readers

2009-05-16T12:23:00.007-04:00

Since many of my readers are artists, thought I'd share a bit from Elin Pendleton's boot camp without giving it away for free. Not that anything could substitute for her personal demos and input.

Demos are fairly short; mostly we paint........a lot!

Elin is tuned in to not only the students' different skill levels, but also what it is each student really wants to get out of the workshop. And! She is tuned into different learning styles. More! She is both honest and encouraging to all.

Read that again because it's a rare find.

The color system works! By which I mean things in the distance stay in the distance, and Rick could tell the time of day in my workshop paintings. I did my first moonlit painting ever and first foggy day.

Far from formulaic, Elin explains exceptions such as transitions, clothes, incandescent lights, flesh, and water.....as students are ready for more complexity.

Overcast is what I do unintentionally. Now I can fix that and modify my plein air subjects for drama.

Yes, I'm still excited.

Winning Workshop Worth Every Penny

2009-05-12T20:00:00.005-04:00

Check out Elin Pendleton at http://elinpendleton.blogspot.com/.

Elin is an extremely knowledgeable and engaging teacher. When you understand the science underlying her color system, you'll see it's no quick trick, but an approach to color unlike what we painters have been taught forever.

Mind you, I'm no scientist, but I know truth when I hear it, plus she'll give you a bibliography to check it out if you are so inclined.

I'm at her workshop all week. This post may not look like much, but if you paint, that link could be your gold.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while I fill my soul this week.

p.s. That woman can paint!

Happy Anniversary Roses to Me

2009-05-07T09:54:00.006-04:00

Today is our "which" anniversary? I won't tell you how many, but Rick (my romantic half) gave me these gorgeous roses for our 35th.

You can purchase the original painting at the historic Blakely House in downtown Ocala, Florida. They are newly representing my work in the beginning of a wonderful life-long win/win.

Juicy Citrus Art Reception

2009-05-06T16:11:00.014-04:00

Celebrating Citrus: The Landscape art exhibit opens May 12th with a Landscape Artist Reception 6:30-9pm. Comma Gallery, Orlando, FL

I'm thrilled to say my art continues on exhibit through June 5.

If you are in the Orlando area, it's a must-see. The gallery's friendly and casual ambience will greet you warmly. Following the reception, enjoy dinner in one of the many nearby bistros.

Comma Gallery's news release follows:

Florida citrus is a $9 billion industry and leads the world in grapefruit production. Florida Department of Citrus provides that:

12,000 Florida citrus growers cultivate approximately 100 million citrus trees on more than 748,000 acres of land. More than 90,000 other people also work in the citrus industry or in related businesses.

COMMA GALLERY is Celebrating Citrus, Florida Style by inviting some of Florida’s finest Florida artists to serve up the results of their citrus inspired art. All manner of landscape, still life and conceptual citrus related art will be shown through June 5^th.

For over six years COMMA has shown and sold hundreds of artist works from emerging artists to international artists collected by Museums. “We have a community of collectors with diverse taste in art” co- owner Karen Carasik ( who is also an artist) explains. “Although taste is subjective we are betting that everyone loves the taste of citrus! Now we are offering it for the eyes……….”

Citrus has been a symbol in many cultures.

The abundance of the crop of art available surprised gallery owner and curator Kim Sumner. “As we started looking we realized there was more Citrus art than we imagined. So we split the show into three parts in order to showcase as much talent as possible.” The gallery scrambled to pick what was ripe and save more for later. By a bit of ingenious maneuvering also know as making lemonade from lemons, COMMA came up with a recipe for sweet citrus success.

In ancient writings, Alexander the Great brought citrus from India into Greece, Turkey, and North Africa in the late 4th century BC. The most ancient citrus was called ‘citron.’ There are ancient clues from wall paintings in the Egyptian temple at Karnak that citrus trees had been growing there. Citrus appears in other art from the ruins of Pompeii as well as Carthage in North Africa. Greek and Romans as well as early Christian tile mosaics from Istanbul shows various citrus.

It appears established that Christopher Columbus introduced citrus on the island of Haiti in 1493 There are records that citrus trees were well established in the American colonies in about 1565 at Saint Augustine, Florida, and in coastal South Carolina.

While traveling down the Saint John’s River in Florida the early American explorer, William Bartram, in his 1773 book Travels mistakenly thought orange trees were native to Florida; however, they were established centuries earlier by the Spanish explorers.

Grapefruit was a relative late-comer, arriving in Florida in 1806 courtesy of the French Count, Odet. After the Spanish gave up their territories and its many orange groves to the United States the citrus industry rapidly developed. In the 1880’s shipments of oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons that were sent to Philadelphia and New York by railway and ships Orange juice was even traded on the Commodities Exchange in NYC.

The Florida freezes in 1894 and 1899, wiped out Satsuma orange trees. More acreage was destroyed in the hard freeze of 1916. Some citrus production moved further south and also shifted from Florida to California.

COMMA GALLERY believes in celebrating our Florida artists whose talent is remarkable and citrus represents one facet of the beauty and elegance of Florida Art.

Contact:

Karen Carasik 407 376-1400 www.commagallery.com

carasikart@msn.com

SAMPLE a taste of New work at COMMA for CITRUS:The landscape.......

by Jennifer Myers Kirton

Memorial Pet Portrait

2009-04-25T19:42:00.006-04:00

This is Peek, short for Peek-a-boo. The 8 x 6 pup pencil portrait is a memorial portrait of a beloved curly haired retriever.

Memorial portraits are extra special. The client sifts through what photos they have, and I do my best.

You can read about Peek and several new penciled pup portraits on my site at http://nancymoskovitz.com/portraits.php?gallery_id=14&title=Puss_'n_Pooch_Portrait_Portfolio_--_in_private_collections, but ... shhhh...some are birthday surprises so they were quietly uploaded and have yet to be featured on the homepage.

You are the first to know.

p.s. My client and I are both very happy with this portrait.

Secrets of Sapelo Island Invitation

2009-04-22T10:31:00.006-04:00

Sapelo Island fellow artist in residence Jane Springfield has sent an e-vite to her show Secrets of Sapelo Island. If you are near Atlanta, it's definitely worth a visit. Here's a link to her invitation.

Florida landscape paintings, pet portraits, portrait paintings, original artwork by Nancy Moskovitz

2009-04-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

Here's a "quiet" link to newest pencil pet portrait.....don't want to spoil the surprise.

Florida landscape paintings, pet portraits, portrait paintings, original artwork by Nancy Moskovitz