One Painting Done And Three More In The Works

"Gotta Scratch" , casein on claybord , 16 x 16" ©2015 www.kathipeters.com

I am staying in my studio. It has become a very hot and muggy August here in Maine. My walkout basement studio is always cool in the heat of summer. So I keep painting. I have 3 paintings in the works at the moment. One oil painting and 2 caseins are filling my days inside, as the farm is hot and not so comfortable outside.

I finished a square format casein painting of an European Belgian horse...A "Brabant", a Brabant, is a draft horse breed from the Brabant region of modern Belgium. I love their short strong build, stocky bodies AND the color of their coats. The pink and purple in their shadows and highlights. I will be doing some more works  depicting these hefty workers.  "Gotta Scratch" is available , and looking for a forever home.

 The other paintings I am working on depict pairs , parts of a four in hand team that I had the pleasure of seeing on their maiden visit to Acadia, on the miles of carriage driving roads available for their pleasure. Did I say I love painting driving horses? I have been painting them for years. I will continue to do so.

I paint what I love......and am doing it today from the comfort of my cool studio......!

Studio Time Yields New Painting Of Gentle Giants

 

First posted on 11/11/2013 

"Salt and Pepper"  casein on paper     9 x 12"    ©2013 www.kathipeters.com

New Painting Of Dosing Drafts Done

This was originally posted on my studio blog .  10/20/2013

 "Sleeping Grays"     Casein on paper      9 x 12"

 

“Sleeping Grays” is done…. and I am back working on one of several commissions that I accepted. "My Studio Clean up Sale" is still on…so don’t forget to check it out, as I have added a few new paintings to the sale and will continue to do so for a bit longer. Thank you to everyone who has helped me so far clean out and gain back studio space for creating!

My days in the studio seem to fly by and Nell is always with me when I work. She works too. Squirrel guard is a very strenuous job…..Sometimes she needs to take power naps [too]!

 

My gardens are still providing color and eye candy. Soon though, all will be gray surrounding the farm, until snow comes and blankets it all with white, and the blue and purple shadows of the long winter light.

 

 

 

Each season has its own glory. I enjoy them all.

Respite, Another Painting Inspired By Maine's Acadia

 

Winds have blown and rains have come .The brilliant fall colors have slowly fallen, dulled and now just a hint of the brilliance that was, is left along the edges of the farm. Soon it will be time to hunker down and settle in for another long Maine winter. I love it!

 

 

 "Respite"  Casein on paper  9 x 12"   ©2013 www.kathipeters.com

 

My days have been spent working on commission work, but after several days of doing just that I HAD to change out and do some original work. As I had my caseins out and at the ready I worked on 9 x 12” casein on paper of big gray drafts that captured my interest up at Wildwood Stables in Seal Harbor, Maine. Another summer subject became a painting. Then after finishing “Respite”, I started second 9 x 12” casein of 2 Wildwood draft horses. I am so enamored with them, big grays with a rainbow of color reflecting off of their wonderful coats in the summer sun.  I work on the second painting today, but “Respite “is already on my website and available.
The rest of my Sunday afternoon will be spent painting…….. ”Sleeping Grays”.
Back to the easel I go.

The Studio Is Emptying Nicely, Thank You & New Work Added To Sale

"Sunlight Basenji"  Casein on board,  7 x 5"  framed and shipping included for only $200.00 USD

Last week was spent going through boxes and picking out paintings to add to the “Clean the Studio Special Fall Sale”.  Lots of folks have taken advantage being able to obtain these discounted artworks…. and I quickly boxed work up and moved them out, winging their way to their forever homes…..or maybe they will become Holiday presents for someone special.  I want to thank everyone who is helping me clean out and get my studio space back. Nell thanks you too. Now she has more room to throw her “babies” around and chase the cat.

Here are a few of the framed works added to the sale.

 

"Warming Up At Acadia "  Casein on board  10 x 20" Framed and shipping is included in the low price of $600.00 USD

"I'm Watching You" Casein on board,  5 x 7"  This is framed and offered at $175.00 USD Shipping is free!!

And when I was not packing and shipping…. I was working on a large commission painting of a carriage driving pair trotting through a lovely spring field. It is a lovely scene and I am so stoked to have been picked to paint this wonderful scene. I look forward to doing more original paintings .  New paintings coming SOON!

New Painting Of Irish Drafts... And The Studio Clean-Up Sale

My summer playtime memories are slowly becoming my fall subjects for paintings. I am back into my casein paints and I have finished a 12 x 9” painting of a handsome pair of driving Irish Drafts that were up at Wildwood Stables, enjoying the Rockefeller’s carriage roads like we were.

  

 "The Spotted Irish Drafts"  Casein on paper   12 x 9" 

My “Specially Priced Works -Or My Studio Clean –Up” Sale is going well. I have added some new works to the mix there, and hopefully everyone can find something to love and help me clean up my studio space. I am busy packing up work that has been bought…..and want to thank all those folks for their interest in my work, whatever the medium……casein , watercolor, or oil…..they are all good! Nell thanks you too!  

Now I need to get back to a commission painting!!

A Fall Special Sale Of Selected Works

  It has to happen....I have never done this before, but my studio is getting too crowded....and if I want to continue painting, [and I do] I HAVE to move out framed works. This dilemma is your gain. So grab a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of wine and virtually walk around my virtual art sale. It is a great way to collect my work at discounted prices. Collect for your own walls... or for that special person on your holiday shopping list.

 

"Crow #3 - I Drink Diet", Casein,  6 x 6", framed and shipped!

 

 

"Raspberry Island - Port Clyde, Maine" Oil on copper , 6 x 6"  Framed and shipped.

 

 

 

These are just a few of the paintings that are being discounted. I invite you to look at the Special Sale Page... and I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised! Nell and I need more room to stretch out and get to work in the studio........

 

 

Nell says "Shop 'til you drop!!!!! Woof!"   :-)

A Change Of Address.....Or A Need To Simplify My Life

"Ground Driving The Belgians - Acadia"  Casein  6 x 6"

I have moved....well , no I haven't moved....my blog has. It has been a long time it seems since I started my blog on BlogSpot....ions ago. It is time to make my life easier NOW. I am not getting any younger.....in fact the opposite seems to be so. So, one less Internet connection would be nice....less bother .I am moving [or HAVE moved my studio blog to my website KATHIPETERS.COM

There you can find my usual  mundane chatter and new art works in the making, ... or already done. Just like I have been doing here for nigh on 6  years now???? Wow , times sure flies when you are having fun! And I am having fun! Finally back driving our horses, and enjoying life to its fullest!
I hope you will come on over to my NEW BLOG PAGE .......and stay in touch. I love to read your comments and to have you continue to follow my art... and collect my art!  I have to feed those horses you know!  So bookmark the new blog page.....and come on over.
 

Sit and visit for a while.....you are always welcome at Cob Cottage Studio!

 Nell and I are waiting for you!

 

 

Great Paint Makes A Painting Greater

Back in the spring of 2011,  I was contacted by Sennelier of France and asked if I would help them with a blind test of their watercolors. They had seen my website and liked my work.. and so invited me to help them improve their product

.

 I have used Sennelier paints and pastels for years and am familiar with their high quality product line. When I lived in Italy I used their pastels and tempera ...and loved them! Their watercolors are primo! I was really happy to be chosen by them and more than happy to join in to the blind test. It was a fun test,  with several tubes of each watercolor color to compare with each other. It really made me think about the consistency and fluidity of each tube as I compared and rated them all, then finally picked my favourite from each color group. They told me they would send me a thank you for my time at the end of the testing. The time spent was fun and I even learned something new about what I actually look for in each color I use each day on my palette. I finished my evaluation and submitted my findings to them.

 When several weeks later a big box from France was delivered to our home I was more than excited about the contents! I now had new watercolors to use....new pastels to play with and new oil pastels to try! AND lots of new 300 lb watercolor paper to put to good use, along with some new watercolor brushes! I was more than surprised...I was elated.  I said " Thank you, Sennelier!!!"  Believe me, the pleasure was all mine!! Below is one of the paintings that I completed with the test paints which I liked the best!!

Later in 2012 I was again gifted another package from France.....Sennelier had sent me a lovely watercolor pochade with the NEW tubes of Aquarelle Watercolors that I had helped them perfect and I was so excited about them!! I also received the book "Sennelier-A History In Color" ....inscribed with a personal message from Dominique Sennelier thanking me for partaking in their product developement. Again...the pleasure was all mine!!

 

"The Promise"   watercolor on archval watercolor board   8 x 13"

Then last week I was contacted by Sennelier and invited to share my work, on their website  Sennelier.fr  on a special page that they have set up for  their artists..... "Atmospheres".  I didn't have to think twice! Again THANK YOU SENNELIER!!!

My studio has seen me occasionally lately. Summer is here and we are busy driving our horses, mowing our lawns and my gardens keep calling me out of the studio to enjoy their colors. But over the weekend I found myself with some alone time,I sat on the deck  with my pen and inks and my Aquarelle watercolors and enjoy a bit of plein air, a fine old French tradition. Thank you Sennelier!!

 

Great paint !! Try them!!

Celebrating 100 Years Of Acadia's Carriage Roads & My Paintings In A Show

"Around The Mountain Break - Acadia"  Casein on  board ,  16 x 20"

 I have delivered my art work,  including my newly painted casein painting  "Around The Mountain Break - Acadia",  to Skyline Farm Carriage Museum, in North Yarmouth, Maine.  My work will be hanging there during their "100 Years of Acadia National Park's Carriage Roads" exhibit.

I feel so honored to have been asked to hang a solo showing during the summer months, and also to have been asked to do a "Meet The Artist" talk in mid June... to speak about the stories behind my paintings exhibited there. The show opened May18th , and that day was also their annual "PLOW DAY" with a scheduled 6 draft teams that  plowed the earth to prepare the farm's vegetable gardens. Love spring!

Colors of spring at Cob Cottage.

The Hawthorne tree puts forth its joy.

My Work In Two Exhibits 'Down South '

"Warning Signs"  casein on board   12 x 12"

 Just a quick up date and reminder.....My casein painting "Warning Signs" can be seen at The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art - "The Horse In Fine Art", at 30 Atlanta Street, Southeast Marietta, GA from April 13 - July 2, 2013. AND  this Art Show overlaps the Spring "AAEA Invitational ...Exhibition" at is hanging in The Anne Wright Wilson Gallery , Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY. April 12 - May 24, 2013. My work can bee seen in BOTH venues for the AAEA Spring Invitational. Hope you all get a chance to see the shows!

I have been busy, finishing up a commissioned watercolor and now working on a large [for me] casein of the coaching carriage crowd at Acadia National Park in Maine. This painting will be included in a one "man" show that will hang in North Yarmouth, Maine at Skyline Farm Carriage Museum that opens next month....I will write more about this in another post.

Now it is time to clean stalls.....

Spring Invitational Art Exhibit In Kentucky

"The Wicker Pheaton"          casein , 9 x 12"     ©2013 www.kathipeters.com

 I want to invite EVERYONE in the Lexington, Kentucky area to come to The American Academy of Equine Art's reception for their Spring Invitational Exhibit of "The Horse In Fine Art" Artists Reception at the Ann Wright Fine Art Gallery!! FRIDAY EVENING !! April 12th, 5pm - 8 pm. The gallery is on the Georgetown College Campus at the corner of Mulberry and College Street. I have work in the exhibit. The show runs until May 24th......!!

Spring has finally found us in Mid-coast Maine!! I am finishing up painting commissions and doing new work for up coming shows...Trying to get it all done before the gardening rush starts. The brook is bubbling and my flower gardens are starting to show bulbs bursting though the earth as the spring sun beckons them out of the dark ground.  

Our horses a bend on covering themselves with coats of mud and I fight the daily chore of trying to keep up with the mess!! 

Such are the rites of spring.......and HOW I love it all!! 
 





 

The Three P's Of Being An Artist

"Acting The Fools"           watercolor            11 x 17"  

Sometimes  life gets into the way of good intentions.....and it seems that as been my mantra of late. Maybe I have too much on my plate.....but "my intentions are good!!!

One watercolor, "Acting The Fools",  and one casein of carriage horses at Acadia's Wildwood Stable, "Between Drives" are done... Now   PAPERWORK has taken over my life, and I haven't even started taxes yet! I have so many paintings in my head that need painting, I think I will have to start getting up earlier and stay up later!!

"Between Drives-Acadia"    casein on canvas       8 x 10"

So I work each day waiting for spring to find our little corner of Maine........it will I know. Ad I want to be ready for it!! So I will plug along with the paperwork,shipping paintings. But wait.............. some good news is that I two paintings headed to the American Academy Of Equine Art's Spring Invitational Exhibit "The Horse In Fine Art". It is always an honor to be invited to have work hang with the some of the best equine artists of today. So I am in the process of packing and shipping those paintings to Kentucky and shipping other works to new collectors .......and hopefully I will actually get to paint too....today!   So back to Paperwork, Packing and Painting.....the 3 P's of being an artist!

Winter Continues And I Paint

"Ground Driving"  casein on canvas  6 x 6"  SOLD

 Each weekend of late has presented us with another major snow fall. Last weekend was no exception.But Monday morning dawn sun-filled and a brilliant white landscape delighted the eye!! I am so grateful for the sunny days where spirits are raised and snow is shoveled......preparing us for the next event!

While it snowed, I retired to my studio and I took our my casein paints and did 2 smaller works depicting scenes  from my life."Ground Driving"  has sold and been shipped to it's new home already. The second is being varnished , then it is ready to go.

"Between Drives At Acadia"  casein on canvas    10 x 8"

I love the gentle giants who pull the carriages over the carriages road at Acadia National Park.If you have been following my blog fora while you probably know that driving horses and Acadia have been a big part of my life. We are so looking forward to actually getting up to Acadia with our own new pair of  horses this spring. We are SO ready for spring!!


But until then....Nell is trudging through the snow that newly fell on our deck....wondering where a JRT can lay and bask up the sun while it is out...where?... with all this snow covering our world today!!

Nell wants sun....spring!  ©2013 www.kathipeters.com

 

And Then It Snowed

February's  Nor' Easter  the view from my studio

It snowed and the wind blew and when it was all over our early February Northeaster snow storm left us with over 2 feet of white....and in blowing, created snow drifts over 5 feet high. The horses could not get out of their stalls ......and we were facing days of shoveling to get them out. But good friends make good neighbors, and a friend ,who is also our" plow guy", showed up and punched the snow back from the sides of our barn, with his truck....sparing us the chore. So the horses finally got out to enjoy the deep fluffy snow.

A squirrel has taken up housekeeping in one of our bird houses....

 

 

"Warning Signs"    charcoal & Conte Sketch on paper 

 In between shoveling snow and shoveling stalls, I did a conte and charcoal sketch of "Warning Signs" ....I just needed to get away from the paint for a good bit. It always jump kicks my muse to change medium....change method. It was fun and I have added the sketch to the Sketches and Studies page on my website. And then I got out my watercolors and I did a painting of the Morgan boys acting the fools....a scene that presented itself when the horses were turned out  after the big storm...... "Acting The Fools" , a  11 x 17" watercolor, will be up on my website as soon as I get a good photo of it.....but here it is in it's last stages.....all most done!!

"Acting The Fools"  , watercolor , 11 x 17" © kathi peters 2013

Mad-Cap Self Portrait

"Angry Gull"   Watercolor and Ink     5 x 5"

I have been working on commission work and when I hit a wall with where a painting was going [ That does happen sometimes with artists you know!!]  I was sort of mad at my silly old self....and did a quick fun self portrait where I ended up looking a lot like an Maine seagull........One of those 'AH HA' moments!!

Knowing that you want to know the big question......yes...it is so sale!! "Angry Gull" is NOW on my website!

Winter Paintings Done and Those Still To Do.

"January Thaw" Oil on copper     8 x 6"

Bitter cold has kept me in the studio each day until the present warm spell blew into New England. The horses are wondering what the story is , and their shedding hair is flying! Oh, the vagaries of Mother Nature!!  I have been wanting to do a painting of out brook for ages. It was time. I just did a small 8 x 6" oil on copper and it is available on my website, [see above] all framed and ready to hang!! "January Thaw" is one view of our brook that I love..... and I plan on doing other seasons too.Each season offers a new light,with different colors. Right now our brook is a sheet of ice.....all gray and silver. I think I might give it another try on my easel!!

Our old Cob mare sleeps in the winter sun.

We are more than half through winter....I know the horses are glad for that fact!!

Devon , our Morgan ginger boy, watches the ice covered pond.

New Year And New Goals

Cold Winter Winds Are Blowing

The holidays have come and gone. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with our family and friends. Now life is starting to get back to the daily routine of barn chores and snow shoveling.
Nell is asking for walks and paintings are asking to be painted. I enjoy the warm quietness of our small woodland cottage on winter days when the winds howl outside, the snow cloaks our farm and the tea kettle sings of the comfort and  sweet life.

Our new Morgan ginger boys, Devon and Danny, have settled into our barn and daily routine as if they have always been a part of our life.Our geriatric horses, Duster and Victoria have accepted them into the herd.....and Les and I are so looking forward to spring, and the chance to actually get back into the fun of carriage driving.

So far this new year....I have cleaned up my studio, shipped out work to Chisholm Gallery in Wellington,Florida, situated in the new Equestrian Mall; finished commissions for clients who needed for Christmas and shipped out paintings sold .New paintings have been done... The new year looks to be busy with the need for new works for  invitational art exhibits, gallery shows and commissions that are already coming in. I will try to get as much done now, while winter rages outside....for I will be busy this summer carriage driving again. I have promised that for myself......a respite of sorts. I so want my life back...parts that went missing after my stroke disrupted my life [our life] over 6 years ago. I am ready to get back to my life with our horses. Acadia here we come!!

"Color On A Gray Winter's Day"   Casein   12 x 12"

So the story continues....the Cob Cottage Farm saga....the Cob Cottage Studio blog.....!!

Our brook sleeps under winter's blanket

Holiday Greetings....from Us !!

The farm waits for the winter snows....all is calm.

And in the studio Nell and I are busy getting ready for Santa.....Merry Christmas All!!!

Nell has been a good girl, Santa!!!

Painting , Still Painting

When it gets too cold for me outside......I am inside.....painting.

It has been very cold of late....and this time of year, I am so grateful for a cozy warm studio where I can work. I may do a landscape or two using my trusty laptop with photos as inspiration...and so here is how I started a small oil on copper substrate using my Guerrilla Thumbox ......getting the feel of painting plein air, but inside and cozy. I know....."cheating!!" 

Devon......one of our new boys.....

I have also finished a few new works.....some equine....some not....and some are up on my website ....and some are not yet. I have to admit to being a bit distracted lately with the arrival of the two new Morgan boys to Cob Cottage Farm. And then the decision to get a new carriage for the two new horses....and on and on! 

I was invited back for a second  art show with Colouer Collection in Falmouth, Maine. Their holiday show is open now, and will be having 3 afternoons of "Meet the Artists" on December 7th , 8th and 9th. It is always a fun show in their fab gallery/store!! I also have work hanging with Chisholm Gallery that is now located in Wellington, Florida. I have been represented by Chisholm Gallery for ions.... years...!! It is always a wonderful gallery, with wonderful work ......and a strong equestrian following .I have work with them that is equine and floral...something for everyone!

With that being said....I guess I need to get back to work...pretending I am painting plein air!! Wink Wink....