Paintings, drawing and other stuff

New listing on Etsy!

2011-10-01T18:35:00.003-04:00

December Floral bouquet 20 x 16 acrylic painting that I completed a few years ago. Sometimes when I make a piece I need to just look at it for awhile before I feel that I can call it complete. The floral series is a prime example of this, they were done back in 2005 at the suggestion and direction of a Chinese friend. So different but so cool :)

Fishing at dusk

2011-09-12T14:33:00.007-04:00

I don't really know if I can call this one an abstract either. It came from fishing (though I should probably call it "standing on the side of a stream with a stick in my hand") at dusk. It was pretty windy, the sky was the most outrageous color and the water just picked the colors up in the most unlikely ways. I thought it was cool so I painted it :)

So.......... abstract or realistic - your choice

Thanks for visiting and looking!

Size is 15" x 22" mixed water media
on archival heavy watercolor paper

Price is $267

You can purchase this through Etsy.com by clicking on the image.

A couple more props

2011-08-12T16:14:00.007-04:00

Last time I talked about how I make theatrical props from found objects for a production of Mel Brook's "Producers" This post is the same premise, different play. These are for a production of "Sweeney Todd" Fewer props this time which worked out time-wise as it was only one week between plays.

Meat Pies are just papier Mache

Meat Grinder for Mrs. Lovette's shop:

Materials:

Large piece of cardboard (bowl)

ramen noodles box

Seattle's best medium coffee cup

paint stirring stick

Going green with theatrical props

2011-08-09T12:44:00.017-04:00

As an Artist, I'm often asked to pitch in for a variety of projects, my favorite is when I'm asked to make props for theater. I love a creative challenge so my approach is a little different. Rather than going out and purchasing materials from craft shops or buying pre-made pieces, I go green and make them from found objects. Materials used in the following images include papier mache, chopsticks, mardi-gras beads and empty bottles of tea.

Some of my most recent props and their materials lists:

20 Papier Mache ball and chains - Punch balls (child’s toy) Papier Mache, collars and wrist/ankle bands are recycled posters covered with duct tape, chains are mardi-gras beads which are held on to the balls using plastic gift cards and hot glue.

9 Adding machines with desks - desks are Little Caeser’s pizza boxes turned inside out, machine is shaped from cardboard, keys are thumbtacks with bingo chips super-glued on the tops.

2nd photo is the sound mechanism. - which consists of 5 chopsticks, a cut up iced tea bottle, some mardi-gras beads a gift card, some hot glue and black duct tape.

Hats - papier mache, wrapping paper, broken safety glass salt (you should have seen the looks I got at the junk yard when I asked to go in and collect it!) mardi-gras beads, shredded paper, 2 feather dusters, a boa and a knee high.

2 tanks - cardboard, duct tape, glue. This photo was taken during rehearsal. At the last minute I added a dowel with a small sign saying “bang” :)

Bubbles

2011-07-12T19:28:00.005-04:00

Bubbles
24" x 36" 2011
Acrylic on board

It looks like the two 'homage' pieces have now morphed for me into a new series! Bubbles is the first, but many variations are occuring to me now, and each seems just a little bit cooler than the one before, so this could end up as a very large edition (just a warning:)

The two prior paintings were 'Homage' and '60/60 11' in case you're curious

New Painting "Floats"

2011-07-07T19:47:00.003-04:00

This is from the "Hope" series. Here the spirit dances and plays:)

24" x 36" Acrylic on board

Also in the series - "Fly"

And the beginning of the series "Hope"

Homage to Yayoi Kusama

2011-06-23T16:37:00.005-04:00

Homage 2
Acrylic and Gouache on paper
9" x 12"
$85.

With this painting I’m continuing the series that I started at the Everson 60/60.….so I suppose I should explain a little where the ideas came from :)

It all started with my friend Richard Castellane. In the early 60’s he bought a few pieces in the net series from a struggling young artist in his gallery named Yayoi Kusama. One of the pieces hung over his sofa and as I would speak to Richard, my eyes would always stray to it. I realized how fond I had become of it when he sold it and I wasn’t able to visit it any more.

Kusama was interested in the spots; they create an interesting and vibrant image. Personally I liked the spaces around the spots,; they seem to suggest the movement of some of my favorite Op Artists, specifically Victor Vasarely, and Bridget Riley. Vasereli’s art gives the illusion of being 3-d on the canvas and Riley’s line paintings appear to move. In painting my homage, I tried to incorporate a little of all of the above :)

Everson 60/60

2011-06-17T20:34:00.007-04:00

Will the young man in the fedora please contact me at kathysgallery@yahoo.com? I have something that belongs to you :)

Ok, now to the blog post.

My work usually sells by word of mouth, at MadArt Gallery or at art shows. I don’t do art fairs so I really look forward to events like the 60/60 when I’m able to meet artists and art lovers (fellow art nerds) I loved seeing the other artists at work and having such knowledgeable input!

I participate in the 60/60 and a few other events like it because they are fund raisers for the arts. This event directly benefits the Everson Museum of Art which is a wonderful resource right in the center of New York State. As an artist, I donated an hour of painting and then the resulting piece to the Museum. They provided refreshments and a whole crew of volunteers to ensure that everything went smoothly and that everyone had a wonderful time. The resulting pieces were raffled off with the proceeds going to Museum expenses. It’s quite an honor to be invited to join such talented artists in supporting this cause. My piece was won by fellow artist, Janet George Johnson. Congratulations Janet! Your kind words (and excellent taste) are greatly appreciated!

Plein Air Painting in Hamilton Park

2011-06-12T14:27:00.003-04:00

Another Plein Air painting! This time it's a bit smaller, only 9" x 12" and done in monochromatic goache. The scene is in the park in Hamilton, New York at dusk.

Plein Air painting part 2

2011-06-02T10:51:00.004-04:00

The previous post on my plein air painting poses a really interesting problem with computer technology. Seen from the point of view of the large screen on my home computer and in real life from the point of view of approximately 5 - 10 feet away, it's a rather abstract scene, but on my web book and from a much further distance it looks almost photographic. Not a terrible thing I suppose but I like it far better with the more impressionistic feel of the closer viewpoint.

This is a point that has been brought up in art classes, I have often reminded students that no one will probably ever look as up-close at their work as they are. They need to step away at a comfortable viewing distance occasionally to see what their audience will see. It's tempting to ignore that the same rule is true when it comes to computer technology, that what you see from the original at a comfortable viewing distance will translate much the same online. When the original image is small, there won't be much distortion, but as you start getting into images that are much larger than the screen, the distortion caused by shrinking can change the entire feel of the piece.

Plein Air painting

2011-05-25T09:52:00.005-04:00

Plein Air painting done at Chittenango Falls. Just for fun!

'Plein Air painting' simply means taking your easil outside and painting what you see. The easil and I were perched a little precariously here, but it was a beautiful day and I really liked the view. This painting is 24" x 29 1/2" on artist's board.

Tempest Print

2011-05-03T13:55:00.002-04:00

Posting "Tempest" today because it just seems appropriate today! Tempest is another painting lost in the fire, but high quality prints are available by clicking the image.

Daisies for Mom

2011-04-29T18:50:00.003-04:00

Flowers for Mother's day that won't wilt!

Once again the original is gone but you can still get prints, just click on the image

Mother's day is coming!

2011-04-26T14:03:00.004-04:00

Imagine giving Mom a bouquet that won't fade and won't break the budget! The original painting as been spoken for, but reasoabe prints are availabe through redbubble.com, just cick on the image!

Inspirational quote of the day

2011-04-24T17:02:00.001-04:00

"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.". Emile Zola

Saatchi Online

2011-03-24T20:15:00.003-04:00

Saatchi Online is a free service for artists. Like Devientart and Redbubble, they will print your images for you and send them out. Unlike those services though, they seem really interested in protecting the artist's copyright, and they will allow the artists to sell the original artworks!

So...... I'm starting to upload there, nothing's for sale yet but will be soon! Please take a moment and check it out. I'd love some feedback www.saatchionline.com/KathyShetler

60/60 at the Everson Museum of Art

2011-03-09T13:19:00.003-05:00

The Everson Museum is a great little Museum in Syracuse New York, surprising in the scope and quality of it's holdings, from Ancient pottery to John Lennon's tree. So it is quite an honor to have been asked again to paint in the 60/60 fund raising event there.
This year's event will take place on June 17th between the hours of 6 and 9 pm. Hope to see you there!

Facebook Page

2010-11-29T23:12:00.002-05:00

Using a blog is great, I enjoy the chance to write here and to show my work but it's always been a bit difficult to feel that I was really connecting with buyers here so I've added a "Kathy's Gallery" page on Facebook,. This allows me to offer sales on my work for special occasions such as cyber week etc. I also think that people find it easier to follow me there.

I'm also on Twitter.com these days as @kathysgallery so if any of you would like to join me in either of my new ventures, I'd enjoy the company :) I almost always follow back!

Oooh shiny new toys!

2010-11-09T21:55:00.004-05:00

Alright, so I've been told that I need to specialize in only one style and only one material. They have a valid point which I agree with completely: if someone enjoys one of my paintings they will naturally want to see (and hopefully purchase) others that are similar. If they don't find anything else even close to what they like, they will understandably find another artist who's a little more predictable.

It all makes sense....................................... but... I'm a painter of abstracts who has (through no fault of her own mind you) gotten hold of some professional video editing software. And it's cool...very cool. I also (through some fault of my own) have a son who wants to be a rock star. Sooo, this is what I did. I may have gone a little overboard.

11/14

Will helped with this one:

I guess mine was tame!

Somebody's watching me! Plein Aire Painting at the Tug Hill Paint Out

2010-10-24T08:50:00.010-04:00

The Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust is an organization that helps protect over 5,000 acres here in upstate New York and among their fundraisers is the annual "Paint Out" in September. We set up our easels near the Salmon River Falls and spent a beautiful fall day painting and chatting with the hikers and one-another. At the end, the paintings were sold at auction with the proceeds going to help fund the organization.
There were a total of 16 professional Artists set up along the trail and at the fish hatchery that day. The quality and variety of the art was impressive. I had a wonderful time meeting these talented artists and "talking shop." Particularly fun was re-connecting with watercolor Artist Gail Marks. She and I went to art school together and even lived in the same dormitory suite. We had lost touch through the years and it was great to have the time to laugh about the old times and catch up on one another's lives. Gail took the above photo for me (I cropped it though, because after a full day in the woods, it was a really bad hair day!

Just for fun

2010-08-01T11:39:00.003-04:00

Stephen Auslender, sculptor wrote this to the Yahoo group "Art Anonymous" I have a soft spot for humor than makes you groan, so here goes:

A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre.
After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings, and made it safely to his van.However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.
When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such anobvious error, he replied, "Monsieur, that is the reason I stole thepaintings.
'I had no Monet
to buy Degas
to make the Van Gogh."

Then he asked if I had De Gaulle to send this on to someone else. I posted it because I figured I had nothing Toulouse.

2010 Regional Fine Arts Exhibition at the RACC

2010-07-14T21:18:00.002-04:00

I hope all the serious artists will forgive me, but above is a photo of the absolute coolest part of the show (and a delicious part of the reception!) The artwork was of superior quality of course. It only seems to improve every year. Pat Besl's pastel piece "Jack" won the best of show prize and quite deservedly so, it was just beautiful!

I was also impressed by the variety of arts represented. Sculpture, painting and photography along with etchings, fiber arts and collage. All this in only 57 pieces. Mary Murray, contemporary art curator at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute did a fabulous job, not a 'dud' in the bunch!

RACC CNY Regional Art Show

2010-07-05T18:24:00.006-04:00

An etching titled "Self-Portrait" abstract etching is my entry for this show. Another artist's proof was entered in an on-line show last month. I made a very limited edition of these - 20 total. Of these there are now only 5 left, probably because I'm selling them for only $225. I know that's not much for an original etching but with the economy as it is I thought it would be a good thing to price it lower. It's such a great feeling to be able to own an original piece of art and I really didn't want money to get in the way.

If you're interested in purchasing one. stop by at the RACC this month or e-mail me and I'll get it right out to you :)

If the price is still a deterrent, click on the image to purchase an inexpensive photographic print in a variety of sizes from a reputable printer.

The Everson Museum's '60/60'

2010-06-22T15:33:00.007-04:00

"The Dance" 11" x 14" Done as a continuation of the river series begun with the painting "Hope" This painting was created, donated and sold during the 60/60 event at the Everson. Museum

This past Friday, I took part in the '60/60' event at the Everson Museum in Syracuse. It was a great time and a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for upstate New York Art!

60 Artists were chosen and we each had 60 minutes to complete an artwork to be raffled, while patrons of the arts strolled through the museum grounds and offered encouragement, comments and generally chatted, watched and enjoyed the refreshments. Arriving an hour ahead of time to get set up and spend time getting to know the other artists added to the fun. I met such interesting people that evening!

The weather was perfect, the people were friendly and a wonderful museum got a little financial boost in these difficult economic times.

Self Portrait - No Really, I look just like this

2010-05-22T21:51:00.004-04:00

"Self Portrait - No Really I look just like this" Etching on archival 100% Cotton paper.

I've recently joined "The Artist's Challenge - A Private Art Club" mostly for fun. This month's challenge was a self portrait. I'm fond of this one as it never fails to make it's viewer smile (and usually call me an idiot) It is, however a fair representation of what I look like first thing in the mornings :-P

Click on the image to purchase inexpensive but high quality photographic prints.

Another Abstract Landscape and some great news!

2010-05-12T11:21:00.003-04:00

Another small 8 x 10 landscape painted with Golden Acrylics. I'm having a really good time with the colors!

Alright, now for the great news: A couple of months ago I wrote here on the subject of provenance. I was having trouble finding all the information on where my work had been years ago. I've given up on the search through dusty boxes and decided it was time to get back to exhibiting anyway. So I'm really happy to announce that I have gotten replies back from the Everson Museum in Syracuse, New York and from the Chapel Gallery in Ontario, Canada..... I'm in!

Tempest painting

2010-04-12T13:37:00.003-04:00

Tempest Acrylic Painting and Monoprint combined. 8" x 10" on paper.

I've been thinking for some time about how much fun I have with intense colors in my realistic paintings, but I always end up dis-satisfied because they seem so still and dead when completed. My earlier abstracts don't really have more life to them but are lacking in the coloring aspect because I felt that strong and/or realistic coloring would distract from the mystery. The abstracts are much more difficult to do but I love the way that they never get old the way realistic paintings do. It seems to me that even a wonderful realistic painting when put on the wall sort of blends in and is largely ignored until it comes time to dust it. An abstract however stays interesting as it only gradually gives up it's secrets.

If you would like a print or greeting card with this image, just click on it. You will be sent to a website where you may purchase it or any of the others displayed here. Thanks.

New Abstract landscape

2010-04-05T18:21:00.005-04:00

Partly painted with semi-opaque Golden Acrylics and part monoprint, I really enjoyed creating this intimate landscape piece. Small for me, only 8" x 10 1/2" it really seems to attract alot of attention with it's color.

Flower drawing

2010-03-02T16:45:00.004-05:00

Graphite on cotton paper. This drawing was done quickly and was an awful lot of fun!

My artwork is for sale at MadArt Gallery in Hamilton, NY www.madartinc.org

Are you an artist too?
Do you go out on a date wearing your favorite cologne - eau de linseed oil?
When you say you have nothing to wear, do you mean "that doesn't have paint all over it"?
When you come back from your date, does he/she have paint on them too?
Do you judge a book by it's cover?
Have you bought CDs/albums solely because you liked the cover art?

Just some of my favorites paraphrased from about.com:painting

Abstract Landscape monoprint

2010-02-25T12:00:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed the mysterious quality of the large abstracts but I missed the color. So with this piece I used the brightest and most vibrant colors available.
This piece was shown at the Rome Art and Community Center. Comments were extremely positive.........Thanks!

Provenance

2010-02-13T00:23:00.008-05:00

As an artist, I have always had a rather simple plan. I went to College and studied art in an attempt to better my skills and learn from those who had come before. Since graduation, I've spent my time creating more artwork and then found ways to show it to as many people as possible in the hope that it will be enjoyed by at least some of those who see it. When it sells to someone who appreciates it, I have money (and space) for more artwork.

I never really thought at all about the provenance of the work, and certainly never mentioned the number of shows or the prestige of the places my work had been accepted to.

Then, the recession hit and sales became more hit and miss. To supplement my income I took a part time job with an Author and serious Art Collector. In the beginning, it was all about typing and secretarial work but lately the job's been a lot about his collection of art, and a real eye-opener to me about the "other side" of the art world. He is meticulous about the provenance of each of his works, keeping careful records and often lends to museums and galleries to increase their visibility.

I thought it rather odd and that no-one would care about where the art works had been, surely it's the quality of the image that matters...until he showed me the painting that he had acquired which had been shown at the New York Armory show. I must admit, I was seriously impressed and spent a lot more time really looking at it than I might have otherwise.

So maybe it's not so odd but serves the purpose of getting people to really look at the image rather than just allowing a cursory glance.

To that end, I'm now going back to some of my old posts and adding information about what has been seen and where.

For those who don't want to read them all, a synopsis:

The abstracts have the highest number of shows. All were in the two person shows at Oswego and at the CNYCAC gallery, I submitted one abstract to the Batavia International Exhibit where it was accepted and shown, one to the Everson Museum in Syracuse which was also accepted and shown. Knowing what I know now, I wish I'd sent more out, but there you go.
On line they can be seen at the Saatchi Gallery (London), Fine Art America and Absolute Arts sites.

The semi-abstracts have been shown at the RACC galleries and a few regional shows. The realistic work was all done either as a student or on commission.

Photography and pottery are just for fun!

Not sure if there's anything else I should add, any suggestions?

"Snowstorm" pastel painting, another hidden image landscape

2010-01-25T13:14:00.006-05:00

When I made this one I thought I was being relatively realistic....... well I might have exaggerated the colors just a tiny bit. So it came as a surprize to me the first time I heard that people couldn't make out what it was.
In case you're having trouble with it, it's just a simple study of the trees off my back yard during a snowstorm. I just loved the lighting on that particular late evening and was trying to capture it in pastel.

This pastel painting has been exhibited at The RACC Gallery in Rome, NY and at MadArt Gallery, Hamilton, NY this piece is available for purchase.

Winter's evening photo

2010-01-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

Untitled watercolor abstract painting - another hidden picture

2010-01-09T19:17:00.005-05:00

Hiding landscape images in abstract paintings was fun, but I felt that it was getting too much the same, so this watercolor is a more intimate scene. I think it's really obvious, but have also gotten feedback that it was of something completely different than my original intention. So I don't want to spell it out in words. Tell me.....what do you see?

This piece was exhibited at the Kallet and is in a private collection.

Engagement Photos

2010-01-02T01:04:00.005-05:00

The challenge of portraiture is to show the personality of the subject or in this case the couple. Kaysie and Lee are fun and adventure seeking souls who love living in the Adirondak Mountains. So a very chilly outdoor shoot was definitely called for. Here are a couple of my favorite shots from that day.

Leaning against the tree where he proposed, verbally and graphically.

And in Black and White (and red) by a nearby stream.

Abstract Impressionist Wooded landscape painting - mixed media

2009-12-12T23:35:00.009-05:00

12" x16" 2009

Acrylic mixed media on stretched canvas

A "hidden painting" it only reveals it's landscape slowly. I liked the texture of this one so made the lighting a little more dramatic to show the shadows particularly in the white areas.

This piece was only shown on line and is available for purchase.

Etching

2009-12-04T23:02:00.006-05:00

Dell 1993
Monoprint and Etching on handmade paper

This continues the explanation of my abstracts that began on November 10.

First a couple of quick explanations about the printing process:
Etching: A metal plate is covered with an acid resistant ground. You scratch your drawing through the acid resistant layer and dip in acid. Then rinse and remove the ground. Your drawing is now etched in. Then you cover it with ink and wipe. The ink stays in the lines and you run it covered with a piece of paper through the press. Voila, you have a print! You can make as many identical copies as you'd like.
Monoprinting: A plastic plate is used with either water color or another water-based paint. Cover it with paper and run it through the press. Voila, a print that was much easier to make, but you only get one.

I ran this print through the presses twice, first as a watercolor monoprint, then carefully matching the corners (both methods dent the paper around the edges of the plate) I ran it through the etching press. I made the paper of cotton and Iris leaves which gave it a very nice mottled brown color and texture.

This piece was exhibited at the Tyler Art Gallery in Oswego and at the Romano Gallery in Utica. 5 prints remain available for purchase.

The big ones - Abstract impressionist landscape painting

2009-11-24T11:43:00.006-05:00

Natural Sextet 1992
Mixed Media 24" x 36" Panels

Ok, so if you've been following along for the past two weeks, here's what came next: The portals were fine, but needed a little color and I thought it would be interesting to be surrounded, totally emersed in the scene. If you stand about 10' from the center, the scene does now surround you from as far as you can see from the corners of your eyes.

This piece was exhibited at the Tyler Art Gallery in Oswego, New York, at the Romano Gallery (CNYCAC) and at the Cazenovia College Art Gallery. On line it is in the Saatchi Gallery. This piece is available for purchase.

Abstract Explanation Continuation (say THAT 3 times fast!)

2009-11-16T10:57:00.010-05:00

Portals 1992

Acrylic and Mixed Media

on Board

Continued from last time's explanation.

I find it difficult to name paintings. I felt like last week's painting was kind of like putting a mirror up to the part of me that isn't normally visible. I liked the word "Lookinglass" better than "Mirror" so that's what it's called.

Then I started thinking about how Alice's lookinglass was a portal into a magical place. The woods were magical to me, particularly in the spring with the sunlight reflecting off the branches and certainly deserved a portal of their own, so yet another painting was called for.

"Lookinglass" was made with materials from the art supply store exclusively. This time I decided to go a little non-traditional so I used potting soil, coffee grounds and various other natural objects along with Acrylic paint and media to give it the rich texture I wanted. The acrylics stabilize and hold the natural objects into place beautifully.

When I was satisfied with the work, I bashed the edges to make them uneven - this is a portal to a place of untamed beauty so straight edges and corners just don't belong.

This piece was exhibited at the Tyler Art Gallery, the Romano Gallery and may also be seen on line at the Saatchi Gallery site.

My abstracts - an explanation

2009-11-10T17:43:00.005-05:00

I seem to have really confused people, so here's a painting and an explanation of why I chose to make it look the way it does:

"Lookinglass" 1991 36"x24" Acrylic Mixed media on masonite.

First a few things about me. I was born 2nd of 7 children in a large 3 bedroom house in Munnsville (aka the middle of nowhere) While my brothers and sisters are all wonderful human beings, growing up got really I mean really LOUD! Living in the middle of nowhere had the advantage that a small woods was very near our house. I would escape the noise there. Usually just sitting against (or up) a tree, breathing deep and enjoying the quiet. My abstracts are all wooded landscapes which try to capture that welcome feeling of quiet and absolute peace.

The above painting "Lookinglass" was the first of the abstract landscapes. It is an actual place, but I wanted it to slowly show itself - only those who can stay quiet and look for a while will see the trees, rocks and stream. It wasn't easy to stop before I gave it all away, but I feel like the picture you'll eventually see is like hidden treasure.

An interesting thing happened when I showed it to friends. Some of them never saw the landscape. One saw a tiny English village being bombed, another sees only dancers on stage. How cool is that?

If you see anything cool, let me know. I'm very curious about exactly what it is myself!

This painting made it into my first ever International Art Show and I'll probably never sell it for that reason, but clicking on the image will allow you to buy an inexpensive and good quality print.

This piece was exhibited at the Batavia International Art Exhibit, the Tyler Art Gallery, and the Romano Art Gallery. It may also be found on line at the Saatchi Gallery site.

when the lights went out

2009-11-09T13:38:00.006-05:00

Wait for it!

The lights had gone out and my daughter was holding a candle. I thought the lighting effects were very cool, but the camera didn't capture it so I put it on photoshop and started playing. It was even cooler that way so I made this slideshow as I was working on it. creepy-cool!

Vandalism (?) in Stockbridge, NY

2009-11-02T12:48:00.006-05:00

A Halloween tradition in Stockbridge, New York. I've heard of similar acts in other areas being referred to as vandalism, but here it's a minor tourist attraction dating back to at least the 1930's.

Beautiful, don't you think?

Soccer game

2009-10-26T14:12:00.004-04:00

On one of my blogs, I take photos of the high school soccer team. Kids and parents can then download small copies for free, or buy stuff with the proceeds going to the school's running club. This is a fine idea I think.... until it starts getting dark (and really really cold) by half time.

Pushing the Fujifilm s-150 to it's limits and sometimes beyond - cameras are just not set up to take pictures in the dark, particularly not action shots. Sometimes the results are fascinating and sometimes not so much, but I really liked this one.

String Thing

2009-10-23T18:31:00.004-04:00

Mixed Media fall art work

This piece was shown at the Tyler Art Gallery. It now resides in a private collection.

Serenity Falls Mixed Media Painting

2009-10-22T16:06:00.003-04:00

Serenity Falls is Mixed Media on canvas with a wooden support.

Fall pastel painting

2009-10-20T18:18:00.004-04:00

The fall colors were so beautiful today.

Gates

2009-09-09T12:39:00.006-04:00

Every year in late August, the Madison/Bouckville Antiques fest completely takes over the town. It's a week long event with literally thousands of antiques dealers and thousands of guests (completely over-running villages with year-round residents that number in the hundreds). We love it!
This is my favorite photo from this year's event.

An Iris

2009-07-27T17:28:00.007-04:00

Super close up of an iris

Opening!

2009-07-08T17:24:00.001-04:00

I have an opening at Mad Art in Hamilton on Friday!! This is your invitation~come and join me!

more wildflowers

2009-06-15T12:13:00.012-04:00

Another lovely day with my pretty camera!

White wildflower
Not sure, but I liked the color

pinecone

Shasta Daisy

Probably some variety of hemp

My yard

2009-06-08T13:00:00.018-04:00

Central New York is absolutely amazing at this time of year. Nice temperatures and no rain this past weekend, so I took a walk with my camera. Photos are labeled where I know the name of the plant. If I'm wrong, let me know!

Dandelions

Look for the spider in the last one (good thing I didn't see it until after I had taken the picture!)

Buttercup

Daisy Clover flower

No clue

At one point, this was a purple lilac

Crabapple (?)

Deadly Nightshade

Pots

2009-03-23T14:10:00.013-04:00

I wrote last time about re-connceting with old friends. Funny thing, it ended up with my re-connecting with old art inspiration.

So after 20 or so years, I'm making pottery again, throwing on the wheel, slab and pinch work.....aaaaahhhh it feels wonderful!

Also a little insecure...what do you think?

Feedback is always welcome, but especially with this as I feel completely out of my element.

Thanks

Model T for sale (OK, so it's only a drawing)

2008-09-08T08:29:00.010-04:00

Pencil drawing of a model T. Image size is 8 x 10, museum quality. Starting price is just $10. (usd) Click on the title of this post or on the link at the right to bid. The auction will begin this afternoon and run for 7 days.

I started to go to car shows a couple of years ago when I started dating a proud '70s Corvette owner. Much to my surprize, I liked it. Particularly the older models. I still know very little about them, but they just look so cool! So, of course I had to start drawing them. The pencil drawings were just for me, most of the paintings were comissioned by the owners of the vehicles.

I decided it was time to let go of some of the drawings I've done, starting with this one. Art by us is a possibly great auction site, all original work sold by the artists themselves. It's very similar to ebay, but free to use (supported by advertising), so the prices don't have to include listing fees unless you want to jazz up the listing . It's gotten so outrageously expensive to get your art listing noticed by even a few people on e-bay that I thought I'd give this a try.

The Band Painting

2008-08-19T05:51:00.005-04:00

"The Band" Acrylic mixed media painting on Board. 34" x 36"
Sometimes realism just doesn't show the atmosphere. This painting was done in a somewhat more expressive style as my interest here was to show the effect of the lighting on the members of the band I was watching one evening.

http://kathysgallery.blogspot.com/

"Hope" abstract painting

2008-08-14T14:31:00.006-04:00

OK, so I know that this is really different from what I usually post. It started back in College when I was playing with styles. Inspired by movie special effects and some pretty obvious Christian symbolism. I called the sketch "Hope" I decided to make a final painting of it a couple of weeks ago and enter it in the Obama art contest.

Keep your fingers crossed!

paintings, drawings and other stuff

2008-08-05T12:58:00.002-04:00

The Team

2008-07-23T10:45:00.010-04:00

A painting of my son's Jr High baseball team and their coach leaving the field after a winning game. 36" x 24" Acrylic paint on canvas.

As I was putting the finishing touches on this one, I was told about Molly, a 16 year old student, softball player at the school and all around great kid. After a few months of going to one doctor after another, it was discovered that she has an extremely rare form of cancer and is now very ill. I can't even imagine what that family is going through. All profits from the sale of prints will go to her family to help with expenses.
You can help out buy buying a print at http://www.redbubble.com/people/kathysgallery/art/1428837-1-the-team?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=RB

I'm Back!

2008-07-18T21:21:00.004-04:00

Through sheer idiocy on my part, I stopped posting in May. To be honest, I didn't think that it was a big deal as there were only a few hits here per day. It seemed like a waste of time since the majority of my business is local.

Here's the funny thing though, in my absence this blog actually doubled in popularity.

I had learned about an artist blog called http://emptyeasel.com/ and signed up for the newsletter in April. I started going there for tips on how to get my artist blog noticed and while I haven't been able to use all the suggestions, the few I managed to work in must have made the difference.......You found me didn't you :)

So, no new artwork today but hats off to Dan at Emptyeasil.....THANKS!

December Bouquet Floral Painting

2008-04-23T09:47:00.007-04:00

December Bouquet 16" x 20" Acrylic painting on paper. Inspired by a Chinese American woman who was looking for something a little more east-west in her collection. This was done mostly with a bamboo brush, but with Acrylics to give it a little more texture and color intensity. I enjoyed painting in this way, so continued on after her commission to paint a series of florals in this style. The above painting, "December" was third in the series (yes, I know that makes no sense) Inexpensive prints of this work are available at http://kathysgallery.redbubble.com/

NEW FEATURED ARTIST!!!

(on the bottom right hand side)

Pansy

2008-04-19T18:27:00.005-04:00

April 19

Today's flower is called Pencil Pansy it's 4" x 4". A graphite drawing done once again as an excuse not to have to come indoors on a glorious summer's day (I'm beginning to suspect a pattern here!)

This time, I was in Leichester, England. My former Father in law had retired and was spending a good amount of his time making a well-kept English garden into a showpiece. It was a simply wonderful place to spend time. The care he took was obvious. This little guy with the "cheeky" face was in the border of one of the flower beds.

Dick, former Father in law, engineer, ace gardener and WW2 hero (British corps of Engineers.....yep, one of the men who was rescued by fishing boat from the beaches of Dunkirk) is now 89 years old and in failing health. Makes me a little nostalgic I guess so I dusted this off to show today.

Posted April 10, 2008 to http://kathysgallery.blogspot.com/

Floral Oil Painting, Red Chrysanthemum with Butterful Wing

2008-04-16T20:35:00.010-04:00

16" x 24" oil painting Red Chrysanthemum with a Blue Butterfly wing.
I painted this a few years ago as a challenge. It was mistaken for a photograph from a distance of about 10 feet!
This one is still with me and is for sale, please contact me for details.
Prints are available at http://www.redbubble.com/people/kathysgallery

Published April 16, 2008 to http://kathysgallery.blogspot.com/

Kaysie's Daisies

2008-04-13T22:40:00.006-04:00

Kaysie is a wonderful young woman who made me feel welcome by giving me Daisies. I was so touched I painted them using pastels. 11" x 17" pastel painting on canson paper.

Inexpensive prints of this work are available at http://www.redbubble.com/people/kathysgallery

"May" a spring flower bouquet

2008-04-07T09:08:00.007-04:00

16" x 20" Acrylic painting on paper. Inspired by a Chinese American woman who was looking for something a little more east-west in her collection. This was done mostly with a bamboo brush, but with Acrylics to give it a little more texture and color intensity.
I enjoyed painting in this way, so continued on after her commission to paint a series of florals in this style. The above painting, "May" is the second in the series and is for sale at auction on www.ArtByUs.com
Inexpensive prints of this work are available at http://www.redbubble.com/people/kathysgallery

And now for something completely different

2008-03-27T12:18:00.006-04:00

This is a pencil drawing that I made one beautiful summers day in Delaware Park, Buffalo. I sat on the grass, looking up at a copy of Michaelangelo's David. I liked the angle of his face (and wanted a good excuse not to go back inside) so brought out the drawing supplies and had a wonderful afternoon in the sunshine!
This drawing is for sale, contact me for details. You can also get a print at http://kathysgallery.deviantart.com/ if you'd like.

Another boat

2008-03-18T09:54:00.006-04:00

Another beautiful Summer day on the canal. By the way, everyone who has purchased the artwork which is displayed on any of my sites has granted permission to do so. This is 16" x 20" and was painted on comission.

A boat

2008-03-13T08:58:00.006-04:00

The perfect summer day! We are fortunate to have several fresh water lakes here in central NY. This scene is at the point where the Erie Canal meets Oneida lake in the village of Sylvan Beach. I liked the color of the boat against the water and the trees, also liked the cats:) The boats owners were kind enough to pose and the whole painting came together!
16" x 20" Acrylic painting on canvas. This painting has been sold. Prints are available at http://kathysgallery.deviantart.com/gallery

More motorcycles

2008-03-12T13:01:00.007-04:00

8" x 10"Watercolor painting of a rider on a 1940's Knucklehead Motorcycle. The original has been sold, prints are available here: http://kathysgallery.deviantart.com/gallery

8" x 10" pencil drawing of the same motorcycle as above. This drawing has also been sold, but once again, prints are available.

Motorcycle Art

2008-03-11T10:33:00.008-04:00

March 11, 08
Today's piece is a huge (24" x 36") pastel painting of my brother on his customized Harley Davidson. The original was given as a gift, prints are available through http://kathysgallery.deviantart.com/ Their quality is good, prices low and you'll get your print quicker as it comes directly from the printer! If there's a problem getting the size or image you want, let me know.

More cars

2008-02-15T19:00:00.005-05:00

Feb 15

OK, so I said I'd post more cars, here they are. The first is a 1957 Corvette. It's done with acrylic paint on canvas 21" x 16" .

Another nostalgic piece, I added a man in typical James Dean pose (complete with cigarettes in his sleeve) just for fun.

Another Pastel piece, 36" x 24" pastel of a customised 1974 corvette in front of Kewpee's diner, that Utica landmark that lives on in the fond memories of it's former customers.

Another car painting in Acrylic.

Cars are fun, so I made a series in watercolor and one in pencil.

Other vehicles next time!

A car pic

2008-02-12T13:26:00.004-05:00

Copy-right notice:
If you right click on this image and use it on your site or print it out, you will be hung, drawn and quartered! OK, so that's a complete lie, but these images took me a long time to make, so if you do take it, please give me credit, a simple by K.Shetler will do. It would also be appreciated if you would email me to let me know where my images travelled - just curiosity, I won't harass.

Feb. 15, 2008

I thought I'd start with a painting and a story.

The man who comissioned this is an ace mechanic who owned the black car in the foreground and who had "souped up" all the others. Back in the day, he'd done drag racers and a little street racing. The place to meet your street racing opponent was called Kewpee's in Utica, NY.

This particular cultural landmark had been torn down in the late 70's but I found a photograph to work from. Being mid-winter, I also used photographs for the cars (they were all nestled snugly in garages) I enjoyed the old timey feel of the sketches when I had put it all together, so used pastels which didn't quite come to the edges of this 24"x 36" painting to enhance the effect

This was the beginning of several more car paintings, I'll post them soon.