Two Pears (Yin & Yang)

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“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.” ~Henry David Thoreau

This painting continues my "yin and yang" series that I began back in 2010. If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see Still Life with Pear and Silver Cup (2022), Hand-picked Pear with Leaves (present moment) (2021), golden series: peach, pear, five blackberries, bleu cheese (the light / the shade) (2018), still life with copper pot and pears (the light, the shade) (2018), or a bunch of my paintings of pears or the other paintings from my "yin & yang" series.

PRINT SALE:
Four archival prints are now available, hand signed, dated, and titled, only at my blog.

PURCHASE HERE

PURCHASE HERE

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Pomegranate (present moment)

 

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"There isn't time, so brief is life, for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving, and but an instant, so to speak, for that." ~ Mark Twain

I haven't painted a pomegranate since 2017. If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see my earlier paintings of pomegranates or some of my paintings of red subjects or other paintings from my "present moment" series.

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Small Vine Tomatoes in a Handmade Bowl (+ 2 more exhibitions)

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As part of my interest in handmade pottery and my ongoing paintings of handmade pottery series, this tiny saucer/bowl is handmade by potter Willi Singleton. Here I painted another piece made by him.

If you're interested, my 14"x18" painting Hand-picked Apples (Together Forever) was accepted into the Oil Painters of America (OPA) international Juried Salon Show of Traditional Oils on view at Crooked Tree Arts Center, Traverse City, Michigan from June 22 – September 1, 2018. For the show, the Juror is OPA Master Signature Member Roger Dale Brown.

This same painting was also accepted into the National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) International Spring Juried Competition, juried by Barbara Nuss, NOAPS Signature Artist. For that show, there were 150 paintings accepted from the over 890 paintings entered.

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see Still Life with Three Satsumas and Handmade Cup, 8x10, or a bunch of my paintings of tomatoes.

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Thanks in advance,

Red Collection (Golden Ratio), larger painting (+ David Wiesner's "Phone Home")

Red Collection (Golden Ratio), 2017, oil on panel, 8 x 10 inches
Available
Contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com for purchase information

This painting (of a cigar, copper tack, cardinal feather, matches, and Vasari's alizarin crimson) is the second in my Golden Ratio series; in 2014 I exhibited my Blue Collection (Golden Ratio), 6 x 7 inches, at the Peto Museum. These tromp l'oeil paintings relate to a series of non-objective ink paintings that I've been working on since 2012 that utilize the structure of the golden ratio. I've been considering the golden ratio as not just a structure (as it is in this painting), but as subject matter in my still life and tromp l'oeil oil paintings.

I would like to recommend a fantastic blog by Caldecott-winning illustrator/author David Wiesner. One entry, entitled "Phone Home," begins like this:

"In 1982, the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released. History was made.
In 1984, my agent, Dilys Evans, got a phone call from representatives of Steven Spielberg. They were looking for a children’s book illustrator to work on a top-secret project with Mr. Spielberg. They wouldn’t actually say what the subject of the project was, but there were enough hints that Dilys realized it had to do with E.T.
Dilys knew this was perfect for me – I knew film, I knew sci-fi, I knew fantasy, and I knew children’s books. I spent several days putting together a presentation of my work to send to LA...."

To see lots of images and keep reading: [http://www.davidwiesner.com/work/phone-home/]

Ending soon at 3:30pm EST Monday, March 27:
Lemon with Leaves, Flower, and Bud

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Best,

Stayman Apple (literally vs. seriously)

This is the second painting in my "literally vs. seriously" series.

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see Glass Jar with Bee (literally vs. seriously), or a bunch of my paintings of apples.

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Best,

Still Life with Red Matches (Two Left)

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If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see my Matches from Parc Brasserie (2014), Still Life with J. F. Peto's Salt-glazed Mug, Clementine, and Match (2015), Ceci est peut-etre une pipe (Pipe with Two Matches) (2015), Matches No. 5 (2009), or Still Life with Matches (2015).

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Best,

Three Apples (family) (+ "the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom")

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My dad recently shared something fascinating with me, if you're interested: "The mantis shrimp has one of the most elaborate visual systems ever discovered. Compared to the three types of color receptive cones that humans possess in their eyes, the eyes of a mantis shrimp carry 16 types of color receptive cones -- considered to be the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom."

"In captivity, some larger species are capable of breaking through aquarium glass with a single strike."

"At least two species have been reported to be able to detect circularly polarized light. Some of their biological quarter-wave plates perform more uniformly over the visual spectrum than any current man-made polarizing optics, and it has been speculated that this could inspire a new type of optical media that would outperform the current generation of Blu-ray disc technology."

More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis_shrimp

Auction Ending soon at 7 PM EST today:
Concord Grapes on Marble

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Best,

Red Pear (+ Mary Oliver on What Attention Really Means)

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I often reflect on the types of attention and attentiveness that painting stirs in me. I particularly enjoyed the below excerpt from the article, "Mary Oliver on What Attention Really Means and Her Moving Elegy for Her Soul Mate," in which Mary Oliver (my 2nd favorite poet after Bob Lax) describes "the notion of attention" in her work:

"It has frequently been remarked, about my own writings, that I emphasize the notion of attention. This began simply enough: to see that the way the flicker flies is greatly different from the way the swallow plays in the golden air of summer. It was my pleasure to notice such things, it was a good first step. But later, watching M. when she was taking photographs, and watching her in the darkroom, and no less watching the intensity and openness with which she dealt with friends, and strangers too, taught me what real attention is about. Attention without feeling, I began to learn, is only a report. An openness — an empathy — was necessary if the attention was to matter. Such openness and empathy M. had in abundance, and gave away freely… I was in my late twenties and early thirties, and well filled with a sense of my own thoughts, my own presence. I was eager to address the world of words — to address the world with words. Then M. instilled in me this deeper level of looking and working, of seeing through the heavenly visibles to the heavenly invisibles. I think of this always when I look at her photographs, the images of vitality, hopefulness, endurance, kindness, vulnerability… We each had our separate natures; yet our ideas, our influences upon each other became a reach and abiding confluence.

[…]

I don’t think I was wrong to be in the world I was in, it was my salvation from my own darkness. Nor have I ever abandoned it — those early signs that so surely lead toward epiphanies. And yet, and yet, she wanted me to enter more fully into the human world also, and to embrace it, as I believe I have. And what a gift [that she] never expressed impatience with my reports of the natural world, the blue and green happiness I found there. Our love was so tight."  Source

To purchase my work, view my Current Auctions and All Available Paintings.

Enjoy,

Silver Cup and Apple with Leaves (+ #digitaldetox Innernet)

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I often write about mindful practice as it relates to life, as well as my own practices and teaching about mindful studio practice. (I created my Mindful Studio Practice Scholarship in 2015.)

In alignment with mindful studio practice, my one-week Innernet course begins again January 6th. You can still register here and have time to download the course packet I created.

Even if you cannot (or don't need to!) unplug, you'll still benefit from tuning into the two LIVE teleseminar calls that I will be doing as part of the course.

Also, subscribers of my blog email will receive a coupon code.

#unplugged
#bethecloud
#digitaldetox
#itsnotaboutwhatyouremovingawayfromitswhatyouremovingtowards

Here's some in-depth feedback about the Innernet from the inaugural class in June 2015:

Red Pear with Leaf

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Best,

Pomegranate in Last Light No. 2 (+ inspiring you inspires me)

In my 8 year blog post the other day, I wrote a bit about how much my daily paintings are personal to me, my painting practice is a mindfulness meditation, and through my work, I share with you the awe and wonder I feel about beauty that is in our daily lives. It inspires me when my paintings awaken a similar sense of awe and wonder in you, and I wanted to share a note and photo that I just got from a fan and collector of my work:

"Abbey -- this beauty [pictured right] I received yesterday in my CSA basket instantly made me think about you. I hope you are well, healthy and happy!"

I often get emails and comments like that and I always love getting them. Thank you.

To purchase my work, view my Current Auctions and All Available Paintings.

Best,

Red Pear with Leaf (+ introducing my solo show)

The will be on view in my show, but is already sold.

This month, I'll be mounting a solo exhibition of new paintings at Gleason Fine Art gallery in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. If you are nearby, I will be at the artist reception on Friday evening, August 7. The exhibition, which will include my still life, landscape, and trompe l'oeil works, will be on view from July 30-September 1.

I primarily sell my daily paintings online using eBay because it is a universal and easy-to-use auction platform. However, I've found over the years that I also enjoy having some of my work represented by one or two fine galleries. I do this for two reasons: first, it means that many more people can experience in person the "presence" of a painting and painterly nuances of my work that are impossible to see on a computer screen. Second, it motivates me to switch up my daily practice and push my work towards larger and more complex subject matter. I find that this always then adds a certain vitality back into my daily paintings, and brings up ideas and concepts in my daily practice that are unexpected.

One note: for some, it may go without saying, but it is imperative to work with a gallery that has come recommended from a trusted source (I have had a couple of terrible experiences with galleries over the years). Gleason Fine Art came recommended to my by one of my very best collectors in NYC, and I've been happy to have them represent my work since 2010. They are top notch, and are at the forefront of representing 19th century through 21st century realist painting. By the way: Gleason Fine Art is mentioned in this month's issue of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine in an article entitled "Maine is for Art Lovers" on page 100.

I hope you'll come see my new work and say hi on August 7.

Best,


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Tomatoes on the Vine, Rome (Italy 2015 painting #5)

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I found these beautiful tomatoes at my favorite market in Rome last month. You can see me and my beautiful painting window and set-up in Rome here.

I've had a flurry of more questions coming in about my e-course "The Innernet," so I will post more FAQs soon.

Ending soon:
Clementine with Leaf from Testaccio Market, Rome (Italy 2015 painting #3)

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If you'd like to purchase my work, you can view my Current Painting Auctions and All Available Paintings.

Happy Monday,

Red Pear (Yin) (+ new workshop feedback & photos)

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This painting continues my "yin and yang" series that I began back in 2010. There will be a yang for this one, but I haven't painted it yet.

My March 28-29 Artists of Yardley workshop is already half full.

If you're considering signing up, you can check out some Yardley photos.

Also, here's some feedback about my teaching:

"Abbey is a great teacher with unsurpassed talent and sensitivity. Not only is she an extraordinary artist who can direct and mentor her students, but also she is a creator of welcome, positive, creativity-engendering space in which to share her experience. This ability helps to put her students at ease and helps them to get psyched for their own painting endeavors."  -SD

"Abbey is really so very accomplished... it was very special to meet her and be a part of the experience of watching her while teaching... amazing what the end result was! To talk and paint at the same time is quite a skill!"  -PW

If you find it helpful, you can read more new feedback about my workshops.

Best,

Unwrapped Red Pear

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FREE Poster for You
In case you missed it, I released my new FREE poster/desktop wallpaper download on New Year's Day. Hope you enjoy it, and feel free to share it with your friends.

2014 Workshops
In 2014, my only 5-day workshop will be May 19-23 in Sedona (one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen). I'll also be teaching three short workshops on the East Coast this year. If you're considering a workshop, email me with any questions. I hope to paint with you in 2014.

Ending soon:
Hand-picked Lemons with Leaves

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(ends today at 5:30 PM EST)

If you're interested, view all my Current Painting Auctions and Available Paintings.

Best,

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Here's how this painting would look framed:

Autumnal Apple with Leaves (+ Peto Museum Workshop Announcement)

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(5-day auction ends at 3:10 PM EDT on Wednesday, Oct. 16th)

So often, I just stop and feel grateful for the amazing things that painting brings into my life. 

In this moment, I'm grateful and excited to announce that my workshop next month at the Peto Museum is now open for registration. The 1.5-day workshop will be held inside the Studio Museum on November 9-10. 

I'm especially honored that I will be using J.F. Peto's own original still life objects for my demo painting.

Space is VERY limited, so I recommend that you sign up right away if you're interested. The Museum is located in Island Heights, NJ, and details are here. If you have any questions, please contact the Peto Museum directly at info@petomuseum.org.

This workshop is hosted by the Museum in conjunction with their current trompe l'oeil exhibition; I'll post more about it next. I will also be posting about a remarkable article about the Peto Museum in the October 2013 issue of Art & Antiques Magazine. In the meantime, if you are able, I highly recommend going to see the exhibit -- it's fantastic.

If you're interested, view all my Current Painting Auctions and Available Paintings.

Have a great weekend,

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Here's how this painting would look framed:

Fresh-Picked Pomegranate with Leaves

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I hand-picked this pomegranate myself near where I've been staying in Arizona. It was my first time trekking around in a pomegranate grove!

Arizona Tomato with Stem (+ a must-see place called Ajo)

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This is my last painting from Sedona. I received another generous note that I wanted to share. It's from a workshop participant who is literally one of the funniest people I've ever met: 

"I have followed your work now for several years and never would have dreamed of the opportunity to paint with you. I learned so much, setting up your subject, doing what feels right for you, and most of all having patience. 

Abbey you are an excellent teacher, and I know it is your passion along with painting. I admire your knowledge and ability to see beyond what is in the picture. You have inspired me... I so enjoyed your class. A wonderful atmosphere with laughter and fun. What I took away from the week in Sedona was the inspiration to paint, learned everyone has their own style and the zest for life through their paintings. I could not have asked for a better way to spend time away from home."  ~A. Miller

After Sedona, I visited a magical place called Ajo, which is a former copper-mining town in the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. It's pronounced "AH-hoh" and I got a kick out of the fact that Ajo means "garlic" in Spanish. Anyway, not only are the people amazing in Ajo, but it has great local attractions, panoramic desert views (see right), and lots of wildlife (one night I found myself up close and personal with a herd of javelinas!).

Most importantly, Ajo's thriving cultural and artist community piqued my interest. There are so many great art venues there. One that I encourage you to check out is this artist community at The Curley School.

I plan to go back to Ajo very soon -- to paint, perhaps to do some sort of artist residency, or maybe even teach a painting workshop.

After Ajo, I visited another truly remarkable place. But I'll save that for tomorrow's post.

Ending Soon
The auction for Bosc Pear on a Wood Block ends tonight at 11pm EDT. View Auction
If it's easier, click here to view all the auctions at once.

Happy Monday,

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Here's how this painting would look framed:

Pomegranate

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I'll be in Arizona for my workshop in Sedona next week, and then I'll be traveling and painting for a bit, so this won't ship until after May 31st.

The Desert Sage and Korean Bowl with Grapes auction ends tonight at 10 PM EST. View auction

Please leave me a comment about this painting here.

Enjoy,

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Here's how this painting would look framed:

Red Pear & Wrapped Red Pear (Yin & Yang) - 24 Hour Auction

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Note: this 24-hour auction will end at 10 AM EST on Tuesday, November 20th

My NEW FREE POSTER will be available soon -- definitely by Thanksgiving.

If you're a part of my list... you'll be first to get a link to download it for free.

If you're not... you can sign in below for direct access or click here.

AUCTIONS ENDING TODAY
Still Life with Figs, Teacup, and Concord Grapes - View auction here
Fig - View auction here (Hurricane Sandy fundraiser)

Best,


PS In case you missed out in Sept and Oct, here are my first two free posters. Hope you enjoy.

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