Still Life with PB&J Halves (+ museum exhibition)

Sold ($1900), Still Life with PB&J Halves, oil on linen on panel, 2018, 6"x7"

This PB&J painting is larger than my typical auction paintings. It will be framed.

Museum Exhibition
Two of my paintings are included in the Masters of Illusion: The Legacy of John F. Peto exhibition at the Morven Museum in Princeton, NJ, from November 15, 2018–May 12, 2019. The Morven Museum has partnered with the John F. Peto Studio Museum to present a new look at trompe l’oeil art. Born in Philadelphia in 1854, John F. Peto is recognized as one of America’s most accomplished trompe l’oeil artists. The exhibit features Peto’s paintings and photography, and one of Morven’s galleries presents Peto's legacy through contemporary artists who have participated in the Peto Museum’s Tri-State Invitational Exhibition.

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Time Lapse for Live Demo Painting: Silver Pitcher, Two Strawberries, and Concord Grape

The auction for my Still Life with Silver Pitcher, Two Strawberries, and Concord Grape (Live Demo Painting) ends today: Click to view auction - ends at 3pm EST today, Wed Nov 14.

I also posted photos from the event on FB and instagram (I'll be adding more), and I invite you to watch the full recording of my live demo.

If you enjoy this video, you may also like to see more of my live demo painting time lapse videos.

3 Prints Remaining
My 8x10 painting, Still Life of Leaves with Three Apples, is available as a SIGNED high quality 8x10 fine art limited edition print. The edition is limited to only eight (8) prints and there are 3 left. Purchase a print here.

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

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Still Life with Silver Pitcher, Two Strawberries, & Concord Grape (Live Demo Painting)

Still Life with Silver Pitcher, Two Strawberries, and Concord Grape (Live Demo Painting)
6x7 inches, oil on linen on panel, 2 November 2018
Click to view auction (larger than my typical auction paintings)

If you're interested, I received this note from an artist who tuned in:

"I loved the whole demo. Thank you. Your live demo was wonderful and so generous to us all. I will gladly watch it over and over because there's always something to learn. Knowing something of your technique -- painting with the one brush, controlling amount of paint, using paper to keep brush clean -- it was a great reminder of your what I call controlled painting freedom. Of course you're working with lots of past knowledge, but to see the image appear, so quickly, clearer and clearer, was exciting, really. I absolutely mean it that I will watch it again and again. What a gift to your followers."

On Friday, Nov 2, I conducted a live painting demonstration in Grey Towers Castle at Arcadia University. The event was open to the public and streamed live in HD at arcadia.edu/livepaint. This painting (and my live demo) honors the memory of my friend, Jami. The painting is larger than my typical auction paintings and all proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Jami Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship at Arcadia. Read more. Also, if you look closely, there's one of my self portrait of sorts down the middle of the pitcher's reflections.

I posted photos from the event on FB and insta (check back because I'll be adding more), and I invite you to watch the full recording of my live demo (short time lapse coming soon):


Video and Photo Credit: Natavan Werbock, Arcadia University

If you enjoy this video, you may also like to see more of my live demo painting time lapse videos.

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New Limited Edition Print: Still Life of Leaves with Three Apples, 8x10”

SIGNED LIMITED EDITION PRINT of
Still Life of Leaves with Three Apples, 8x10”
Edition limited to eight (8) prints only. (2 prints left)
$100 plus S&H to your location.

Croker Poole is the winner of a free print. Please email me to find out how to get your new print!

Watch my live painting demo here. 

I'll post more about it tomorrow, but in cased you missed it: On Friday, Nov 2 between 12-2pm EST, my daily painting was livestreamed at [arcadia.edu/livepaint] while I painted at Arcadia University's Grey Towers Castle.

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

Thanks in advance,

Live Painting Demo - Happening Now

Tune in now to watch my live painting demo. Details about Q&A and free print giveaway below.

Today between 12-2pm EST visit [arcadia.edu/livepaint] to watch my live painting demo in Arcadia University's Grey Towers Castle. For 2 hours, I will be completing my daily painting with the filming streamed live online for free. Keep reading for Q&A and giveaway details:

Live Painting Demo News, Q&A, Giveaway

This Friday, Nov 2, 12-2pm EST visit [arcadia.edu/livepaint] to watch my live painting demo in Arcadia University's Grey Towers Castle. For 2 hours, I will complete my daily painting with the filming streamed live online for free.

Q&A
I've gotten this request over the years so we are going to try it this year. While I'm painting from 12-2pm, you can ask me questions via the the livestream page. Simply type questions in the Comments box below the video, my assistant will periodically ask me a few questions while I am painting, and will then respond back to you with my answers.

PRINT GIVEAWAY

Also during the live demo, you can win a brand new print. Two steps to enter:
1) leave a comment with your "hello and location" on the livestream page;
2) share the livestream by clicking on the Share "paper airplane" icon in the upper right corner of the video or the Share link below the video.
You’ll be automatically entered to win a free 8x10 signed Three Apples print. The winner will be announced Nov 5 when the Three Apples print is released.

DONATE
Since 2011, I've been doing an annual live painting demonstration as a fundraiser for Arcadia's Jami Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship. Jami was an artist and a good friend of mine. If you'd like to contribute a small donation on the occasion of my live demo, visit this donation page, select "Other" for designation, and type in "Jami Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship."

To find out more about my live demos, sign up.

If you're interested, below are time lapse films of my previous live demos:

PB & J Half (+ NEW!! limited edition print)

Click to view auction

The last PB&J painting auction I posted was last November and before that was in 2015, I think.

Likewise, it's been many years since I offered a new print of one of my paintings. My 8x10 painting, Still Life of Leaves with Three Apples, will soon be available as a SIGNED high quality 8x10 fine art limited edition print. The edition will be limited to eight (8) prints and will be released next Monday, November 5th at 12noon EST. If you want to have a chance to purchase the print first with the email coming in your inbox, sign up here.

Just a reminder that my Live Painting Demo is THIS Friday, November 2 from 12-2PM EST. Details here. I will post all about it tomorrow.

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

Thanks in advance,

Two Blackberries with Round Vase (+ Nov 2 live demo details)

Click to view auction

Bookmark this link [arcadia.edu/livepaint] if you want to tune in to my upcoming November 2nd live painting demonstration in Arcadia University's Grey Towers Castle. It's totally free to watch online or in person.

I've been doing these live painting demonstrations as a fundraiser for Arcadia's Jami Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship since 2011. (Jami was a good friend of mine.) For 2 hours, I will complete my daily painting in front of a live audience, with the filming streamed live online in real time. Mark your calendar if you'd like to attend or tune in online while I'm painting live: [arcadia.edu/livepaint].

Details
My upcoming live painting demo: Nov. 2, 12pm-2pm EST at Arcadia University.
Watch online for free: streaming link is arcadia.edu/livepaint.
If you'd like to find out more about this, feel free to sign up.

In the meantime, here are some time lapse films of my past live demonstrations:

Fall Apple on a Wood Block (+ live demo, save the date - Nov 2)

I will soon be announcing the details of my upcoming November 2nd live painting demonstration in Arcadia University's Castle. I've been doing these live painting demonstrations as a fundraiser for Arcadia's Jami Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship since 2011. (Jami was a good friend of mine.) For 2 hours, I will complete my daily painting in front of a live audience, with the filming streamed live online in real time. Mark your calendar if you'd like to attend or tune in online while I'm painting live.

Details
My upcoming live painting demo: NOV 2, 12pm-2pm EST at Arcadia University, Glenside, PA. Streaming link will be posted soon. If you'd like to find out more about this, feel free to sign up.

In the meantime, here are some time lapse films of my past live demonstrations:

Still Life with Marigold and Golden Pear (+ a symbol of Dia de los Muertos)

Click to view auction

If you're interested, marigolds are one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Dia de los Muertos. (If you saw the movie Coco, they are featured throughout the film.) "Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated from October 31 to November 2. While many Americans believe that this holiday is similar to our Halloween, it's completely different. The festivities were created for people to gather and remember friends and family who have died. Though this sounds like a day of grieving, it’s actually meant to be a day to celebrate the lives of the loved ones who have passed. This holiday is deeply rooted in tradition, with plenty of symbols adorning the ofrendas, also known as altars, that people put together for their deceased loved ones. Flowers in particular play a very large role in the celebration of Dia de los Muertos:

Marigolds
There are many reasons that these vibrant blooms are so heavily used in the annual celebration. It is said that these flowers use their color and scent to guide the spirits to their respective altars during Dia de los Muertos. They're even colloquially known as the 'flower of the dead,' despite being such a bright and cheery bloom. If you visit Mexico or neighborhoods heavily populated with people of Mexican descent during the celebration, you'll likely notice that marigolds are everywhere, in elaborate doorway arches and garlands and adorning the graves of loved ones. Most notably, families stock up on marigolds to decorate the ofrenda (altar) in the home, honoring their family members." [Source]

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Still Life with Sugar Bowl and Peach with Leaf (+ Van Gogh on talking vs. doing)

Related to my postings on mindful studio practice, I often read renowned writer Maria Popova's work (my previous mentions here). As I spend studio time thinking about the relationship between ideals and practice, Popova's piece on "Van Gogh on Principles, Talking vs. Doing, and the Human Pursuit of Greatness" addresses this. She begins:

"Albert Camus memorably admonished that those who prefer their principles over their happiness remain unhappy, suggesting that such rigid personal dogmas at the expense of actionable happiness are a form of especially dehumanizing self-punishment. Nearly a century earlier, Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853–July 29, 1890) explored this disconnect with great wisdom in a letter to his brother Theo, found in the 800-page treasure trove Ever Yours: The Essential Letters."

Later in the article:

"[In a letter to his brother, Van Gogh] considers the relationship between abstract principles and concrete actions — the disconnect between the two often produces self-righteous hypocrites who, despite their holier-than-thou air, are no better than those Parisian artists:

'Don’t think that I look with contempt on people such as you describe because their life isn’t founded on serious and well-considered principles. My view on this is as follows: the result must be an action, not an abstract idea. I think principles are good and worth the effort only when they develop into deeds, and I think it’s good to reflect and to try to be conscientious, because that makes a person’s will to work more resolute and turns the various actions into a whole. I think that people such as you describe would get more steadiness if they went about what they do more rationally, but otherwise I much prefer them to people who make a great show of their principles without making the slightest effort to put them into practice or even giving that a thought. For the latter have no use for the finest of principles, and the former are precisely the people who, if they ever get round to living with willpower and reflection, will do something great. For the great doesn’t happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together.'" Read more.

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see some of my other paintings of peaches.

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Golden Series: Sliced Peach, Dutch Cheese, and Italian Plums (+ artists going to the moon?)

If you're interested, SpaceX's first moon voyage customer, Yusaku Maezawa, will be to flying around the moon in 2023 and he is going to bring 6-8 artists with him:

"Maezawa said he will choose six to eight artists, from painters and sculptors to fashion designers and architects, to share the experience with him — and, ultimately, with all of us. The artwork that results from this weeklong #dearMoon mission 'will inspire the dreamer inside all of us,' said Maezawa, who is an avid art collector. He's launched a website (dearmoon.earth) just for the project." [Keep reading]

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see a bunch of my paintings from my Golden Series.

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Golden Pears and Pussy Willow (+ a symbol of good will)

Click to view auction

Pussy willows always remind me of my grandmother. "Although many willows are associated with sadness, the pussy willow flower is thought to symbolize good will and motherhood. They are also thought to represent protection for the home, and are frequently given as gifts to new homeowners. Although these blossoms can be given fresh, they are best presented dry, where their unique beauty can be kept in the home indefinitely." [via flowerinfo.org]

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

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Still Life with Delft Vase and Concord Grapes (+ An Anonymous Donor Steps Forward)

Click to view auction

If you're interested, this article "She Gave Millions to Artists Without Credit. Until Now" is about Susan Unterberg, who has revealed her identity after anonymously giving $5.5 million to female artists over the last 22 years:

"The donor behind the prize wanted to remain unknown. But now she is stepping out from behind the curtain: Susan Unterberg, herself a once underrecognized female artist over 40. In a recent interview at her Upper East Side home, she said she has decided to come forward so that she can more openly argue on behalf of women who are artists, demonstrate the importance of women supporting women and try to inspire other philanthropists." Keep reading.

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Red Pear (+ Judy Chicago: “Reclaim! Reclaim! Reclaim!”)

Click to view auction

If you're interested, artist Judy Chicago is one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2018. Writer/director Jill Soloway authored the text about Judy Chicago, and here is an excerpt:

"When I finally saw the color pictures in the Chicago Tribune of the huge triangle table, I couldn’t believe that all of these tongues and pink and flowers and fronds had come out of a woman who looked like my mom. Her real name was Judith Sylvia Cohen, and she had taken our mothers’ unspoken appetites and invented a female gaze in art. “Reclaim! Reclaim! Reclaim!” she shouted as she pointed out how people had made art synonymous with genius and genius synonymous with men." [Keep reading].

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see a bunch of my paintings of pears.

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Pear, Black Grapes, and Handmade Cup, 6x8”

Private Collection

Last month, I was a visiting artist at the renowned Academy of Realist Art in Boston. This painting is another one of my demo paintings from the three-day seminar. The group of painters who attended the seminar was just awesome.

If you're interested, here are two more reviews from painters who attended:

"This was the most fun I've had in a long time! Abbey was so kind and thoughtful in her one-on-one comments. As a beginner, I was charmed and surprised by it all. After seeing how Abbey works, I have more confidence that I can do something good, too. I had only worked with acrylics before, and working with oils for the first time was rewarding. I saw that it's good to take time and work slowly, thoughtfully -- think about what you are doing before rushing in. I discovered the benefits of mixing colors carefully and working in layers, starting with the darkest values first. It was a revelation that you could do so many strokes with just one brush. And the smallest touch of paint can make all the difference in the world." ~BK

"Best class I have ever taken. Abbey is very generous in sharing her ideas, knowledge and experience. I haven’t painted a complete painting for a number of years…was feeling rusty. I knew there would be a lot of more experienced painters. I never really used oil paints and was unsure of the media. I especially like the demonstration in the morning and painting in the afternoon. I
learned a lot from listening and watching Abbey. Overall, don’t hesitate [to study with Abbey], you won’t will feel intimidated, or inadequate….she is very welcoming, and supportive of all levels." ~MAS

To learn more about my teaching, sign up here.

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

Thanks in advance,

Peach on a Wood Block, 5x6” (+ recent testimonial)

Private Collection

Last month, I was a visiting artist at the renowned Academy of Realist Art in Boston. This painting is one of my demo paintings from the three-day seminar. It was an amazing space, and an even more awesome group of people who attended. 🙏

If you're interested, here's part of a review from a painter who attended:

"Going into this workshop a bit anxious and reserved, I appreciated the calm, meditative, and supportive atmosphere Abbey created in the studio.

I appreciated the thoughtful and specific feedback I received from Abbey. I noticed that as peers asked her questions either about her own work or theirs, she was often quiet for an extended period of time as she carefully thought through her explanation before answering. I remember thinking how Abbey's silence was just another extension of her approach to painting; her answers were always mindful and clear.

I loved being able to watch Abbey work from start to finish on a still life painting. I gained so much knowledge from simply observing her, and found myself making connections about her process and technique from one day/painting to the next.

I learned so much in three short days! I could go on and on about working with oils, the medium, the brushes, the technique, but that wasn't the most impactful part for me. I entered the workshop on day one nervous and full of anxiety. I left on day three confident in my skills and ability, much more relaxed, and inspired to paint more. The positive feedback I received from Abbey (specifically in regards to my color mixing and drawing skills) was the affirmation I needed to push some of my own doubts away." ~EC

To learn more about my teaching, sign up here.

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Two Strawberries, Silver Cup, and Italian Plum

oil on linen on panel, 2018, 6"x5"
AVAILABLE - Contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com for purchase information

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Strawberries and Silver Cup (+ review of my show)

If you enjoy my paintings, you may also like to read this review of my recent show: "Abbey Ryan Still-Life Show at Gleason Stuns with Attention to Detail." Here's an excerpt:

"Ryan excels at portraying reality so perfectly that it seems beyond perfect, hyper-beautiful. Additionally, her use of dark backgrounds behind her subjects and dark wooden frames for her paintings serves to focus the viewer’s attention on her stunningly constructed subject matter." Continue reading.

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Three Pears and Crystal Goblet (the light / the shade)

Still Life with Three Pears and Crystal Goblet (the light / the shade)
oil on linen on panel, 2018, 9"x12", framed
buy it now or best offer - View eBay listing

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Still Life with Oysters, Peeled Lemon, and Silver Pitcher with Self-portrait Reflection

Still Life with Oysters, Peeled Lemon, and Silver Pitcher (with Self-Portrait Reflection)
oil on linen on panel, 2018, 16"x12"
$6200
Update: Sold

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see Self-portrait in a Blue Vase and Eight Figs, Jug and Heirloom Tomatoes (with Self Portrait Reflection), Two Satsuma Tangerines, or a bunch of my paintings with self-portrait reflections in them or paintings with peeling fruit or my paintings of oysters.

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

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Giant Peach, 5"x4"

Click to view auction

The funny thing about this peach (in this little painting) is that it is about 4x or 5x the size of the actual peach.

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see a bunch of my other paintings of peaches.

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

Thanks in advance,

Golden Series: Four Peaches, Cherries, and Grapes

Click to view auction

The deadline to register for my August 4th painting seminar in East Boothbay, Maine, is this Wednesday, July 25. Click here for information and registration online. You can also call 207-633-6849 or email info@gleasonfineart.com to register. To read reviews of my workshops, click here.

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see Golden Series: Peach, Pear, Five Blackberries, Bleu Cheese, or my other paintings in my Golden Series.

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Black Raspberries, Three Figs, and Humboldt Fog (the light / the shade)

Still Life with Black Raspberries, Three Figs, and Humboldt Fog (the light / the shade)
oil on linen on panel, 8"x10"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see my paintings of Cypress Grove's Humboldt Fog or a bunch of my paintings of figs.

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

Thanks in advance,

Two Pears on Blue Block from Patmos, Greece (Yin & Yang)

Two Pears on Blue Block from Patmos, Greece (Yin & Yang)
oil on linen on panel, 9"x12"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

To see other paintings in my "yin & yang series," click here.

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

Thanks in advance,