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

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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)

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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)

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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?)

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

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

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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!”)

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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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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

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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

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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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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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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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Giant Peach, 5"x4"

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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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Golden Series: Four Peaches, Cherries, and Grapes

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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.

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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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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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Still Life with PB & J Half

Still Life with PB & J Half
oil on linen on panel, 8"x10"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

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Mango on a Wood Block

Mango on a Wood Block
oil on linen on panel, 10"x8"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

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PB & J Halves with Jelly and Knife

PB & J Halves with Jelly and Knife
oil on linen on panel, 2018, 9"x12"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

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golden series: peach, pear, five blackberries, bleu cheese (the light / the shade)

golden 
series:
peach
bleu cheese
bosc pear
and five
blackberries
(the light, 
the shade)
4 x 6 inches, oil on linen on panel, 2016.
Available - email abbeyryan@gmail.com for purchase information

This painting is part of my the light, the shade series that I began back in December 2012. I wrote about how Robert Lax was the inspiration for my "the light, the shade" series here.

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

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NEW Workshop - Aug 4th - East Boothbay, Maine

My workshops tend to fill up fast -- here are the details for my new one-day painting workshop in East Boothbay, Maine on August 4th:

Still Life with Jug, Cicada, Grapes, and Hazelnuts (the light / the shade)

Still Life with Jug, Cicada, Grapes, and Hazelnuts (the light / the shade)
oil on linen on panel, 2018, 11"x14"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

Detail view

One of the most prominently featured insects in Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance painting was the cicada -- as a symbol of prayer, sanctuary and hope. Also, the hazelnut was seen, by the Greeks and Romans, as a symbol of peace and health.

If you enjoy this painting, you might also enjoy other paintings from my the light / the shade series.

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P.S. Tomorrow morning, I'll be announcing registration information for my August 4th workshop in beautiful East Boothbay, Maine.

P.P.S. My August 18-20 painting seminar at the Academy of Realist Art in Boston is FULL, but they are accepting a wait list, just FYI.

Still Life with Cherries, Silver Bowl, and Dutch Cheese (present moment)

Still Life with Cherries, Silver Bowl, and Dutch Cheese (present moment)
oil on linen on panel, 2018, 11"x14"
For purchase information or to request detail views: contact me at abbeyryan@gmail.com

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

Thanks in advance,

Still Life with Peach, Antique Silver Teapot, and Bird's Egg

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All of the subjects in this painting were a gift! This elegant silver teapot, a wonderful gift from my mother-in-law, has a neat story:

"Part of the Hopkins family saga: Granny T. rode the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad often between Philly and Baltimore. One hundred years ago, G. H. Thomson bought this silver plated pot as a memento of the days when railroads had elegant dining cars with heavy white tablecloths. The Baltimore and Ohio R.R. was selling off items because they no longer had the fancy dining car. It holds a cup and a half of tea water."

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see peach, bleu cheese, bosc pear, and five blackberries (the light, the shade), Self-portrait in a Blue Vase with Italian Plums, Peach, and Eucalyptus, 12x24", Two Hand-picked Peaches with Leaves, or a bunch of my paintings of bird's eggs.

P.S. I'm excited to share that I will soon be announcing details for a new last minute 1-day workshop in beautiful Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It will be on Saturday, August 4th. Contact abbeyryanworkshops@gmail.com if you'd like priority registration.

To get my painting in your inbox, sign up here.
To purchase my work, view my Current Auctions and All Available Paintings.

Thanks in advance,