Laurie G. Miller's Painting Patter

"Timberland III" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2012-01-31T05:40:00.011-05:00

"Timberland III" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

I'm not sure why but I've always loved Timberland boots. This is my 2nd pair -- the first pair I bought when I was in college and wore them until the sole was cracked and eventually separated from the heel. I'd probably still have them if they were still functional. Yup, that's right...I get pretty attached to my old, well worn, well loved stuff and hate the thought of having to break in something new :)

In other news, I'm going to be talking about my book, "Paint the Town!," and giving a painting demonstration on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Westford Museum. For more information, visit the Museum website.

This 12 inch square painting is available for $175. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by PayPal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying on-line, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Jackson" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2012-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

"Jackson" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

This is Jackson - a yellow lab. Jackson suffers from FOCD (which stands for Frisbee Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). In his heyday, Jackson could catch a Frisbee like nobody's business -- didn't matter how high or how far you threw it. He was somehow able to calculate all the physics -- angle of ascent, wind speed, wind direction, etc. He knew exactly where to run and how high to jump to catch it -- just about every time.

Unfortunately, as a senior dog, Jackson's joints aren't what they used to be. He would still LOVE to spend hours retrieving the Frisbee but his owners limit him to a couple of throws a day, otherwise, he'll end up limping. So, when you suffer from FOCD, you need to devise other ways to satisfy your craving. During the summer months, that is pretty easy for Jackson. He drops the Frisbee into one side of the pool. The wind and current from the water filter carries the Frisbee across to the other side where Jackson waits and snatches up the Frisbee to start the process all over again. And again. And again. And again.

This painting was commissioned as a present to Jackson's owners. They are thrilled with their new painting. It is such a great feeling to know that my art brings joy into someone's home.

"Peppermints" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2012-01-03T20:22:00.002-05:00

I found these peppermint candies in the bottom of my backpack. I have no idea when I tossed them in but they looked pretty sad so I'm guessing it was quite a while ago. Painting these mints was a bit of a challenge as I've never attempted to paint cellophane.

Like any new subject, the key is to focus on what you actually see as opposed to what you think you see. I would have thought that the center of the mints were a very bright, white color. However, the brightest color is the highlight on the wrapper and the mints are actually several shades darker. My other observation is that the shadow under the mint is much darker than the shadow under the twisted cellophane wrapper.

In other news, congratulations to Jo Wray who won my January give-away! To become eligible, sign up for my mailing list ... each month I randomly select someone to win.

This 6 inch square painting is available for $60. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by PayPal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying on-line, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Sprayer" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-12-28T11:09:00.001-05:00

"Sprayer" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Growing up, I enjoyed playing practical jokes. My mother was my favorite target. Periodically, I'd wrap a rubber band around the spray nozzle lever so that she'd get soaked when she turned on the faucet. She fell for it every time, much to my delight, and never noticed the yellow rubber band. When she started getting wise to me, I switched to black thread. Yes, she always had to be on her toes.

Unfortunately for me, her current kitchen sink has the sprayer integrated into the faucet so that joke has gone by the wayside. I really hope my kids don't read this post as I still have a spray nozzle on my sink.

This 6 inch square painting is available for $60. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by PayPal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying on-line, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Abbie" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-12-21T21:28:00.001-05:00

"Abbie" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

To get the reference photo for this painting, I told the dog’s owner (who is my friend Natalie), that I got a commission for a very similar looking dog named “Bonnie” who lives in Florida. I called to ask if I could come over and take some pictures of her dog since I needed better photos. Natalie happily complied not knowing that I was actually going to paint her beloved dachshund Abbie.

I had the pleasure of surprising Nat with the finished painting since the person who requested it (her former neighbor Ruthie) now lives in New Zealand. So, off I went to show Natalie the finished painting of “Bonnie.” Well, she was incredibly touched and started to cry which, for Natalie, isn’t all that unusual. You can see her (happy?) face above. In any case, I was honored to paint Abbie for my friend.

"Winter Sunset" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

2011-12-14T18:34:00.002-05:00

"Winter Sunset" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

I should have called this painting "Winter Sunset Redux" as I painted it once before in a larger size. I'm not sure what compelled me to paint it again, but I'm happy that I did. I've had a bit of trouble getting inspired with new material so I'm happy to now be working on a new commission of a dog painting (a long-haired dachshund named "Bonnie").

Last weekend I went to the Westford Museum for a "Buy Local, "Read Local" event. 18 Westford residents who published a book were invited to sell and autograph their books. I met a lot of nice folks and sold a handful of "Paint the Town!" books so it was a good afternoon.

HOW TO BUY THIS PAINTING
This painting is available for $95. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.
PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.
Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Southbound" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-12-08T17:34:00.002-05:00

"Southbound" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

I was driving on route 495 and thought it would make a cool painting. So, I pulled out my camera and started snapping photos while driving along. I was evaluating the quickly changing composition as the traffic, exit signs, guard rails, etc. morphed from one image to the next. I nearly missed my exit as I was completely engrossed in the scenery.

I really let the paint fly on this one and kept it fresh and loose. I made simple suggestions for the distant cars and trucks. I scraped green paint off the canvas to let some of the pink under painting show to create the highlights on the trees.

On another note, I was invited to participate at the "Buy Local, Read Local" event for Westford Authors on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Westford Museum. I'll be selling my "Paint the Town!" book. For more information and a list of participating authors, click here. If you live in the area, stop by and say, "Hello!"

HOW TO BUY THIS PAINTING

This painting is available for $175. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

Congratulations - December Give-Away!

2011-12-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

Each month I randomly select someone from my mailing list and send them a free gift. Congratulations to Leah Harrington who won my 2012 Desk Calendar for my December give-away!

To sign up and become eligible, type your email address in the box on the right side bar and click the “subscribe” button….good luck!

"Concord Afternoon" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

2011-11-27T21:32:00.003-05:00

"Concord Afternoon" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

This is Concord Massachusetts late on a weekday afternoon. I enjoyed a nice lunch at the Main Street Cafe and walked outside to browse in the small shops. I was immediately captivated by the scene in front of me -- a strong band of light that illuminated a strip of the street. That simple band of light was the inspiration for this painting.

As with many of my paintings, I started with a pink undertone. I generally work from background to the foreground so I started with the sky, next came the distant trees and steeples, then the buildings and road, and finally the cars followed by the small details.

How to Buy this Painting

This painting is $95. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by PayPal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying on-line, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Sunlit Pears" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-11-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

"Sunlit Pears" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Pears are probably my favorite fruit to paint. Because of their shape, they have great personality and attitude. I always laugh at myself when I buy fruit since I'm constantly evaluating each piece as a potential model for a future painting...shape, color, does it sit nicely, etc. Yes, it can complicate the shopping process immensely!

In this painting, I really let loose on the color. My main goal was to show the bright sunlight illuminating the pears as they sat on the windowsill. I laid down broad strokes of color and didn't fuss with it much at all. So, what do you think? Did I go too funky or do you like it? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

This painting is available for $60. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main,

40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886

. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Great Brook Barn" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-11-14T16:31:00.001-05:00

"Great Brook Barn" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year. The weather is cool. I can wear my favorite sweatshirts. I can comfortably paint outside with fewer bugs and no fear of heat stroke :)

We've had a really nice stretch of fall weather so I grabbed my painting gear and headed over to Great Brook Farm, a state park in Carlisle, MA. I spotted this barn across a field and decided it would make a great subject to paint. There was a gap in the treeline so I pulled my car off the road to the side of the field and happily painted away until a park ranger approached me. He was very nice and complimented my painting before he told me to move my car. Oh well. I was nearly finished painting (and my hands were pretty cold as I was standing in the shade) so I wasn't too unhappy to pack up and move along.

As you can probably tell, I started this painting using a bright pink canvas. I used a rubber tipped tool to scrape off the paint in various spots to let the pink shine through. I just love how that looks.

"Flag Day" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-11-10T14:41:00.001-05:00

"Flag Day" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

My parents were avid sailors and I spent many weekends of my childhood sailing with my family on Lake Ontario. When simply going out for a "Sunday sail" got too boring for my father, he started racing and our family soon became known as "Ken Miller and His All-Girl Crew." A passionate man, Dad learned all he could about racing and eventually had great success winning many races over the years.

When sailing became too rigorous for my folks, they eventually gave up sailing and gave their boat to my sister Julie who docks it at the Sodus Bay Yacht Club just outside of Rochester, New York. This past summer, I saw Dad's boat for the first time in many years. It was bittersweet to see something that he loved so much when he is no longer with us.

This painting is available for $175. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"October Snow" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-11-06T21:42:00.001-05:00

"October Snow" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Last weekend, during an October snowstorm, I lost my power on Saturday evening. On Sunday, in an effort to get warm (and pass the time), I headed off in my car to paint plein air and spent a really lovely afternoon painting at Forge Pond. It was breezy outside so I painted in the passenger seat while the sun kept the car toasty warm.

I was fortunate to get my power back on Monday evening but most folks in Westford were in the dark for several more days. Spending a few days without electricity is really a jolt to the system. I am fortunate to have good friends that offered up hot meals and a warm place to sleep. For the most part, I enjoyed my break from my computer (and all things electric) and was happy to pass the time with people that I love spending time with.

This painting is available for $60. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

Free Stuff!

2011-11-01T21:39:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Natalie Sandore who won a copy of my 2012 Desk Calendar by signing up for my mailing list. Each month I randomly select one winner and send them a gift!

To sign up, enter your email address in the box on the right and click the "subscribe button"

"Gray Day" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-10-29T10:50:00.001-04:00

"Gray Day" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

I don't think I could ever get tired of painting the ocean. I stood among these rocks and happily painted for a couple hours. On this particular day, the sky was overcast and there was little or no wind. All the colors were subdued, shadows were subtle and the ocean water was quite calm. I was kept company by a flock of Yellow-Rumped Warblers that stopped to graze in some bushes behind me.

This may be the first plein-air painting that I finished completely on location and didn't make any changes or corrections when I got back to my studio. I think the overcast lighting is probably the best explanation for this.

This painting is available for $60. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Afternoon Snack" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

2011-10-24T22:52:00.003-04:00

"Afternoon Snack" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

Sometimes the simplest moments in life are the most poignant. My son was eating his after school snack while his dog Cooper patiently waited under the table. This daily ritual will be forever ingrained in my memory.

I really pushed the colors in the painting with a bold orange wall color and aqua blue in his t-shirt. I outlined the shaped in bright pink and allowed bits of it to show through here and there. I added the rug to help anchor the table and give some balance to the composition by adding a dark space towards the bottom of the canvas.

How to Buy this Painting:

This painting is $275. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below. I will carefully pack and ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

2012 Desk Calendar is now available!

2011-10-12T12:57:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to announce my third annual Desk Calendar for 2012!

Each month features a different painting and the calendar comes packaged in a CD-like case that opens to display each month:

The 2012 Desk Calendar is $18 (plus $3 shipping) and it can be purchased in a couple of different ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who don't live near Westford, MA, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will ship the calendar directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll get the process started.

"Cat Nap" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

2011-10-05T18:29:00.002-04:00

About the Painting:

I started with a bright pink ground and allowed the pink color to shine through in various spots. I love that effect and have used it in many paintings. I was able to keep my brushstrokes very loose and expressive.

About the Cat:

His name was Vito. He was tough as nails. He was rescued from a research lab at the Cornell Veterinary School just prior to being euthanized. The insides of his ears were tattooed with his “lab number” as proof of his inauspicious beginning. After being passed through a couple households (for various reasons), he ended up as part of my family.

Like a dog, Vito would greet you at the front door, usually meowing for food. He was a voracious eater and never missed a meal.

Vito loved dogs and was more than happy to spend his senior years curled in front of the wood stove with his buddy Rain.

How to Buy this Painting

This painting is $95. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main, 40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying on-line, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Kenmore Square" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-10-02T15:54:00.002-04:00

"Kenmore Square" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

I always get excited when I see the Citgo sign as I'm driving through Boston. I don't know, somehow is just makes me happy. I started this painting on a bright green canvas. You can see areas where I let the green bits shine through...so cool. The painting was purchased by someone who now lives in Virginia but graduated from Boston University and worked in this neighborhood for several years.

Free Stuff! - I'm trying to build my mailing list to get the word out about my artwork. As an incentive, I'm doing one free give-away each month. It could be a pack of greeting cards, a print, a copy of my book, Paint the Town!, or, even an original painting! Each month I'll randomly select someone from my list so good luck! So, if you are visiting this site and are not on my mailing list, be sure to type it into the box on the upper right corner of the screen and the click "Subscribe" button.

"Ana" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-09-27T21:15:00.000-04:00

"Ana" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

This sweet little kitty is named Ana. I knew Ana when she was a wee, bitty kitten -- she was constantly in motion always chasing bugs and yarn and anything else that wiggled across the floor. Ana has since moved to Florida and is enjoying a more mature, peaceful existence. I'm told that she still acts like a kitten sometimes but now spends most of her time enjoying a good cat nap.

If you are interested in a pet or house portrait, contact me at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com for more information.

"La Tourelle Gazebo" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-09-21T17:17:00.000-04:00

"La Tourelle Gazebo" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Last weekend I was off to Ithaca, NY to reunite with a group of college friends. The Finger Lakes area of New York state is beautiful with rolling hills, wineries and dramatic gorges with waterfalls. We stayed at "La Tourelle" - a lovely spot that included several gazebos and a koi pond on the grounds. I wanted to paint this particular gazebo because of the large, colorful flowers. Below is a picture of just one of the many waterfalls in Ithaca.

Lower Buttermilk Falls - Ithaca, NY

"Voila" - 8 x 8 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-09-12T17:42:00.001-04:00

"Paint the Town! An Artist's Perspective on Westford, MA" book

2011-09-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to announce the publication of my book:

Paint the Town!

An Artist's Perspective on Westford, Massachusetts

A collection of my Westford, MA paintings, each image is accompanied by interesting historical tidbits and personal observations. This softcover book is 6.5 x 6.5 inches, 58 pages, and contains full color images. To preview the book, click here

You can purchase the book at Art on Main, or, for those who don't live locally, you can purchase it by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below and I will ship it to your door. The cost is $14.95 (plus $3 shipping).

Contact me at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com if you have any questions or prefer to pay by check or money order.

"Ocean Dip II" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

2011-08-23T14:19:00.000-04:00

"Ocean Dip II" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

This is a 2nd version of my "Ocean Dip" painting. In this version, I decided to widen the view and include much more of the background. This yellow lab was sooo happy to be swimming after a stick that his (her?) owner kept throwing. This scene is from Kennebunkport, Maine where I vacationed last summer.

You can purchase "Ocean Dip II" for $275 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below. I will carefully pack and ship the painting right to your door. Satisfaction guaranteed :)

"Cleo" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2011-08-16T13:58:00.000-04:00

"Cleo" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

This is Cleo - a beautiful Chocolate Point Siamese. I really enjoy painting animals so this portrait was a pleasure to do.

If you are interested in a pet or house portrait commission, contact me at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com.

"40 Main" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - Sold

2011-08-09T13:33:00.000-04:00


"40 Main" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

Last week I was completely unprepared and didn't have anything to paint during my shift at Art on Main. What's a girl to do? Paint the building, of course! The entrance was very colorful with the "Open" flag and some shirts hanging out front. I like the little splashes of red and orange that "pop" throughout the painting.

"Cherry Line Dance' - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-08-02T12:15:00.002-04:00

"Cherry Line Dance" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

It's that time of year again when cherries are in season. I had a hard time saving a few cherries for my still life and couldn't resist eating them after the painting was finished ... I usually avoid eating my models if they've been hanging out with oil paints. So delicious!

"Westford House of Pizza" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-07-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

"Westford House of Pizza" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

"Stonewall Trio" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-07-19T11:55:00.000-04:00

"Stonewall Trio" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Le Gourmet Jardin, the small shop connected to Art on Main, sells Stonewall Kitchen products. Lately, I’ve been buying the “Spicy Corn Relish” which tastes very fresh and has a nice kick to it. I always wanted to paint it since I really like the shape of the jar and the color of the relish: yellow corn mixed with bits of red peppers and green Jalapeno peppers.

The main rule of creating a good composition is variety. Take note of how the jars face slightly different directions, there is a larger gap between the middle and right jar, and I selected three different flavors to vary the color of the ingredients.

You can purchase this painting for $60 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Ginger" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-07-11T12:38:00.003-04:00

This is Ginger, a yellow Labrador Retriever that lives in NYC. Ginger is quite dapper with her red polka dot bowtie. I’ve packed up the painting and will ship it off on Monday to her owner.

Whenever I paint from photos, the prints lose a lot of depth and color. When working on this painting, I positioned my computer right next to my easel so I could see the image on the screen. I could still see details in shadow areas and it worked great.

"Parkerville Schoolhouse" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-07-05T12:38:00.002-04:00

"Parkerville Schoolhouse" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

This one room schoolhouse was built in 1880 and is located in the Parkerville section of Westford. Every year the 3rd grade classes make a special field trip to the schoolhouse to learn what life was like before modern conveniences like plumbing and electricity. The kids dress in period clothing with the girls in long dresses and bonnets and the boys in caps and suspenders.

This painting is the last in a series of Westford landmarks that I've been working on. I'm now in the process of assembling all these images into a book. I wanted to include some interesting historical facts so I'm learning quite a bit along the way as I pull this together. I'll have more info on this project, hopefully very soon.

"Kimball Farm Ice Cream" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-06-28T12:14:00.002-04:00

"Kimball Farm Ice Cream" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Kimballs is probably Westfords most famous landmark. Kimballs probably employs half the teenage population in Westford. Too bad neither of my kids worked there since they get to take home a serving of ice cream at the end of their shift. On the other hand, my cholesterol level is probably better off without it.

You can purchase this painting for $175 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Darlin' Daisies" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-06-20T18:44:00.002-04:00

"Darlin' Daisies" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

“Darlin’ Daisies” is the result of the painting demo I gave at Art on Main during the Strawberry Festival. Flowers are ALWAYS a challenge to paint especially when someone is looking over your shoulder :)

"Just Ducky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-06-08T11:59:00.000-04:00

"Just Ducky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

"Ode to Andy" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-06-01T07:47:00.000-04:00

"Ode to Andy" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

My paintbrush has been busy for the past few weeks although I still don’t have anything to show for it. I’ve been working on a commission piece – a dog portrait. It is going well but I ran into a snag (too complicated to explain) so I just needed to put it aside for now.

I was looking through the cabinets for something fun to paint and came across this soup can. Of course, Andy Warhol made these cans famous in his first exhibit in Los Angeles in 1962. He created one canvas for each type of soup, 32 in all. He sold the entire set for a grand total of $1000. About 5 years ago, one of his 1962 soup can paintings sold for 11.2 million! (That painting was not part of the original series of 32 which are now in the Museum of Modern Art). Just think, you can own mine for a mere $60!

You can purchase this painting Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below. Speaking of Art on Main, we're hosting an opening reception on Thursday June 2 from 5 - 8 p.m. for watercolorist Joyce Youngberg. If you live in the area, be sure to stop by!

"Stoney Brook Acres" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-05-17T12:08:00.000-04:00

"Stoney Brook Acres" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Stoney Brook Acres is a sweet little farm stand. The place always smells great as they usually have cookies baking in the oven. It is a fun place to pick up flowers, fresh fruits, veggies and even soft serve ice cream or a sandwich.

The challenge in this painting was the composition. I could have included the rest of the greenhouse area on the right, another structure with some farm animals, picnic tables, etc. In the end, I decided to focus on the main building to highlight the colorful sign letters and the trays of bright flowers.

You can purchase this painting for $175 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Kim's Chair" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-05-06T16:52:00.000-04:00

"Gallery Glow" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-05-01T21:43:00.000-04:00

"Gallery Glow" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

I volunteered to gallery sit at the PCA last Sunday. To help pass the time, I brought my paints along. I knew I would paint something inside the building but didn’t decide until I walked around and evaluated all my options. I picked this scene largely because of the sunny reflection on the wood floor. My favorite part of this painting, however, is the small wrinkle I added to the front of rug to give it dimension...I just love that!

You can purchase this painting for $60 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Pizzeria" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-04-26T17:12:00.000-04:00

This little pizza place is in the Forge Village section of Westford. It is tucked along the rail road tracks and wedged into the curve of the street. I haven’t had their pizza in a long time but as I recall it was pretty good. I really enjoy doing street/architectural paintings and like how these buildings nestle together between the trees.

You can purchase this painting at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Forge Pond" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-04-20T16:41:00.001-04:00

I sat in my car on an overcast afternoon and painted Forge Pond, one of the local beaches in Westford, MA. I had just finished reading Kevin MacPherson's "Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light and Color" and tried to follow some of his basic teachings: a) simplify the scene - squint to eliminate the details b) focus on painting shapes (not a tree or a rock or a whatever) and c) use a limited palette for harmonious colors. I'm pretty happy with the final result and definitely learn something new with every painting.

"Do Si Donuts" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

2011-04-12T15:04:00.000-04:00

Do Si Donuts - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

Pottery Pear - Just Messing Around

2011-04-07T11:55:00.037-04:00

Kim Scott, my artist partner at Art on Main, is a fantastic potter. A couple months ago, I asked her for a bit of clay to mess around with. I ended up making this cute pear that I'm pretty pleased with. Kim was kind enough to fire it, help me pick out the glazes, and then fire it again to create the final product.

I'm not exactly sure what I'll do with my pear. For now, it is sitting on my desk but it might end up on my kitchen windowsill with my collection of little do-dads.

"Double Date" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-04-02T08:54:00.002-04:00

"Double Date" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

"Winter Sun II" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-03-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

"Winter Sun II" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Here’s a 2nd stab at the “Winter Sun” painting. This one is larger and a bit looser with the color. I’ve always loved to paint “backlit” scenes as the light is so dramatic. This painting has a nice warm yellow glow. If you look closely, I put a small purple edge on the window panes to really make that yellow “pop.”

You can purchase the "Winter Sun II" painting for $175 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

I’m really happy to report that the “Ocean Dip” painting that I auctioned on ebay was won by a NYC collector who is thrilled with the painting. It shipped off on Saturday to its new home. I happily wrote out the donation check to AmeriCares to support the disaster relief efforts in Japan. Many thanks to everyone who bid and supported me by spreading the word.

"Ooze" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-03-24T10:15:00.000-04:00

"Pepper on Plaid II" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-03-20T17:37:00.001-04:00

When trying to improve your art skills, it is really a great idea to do a series of paintings on one subject. In repeating the same subject over and over, you can learn the intricacies and subtle nuances and really, really get to know it well. I don’t know if it is ADD or what but I get bored quickly with the same subject and rarely paint two consecutive painting of the same thing. In this case, I almost painted two pepper paintings back to back.

As a reminder, my “Ocean Dip” painting is up for auction on eBay and I will donate 100% of the purchase price to AmeriCares to support the relief efforts in Japan. The auction ends on Thursday, March 24. Click here to learn more and/or to bid.

"Ocean Dip" - 100% Donation to Disaster Relief in Japan - SOLD

2011-03-14T20:34:00.001-04:00

"Ocean Dip" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I’m deeply touched and saddened by the devastation in Japan. The recovery is just beginning and unfortunately there is a long road ahead.

I wondered what I could possibly do to help. Raising money is the one thing I can do to make a difference (however small it may be). So, as a start, I’m donating a painting, “Ocean Dip”, for auction and plan to donate more paintings in the coming months.

For this painting, I will donate 100% of the purchase price to AmeriCares. AmeriCares has mobilized rescue teams and is already working help survivors in Japan.

If you live in the Westford, MA area, you can view the painting at the Art on Main gallery.

I’m asking for your help in two ways.

1) Bid: Click here to learn more about the painting and to place your bid.

2) Spread the word: forward this message to as many people as you can.

Many thanks in advance,

Laurie

"Winter Sun" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-03-09T14:23:00.004-05:00

"Pepper on Plaid" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-03-05T21:07:00.001-05:00

I've been craving peppers lately and eating them raw. This is pretty strange considering that I've never been a huge raw pepper fan! My theory is that I'm deficient in some vitamin and somehow these peppers contain exactly what I need. (Right now, Lilo, my pepper-phobic friend, is freaking out as she reads this post). Peppers are really fun to paint with their shiny surface and bumps and curves. So, while my cravings continue, you might be seeing more.

"Big Mack" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-03-01T08:22:00.001-05:00

For us here in New England, it's been quite a challenging winter with storm after storm. Another 6 inches of snow fell over the weekend to add to our record breaking totals. This Mack truck looks a bit tired. For me, I don’t really mind the cold and the snow. From a painting perspective, snow is wonderful to paint. But, I am looking forward to spring when my palette will brighten and I’ll start using more yellows and greens as nature bursts into color.

"Big Mack" is hanging at Art on Main or you can purchase it by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Sunset on Main" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-02-23T16:24:00.003-05:00

I finished my gallery sitting shift at Art on Main and was walking to my car at the end of a January afternoon. The sun was just dipping below the horizon and I loved the effect of the oncoming car headlights as they illuminated the road. I took out my camera to capture the moment as the cars sped by.

I started this painting with a bright pink ground and allowed that color to peek through to create the dramatic lighting. Occasionally, a painting will paint itself and this was one of those rare occasions where my brush knew exactly what to do and it all came together quite easily.

"Hannah" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2011-02-17T12:46:00.001-05:00

Hannah - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

A pet portrait commission of a sweet little kitty named Hannah. The owners were very touched when the saw the painting as Hannah recently passed away.

"Be Mine" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-02-13T12:23:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has a chocolate-filled Valentine's Day with lots of love from friends and family!

Pastel Workshop - Calla Lily

2011-02-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

Calla Lily

The Chelmsford Center for the Arts offered a pastel workshop on Monday night and I attended with two friends. The instructor, Greg Maichack, was excellent. I learned some drawing techniques. I learned some pastel techniques. I learned about pastel materials. I learned interesting tidbits about art history. I learned an awful lot. But, most of all, I learned that I really don't like working in pastel!

"Snow Day" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-02-07T17:20:00.003-05:00

Snow Day - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

I was itching to paint outside yesterday so I piled my stuff into Opal (my new car) and went off searching for something to paint. Yes, I name everything including the occasional body part. But, I digress. I passed a parking area with a bunch of school buses all lined up and loved all the bright yellow/orange colors. I parked directly across the street and decided to focus my attention on the two buses directly in front of me. I had to work quickly as the sun was setting (and happened to be shining directly into my eyes which made it a challenge to see what I was doing). I’m happy to report that I didn’t get one drop of paint on Opal which is probably a small miracle. My pants, however, that’s another story…

"Westford Museum" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2011-01-29T18:08:00.002-05:00

Westford Museum - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Right now I’m in the groove of painting Westford landmarks and am enjoying every minute of it. Westford is a great town and I feel fortunate to live here. I thought about painting the Westford Museum for a while, had photographed it from various angles and at different times of the year, but nothing really grabbed me. A few weeks ago when I saw the antique sled out front, I knew this would add a spark of interest to the scene. I just love how the little bits of red flow throughout the painting from the cupola to the chimney, to the ribbon and finally to the front door.

Westford is hosting their first annual Winter FunFest and a snow sculpture contest is part of the festivities. Below is a photo of Art on Main' s entry for the contest. (The sculpture is on the lawn directly across from Art on Main so be sure to drive by if you live in the area). I created the sculpture with two of my artist partners, Mary Jane Brunelle and Sue Haley. I haven't "played" in the snow for quite some time and thoroughly enjoyed romping around in it for a total of 3 afternoons to create our masterpiece. Westford Winter Funfest is exactly the type of event that makes Westford such a great place to live.

Westford Winter Fun Fest Snow Sculpture

"Sargent Mill" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2011-01-20T08:33:00.002-05:00

I started this painting with a dark blue ground and used it to create the texture in the building by allowing the blue to peek through. I really like how it looks. I’ve recently learned something new. When I started painting in oils a couple years ago, I usually started with a detailed pencil drawing directly on the canvas. Lately, no matter how complicated the subject, I create my "drawing" by using brushstrokes. I just try to get the basic proportions and angles correct and not worry too much about defining every little detail. When I begin to paint, I’m able to keep my brush strokes looser as I’m not as worried about conforming to my pencil sketch. This has really been a break through for me!

"Winter Reflections" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2011-01-13T15:27:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, I was pretty proud of myself for getting my painting stuff together, bundling up and setting out to paint in cold weather. Fortunately, there was no wind, so I really didn’t feel cold and the time passed quickly since I was focused on doing something that I love.

Tonight, Art on Main is hosting our monthly "Wine & Nibbles" from 5 - 8 p.m. We're featuring artwork from Westford Academy students - really impressive stuff! Drop by if you're in the area.

"Winter Reflections" is available at Art on Main for $50 or you can purchase directly from me by clicking on the Buy Now button below.

"Abbot Mill" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2011-01-06T15:53:00.002-05:00

This painting is of the Abbott Mill, one of the historic mill buildings in Westford, MA. A developer will be starting construction on the mill this month to turn it into housing. I just love these old building – they have such tremendous character and personality. I’ll be happy to see this building restored and put back to good use.

Normally, when I start a painting, I cover the canvas with a solid wash of color that I allow to peek through. (In oil painting terms, this is called the “ground.”) For this painting, I painted on a previously used canvas that had a colorful painting of an abstract flower arrangement. As usual, I allowed the “under painting” to show though, particularly in the snow and window reflections. Since there were so many colors underneath, I had some serendipitous results. I may never use a solid ground again!

This painting is available at Art on Main for $150. Or, you can purchase from me directly by clicking on the Buy Now button below.

"Sunny Side Up" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

2011-01-02T11:43:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! I’d like to thank all those who supported me in 2010. I appreciate every encouraging email, comment and of course every purchase. I’m facing 2011 with a renewed sense of purpose. My resolution for 2011 is to paint (or sketch) on a very regular basis…to not let more than 24 hours pass without doing something creative. If there is one “secret” to becoming a good artist, it is to “just do it.”

I actually started this painting last week and had to let it ‘incubate’ for a bit. It wasn’t until I added the grease spots to the frying pan that I felt the painting was complete. It just needed that extra little punch and sparkle.

This painting is available for $85 at Art on Main or you can purchase directly from me by clicking on the Buy Now button below.

"Roudenbush" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2010-12-25T12:16:00.002-05:00

This painting is of the Roudenbush Community Center which sits in Westford Center. The building, built in 1897, has tremendous character with its complicated roof and tall steeple. I have fond memories of taking both my daughter and later my son to attend preschool classes here. At that time, Roudenbush was one of the few preschool options in town. Folks would line up in the early dawn hours to be the first line to sign up their child. I can remember meeting a friend at something like 5:30 a.m., bundled in winter clothes, equipped with lawn chairs, blankets, and a hot thermos of tea. As the crowd gathered, it usually turned into a fun party with folks sharing hot coffee and donuts while we watched the sunrise and waited for the doors to open.

"Lincoln Street Late Afternoon" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-12-06T13:18:00.013-05:00

I looked down Lincoln Street late one afternoon and saw the front of these buildings illuminated by the afternoon sun and had to capture it on canvas. I always carry my camera so I snapped a couple of reference photos.
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While working along, I carefully painted in the flag not really thinking about where it was attached (and kind of assuming it was attached to the yellow house). I realized, much to my dismay, that the flag is actually attached to the pole (which I had no intention of including)! This is one of the hazards of painting from photos ... you simply see a flattened version of a scene and the connection/placement/distance, etc. between objects can get confusing. In the end, I decided that I really like the pole as it creates more depth. What do you think?

"Boston Skyline" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-11-25T16:21:00.006-05:00

This is my second painting of the same reference photo of the Boston skyline that I took from a ferry in the Boston harbor about a year ago. I painted a larger version and enjoyed it so much that I decided to paint it again, a bit looser, in a smaller version.

This painting would definitely be classified as a “low key” painting meaning that it is mostly medium and dark values with very few light. Because of the storm that passed through, a low key painting helps create the ominous mood.

"Town Hall" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2010-11-17T09:33:00.008-05:00

This is a painting of Westford’s town hall. She recently received the most beautiful coat of grey-blue paint with an off-white trim. The building was previously all white and I didn’t realize how the darker paint color could make the architectural details stand out so beautifully. I just love the harmony of the colors in this painting -- it feels very happy to me.

I recently had a nice experience where someone found one of my paintings by using Yahoo’s image search. They were specifically looking for a painting of blueberries and came across my “Blueberry Blues.” She contacted me and was thrilled that it was still available. I just shipped it off to New York City to its new home...very cool!

"Golden Grasses" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2010-10-29T14:40:00.005-04:00

I was attracted to this scene by the beautiful golden grasses which contrast so nicely with the deep blue/green ocean water. There was a gusty breeze and I was afraid that my easel would tip over if stood to paint (which I prefer). So, I decided to paint sitting down. After about 45 minutes of sitting on a cold, hard rock, I was more than ready to stand up, stretch my legs and finish the painting from a standing position. Considering that this completely changed my vantage point, it was a challenge to finish the painting as I had to keep crouching down. The good news was that the wind had died down somewhat and my easel never went flying.

For me, each painting is like a diary entry and brings me right back to that moment when I was creating it…especially paintings like this that are created on location (en plein air). This painting will always bring me back to that crisp fall day on the rocky coast of Maine.

"House Portrait" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2010-10-22T07:29:00.004-04:00

I finished this commission several weeks ago but had to wait for the birthday boy (also known as ‘Pool Boy’) to get it. The best thing about this house is the beautifully landscaped backyard with an in-ground pool. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a few toasty summer afternoons floating around in it. Pool Boy works hard to keep it crystal clear.

Before I started painting, I took a pile of reference photos of the house at different angles and different lighting conditions. I narrowed the choices down to three and let the owner decide. As with many of my paintings, I started with a wash of pink underneath and let a bit of it peek through here and there. Apparently, Pool Boy was very happy with his birthday gift.

"Late Day Apples" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - sold

2010-10-17T20:27:00.006-04:00

I set these apples up by the window. I like the “slices of white” between the apples which create interesting shapes on the windowsill. I tried to capture the subtle shades of deep red to light pink as the apple is illuminated by the light.

"Fall Bog" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2010-10-11T08:28:00.006-04:00

I spent last Thursday with two college friends to celebrate my birthday. We wondered why we are still friends as we have absolutely nothing in common. We do make each other laugh and have a long history together so that must be the glue that bonds us. We had lunch at a charming country store and fortunately it was a beautiful day so they indulged me for a bit while I painted and they took a walk. All in all, it was great day with lots of laughs.

I painted quickly as I didn’t want to keep my buddies waiting too long. I first painted in the sky and the water below and then filled in the landscape moving from background to foreground. I tried not to fuss and to keep everything very loose.

This painting is available for $50. You can purchase it at the Art on Main gallery, or, directly from me by clicking the Buy Now button below.

Gather 'Round - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2010-10-03T11:27:00.005-04:00

The big onion looks like he’s trying to round up the 3 little ones hence the title, “Gather 'Round.” I bought these cute little red onions at the Farmers Market last week. I was getting quizzical looks from the vendor as I examined the onions carefully, turning them over, etc. I finally explained that I was more interested in painting them than eating them.

In my composition, I originally had the three onions across the top and thought the shadows would be interesting enough for the bottom half of the canvas. When I finished, I realized that it needed something else so I added the fourth onion. As always, I tried to vary the placement, the color and the shape of each onion for the strongest composition.

This painting is available for $50. You can either purchase this painting at the Art on Main gallery, or, directly from me by clicking on Buy Now button below.

2011 Desk Calendar

2010-09-29T20:43:00.021-04:00

I'm pleased to announce my second annual desk calendar for 2011! Each month features a different painting that I created in the past year. The calendar comes packaged in a CD-like case that opens to display each month:

These make great holiday gifts. If you live in the Westford, MA area, you can pick them up at Art on Main. Or, you can purchase them here... ...the cost is $20 plus $3 shipping.
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"Onion on Cloth Napkin" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

2010-09-22T17:34:00.002-04:00

I painted this by first covering my canvas with a light wash of burnt umber (a rich brown color). While the canvas was still damp, I began to paint and the brown color mixed with each color I added. When I finished, I realized that the cloth napkin was a bit too dark so after the painting was fairly dry, I added a wash of light yellow to several areas to lighten it up.

This painting has a bit of sentimental value as the cloth napkin belonged to my grandmother, Lillian. I’m just glad I didn’t get any paint on it!

This painting is available for $50. If you’re interested, contact me at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com.

"Plums on Pink" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-09-15T18:34:00.004-04:00

I just spent 3 days at a painting workshop with artist Carol Marine at the Parish Center for the Arts. Not only is she a great painter, but she is a great instructor (and a really nice person too!)

We did several different painting exercises throughout the workshop. For this painting, we were supposed to pick up a slightly different color from our palette after each brush stroke. I like this funky color combination of the deep purple plums, the pinkish cloth and the bits of green.

"Groton Pumpkins" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-09-06T21:07:00.006-04:00

I spotted this vista in Groton, MA when I was scouting for something interesting to paint. I loved the scrambled rows of bright orange pumpkins. This painting is a good lesson in perspective. To get the feeling of distance, I had to make the distant row of trees quite small – they are less than an inch high. You’ll also notice how the pumpkins get progressively larger from background to foreground.

It was a lovely summer day to paint outside for a couple hours. The experience would have been perfect if it hadn’t been for the little bug that crawled under my sandal strap and bit my foot. Oh well, that is just one of the hazards of plein air painting.

"Bog Field" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-08-31T16:38:00.004-04:00

This landscape was painted a week or two ago at my favorite cranberry bog in Carlisle, MA. I used some artistic license to punch up the color of the purples and greens to add a bit more interest. Landscapes are really challenging as you have so much information in front of you and need to figure out what details to capture and what to simply leave out…a real balancing act for sure.

For those who live in the area, be sure to stop by Art on Main on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5 – 8 p.m. We’re having our monthly “Wine and Nibbles” open house. Bob Frank, a wonderful watercolorist, is our featured guest artist for the month of September.

Kennebunkport II - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-08-21T18:16:00.005-04:00

I started this painting in Kennebunkport, ME while on vacation a few weeks ago. It was my second painting that day so I ran out of steam about halfway... the lure of the beach was too strong. So, while gallery sitting at Art on Main today, I finished up using a reference photo and some good, old-fashioned imagination.

"Ocean Dip" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-08-04T19:17:00.005-04:00

This painting is based on a few photos I snapped while vacationing in Kennebunkport, Maine I was standing on an outcropping and had a perfect view of this yellow lab as he swam back and forth to retrieve a stick that his owner kept throwing for him.

To start, I coated the canvas with a wash of orange. I specifically chose orange since the painting was primarily blue. As complementary colors, those bits of orange really make the blue glow.

"Kennebunkport" - 6 x 6 - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-07-28T19:36:00.004-04:00

Last week I vacationed in Kennebunkport, Maine with my family. We enjoyed a few lazy days of hanging at the beach, reading, skipping stones, combing the beach for interesting rocks and sea glass, playing games, and fishing. I was able to get in a few hours of plein air painting in a shady spot overlooking this grassy field that leads to the beach. I’m quite pleased with the outcome and love how the initial wash of pink over the canvas still shines through and helps to unify the painting.

"Shipley Circle" - 16 x 16 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-07-20T22:37:00.007-04:00

I recently finished painting this house portrait of 8 Shipley Circle, Westford, MA. Apparently, the family who owns this house is moving to Bermuda for a couple years and their house is up for sale. A group of friends are giving this painting as a farewell gift to the family. I hope it brings back fond memories of their time living in Westford.

"Boston Road Rooftops" - 12 x 12 - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-07-14T14:38:00.022-04:00

This is the view that welcomes me as I get off the highway and head up Boston Road to the center of Westford. Whenever I see the Museum's cupola, I know I'm almost home.

I had a request to show a painting in progress so I took some pictures along the way.

First, I put a light wash of Alizarin Crimson over the canvas but lift off the color to leave the sky area a very light pint color. I then sketch in my guidelines using a wash of Yellow Ochre. I transfer the image from my reference photo using a grid method - I had divided my canvas into nine squares and you can see my guidelines below.

I usually work from back to front so I started by filling in the sky area and the green tree on the right. I modify the cupola's shape as I get into more detail and study this area.

Next, I start working on the reddish tree on the left. I'm careful to leave some open areas so that the trees don't become solid masses of color. (I had a painting instructor that said the birds need space to fly through).

I wasn't happy with the dome shape of the green tree so I add more leaves on either side to modify the shape. I then start working on the cupola.

I continue to work forward as I paint in the house on the left and a large bush in the foreground. I also lay in the roof of the house on the right.

At this point, the house in the foreground is all that is left. Below is the finished painting once again. I've lightened the left center panel of the cupola as I realized it was too dark. I also changed the shape of the reddish tree on the left to make it more pleasing. I continue to make minor modifications to some shapes and values. Finally, when I'm happy, I paint in my signature and put down my brush. Sometimes, it is hard to know when you are finished!

"Pat's Gift" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-07-01T10:47:00.006-04:00

I needed some serious motivation to clean my house so I invited a few friends over. (Oh, and I also thought it might be fun). In any case, my friend Pat arrived with these beautiful hydrangeas that she had cut from her yard. Since I don’t own a vase, we ended up putting them in a plastic container for holding scraps for the compost pile. Well, that wouldn’t have made a very nice painting so I found a clear plastic tube that held bungee cords. (I just love bungee cords). I had to cut it down a bit as it was too tall but now it makes a rather nice vase.

"J.V. Fletcher" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2010-06-18T21:27:00.004-04:00

I feel fortunate to live in a town with a nice library. I snapped a few photos one sunny Sunday afternoon and was inspired to paint this Westford landmark : the J.V. Fletcher library. I debated a long time about whether or not to include the parked car. I could have easily eliminated it but considering that there are almost always cars parked in front, I figured it was fitting to leave it in.

This Saturday, I'll be participating in the Strawberry n' Arts Festival on the Westford common as the Art on Main gallery is having a booth. If you live in the Westford area, be sure to stop by the festival. It is a great event with live music, many artisans, food vendors and, of course, Strawberry shortcake.

This painting is available for $150. You can purchase it through Art on Main or by contacting me directly at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com.

"Long Sought for Pond" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-06-12T10:26:00.007-04:00

This is a painting of "Long Sought for Pond", a really dopey name if you ask me. I guess someone was looking for it for a very long time and finally found it. It is actually more of a lake than a pond (does anyone know the difference?) and is popular spot for swimming, fishing and boating. I stood on the banks and painted for a couple of delightful hours.

"Blueberry Blues" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-06-02T09:17:00.007-04:00

Just before heading to Art on Main for my weekly shift at the gallery, I rummaged through my refrigerator for something to paint. The cupboard was pretty bare but I managed to find these blueberries. I set them up on a small white plate next to the window. Two of the blueberries still have a small stem so I flipped them over, stem-side up, to add a bit of interest. I guess it isn't quite blueberry season yet as these little guys didn't taste like much of anything.

"Bug II" - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas

2010-05-27T22:45:00.003-04:00

I enjoyed painting “Bug” so much that I decided to paint a 2nd version from a different angle. The composition on this one was tough. If I had included the entire car, there would have been a significant amount of “negative” space on the canvas – the space above and below the car. I played with different configurations and decided this was my favorite option - simply cut off the back end.

This painting is available for $50 at Art on Main or by contacting me directly at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com.

"Bug" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-05-19T14:09:00.006-04:00

Vintage VW bugs make me smile every time I see them. Growing up, my Aunt Rachel had a black VW bug. When I was about 7 or 8, my cousin Debbie drove me, my sisters and my cousin Shelley to an ice cream parlor in Manchester, CT that was famous for making huge ice cream sundaes with 10 or 12 scoops of ice cream. We sat around a small marble table with long spoons in hand and ate until we could eat no more. It was a long drive home for cousin Shelley who hung her head out the window to keep the car interior clean.

"Berry Bright" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-05-14T12:42:00.008-04:00

I set up my easel and started this painting at "Wine and Nibbles" - the monthly open house at Art on Main. My canvas was originally covered in a a wash of Cadmium Red which I allowed to peek through. Strawberries are a lot harder to paint that you'd think. At one point, Marie, the shop owner from next door, took a look at my canvas and said, "It looks like a shoe... you need to fix that." Damn that Marie. but she was right. I had painted a big red shoe. When the painting was finally finished, Marie gave her coveted "seal of approval."

"Spring Creek" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-05-11T14:06:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday was a near perfect day for plein air painting. I set up my easel near the Courier Corporation in Westford where a creek runs along the entrance. The trees are budding and don't yet have strong color. I just enjoyed playing with the colors and interpreting the scene in front of me without getting too hung up on details.

"Morning Light - First Parish" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-05-05T14:22:00.007-04:00

When dropping some books off at the library, I noticed the morning light shining on the First Parish Church and snapped a couple photos. As usual, I printed two copies of my reference photos: one in color and one in black & white. In the color photo, the shadow side of the building appeared to be almost exactly the same value as the sky. However, in my black & white photo, the building was actually a few shades darker. Having that black & white reference is very helpful as it is often difficult to determine the subtle value changes in a color reference.

For those who live in the Westford area, drop by Art on Main on Thursday, May 6 from 5 - 8 p.m. for our monthly "Wine and Nibbles". This month, in honor of spring, the theme is "blooms". It's a fun party with food, wine, and new art to check out. Marie's shop, Le Gourmet Jardin, will also be open.

Hello Kitty - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

2010-04-28T21:54:00.004-04:00

This kitty, whose name is “Moo”, used to hide in my garden under the daylilies and hostas. He really has the most amazing green eyes. The painting is available for $150 … contact me if you’re interested … LaurieGMiller@gmail.com

The painting is actually for the next “Wine and Nibbles” at Art on Main on Thursday, May 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. The theme is “Blooms”…stop by and join the party.

One other item of note: My buddy, Sue Haley, is having a solo show at the Parish Center for the Arts called "France — A journey of the heart, soul and spirit". The opening reception is Friday, April 30 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. and the show runs through the month of May...don't miss it!

Carlisle Cows - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-04-15T17:17:00.007-04:00

I painted this scene in Carlisle, MA, the next town over from where I live. About half way through my painting session, I heard a distant drum beat…a slow, repetition of boom…boom…boom. Suddenly, the cows looked up, turned, and started trotting towards the barn. Apparently, that drum beat is the signal for the cows to come home. The whole experience made me smile :)

Citgo - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-04-08T10:31:00.004-04:00

Whenever I'm in Boston, I always look for the Citgo sign which is located in the Back Bay area and overlooks Fenway Park. Some years back, Citgo was going to tear down their weather-beaten sign. However, they were met with tremendous resistance from Bostonians who have great affection for this landmark.

This painting is based on a photo that I snapped while caught in traffic on Storrow Drive. The red tail lights create a line that moves your eye into the lower right corner of the canvas. This balances nicely with the red Citgo sign in the upper left. To get the composition that I wanted, I used Photoshop to modify my reference photo and moved the sign (along with some buildings) further to the right.

Plum Island Dreams - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-04-01T09:02:00.002-04:00

I dream about days like this where the beach is warm and inviting, the sky is a clear, deep blue filled with puffy clouds that morph into interesting shapes as they float by.

Slices of Light - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-03-25T08:12:00.004-04:00

When looking for stuff to paint, I prefer to use natural light from a window instead of setting up a still life illuminated by a lamp. However, natural light changes quickly so you have very limited time to capture highlights and shadows before they change. As a result, I usually photograph my subject right away. I painted this during my gallery sitting time at Art on Main, so, before going to the gallery, I set up this arrangement at home, took a photograph, and then brought everything with me. Having the actual Clementine sections with me was extremely helpful in trying to capture the original feeling of the set up. They also became my snack at the end of the day :)

Opportunity Knocks - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas

2010-03-17T18:02:00.006-04:00

This painting is dedicated to my Dad, Kenneth L. Miller, who passed away on February 17, 2010. He loved spaghetti :)

Ruby Red II - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-02-08T11:27:00.005-05:00

I enjoyed the previous grapefruit painting so much that I decided to tackle the same subject from a slightly different angle. This time, instead of blue, I toned my canvas with a wash of red. The end result is quite different with a much softer and “warmer” glow. The spoon was a challenge from that angle and I’m pretty pleased with the end result.

Ruby Red I - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-02-06T12:30:00.008-05:00

This is actually my 2nd attempt painting this set up. In my first try, I made the spoon too small. When I stood back, it seemed funky and out of proportion. That was actually a good reminder to periodically step back when I’m painting. It is amazing how I can be merrily painting along and things seem to be going well. Then , I'll cross the room to look from a distance and something will immediately jump out at me that is definitely out of kilter!

Cupcake on Stripes - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-02-03T14:16:00.004-05:00

I’ve painted cupcakes before and will probably paint them again. They are very cute and lovable (and usually taste damn good too!). In honor of Valentine’s Day, I picked a pink frosted beauty with red and white sprinkles. I wanted this painting to be fun, funky and festive so I used bright colors and just let the paints fly.
This painting is available for $50 and will hang at Art on Main. It can also be purchased directly by contacting me. 6.25% sales tax applies to MA residents. Shipping is $8.

The Perfect Pair - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-01-29T16:36:00.006-05:00

I have Marie to thank for the title of this one. Marie's shop, Le Gourmet Jardin, is connected to Art on Main. I always bring my paints and use my gallery sitting time to work on a painting. Marie wandered down the hall and asked if I had already thought of a title. When I said no, she told me she had the perfect title and I agree!

Waiting for Spring - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-01-26T21:52:00.009-05:00

Saturday was a gorgeous, sunny, winter day. I gathered up my painting stuff and headed out to find an interesting spot. I decided to head to Forge Pond and spotted this stream which leads down to the beach. I was very happy to sit in my car and paint although it was a little cramped having my canvas up against the steering wheel. I probably should have moved to the passenger seat but I was too lazy to move and just wanted to get the paints flowing. It felt really good to be painting "en plein air" once again.

The Chaperone - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

2010-01-22T07:55:00.005-05:00

This painting is unusual in that I actually thought of the title before I started painting. I lined up these cherries on the windowsill. I put the two smaller ones touching with their stems crossed and the larger one “looking” over them. The title just seems like a natural fit! I tried to keep this painting very loose and expressive and not get bogged down with too many details.