Love the journey not the destination.........

This is an original painting done on 18x20 stretched cotton and linen with acrylics. The light house in the background is in Montauk, Long Island. Go to www.catherinenolin.org for more details.

Think About the things................

" Think About the things that bring you joy, then make a point of connecting with as many of them as possible, as often as possible." I need to do this a lot more.

2010

Happy New Year to all my customers and friends. I can't wait to get back to the studio next week. I am beginning a series of theme paintings which I am very excited about. Going back to working in 11x14 and 16x20. I am bursting with inspiration and ideas so check back soon. Catherine

This is a collage my son Zachary made me for Christmas . I love it!

Winner of my fine art giveaway

Teresa Stover is the winner of my Fine Art Giveaway! Congratulations Teresa. You may pick any image in my Etsy shop which will be reproduced into a 11x14 reproduction. Please don't forget to email me your address for shipping. Happy Holidays from Catherine Nolin!

I will be having another Fine art giveaway each month. Please check back soon!

Sonata

This painting measures only 5x7 on stretched gallery wrapped canvas and needs no framing. The piano is my favorite instrument maybe because one of my older sisters was quite a pianist. I grew up listening to her practice for years. No matter what I was doing homework, talking on the phone you could hear the classical notes start and stop in the background. I often include pianos in my paintings. I love the lines of a baby grand.

11x14 Fine Art Print GIVEAWAY!!!

I am having another GIVEAWAY. Simply join my blog, become a follower, no purchase necessary. I will pick a winner Christmas EVE. Thursday 10 am. A beautiful fine art print of your choice! You choose from my ESTY shop.

11x14 This is a nice size print. Thanks For Following!

One Less Bell To Answer

This new painting is 11x14 done with acrylic paints on stretched linen and cotton. I just finished this about 10 minutes ago and photographed it with out natural light in my studio. I plan on taking another better photo in the morning. I am very happy and excited about this painting.

Staying In Tonight

Congratulations to Janice . She has won my painting giveaway.

11x14 Abstract Interior

I've been feeling a little stressed with the holiday's coming and with that my painting always seems to go in a more abstract direction. I find it very relaxing and calming to paint with out restrictions or boundaries. The work becomes more about surface texture and color mixing.
This piece is done on stretched canvas that has been gallery wrapped , sides painted so no frame is needed.
It's available for sale in my Etsy shop.

Deep In Thought

"Deep In Thought," is 8x10 done on stretched cotton and linen. Yes, those are rosary beads. Available for purchase in my Etsy shop. Thank you Henri.

Window Shopping

This is my latest painting. Another smaller piece 8x10 on stretched linen and cotton done with acrylics. I included a lot of detail and color here. This painting is being featured in the Art section today on etsy.

SOLD

Urn with abstract flowers

Here is a tiny piece, 6x6x1.5. Painted on stretched canvas with painted side so no framing needed. I have signed and dated it on the side also. I like being able to offer a variety of sizes and price ranges. Please go to my etsy shop for more details on this piece and many others.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PAINTING. SEE PREVIOUS POST.

First Holiday Painting Giveaway.

I am pleased to announce my first ORIGINAL Painting Giveaway on this blog. This is a chance to win my original painting , "The Holiday."8x10 painted with acrylics on stretched linen and cotton beautifully framed in a baroque style wooden frame.

Simply, go to my Etsy shop :http://www.etsy.com/shop/catherine47

Then come back here to my blog and post a comment about an item you especially liked. That will be considered your entry. You can double your chances by posting this giveaway on your blog and triple your chances by actually purchasing something in my shop! That's it.

I will randomly select a winner on Saturday December 12Th at 10 am. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you should win. You will receive your framed original painting ready to hang or give as a very special gift by Dec. 16Th. Good Luck!

Not so Empty Nest/Refrigerator Art

Today all the boys come home. Actually when I woke up this morning, I found one, Max on the couch, TV on, snacks all over the coffee table. I think he even left the fridge open slightly. I will be picking Sam up at noon. Zach should be coming in about the same time. What does this have to do with art? More than I will ever realize but I will be taking an unwanted break from my work. It always happens this was. I become totally inspired full of ideas right before a holiday. This is our refrigerator. It use to feature the greatest art from Zach and Max growing up but now has evolved into a family inspiration place. I love checking out other people's fridges. I am sure mine will be left open a few more times over the next three days. I am just hoping they don't leave the freezer open. That's the worst! Happy Thanksgiving.

Villa Parmina

" Those Who Bring Sunshine To The Lives Of Others
Cannot Keep It From Themselves." JM b

I read that quote a few days ago and then decided to do a painting based on it. The photo isn't just right once again. I need to spend a little more time working out the problems I am having with my camera even though I don't feel like it. Villa Parmina in Sicily is also partly responsible for a lot of the colors and patterns in this piece. The view in my painting is similar to the one from the villa. I guess my trip is beginning to seep in to my painting........finally.

Do you remember The Art You Grew Up With?

I don't know about you but I have vivid memories of the art that adorned the walls of my house on Lincoln Circle. I suppose the art doesn't make an impression on every child but for me it did. I remember thinking about it being really beautiful . We had what I thought was a real oil painting over our fireplace (Baroque style ) an elegant man with a white wig playing chess. The colors were actually quite beautiful. The clothing was ornate with texture and patterns. That image really influenced me more than I realize. It was a room with a lot of detail. umm..... I think about my own sons growing up looking at my paintings and how that has influenced them. Maxwell is a student at the Museum School in Boston doing very well his first year. Zachary my oldest, although taking a different route, is creating amazing art along with music videos and commercials. I am very anxious to see what he will do next.

Think about the images you grew up with on the walls of your house that you looked at consciously or subconsciously every single day. . This is the actual painting. The artist is Francesco Beda(Italian) I remember the older I got the more I realized that it wasn't an original and was a very tacky version. But looking at it now I love it even more than when i was little.

Makes Me Wonder

I just read a great article on painters and what makes a great painting etc. The writer mentioned that an artist needs to ask why. Why do I paint this subject? Why do I paint this way?

My answer. I paint interiors, rooms full of still life objects in which I trying to create a narrative. I love to combine color, patterns and objects in a captivating and contemplative way.

remembering Sicily

Missing Sicily

Missing Sicily. I painted this piece about 6 months ago, before I knew I was going to Sicily with my mother and 5 sisters. Looking at it now, it could be from the beautiful Sicilian country side. Etna could be in the distance there on the right. I imagined how overwhelmed I would be going there and so inspired to paint. I even saw this exact bird through a small crack in a fence that led into a beautiful yard. (we were lost of course) The Italian country side- the ultimate visual feast for an artist. Right? I never once opened my sketch book! It was absolutely breathtaking and surreal and everything I imagined but for some reason -nothing, yet.........

Odessey NEW Original Painting by Catherine Nolin 8x10

I am leaving for Sicily in two days and yet I paint a  Greek themed piece.  I saw a photo with a greek style urn and that inspired me.   Anyway, Greece is very close to Sicily! 

Count Down to Sicily

I still can't believe I am going to Sicily with my FIVE sisters and 81 year old mother on Friday.  I am really not sure what to expect in terms  inspiration.  If feeling overwhelmed with inspriation after going to little ole  Cape Cod or Maine  is any indication then I may have a nervous breakdown in Sicily!  Of course I am bringing a good sketch pad and camera. 

Waiting On A Friend

I haven't been into my blog lately.  I guess with so much going on it wasn't my top priority.  Here is my latest painting.  8x10 on stretched linen and cotton. These photos don't do this piece justice.  It is really lovely.  I am tyring a more "painterly" approach these days. Less hard contour lines and using lighting a bit more.   

Autism Holiday Card Design

This is my holiday Autism card design for 2009.  I am donating all of the proceeds to my son's nonprofit school this year.    This card is available for $3.00 ea   on my Etsy site.  http://www.catherine47.etsy.com/

Stained Goblets

Something a little different for me but very fun.  Once again the photo does capture the essence of this painting either. It really is quite striking.   This original painting is 16x20 done on gallery wrapped stretched canvas. so no framing is required.  $85.00

Two new contemporary paintings

Some of my customers have requested that i do a large scale painting of  a rug design that I use often in my room portrait paintings.  Here is my first one.  The photo doesn't really capture the essence of this piece.  You really have to see it to  appreciate it fully.  It is rather large for me 22x28 on gallery wrapped stretched canvas.  I have painted the sides so framing isn't required.  no staples showing.  $149.00

Back Into The Studio

I have been hired to do a very special commission. I only have a couple of weeks so I will be in the studio and not posting as often. I've been gathering important information about my client's life and things most important to them to include in the painting.
Don't forget to comment on this blog to be included in the Note Card Giveaway!!

Giveaway!

I am starting a GIVEAWAY promotion. I guess I just can't paint all the time, I have to promote and market too. This is how it works.

Become a follower of this blog

Write a comment here under this post telling me why you would like these note cards, or something about my art, even a creative poem, and next Monday Sept 28Th I will pick a winner based on your great comment.

These note cards come in a set of 8 assorted. they feature my most popular paintings printed with archival inks and acid free velvety matte paper. They are beautiful and come in a logo gift bag. A great gift. It's nice to get a hand written note in the mail for a change! A $18.00 value Good Luck!

Every Child Is An Artist. The Problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. Picasso

I especially love it when children run into my booth at an art show full of sincere interests. Naturally, they always want to touch the paintings and have some of the best comments.

One very young boy, about 4 years old, was so tired and thirsty. It was pretty hot out on Long Island this past weekend. Anyway, he was dragging along behind his mother says, "Please don't like this art Mommy, I need a drink. Please stop looking at it."

Long Island Tea

18x24 on stretched linen and cotton. art work with in the painting inspired by henri matisse.

long Island

I am busy now getting ready for my first show on Long Island next weekend. The show is sponsored by Gallery North in Setauket NY. I pray the weather continues to be great. I will be posting one more new painting before I go. Stay tuned.

Ladders

This is my newest piece. 8x10 on stretched cotton/linen. I like having a surreal element with in my paintings. I am loving the color combos here. You will find this for sale on my Etsy site Just click on the box to the right!----------->

She's Come Undone

8x10

For sale on my Etsy site.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

This is my latest painting. I actually felt a bit sad today when I finally signed it. I enjoyed being totally lost in it for days. The inspiration for this piece came to me after watching The Great Gatsby a few weeks ago. It's certainly a beautiful-looking movie from the set to the clothing. I remember seeing it about 25 years ago and being totally taken by Robert Redford, the the back drop, the set , and the clothing never noticing much about the acting or how slow moving it was and the almost funny dramatic close ups that you never see in today's films.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is 16x20 on stretched cotton/linen.

Tell Me Who Admires and Loves you, And I will Tell You Who You are. Charles Augustin sainte Beuve

Well,
I have been trying to finish a new painting that I am extremely excited about. I think I must say that every time I finish one. That's probably a good thing. Between weddings, showers, family reunions, 4oth wedding anniversaries, 60th birthdays, 81st birthday. I have found it a difficult summer to keep painting. Hopefully by Wednesday I will be done with this new piece and display it here first. Cramming in a little vacation time, Scott and I spent two days in Harwichport at my sisters beautiful summer home. I always take away some inspiration. No one knows how to do hydrangea better than the Cape. All flowers for that matter. (and cute bunnies) No word yet on the status of my work being selected for the upcoming movie, "The Town" being shot here in Boston.

Drawing Dreams Foundation

I am honored to have been selected by this wonderful foundation called Drawing Dreams Foundation. It is a Berkeley, California-based non-profit organization that provides art supplies to children's hospitals, and other organizations where the need arises.
In appreciation of their support, donors to Drawing Dreams will receive note cards featuring art from their on-line galleries of artists from around the world: Children Helping Children, with art created by children, and Artists Helping Children, with art created by performing and visual artists,architects, athletes, photographers, scientists, and visionaries whose talents and achievements are inspirational to children and adults alike. http://www.drawingdreams.org/

Flood Gates

I am very excited about this new painting. I think I gave it a perfect title. It could be another self portrait also. The dimensions are 24x30 on stretched cotton/linen. I have always loved collages and vibrant colors. I'm in an orange faze. There's a lot to take in. As my husband says to me all the time, "breathe." Sometimes I forget.

Self Portrait

Tuscan Pears

This painting is 16x20. I have painted many pedestal bowls full of fruit especially pears. This piece would look great in a kitchen or dining room.