Happy 2013 from Catherine Nolin Art Studio

I am really looking forward to this new year.  I haven't picked up a paint brush in almost two weeks and I am so ready.  As always, this time away from my easel has been very good for me.  I have had many good days with Sam here.  I was able to figure some things out.  Having a child with autism continually puts things into perspective. Instead of the parent influencing and moulding the child~The child has  influenced and moulded me. 

I wish you all a year full of Love and Peace.  Catherine

Art and Quote of the day........

Lives in a dream
Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for?  Eleanor Rigby~ The Beatles

 

I thought I had lost this image forever.   Honestly,  I still don't know how something work on this computer.  I lose and find things on a regular basis. Sometimes I spend hours trying to find something and then my husband walks by and clicks on one thing and it's there!  I suppose  I could use a good computer course.   For now I'm happy to rediscover paintings I thought were lost forever!  I painted this piece in 2010.  The woman is very Picasso-like.  My favorite colors!

 

Art and Quote of the day....

“If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with.”
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

 

 

The paintings have been posting have all sold.  I will be back in my studio starting Jan 2nd and I cannot wait!  Catherine

Art and Quote of the day......

Our siblings push buttons that cast us in roles we felt sure we had let go of long ago - the baby, the peacekeeper, the caretaker, the avoider.... It doesn't seem to matter how much time has elapsed or how far we've traveled. ~Jane Mersky Leder

“Everything’s already been said, but since nobody was listening, we have to start again.” ~Andre Gide

Art and Quote of The day........

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's been an exciting year ~Thank you.  Catherine

Art and Quote of the day.........

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
Abraham Lincoln

Thank you for a wonderful year.  Happy Holidays.  Looking forward to 2013!  Catherine

 

Art and Quote of the day.............

“A man is not idle because he is absorbed in thought. There is visible labor and there is invisible labor.”
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Can't wait to see the movie! 

 

 

www.catherinenolin.org

Art and Quote of The Day......

“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.” ~Marc Chagall

 

Nature Network~Original Painting

“Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
                                        This painting has sold but I may have others available.
                                                                www.catherinenolin.org

Moonlight Sonata II~Completed Commissioned piece

I was asked to recreate this  piece I did a while back using different color combinations for a wonderful customer. She is a lover of the piano especially Beethoven . I think I like this color way even better!

Thanks for stopping by~Catherine

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ~Oscar Wilde

I painted this piece in the fall of 2010.  Sort of a Picasso/Van Gogh tribute.  I especially like the colors. It's available as a fine art print in my etsy shop.  As I have mentioned before, I will be posting new work after the first of the year.  Thanks for stopping by.  Catherine

www.catherine47.etsy.com

Crown and Anchor me. ~Original Painting

Sadness flies on the wings of the morning and out of the heart of darkness comes the light. ~Jean Giraudoux

This painting has sold.

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” ~Guillaume Apollinaire

For me, it's hard to remember this during the holiday season but I'm trying!

I've been working on some commissions but will be getting back to my regular work soon.  Many of you have requested some larger paintings which I will be focusing on.   It's funny because I seem to become so inspired every year at this time when there is no time!  My son Sam, who is now 18(yikes)  will be home for 7 days during the holiday week.  It's so hard to buy him presents but I realized that the week at home  is his present.  He has my undivided attention for all those days. I mean this literally. It's all about him and zeroing in on the few things I know he loves.  One on one attention, my cooking, his favorite music, driving around listening to Christmas music with the heated seat on (having a snack of course).  oh and visiting Grammy DeQuattro with a bag of french fries.  When he finishes the bag we leave.  Glad she lives down the street!  It's a lot of work and I am totally exhausted at the end of each day but I am really looking forward to it.  I may even get a few hugs here and there.  Somehow stepping back from my work for those 7 days fuels my inspiration . 

In Search Of Gaia

                                                                     SOLD

                       “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” ~Henri Matisse



The inspiration for this painting comes from various sources. One in particular would be my middle son Maxwell. He has had a great influence on Scott and myself over the past 6 months, as passionate young adults often do. In his search for what to do with his life, one thing has remained constant, his caring for the environment. After many discussions and soul searching he has decided to head out to Northern California to a remote farm and learn first hand how to live self sufficiently, treading very lightly on the earth. He hopes to take what he learns there and create his own homestead someday. We are really going to miss him.
This painting is 20x24 painted on a cradled birch wood panel. The sides are painted to match.
Thanks for looking. www.catherine47.etsy.com
www.catherinenolin.org

               “All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien




               

“Art attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self.” ~Jean-Luc Godard

Lover's Eye~New painting by Catherine Nolin

I continue to be drawn to a sort of Renaissance type style.  I suppose maybe because of the rich colors, the drama  and spirituality aspect.  In my painting the woman is holding a lover's eye locket.  They were popular fashion statements in the late 18th century.  This painting is 14x11 painted on a cradled birch wood panel.  The sides have been painted to match. This painting is available here

www.catherine47.etsy.com or www.catherinenolin.org

Thanks for looking

What's on my easel.

I have had so many requests on Etsy for more botanical paintings.  Here is one that I should be finished with tomorrow.  A variation on "Birds In Paradise"

Thanks for looking. 

www.catherinenolin.org

Eleanor's Paradise-New Painting

I am very excited that I've finished this painting before my Thanksgiving break. 

Since I love painting rooms and I love painting animals I decided to put them together in this large 18x24  piece.  I actually do have a niece named Eleanor and she does look quite a bit like the young woman on the couch but that was purely accidental or subconscious I should say.  Thanks for stopping and and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  www.catherinenolin.org

Art and Quote Of The Day

                                 
                     "It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”
                                                         -E.E. Cummings

Curious Manor -New Original painting by Catherine Nolin

Yesterday I completed this piece.  It was one of those paintings that just came together without having a main idea or theme.  Sometimes those are the best kind.  It's painted on a 16x20 cradled birch wood panel.  Thanks for looking.

What I'm working on.........

This is a small still life I am working on.  i did a similar one a few years back that's been a very  popular print in my Etsy shop www.catherine47.etsy.com  Tomorrow I should have it finished. 

Thanks for stopping by. 

 

Debra Plays The Piano-New Original Painting

Classical piano was the soundtrack of my childhood.  My sister’s and I  all took a turn with lesson but only one of my sisters really had the interest and gift. She practiced and played for years and years and went on to pursue music in college.  

I love to include pianos in my paintings. This piece is painted with acrylics on birch wood cradled panel. The sides are painted and it's wired and ready to hang. Thanks for looking. www.catherine47.etsy.com

 

Stories Told~New Original Painting

Although she felt some reservation, Julia finally decided to write her first truthful journal entry. Now she is free.......... This painting is 14x11 painted on birch wood cradled panel.  The sides are painted to match, wired and ready to hang.  Thanks for stopping by!

The Best Medicine.

I am still here! The fall is always such a busy time for me.  I need to work on my multitasking skills  I suppose.  Creatively, I am in such a good place at the moment.   I don't mean to sound cliche' but I realize more each day that panting is the best therapy/expression for me.  My son Sam, who I've mentioned before has some difficult medical issues as well as profound autism.  He cannot speak and has few signs to communicate his wants and needs.  He has days of not feeling well and it's so hard to know what is hurting therefore what to do to help.  For me, that's the hardest part.  There never is an easy answer. Other days he is happy and energetic.  It's such an emotional roller coaster for me and the rest of my family as well.  I thought it would be easier as he got older but it isn't. He's always on my mind and I am so afraid of the future.  But, when I step into my studio, when I am working on a painting all the stress and anxiety disappears at least for a while. It's the best medicine for my mind and body.   I am so grateful for that.  Have a great weekend.  Catherine 

Living In The Past~New original painting

"Living In The Past"  will be sold exclusively through TL Norris Gallery in South Carolina. This is a new gallery opening Oct. 19th with a unique concept.  I will be in the compnay of many wonderful gifted painters.

 I am also very excited about  having my work professionally photographed and reproduced for my Etsy shop

www.catherine47.etsy.com  starting this weekend.  (I think :)

My newest prints will now be available in 11x14 and 16x20's!  As requested.

This piece is 16x20 painted with acrylics on cradled birch wood panel.   Thanks for looking.

Catherine

 

The Queen is in her counting house.

Across the street from my house is a soccer field. There is a short woodsy path that leads to  the field.   That's where I take Abbey, our aging yellow lab every morning.   I love walking down the little path which opens to such a beautiful big sky.  It a daily reminder that there is something more to this life.

 This is one of the pieces I am   

  getting ready to ship off   to TLNorris gallery in Greenville, South Carolina. 

I am really excited about working with this new gallery.   https://www.facebook.com/pages/TL-Norris-Gallery/310853645679292#!/pages/TL-Norris-Gallery/310853645679292

Cabinet Of Curiosities ~New Original Painting~Catherine Nolin

Happy Thursday.  My new painting. Over the years I have really fallen in love with anything Chinoiserie.  

Chinoiserie, a French term, signifying "Chinese-esque", and pronounced [ʃinwazʁi]) refers to a recurring theme in European artistic styles since the seventeenth century, which reflect Chinese artistic influences.

 

The painting is 14x11 painted on a birch wood cradled panel.  The sides have been also painted to match so no frame is needed.  Thanks for stopping by.  For sale o my website

www.catherinenolin.org  or  www.catherine47.etsy.com

 

 

 

In The Studio..........

This is what I've been working on.  I hope to have it completed by tomorrow.  It's painted on a cradled birch wood panel.  I think I've mentioned this before but I love painting on this surface. 

What do you think?  What should I title this one? 

Outside Interests~New Original Painting

I love the colors of fall.  This is my newest painting.  I used a cradled birch wood panel which is now my favorite surface to paint on.  This piece is 11x14 for sale in my etsy shop and daily painters.  thanks for stopping by. 

I Love You~new original painting

I had the idea to create a small painting about "Love." I love themes if you haven't guessed.    Although this would have been a great painting for Valentine's Day, any day is a day for Love.  Leo, the Italian cat, (as we refer to him)  made an appearance.  This is a sweet little piece 8x10 surely to bring LOVE to anyone who........................  

 

What I'm working on in the studio............

This is a new piece I started rather late yesterday.  It's a small painting 8x10 but I am so looking forward to getting back to it however,  that might not be until Monday afternoon!  If I could, I would paint day and night but I do have  to consider my family and my house, which by Friday is pretty scary looking.(my family is also scary looking by Friday) 

 I have a neighbor who talks about going away to do her writing at various art colonies and how she gets  so much accomplished.  I would absolutely love to do that as well but not at this time in my life.  

Her mind is Tiffany twisted. - The Eagles, Hotel California

I couldn't resist pairing this painting with that quote from the Eagles.  I am back from vacation ready to tackle a few more commissions.  I am also creating a body of work that will be available exclusively through a new gallery in South Carolina due to open sometime in October.  I'll keep you posted about that when the time comes.  I love the fall.  Thank you for stopping by.  Catherine

This painting has sold.

Lady Elaine-Original Painting

I've been trying to clean up my computer which has multiple copies of paintings and prints, and lots of things that just slow it way down.  In the process,  I came across this painting from a few years back that I had forgotten about.  I named it after a woman I use to work with at least 20 years ago at an upscale clothing store.  She had a fantastic sense of style and a wonderful sense of humor. I couldn't wait to see what she was wearing each day.   She made a huge impression on me then.  I referred to her as  "Lady Elaine."

Critics Inside My Head~New Original painting

This is my newest painting.  I've had this idea for a while and finally had the chance to execute.  She's sort of a Snow White or a Rose Red maybe.  This painting is 14x11 painted on stretched canvas.  Thanks for looking. 

Seeking Susan

My mother, Susan,  is turning 84 this week.    This is a painting I did of her a while back.  Lately,  I have been watching her slow way down and it makes me sad. This is woman who raised six girls and one boy. Yesterday  I brought her to the RMV to renew her license, since she still insists on having a license and her car available, even though she cannot drive.  Waiting at the RMV with her I couldn't help  but think about a few years back when  we were in Sicily and how the elderly were revered there.  How nice that was to see.  In contrasted at the RMV, we had to stand for quite a while before someone offered up their seat to her. 

Every time I see an elderly person struggling  to get somewhere in the market or at the post office,   I imagine who they use to be.  I can understand some of their  bitterness.  My mother is very fortunate to have six daughters pretty much at her service.  Three  of us are local and the other four are not too far away. We are her assisted living I suppose.  We bring her meals, take her shopping, to dinner, and to Mass of course.  I am grateful for our numbers so that these tasks are not left on one sibling's shoulders.  I know there are many people, out there doing the same and a lot more for their aging parents.  This is a strange time of my  life.

~ Martha On The Vineyard~

 Lives in a dream

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for?
 

Just when the catipillar thought life was over it became a butterfly~proverb

My butterfly~ That proverb is sort of my mantra these days.  I have it posted on my refrigerator as a daily reminder to never lose hope for Sam and his future.   He has been through so much lately and yet  doing better than I ever expected.

I'm Still Here~

Between commissions, vacation time and minor illnesses I haven't been around much.  I am so anxious and excited about my new work and the direction I am heading in.  I also have some licensing options to consider as well.  For now I will leave you with my art and quote of the day.  I usually try to post one a day on my Facebook.  Thanks for stopping by.  Catherine

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” ~Guillaume
Apollinaire

“Who looks outside, dreams… who looks inside, awakes.” ~Carl Jung

This is one of my favorite pieces.  I named it "Summer Plans"  but I think this quote fits as well.  Leo seems to be sneezing a lot today. Although it's cute to hear a little kitty sneeze, I hope he isn't sick.  I recently bought a different cat food and perhaps it isn't agreeing with him.  Hope your summer is going well. I will be posting some new painting soon.  Thanks for looking.  Catherine  

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I read the news today oh, boy About a lucky man who made the grade. The Beatles

 

We have been so fortunate (so far) this summer with the weather. I know the gross/hair frizzy humidity is coming but can't really complain. My studio is very cool despite all the light. I've been wrapped up in a rather large commission these days and will be for some time now. As you know, I love pairing my art with inspirational quotes and from songs I love. Many of my paintings are actually inspired by these quotes. Most of these paintings have sold but are available as fine art prints. Thanks for looking! Catherine

Taking a Break ~Even from something you love to do!

Seems like time is speeding up these days.  Sam is back to school after a very pleasantly surprising week off.  I can still see his crooked smile when I close my eyes.  (Smiles don't come easy for Sam:)
I am back in my studio today.  As much as I missed my work these past 10 days,  I realize how important it is to step back and take a break. (Even from something you love!) I am recharged and so full of inspiration once again.  Right now I am working on a  commission piece that is coming along quite nicely.   I will not be posting any new work for a few weeks but I also have a lot exciting changes that will be happening to my etsy shop soon.  Thanks for stopping by.

Floral Blessing~new original painting

This is my latest painting.  I enjoy creating rather abstract botanicals every now and then.  I'm  definetly influneced by my two sons as well esepcially since one has moved home ( temporatily?)  and the other vists from Boston almost every weekend.  Since I've been going through a rather rough patch lately I decided to create some healing engery of my own.  This piece is 16x20 executed with acrylics on stretched canvas.  The sides have been painted so no frame is needed.  IT's wired and ready to hang.  Thanks for looking.

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Giveaway on Facebook

I've been feeling a little sorry for myself this week,  between a botched root canal and then twisting my knee getting up from a chair.  What the heck is happening to my body when a simple maneuver can result in such pain.  I must be turning 50 this year!

I am having a pretty nice Giveaway on Facebook.  If you haven't already liked my" Fan Page"
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/catherinenolinart   This is not my regular Facebook but my fan page.  I am trying to keep my Facebook page for more personal, family oriented news and my fan page strictly for promoting my art.  I am giving away an 8x10 matted and framed fine art print. Check it out when you have a chance. 
By the way, after next week, I wont be posting any new work for a bit. My son Sam will be home for his summer vacation and it's all hands on deck.  Catherine

Paris Apartment~New original Painting

I wasn't sure I was actually going to finish this piece today since I was stuck in traffic all morning and then came home and began cleaning my house instead of painting .  This is somethings that happens quite frequently although my house never looks clean or organized these days. 

This painting is 11x14 executed with acrylics on stretched canvas.  The sides are painted so no frame is needed and it's wired and ready to hang but I think this one needs a pretty frame!  Thanks for looking.

z

Cleaning Out the studio sale!

A few times each year I have a sale on some of my older paintings.  You can see them all posted on Etsy www.catherine47.etsy.com.  under the category SALE!  It's a great opportunity to purchase an original work of art!  Most of them are already beautifully framed too!

Restoration Gray-new original painting

Today as I sat at my easel finishing up this piece today,  I couldn't help but smile.  Yesterday I was at Mass General Hospital in Boston taking my son Sam for a rather uncomfortable G.I. procedure.  It was very chaotic and  stressful but very necessary.   Here I am today lost in color and the peaceful atmopshere of my studio,  listening to George Winston and Leo purring on top of a pile of old magazines.  I love my job! 

This is my newest painting.  It's 11x14 painted with acrylics on stretched canvas.  Thanks for looking.

z

In the studio ~ What I am working on..............

This is a painting I've been working on.  It's 11x14.  I should be posting the final results on Monday evening.  Thanks for looking.

The Look Of Love-new original painting

This is my latest painting.  It's 8x10 painted with acrylics on stretched canvas.  The sides have been painted to match and it's wired and ready to hang.  Thanks for taking a look. Catherine

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Here's hoping all the days ahead, won't be as bitter as the one's behind you. Be an optimist instead, and somehow happiness will find you. - The Kinks, Better Things

 My husband is always reminding me about the law of attraction.    Positive thoughts attracting good things and negative thoughts attracting negativity in your life.  I always feel irritated when he says that since it's usually at a point in which  I am way down that dark road and don't want to hear it!   However, I must admit he might be onto something!

Here's to hoping you have a positive day~oh wait no that's wrong...You are going to have a positive day.