What I'm working on

It feels great to be back in my studio today!  Everything feels better when I am painting.  I enjoyed spending time with my son Sam, who will be turning 24 next Saturday.  I can't believe it.  

I am working in oils on this new piece, I like to change it up as you know!  

Hope anyone who reads this had a peaceful and joyfilled break.  

Harmony In Red - New work

Completed on 12-13-2017.  I'm so excited to share this new piece.  It's  18x24  on a gallery wrapped stretched canvas with painted sides.  This is my fantasy house complete with an artist's studio.  I just love the reds with gold and the eclectic objects. The kitty always takes the best seat in the house.  

Thanks for looking .  To view on my webiste please click the link. http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4323768-Harmony-In-Red.html

Happy Holidays! 

What I'm working on

I've been working on a new painting this week.  I just can't bring myself to go shopping yet.  I guess I like the pressure.  I've been enjoying  my process on canvas for a change.  I am also working with new paints that are pretty amazing and  with new special  brushes from my son Max   This piece is starting to take shape.  Stay tuned.

I love my job.  

Who Do You Think You Are? New work

Greetings Art Collectors and Friends

Here is my newest painting that I am quite thrilled to be unveiling today.  It is 24x36 which is much larger than I usually work in.  Certainly a statement piece of sorts.  I have always loved Picasso and Matisse and use them as my inspiration.  Here I feel that I've created the best of both worlds.  The brush strokes, shading and vibrance of color are not quite  captured in a photo. 

Thanks for looking and enjoy the Holiday season !  

Click the link to view on my website.  http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4316842-Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are.html

What I'm working on

Going big!  This is a 24x36 canvas I started working on.  I have had this large canvas (not wood)  taking up space in my studio since the summer.  The timing just wasn't right until now.  This is an expressive more abstract piece that I cannot wait to work on each day!  

A Holiday Promotion

 I'm having my annual holiday promotion starting today.  Select Original paintings are now on sale. Holiday Promotion through 11-26-2017 on selected original paintings
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineNolinArt…

great opportunity to own an original piece of art .  Paintings are an amazing gift with lasting joy. 

Happy Thanksgiving!  Catherine

Required Reading ~New Work

Hello Collectors and Friends,

This is my newest painting called"Required Reading,"  It's 12x16 on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  I have a niece who looks so much like this young woman, who is off to college in Maine .  I imagine her on her winter break doing some required reading! 

If you click on the link it will take you to my website . 

 http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4311544-Required-Reading.html

What I'm working on

Please excuse my messy studio.  It's actually quite embarrassing but I'm about the work not the space. This is piece is coming along nicely.  12x16 .   .  

Conversation With A Fox~ New work

Completed on 11-9- 2017  Conversation With A Fox is my latest painting.  It's 12x16 painted on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  Don't ask me the meaning just having some fun with objects and animals ~ a few of my favorite things.  Thanks for looking and you can check out a few other originals I still have in my shop at 

www.catherinenolin.org  Thanks for looking !  

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

I'll be wrapping up a fun smaller piece tomorrow.  I've been gearing up for the holiday season  and finalizing some licensing images which will hopefully be in stores after the first of the year if not sooner! I guess the cold weather is here now.  I remember complaining about the heat and humidity and now I'm too cold in my studio 100 year old house is mighty drafty these days.  

Part Of The Arrangment II~ New painting .

Completed on November 2, 2017 .  My son Max, who is an amazing portrait painter, gave me some new botanical brushes for my birthday from England that are pretty incredible to use. The application process was wonderful and made a huge difference for me.  This painting is 16x20 I also tried out some new slow drying acrylics that were incredible to work with.  Quality is so rich and colors quite vibrant I am happy to have stumbled upon them.  

Our power was off for almost three days earlier in the week!  I am so grateful to be back to work in my studio and have some light and heat!  

Thanks for looking.  

www.catherinenolin.org 

What The Water Carries- New 18x24 Painting

Completed on Oct. 25, 2017.  This is an epic and heartfelt piece for me.  I wanted to dig deep into some of my thoughts and struggles but at the same time show beauty and hopefulness.  Another self portrait if you will.

18x24 on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.

CLICK the link   http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4297048-What-The-Water-Carries.html

What I've Been up to.

I'm working on a 18x24 piece and wanted to do something a bit different.   I love surrealism as well as the old masters.    

Francis _ New Work

 Meet Francis.  My newest painting.  She was  created on a 14x18  cradled wood panel with painted sides.  I wanted to convey some peace, gentleness, and  humility. I've always loved St. Francis and his story.  Enjoy the weekend and thanks for looking!  
www.catherinenolin.org 

What I'm working on

I'm working on another 14x18 portrait style painting with an old world flare.  Looking forward to adding the flowers on the ground.  I guess I am trying to convey peace and kindness.  We could all use a little today.  

What I'm working on

I've been working on this "Sleep  Study "  painting which I am pretty excited about.  The photo is taken at an angle honestly because  I am too embarrassed to show my extremely messy studio backdrop! I work in  very chaotic conditions which Scott reminds me of every time he walks in!  .  I do clean my studio after every painting though.(:  It's part of my process.   

 The weather has really changed from 90 degrees Monday to 50 today! It's been a crazy week.  My son Sam had an overnight sleep study in Boston which unfortunately ended abruptly and required driving him home at midnight.  Very stressful and disappointing since Sam sleeps an average of 3 to 4 hours a night and have been looking for answers for years.  We will soldier on because that's what we have to do.  I will never give up hope and having the most amazing family behind me makes it possible. 
I am going to work on both a portrait style piece and a still life next.  I have a few canvases going at once today! I am still contemplating a few gallery offers as opposed to selling directly online.  I don't feel I can do both realistically.  I do enjoy the one to one with my clients however I want to work much larger which requires a presentation that only a gallery can provide.  Beauty is in the details and photo's don't always tell the whole story.  A lot to think about but for now I will just paint.  Original paintings have actually become a wonderful special occasion gift to give for a life time.  Art is right up there with fine china, crystal  and it appreciates in value.   Thanks for stopping by and I should be posting some progress soon! 

The Paris Apartment- New painting

Completed on 9-26-2017.  The Paris Apartment is 16x20 painted on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.   I've never been to Paris but I've been asked to exhibit in a gallery there in 2018.  Pretty exciting but a lot to consider.  It would mean creating a body of work and not selling directly to my clients which I love doing.  I have time to think about it but for now I am happy to share this newest piece with you all. I am loving these colors! 

For sale on my website

click the link.   

http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4282328-The-Paris-Apartment.html

What I'm working on

Started working on a 16x20 piece.  Starting to take shape today but many more details to follow.

Far Away Eyes - new work

Completed on 9-14-2017   12x16 on a cradled wood panel with painted sides. My son Sam has "far way eyes. "  Although I am not ready to attempt his portrait I think I captured his eyes here.   I decided to paint a chipmunk after reviewing many of the old masters.  I love the idea of combining nature and beautiful object.  For sale on my website and etsy shop.

click the link   to view on my site 

http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4275574-Far-Away-Eyes.html

On my easel

Working on a 12x16 portrait piece.  Hopefully posting tomorrow.

Before You Were Born. New work

I have read that every painting is really a self portrait.  I always incorporate fragments of my life and mind so, I can see that to be true.    This painting required extra time and a long weekend getting in the way.    It's 18x24 painted on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  I had so many titles in mind as I was working on it but this one seemed just right.

Available on my website.  Happy September.  

www.catherinenolin.org 

What i'm working on

I've started working on a 18x24 interior scene.  Posting more progress tomorrow.

Be Still Life II~ New work SOLD

Completed on 8-23-2017 My new piece is 12x16 created on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  Flowers and birds a few of my favorite things! It's been a while since I've done a still life.  Even though it is super hot and humid I can feel fall in the air this week.  Hope it's been a good summer for you .  

Catherine 

http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4265410-BE-Still-Life-II.html

www.catherinenolin.org 

What I'm working on

As hot and muggy as it is this week so far, I can still feel fall in the air.  Maybe if I paint flowers summer wont leave! I do love the fall but not looking forward to New England winters.  This piece I'm working on is 12x16  on a cradled wood panel with painted sides. 

La Casa de gli Soprano~ The Soprano's Home

SOLD   My latest painting is 16x20 completed on August 18, 2017  .  I've been listening to some beautiful opera these days.  I never appreciated it until a few years ago. I like to imagine this classical interior somewhere in  Rome perhaps. Thanks for looking.   ( There is a little reflection from taking the photo outside today.)  

www.catherinenolin.org    

 "Beyond the edge of the world there’s a space where emptiness and substance neatly overlap, where past and future form a continuous, endless loop. And, hovering about, there are signs no one has ever read, chords no one has ever heard."

Haruki Murakami, 

I'll never give up wanting to hear my son's voice.  I think about that all the time.  

I've begun a new piece that is really starting to come together.  I've relaxed my style a bit .  I am less concerned about straight lines and angles and more about color and composition.  It's very exciting .  I suppose I have come full circle with my process.  I am searching for color and pattern, objects and places.    

The Lightness Of Being- New Work

SOLD    Completed on 8-4-2017.  This new  piece consists of  the contents inside my head.  Ideas just kept popping into my mind all week as I worked.  I heard that title somewhere a few weeks ago and I thought it would make a great title for my painting.  I used a more painterly approach and with a lot of heart and soul.  My son Max ,who is also a painter,  said to me the other day that when you are excited about what you are painting it shows.  Thanks for looking.  It's 18x24 on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  No Frame is needed. 

http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4255057-The-Lightness-Of-Being.htmlhttp://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4255057-The-Lightness-Of-Being.html

The Lightness Of Being

This is the name I have chosen for this next piece.  I feel in a way I have come full circle in my approach and process.  Looking forward to posting the finished art.

The Decorator's Pets- new original painting

Completed on 7-22-2017.  This is what I imagine an interior designers house would look like.  This piece is 16x20 created on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  

Thanks for looking.  Catherine 

Table Top Cat- New painting

Completed 7-15.  Table Top Cat is 12x16 painted on a wood panel with painted sides. I am on a roll these days.  I painted this piece just because, why you know why by now. (: 

for sale on my blog and etsy shop.  Thanks for looking! 

The QUeen Of EVerything

Her majesty The queen .  I have really found my niche in regards to portrait paintings.  I enjoy creating these fictional Renaissance  women so much!  I am especially pleased with her!  She is 12x16 painted on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.  The photo does not do her beauty justice!

For sale on my website at   www.catherinenolin.org   

 Took a mini vacation- tried to relax at home,( hard to do when you work at home!) Spent a couple of days in  Cape Elizabeth Maine to see family, which definitely inspired me.  I am so ready to go back to work but one last day today I am spending with Sam, my youngest son.
First on my agenda, is spending some time organizing for my licensing deal but I so much would rather be painting.

Edward Hopper's 2 Lights painting then and now.  My sister lives on this street.

I plan on a couple of pieces and I am not sure which order but I am feeling another "Queen Of Everything" painting.  I like to think I coined that phrase five years ago but I've heard it in songs so who knows!  I also want to do a  "Farm To Table" piece but not what you think! I've had that idea since my son and his partner started their organic farm a few years back.  I need to create another  "The Art Collector"  as well.  A much more updated version.  All these ideas should keep me going for a while.
I am enjoying  the sweetest bunch of bunnies living under the thistle in our yard right now. (Our yard is mostly weeds and clover) I had eye contact with a gorgeous red fox at dusk the other night. Thankfully not near my yard of bunnies!  This is a magical time of year.

Four Cats And A Lady - New work

Completed on 6-30-2017.  16x20 on a cradled wood panel.  I know there has been talk about doing more dog paintings but I 've had  the idea for this piece for a while.  Loving all the sea breezy colors. 

Cats are so mysterious and I have two! 

Thanks for looking.  Happy Fourth of July ! 

Catherine 

What I'm working on.....

My new project is really taking shape today.  Cats are always a favorite subject.  I am so amused by their behavior.  Dimensions of the painting are 16x20.  More guest appearances in this piece  to follow..... 

The Bird Watcher New painting

Completed on 6-16-2017  I love watching the many birds that stop by my yard.  I love to hear their songs.  Such sweet gentle creatures going about the business of the day while I paint. I was totally inspired by the Botticelli exhibit at the MFA lat weekend.  This painting is 12x16 on a cradled wood panel with painted sides.

Thanks for looking!  Click the link to view on my website. http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4230340-The-Bird-Watcher.html

What I'm working on.....

I've started working on an 12x16 classic portrait.  She will be the "Bird Watcher"  

The Manhattan Pianist

Completed on June 8, 2017.  18x24 on a cradled wood panel.  Thanks for looking !

www.catherinenolin.org  

I decided to have a little fun with this piece and tell a story.  

Meet Valerie Puglisi     She's an Italian American concert pianist who came to love and live in Manhattan 1994.  She comes from a long list of family  musicians.   Her Uncle Salvatore is the much beloved Italian Maestro in Venice who inspired her love of music as a child.   Her parents were avid art collectors and she grew up playing beneath large gold framed  carved Matisse and Picasso paintings.  Although she has yet to marry, the prospects haven't been good in the big apple.  The demanding hours of her career make it next to impossible to   have a social life anyway.  Her trusted companion and music critic, Francis is always there.   You can find her any evening studying her compositions before a performance.  

The End  

Tomorrow! Music, Interiors

Tomorrow I will be posting this painting for sale.  I am pretty excited.  I've spent long hours on it but it's all been a complete joy.  I am so pleased with how it came together and love working in this larger size (18x24)  I have a few more changes to make in the morning. I have put my heart and soul into this painting. My kids always tell me I say that about every painting I do!   Regardless God willing see you tomorrow! 

Today's Progress

Today I worked the distant room.  I decided to go with a NYC skyline which I haven't done in a long time.  Stay tuned! 

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

Started a new piece yesterday.  It's 18x24.   I like working with the panel horizontal for a change. It's really starting to take shape today.   Lots of plans for things in this painting!  Can't wait for tomorrow!  Stay tuned.

What's Going on these days.- Sale?

 This has got to be my favorite time of year.  Life is just easier when it's still light out at 7:30, our grass actually looks in step with our neighbors lawns.  I can smell the lilies of the valley fragrance in the air on my walk, bunnies running all over my back yard!  Since I sit a lot when I work I am forcing myself to try and walk every day now.  It's easy for the time being  but when  winter is back I know I will struggle again but there is nothing bad about exercising- I keep telling myself!
I am in a really good place inspiration ally right now as well.   I see possible paintings everywhere I go, from grocery store to visiting my 89 year old mother I have plenty of material! I have made some price adjustments to a few of my original paintings still in my shop.  I don't like to call it a "sale" but worth checking out. at  www.catherinenolin.org   I will be working on some more slightly abstract- surreal pieces as well as some musical themed paintings.  I recently did an interview with a pretty hip blog which should be coming out in June and I have signed a contract with a licensing company which will be an exciting venture for me- wrapping paper, towels, home furnishing etc in the works.  I'll keep you posted.
Thank you for all your comments, support and interest.  Have a great long weekend- Catherine.

On my easel

Sorry for the  blurry photo ~feeling a bit lazy today.   Sometimes I'm so tired of technology!  Anyway,   I'm working on a 16x20  panel my  "LA Woman. " Under painting underway.  

Open To Interpretation- New painting

Completed on 5-18-2017  "Open To Interpretation "  is 16x20 created on a wood panel with painted side.  This piece took me on a long journey.  During the process,  I went to such an inspiring opening in New York City. The work of Linden Frederick's.   The exhibit was paired with short stories penned by some of the most celebrated American authors.  We met several of them and were quite star struck to say the least!  Richard Russo, Lois Lowry, Luanne Rice, and Lawrence Kasdan to name a few.  My son Max is being mentored by Linden so it was especially exciting for us all. 

Thanks for looking!  http://catherinenolin.org/artwork/4214484-Open-To-Interpretation.html

What's going on....

 Hello Friends and Collectors
This week my husband and I along with our son Maxwell are going to Linden Frederick's opening in NYC.  I am so excited to see his work especially since Linden started mentoring Max last fall.  For those of you unfamiliar with Linden. -

Linden Frederick grew up in Upstate New York and studied art at Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto and the Academia de Belle Arte, Florence, Italy.  His sensitive, nearly narrative landscape and scene paintings were first exhibited in New England in 1985. 

Since moving to Belfast, Maine in 1989, Linden Frederick has been included in exhibitions at the Farnsworth, Ogunquit and Portland museums of art in Maine and in gallery exhibitions in Maine, New York, Texas, New Mexico, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. 

His NYC exhibit  which will feature 15 of his paintings will be accompanied by 15 essays penned by today's most celebrated writers and directors.   Click the link below to see his work and the writers involved. 

http://forumgallery.com/exhibition/linden-frederick-night-stories-fifteen-paintings-and-the-stories-they-inspired/

I can't wait to go!  The influence Linden has had on Maxwell's work is amazing and it's only the beginning!
As for me,  I am getting involved licensing my work.  I've just begun the process and it's uncharted terrority for me.  I continue to work with the California based needlepoint company and have just submitted many new images for design.   I will also be the artist spotlighted this summer on People's Pixels.  I'm working on a few pieces at once these days.  Sneak peaks coming!
My lilacs in the pretty light