New Year, New Beginnings.....Welcome 2024!

Big News: Gallery Number One has become ALL MINE! In December I learned that my gallery partner was moving on. It’s both exciting and intimidating! Peter has repaired the walls, painted them, cleaning up the lighting, and moved the glass shelves to open up more wall space. My concept for the gallery going forward to have it be a fine art environment. I let all but 4 consigners go. Retained the 3 top sellers who have the most high-quality product:three potters and a glass maker. The space looks clean, bright and uncluttered. I have every wall for myself.

Of course I now have the problem of gallery coverage. Working 7 days a week in summer is going to take the fun out of it for me. I will seek an artist to rent a wall and work 1 or 2 days a week. Stay tuned for that. And possibly hire a gallery-sitter as well.

I’ve had a very productive year in terms of volume. I finished 65 new paintings plus a whole bunch of commissioned work. Inventory will not be a problem.

So far the reaction to the “new” look has been very positive. Looking forward to a productive and busy year.

Spring 2023: Gallery Number One: The Dream Comes True!

In April 2022, Galley Number One opened at 1A Main Street in Rockport, just outside of Dock Square. It is co-owned by me and local printmaker Stephanie Mason. We have a fantastic location across the street from the Rockport Art Association, and surrounded by upscale shops and other galleries.

I have original paintings for sale, along with Giclee prints, greeting cards, mini-frame prints, and locally-themed Christmas cards for the Holidays.

My partner Stephanie, does fish and octopus rubbings, made from real fish. Many are enhanced with metallic paint. Her products include whimsical greeting and holiday cards; coasters, mugs, ornaments, and framed prints of all sizes.

Gallery Number One also features work on consignment by local Makers. Currently we have pottery, jewelry, hand-painted rocks and silk scarves; and hand-made glass tableware.

During the summer we are open 7 days a week. Winter hours are Saturday and Sunday only from noon to 4:00 pm. Shoulder seasons vary but always open weekends; daily hours 11:00-5:00 and later by chance. Or call or text for an appointment. Please note that metered parking is in effect April 15 through November 15th. It’s $1.00 per hour and the meters take credit cards. In season, there is parking at the Transfer Station on upper Main Street with a shuttle to town. Street parking is free Nov. 16th-April 14th.

October 2021: A Successful Fall Open Studio Tour

With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror for the most part, the Cape Ann Artisans Spring and Fall Tours both were very well attended this year. People were anxious to get out and partake in face-to-face shopping and local events. I know I was ready! 

For this tour I stocked up on giclee prints, notecards and my 2021 Christmas Cards. I did sell original work and took several commissions. I've experimented with smaller, square watercolors in plein air frames and sold two at the spring tour. 

During the summer I got a lot of photography done, both here on Cape Ann and in favorite vacation spots Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard and Newcastle NH. I look forward to producing a bunch of new watercolors over the fall and winter. I have two done from these photos already.

Three oil paintings started last winter should get finished this year. Oil is challenging to me and I'm working towards doing more of it. I still love the immediacy of watercolor the best. But I'm always trying to move forward, improving and perfecting my technique and style. 

Currently I have work in the "Salon of Solos' exhibit at the Rockport Art Association & Museum. I participated in a show at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center. Slowly getting back to showing work. 

Spring 2020: Working through Corona

It's March 27, 2020. Day 10 of Shelter at Home. The best thing about being an artist right now is that you ALWAYS have something to do! Prior to COVID 19, I was fortunate to spend the month of February on Marco Island, Florida. I took my paints and my watercolor block with me and produced five new paintings there. Working from photos, the subject matter is scenes from "home". I'm continuing to paint and work on pen and ink drawings during this pandemic quarantine. 

 The next scheduled gallery event for me is the Spring Cape Ann Artisans Studio Tour, which is scheduled for June 6 & 7. Hopefully this can go on as planned. Currently I have submitted three pieces to the Rockport Art Association & Museum for an on-line gallery. Exhibit schedules will likely be revised going in to spring for the other art associations and galleries. Stay tuned for that. 

Maritime Gloucester Show "Deck the Docks"

I am pleased to participate again this year in this art show at Maritime Gloucester on Harbor Loop. I have three paintings in the show: "Holy Mackerel", "Jolly Roger", and "America's Oldest Seaport". All are watercolors and all are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit Maritime Gloucester. 

Holy Mackerel

Jolly Roger

The opening reception is Wednesday night, Dec. 4th, from 6:00-9:00 pm. There will be a buffet of heavy appetizers and beverages. All the artists are local and all subject matter is related to maritime in some way. I got a little preview today and there are some really nice works! There will be prints as well as original work. 

Hope to see you there! 

"Gifts of Art" open for December on Bearskin Neck

Happy to announce that I am back in the old "Rock N Art" location at 12 Old Harbor Road on Bearskin Neck in Rockport. This time I have teamed up with fellow painter Audi Souza to pen a "pop-up" shop for the holiday season. We are open Thursday & Friday from 1-5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-5:00. 

This shop is not just a gallery-we wanted it to have a "museum shop" vibe of nicely done gifts and products created using our paintings and artwork. We have mugs, mouse pads, calendars, mini-frame prints, triple mat framed prints, small prints, magents, and hand-painted ornaments. Additionally I am offering both Rockport and Gloucester Christmas cards featuring watercolor Christmas scenes of each place. Available individually or in boxes of 10. 

Audi and I will be both be there most of the time, so stop by! Her work is very compatible with mine, featuring mostly landscapes in acrylic of Cape Ann. Audi lives in Gloucester and we know each other through years of participating in art shows and events on the island. 

Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour this Weekend!

I am pleased to be a part of this talented and diverse group of artists and artisans. June1 & 2 is our Spring Open Studio Tour! 15 studios will be open and free to the public. It's a great chance to have a scenic drive around Cape Ann and do a little off-the-beaten-path exploring, while meeting the artists and seeing their work. I am #6 on the tour, which is self-guided and includes both the towns of Gloucester and Rockport. Visit www.CapeAnnArtisans.com to download a map and read the artist's bio's. I am really looking forward to meeting the visitors and discussing my work. I have 40 framed paintings in the gallery; bin work of unframed originals at attractive prices; prints, mini-prints, notecards & more. Priced $5 and up! Credit cards accepted. See you there!

Coming up for Spring 2019

It's going to be a busy season this year! First event is the one-night Art Show at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester. It's Tuesday, April 30 from 5:30-8:30. If you haven't been to the Beauport you're in for a treat. This new, luxurious hotel has a comfortable, beachy vibe and gorgeous views of Gloucester Harbor. The outdoor deck is the best, bar none. It has cozy seating arrangement, fire pits, outdoor heaters, high tops, and more, all facing the ocean. Stay overnight and enjoy the rooftop pool! Or, just stop by for the art show and have a bite to eat in the awesome lounge with a blazing fireplace. 

The Cape Ann Artisans Tour will be the weekend of June 1 & 2. It's all day both days. Go to their website to get a map of the studios. I'm #6 out of 16. There's a great variety of talent and product and it's fun to see the studios and their locations on the island. 

I will be placing work at the Gallery on the Neck on Rocky Neck Ave. per usual.

The Rocky Neck Art Association is sponsoring an exhibit titled "Discover Rocky Neck" running May 9-June 16th at the Cultural Center on Rocky Neck. I will have a piece in that. 

New this year: I'll be selling prints and small pieces at Coast & Country, a cute upscale boutique on Bearskin Neck. Check it out when in Rockport. 

Other locations, more details to come: Bass Rocks Country Club (SeArts Art Loan Program); The North Shore Arts Association, The Rockport Art Association & Museum, The Gloucester House Gift Shop, and The Brass Monkey, Main St., Gloucester. 

Juried in to The Cape Ann Artisans, November 2018

I am thrilled to be a new member of the Cape Ann Artisans! This diverse group features artists and artisans from Gloucester and Rockport. Twice a year, spring and fall, they host an Open Studio tour that is very popular. A list of artisans and a map is published, and people do a self-guided tour. It's a great opportunity for artists to interact with the public, who get to see a working studio and chat with the artist about his or her work. Both events are all weekend, with the fall tour being 3 days. 

This event is ideal for me, now that I have my home studio up and running. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and joining this great network of working artists. 

Maritime Gloucester Show this weekend

Four of my watercolors have been selected for the First Annual Maritime Gloucester Show. They are: Red Rizla; Red, White & Blue; Gannet Gold; and The Annie B at Rest. Two of these boats, the Annie B and Gannet, are rowing gigs docked at Maritime Gloucester. 

The Opening Reception is Friday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 pm at Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop. The show continues Saturday 10-3. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Maritime Gloucester. 

My notecards will also be for sale, of these paintings and others. 

4 Paintings Selected for Maritime Gloucester Show

New this year! Maritime Gloucester is hosting a show this weekend. They have selected four paintings of mine: Red Rizla; Red, White and Blue; The Annie B at Rest; and Gannet Gold. The Annie B and Gannet are both rowing gigs that are kept at the Maritime Gloucester docks. I love painting the rowing gigs and have done several over the years in both watercolor and oil. My very first "boat with reflections" watercolor was of Gannet. This is now in a private collection. I will also have Gloucester-themed notecards of these paintings and others, for sale. The Opening Reception for artists and the public will be Friday Dec. 7 from 5-8 pm. The show continues Saturday 10-3.

Red Rizla

Red, White and Blue

The Annie B at Rest

Gannet Gold

Rock N Art Gallery Open Today, Black Friday!

I will be at my gallery on Bearskin Neck in Rockport today, Friday, Nov. 23,from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; and tomorrow, Saturday the 24th for Small Business Saturday. In addition to framed original art, I have framed and unframed giclee prints; greeting cards, Rockport calendars, and a bin of unframed original watercolors at discount prices. It's exciting to be open during the holiday season!

Rock N Art Open on Bearskin Neck through Christmas

Rock N Art is a gallery I have with my neighbor, Anthony Ciaramitaro, at 12 Old Harbor Road on Bearskin Neck. We opened it August 1, 2018. Anthony does very cool stone sculptures out of local beach stones. He got the shop and offered me space there if we split the expenses. It's been a great opportunity for us. 

Starting the day after Thanksgiving I plan to be at the shop for the many themed events Rockport has during the holidays. It will be mostly Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 but I will publish a schedule here soon. 

Rock N Art has a large inventory of original watercolor and oil paintings, plus giclee prints priced reasonably; notecards, calendars, mini-framed prints and triple-mat frames with prints. There is also a bin of unframed original work at great prices. 

Anthony's sculptures range from small pieces right up to larger pieces. They need to be seen! He is very talented with stone. Stop by and check it out! Text me first to be sure I'm there. 508-951-6441.

Juried in to Rockport!!! November 2018

I'm pleased to announce that I was juried in to the Rockport Art Association this week. They had 57 painters apply for membership and 6 got in. This was my second try. Last year after I didn't get in, I went to the jury critique, and their advice: be consistent with subject matter. Their exact words: if you do boats with reflections, then submit five pieces of boats with reflections. So I did. And got in. OK!!!

At any rate it's a huge honor to be admitted. They held a New Members Reception and it was very nicely done and well attended. People ask: what do you get once you're a member? First off you get to show your work at their various exhibits. RAAM is on Main Street in Rockport and they get a ton of foot traffic. I think I'll have a good chance of actually selling work there. It's also a prestigious organization. Anything that can help me get recognition is good.

Two of my paintings, "Gloucester Blue" and "Rusty Gold" will be in this exhibit through November 25th. The RAAM does close for the winter months. But I'm looking forward to being involved there next year. 

Gloucester Blue

Rusty Gold

Prints are Available of Any Piece You See Here!

Please email or call me for pricing. Any image seen on my site is available as a high-quality "giclee" print, done on watercolor paper in beautiful color, true to the original. This is an affordable way to own the image you love. Framing is available at a nominal cost. 

Rockport is now home!

In May 2018 we sold our home in Westborough and moved to Rockport. This fulfills a longtime goal of living and working in an artcentered community by the sea. We are thrilled to be here. The house we purchased at 4 Normanstone Drive has a gallery space on the first floor that is nearing completion. It's been freshly painted white; track lighting installed, and a wall-hanging system was added. The grand opening of this gallery is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th from 1:00-6:00. Invitations will be going out by mail and email, and will be posted on Facebook. 

Additionally, I have a gallery on Bearskin Neck in Rockport that is shared with my very talented neighbor, Anthony Ciaramitaro, who makes  local stone scupltures. It is located at 12 Old Harbor Road and is called "Rock N Art": He's the rock and I'm the art!! We have this space through the end of October and hopefully longer (through the end of the year). 

I still have gallery space at the Gallery on the Neck, on Rocky Neck Ave. in East Gloucester. This is located at The Accommodations on Rocky Neck, owned by Mona Faherty. It's a seasonal business but a nice location on Smith Cove in the heart of America's oldest working art colony. 

My work can also be found at The Brass Monkey on Main Street in Gloucester; and The Gloucester House Gift Shop on Rogers Street in Gloucester. 

Being on Cape Ann full-time is exciting and will hopefully allow me to do more painting and to truly become part of the art community here. 

December 2014 Update

This has been a game-changing year for me. In February, a long-held dream came true when we purchased a home in East Gloucester just a few minutes walk from Good Harbor Beach. Previously, we only had a boat in Gloucester from May to October. This opens the door to really becoming part of the community, and to having access to Cape Ann year-round. For the time being we are renting the house weekly during July and August to help pay for it throughout the year. During that time we stay on our boat like we always have. This is not an experience I was even remotely willing to give up. Living and sleeping right on the water is very enjoyable. So our new plan is working nicely. At the end of August when the last renter left, we moved back in and September was one of the nicest months ever.

The other significant change was that my husband was laid off from his job from May 1 through November 1. Not a hardship though it may seem that way. I viewed it as a ticket to being able to spend more time in Gloucester with only the constraints of my schedule, not his. The real estate market was quiet in the fall so we truly enjoyed the time and I was able to get a lot of both photography and artwork done. 

Sadly, my dear friend EJ did not open her gallery, The Khan Studio, this past summer. I still have my work in Mona Faherty's office at The Accommodations on Rocky Neck. I also have work at The Gloucester House Restaurant in the function dining room and in their gift shop in the parking lot. I show my work at the North Shore Arts Association and at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center from time to time. 

In spring of 2014 I was selected to participate in the SeARTs Gloucester's Art Loan program at the Bass Rocks Golf Club. Two paintings were selected to hang in the clubhouse for one year. They chose "Gannet" and "Paint Factory: The Way It Was". I am pleased to report that Gannet has sold. My large oil painting titled "Morning Dories" is now in its place. The work hangs for one year and is offered for sale to members and guests. They hosted a wonderful opening reception in the Spring and I was awarded third prize for "Gannet". 

Currently I have work at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center's Winter Holiday Show which runs through the end of December. There are a number of unframed originals there plus notecards and giclee prints. Opening next week is the Holiday Show at the old schoolhouse in Magnolia. This is the second year I have participated in that show. The Magnolia community has been very supportive and I look forward to the opening reception which is Friday December 5 from 6-9 pm. 

Spring 2014 Update

May 6, 2014: Currently I have a solo show hanging at the Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union, on route 9 westbound at Lake Street. It will up through May 29 and can be viewed during their normal business hours. This show is sponsored by the Artist Guild of Shrewsbury. Thanks to Nancy Allen for cornering me in Wegman's and talking me into doing it! I'm glad I did.

New this season: I was accepted into the Bass Rocks Art Loan Program at the Bass Rocks Country Club in East Gloucester that is sponsored by SeARts. Two of my watercolors, Gannet and Paint Factory: The Way It Used To Be, were selected. These works, along with a number of other artists work, will hang for one year in the clubhouse where they are offered for sale. I consider this a great opportunity to have my work seen. In addition to their regular membership, Bass Rocks hosts other events throughout the season. It's a beautiful place-the golf course enjoys distant views of the ocean along the Back Shore.

Gannet

Paint Factory: The Way It Used To Be

When the Credit Union show ends, I will take the paintings to Gloucester. Most of them will go to The Gallery at the Accommodations, at Mona Faherty's on Rocky Neck. She has a lovely place to stay called The Accommodations at Rocky Neck. It's a rustic, two-story building directly on Smith Cove, all suites with kitchenettes and most have private decks. What a great location, within easy walking distance of several great waterfront restaurants and the galleries and shops on the Neck, which is a designated Cultural District and the country's oldest working art colony. 

I also expect to have work displayed at the Gloucester House Restaurant and in their shop. 

I have one piece, my oil painting titled 'Good Morning Good Harbor', at the North Shore Arts Association Exhibit 1. They had a wonderful opening reception, "Wine and Bring Chocolate." which was very well attended. This show is worth a look-very impressive. NSAA is on Pirate's Lane in East Gloucester. I am an artist member there. 

Looking forward to spending time near the ocean this summer and getting some photography done so I can create  more paintings over the winter. I may even try plein air painting this year if time allows. 

Opening of My Show at the Art & Frame Emporium, Wed., March 19

If you happen to catch this: show opening tomorrow night at the Art and Frame Emporium in Westborough. Owner Ed Turner has been very good to me over the many years I have been framing and purchasing art supplies there. I happily emptied my inventory of framed original pieces and brought them all to Ed. We'll be serving wine and light refreshments from 6:00-8:00 pm. It's a good chance to see the four new oil paintings that came out of this winter's efforts. Show should be up until mid-April when it moves to a Credit Union in Shrewsbury (to be announced); then off to Gloucester for the summer.

In other news we have completed the purchase of 51B Witham Street in Gloucester. The place is furnished and it looks great. I was thrilled to realize that I can see all three windmills out the back windows! Love them! And the winter view of the marsh is just lovely. We have enjoyed walking to the beach every time we've been there. It is amazing and beautiful even in the dead of winter. I feel like I'm having an affair: sneaking off every chance I get to savor the beauty and thrill of being there. It really is a dream come true.

Meanwhile the real estate business is in rock'n'roll mode. Painting time is over. That's OK; I got a lot done while all was quiet. I look forward to taking some great photographs of our new neighborhood. Bring on Spring!

New Year, New Start: Welcome 2014!

It's been a while since I've added content to my site. 2013 was a turbulent year. For my real estate business, it was The Spring Market Gone Wild. My volume nearly doubled from 2012 to 2013. I got some painting done early in the year but after that, I could only find the time to produce pen and ink home portraits for all my sales. During the summer months when I usually get to relax, this year it was tough. On the phone and on the computer, too much of my downtime was invaded by business. The result: precious little photography got done. I was simply too tired to find the energy. But out of busy comes money. I am thankful for that. 

Personally, I had a rough year. Both my father and mother passed within 8 months of each other. Dad died March 1 after only a two-week illness. Mom left us on October 28 after a brief decline resulting from metastesized melanoma. Thank God both of them lived long enough to see my artwork develop as far as it has. They nurtured it from Day One. Both of them were talented, creative people. They taught me the value of creating art, a love of being busy and diligent about it, and a solid sense of self-esteem that will be with me always. They enjoyed over 60 years together, checked off every item on their bucket list, were close to all four of us, all ten grandchildren, and two great-grands. Theirs were lives well lived. 

Although I miss them terribly, time goes on. I received a modest inheritance, which has allowed us to make a downpayment on a second home in Gloucester. I know they would support this investment. It's a huge step towards "living the dream", to be a working artist on Cape Ann. So if all goes as planned, we will close on 51 Witham Street on Feb. 25. It's 3/10 of  a mile to Good Harbor Beach. I can look forward to many great photo ops being so near by. We plan to rent it weekly for most of the summer while we continue to live on the boat. In the off-season we will use it ourselves. Eventually, we'll retire there.

Meanwhile, in the studio I have decided to conquer oil painting. Although I love watercolor the most, I am keenly aware that the big money always goes to the oil paintings. Now that owning a house in Gloucester is becoming a reality, I must find a way to afford to live there. Selling paintings for more money will help. I am currently working on a series of Good Harbor sunrise landscapes from photos I have taken over the years. This ties in with buying Witham Street which is exciting beyond words to live so near the beach. I will get them on the site as they are completed. 

Gallery plans for the summer are a bit up in the air. I expect to return to the Gallery at the Accommodations on Rocky Neck. I will be exhibiting at the North Shore Art Association. There is some uncertainty as to whether the Khan Studio will re-open on the Madfish Wharf but if it does I hope to be there, too. Stay tuned!