Between Studios Creative Journeys of Cindy Altmire Harris

Brantingham Paintings

2011-10-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Kayaks at Rest ~ Brantingham Lake C. Altmire Harris

At this time of the year many people ask to see specific paintings of certain locations to give as a Holiday Gift to their loved ones. My Adirondack Studio was busy this summer especially at Brantingham Lake.
Here are the paintings that I currently have for sale of this beautiful place. If you want to know the cost and dimesions, please email me at caharris@rochester.rr.com. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cindy

Autumn Inlet at Brantingham Lake C. Altmire Harris

Summer Breezes at Brantingham C. Altmire Harris

Singing Waters C. Altmire Harris

Buoy at Brantingham C. Altmire Harris

Canoes at Rest~ Brantingham Lake C. Altmire Harris


Charlie's Boathouse Brantingham C. Altmire Harris

Susan's Boat at Rest Brantingham Lake C. Altmire Harris

Evening Kayak Ride Brantingham C. Altmire Harris

Pillar Camp Brantingham Lake C. Altmire Harris

Summer of Reconnecting... on a Deeper Level

2011-09-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a few months since my last post.. the spring and summer flew by with lots of travel to the Adirondacks, New York City, California, New Jersey and CT. It was a summer to remember beginning with a reconnection with a best friend from college whom I hadn't seen in 28 years. She introduced me to the movie... WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS, A Documentary film about women balancing lives as artists and mothers. It was amazing and I encourage you to watch it. Here's the trailer.

Jane and I are on this journey now of letting go, allowing our children to leave the nest and fly on their own. This gives us the opportunity to explore the older, wiser artist within to see what she needs to say and produce. I need other women artists through this process that relate and am grateful that the universe brought us together at this time in our lives.

This week the September sunshine in the morning has been spectacular. I have been painting my "Rose of Sharon" in my garden which is in full bloom. I love this time of the year and am really trying to be present in the moment and do the next right thing. Here are a few shots of the morning light.

Till next time. Love and Peace to you, Cindy

Art by the Lake at the Brown Hound Bistro - Support the Arts Next Weekend!

2011-03-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Next weekend, April 3 (so happy its April !!!!) I am so excited to be involved with the Brown Hound Bistro and Bristol Valley Theatre to help support the arts in our community.

The food at the Brown Hound is just amazing for those who have not experienced Trish Asers talents.

Art opening, reception & dinner. I will be displaying Lake & cottage inspired oils for sale through the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua.

Hors d'oeuvre reception & local wine tasting, followed by 5-course dinner. Meet the artist, winemakers & chef during the reception!

10% of sales of this event and any art will be donated to the Bristol Valley Theater to support the arts in our community!

4 pm - Hors D'oeuvre Reception & Wine Tasting

$35 per person

(available in advance or at the door)

5 pm - Reception with 5-course wine dinner

$100 per person, very limited seating, ADVANCE SALE TICKETS ONLY!

Call Trish to buy tickets

(585)374-9771

Here's a link to the Brown Hounds website... brown hound

I hope to see some of you there! I am looking forward to a beautiful spring day... with lots of sunshine.

Peeling the Onion - An Artist's Search for Authenticity

2011-02-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

I have often heard the saying that searching for one's authenticity is like "Peeling Back the Layers of an Onion." I have been on this path for awhile now but lately it seems to be more important than ever.
Who am I now that my children are young adults and my role has a mother has changed? Can I now be the artist - the painter - working through the night - driven by a painting that needs to come out onto the canvas? I am doing that more than ever before my work is expressing my inner self - I am reading Andrew Wyeth's Biography and learning the importance of painting daily. My goal, even as I am back to the snow, cold, wind and darkness...

is to paint daily choosing bright colors, write in my journal and meditate. Peeling back those layers... laughing, crying.... as I live the best life possible - NOW!
Love,
Cindy

Light and Color Filling my Creative Spirit - Girlfriends Getaway

2011-02-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

This week I have been on a "Girlfriends Getaway" with a dear girlfriend, Sandy. We left on a cold and snowy morning in upstate NY and headed towards the light and color of Venice, Florida. Filling my creative "well" is so important and something that I am realizing is not only a want but a need. Light and color are a big part of my work both in design and painting. Here are a few photos of light... for those needing a little sunshine and warmth right about now...

I spent a few days at the beach doing watercolor sketches... I am so grateful... at peace listening to the wind, the ocean, barefoot in the sand. It was beyond my wildest dreams. Each day gets better and better. I am blessed to have family and clients who understand and support my need to travel. It gives me time to become clear, develop intentions and be creative. AMAZING things are ready to happen for you too! Take a leap of faith and do what your heart desires. Namaste!

And Today's the Day!

2010-11-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

©Harris Studios Inc. 2010 And Today's the Day

Driving into my studio, I pass by beautiful fields, barns, rolling hills... all examples of the beauty that can be found all around us in the Finger Lakes!

For many years I have thought about stopping and introducing myself to this amazing woman who is out tending her sheep early in the morning. I always seem to have a project deadline, a meeting, a phonecall to make. Well a few weeks ago, I stopped!!! I got out of the car, explained to the woman that I have always thought of stopping and she said "AND TODAY'S THE DAY" Wow!
She allowed me to take some pictures of her and I have been working on this oil painting of her and her babies. ... Some details.

©Harris Studios Inc. 2010 And Today's the Day


©Harris Studios Inc. 2010 And Today's the Day

What I am learning is that I need to do what my heart is telling me to do NOW... not put it off till someday when I have more time because that day may not come. Whether it is making that phonecall to a dear friend, taking that class, or stopping to take that photo and meet someone I have always wanted to, TODAY'S THE DAY!

When the teacher is ready, the students appear!

2010-10-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

I know that I have always wanted to work with others to share some of the creative gifts I have been given. Also, I have been given the best teachers in my life - Dick Trick, Dick Kane, Pat Rini Rohrer, Stan Moeller who all appeared at just the right time in my life.

When I started out in college, I majored in painting and thought I would be an art teacher. But after taking some design classes which I really liked, I switched my major to Communication Design. Through the years it has been so much fun integrating my love of painting and illustration with the computer graphics/ design. I work with such great clients on very creative and exciting projects every day.....

However..... was there a way to work with others introducing them to painting and technique while also allowing them to share thoughts and feelings about past experiences and letting go? This could be a combination mini creative retreat... Hmmmmmm....

I have found that when things are supposed to happen, they do and this past week, I was able to work with a husband and wife from Pittsburgh,

a group of mothers and daughters as part of a Girlfriends Getaway Package at Springdale Farm B&B

http://www.iloveny.com/Find-Deals/Wings-And-Watercolor---Workshop-for-Women/262.aspx

and today, a friend.

Each experience was filled with laughs and a few tears. The paintings and discussions were heartfelt and beautiful.

As part of this process, I am developing an art kit which had very positive feedback from the weekend participants. The bag alone is a work of art and is handmade by an textile artist friend...Mary Lane.

I will put these kits up on Etsy soon.... everything you need to get started in watercolor. They will make a great holiday gift for someone ready to explore their creativity and learn about themselves while doing so. They will be available in beautiful colors as well.

You never know where life will lead.... put it out there and it just may happen... sometimes not when I think it should or expect it. But always at just the right time. The saying really is "when the student is ready, the teacher appears" I truly believe that if we are willing.... and get out of our own way, amazing things will happen. I hope you all can bring forth the artist within which can heal your mind, body and spirit.... Love and peace to you.
Cindy

Watercolor Still life

2010-08-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

Setting up my painting area... my inspiration when working on flower paintings or still life...is part of the exciting process that gets me into a deep space of creativity. Often I pull things from around the house... vases, antique pitchers, doilys that my great grandmother made, fresh fruits and veggies, etc. and arrange them beautifully.

My watercolor palettes, paints and brushes fit right in.

I start out with small sketches or paintings studies and get intimate with the subject matter, exploring its color and shapes. I look deeply, quietly and feel what the subject matter is saying to me and try to capture that in a painting.

I just love this time of the year when I can walk out to my flower garden and pick gorgeous wildflowers, ferns and other natural objects to arrange into a still life.

Here is the finished 20" x 30" watercolor which I am really happy with.

Shades of Pink © C. Altmire Harris 2010

and an oil....

Romance ©C. Altmire Harris 2010

It is just a beautiful day here in the Finger Lakes of New York State. The birds are singing, everything is alive and green. I am so grateful to be able to do what I love, work with so many nice people, and be creative on a daily basis. All my best to you and thank you for reading my blog today. I am going to try to be a little more regular at writing... once a month is my goal. We shall see.

Plein Air Painting ~ Monhegan Island Maine!

2010-06-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the beautiful spring and early summer sunshine in the Finger Lakes, taking many trips to the Adirondacks, design and painting as well as joyous family events have kept me busy and away from my blog.... but I am still here... fuller as a person and artist. A recent workshop on Monhegan Island with Stan Moeller, whose work reminds me of Sorolla, was an experience that has changed me. His guidance to "paint what you see - not what you know" , encouragement to explore new colors and high contrast, slowing down to feel what the landscape or model has to say.... gave my sketches new drama and life. Stan's website is Stan Moeller and I encourage you to check out his beautiful paintings.

The list of artists that have painted on Monhegan Island is extensive... and I can see why they kept going back. It is such and inspiration to be there... focused and full of this creative energy and the light is amazing... Here are just a few... Andrew Wyeth, NC Wyeth, George Bellows, Robert Henri, Windslow Homer, Rockwell Kent and Edward Hopper.

Well, we did lots of sketches around the island and here are a few of mine. ... I am hoping to create some better paintings while using them as reference. I grew so much as an artist there!

April Snow in the Finger Lakes

2010-04-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

I love Spring in the Finger Lakes of New York State! We have an old fashioned lilac bush behind our home which is beginning to bloom. I am so excited to paint some watercolors of the gorgeous flowers. This morning, we awoke to big flakes of snow coming down and I grabbed my camera to take some photos... Aren't they so pretty with the pure snow lying upon the leaves and blooms?

This was one of those times when nature gives us only a few moments to respond... following our intuition can be learned... listening to that little voice inside that says "this is important - do this now!"

I am so glad I listened and took these photos. By this afternoon, the sun was shining and the snow was gone. (really glad about that!) but I loved the photos!

Enjoy the moments in your day and listen to your intuition!

Wings and Watercolor Workshops for Women in the Finger Lakes

2010-04-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

When I allow myself to experience the gifts that I am given each day, I meet people and new ideas are generated! At "Grandma Hatties Tea Party" I met the most creative and kind woman... Eileen Cash who is the Innkeeper/Owner of Springdale Farm Bed and Breakfast. We met for an afternoon and she showed me around her beautiful B&B which happens to be only minutes from my art studio!

The thought came to us to develop a "Women's Creative Getaway in the FingerLakes!" There happens to be a 40 acre Blue Bird Nature Preserve just across the street and so the name....was born.

When women come together to discover or rediscover creativity, amazing things happen!!!

This package is designed for Mothers and Daughters, Sisters, Women friends, and Groups of Women to play and experience painting in watercolor in a beautiful country setting. No previous art experience is necessary!!!! We start with the basics and just have FUN!

Your package will include a 2 hour class by artist Cindy Altmire Harris who will encourage you to "let go" and be free of past thoughts about art and have fun creating... together. All materials and supplies will be provided and each participant will go home with a framed watercolor to remember and celebrate the experience.

Package Includes:

A night stay or more at 1820 Springdale Farm Bed & Breakfast
Gourmet breakfast each morning
2 hour class by artist Cindy Altmire Harris

Starting at $175.00 per guest per night.
Group rates are available for 4 or more guests.
Available: Monday, February 15, 2010 - Saturday, January 01, 2011
For more information call us at 585-924-5952 or e-mail us!

I really hope you pass this along to anyone that could benefit from it. We are all living in a world where stress and fear are around us and by choosing peace and serenity, we grow stronger and happier... together.

Grandma Hattie's Tea Party Inspired

2010-03-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was excited to attend a Tea Party at the Historic Ichabod Town Homestead only a few miles from my studio on the grounds of the Valentown Museum in Victor, NY. Kathleen Houser was our hostess and we were treated like royalty!!! It was so much fun to dress up in antique hats and jewelry and be served a luncheon of homemade soup, scones, finger sandwiches and deliciously decadent desserts. The tea was the best I had ever experienced. If you are looking for a unique experience in the Finger Lakes area, I would recommend it. Take a few of your friends and have some fun! I did!

Here's a detail... its really a step back in time with the embroidered tablecloths, antique teapots and cups and a chance to slow down for a few moments and enjoy. It was an inspiration for a new oil painting I just finished. I love living each day not really knowing what I will see that may be an inspiration for a painting.... There were many nooks and crannies for my creative mind to explore in this historic homestead. Stopping for an instant to see them was a gift!

Here's the website for information on times, reservations and details...

GrandmaHattiesTeaParty.com

San Gimignano, Italy and Ribollita Inspired

2010-02-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful sunny day in the Finger Lakes... and the perfect day to make soup and paint! I bought all of the ingredients yesterday at Wegmans to make Ribollita... a tuscan soup that Emily and Julia loved while they were in Florence a few years ago and I have to say it is yummy!!! Sitting outdoors, listening to the chickadees and aware of the snow melting... I am so grateful. My life is so good. Travel has brought into my life new artists that I admire, new foods and flavors to try, and a thirst to live each day to the fullest.

Italy has been my inspiration for the past couple of weeks in my painting too. I just finished this painting of walking down a street in San Gimignano which is a small Medieval Town in Tuscany. The colors are rich, just like the colors in the Ribollita!

And here is an a window detail... it is just so pretty there... I will go back again someday.

La Vie en Rose - Venice, Florida Inspired

2010-02-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Colors - Sun - Retreating with Women Friends - Time - My spirit was craving these in the middle of winter here in the Finger Lakes... I put a "walk on the beach" picture on my vision board and voila! I had the opportunity to visit this gorgeous area and get inspired, soak up some rays of sun, spend time absorbing all the colors and smells... and just be.

I embraced the moments... and was asked to paint a mural on my dear friend's wall in her home... and a sign on her front door... La Vie en Rose... I learned so much from this painting about myself... that I need to take risks to grow, move out of my comfort zone and "Let Go." Really, anything can happen if you let it.

Grace

The rose came to life with wisps of ocean air

Bloomed on a Saturday, the Sixth of February, Twenty Ten

After working herself out through

The hands of a painter

Struggling

Hurting

Burst forth in color and dimension

Dancing to songs of Italy and France

And images of mermaids and angels

Her serene softness speaks as to me as I enter

With a whimsical spell that casts

Passion

Desire

Healing

Stopping me for a moment and giving permission to

Just Let Go

Oliver Phelps B&B, Canandaigua, NY Inspired

2010-01-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

Walking down Main Street in Canandaigua on a sunny day last fall, I noticed the most beautiful doorway... full of color and splendid details. It is the front door of The Oliver Phelps Bed and Breakfast OliverPhelps.com. I have been working a few weeks to get the color and lighting of my painting to capture that moment and feeling that I had that day. Enjoy! I am so grateful to be living in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State... To me, its all in the details.... and taking the time to notice them is something that I am striving to do more of in 2010... Be present and listen to that inner voice that says... stop for a moment, breathe and really see...

Arbor Hill Grapery Inspired

2010-01-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

One of the kindest and dearest families that I have met in the Finger Lakes area is John, Katie and Sherry Brahm. They own Arbor Hill Grapery in Bristol Springs - South Bristol. Through the past few years I have had the opportunity to develop some new packaging and colateral with the Brahms. It is such a pleasure to experience the love and personal touch that goes into each product that Arbor Hill produces. This painting of John with his cherished Ford Model A that I painted from a photo taken on a gorgeous autumn day at Arbor Hill.

Healthy Purple Jelly and Preserves are DELICIOUS!!!!! Enjoy Black Currant, Blueberry or Black Raspberry on an english muffin...heavenly.

Sparkling Raspberry, Grape and Peach are make every occasion a special celebration.

Check out all of the products that Arbor Hill sells at www.thegrapery.com

The Twelve Days of Christmas Paintings

2009-12-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

As I write this, the snow is gently falling in upstate NY. I get so excited this time of year as we get ready for Christmas! For the past 5 years, I have been using the 12 Days of Christmas theme to create cards, gifts and prints. This year I painted 5 Golden Rings which I was in California visiting my daughter. The sun and light was perfect to work on this piece. Here are my paintings as of 2009 which I wanted to share with you! Enjoy!

On the first day of Christmas....my true love gave to me....

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Two Turtle Doves

Three French Hens

Four Calling Birds

Five Golden Rings

This year I have so many things to be grateful for and wish all of you love, peace and prosperity.

The Puggle Paintings - A Painter's Best Friend!

2009-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, my son, Bryan came home from college for the summer and felt it would be good if we got another dog... since it had been awhile without Star, our Beagle that had been part of the family for over 16 years. Even though I resisted doing so and made up all kinds of excuses, agreed to go see a new litter just weeks old. After looking into the eyes of this little guy and watching his tail wag in excitement, my heart melted and he came home with us!

He even posed for me.. in the wicker chair on the porch this summer in the Adirondacks. Here is a detail...

All I have to do is say "studio" and he is at the door ready to go to work! He's great company, listens and is always happy!

Some of my newer oil paintings are now hanging at the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua, NY. I had all of the frames created at Finger Lakes Gallery and Frame which is right across the street and did a fabulous job. Stop by sometime to take a look at both successful businesses run by highly creative people.

The Quiet Place Paintings ~ Finger Lakes, New York

2009-10-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you craving some peace and serenity, time to reflect, rejuvenate and experience nature, there is a special place in the Finger Lakes to do so. The Quiet Place is a labor of love for two creative and inspiring people - Jan McKie and Eric Moon. Each cabin and setting has their own unique feeling, views and details but all carry have something in common - Quiet! Through the years I have enjoyed capturing in watercolor each of the individual properties. I hope you can experience one of The Quiet Places sometime soon. Here are some of the paintings. All of the details to book your stay are on the website www.thequietplace.com.

Inspired by the Beauty of the Finger Lakes, New York

2009-10-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am creating in my design studio which is in a two room renovated 1800's schoolhouse. I am blessed to have large windows to look outside and get inspired! The Finger Lakes area where I live is absolutely gorgeous this time of the year! Leaves are changing to shades of yellow ocre, alizarin crimson, burnt sienna and on a sunny day like today everything is in 3D.The farm markets are alive with fresh produce - pumpkins, apples, grapes all ready to enjoy! One of my dreams over the years has been to integrate design with painting and through the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection (a creative, energetic and amazing client) - have been given the opportunity to do so... Here is this years Visitors Guide. Check out the link and you can go page by page. Enjoy the day!

http://visitfingerlakes.lunarcow.com

Brantingham Lake- Adirondack Autumn Reflections

2009-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

To begin with, it is getting much colder very fast in the Northeast and I am writing this blog with a cup of chai tea in hand and my dog "Banks" curled up on my lap with his sweatshirt on, trying to stay warm.
I have been loving the autumn reflections on the lake this year, capturing them with loose oil brushstrokes.

Prussian Blue is a new addition to my palette... and has been giving me some bold colors and dramatic effects. I hope to describe in this new work, the stillness and serenity of the lake as well as the dynamic beauty of nature. Enjoy the day. Stop to capture the beauty around you for a few moments if you can.

Canandaigua Lake En Plein Aire

2009-10-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

Painting has always been a passion and able to heal me when I am feeling all kinds of emotions. One day after both of my children left for college and I was feeling a little lost, I wandered into the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua. Pat is one of the best artists in the Finger Lakes area and suggested I take a class in oils to start exploring this new phase of my life. Pat was an angel that showed up at just the right time. When the student is ready, the teacher appears! These are a few of the paintings from this summer's plein aire class I took with Pat and the other amazing artists.... we are a group learning and growing with each other, creating art and enjoying the beauty of the Finger Lakes area where we live.

Plein air is a term derived from the French phrase en plein aire, which literally means 'in the open air'. It's a familiar concept today, but in the late 1800s when the Impressionists ventured out of their studios into nature to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject, it was quite revolutionary.

Watercolor Painting in the Finger Lakes

2009-09-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to teach a one-on-one watercolor class with an amazing woman, Pat Charland at her beautiful home. Pat is owner of Sunflower INK , a Public Relations and Communications firm. She is such a talented, fun person to be with. On the way home, the views were awesome! Here are a few photos displaying a glimpse of the beauty of Autumn in the Finger Lakes.

A Painting of Ana Alcaide - Songwriter in Toledo, Spain

2009-09-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

As John, Bryan and I were touring Toledo, we heard beautiful music and saw a crowd gathered around a woman playing a nyckelharpa - keyed fiddle. Her CD is called COMO la LUNA y el SOL and her website is www.anaalcaide.com. I play her music often when I am painting and it takes me to a mystical and dreamy place... I am currently working on this painting of Ana. It is just so inspiring to see women around the world expressing from their heart and spirit which reaches out to so many... I hope that one day my art can touch someone like Ana's music has touched me.

New paintings inspired by Sorolla and Madrid

2009-09-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

After seeing Sorolla's magnificent work in Madrid, I was able to purchase through a very generous person, the book : Joaquin Sorolla The Painter by Edmund Peel which is now one of my most cherished reference books. I am in awe of the light, color and dynamic images integrated into his amazing paintings. Here are two of my most recent paintings "Cafe con leche" and "Parque del Retiro" I am excited about the direction that they are going....

Inspiration by Joaquin Sorolla

2009-09-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Madrid, Spain in March changed my life! One artist in particular has influenced my art in so many ways. We were able to see his studio and home. Hope you are inspired too! Here are some of my favorite painting!

Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (February 27, 1863 - August 10, 1923) was a Spanish painter, born in Valencia, who excelled in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes.

Adirondack Painting

2009-09-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

"Peaceful Presence"

Cindy Altmire Harris

Oil on canvas

14" x 24"

Autumn Creative Retreat in the Adirondacks

2009-09-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years the idea of a "Women's Creative Retreat" has been forming and this weekend five courageous women experienced the seed of this concept. Through painting, writing, and sharing amazing breakthroughs were made. Look for more information on my blog about upcoming womens retreats.

My First Blog!

2009-09-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. Emily is home from California and helped me create my first blog. Here I am walking in the field by my home studio...