And Today's the Day!

©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! 

April Snow in the Finger Lakes

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!

Brantingham Lake- Adirondack Autumn Reflections

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.

A Painting of Ana Alcaide - Songwriter in Toledo, Spain

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

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

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.