a scene from Maine

Kristina Wentzell, Bigelow over Flagstaff Lake, oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. ©2011

Here is a new piece I painted recently as a gift for some family members. A scene from Maine--a place always very near and dear to me.

Bigelow Mountain sits in the lovely north western region of Maine. My now husband and I hiked it when we were first dating on a crisp Autumn day. Afterwards, I brought him to meet my grandparents who lived in nearby Rangeley. At the time my grandfather, then in his late 80s, was the sole caregiver for my ailing grandmother. We stopped in for lunch on our way back through town and were welcomed with a huge spread of roast chicken, potatoes, gravy and vegetables. No little sandwich to meet their granddaughter and her new fella.

We've hiked the mountain a couple of time since then but still when I think of that beautiful vista it always make me think of that cozy afternoon spent in my grandparents' kitchen.

my grandfather, about 8 years later with our daughter, his first great-grandchild

treasures

A still life set up with robin's egg found in my yard...

a glittery bird for the holidays...

a feathery centerpiece....

Kristina Wentzell, treasures, oil on canvas, 12 x 6 inches. ©2011

Kristina Wentzell, expecting, oil on canvas, 6 x 6 inches. ©2011

CSArt: A Year of Flowers

I'm very excited to announce my next endeavor--A Year of Flowers: a Community Supported Art (CSA) project. Inspired by the popular community supported agriculture movement, CSArts are popping up all over the country. With that same "buy local" spirit, CSArts allow customers to purchase a "share" of art from a single or group of artists.

This project represents an incredible value for collectors while supporting my local business.


Details:

• A single share includes 6 original oil paintings; each a vibrant, colorful depiction of a different seasonal flower.
• Your first painting will arrive in mid-March and approximately every 6 weeks thereafter.
• Paintings may be picked up at my studio or shipped right to your door.
• Paintings are ready to hang on gallery wrapped canvas.
• Sizes will include 8 x 8, 9 x 12, 6 x 12 and 10 x 10 inches.

Benefits for Collectors: Receive multiple original works from a limited series at a fantastic value (over 50% savings)! At the end of the year, you will have a lovely collection of floral art that could be hung as a group, singly, or given as gifts.

How to Participate: You may purchase via Paypal or contact me via email or phone. Paintings may be picked up at my studio or shipped to your door.

Cost: $450 for 6 original oil paintings of seasonal flowers, artist choice. This is a 50% savings!

Shipping Option: $45 for 6 paintings

Go HERE to purchase a share or for more information.

Hedwig at Hogwarts

As I mentioned in my last post...I painted a fun new piece for a special man in my life.

My little guy (age 9) is a budding naturalist...rocks, insects, birds, mammals, fish, you name it and he's interested in it. I promised to paint him a special painting last year and he chose a snowy owl for the subject. A few months ago, we also started reading the Harry Potter series. My goodness, what a hit that was.

So, I decided to make his snowy owl into Hedwig herself and put Hogwarts in the background. What fun! I based the castle on Neuschwanstein in Germany. I went there when I was 12 years old and I can't even begin to tell you what an impression that magical place had on me. A wonder for any creative soul!

The painting was a big hit and now hangs proudly in his bedroom. Hedwig keeping her benevolent watch over my sleeping charge.

Kristina Wentzell, Hedwig at Hogwarts, oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inches. ©2011

end of the year wrap up

I took some time off after my 100 painting sale (fun but a lot of work!) to soak up some sun in Florida with my family. Before we headed south I painted some special commissions for holiday gifts. How nice to receive original artwork on Christmas morning, don’t you think?

I also painted a very fun piece for a certain special man in my life. More on that in the next post.

I’m well rested and ready to get back into the swing of things now! I’ve got some big plans for this year. Including my own Community Supported Art project, and a new series inspired by two poets. I’ll be posting a lot more about these projects in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, go here to see a list of my upcoming events for 2012 (so far!) and enjoy these photos of sunny Florida. As I write this, it is a wintery white outside my window.

It is the first snow day of the season so I’m off to play a board game or two with my two little charges.