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I love that pumpkins are ambassadors for this time of year: Fall; Halloween; the time for warm sweaters; and roaring fireplaces. To me, pumpkins are a comfort symbol. Their round little shapes are easy on the eyes and their taste is wonderful. Pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie are high on my list of yummy food.

 

Pumpkins are also fun to paint. Because of their gentle ridged bodies, they become a study in light as it moves around curves, each rib becoming an echo of the light source as our eye travels around the form.

 

Several years ago, one October, Howard brought home a lovely little pumpkin. I knew from the moment that we met I was going to paint her. She had the rounded full body, the long slender curving stem and best of all, this little pumpkin was still carrying a small portion of her now dried up vine. Like a lacy hat or her long hair catching in the wind, her vine twisted up and away. It was easy to set her next to my easel, add some light, grab a canvas and start painting.

 

And here she is:An Artist's form of Trick and Treat eye candy.

Howard's Pumpkin 10x8 oil by Susan Blackwood OPA AIS

 

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Here is a little flash back from our last trip to Tuscany 2013. ( Keep in mind – we will be returning to teaching in Tuscany ….during the Wine Harvest Festival in October 14- 21, 2017 …. Hope you will be with us this time! )

 

One afternoon at the gorgeous villa from the 1500’s, we had a pumpkin decorating contest. I was on the team with Cynthia Hamilton and Sunny Livesay. Here is our model and our creation made from vegetables and fruit. The judges announced the winners. We didn’t win… but it was great fun! 

 

 

 

Normally I run like crazy from carving a pumpkin. The rind is way too hard to cut. The cuts become frustrated attempts to carve anything. This time, Sunny suggested we use vegetables and fruit to create a likeness of our wonderful chief Deno! It worked and it was a lot more fun!

 

 Join us in Tuscany....a year from now-

Susan

 

 

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Are you having a wonderful Fall? Here in Montana we are experiencing an incredible Autumn! Some Falls in Montana are a weak splash of yellow and gold… some Falls, the weather snaps into a deep freeze early in September and from there the leaves just turn brown and hang on most of the winter. But this year the color is glorious! The warm tones literally wrap themselves around my eyes, vibrating with joy. 

Road Less Traveled 22x30 oil by Susan Blackwood OPA AIS available at Highlands Art Gallery

 

Every turn in the road reveals an exciting tree or bush. The mountains have become ribbons of golden aspens,

shimmering in the light. Indian Summer is here… my favorite time of year!

 

Grazing in Gold 36x48 oil by Susan Blackwood OPA AIS

 

Grab your cameras! All of you! This is just too good to pass up!

With a camera or a cell phone in our hands, we all become artists.

Not only will the lens teach you to see composition and values

(especially if you set your camera to take black and white photos),

but looking though the lens will stimulate the right side of your brain,

the creative side…. And you will start seeing everything around you in a different way.

 

Sheep in the Valley 16x20 oil by Susan Blackwood OPA AIS

 

Years ago I learned the best way to photograph these fabulous autumn trees and I will pass on the tip. Photograph the trees while you are looking toward the sun, straight ahead or with the sun on the right or on the left. That way you will get the intense color coming through the leaves. If you photograph the trees with the sun to your back, there is too much sunlight on the leaves and your trees will look washed out in the photos. It is a simple trick, but works wonders!

 

Now get out there and record this glorious time of year that shouts with color!

Susan

 

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YES, Tuscany, Italy is as beautiful as everyone says….This place is amazing! We never get enough of it's magic... so we are going back in October 2017!

Imagine rolling hills with miles of vineyards in every direction that will take your breath away with beauty beyond your imagination. We will be staying at Dievole, a gorgeous 500 year old, beautifully renovated, vineyard Villa, 20 minutes from Florence in the heart of Tuscany. Arriving during the Festival of the Harvest of the Grapes, the plein air painting and wine festivities will be memories that you will never forget.

Start planning to …. Join us!

Save these dates!

October 14 – 21, 2017

Just one of the lovely entrances, stone walks and vine covered walls.

The early mornings were often misty with lacy fingers of clouds curling around the edges of the hills and settling in the valleys

Finito by Susan Blackwood OPA AIS

41x51 oil

 

Dievole. A thousand years of history

Dievole is set in tranquil surroundings, nestled in the beautiful Tuscan hills, long known as a little piece of heaven on Earth.

Here the dialogue between Mankind and Nature has never been interrupted, and its very name explains why: In fact, the root of the word Dievole comes from “Dio vuole” or “God willing”.

The name Dievole officially appeared for the first time in a contract in which Rodolfino and Vinizio paid two capons, three loaves of bread, and 6 silver Lucca denari for a promise of the divine vineyard. It was on the 10th of May 1090. To give you a perspective on this date....During those years Leif Erikson was discovering North America, the Chinese were inventing gunpowder, Bologna opened the world’s first university, the Normans were invading Rome, and Pope Urban II was conquering Jerusalem.

 

 

Flowers everywhere. By mid morning the mist has lifted

and the shimmery vineyards are sparkling with color.

 

A Walk Through Tuscany by Howard Friedland

30x40 oil

 

Beautiful quiet terraces and patios over looking the lush valleys.

We loved these quiet areas to paint and to reflect.

 

Everyone has a great time! Here is Sunny Livesay enjoying the Festival 

 

Come walk through the gates to this world of magical romance.

 

Did I mention that these darling little cars are all over Tuscany??

I love them!

 

MAKE YOUR BRUSHES HAPPY!

Susan 

 

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Sometimes life jumps up and surprises us when we least expect it! This is one of those experiences. This weekend, the American Impressionist Society Annual National Exhibition Opening Reception was held in Kirkland, Washington at the Howard Manville Gallery. Patrons and Artists from across the country gathered to celebrate this outstanding Show. Kirkland is a lovely town, nestled between the shore and mountains. The gallery is gorgeously spacious, beautifully displaying the amazing paintings. 140 paintings were juried into this show and it is stunning. As the artists gathered Thursday evening there were hugs and sighs as old friends embraced and new friends were introduced. It was hard to know where to look first: the fabulous paintings or the familiar faces of artists and patrons. Soon it was time for the Award Ceremony to begin. The president of AIS is Debra Groesser, an excellent artist that holds the helm and guides the AIS Ship, began the ceremony. As Debra read off each award, the crowd clapped with joy. The end was nearing.....All that was left was the top awards. Then the Second place winner was announced and Howard looked at me with wide open eyes! His name and his paintng had just won! The crowd immediately started cheering and clapping! Howard made his way up to Debra and the judge Calvin Liang, Smiles, handshakes and photos then Howard headed back to join the audience. No sooner had he rejoined my side and his name was called again!!!! Still reeling from winning Second Place, neither of us knew why he was called again... This time Howard was receiving the coveted "Artists' Choice award" WHAT!?!?! Two ribbons for Howard! What an amazing surprise that will be embedded in our hearts forever! Thank you American Impressionist Society, Calvin Liang, Debra Groesser, her amazing volunteers, Howard Mandville Gallery and all our friends that are cheering him on!