A Little Bit of French Country...

"French Country," 4"x 6",

oil on stretched canvas, $39(plus s/h) (SOLD, thank you!!)

"French Country Chair," 4"x 6", oil on canvas panel,
$39 (plus s/h)(SOLD)

Over at Bella Vista today, Barb is hosting a "Show Us Your Roosters Blog Party" and so I decided to share a couple Rooster paintings! To check out all the entries, be sure to visit her blog!

Currently On my Easel...

"Kadie," 16"x 20" $475

(nfs,private commission)

(in progress)

"Abby & Ivy," 18"x 24"

(nfs, private commission)
(in progress)

Still working on both of these portraits...they are both fairly large so it will be awhile before they are complete...stay tuned!:)

Hooked On...the Nie Nie Dialogues

If you have never heard of the Nie Nie Dialogues you really need to take a minute and read this young woman's blog...after surviving a fiery plane crash just over a year ago, she has become an inspiration for so many people around the world. Her courage, determination, faith in God, and tender spirit are something to embrace. Personally, she makes me want to become a Mom even more now, a better wife, and to never take anything for granted.
(*To read what others are 'Hooked On', visit the Hooked on Fridays Blog Post)

NEW Magazine Blog from Ki Nassauer & Matthew Mead Just Launched!

I wanted to be sure to pass on a bit of exciting news from Linda MacDonald over at Restyled Home, who is their Editor-at-Large for the new Flea Market Style Magazine!:

"I just wanted to share that the new

Flea Market Style magazine blog
(from style experts Ki Nassauer and Matthew Mead)
has just been launched and I would like to invite you all to come check it out!
The blog is a behind-the-scenes look
at the making of the magazine
and some of the features include:
A Fly on the Wall, Comings and Goings,
Flea marketing tips and inspiration,
past projects and future inspirations,
and an introduction to the Flea Market Style team."

They are planning on including the blogging community in this venture, so be sure to grab their blog button & add it to your blog to help promote the magazine! You can also ask to be added to their blog roll! So, be sure to check it out!

(*AND you can follow them on Facebook as well!)

An American in Paris...(Madame X, after Sargent) & Another Winner's Painting!

"An American in Paris...(Madame X, after Sargent)", 8"x 10",
oil on stretched canvas,
(SOLD,thank you!)

I cannot begin to tell you just how much fun this piece was to paint! As soon as I saw this painting I immediately envisioned a scene depicting a quiet corner of what might have been Madame's bedroom or parlor...she looks so regal in her black, velvet dress...ready for the opera perhaps or a glamorous ball. And if she were around today I think she just might have a pair of Christian Louboutin heels gracing her feet!

(*I am adding this to the Hooked on Fridays Blog Party because I am hooked on doing these little Master Portrait Studies!I SO enjoy doing each and every one!:o)
To see one I recently did of Mary Cassatt's, "The Bath," click here.
(**Be sure to check out the AWESOME ART GIVEAWAY on Laura Trevey's Blog, she does beautiful, beach inspired watercolor paintings!)
And here is another winner's painting from my recent Blog Art Giveaway! Meet 'Mini Mason' as I like to call this piece as it is a little 3"x 4" gem of an adorable Golden Retriever named Mason, from "Who Says Dogs Don't Blog...the Day and the Life of Mason Dixie"...I will be announcing the next winner soon, so stay tuned! :o)

Little Pink Clock & French Fruit...

"The Little Pink Clock," 3"x 5", oil on canvas,

$29(plus s/h) (available)

"French Pear," 3"x 5", oil on canvas,
$29(plus s/h) (available)

"French Apple," 3"x 5", oil on canvas,
$29(plus s/h)(SOLD,thank you!)

I just finished this trio of miniature oil paintings, each with a bit of a French twist...bon appetit! :o)

Summer Nights...

"Summer Nights," 10"x 12", oil on stretched canvas,

(SOLD,thank you!!)

Someday I will throw a fabulous summer party like the one I painted here...but for now I will just have to dream a little dream :o)....I will need to replace the photo tomorrow as I ran out of summer sunlight this evening! Have a great weekend!

(*Update: Replaced the photos and some AWESOME news to share!

I finally reconnected with my art teacher from high school after almost 20 years!, Mrs. June Fox...I was able to let her know that I am now a full-time artist and thanked her for all her support and encouragement back then! I know I would not be where I am today had it not been for her believing in me! Teachers are the best! :o)

Shell Collection & Vintage Nippon with Floral

"Shell Collection," 4"x 6", oil on canvas,

$39(plus s/h) (available)

"Vintage Nippon with Floral," 4"x 6", oil on canvas,
$39(plus s/h)(SOLD,thank you!)

Well, as you can see I finished these two paintings this evening so I was not able to get a good photograph of either. I will replace the photos at some stage tomorrow as long as the sun is available. Do you see an ongoing theme here in Michigan? Anyway, both will be available on etsy. A customer recently asked me if I do commission work and the answer is yes! I have a link in my sidebar or you can visit my website (Studio Lara) to see my prices.

**AND, Kate Coveny Hood did a really nice post about yours truly today :o) be sure to check out her blogs, I have two of her blog buttons in my right side bar, Wishing True, and The Big Piece of Cake...my kind of girl!

A Special Thank-You from Matthew Mead to ME!!

What a great message to wake up to this morning from none other than designer/stylist/author/editor Matthew Mead!:

Lara,

Words cannot express the deep appreciation Jenny and I feel for the absolutely amazing portrait of Oscar. You have perfectly captured his essence in color and proportion and I was overwhelmed opening such a thoughtful gift upon arriving at Linda's. We just adore the painting and have shared it with family and friends alike who have had the same reaction. Thank you for sharing our special doggie with so many of your fans.

Best, Matthew and Jenny Mead

How good is that?? And then Linda MacDonald over at Restyled Home did a wonderful write up about my work as well! It's not everyday that an artist is recognized by their peers, so thank you Matthew and Linda! You have truly made my day! And be sure to stay tuned to their new magazine coming out soon called
Flea Market Style!