tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60070450941499305982024-03-13T00:06:22.758-04:00Jude Bates - Studio MusingsJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-85858340969483968072011-03-30T09:14:00.000-04:002011-03-30T09:14:45.795-04:00"Jersey Girls"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHGpGw0bT0E/TZMknbXJ3ZI/AAAAAAAAAG0/0vAoSn3I204/s1600/JerseyGirls-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHGpGw0bT0E/TZMknbXJ3ZI/AAAAAAAAAG0/0vAoSn3I204/s400/JerseyGirls-small.jpg" width="297" /></a></div> Happy Spring everyone! As the Beatles once sang, "It's been a long cold lonely Winter". I, for one, cannot wait for those warm breezes wafting over me as I work outside in my vegetable gardens and my rose garden. With Spring being barely a month away, this month of March will seem to last a year as I pour over seed catalogs and garden mags for both inspiration and sustenance. The thirty baby chicks are ordered, as well as the six day-old Pilgrim goslings. We're busy working on a goose hut to house my new babies (pics soon to follow)...Can't have a farm without Spring babies!<br />
The pastel painting above is entitled "Jersey Girls". It was a commission ordered by a very thoughtful daughter as a Christmas present for her Mother, of Daisy and Annabelle, her Mom's two beloved pet Jersey cows. With there huge brown eyes and gentle demeanor, the girls were a blast to paint! The painting is<br />
18"x 24" on Wallis paper.<br />
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Yours in paint,<br />
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Jude batesJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-71524787303258910932010-10-13T11:18:00.001-04:002010-10-13T11:20:01.813-04:00Limited Edition Prints Available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TLXNKmcOBNI/AAAAAAAAAGc/ul_DkI713pA/s1600/puffDaddy-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TLXNKmcOBNI/AAAAAAAAAGc/ul_DkI713pA/s320/puffDaddy-med.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am happy to announce that I now have Limited Edition Prints available of several of my paintings just in time for the Holidays. "Puff Daddy" is now available as a limited edition of 30 prints. The hand signed and numbered print is the same size as the original painting which is 18"x24" and is priced at $85.00. <br />
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All giclee images have been carefully matched to the original painting. Printed on acid free, heavy weight paper with archival inks. <br />
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You can check out "Puff Daddy" along with several of my other <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/judwah2000">Limited Edition Prints</a> at my etsy shop by clicking here <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/judwah2000">http://www.etsy.com/shop/judwah2000</a> Thank you for looking!<br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
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JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-18282080812763138162010-10-13T10:55:00.001-04:002010-10-13T11:21:35.736-04:00"Callie"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TLXGEs2DyPI/AAAAAAAAAGY/isVbBLuoi24/s1600/Callie-big2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TLXGEs2DyPI/AAAAAAAAAGY/isVbBLuoi24/s320/Callie-big2.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
Callie was a commission of a Chocolate Lab that was done after she had passed on to the Rainbow Bridge. Callie was a sweet girl, who loved to go on the family's boat and even had her own diving board. It is always an honor for me to paint a beloved pet posthumously, and so very important to talk to the people who loved the pet in order to get a feeling of who that pet was, because I like to capture the personality that shines through as well as what they looked like.<br />
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Your in Paint,<br />
JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-72669294229973864282010-09-11T09:50:00.000-04:002010-09-11T09:50:37.232-04:00Puff Daddy goes Hollywood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TIuBoLJ_hvI/AAAAAAAAAGM/simuTsjGu44/s1600/harfordsheart-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TIuBoLJ_hvI/AAAAAAAAAGM/simuTsjGu44/s400/harfordsheart-cover.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br />
Well, not "Hollywood" exactly...But my rooster portrait entitled "Puff Daddy" is currently on the cover of the Sept/Oct. issue of Harford's Heart magazine. I was very excited to hear that the magazine had chosen me as their cover artist and the interviewee for the "Interview with an Artist" segment. If your local, pick one up and check it out, they carry them at most grocery stores and banks etc... If not local you can read the interview here <a href="http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/16985/68986/pub/">http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/16985/68986/pub/</a> I am currently looking into having a run of signed limited edition prints of Puff made, due to the interest generated in him by his 15 minutes of fame. I'll certainly let everyone know if and when this happens.<br />
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In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying this gorgeous Fall weather we've been experiencing here in the east coast. There is something so very nostalgic in the crisp breezes for me this time of year, yet the air is also full of promise for the seasons ahead. Time for me to harvest all of our basil, tyme and rosemary for the kitchen. Make sure the goat barn and chicken coop are winter hardy, prune the roses and start dreaming of next year's gardens. It was a wonderful summer...<br />
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Wishing everyone a wonderful Fall season!<br />
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JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-62692122047865761492010-09-10T09:24:00.002-04:002010-09-10T10:47:37.089-04:00Trooper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TIovWbG8fvI/AAAAAAAAAGE/zc1N3eSDUVQ/s1600/trooper-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/TIovWbG8fvI/AAAAAAAAAGE/zc1N3eSDUVQ/s400/trooper-small.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>This is my latest commission..."Trooper", he is a pastel on Wallis paper. Trooper was a surprise birthday gift from a very thoughtful husband and the present was a huge success. Portraits of our beloved pets really are the gift that keeps on giving! If you think you might be interested in giving such a gift or even the recipient of one, you can visit my website at <a href="http://www.judebatesart.com/">www.judebatesart.com</a> or learn about my process at <a href="http://judebates.blogspot.com/">judebates.blogspot.com</a> As always, thank you for looking and allowing me to share my work with you...<br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
Jude BatesJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-71683761070415380332010-04-07T08:52:00.000-04:002010-04-07T08:52:32.275-04:00Foxey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S7x8sh0_SqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/fA3w8PqKl8g/s1600/foxey-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S7x8sh0_SqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/fA3w8PqKl8g/s400/foxey-small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is a recently finished commission of a Pom named...you guessed it, Foxey. He is getting up in years now and his owners were surprised by a friend of theirs who commissioned me to paint it for them. They were thrilled with their very thoughtful gift and Foxey now resides in a place of honor (over the couch). Now that's a gift that keeps on giving!<br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-83395360902038603892010-03-04T12:41:00.002-05:002010-03-04T12:45:35.840-05:00My Exhibition is Ready!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S4_uK_cv0WI/AAAAAAAAAFc/XBRXWodoIDY/s1600-h/puffDaddy-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S4_uK_cv0WI/AAAAAAAAAFc/XBRXWodoIDY/s400/puffDaddy-med.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have been working like mad these last few weeks towards my solo exhibition at the Liriodenron mansion. Sunday is the opening reception and am I ever ready! My friend Shari and I installed it this past Tuesday, (Thanks again Shari) and I have to say the show looks great. The rooms are gracious and airy and really let the paintings sing. It's a bit odd when I think about how long I have been working towards this show...Focusing most of my energy on getting everything done and framed, and soon I'll have to look towards the next horizon, the next inspiration that will galvanize all my artistic energies. Gearing up for this show has been a wonderful journey, I have learned so much about myself as an artist, helping me develop even further and in the process, establishing some awesome work habits!<br />
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So if anyone is in the Harford County, Md. area on Sunday, March 7th...please come by and say "Hello"! It is at the Liriodenron Mansion in Bel Air, Md. The show runs through April 18th, and is open on Sundays only, 1:00 till 4:00.<br />
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The above painting will be one of the pieces <span id="goog_1267722201562"></span><span id="goog_1267722201563"></span>featured in the exhibition and is entitled "Puff Daddy" He's a Cornish Game rooster from my Sycamore Spring Farm series. It's a pastel on Wallis paper, 18" x 24".<br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
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JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-43707437101248481432010-02-07T14:36:00.003-05:002010-02-07T14:48:10.647-05:00Kira and Elly may<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S28VrNfBEQI/AAAAAAAAAFU/cWoD78UuANU/s1600-h/Kira-finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S28VrNfBEQI/AAAAAAAAAFU/cWoD78UuANU/s400/Kira-finished.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> This latest pastel painting is a commission of Kira and her horse, Elly May. Kira is a very talented and accomplished "eventer" and Elley May is her half Hanoverian partner in dressage, cross country and stadium jumping. I was lucky enough to see them compete up at Fairhill, and was really struck by the amount of teamwork and discipline that they demonstrated during the three day event. As an artist, I especially wanted to convey the wonderful connection between the two of them, the source of all their strength and skill ...<br />
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If you would like to commission a portrait of your favorite pet, or you and your beloved companion...you can visit my website at <a href="http://judebatesart.com/">judebatesart.com</a> or contact me at <a href="mailto:judwah2000@wildblue.net">judwah2000@wildblue.net</a> and we can discuss your ideas and options. Thanks for visiting!<br />
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Yours in paint,<br />
JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-85836907501836151832010-02-02T11:30:00.000-05:002010-02-02T11:30:47.089-05:00Indigo Skye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S2hROoVeSQI/AAAAAAAAAE8/3_rfzbD3Qe4/s1600-h/skye-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S2hROoVeSQI/AAAAAAAAAE8/3_rfzbD3Qe4/s400/skye-small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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This is a painting I did a few months back of Skye, my female English Shepherd, who is one of my favorite models (how convienent)! She's a funny girl, extremely smart and eager to please and tattle tale extroidenaire. Recently, I taught her to fetch my cell phone to me when it rings. I only had to show her twice and she had it down pat. My 15 year old son has entertained hordes of his friends with this silly little party trick...And both dog and teenagers love it.<br />
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About three years ago, I came into the kitchen with Skye at my heels, and found my son Dylan, who was then 12, once again raiding the cookie jar. I emphatically told him that he had had more than his fair share of cookies that day and to leave them alone. I then returned to my studio (which is adjacent to the kitchen) and sat down at the easel, and Skye lay in the doorway with her head pointing towards the kitchen. She suddenly jumped up, and ran barking into the kitchen. She then ran back to me barking, and ran back to the kitchen again. When I enteried the kitchen Skye was barking at Dylan, who had snuck back to the cookie jar once again and was caught by Skye with (literally) his hand in the cookie jar... From then on, Skye has been known as "Mom's Secret Weapon"....<br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
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JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-65301409525390665202010-01-26T11:13:00.000-05:002010-01-31T11:33:50.082-05:00Coat of Many Colors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18N6Fp5xHI/AAAAAAAAAEI/LdymAG8Bb20/s1600-h/coat-colorssmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18N6Fp5xHI/AAAAAAAAAEI/LdymAG8Bb20/s320/coat-colorssmall.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18TI2CG1ZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/STduFZJ7hWY/s1600-h/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18TI2CG1ZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/STduFZJ7hWY/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Recently, my friend Shari and I took a delightful day trip to the 260 year old farm of my friend Carol Rollman. It's called Sycamore Spring Farm, where Carol runs a very successful CSA (community supported agriculture) in Frederick, Md. I had been meaning to get over to Carol's for quite a long time now...I had sold her an English Shepherd pup, (Maeve) from Skye and Finn's first litter about two years ago and I wanted to visit both Carol and Maeve but responsibilities and "stuff" kept getting in the way...until....I recieved a Canon Powershot SX20 for Christmas from my wonderfully supportive husband, Mike. This camera allows me to take gorgeous close ups of the animals that I so love to paint without forcing myself into their "space" so I can capture plenty of candid moments, and lots of inspiration.<br />
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Carol's farm is like walking into a wonderful world where animals peacefully co exist unlike anything I have really experienced before. Carol's love of animals and passion for growing natural and healthy food is in evidence everywhere you look. It is both an artist's and animal lover's delight. I fell in love with the Scottish Highland Cattle, so calm and gentle yet there is something almost prehistoric about them...And so utterly paintable! If you are anywhere near Frederick, Md. and want to experience the way life used to be lived as well as supply your family with healthy and nourishing food, Sycamore Spring Farm's website is: <a href="http://www.sycamorespringfarm.org/">http://www.sycamorespringfarm.org/</a> I can't reccomend it highly enough.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18Q8fgVAlI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/3yRoyQq41OE/s1600-h/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18Q8fgVAlI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/3yRoyQq41OE/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18SLVKzIQI/AAAAAAAAAEY/3xRHLyVNy8M/s1600-h/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/S18SLVKzIQI/AAAAAAAAAEY/3xRHLyVNy8M/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" /></a></div>It was wonderful to see Maeve and all ten of her rolly polly puppies in the farm environment that they were bred to be in . Maeve is Carol's right hand and furry farm manager, but she took some time off to escort us around the farm and play fetch with us. It was a wonderful and inspiring day and I plan to paint a series from the photos that Shari and I took that day. Thank you for your wonderful shots and timing Shari! Above is my first painting from my new "Sycamore Spring Farm" series. It is of a Scottish Highland Cow named Beauty and her four day old baby. I call it "Coat of Many Colors"<br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-42208779844624178552009-11-20T12:50:00.000-05:002009-11-20T12:51:54.301-05:00"Goats Who Stare at Men"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SwbWq2TPAqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/iaBTtZRxLhw/s1600/Basil-finished-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SwbWq2TPAqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/iaBTtZRxLhw/s400/Basil-finished-small.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Spent a lovely and productive morning in the studio yesterday and put the finishing touches on my latest painting, "Goats Who Stare at Men"... I've been meaning to paint this old guy for a long time and the painting flowed effortlessy from start to finish (I LOVE when they do that). I feel as if I accomplished my goal of trying to capture Basil"s unique personality and the smile never left my face the whole time I was painting. I wished they all were like that!Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-33832782883374531182009-11-19T09:38:00.000-05:002009-11-19T09:38:02.142-05:00I'm Back........Finally!!!Wow, it's been so long since I have blogged that I'm not quite sure where to begin. Apologising for my cyber disappearance would be a good place to start. I took what was supposed to be about a month off and seemed to develop a ridiculous case of Blogger's Block...sigh...and the more time that elapsed the harder it was for me to actually break through the block to share my paintings and processes. Go figure. It's great to be back! And I look forward to catching up with all of you....<br />
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I have been busy painting and showing during my computer walkabout, I was happy to be accepted into two Nationally juried competitions this past summer. Also recently, I was picked for a solo exhibition at the Liriodendren Mansion in Belair, Md. March of 2010. This was a huge coup for me both artisticly and personally, because it was a goal I hoped to obtain when I wrote up my bussiness plan last year. But it was under my long term goals...It feels really good to be checking off things that I've accomplished a few years in advance :)<br />
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I thought I would share a few of my photo's that I took yesterday morning as I was feeding the menagerie that inspire me on a daily basis. I've also included a painting I started yesterday of my oldest goat, a whether named Basil. He is 11 years old and the Elder Statesman of our farm. He's a genuine sweetheart, and refuses to eat his hay until he gets a kiss on the nose and a two minute back scratch...I guess he's got me trained pretty well eh?<br />
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So glad to be Back!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SwVTxJmYOdI/AAAAAAAAADo/i8f4yZ5xlVg/s1600/Basil-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SwVTxJmYOdI/AAAAAAAAADo/i8f4yZ5xlVg/s320/Basil-small.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SwVVvZKsbOI/AAAAAAAAADw/345K4kK7EGQ/s1600/DSC02859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SwVVvZKsbOI/AAAAAAAAADw/345K4kK7EGQ/s320/DSC02859.JPG" /></a><br />
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Yours in Paint,<br />
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JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-59349828543401839322009-02-26T13:42:00.000-05:002009-02-26T14:00:40.328-05:00"An Irish Winter" 11" x 14" pastel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SabmclhqBEI/AAAAAAAAADA/xob19xgcUfk/s1600-h/AhnRhinn-small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SabmclhqBEI/AAAAAAAAADA/xob19xgcUfk/s400/AhnRhinn-small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307182589686711362" border="0" /></a><br />This last painting from my studio is another from my trip to Ireland last February (Hard to believe it's been a year already)! We rented a car and drove to Dungarven, on the way we went through the beautiful area of An Rin. It's a quiet coastal community in the south east of Ireland where most of the people still speak the old Gaelic. I was amazed how green and fairly lush everything was in the middle of February, and then I heard that Southern Ireland even has palm trees!Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-90886249056550103442009-02-17T13:06:00.000-05:002009-02-17T13:41:08.367-05:00"Through the Bracken"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SZsDHcj9Z9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/QXHUQI7Iu2o/s1600-h/bracken-small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SZsDHcj9Z9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/QXHUQI7Iu2o/s400/bracken-small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303836412619876306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SZsB-_HKUiI/AAAAAAAAACw/ed5iySKddFw/s1600-h/stones-small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SZsB-_HKUiI/AAAAAAAAACw/ed5iySKddFw/s320/stones-small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303835167763878434" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sorry to say that I didn't get much in the way of painting done last week due to social obligations, although I did have a blast chaperoning my son's field trip to see the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Historical Society. I saw some beautiful paintings!<br /><br />This week it's back to painting.... I've just finished up a 8" x 10" pastel painting done from a photo that I took in beautiful Killarney, Ireland last February while on vacation with three other artist friends of mine. I had my friends on a forced march to find the "Standing Stones" in the area. I really wanted to see some history, I mean REAL history, not the 200 year stuff we lay claim to over here :) The sun had started to set and the shadows were getting long and slanted. But I talked my steadfast pals into tromping over both hill and dale in search of these stones I had heard about. On the way, we passed multitudes of sheep roaming the hillsides. This particular ewe caught my eye because instead of running away with the others she seemed fascinated and turned to watch the proceedings.<br /><br />Just when I reached the point of thinking about retracing my steps and calling it a day, I crested yet one more hill and the stones were there. It was well worth the adventure!! And in retrospect, we all agreed that our mecca to find the Standing Stones in Killarney was one of our favorite times on the trip...<br /><br />Yours in Paint...<br />JudeJudith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-91919380070020364632009-01-31T09:59:00.000-05:002009-01-31T10:03:41.117-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SYRoOKXY5CI/AAAAAAAAACo/RAwukeUF-9c/s1600-h/swordsmith-finished.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SYRoOKXY5CI/AAAAAAAAACo/RAwukeUF-9c/s400/swordsmith-finished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297473654204458018" border="0" /></a>Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-19964952326357537962009-01-31T09:56:00.000-05:002009-02-04T08:57:10.114-05:00"The Swordsmith"After finishing and delivering my last commission, I decided to do a painting that I had been mulling over in my mind for awhile. I thought the timing was right with it being the 250th celebration of Robert Burns birthday (One of Scotland's favorite sons). Last Autumn my husband and I were at a Celtic heritage festival and I took some photos of a blacksmith practicing his craft. The lighting was wonderful and I loved the play of light and shadow on him. As I was sitting down working on the painting, I decided to change what the blacksmith was working on (just a small lump of iron really) to a sword that would add more interest, tell more of a story and help direct the eye around the painting. Besides, swords are just, well ... cool!<br /><br />I have found myself this last week or so, tending to work on smaller pieces and have really enjoyed finishing up a painting within a day or so. I think it helps to keep my work loose, especially working so small, (8" x 10") using blunt pastels. I think I'll do a few more small, fast paintings and then I'll have a yearning to stretch out a bit with a big canvas :)<br /><br />Your in paint...Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-30221276640116700042009-01-20T10:45:00.000-05:002009-01-20T10:50:34.527-05:00Donny and Mae, pastel 18" x 24"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SXXyvLoY4KI/AAAAAAAAABQ/zK9FMCkWK7g/s1600-h/DonandMae_Big.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SXXyvLoY4KI/AAAAAAAAABQ/zK9FMCkWK7g/s400/DonandMae_Big.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293403829433852066" border="0" /></a>Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-52549386261238196352009-01-20T09:45:00.000-05:002009-01-22T10:09:09.149-05:00Latest Commission..."Donny and Mae"This is my latest commission that I delivered to the clients last weekend. They were so very gracious and thrilled with the painting and they made me realize once again how very lucky I am to be able to do what I do, which is to paint that which I love and touch people's lives in a positive way in the process. It is extremely rewarding for me as an artist to see that instant emotional connection that happens when the owners see their painting for the first time. I've gotten hugs, tears and even a lovely bottle of french champagne. I love my job! So a big shout out to all my clients, you are truly the best. I have been so blessed to be a small part of that special and unique relationship that exists between you and your wonderful dogs.<br /><br />view my website at; <a href="http://judebatesart.com">www.judebatesart.com</a>Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-33579016029168989592009-01-14T12:08:00.000-05:002009-01-14T12:37:11.450-05:00Is it Too early for Spring Fever?With the temperatures being in the high twenties during the day and the low teens at night, it's no wonder I woke this morning with dreams of gardens and soft, sunny days in my head. As one of my many New Year's resolutions, I promised myself I would paint at least four out of every seven days. So this morning after seeing the children off to school and feeding and watering the goats and chickens, I went into my studio and revisited a painting from a while back that I had never finished. <br /><br />Sometimes when I reach a point in a painting where I feel like I'm hitting a wall, I'll put the painting away for a while (say about a month) then bring it back out, put it on the shelf in my studio and live with it...I call this "fermenting" a painting. I don't paint on it right away, that's why it's on my shelf. But I look at it while I drink my morning coffee and in passing etc... and it seems to loosen up the "block" that I was experiencing before. I still wait a few days, sort of a psychological tease... until I can't wait to get my hands back on the painting. And when I do, it's a completely fresh experience, and from fermenting it, I'm approaching it from a much more objective, clear eyed point of view.<br /><br />Such was the case with the pastel entitled "Spring" above. It's a painting of my goat, Fiona, who was the first goat born here on our farm about eight years ago. The picture that I took for the painting was taken in early Spring, just before she was due to kid. I just loved how iconic she looked laying there, content and peaceful, full with the promise of life. This painting was really fun to work on again and finish and in the process hopefully work off a little of this premature Spring Fever!Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6007045094149930598.post-80266519620025855422009-01-14T10:48:00.000-05:002009-01-14T13:01:14.189-05:00Intro...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SW4Yk1D1lZI/AAAAAAAAAAU/910OZmIadtY/s1600-h/DSC00440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SW4Yk1D1lZI/AAAAAAAAAAU/910OZmIadtY/s320/DSC00440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291193633204442514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SW4RR1urT4I/AAAAAAAAAAM/niom4k6KBBU/s1600-h/fog4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpDPPcWGp3U/SW4RR1urT4I/AAAAAAAAAAM/niom4k6KBBU/s320/fog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291185610385215362" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome to my new blog! I thought keeping a regular update on my paintings, shows, commissions, inspirations and wacky goings on here at the farm, would be a great way of keeping in touch with those of you that are interested in my work. I hope to be able to share my ongoing projects with you and show some of my paintings in various stages of completion.<br /><br />But first things first... I am an artist who paints mostly in oils and pastels. I paint all sorts of things, landscapes, figurative and animals, mostly dogs...'cause I love 'em! I do a lot of commissioned pieces for people of their beloved pets, and it's an absolute labor of love for me. The oil painting of the dog above, is my female English Shepherd called "Skye", and one of my favorite models. I was classically trained in the realist style of painting at the Schuler School of Fine Arts, after the teachings of the Old Masters. It is a wonderful atelier style school where drawing and form are stressed first and foremost and paints are ground every morning from pigment powders, just like the painters of old did it.<br /><br />I have been married for 23 fantastic years to an artist and am the mother of three boys ages 17, 14 and 9. They keep me busy but more importantly, they keep me laughing. We live on a farm in North Harford Co., Md. where we have 2 English Shepherd dogs; Skye and Finn (which I'm sure you'll here plenty of stories about in the posts to follow) 13 Saanen dairy goats, a flock of laying chickens and a partridge in a pear tree...no, make that a cat :)<br /><br />I feel very lucky to be able to live in a place where I can surround myself with the creatures and landscapes that inspire me on a daily basis and hope to share a bit of that, along with my art, with you....Judith A . Bateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145189304503412959noreply@blogger.com2