Kathleen Gwinnett"s Blog

Fun Times

2011-12-27T11:00:00.006-05:00

It has been a while since we have taken a family picture. Here we are December 25th, 2011. Some Italian specialties for dinner and wonderful desserts. Fun times for all.

2011-12-22T11:16:00.003-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-11-14T18:23:00.004-05:00

It was a busy week. Three days of celebrating my birthday, one with friend Larry Vellani. Went to the "Rembrandt" exhibit at the NC Museum of art, on my birthday. Finishing up the week with our friends' Barbara and Tony's husband and wife birthday party. Along with a case of poison ivy I also did manage to bring my art to the Alamance Co Arts Council for their Christmas Holiday Show.

On Sunday took some fabric designed by daughter Margaret, organized, and sewed a quilt with daughter Liz , and Pedro. Quite a family affair. Hope to take it to one of the local Christmas Bazaars.

Moving the clock back an hour

2011-11-06T07:47:00.006-05:00

November tells me another year is coming to a close. Sorry I didn't write about the wonderful exhibits I had since my last blog. August was "Remembering Italy" at the Saxapahaw Artists Gallery. I had about 30 paintings on display and it was truly an Italian event. "Mebansville " played some great Italian songs and my granddaughter Hannah Jackson sang and played her guitar in the downstairs gallery. It was also her 16th birthday.

During September and October new paintings were brought to the Benjamin Vineyard for our first mother-daughter exhibit "celebrating Women." I was honored to have my art along side my daughter Margaret Jackson's beautiful iconic paintings.

October was the time for the Alamance County 2nd annual studio tour. I exhibited my paintings and prints at the sculptor, Cindy Biles Studio in Saxapahaw.

I have taken time to add some new art on the Cafepress site. I have always been pleased with the quality of the products and their customer service on this site A 2012 calendar "La Mia Cucina" is now available in my calendar section. http://www.cafepress.com/gwinnettarts

All the images of my art work on the calendars can be framed.

I hope to be better about keeping up with this blog. Most days are too short.

August & September

2011-09-25T09:23:00.002-04:00

August was a busy time exhibiting my "Remembering Italy" paintings at the Saxapahaw Artists Gallery.

Fishing boat painted in Castellammarre, Sicilia.

Hot on Saturday

2011-07-02T14:03:00.002-04:00

Watered some plants this morning but staying in to keep cool in North Carolina. The Saxapahaw Artists Gallery had a fantastic opening reception for "American Summer," last evening. If you are close by, come and see the exhibit. It will make you proud and grateful for the beauty of our nation. "Happy 4th."

Saxapahaw Artists Gallery

2011-06-30T16:49:00.004-04:00

Have been busy working for the Saxapahaw Artists gallery. This is a new co-oop gallery, I've been a member of since January. It is located in an old southern mill village. It has been a few years

people have been coming to this spot due to a little general store that serves a goumet menu, a charter school and apartment living along the river. Saturday night during the summer 1,000 people come to put their blanckets on the hill and listen to music.

Our all member exhibit during the month of July is "American Summer," opening reception July1. The first image shows our gallery and the second is a sample of a few of the artist's work. The third image is the piece I will be displaying is a watercolor, "Sailboats at the Marina"

Busy in June

2011-06-16T16:06:00.002-04:00

I am working on three upcoming exhibits. "Remembering Italy," in August at the new Saxapahaw Artists Gallery, "Celebrating Women "with my daughter Margaret Gwinnett Jackson at Benjamin Vineyards in September/October and the Alamance Studio tour in October. The weather this week in North Carolina has been beautiful. Went into colonial Hillsborough to visit galleries and lunch with some artists friends. Did two days of hard exerise at the Y., this week. Will this keep me young? Going back to the "senior class" on Mondays.

Busy week

2011-04-09T15:46:00.004-04:00

Another busy week. Finished commissioned watercolor. Worked on my painting in acrylic of "San Domenico Church in Palermo." I have the festival lights looking the way I want them to but the church needs some darker glazes of color. Tweaked my website for an hour this morning. Then added a few items on my Cafepress Sicilian page. This week I have also been sending out info to radio and newspaper on line calendars to promote the upcoming Saxapahaw Gallery Grand Opening Reception. SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY MAY 6th 6- 9 pm. Music and refreshments. Attending a little presentation of Gianni Schichi tonight. Love any thing by Puccini

March: going out like a Lamb

2011-03-19T17:58:00.005-04:00

My students are continuing to work on their flower paintings and I completed some new ones as well. After class on Tuesday, I finished two home portrait commissions in watercolors. It was a long but fullfilling day.

This "flappers"imge was made into a print to be used for a raffle to benefit the Alamance County Historical Museum at their annual tea. The program is "100 Years of Costume and Fashion." The painting is no longer available.

More Images

2011-02-17T19:47:00.003-05:00

The class at the Alamance Community College

I think they are all meeting the challenge of painting exciting images.

Flowers paintings from the artists in my watercolor class

2011-02-17T19:41:00.003-05:00

Flowers, Flowers

2011-02-06T20:55:00.002-05:00

Teaching a 15 week course of "Flower Painting," at the Community College. This is an intensive course and I have a group of talented students who are coming up with exciting paintings.

Happy New Year

2011-01-15T18:31:00.005-05:00

I am a bit late with my posts. The month of December just got away from me. I was in two exhibits and took part in the formation of a new gallery in Saxapahaw NC. The final details have not been decided upon, but the space looks great. Location is just across the way from the new Pub and up the street from the popular General Store. I am exhibiting my diptych paintings of the "River At Saxapahaw."

November Days

2010-11-15T21:58:00.005-05:00

You will have to visit my flickr account to see what has been happening. I was given a wonderful birthday party by my husband with the help of my wonderful family and friends. A beautiful Pinocchio cake. [Pinocchio and I have aged together another 10 years.] Music was made by Larry Velanni and friends plus a special song prepared by my granddaughter, Hannah Jackson. Younger granddaughters were not to be outdone and they and my little neice from NJ performed a "chicken "dance. The day for me was truly a gift.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T23:05:00.003-04:00

Halloween has always been a special day for the Gwinnett family. Our middle child was born in Brooklyn on October 31st. The birthday parties were always the most fun. My husband and I have attended many costumed Halloween parties over the years. We have gone as Gunger Din and Queen Victoria, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, {I still have the dress} and Toulouse Lautrec and a Moulin Rouge dance girl. My recent attire has been my favorite Pinocchio puppet.
I had a wonderful attendance to the Alamance Co Studio tour. Made some sales and found out how many paintings I have. Friends and family were a great help with the 70 visitors.

Almost ready.

2010-10-10T18:21:00.015-04:00

Just six days away from the first Alamance County Studio Tour. I am almost ready. Found so many paintings to put out for sale, there will be deep discounts at my house. Maybe some freebies as well. Here are some images of my " gallery displays."

Getting Ready (Click)

2010-09-15T23:09:00.007-04:00

Busy getting ready for Alamance County's first Studio Tour, which is a month away. Today I framed some small paintings and working on list of addresses for brochure mailing. My fractured foot is still giving me pain when I'm on it too long....... It will be 6 weeks tomorrow since my fall. Much too much to do!

2010-09-09T05:55:00.004-04:00

Celebrated our wedding anniversary at "Il Palio" a restaurant in the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill. It was a little connection to the time spent in Siena. My meal was a wonderful veal picata. Was unable to locate the wonderful palio painting that hung in the restaurant. We were told the hotel was sold to new owners two years ago. \Here is a watercolor I have painted from our visit.

Indoors

2010-08-07T18:00:00.005-04:00

Not the happiest of weeks for me. There must have been ten deaths of friends and acquaintances I've heard about in the last two weeks. This week read of the passing of a former art student of mine. This lovely lady was such a joy to have in my oil painting class.

On Thursday I was on my way to another man's funeral mass, when I tumbled off the steps of my back door. My foot immediately swelled from the ankle down. Been hobbling around with a walker and keeping the foot raised. Sorting through my folders of paintings on the computer and playing Farmville.

My Dad's birthday was last week. It is 10 years since he is gone and he would be 93 years old.

ABOVE is an image of the watercolor painting I did of his violin.

Upcoming art show

2010-08-03T10:07:00.007-04:00

" Hat Boxes at the Window"

Another cloudy day, but not complaining if the weather stays cooler. Receiving titles from my art students for our "Window Views" exhibit. About thirty paintings will be on display through the months of September and October at the "Two For Tea" restaurant in Burlington NC. It will be the first time some of these emerging artists will be exhibiting their art work.

Every thing is green again

2010-07-14T12:15:00.003-04:00

More framing of window paintings yesterday, and cleaning out trash on my two studio tables. The paper shredder has been busy.
My husband just found his missing avocado for the humus he is making, while I re-potted an orchid plant I hope will bloom again.
This is an image I painted about 20 years ago. I don't know what happend to the painting.
Rained like crazy last night. Everything looks green again.

Working week

2010-07-05T08:58:00.004-04:00

Painting in Acrylics this week. Completed "Forest in the Woods" and "Flowers in the City."
I also worked on a series of fountain paintings. Earlier in the week framed some watercolors in my "Window" series.
Fun times, celebrating dinner, then fireworks with Italian friends. Surprised by son and three little granddaughters coming to the fireworks display in Burlington City Park. Couldn't have happened without cell phones.

Summer Days

2010-06-24T07:35:00.002-04:00

Summer upon us.Trying to stay cool.Spending some time studying my Italian.
Worked up architectual sketch for expansion of my son's home.

Preparing for next exhibit with he students of my watercolor class of the Alamance Community College. I am planning to base the exhibit around a window theme.

Headed to Chapel Hill today to see some new galleries.

Yesterday in Alamance County

2010-05-27T07:28:00.005-04:00

Had a delightful day on Wednesday. Shared wonderful luncheon with friends at the ACC culinary department. Smoked duck for appetizer and a cassoulet for the starter.The main course was a Beef Wellington in a Bordelaise sauce. I chose the lemon parfait for dessert.

I later delivered my watercolor of "The House in Vins sur Caramy" to its new owner. The transaction pulled at my heart a bit, as I recalled sitting in the little Provence village when painting the image.

Tuesday Evening.

2010-05-25T19:45:00.004-04:00

Worked in garden again for two hours. Came across peony plant that had flowered, but we never saw the booms because of the weeds. My hydrangea bush is blooming. First time in about 6 years. Rains do wondrous things.
Scanned some new paintings into the computer in preparation for October's Studio Tour publications.
I have three opportunities to exhibit some work the first weekend in June. Can I do all three?

The rain has stopped in Alamance County

2010-05-19T16:16:00.005-04:00

The rain has stopped and it was a perfect morning to work out in the garden. Although I was weeding on a hill I was soon covered with mud. I know I prefer moving plants around on "Farmville." No mud.

Thank you all who came out to visit me and see my new paintings at Art on the Vine. Although it was a little muggy, we were all thankful the rain held off both days. The painting that received the most admirers was the "Strings in the Woods." Since it was not sold, I think I might reframe it.

Will be traveling, with three artist friends, to Siler City NC tomorrow. Their main street has been turned into an art district, filled with studios and galleries.

In the evening, I will be in Winston Salem to attend granddaughter Hannah's concert at Mt Tabor High.

Remembering April.

2010-05-07T15:35:00.006-04:00

Hello all,

April flew by, but it was an exciting month. I have been painting watercolors of Italy [Roma and Firenze.] I took my watercolor class to the paint on the beautiful grounds of the Alamance Co Historical Museum. Although the weather kept changing we all did some lovely work.

My husband and I also had a wonderful day at the new North Carolina Museum of Art. It was such fun seeing familiar art pieces in new spacious surroundings and see many pieces that have been in storage. The Rodin sculpture gallery and gardens are awesome.

I had a great day at the Raffaldini Vineyard on the 23rd. My invited patrons agreed with the words in my invitation that it would be like a day spent in Tuscany.

Above is the watercolor I did of the Villa Raffaldini. It was purchased by a member of the Raffaldini family, although I have also been selling 11x15 matted prints of the villa.

" Disastro"

2010-03-01T17:35:00.002-05:00

Many disasters which I don't know how to resolve, but I am working from my new computer. If I am reaching Mary who was interested in prints of ROME, FLORENCE and Barcelona, I lost your email! Another loss is my Front page installation disk. Don't know how I will be able to adjust my website if I don't find it..
Lots of prayers have been going out from this house in Burlington.
My class requested sea shore subjects for tomorrow lesson. I will dream I am at the beach tonight.

New Computer

2010-02-19T11:23:00.002-05:00

New computer on its way. After it was ordered my old computer crashed with a virus. Sending this from husband's.

2010-02-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

I am exhibiting with the Watercolor Society of North Carolina at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex North Carolina. This painting was inspired by my first trip to Britain. The B& B, I visited with my daughter, had a plate collection of the ceramacist, Clarice Cliff.

Happy New Year

2010-01-17T15:07:00.008-05:00

I hope we don't see any more snow here in Carolina. Here is the image I sent out on my Christmas cards. It depicts Saint Mathews in Walsal England. I visited there in the early 90's, with my daughter Elizabeth, to do research of the Gwinnett's family history.

Not liking the cold weather, especially when having this horrible cold. Today I have been working on my computer, cleaning out the mail box, moving picture files around etc.

This week, I rejoined the Watercolor Society of North Carolina. I was a member in the 80's. Some how I got too busy to participate. The format has changed some in the organization, as there are now some local events in different regions of the state. More about this later.

Putting some time into my Italian language books again. I hope I soon will be well enough to attend the little Italian get-togethers at Elon U.

Full class signed up for my watercolor class this week at the Community class. I always enjoy meeting new students. "Painting Texture " will be the emphasis in this session. .

Monday in Burlngton

2009-12-14T08:48:00.003-05:00

Visited Benjamin Vineyard yesterday for their "12 Days of Christmas" exhibition. Lovely show to see. Selling lots of "Sicilian Art and Recipe Calendars" at the cafepress site.

Sunday morning

2009-11-22T09:56:00.002-05:00

Volunteered some time this week at Capt White House for the Annual Christmas show and sale. The house has been converted to a holiday wonderland.
Today I will be traveling to Greensboro to see the movie "Coco". This is the french version of the "prima" French designer Chanel.

A busy Wednesday

2009-11-12T07:13:00.005-05:00

Climbing ladders and setting up Christmas trees. Volunteered a few hours at the Alamance County Arts Council. The staff and volunteers are preparing the Capt White House for their annual spectacular Christmas Show and sale.

Evening was spent at Elon U. singing songs of Italy and Sicily. We were guests at the "Italian Living Learning Center. ""Mebansville" provided the beautiful music.

My Calendar at Cafepress.

2009-11-09T17:32:00.006-05:00

I have forgotten to mention the completion of my "Sicilian Recipe and Art Calendar. " It was six months in the making. These are family recipes and ones developed after my visits to Sicily. Each page is illustrated with one of my watercolor paintings from my travels. These are available at my Cafepress site. Click above "My Calender at Cafepress," for link to site.

Monday in Burlngton

2009-11-09T16:57:00.004-05:00

Enjoyed the day at Greensboro's Italian Festival. Great pistachio gelato from Winston Salem. Granddaughter Cate ate her first canoli. My birthday cake at the park was an apple pie made by daughter Liz.

I have a great group of artists in my watercolor class. They are all doing some beautiful paintings.

The art gallery at Chinqua-Penn plantation now has some of my artwork. Paintings and prints of the estate.

Yes My new website is up and running. Please visit and give me a review!

Burlington NC

2009-10-21T09:36:00.005-04:00

New painting in the works. For "The 12 Days of Christmas " exhibit at Benjamin Vineyards. My entry will be "Nine Dancing Girls."

Delighted to know I sold my "Ladies Crushing Grapes" painting at the Grove Winery last week. The painting was inspired by a black and white photograph I saw in a museum in Terrasini, Sicily last fall. Happy to know my "ladies" found a home.

Must finish new website this week.

October 12

2009-10-12T13:37:00.004-04:00

I'm back, hoping to get this blog going again. This weekend was spent in Greensboro NC. I brought my art to my son and his family's home to take part in the ArtStock Annual Studio Tour. It was great fun sharing this experience with my three granddaughters.

July Already

2009-07-15T07:39:00.002-04:00

Time does fly by. Jude Lobe and my "Provence visited" Exhibition at Harrison's Restaurant in Burlington has just 11 more days. It has been a great show and I have replaced the paintings I've sold, with new ones. Here are some favorites.

Burlington NC

2009-06-18T08:32:00.009-04:00

Charlie and I had a great time at our Parish Festival last Suday. The food and music were great! I used my photoshop on these images so there wouldn't be a problem using faces of people without their permission. on this site. Hope you like them .

Whats new!

2009-06-09T22:12:00.002-04:00

New computer server: New email address: kathleen@gwinnett-arts.com/
New TurboBall mouse : Stressful
New telephone service : Same number, dialing one prefix again.
New Direct Tv: Too many stations I don't want to watch.
Thank God for lots of good old friends and my comfortable clutter around me.

Vins

2009-06-02T18:54:00.002-04:00

2009-06-02T18:38:00.002-04:00

Next exhibit : " Visiting Provence". I am finishing up a painting of a street scene in Vins sur Caramy . I spent a week in walking distance from this beautiful little village last September.
Almost complete is the view of the sea from Cassis on coastal Provence. These are two of four acrylic paintings I hope to have completed in the next 10 days. Framing watercolor paintings when I need a break from my painting. Today I cleaned my oven and entered names and addresses for invitations for reception June 28 in Burlington, when taking some time from my painting.

Is today Tuesday?

2009-05-19T17:51:00.004-04:00

I am still recovering from the "Art on the Vine Show". It turned out to be a 2 1/2 day show. Met lots of people interested in my new works and it was a total success!
Did some yard work today. We have a clematis vine that is everywhere. It must travel underground.
I have lots of paintings for my next exhibit "Provence Visited." However much needs to be framed. UGH!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T10:48:00.002-04:00

2009-04-30T18:28:00.000-04:00

Hello again

2009-04-30T17:29:00.000-04:00

Here it is the end of April. In the last month I have been recovering from some surgery, which resulted in a 4 day hospital stay. A few weeks later I attended a wonderful artists' retreat on Emerald Isle NC given by the inspirational artist, Jane Filer. I painted with over 30 artists and it was truly a joyous experience.
I am now ready to hang my paintings "Celebrating Women" at the Womens Health Information Center at UNC Women's Hospital in Chapel Hill. The exhibit will hang for the month of May.
My exhibit will depict childhood days, the clothing and costume women take on and times spent in every day activities like dance and music.
I have worked up several new paintings for the exhibit.
"The Tie Shop" was the result of visiting a tie shop in Palermo, Sicily, this past October, where my traveling companion was in search of silk bow ties. Another painting depicting women stomping grapes in a huge vat was inspired by a small black and white photo I viewed on my trip to Sicily.
My daughter Liz and I have traveled to Britain and on one occasion she purchased a pair of green "wellies". I've illustrated her wearing them in my garden.
"The Princess Party" is taken from images of a grandaughter's birthday party.
I've painted "en plein air" at the "Sunshine Lavender Farm" in Orange County., here in North Carolina.Two of my new paintings show female figures submerged in lavender.
For those unable to viw this exhibit in person, I am posting some of the images .

A Quiet Saturday

2009-03-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

Had a very busy week. I needed to catch up with myself today. Photographed 7 new paintings for my exhibit at the Womens hospital of UNC. Attached is photo of the "The Tie Shop": subject found in Palermo last October. It is a watercolor on canvas 11x14.
Still working on an acrylic painting of a street scene of Vin sur Camary. Today planned new Provence landscape painting I will begin painting in my water color class on Tuesday.

2009-03-05T14:30:00.001-05:00

It is warming up here in Carolina. I feel good about paintings I am working on for my exhibit for the Women's Hospital UNC ."Lavender Lady" and"Grape Crushing" are just about complete. I believe my "Museum Closet" Painting will also be appropriate for this exhibit.

North Carolina in March

2009-03-04T17:53:00.000-05:00

March really came in like a lion in North Carolina. We had 5 inches of snow Sunday night. My son and his family lost their power and spent the night with us. Here are two images I painted of my youngest two granddaughters.

Sunny Thursday

2009-02-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

Nice to have a warmer day.

Having some medical issues again. While having my insides checked with an ultra sound, I asked the technician if it was a boy or a girl.

However finished and delivered the painting, "The Bay Leaf Tree and Flowering Herbs" for the Womens Resource Center's Herb festival, coming up in April. Come to the event in Burlington and take a chance on the painting.

Yesterday was Chapel Hill and visit with friend Jane Hammel McCartney. We met in 1957 when we were both long distance operators for AT&T in Manhattan. Jane is now living in Raleigh.

I also set up arrangements for my upcoming exhibit at the Womens' Hospital at UNC. Currently working on three paintings with a femine theme.

Will be spending Friday morning with adorable 2 year old Abigail in Greensboro.

Ciao

2009-02-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

Finally got back to Blog! I joined Facebook this past week. Only because I wanted to view some photos of nephew's little baby. Every one seems to be connected .

I have completed two "Provence" paintings, and worked on women's themed paintings for a May exhibit in Chapel Hill.

Although feeling under the weather this past weekend, managed to hold watercolor class, on Tuesday, where we painted a still life of flowers and a straw hat. I painted my image on canvas and was satisfied with results.

Today did research for a painting of herbs to be donated to the Alamance Women's Resource Center's annual herb sale. I came up with about 8 herbs, seven having flowers blooms. The above image of my painting of a "calendula" plant was used as a raffle prize last year.

Tuesday

2009-01-27T18:28:00.001-05:00

Busy day today, teaching watercolor class at ACC in Burlington. Painted still life of assorted wine bottles. Attended demo by Greensboro artist Denise Landi at our Alamance County Arts Council.
Home again to join Facebook and post on this blog. Hope I will be better at keeping it up.
I plan to finish up my painting of a view from Pin de Gale, which I visited this past September. It was such a beautiful place on the french riviera.

September Days

2006-09-05T14:08:00.000-04:00

September has always been my favorite time of the year. I was married and honeymooned on beautiful Nantucket island in September, " many moons ago".

I will be teaching my watercolors class again for the Alamance Community College, begining the second week in September. Although there are always new students to watercolors, in each class, I believe the returning students value my critique more than anything.
Tomorrow my students and I will have a display of our paintings at the Maple Avenue campus of the Community College. They will be there for the months of September and October.

This September, I have my paintings in two new locations in Mebane NC. One is "The Sweet Shop Bakery" and a coffee shop called "heavenly Roast".

I am currently working on a painting of a home that was destroyed by Katrina in Mississippi. I am painting it on a canvas especially prepared for watercolors.
I am also getting paintings together for calendar designs for Cafepress. I hope to add a British calendar to those of Italy, Sicily, and North Carolina.

"Deruta Clock" 16 x20 inches matted $130

2005-11-08T21:46:00.000-05:00

Today I painted a still life of sunflowers, alongside a Deruta Italian clock. I guess I was trying to hold on to some summertime. In the afternoon it was matting and framing for the upcoming art shows and attended a fun birthday party in Hillsborough this evening. ... Auguri, auguri.

Tuesday

2005-11-01T22:36:00.000-05:00

Hope every one had a Happy Halloween . Forgot to bake my annual pumpkin pie.

2005-10-30T12:48:00.000-05:00

The leaves in the piedmont of North Carolina have yet to be in full fall color.
Getting ready for the "Big Pumpkin". Our family always celebrates Halloween with birthday parties, as well as Halloween parties. Lots of costumes and cakes over the years.

Happy Halloween to you all.

November 2005 Happenings:

2005-10-29T17:03:00.000-04:00

November 1-29th: My exhibition of watercolor paintings at the Cartaret County public library, Beaufort NC

November 6th : The Greensboro Opera Company will be performing "Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart at the War Memorial Auditorium.

November 5 & 6th: The Annual International Festival will take place at the fairgrounds in Raleigh NC

November 12th: I will be taking part in a Pottery and Art Show in Winston Salem, on Saturday, . Email me for further details.

November 26th: Barn Sale and plein air painting at the Infinity Farm.

December 3rd Graham N.C. Festival around the square, after the annual Chistmas parade.

December 4th Opening reception of my exhibition at Studio 91, Meadowmount, Chapel Hill NC

2005-10-29T16:03:00.000-04:00

Hello all, or ciao a tutti!

This is my first blog. I hope to tell you about the art happenings in Alamance County NC and as an artist, my participation in them.

I hope to be hearing from you. I will try to answer any inquiries daily.