My new cards ~

My new cards ~, a photo by Art by Cheryl on Flickr.

Painting Ornaments ~

ornaments, a photo by Art by Cheryl on Flickr.

For a little something different, I usually paint up some floral ornaments around Christmastime each year. They are a nice break from the intense detail of my usual work. Joining my display of botanical and other artwork I will have a supply of ornaments ready to go for the Holmes for the Holidays Art Show in Millersburg this weekend (Nov. 23), and The Holiday Artisans Market, Dec. 6 & 7 in Wooster, Ohio.

Preparing for the Nature Art Fest

I think I have most everything packed up and ready to go to the Nature Art Fest at Wolf Creek this coming weekend ~ Saturday, November 9, 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 10, 12 noon - 4pm. This is my first year participating in this show and I'm really looking forward to it. It's a beautiful venue.

I will be taking mostly botanical art with a few landscapes sprinkled in. And bunches of new note cards, including the holly branch pictured here.

Stop by if you're in the area. It looks like a very nice event.

White oak leaf with acorns (quercus Alba)

White oak leaf with acorns (quercus Alba), a photo by Art by Cheryl on Flickr.

While on our annual trip to the cottage on Catawba Is. I found these acorns with leaf attached on a morning walk on the beach. I thought the green of the acorns was so striking and had to bring some along home with me. The color quickly changed even though I kept them in the fridge. Maybe it was too cold? But I am learning to take many photos and made some color notes and sketches. This is the result. A memory of our vacation by Lake Erie.

Remembering Mom

rosa "Cadenza" (aka "Annie's Red"), a photo by Art by Cheryl on Flickr.

I have been working most of the summer on this flower portrait of rosa "Cadenza" aka "Annie's Red. It is from a bush that I have growing by the fence in my cottage border. As I am finding with so many of the plants in my garden there is also a story that goes with this special rose.

In 2002 at the passing of my Mom, a close friend who shares my love of gardening said that she would like to remember my mother with a rose to plant and that I should pick out one that reminded me of her. Mom's gift was loving people and being a faithful friend. Right away I knew that the rose would have to be red. Just seemed right as I remember her wearing red on occasion and it seemed to fit her personality. Not in a bright, explosive way but rather, as this rose illustrates, more deep and subdued. Miss you Mom. :)

rosa "Cadenza" aka "Annie's Red"
~colored pencil on h/p Fabriano Artistico
fine art prints and note cards available

teardrop ornament

teardrop ornament 001, a photo by Art by Cheryl on Flickr.

This is a sample of the ornaments I paint for 'Tis the Season, an all year Christmas store in Berlin, OH. These are a little larger with a different shape than the ornaments I've been painting. Always fun to do.

From a Late Winter Walk in the Field

from a late winter walk in the field , a photo by Art by Cheryl on Flickr.

The subjects for this page of botanical studies were collected while taking a walk in the field behind our home. These so called "weeds" were so striking set against the covering of snow. One of the things I love about botanical art is seeing the beauty in the intricacy of the ordinary.

"From a Late Winter Walk" ~ graphite ~ 16"x20"

New Local Artist Group Forming

This past November/December a group of artist friends and I put our artwork together for a Holiday art show at the Holmes County Cultural Center. (see photo at left) I had a great time working with this group of talented people again. Some of us had worked together before. Others were new to the group. It's always good for me, as an artist, to be around other creative people. The impression I got from most of those in the group was that it was important to them as well. So, out of that creative environment comes this new venture.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2013 the first meeting of the artists will be held at the Holmes County Cultural Center, 434 North Washington Street, Millersburg, OH. It will be in the evening around 6:30 or 7:00. I'm waiting on input. You will notice there is no name for the group as yet. We will work on that at the first meeting.

I am very excited about beginning this new group. The vision as I see it is a place where fine artists and craftspeople can come together to share work, be inspired and inspire others, network, share info on upcoming shows, galleries, exhibits--all to make us better artists in the long run. I find that I occasionally need that interaction with others because I am alone working away at my art so much of the time. I've also heard this from other artists that I know. So, we are offing an opportunity to connect.

The other purpose of the group is to plan art shows in Millersburg and surrounding areas. This will help give artists an outlet and exposure for their art. I believe this region could be an "art destination" in the future.

So, if you'd like to join us, please contact me (above) and I will keep you informed. Looking forward to meeting with you!