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Dear Art Friends,

This is an introduction to my art blog. I have wanted to do this for a long time because between commissions and large gallery paintings I do little oil sketches of ideas for future paintings or just small things of beauty that strike me at odd moments. Because I paint every day, after a while, these little canvases add up. So I thought I would share them with you. I will be sending them out about every week or two. If you enjoy them, please forward them to friends on your email list. If you do not want to be bothered, no problem just cancel the blog.

So, please consider joining my weekly newsletter (see link below).

Thanks, Nancy Paris Pruden

My Sisters

12/31/2015 9:18:07 AM | By Nancy Paris Pruden | Comment on this

Personal Art

Most people will say that all art is a reflection of it's creator but sometimes a work can become a personal history as well. "My Sisters" is just such a painting for me, but I hope it is also a universal statement about being a sister in a close family. As a middle child with sisters 1 year older and 3 years younger, childhood revolved around my relationships with both of them. We were a team, stronger as a unit, against parents and the adult world; at least that is the way I viewed it. My older sister was the Mother figure, forging a path, teaching, and comforting. I had a hard time learning how to read so she read to me, rebelled against authority, (mainly our Father) and succeeded in the mysterious world of Boys. My younger sister and I shared a room, whispered at night and she became diabetic at 4. I remember being afraid she would die any minute. Her face was cute but always dirty, with hair that stuck up, independent and often secretive. My older sister would iron her dresses while she took an afternoon nap. The dresses were soon soiled. We also shared a love of cats and would sneak the latest kitty into our room at night against our Father's Rules. This is the first Christmas in 30 years we all live in the same town. I am grateful to have them close once more.

Katherine for Christmas

12/24/2015 8:45:48 AM | By Nancy Paris Pruden | Comment on this

Katherine for Christmas

Katherine is a child full of Joy; a Gift anytime of year, but especially at Christmas. She is the 2nd of three daughters each less than 3 years apart and she knows how to get everyone to laugh with her. As a matter of fact, I was concerned we were all laughing so hard while photographing, that every image would be with her mouth open. "A laugh to be joyous, must flow from a joyous heart, for without kindness, there can be no true joy." is a quote by Thomas Carlyle that fits Katherine perfectly. To bring sunshine into the room is a unique gift and Katherine has it in spades! Painting and teaching brings me a great deal of joy which I hope I share with you as well. My prayer this Holiday Season is that each one of us finds the joy of a small child in our heart. Joseph Campbell said, "Find a place where there is joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." Love and delight to you this Holiday Season, and Merry Christmas!

Commissioning Christmas

12/17/2015 9:10:53 AM | By Nancy Paris Pruden | Comment on this

Nurturing Artists and Collectors

I have had many good Galleries through the years but none like the staff at Thornwood Gallery! The owner never had any children so she just adopts artists and collectors. If you are lucky enough to become one of her "Children" nothing is too much for you. She hosts 2 parties a year for the gallery artists where we talk shop among ourselves and everyone agrees this is a very special place indeed. One artist said, "I have looked all my life for a gallery like this." Another said,"I have been here 10 years and she sells more than all the other galleries combined!" This commission she got for me is a case in point. One of her collectors wanted a Big Colorful Contemporary landscape, in Yellows, Purple, and Turquoise. Not a problem! Creating art; bringing artists and collectors together is what makes Thornwood tick. This is my latest sketch for the large painting which they approved, yesterday! We combined 2 ideas I submitted last week and I start the big one (48"x 60") tomorrow. Not sure I can finish it by Christmas but I'll try... This has been so much FUN!

Park City Dawn

12/9/2015 10:37:20 AM | By Nancy Paris Pruden | Comment on this

Commissioning Something Personal

This time of year I get a flurry of commissions for Christmas presents and I love working with people on their creative visions. This couple has a swell vacation home in Park City and want a large colorful landscape, somewhat contemporary, in turquoise, and purples with maybe a sunset... Oh and a stream would be nice... to go over the mantle. Not a problem! Here are my first 2 attempts. It is best to do small ideas initially and then see where we are going, so these are 11"x 14". I wanted them to be finished paintings to stand on their own so composed them with that in mind. Well they liked both of these but still think we could take elements from the 2 of them for a third idea. so today, I will combine the 2 ideas into a 3rd painting.

Tune in Next Week!

The Red Canoe

12/7/2015 4:48:38 PM | By Nancy Paris Pruden | Comment on this

Painting in the Piney Woods

About 100 miles north of Houston, in the piney woods of Texas, is the Carter Family Compound. In mid November the air is brisk and invigorating, perfect for gathering around a fire in the evenings! The house has been remodeled and expanded over the years with many bedrooms, so it really resembles an elegant private hotel in the woods, complete with a wonderful cook! The screened-in-porch faces the lake where Fall leaves reflect in the water. We were lucky enough to be invited on a painting weekend in this idyllic spot and I am most grateful to our hostess and friend, Maudie for her generosity! Among the many blessing I count this Holiday Season are the deepening friendships made through the shared love of painting.

Thank you, Maudie and Boyde!

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My Sisters

Katherine for Christmas

Commissioning Christmas

Park City Dawn

The Red Canoe

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