Monday, June 30, 2014

"Homecoming", 12x9", And Artists Beware the Latest Scam


Well, I nearly fell for the latest scam out there, and I wanted to warn my artist friends about it.  I was contacted by a very nice "woman" named "Mary Collins" who wanted to buy three of my small pieces from me.  She loved my art!  Couldn't wait to see it on her wall!  Could I tell her my inspiration for each of these pieces?  I was happily reeled in for awhile, loving her compliments and enthusiasm for my work (what artist can't resist that?).  Then things got interesting.

"Mary" was in the process of moving to a new home.  And she was attending her sister's wedding, so she had her husband's private assistant make out a check to me.  When it arrived, it was a whopping $1,200 more than I had asked.  She told me that her husband's PA made a "terrible mistake", so could I please send the difference to her along with the paintings?  CUE THE ALARM BELLS!

I sprinted to my computer and looked up ART SCAMS.  Sure enough, these people are able to produce very authentic looking checks that get deposited into your bank account.  Your bank accepts the check at first, and puts the money in your account.  In the meantime, you cut a check back to the crooks.  Five days later, the bank finds out it's a phony and deducts the amount from your account, leaving you high and dry.

The only thing I lost was 15 minutes of my time, describing my paintings.  Not too bad.  If you're reading this "Mary", better start packing.  The authorities are on their way!

And now for something a bit more pleasant:  "Homecoming" is a scene from Nantucket, and it is in the East End Gallery in Nantucket.  I will not let the crooks get me down!!!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

"Isabella Stewart Gardner Courtyard", 10x8" And the Evolution of A Painting



The highlight of a visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is the central courtyard.  She designed the walls surrounding the courtyard based on the architecture of Venice, and when the sun filters down through the tree branches and rests on the priceless statues that are scattered about, the feeling can be quite transcendent!

I knew I wanted to paint a scene from this courtyard, but cameras are strictly forbidden everywhere in the museum-- only pencils and paper are allowed.  Good thing I never leave home without my trusty sketchbook.

When I arrived home, I went right to work.  I didn't want to forget the colors that I had committed  to memory.


My first "go" looked a bit lifeless, so I took a clean brush and destroyed it a bit to lose some edges and put a feeling of energy into it.


I calmed it down and adjusted the color.  I'm not sure that it's a perfect replica, but it is what remained in my imagination.

For purchase information, please click on Ann Feldman Gardner Courtyard.


Friday, June 20, 2014

"Windsong, Nantucket" 12x9"


I'm on my way today to visit daughter Emily in Boston.  I've convinced her that a trip to the Isabella Gardner museum is a "must" on our itinerary!  I will show you highlights of our visit, if I'm allowed to photograph there.

"Windsong, Nantucket" is in the East End Gallery in Nantucket.

Friday, June 13, 2014

"Turnip Tempest", 12x12"


If you've  had a chance to check out my Youtube video, you know how much I love to fracture and destroy my paintings as I create them!  This painting is about as close to complete abstraction as I've ever come.  The world hasn't ended as a result, so I think I'll do some more of these.

"Turnip Tempest" is available through the East End Gallery in Nantucket.

Friday, June 6, 2014

"Echoes of Innocence", 18x24" And A New YouTube


And now for a little exciting news: I have just finished my very first Youtube!  It is titled "Impressionistic Painting Techniques with Ann Feldman".  I hope that if you have a few minutes, you'll take a look.  Click on Ann Feldman Youtube to visit.  And please feel free to share it with other artists and friends!


Here's a little story behind this painting.  A few months ago, I was playing tennis with my usual vigor and abandon.  All of a sudden, the ball was coming straight at me, and I had a "deer in the headlights" moment.  At the last instant, I put my hand out to block the ball and ended up breaking my finger and knuckle in several places.  Naturally, it was my ring finger, so the wedding ring ended up getting sawed off in the ER.  After forgetting the ring in the examining room, I was reunited with it again later that day.

To say that my tennis friend felt bad for what I went through that day is an understatement!  OK, so here's where the painting comes in:  she sent me these beautiful flowers to speed my recovery, so I decided to paint them.  And here they are!  This painting is available through the Button Petter Gallery in Saugatuck, Michigan.