"Comfort Zone" by Giselle McMenamin

"Comfort Zone" oil on canvas 8x8"

www.MusingsByGM.Blogspot.com

AHHHHH! Finally a new painting done! I can't believe so much time went by and I didn't get anything done before this. Anyway, this one was a quickie. Only about 1 1/2 hrs. Promised myself since studio time has been limited lately with all family members home, I'd move quickly. This is a piece that I am adding to my Bethany Beach series I started mid summer. It was one of the last shots I took as I perused the late afternoon scene on a picture perfect day. The gal didn't look like she was going anywhere soon and seemed to be very comfortable all by her lonesome listening to the "quiet". Comfort Zone came to mind when I finished the painting. That place we all like to be where we feel no stress and things are going according to plan, no disruptions just total peace for a little while anyway. Few and far between for me but this painting brought me to that place. Really enjoyed the process. Hope you like!

Dolles Taffy by Giselle McMenamin

"Dolles" oil on panel 8x8"
www.GiselleMcMenamin.com

Had a lot of fun painting this one. It was inspired by an evening out on the boardwalk in Rehoboth, DE. 

"It's all about Communication" by Giselle McMenamin

"It's all about Communication" oil on panel 6x6"

www.GiselleMcMenamin.com

www.MusingsByGM.blogspot.com

Having a good time adding to my beach series this week. Here's a small oil painting of a couple I spotted this summer. I got a kick out of seeing them texting side by side- in the same position no less. Wonder if they were texting each other! They say a good relationship is based on how well you communicate so perhaps this is the beginning of a wave of therapy in marriage counseling. Who knows. Anyway, I thought it made for a good comment on today's technology driven society. I'm as much a part of it as the next gal. With respect to the process of developing this piece I literally just jumped right into it with a simple sketch in pencil to help me keep the proportions balanced initially. My main focus lately is to get the values on target. I find myself spending a lot more time mixing colors and making sure they're the right temperature before I lay it all down. I get extremely frustrated when it doesn't work out.

"Coasting" by Giselle McMenamin

"Coasting" oil on panel 6x6"

www.GiselleMcMenamin.com

www.musingsByGM.blogspot.com

Here's another small oil painting I completed for my Beach series. I thought this gentleman was just so into his groove all by himself soaking in as many rays as he possibly could. A very relaxed, I don't have a care in the world kind of vibe to him to say the least. He looked like he was ready to let that chair take him anywhere. I am truly enjoying this small works process more and more each day. 

"Waitin' on the Ladies" By Giselle McMenamin

"Waitin' on the Ladies" oil on canvas 11x14"

www.GiselleMcMenamin.com

www.Musingsbygm.blogspot.com

This is a piece I finished today. Another from my beach series. Thought these two gents were curious chatting away while the chairs on either side of them sat empty. I guess they were waiting on their lady friends. Did tons of reworking on this one. Must have changed the color of the sand 4 times! Hoping I got the values right.

"Beach Girl" by Giselle McMenamin

"Beach Girl" oil on panel 12x9"
www.GiselleMcMenamin,com
www.musingsbygm.blogspot.com

This is from a series of paintings I've started based on my trip to Bethany Beach, De. Did tons of people watching while there and hope to get a good number of paintings done.

Giselle McMenamin - SO MANY ARTISTS/GALLERIES CAN MAKE USE OF THE ARTICLE BELOW

Many times I 've walked into a gallery, in NYC mind you, to be treated like I wasn't even there. Not a good sales approach for sure. Usually I'm scoping the location out to see what the reception is like and if I'd want to show my work there. Why bother putting time into a show if nobody is going to support your work with enthusiasm or general information?? Although Carolyn Henderson's article references a yarn shop the concept is relevant to any sales venue. Read below for a glimpse at the huge marketing faux pas of not being friendly or inviting.

The Importance of Being Earnestly Friendly

by Carolyn Henderson

You’re in a profession that demands social interaction, because people want to know more about your creations and their creator. Start with the smile. [...]

Read the rest of this article at:

http://fineartviews.com/blog/32083/the-importance-of-being-earnestly-friendly

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a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).

For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com

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"The Met Lady" by Giselle McMenamin

"The Met Lady" 10x8" Oil on panel
GiselleMcMenamin

I'm a newbie here. Just signed up with CFAI. Looking forward to contributing to this blog and seeing everyone's work on here. Very inspirational. The above piece is one I painted this week of a lady resting on the railings leading up to the Met. Thought she was the epitome of the NYC dweller with the "get out of my face attitude" that you see there so often. Tough and rich. Loved her red shoes too, regardless of the attitude.