"Winter Sycamore" oil on canvas, 12 x 16

While out one day looking for an area to spend some time painting, I came upon this Sycamore by the Poultney River. It was a very cold, but somewhat bright morning where the snow had a particular feeling of icy cold and the frost hung heavy in the trees and bushes. It was an interesting challenge trying to paint the light bark of the sycamore while retaining that "frosty" feeling, as well as a strong light pattern. A lot to think about in a small area, but fun trying to achieve. I think this area will require more attention in the following weeks of winter.
"Winter Sycamore"
oil on canvas, 12 x 16
300.00 unframed, plus shipping

"Going Home" oil on canvas, 24 x 30

After spending some time on some smaller paintings and some commissions, I was chomping at the bit to work on something larger. Earlier this year, when I was out painting, I came upon this scene heading home. It was one of the moments when I slammed on my breaks in the car; a "this is it" moment. I was wanting to create a sense of luminosity in the clouds with a feeling of back lighting coming through the trees on this early fall afternoon. It had been raining that morning, so there were a few puddles here and there. While a challenge, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed every brush stroke in this piece.
"Going Home"
oil on canvas, 24 x 30
please contact me for framing options and purchase information
www.andreworr.com
artsteph1@aol.com

"Silvery Light of Winter," oil on canvasboard, 8 x 10

For some reason I tend to like to do the bulk of my outdoor painting in the wintertime. An artist friend of mine says I pick a rough time of year to start such work, but that is what I enjoy. I like the diversity and subtlety of light that can be witnessed during any given winter season. The day I did this study happened to be quiet, overcast and gray day. With a closer look, I noticed that it was not a gray day, but a soft gray violet day with wonderful silver light.
"Silvery Light of Winter"
oil on canvas board, 8 x 10
email: artsteph1@aol.com
web: www.andreworr.com

View from the Studio"

The miracle of the changing seasons never ceases to amaze me. After passing from verdant summer gently into the brilliant colors of autumn we are now at the beginning of winter in New England. The blanket of snow creates a wonderful atmosphere for the holidays not to mention, much inspiration of material for paintings. This little piece was completed from inside my studio, looking out onto an old horse barn in back of our home. Its is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.
"View from the Studio"
oil on board, 8 x 6
125.00 unframed, plus shipping
sold

"Fall in New England" oil on canvas, 11 x 14

I have enjoyed landscape painting for many years, although it has just been fairly recent that I began adding structures in my landscape work. This barn is located just over the border in New York state. I have painted in around this area many times and never cease to be inspired by the beauty of the scene.
"Fall in New England"
oil on canvas, 11 x 14
sold
artsteph1@aol.com
www.andreworr.com

"The Pond at Hick's Orchard" oil on canvas, 9 x 12

I painted this location earlier this year in the rich greens of summer. I recently visited this local orchard and the area was cloaked in the colors of fall. It was a joy to paint this same area with a different palette. Maybe when the snows arrive, I will make another trip over to the orchard to see what the pond has in store for me then. No matter the season, I am always thankful that I get to do everyday, what I love.
www.andreworr.com
artsteph1@aol.com
"The Pond at Hick's Orchard"
oil on canvas, 9 x 12
595.00 unframed, plus shipping

"Autumn Reflections" oil on canvas, 16 x 20

I guess after having returned from teaching a workshop I was still pretty excited about painting sunflowers, so I decided to put together another still life this time with a more autumnal theme. The copper pot has become one of my favorite still life objects and I am sure it will appear in more paintings in the coming years. I received word the other evening that my painting, "Road Home" had been accepted into the 125th Annual Member's Exhibition of the Salmagundi Club in New York. In addition,the painting received the Arthur T. Hill Memorial Award for a landscape by an artist under 45 years of age. It was a wonderful surprise and I am still walking a few inches off the ground.
"Autumn Reflections"
oil on canvas, 16 x 20
for purchase inquiry, please contact me directly
artsteph1@aol.com
www.andreworr.com

"Abunance of Autumn" oil on canvas, 20 x 24

In previous posts I shared studies completed in class during a recent teaching trip. I wanted to share our larger project in this posting. We had great fun setting up the still life, as a class. As a group we came up with a set up that seemed to have great painting opportunities from all angles. In fact, walking around the room it was fun to see the different angles of the set up as portrayed in each of the student's paintings. I think my painting is just about finished, I may tweak it a bit here or there when I get it home. The whole class was a great experience and I am grateful to the students and to my host for giving me a wonderful opportunity. Good to be home though; from the looks of the weather outside, I might be painting snow very soon!
"Abundance of Autumn"
oil on canvas, 20 x 24
please contact me directly for purchase inquiry
artsteph1@aol.com
www.andreworr.com

"Study in Complementary Colors" oil on canvas, 8 x 7

As mentioned in a previous post, I have been in Iowa teaching a series of paintings workshops. This is another example of one of the exercises we completed before working with the larger class project. We had been working in black and white with a small still life, with a focus on matching values of objects with tones of pigment. The next step in this process was to use two complementary colors, in this case yellow and violet, to create a small study. In addition to pure color we mixed semi neutral tones and some lighter and darker values with the addition of white and black. It was amazing to see the variation of colors that could be mixed. The concept of this exercise was to try to gain an understanding that value and the combination of values help to create form. In addition, I wanted to help the students experiment with the concept that color in its pure form has a value (light and dark.) They quickly realized that maintaining good contrast was the key to making a successful study using two colors. I encouraged the students to note that the semi neutral mixes had a warm and a cool side which when placed in the painting helped to establish a feeling of depth as the warmer tones advanced in the painting and cooler tones helped areas to recede in the piece. The process was a challenge but it helped to reinforce the idea that color can be anything as long as its reasonable and that a painting can be successful and interesting using a very limited palette.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
artsteph1@aol.com
www.andreworr.com

"Sunflower Study" oil on canvas, 10 x 8

I have just finished a painting workshop in Iowa and I thought I might share some of our class projects. We spent two days working on smaller studies and excercizes before tackling our larger still life set up. In one of our studies we worked up a small painting using only black and white. It was a great opportunity to study values and and how the combination of values help to create form; it is also a great chance to spend some time focusing on contrast. On another study we worked up a still life set up using only two complimentary colors, semi neutral mixes, black and white. The painting included in this post was simply a warm-up exercise to demonstrate how I would approach a floral subject. I was pretty happy with the end result especially since the study was completed in 15 minutes. My next few postings will include some of the other studies from this class.
artsteph1@aol.com

"Late Fall Afternoon at Ruth's Pond" oil on board, 8 x 10

This piece is another of plein air studies from earlier this fall. I loved the trunk and branches of this old maple located at the edge of a pond on the property of a friend of mine. The leaves were falling as I was painting, only a few really remained. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was quickly setting on that area of the pond with just a few lights hitting the tree here and there. As with all of my outdoor studies, I think there might be some information contained in the piece which might find its way into a larger piece. Above all, now that the days are cooler, I can think of no better way to experience the wonder of the fall season than working outdoors.
"Late Fall Afternoon at Ruth's Pond"
oil on board
350.00 unframed, plus shipping
please contact me directly for payment details
artsteph1@aol.com
www.andreworr.com

"Empire Apple At Rest," 5 x 7, oil on canvas on board

I went apple picking a couple of weeks ago; the day could not have been better. It was a beautiful fall day with a light crisp breeze and bright sunshine. I have thoroughly enjoyed painting several apple studies this fall this one included. I am not sure why I am so drawn to this subject; they are always a challenge to paint...who knows, maybe that is the draw. I always tell my students that painting fruit is like painting a portrait. Each piece of fruit has slight variations which are unique, they have a character and a life all their own. I always try to have a few leaves in my apple studies as well;they have a character and sense of humor in the way they twist and curl. It may sound strange, but I don't want to paint just a piece of fruit, I want to paint the bright clear day, the crisp air, the fun of picking apples with a loved one. This is a lofty goal in a piece of canvas 5 x 7 inches.
"Empire Apple at Rest"
oil on canvas on board, 5 x 7
100.00 unframed, plus shipping
please contact me directly for payment details
artsteph1@aol.com
www.andreworr.com

"Fall Birch" oil on board, 7 x 5

On a day like today, with the skies dark and dreary, late fall winds howling outside and rain, which will likely turn to snow tonight, pelting the window, it is hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago the sky was a brilliant blue against a carpet of yellows, oranges and reds of fall foliage. I was looking forward to working with these autumnal colors a bit more, however I am wondering if I need to dig out my snow boots and prepare for some winter outdoor painting? No matter the season, painting is always a joy. How could I be so lucky to be able to partake of such daily joy?
"Fall Birch"
oil on board, 7 x 5
100.00 unframed, plus shipping
please contact me directly for payment details
www.andreworr.com

"The Old Pond on Lewis Road" oil on board, 8 x 10

Last week, while out "leaf peeping" with another artist friend, we came upon this old pond on a road outside the village where I live. Painting outside is something I do enjoy but found that being with other artists makes the experience that much more fun. Its great to be able to share ideas, talk about art or even bounce ideas off of one another while working on the same subject; no two people will ever see the same scene in the same way. Now the leaves have almost completely fallen and this area will be soon cloaked in Winter's blanket of snow.
"The Old Pond on Lewis Road"
oil on board, 8 x 10
300.00 unframed, plus shipping
please contact me directly for payment details
www.andreworr.com
artsteph1@aol.com

"Dazzling Fall Colors," oil on board, 8 x 10

It seems to most folks, around this part of Vermont, this year's fall color extravaganza has been one of the best in many years. I would agree. The color is always amazing this time of year, but it seems this year, more so than others. While I paint almost every day, I am not a huge fan of outdoor painting. I try to balance my studio work though with some plein air work as well as photographing and sketching the scenes and places which inspire me. I think the individual has to decide which is the best working method for them and then follow that path with diligence. This painting however, was painted on location, almost in its entirety. The past few days have been exceedingly bright and warm so it made for some wonderful working time outside. Over the next couple posts, I will share some of my outdoor attempts. As with all of my outdoor work, I think these small paintings/sketches will, along with my photos and pencil sketches, become useful aids in larger more involved paintings. I like though, the freshness of these smaller paintings, not to mention the feelings and the memories I have of working on these pieces on one of the most beautiful of fall days.
"Dazzling Fall Colors
oil on board, 8 x 10
300.00 unframed, plus shipping
please contact me directly for payment details

"Road Home" oil on canvas, 12 x 16

I completed this painting of a lane along the Hoosick River on the Vermont, New York border several weeks ago. As I was looking at it the other day I was thinking to myself that many variations of this same scene could be completed. From different lighting effects to seasonal changes, I think it will be a great wintertime project to revisit this same area to see just how many painting could be completed using this basic compositional layout.
"Road Home"
oil on canvas on board
12 x 16
795.00 plus shipping

"Hidden Pond on Bull Frog Hollow Road, Wells, VT" oil on canvas, 12 x 16

After returning from a teaching trip to Phoenix, Arizona I was greeted in Vermont by some of the early fall colors. I was out one day earlier this week and came upon this scene and knew immediately that this could make a great painting. The late afternoon light was filtering through some of the tall pines casting shadows on the pond allowing strong lights to hit some of the distant brilliant yellow-orange trees. The water was perfectly still on this crisp, early autumn day. As with many of these smaller studies, I think this setting will find its way into a larger painting in the not so distant future. Incidentally, this painting will be part of the "Fresh Paint" Auction sponsored by the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, VT. Over thirty newly painted pieces will be offered by auction as part of a fund raising event for the center on October 10, 2008. For more information please contact me directly or contact the SVAC at www.svac.org.
"Hidden Pond on Bull Frog Hollow Road, Wells, VT"
oil on canvas
12 x 16

"Copper and Gourds" oil on canvas, 9 x 12

After a ten day teaching trip to Phoenix, Arizona, it was nice to return to the early fall season of Vermont. The leaves are turning and autumn is putting on her cloak of brilliant colors. These gourds and mums were casually spread on a table and placed in a favorite copper cup and the pictured still life is the result. This piece will be part of the Fall Auction Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club, NY. For more information, please contact me directly.
"Copper and Gourds"
oil on canvas, 9 x 12

"Majestic Maple" oil on canvas, 12 x 16

This time of year in New England is always bittersweet. The beautiful greens of summer have faded, the garden has finished producing wonderful fruits and vegetables and soon the cold temps of Winter will be here. This painting is of a late summer maple tree not far from my home. It is huge and has an interesting trunk structure. It has stood for years through the changing seasons, quite majestically, I might add. Thus the name, "Majestic Maple."
"Majestic Maple"
oil on canvas, unframed
12 x 16
695.00, plus shipping.
Please contact me directly for payment options

"Apples and Copper" oil on canvas, 18 x 24

Another exploration of wild apples and copper! I am not sure why I am so drawn to this subject, but I never become tired of working with various textures, reflective surfaces and natural objects. Ultimately, I think my love of this subject is due in part to my enthusiasm for the fall season ahead. We are coming into a magical time in New England with the beauty of the foliage, cool days and bright blue skies. No fall day would be complete without a trip to the local apple orchard for an afternoon of picking. What better way to end the day than painting a few apples along with treasured objects. Enjoy!
"Apples and Copper"
oil on canvas, 18 x 24
please contact me directly for payment details

"Late Summer Harvest" oil on canvas, 16 x 12

This is the time of year when the vegetable garden begins to slow up and the leaves start to show thier touches of fall color. The flower garden also begins to fade to prepare for the winter ahead. I love this time of year and can not wait for the fall colors to begin. Its a time of year when one can sense the passage of time. I pulled this painting together from a few remaining flowers from the garden and some freshly picked wild apples. I liked the color combinations as well as the combinations of textures with the fabric and the metal of the copper pot. I was so pleased by the setting that I decided to do a second painting in a larger format. Maybe next time I will try some pumpkins and gourds...hmmm, ideas, ideas.
"Late Summer Harvest"
oil on canvas, 16 x 12
695.00 unframed, plus shipping
please contact me directly for payment information

The Station Bridge, oil on canvas, 5 x 7, unframed

The Station Bridge, located in Northfield, Vermont was built by an unknown craftsman in 1872. It spans the Dog River and is one of three bridges on the same road all within a half mile. One can see two bridges, this one included, in the same view, the only place in New England where this can be noticed. The name “Station” came from the presence of a nearby railroad depot. It’s a charming area and a must on any fall foliage tour through the state of Vermont. Maybe sometime, I will have to try a painting of the two bridges in one view, and during fall foliage season; it’s around the corner for sure.
"The Station Bridge, Northfield, VT"
oil on canvas on board, 5 x 7, unframed
100.00, plus shipping

"Old Barns, Poultney, VT" oil on canvas, 9 x 12

Living in rural Vermont has provided me with a wealth of information and material for my paintings. While I tend to work with still life and landscape subjects, working with architectural elements is somewhat new to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed painting covered bridges, barns and old houses and am looking forward to a lifetime of painting and enjoyment of such subjects. This barn and other outbuildings are located near my home. The barn faces west and has had years of exposure to the sun and elements. The paint or stain is almost completely worn giving a great weathered feeling to the building. The sides however, mostly in shadow, retain their typical barn red. I painted this scene using fall colors, but I am sure I will return to this area as I can visualize the setting in all seasons and weather conditions.
“Old Barns, Poultney, VT”
9 x 12, oil on canvas
595.00 unframed, plus shipping

"Summer Apples" oil on canvas, 5 x 7

"Summer Apples" oil on canvas 5 x 7
100.00, unframed, plus shipping
As mentioned in another post, I have been surprised this summer at the abundance of wild apple trees scattered throughout the hills and meadows in the area of Vermont where I live. The beautiful fruit sparkles in the early autumnal sun, attracting birds and dear for a feast of these summer gifts. I love the colors of the apples and in this setting I particularly liked the combination of the colors of the apples with the porcelain cup.

Summer Apples
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
Oil on canvas on Panel
$100, unframed plus shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.??

"Passing Clouds" oil on canvas, 5 x 7,

"Passing Clouds"
oil on canvas, 5 x 7
100.00, unframed, plus shipping SOLD
As a child I remember lying on my back in our front yard looking at clouds in the late summer afternoon sky. This sky, in Washington County, NY, reminded me of those childhood days.
for more information please see my web site, www.andreworr.com
for purchase information, please contact me directly.

"Summer Sunshine" oil on canvas, 11 x 14

"Summer Sunshine" 11 x 14, oil on canvas on board
575.00 unframed, plus shipping
As this blog progresses, one of my goals is to present paintings from time to time that are a stretch for me; a piece whereby artistically, possibly in color, brushwork, concept, anything that might be a bit out of the norm for me, I pushed a bit. This piece happens to be the case. It was a demonstration at a recent art festival and when I got it home, I liked elements but I was struck by an over abundance of "green." I let the piece dry up a bit and scumbled color over the piece not really trying to get a representative color, but rather cool color in the shadows, warms in the lights. Blue might not have been in the scene, but when I wanted to emphasize "shadow" I pushed the blue and so forth. I wanted to make this as impressionistic as I could muster. Who knows, maybe I will go down this road more often... the journey was pure fun.

"Apple Shadows" oil on canvas, 5 x 7, unframed

"Apple Shadows"
oil on canvas on board, 5 x 7
100.00 unframed, plus shipping
We are heading into a favorite time of year here in Vermont, and especially so for me personally. I love the coolness of the night air, the dry days and the warm sun. Trees all over this area are beginning to make their transformation from the bight greens of summer to the autumnal yellows, russets and browns. This year it seems I have noticed more wild apple trees by the roadsides than ever before. These trees are often very heavily laden with fruit that sparkles in the autumn sun. I love the combination of reds and yellow greens of the apples along with the often ragged and scrappy leaves. I look forward to working with this subject until it will be time to work with the more familiar autumnal pumpkins and other gourds.
For more information: www.andreworr.com
sold

"Majestic Maple in Summer" oil on canvas, 5 x 7

The association of the maple tree with New England and Vermont in particular, is a longstanding association. In winter, sap buckets can be seen in many areas of the state hanging off of the dormant, winter trees collecting precious sap to be processed into maple syrup; a sure sign spring is on the way. In the fall, these trees are a blaze with colors from bright yellows to brilliant reds, depending on the variety of the tree. In summer, the maple tree provides unparalleled shade and beauty to the variant fields of the countryside. This tree, not far from my home, begged to be painted. I tried in this small format to convey the feeling of the sheer magnitude of this beautiful tree so vital to our environment.
"Majestic Maple in Summer"
oil on canvas on board, 5 x 7
100.00, unframed, plus shipping
sold

"Afternoon in Washington County" oil on canvas, 5 x 7

"Afternoon in Washington County"

oil on canvas 5 x 7

sold, unframed, plus shipping

This is another of one of my small paintings. They have been quite challenging but great fun. I have wanted to include as much detail to make the painting readable as opposed to being a quick study slapped together. I have also striven for luminosity in the sky and in the shadows. This particular area is a favorite near my home, just over the NY border.

"Afternoon by the Pond" oil on canvas, 5 x 7

"Afternoon by the Pond"

oil on canvas on board, 5 x 7

This is one of the small paintings I have been working on as of late. They have been a real joy to work with, even at their small size. This particular painting is a scene from a local orchard, Hicks Orchard. Its a great place to go blueberry picking in the summer and apple picking in the fall. The pond on the property is a wonderful spot to sit and rest after several hours of picking.

SOLD

"Late Afternoon Light, Ogunquit, Maine," oil on canvas, 5 x 7

"Late Afternoon Light, Ogunquit, Maine"

oil on canvas 5 x 7

100.00, unframed

Here is another small painting from the recent trip up the coast of New England. It is hard to express through paint and brushstrokes, the joy I felt in experiencing the beauty of this area. The light was incredibly rich and warm and the waves crashing against the rocks; truly an amazing scene. Maybe through these paintings the viewer might be able to sense my love of this area.

"Crashing Waves, Ogunquit, Maine," oil on canvas, 5 x 7

"Crashing Waves, Ogunquit, Maine"

oil on canvas on board 5 x 7

As mentioned in a previous post, I had an opportunity to spend a little time on the coast of Maine, at Ogunquit. I was so impressed and inspired by the waves, the gorgeous rock formations and the late afternoon light, it did not take long for me to begin working on a few small pieces. This is the first of several I have completed. Its always a challenge to work in a small format with a subject so vast and awesome as the ocean. Possibly this winter I will begin some larger scale paintings of the sea; what better way to spend the cold winter days of Vermont than thinking and reflecting on the warm summer days by the sea.

"Wedding Treasures," oil on canvas, 20 x 24

"Wedding Treasures"

oil on canvas 20 x 24

sold

This time of year in Vermont is a wonderful time. There are many outdoor festivals and events; every weekend seems to be crowded with events. Home gardens are brimming with all of the seasonal delights and late summer flowers begin putting on their show. Soon will be the time to think about harvest, putting the flowers beds to rest for the long winter ahead and settling in for cool crisp autumnal days.

The painting presented here shows a grouping of these late summer flowers. The sunflowers are the focus, but there are some white gladiolas playing a supporting role in the composition. These flowers were grown locally and were just sitting there at the farm stand saying they needed to be painted. They were leftovers from some wedding bouquets. Maybe the fact that they were leftovers made me want to put them in an arrangement where they are truly the stars of the show. Enjoy

Sing to Me a Song of Springtime, oil on canvas, 24 x 20

Sing to Me a Song of Springtime

oil on canvas, 24 x 20

1, 495.00, plus shipping

Lilacs have always held a special facination for me. Each year I am always amazed by their beauty, delicacy, grace and of course, scent. When people ask me about favorite subjects, generally a painting of lilacs will top the list. I hope the enjoyment I felt while working with this grouping will be felt by you as well.

"In from Emerald Isle, Port L'Hebert, Nova Scotia", oil on panel, 18 x 24

After having spent a week on Cape Cod I have become more inspired than ever to continue with my seascape work. I have fallen in love with the marshes and wetlands around the Cape, not to mention the gracious skies. We enjoyed a day trip to Martha's Vineyard and I enjoyed having the opportunity to see the work of some very favorite and admired artists of National renown.

I hope you enjoy a painting from a previous trip to Nova Scotia.

"In From Emerald Isle, Port L'Hebert, Nova Scotia"

oil on panel, 18 x 24

1, 495.00

Garden Bounty with Copper, oil on canvas, 12 x 16

Garden Bounty With Copper, oil on canvas, 12 x 16

795.00 plus shipping

This time of year the garden begins to put on a show. After months of waiting, what a wonderful treat to taste the first summer tomatoes. Spending an afternoon with these vegetables painting a still life is another way to enjoy the bounty of the garden.

New Beginnings

After having written that title, I wonder how many new blogs are started each day with the same title. Oh well, at this point I do not have time to give that much thought, so I will forge ahead.

My plan for this blog is to spend some time adding photos of new work several times a week as an additional marketing resource . I hope anyone who might read this will take some time to add thoughts or comments about the work.

The painting is an oil titled, "Late Summer's Light." Living in Vermont, with such long winters, the end of summer is always bitter sweet. The warm days are over, yet the colors of fall are soon on the way and soon, cold winter days. I love this time of year as the trees teed to take on a yellowish cast to the foliage, a sure sign that change is on the way. I hope you enjoy the painting.

"Late Summer's Light" oil on canvas, 20 x 24

1, 495.oo, framed, plus shipping