Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Well-Attended 12th annual Holiday Open Studio

What a fabulous Holiday Open Studio we had this year! Even with Hurricane Sandy setting us behind 2 weeks, we still had a well-attended, if fact the most successful show in our 12 year history at this New Jersey location.

Carolyne Volpe Curley of the West Essex Alternative Press wrote the following article.

November 17th and 18th, marked the twelfth annual Holiday Open Studio for Caldwell’s resident artist, Lisa Palombo.  Her studio is located in the rear of her family’s Mountain Avenue home and is open to the public by appointment.


Walking in to Palombo’s multi-level studio, one is instantly transported into an alluring meditative but bright atmosphere.  Along the walls and posed on the shelves are vibrantly colored Van Gogh inspired sunflowers and lush, deeply embracing water scenes reminiscent of Monet.
photo by Lisa Palombo Studios

The patio-level open space allows the natural daylight to pour in through the windows; it is here that the artist creates her impressionistic-style Landscapes, Still-lifes and Florals.

Palombo refers to the second level as the Mezzanine, here there is a welcoming gathering area for eating and relaxing.  The third level overlooks the bottom two and it’s there in the office space that Palombo conducts her business.  


Predominantly displayed for her Open Studio weekend were Palombo’s paintings from her “Fields of Joy,” “Koi,” and “Water Lilies” series.

Within the art world, Lisa Palombo is considered a Contemporary American Impressionist.
She started studying art at the age of 9 during summers at the Rhode Island School of Design, from where she later graduated with honors.  She went on to complete her graduate work in Fine Art in Rome at the European Honors Program.

According to Palombo’s own website:
“Palombo produces magical florals, still lifes and landscapes in a unique style that is unmistakable in her expressive brushwork and fearless use of color. She is considered a master of color and the natural form.”

"Follow Me #3" 12" x 18" acrylic on paper

"Autumn" 12" x 36" acrylic on canvas

Roseland collector Marti Koestler, owner of The Frame Shop in Caldwell,  was present at the Open Studio and commented, “You don’t see original artwork as beautiful as this very often. These paintings are very memorable.  They bring joy to my home, and I know people feel happier just viewing them.”

On the mezzanine level, shoppers enjoyed wine and sweets and snacks.  Customers quickly became friends as they relaxed in the warm environment and shared their passion for art and Lisa Palombo’s creations.

Maria Petrino of North Caldwell commented:
“I’ve been collecting since 2000 and I have 4 of Lisa’s painting scattered throughout my home. She paints with such happy colors, the artwork really brings a room to life.”

Lisa told us, “Sometimes I’ll bring pieces of my artwork to a person’s home and help them select the perfect one to match their room design.”

A former student of Palombo’s, Denise Koper from Pompton Plains, attended the Open Studio with her friend from Jersey City.  Both women recalled Palombo’s original Hoboken studio and followed her business here to Caldwell. Koper commented, “I had taken some of Lisa's Saturday morning classes at the time, it was a very meditative atmosphere, and she is very patient with students at all levels. I currently own some of Lisa’s prints and look forward to collecting more.”

Lisa’ artwork is produced with 3 different types of media:
1. Oils on linen
2. Acrylics on canvas and paper
3. Giclee Prints on canvas and paper - a special technique which captures the image with all the tones and hues of the original painting.

Displayed at the Open Studio was a copy of Palombo’s elegant book “ Lisa Palombo American Impressionist” which is a collection of her recent works.


Palombo opens her art studio and gallery to the public twice a year to showcase her new original, oil-on-linen  and acrylic paintings.  If you were unable to attend Palombo’s Holiday Open Studio, she has a website and online store where she explains: “I love florals, color and juicy painting!”

Lisa’s husband, Chris Faust enthused:
"Every year has built on the year before - but this year certainly stands as our most successful ever. We are already looking forward to our spring show in May.'"


Carolyne Volpe Curley writes for The Alternative Press covering the West Essex Area.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Holiday Open Studio Special Offer

Please join us for our 12th annual Holiday Open Studio,  Nov. 17th & 18th (12-5pm).

 
"Yuletide Poinsettia" available as a notecard.
Each year, we open my art studio and gallery to the public to showcase new original, oil-on-linen and acrylic paintings consisting of impressionistic-style vibrant florals, lush landscapes, gardens, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This season I'll be featuring my newest series "Koi Fish" in various sizes  and subject matter.  

Also on display will be paintings from my popular "Fields of Joy," "Still Lifes" and "Water Lilies" series which all truly highlight my signature palette and expressive brushstrokes. New this year, I will be premiering my 2012 Limited Edition Collector's Print, "Follow Me #3", (8"x 10") and "Yuletide Poinsettia" available as note cards. 

We offer light festive refreshments. Children are always welcomed.

2012 Collector's Print, "Follow Me #3" (8" x 10")




 

* Mention this invite and receive a FREE Limited Edition 2012 Collector's Print with purchase of $99 or more while supplies last!  
  

helpful links: my website, http//www.lisapalombo.com
Please Also Note: My website is under construction. Many paintings that I will be exhibiting at our Holiday Open Studio are are not yet posted. You may see some new work on my Etsy Shop. As always if you can't make an event, please schedule a studio visit or consultation. We are happy to help!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Butterfly Kisses

While summer is nearing the end and school is starting for children, I can't help feeling a bit melancholy. Maybe this is why I started the new series, Butterfly Kisses. Butterflies have inspired countless fine artists and poets. Here are some of my favorite poems to accompany my new pieces.

"Golden Summer" acrylic on paper, 12" x 9"

I've watched you now a full half-hour;
Self-poised upon that yellow flower
And, little Butterfly!  Indeed
I know not if you sleep or feed.
How motionless! - not frozen seas
More motionless! and then
What joy awaits you, when the breeze
Hath found you out among the trees,
And calls you forth again!
~William Wordsworth, "To a Butterfly"

"Summer Charms #2" acrylic on paper, 12" x 9" 
































May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing



"Yellow with August" acrylic on paper, 9" x 12"
Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life.  And everyone deserves a little sunshine.  ~Jeffrey Glassberg

"Monarch and Lavender #1" acrylic on paper, 9" x 12"
But these are flowers that fly and all but sing:
And now from having ridden out desire
They lie closed over in the wind and cling
Where wheels have freshly sliced the April mire.
~Robert Frost, "Blue-Butterfly Day"      
    

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Grey, a new favorite wall color according to House Beautiful readers

Recently I read an article in House Beautiful (HB) which features the 2012 Color Report. Readers vs interior designers. I strongly agree with most of it. In fact much of it confirms what I see in my clients homes. How can they be wrong, right? They polled their readers from the entire USA!

I love GREY walls especially in living rooms. What can I say, but everything looks great on a neutral grey wall. Most of all art! According to the House Beautiful poll, the under-45 crowd chose GREY as their favorite for living rooms. See below a photo of my latest painting, "River Song" on a grey wall. It was created for my collector who had recently designed her living/family room using the palette; light grey, dark grey and yellow green.

Other color facts according to HB that are interesting...

  • ORANGE is in! Many blogger and readers love Orange.
  • BLUE is the number one bedroom color! ahhhh... so soothing.
  • YELLOW slightly wins over WHITE as the favorite kitchen color.
  • Designers still love RED in dinning rooms.
  • GREEN and PURPLE are rising stars.

If you have a yen to redo your space, here's a helpful color tool that House Beautiful offers. They call it their Complete Guide to Color.  http://www.housebeautiful.com    Happy painting!

















(c) Lisa Palombo, 2012. www.lisapalombo.com

Friday, June 29, 2012

Summer Events 2012

Summer, Summer, Summer! Beautiful summer at last! 
Following are several of my upcoming July events. Please stop by if you can. I'll be showcasing my new acrylic paintings. As always, if you can't make an event, please schedule a studio visit or consultation. We are happy to help. Enjoy your summer and stay cool!
 
Mark your calendars...

July 7th & 8th - 50th anniversary Wickford Art Festival, (10am-6pm) Booth #232, Historic Wickford Village, North Kingstown, RI. Rain or shine! Free. more information... www.wickfordart.org 
USA Today"A must-see show in a charming village." Sunshine Artist ranked best fine art show in New England.  

"Hydrangea Blue #2," acrylic on canvas, 40"x40"x1.5"

July 14th - Morris Museum, (11am- 4pm) Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ. I will be painting a floral demo at the family day event. Free for members; Non-members: $7/child, $10/adult. www.morrismuseum.org 

July 17th - Shop for a Cause Benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, (5pm - 9pm) Green Brook Country Club, 100 Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, NJ  Open to the public, $10 entrance fee.

 July 28th - 46th Annual Outdoor Show, (9am-5pm) Booth #126,  Lititz Springs Park, 18 North Broad Street, Lititz, PA. Rain or Shine! Free  www.lititzart.com

 September 8th & 9th - 50th Annual On the Green Fine Art & Craft , (10am-5pm) Booth #,  Hubbard Green on the corner of Main & Hubbard Streets, Glastonbury, CT. Rain or Shine! www.glastonburyartguild.com
 


Please note my website is under construction. Many paintings that I will be exhibiting this summer are not posted yet. You may see some new work on my Etsy Shop. Sorry for the inconvenience. As always if you can't make an event, please schedule a studio visit or consultation. We are happy to help!


  

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Original Paintings on Paper

Spring has sprung onto paper at Lisa Palombo Studios!!!

"Iris Sorbet", 18" x 12", acrylic on paper

You may have noticed my new Etsy shop. This is where I have recently featured my acrylic paintings on paper. Why has this longtime, die-hard oil painter now found herself painting with acrylics? Well there is no simple answer except that last summer I started painting artist embellishments with acrylic on my giclee canvases and... LOVED it! Acrylic paint is very different from oil. Pigments have a wide variety and they dry FAST! 

Acrylic paints have come a long way since the last time I used it 20+ years ago. They are completely archival, meaning the colors will not fade in sun light exposure. I have been using Golden Acrylics, which offers a wide variety of pigments and fluid consistencies. I also use 140 lb. watercolor paper for a support and will start painting on canvas too in the near future.


"Sunflower Celebration", 19" x 13",  acrylic on paper,  detail



















To my oil collectors, don’t worry, I haven’t deserted oils. In fact, I have been bouncing between the two. Teaching workshops this winter in my studio and doing demos at art centers has my brush in two pots, sort of speak.

This spring there are several exhibitions where you can see my new acrylics on paper including my annual Spring Open Studio (May 5 & 6). Be sure to mark your calendars. Details are below...

Not in the NJ? Well, there is my Etsy Shop and website. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or requests.

"Orange Water Lilies", 22" x30", acrylic on paper




"Sunset Water Lilies" 22" x 30", acrylic on paper, detail





April 3 - Women's Club of Glen Ridge, Exhibition, Luncheon & Presentation 
(11:30am-2pm) "Presby Iris Garden - a local Legend since 1927"  
Women's club of Glen Ridge, 219 Ridgewood Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 973-748-5459.
April 3 - Evening art exhibition reception, meet the artists (7pm-9pm) -  
Women's club of Glen Ridge, 219 Ridgewood Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 973-748-5459. more information and reservations

April 18 - ReFocus on Art, Exhibition and Sale 
(7-10pm) New Jersey Arts Incubator, 495 Prospect Avenue,West Orange, NJ. 
100 Pieces of Art for 100 Years! Celebrate the NCJW/Essex centennial at this 
special one-night-only fundraising event! A special evening of cocktails, 
hors d'oeuvres and art for sale, including flat art, fine glass, fine crafts, 
and outdoor sculpture. $50 in advance, members and nonmembers; 
$75 at the door (if available). more information and reservations or contact ncjw@ncjwessex.org 

May 5 & 6 - Spring Open Studio (12pm-5pm)
55 Mountain Ave., Caldwell, NJ (973) 364-0280
This is our 11th annual Spring Open Studio show. 
Come join us in my studio for a weekend of fine art 
and yummy treats. We look forward to seeing you there!  
directions to the studio

Friday, March 9, 2012

My NEW Etsy Shop

WOW! What took you so long!? Yes, that's what I told myself when I finally put up my NEW marketplace shop on Etsy!
 

Have you discovered Etsy yet? If not, you are in for a real treat. It's like shopping for your best friend (and let's admit it... yourself) at the best craft shows and handmade boutiques in the world! Browse jewelery, glass, pottery and fine art! You can shop by many categories, gift ideas, colors or even local shops.

Check it out at www.etsy.com or go to my personal Etsy marketplace at www.etsy.com/shop/lisapalombostudios.

Here's some of my $49 small original acrylic on paper paintings now on Etsy. And yes, they are ORIGINALS so once they are sold they are no longer available. Click on the images to go to my Etsy pages.

Happy shopping!



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

NEW Art Kit and Studio Workshops 2012

Just in time for my Winter Workshops...
I am so excited to tell you that in partnership with Jerry's Artist Outlet in West Orange, NJ we have created a NEW Lisa Palombo's Oil Painting Art Kit! Click here and go to "Lisa Palombo's Oil Painting Art Kit" link on top of the page to see list.
Come join us this February and March in my studio for two paintings workshops; a consecutive three day workshop in February and my Saturday painting class in March
We will be working in oil from natural still life setups on small to medium canvases in my studio. Painting small and often in this manner is a powerful way to rapidly improve your skills.
Come join us...space is limited to 7 students!
Workshop Winter Session 2012: (Feb.13, 14, 15, 2012)
working on one medium painting in 3 consecutive days
Level: Advanced Beginner - Intermediate
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30pm
Cost: $165 per session
Materials: Class fee does not include supplies. A supply list and other recommendations will be provided. Jerry's Artist Supply in West Orange, NJ has a Lisa Palombo's Oil Painting Art Kit available at a GREAT price!! click here and go to "Lisa Palombo's oil painting art kit" link on top of the page to see list.
Saturday Winter Session 2012: (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2012)
working on one small painting each Saturday
Level: Advanced Beginner - Intermediate
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $220 per session 
Materials: Class fee does not include supplies. Supply list and other recommendations will be provided. Jerry's Artist Supply in West Orange, NJ has a Lisa Palombo's Oil Painting Art Kit available at a GREAT price!! click here and go to "Lisa Palombo's oil painting art kit" link on top of the page to see list.
Click here for application.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Reeves Reed Arboretum Receives a Special Donation

Gayle Petty-Johnson, director of RRA and Ruby Faust
I am so proud of my six year old daughter. Last October the east cost had a terrible early snow storm that damaged much of the area. Our favorite arboretum, Reeves Reed Arboretum was especially hit hard. My six year old daughter, Ruby decided she wanted to help out. At my last annual Holiday Open Studio she exhibited some of her paintings and quietly asked for a small donation towards "saving the trees" at the Reeves Reed Arboretum in return for a piece of her art. How could I say no? 

Pictured here is Ruby presenting her donation can along with $60 to the Reeves Reed director, Gayle Petty- Johnson. Below is what Ms. Petty-Johnson wrote in a recent E-Newsletter. If you'd like to make a donation to the Reeves Reed Arboretum click here.


From the director at Reeves Reed Arboretum:
At this time of year, the spirit of giving is a wonderful tradition. The Board of Trustees and Staff are grateful for the support and dedication of so many members, volunteers, donors and friends.  This year, in particular, has had its challenges and we truly recognize the value of your commitment to Reeves-Reed Arboretum. 

Every gift has made a difference, but I wanted to share with you a recent donation by a very young philanthropist, six year old Ruby Faust.  Ruby is the daughter of artist Lisa Palombo.  The Arboretum has been the inspiration for many of her mother's paintings and evidently Ruby is also inspired.  At a recent open studio of her mother's, Ruby arranged a display of her drawings and set out a coffee can decorated with flowers and trees and a sign inviting people to take one of her drawings and place a donation to bring back the trees at Reeves-Reed Arboretum.  Ruby raised more than $60 - quite a sum for such a young artist - and brought her can of donations to us last week.  It is generosity like Ruby's, gifts large and small, that we celebrate and acknowledge during this season of giving.

Gayle Petty-Johnson, Executive Director