Daffodil Day - April 10th

Daffodil Day at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum is April 10th and less than two weeks away! We in Northeastern USA are very anxious for spring. We have had an unusually brutal winter with snow still on the ground and have yet to put away our winter wear. That said, spring is ever faithful and will not disappoint us. At the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, NJ the daffodils are on track to make their annual event not one to miss! Come join us April 10th (1-4pm).

Reeves-Reed Arboretum view of the Wisner House from the Daffodil Bowl

About the Daffodil Bowl

The  Arboretum’s paved serpentine walk overlooks a roll of land ending in a glacial bowl that each year hosts over 30,000 daffodils blooming sequentially throughout April in this naturalized setting. The bowl or kettle is a depression that remained after the Wisconsin glacier retreated some 17,000 years ago. The Wisner’s (first owners) planted daffodils on the property, but when the Reeves purchased The Clearing (name of the property before it became Reeves-Reed Arboretum) in 1916, it was Susie Reeves who expanded the collection. The daffodils constitute the first major spring display that prompts the steady flow of visitors throughout the Arboretum growing season.

Information adapted  from The Clearing on the Hill – The Story of Reeves-Reed Arboretum by Betty McAndrews

Daffodil Day -- April 10th (1-4 pm)

Over 40,000 daffodils
·  Performance by the Oak Knoll Ensemble
·  Container Gardening with herbs and tea sampling in the Herb Garden
·  Crafts, Victorian games and pony cart rides for children
·  Hat parade
·  Refreshments at the new Tea Rose Café
·  Photos by Bruce Lorenz among the daffodils

"Impressions of a Garden," solo exhibition by Lisa Palombo -- March 10th- May12th

Reeves-Reed Arboretum 165 Hobart Ave. Summit, NJ  www.reeves-reedarboretum.org

"Women Impressionists and Myself"

In honor of  Women's History Month, yesterday I presented, "Women Impressionists & Myself" at the Reeves Reed Arboretum, Summit, NJ.  My lecture coincides with my solo exhibition, "Impressions of a Garden."  I don't often have an opportunity to speak in a public venue about the Grande Dames of Impressionism and how they continue to inspired me, so this was a real treat! 

The Four women considered the center of the Impressionist movement of the late 1800’s are Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, Eva Gonzales, and  Marie Bracquemond. Not only did these women have to over come a new movement , Impressionism, but they had to overcome being a woman and all that it meant at that time. 

"Sleepy Baby" (c) Mary Cassatt 1910

 























In this beginning of a new century where modern woman artists are an equal force to the men gender in the art world, the example of Mary Cassatt who insisted on painting women as subjects and not objects remains highly significant. The most charming part of Cassatt's story was her profound dedication to her work. Despite prejudices against female painters she still had the perseverance to realize her life's ambition of being an artist. This paved the way for the prominence of female artists in the 20th Century and to present day.

"Impressions of a Garden" will be on view at the Wisner House till May 8th, 2001. 

Mark your calendars for Daffodil Day, April 10th.. Reeves Reed Arboretum

"A Penny For Your Thoughts" oil on linen 5" x 7" (c) Lisa Palombo

Hummingbirds

I just finished these small mini paintings of hummingbirds actually they are all Ruby-Throated hummingbirds. What fun it was to paint these little creatures!!! Yes, they are only 3.5 inches long, only weigh 1/8 oz and move very quickly in fact many of us haven't seen them in detail.  Both male and female sport brillant color especially the well loved, Ruby-Throated which are common in my area the North East U.S.A. Did I mention they share my daughter's name??

If you are in the area, I will be debuting my mini hummingbird paintings at my solo exhibition, "Impressions of the Garden" at the Reeves Reed Arboretum, Summit, NJ. The exhibition will run March 7th- May 8th. I will be giving a presentation, "Women Impressionists" on Thursday, March 10th at 7pm. For more information, click on Reeves Reed Arboretum.

To see more paintings like this, click on Mini Collection.
Click on this link to read more about the Ruby-Throated hummingbird.

"Ruby Throated at Hollyhock" oil on linen, 5"x 7"

"Ruby Throated and Trumpet Vine," oil on linen, 5"x 7"

"Hummingbird and Coneflower" oil on linen, 5"x 7"

"Hummingbird and Cardinal Flower," oil on linen, 5"x 7"

NJ Audubon Society, Wattles Stewardship Center

The NJ Audubon Society honored Mr. & Mrs. Wattles today at the new Warren county Wattles Stewardship Center. Last summer NJ Audubon Society partnered with local farmers to grow sunflowers for black-oil bird seed, as part of  the S.A.V.E. program. Fortunately, I was able to see and paint the sunflower fields before they were harvested.

Good Morning Sunshine

"Good Morning Sunshine" 30"x40" oil on linen

DETAIL of "Good Morning Sunshine" 30"x40" oil on linen

This summer I discovered a wonderful program, S.A.V.E. (Support Agricultural Viablity and the Environment) sponsered by the NJ Audubon Society (NJAS). My painting, "Good Morning Sunshine" was based on one of the farms that is involved with the program. They grow a sunflower crop and harvest the seeds to sell through the NJAS. NJ farmers are are working with NJAS to grow a "greener" more environmentally and bird friendly black-oil sunflower seed. Please visit, NJ Audubon Society for more information about the S.A.V.E. program and how you can help.

Anderson Park Sept 11th &12th

September is around the corner and I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in the twenty-seventh annual Fine Arts & Crafts at Anderson Park, Upper Montclair, NJ. This year the event will be Sept. 11th & 12th (10am -5pm) rain or shine. Anderson Park is located on the corner of North Mountain Avenue and Bellevue Avenue in Upper Montclair, NJ. I hope to see you there! more information on the event

"Let's Dance" oil on linen 35"x44"

Detail of "Let's Dance" oil on linen 35"x44"

My Neighbor's Garden

My neighbor Diane has the most beautiful black eyed susans in her garden. They are like none other... rich golden color with bushy heads and a red center. Many varieties make a beautiful and interesting cluster.

"My Neighbor's Garden" 8"x10" oil on linen, $850 framed

A Penny For Your Thoughts

"A Penny For Your Thoughts" (5"x 7"), oil on linen

Detail

To see more Paintings like this, click on, Mini Gallery Collection.

Another little mini painting in the "Ruby series" inspired by the Reeves Reed Rose garden.

Reeves Reed Arboretum

The Reeves Reed Arboretum has peaked with gorgeous roses! The garden boasts over 250 rose bushes (some dating back to 1950).  It is a wonderful place to visit and spend the afternoon. My daughter and friends love to have picnics here. Reeves Reed Arboretum

A Brief Respite

"A Brief Respite" (5"x 7"), oil on linen
To see more Paintings like this, click on, Mini Gallery Collection.

Detail

Another little mini painting in the "Ruby series." My daughter and I spent the day at Skylands botanical garden. She reminds me of a butterfly fluttering from place to place and sometimes staying a moment to reflect.

"Little Gardener" (5"x 7"), oil on linen
To see more Paintings like this, click on, Mini Gallery Collection.

Detail

The Ruby series continues! My daughter is the perfect model for my paintings. She looks like a Bougeureau painting in person...just beautiful. If only she would sit still.

Art on the Avenue

Presby Memorial Garden #1, 8x10 (oil on linen)

If you are in the area this saturday, May 15th I will be participating in Art on the Avenue in Caldwell, NJ.

10am-5pm. Rain date is May 16th.

New Note Cards

Boxed set of 6 blank note cards $10 plus shipping.

Packaged in a black presentation box with clear cover each set contains 6 note cards (2 of each image) and 6 white envelopes. The cards are blank inside for you to write your own special messages.

They are perfect for hostess gifts, or small gifts for coworkers, teachers, friends, family and especially the gardener in your life.

SHIPPING:
USPS Priority mail. $4.95 within the US. If you are outside of the US and wish to place an order, contact Lisa Palombo Studios for a shipping quote at art@lisapalombo.com.

©2010 Lisa Palombo

NJ Peony Garden on Martha Stewart

One of my favorite gardens, Peony Envy Garden in Berndardsville, NJ will be featured on the Martha Stewart Show on Monday, March 15th! Discover the latest in peonies and learn how to plant some of the most exquisite plants with Kathleen and Martha. Check your local listing for channel and time or visit Martha Stewart Online.

Peony Envy has a wonderful catalog, visit http://www.peonysenvy.com/.

Here is a small piece I painted on site, plein air last spring. Irises among the peonies...a heavenly combination!

"Peony Envy Garden" 5'x7" oil on linen SOLD

Scarlet Dream

"Scarlet Dream" 24"x 20", oil on linen
To see more Paintings like this, click on, Recent Paintings.

This painting is intended to pair with the previous post, "Gold Inspirations." I painted both at the same time on the same size canvases. Whether they go home to the same collectors is a matter of chance. Red poppies are so dream like to me especially in a natural setting. They seem so fragile and breezy.

I will be debuting these pieces at the Glastonbury Art Show, this weekend, Sept 12 &13 (10am-5pm). Click here, for more information.

Golden Inspiration

"Golden Inspiration" 24"x 20", oil on linen

To see more Paintings like this, click on, Recent Paintings.

Black Eyed Susans are one of my favorite flowers. They usually bloom on my daughter's birthday in July and stay strong through August. These were inspired by a neighbor's garden and many summers at our lakehouse in RI as a young girl.

Reeves Reed Rose Garden

One of my favorite gardens, the Reeves Reed Arboretum has roses still in bloom! My favorite model and I headed out this morning with digital camera and picnic basket.

Although famous for it's roses the arboretum is open year round with a calendar on it's website listing what's in bloom. To find out more about the arboretum please click on this link, Reeves Reed Arboretum.

Why Plein Air Painting is Exhilarating

"Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of the Wood" by John Singer Sargent 1885

I often get asked, "Do you paint outside or in the studio?" Well, the answer is both, but when I can, I love love love painting en plein air!

If you are inspired by nature, painting in the midst of it is truly exhilarating. I feel like I paint with all my senses when outdoors. It is so exciting to SEE true color in day light. Light moves quickly so you are forced to make your marks quickly, which takes on a fresh feeling to your painting. Any plein air painter will tell you there is nothing like it and if you haven't tried it you are missing out!

Wikipedia explains:(plān-âr', Fr. plĕn-ĕr')
En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.
Artists have long painted outdoors, but in the mid-19th century working in natural light became particularly important to the Barbizon school and Impressionism. The popularity of painting en plein air increased in the 1870s with the introduction of paints in tubes (resembling modern toothpaste tubes). It was during this period that the "Box Easel", typically known as the French Box Easel, was invented. It is uncertain who developed it first, but these highly portable easels, with telescopic legs and built-in paint box and palette, made treks into the forest and up the hillsides less onerous. Still made today, they remain a popular choice even for home use since they fold up to the size of a brief case and thus are easy to store.


I too have many French easels. They are wonderful! I use them painting outside as well as in the studio when I teach students. It is very convenient to rest your palette on the drawer that pulls out in front of you under the canvas. They fold easily and most all of your supplies fit in the box.

Peony Garden

I had the pleasure of visiting Kathleen Gagan's Peony Garden recently in Berndardsville, NJ. It is such a heavenly hideaway with lots of tree peonies and herbacious varieties. She also has many irises and a few red chickens roaming the property. At the moment the herbacaious peonies are in full bloom!

The garden is open to the public from 11 am- 5pm from May 1st-June 15th. Visit her website for more information. I plan on painting, plein air there next week and breathing in all the delicious perfumed peony aromas.

Thursday in the Presby Garden with Lisa

I was painting all day at the Presby Garden. What a wonderful plein air trip! The irises are almost fully bloomed. I huge difference from two days ago.

When I got back to my studio a very gracious lady had emailed me this photo, entitled, "Thursday in the Presby Garden with Lisa." Thank you Emily K.!
I am already looking forward to my next plein air excursion at the Presby Memorial Gardens again next week on Tuesday, May 26th.