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

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

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.

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"

Bright New Morning

"Bright New Morning" 30"x40",  oil on linen




DETAIL "Bright New Morning"  30"x40", oil on linen

I LOVE Sunflowers! This painting was a joy to paint. It took me right back to the field were I discovered them this summer.

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"

Sunflowers and Irises

"Sunflowers and Irises" 5"x7", oil on linen, $450 framed.
To see more Paintings like this, click on, Mini Gallery Collection.

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.

Hollyhock Escape

Hollyhock Escape 30"x24", oil on linen
To see more Paintings like this, click on, Recent Paintings.

I just managed to finish this piece, "Hollyhock Escape" in time for my Spring Open Studio this weekend, May 2 & 3 (12-5pm). It will be framed and displayed , although still wet. Come visit us. Our annual Spring Event is open to the public and children are welcome.

MINI Giclee Fine Art Prints

Giclee Fine Art Print "After the Party"

5"x7" on canvas $30

Just in time for the Holidays our new line of MINI Giclee Fine Art Prints will premier at our annual Holiday Open Studio, Nov. 22 & 23.

click here to view the catalog of 8 prints. Contact us for framing options.

Painting in process, Detail

I just couldn't wait to show you my latest painting, even if, it is only a detail of a painting in progress with no title yet. It is about half finished, so stay tuned to see the final peice. I will post it on my blog when it's done. I also plan on showcasing it at my annual Holiday Open Studio (Nov 22nd & 23rd).

Painting demo for first class

Hope and Happiness Bouquet, oil on linen, 7"x 5"
$375 framed (ask about availability)
http://www.lisapalombo.com/
Number 18 of the "100 minis" collection

In our first class here at my NJ studio, we all painted from life. We began the class with me painting a demo. This is the mini painting I completed. Irises symbolize hope and sunflowers happiness and sunshine. We had a lot of fun and students were pleasantly surprised that we all finished small paintings in ONE sitting! Next class is in June.

Painting Class

If it looks like these people are having a good time, then we have captured our first painting class correctly!! These wonderful folks are our first group of art students at Lisa Palombo Studios. We meet on Saturday mornings. After a short demo on how to start a painting, we are able to finish small paintings each class! Lots of fun!!

Studio Paints

Today, I realized that whenever I have one of my annual Open Studio events, I have my studio organized and neat... paints are put away, brushes are tucked in closets, and even my Greenwich easel is rolled out to the garage... then comes out the table clothes and champagne!

So for all of you that haven't seen my insanity. Here's a glimpse of how I work.

This was inspired by Gillian, who speaks of her love for art supplies. I evidently love to buy paint!

Wildflowers - why I love them so...

Wildflowers and Dandelions 12"x9" oil on linen
private collection

Most people dismiss the simple beauty of a wildflower. But if you look closely, you'll discover a world of intricate detail, splendor, and magic in a bouquet of these flowers. Every day I try to capture this essence in my paintings, and I approach this concept in two ways. First, I believe painting small flowers on a large scale amplifies their quiet beauty. Second, I have found the practice of placing wildflowers in a lovely antique vase elevates the everyday to a sophisticated level of elegance.

The artists I admire most are Van Gogh and Sargent for their brushstrokes, Janet Fish for her perseverance, and the California Impressionists for their palette.

I prefer to paint in oil on a fine-grade Belgium linen, because its tight weave provides a consistent surface yet is strong enough to sustain reworking with a palette knife. The durability of oil on linen also guarantees my paintings will endure for centuries, which is important to me and my collectors.

The inspiration for my paintings comes from my garden, where I grow a wide variety of wildflowers. Sometimes my neighbors and friends also offer flowers from their gardens. I like to paint from live models, so my compositions are determined by the blooming schedules of peonies, dandelions, poppies, pussy willows, lilies, and violets, among others. I stretch my own canvases, framing a selection of my paintings in hand-carved frames. After I have arranged a still life, I sketch the basics of the composition in pencil directly on the canvas. I then apply paint where I believe the focus of the composition lies and build the painting outward from that point, working the entire canvas one layer of paint at a time. A painting can take weeks to complete, depending upon the size of the canvas.

Painting wildflowers is not only my passion but also a part of my life path, urging me to appreciate the beauty of the simplest aspects of nature. I hope my paintings convey this same message to my collectors. If so, I would consider my life's work a success.