Two recent paintings..

My New Year's resolution is to post more often and more images!  So I will start a day or two early with one painting that was a Christmas present, and one painting from our trip to NYC in Oct. when they had that freak snow storm!  Great photo ops there even though my husband and daughter were getting a little annoyed with all my picture taking. :)  But on the flip side, I have a whole lot that I'd like to paint from that trip... and they still love me!  It's all good!



It's Five O'clock Somewhere
12" x 9"

















Against the Wind
60" x 36"



Recent Paintings

A couple recent paintings and a commission!

Purple Peony 36" x 60"

Graniteware 36" x 60"

That Line is Tied Up At The Moment 36" x 48"

Small works to the Wells Gallery

I have been working on some small paintings and got 4 shipped today to the Wells Gallery in Charleston for their Small Works December show! 

Odd Man Out 6" x 12"

Ready For More 12" x 12"

Hints of Pink 6" x6"

W 16" x 16"

Second Commission and third painting for The Metaphoric Show at The Wells Gallery in Charleston

This is another commission... 

Three Deep
28" x 54"

and a third painting that is being shipped to the "Metaphoric" Show at The Wells Gallery in Charleston, SC. 



Making Ends Meet
36" x 60"

Commissions and the Canning Series!

I have been painting Mason and Ball canning jars mostly empty, and showing the transparency and distortions of the old glass so I was a little scared when a commission came in to paint one full of something-  I was asked to paint stewed tomatoes...   But that commission has led to me to think more about their original purpose of storing food through the winter.  So I have have been working on a series of the jars full of, or containing the things for which they were created!  It has been great fun to research all the things that people used to can.  I remember my parents putting up pickles and tomatoes every year but it seems that it is possible to can just about any fruit or veggie there is!  And over the next few months I will be working with these as my subject matter!  I will be debuting the series at Mason Murer Fine Art in Atlanta in February!


Stewed Tomatoes
48" x 60"
oil on canvas

  

New work!

It has been far too long since I last posted here!  I have been working on some commissions and some works for up coming shows!  The Wells Gallery in Charleston, SC is hosting an invitational group exhibit titled, "Metaphoric", Art Inspired by Literature.  It was an interesting concept and I had a ton of ideas, but really wanted to stick with painting the glass jars so came up with work that fit with it. The show will open Friday, Nov. 4.  I will be sending these two paintings:



Half Full
36" x 60"
Oil on Canvas



Time In a Bottle
16" x 20"
oil on board

Coca Cola!


I have been busy painting Coca Cola themed work for an upcoming show in Atlanta, Georgia.  Coca Cola is based there and the Mason Murer Fine Art is hosting an event for them.  I had a couple of old Coke bottles that were resurrected from the dump in the ravine, and a glass with the raised letters that my mom was kind enough to snag for me at the Goodwill!  These are the four paintings I will be shipping next week.

 


Day Dreaming
36" x 60"







Fill 'er Up
36" x 60"













Clouds in My Eyes
48" x 24"



Blue Skies and Coca Cola
48" x 24"



Two Halves Don't Always Make a Whole

I've been trying to spend more time in the studio, but summers always seem to take me away from it.. kids home, yard work, sunny days..... but I have finished a new painting in spite of myself!

"Two Halves Don't Always Make a Whole"
6o" x 36"

A Cherry on Top

Cherries are back in season.. and I can't walk by them in the grocery without wanting to paint them again.. So I did!






A Cherry On Top
36" x 60"
oil on canvas











White Peony

Spring is my favorite season, and although I always take tons of photos of all the blossoms, I don't often paint them.  But yesterday I just really needed to get in the studio and I wanted to paint a small piece and gave this peony a try.. It felt really good to paint a bit looser!



White
8" x 10"
oil on board

Delivering art!

Last Thursday we headed south on a quick trip to deliver paintings to the Mason Murer Gallery in Atlanta and The Wells Gallery in Charleston, SC.  I had originally planned to ship some work, but when all was said and done it made more sense to drive down.  Plus we got a mini-vacation in Charleston and were able to spend time with great friends, eat some fabulous food, and relax a bit!  All in all, a great trip!!  This week I am helping our oldest ready for her road trip across country.  She is driving to L. A. for a one month internship at Warner Brothers.  So very proud of her! 
Tomorrow I drive some work to Columbus to the Brandt-Roberts Gallery, and then this weekend we build a patio outside the studio :), then back to work on Tuesday!!  Have a great 4th of July!

Some of the works I delivered down south..




Last Man Standing
40" x 50"
Wells Gallery



It Wasn't Me
36" x 60"
Wells Gallery



Coke Horizon
48" x 48"
Mason Murer Gallery



Running Neck and Neck
48" x 48"
Mason Murer Gallery



Trying to Blend In
48" x 72"
Mason Murer Gallery



Grandma's Things

I have been wanted to play with fairly monochromatic still life's for a while now.. I think it will help me with refining color choices and really thinking about what I want the painting to say.  I was pleased with the way this one turned out.. I am looking forward to trying more!  Have a great weekend!



"Grandma's Things"
oil on panel
16" x 20"





Two new paintings!

It's been a busy spring but I did get these two paintings finished up this past week and have a pair that I am hoping to 

Just Between Us oil on canvas 30" x 40"

be able to complete next week...  Will post pics soon!



Busy B's oil on canvas 30" x 40"



 

Keli's Marbles

Just wanted to give credit where credit is due!  I usually take all my own reference photos, but Keli Tolley had taken a photo of a Ball jar with marbles in it at the show at The Wells Gallery in Charleston, SC and I loved it!  She was kind enough to grant me permission to use it as reference for this painting!  Thanks Keli!!

Keli's Marbles oil on canvas 24" x 48"

Peony's new home!

Last Friday was the opening of the show at Brandt-Roberts Gallery in Columbus featuring myself and Scott Goss.  It was a lovely turn out and I really enjoyed meeting some of the people who have purchased my paintings!  Dan was kind enough to send a photo of my Peony painting hanging in it's new home! I love it!!

Here is a link to the works from the show!  http://brandtrobertsgalleries.com/exhibitions/reinterpreting-the-familiar-sally-tharp-scott-goss

It's official! I'm addicted to painting!

What a crazy, busy, blessed few months it's been!  It feels like I have painted day and night for months.  I delivered the paintings to the Brandt-Roberts Gallery in Columbus yesterday and that was the last of my shows for now!  On Wednesday my husband and I headed to NYC to move our oldest into her first real apartment, then back late Thursday evening and to the opening Friday night!  So the plan was to take today and tomorrow off and get caught up on some things that I have let go for the last few months.  But all I wanted do was hang around the studio.. so I cleaned and straightened.. and then started another painting.  I am an addict.. but painting makes me happy and I am excited to keep painting and learning!
I will post paintings from the show later this week!

Reinterpreting the Familiar Show at Brandt-Roberts Gallery with Scott Goss



Getting ready for the opening of 'Reinterpreting the Familiar" with Scott Goss at Brandt-Roberts Galleries in Columbus, OH!  Hope to see you there!

Realism Show at Mason Murer Fine Art in Atlanta, GA

A picture of my paintings hanging at Mason Murer in Atlanta on opening night!  I really wish I could have been there, but glad we got to see the gallery and meet Mark before the show.  A great space and very nice people!!

For More photos from the show, Click here

Wired Artists Show William Jessup University Library

The Wired Artists Show at William Jessup University Library opened last night!  I hope all went well.. I wish I could have been there!  For more images of the show click here
Have a great weekend!



Hanging work



Postcard for 'WiredArtists'

Thanks to Frank Ordaz for all his hard work in making this show happen!

Wired Artists Show at William Jessup University Library, Rocklin, CA

A few weeks ago I was thrilled to receive a phone call from an artist whose work I had seen online and very much admired.  Frank Ordaz was calling to invite me to a show about artists who have met and interacted via the Internet and social media!  It was such a great idea that I couldn't say no!  I sent two 16" x 20" paintings.  The show is being held at William Jessup University Library 333 Sunset Blvd. Rocklin, CA 95765.  The opening of the show will be April 15th from 5:30 to 7 pm. It runs until May 12 .  The artists' blogs and or Facebook sites will be featured in the show. There will be laptops available so that show viewers can log on to their sites.  How cool is that??  And look at the line up of artists!
Stephen Magsig*Chris Hopkins*Mick McGinty *Denny Holland*Rob Carey*Armand Cabrerra*Debra Pero*Don Hatfield*Janice Skivington*Marc Hanson*Thomas Fluharty*Terry Miura*Michael Dudash*Frank Ordaz*Regis Pattenari*Robert Lemler

Yin and Yang
16" x 20"





Turning a Corner
16" x 20"

Home from Charleston and back to painting!

Phew!  I am finally getting caught up from our whirlwind trip to the south and to Charleston for the opening of Nostalgia at The Wells Gallery!  It was a wonderful trip and we were totally taken in by the city, the art  and the people!  Thanks so much to all who came out, I enjoyed meeting and talking with you all!


Ready for the opening at The Wells Gallery



We also stopped at Mason Murer Fine Art in Atlanta, GA and delivered paintings for The Realism Show that will open there this Friday!  If you live near Atlanta, it would be great show to see!  We sure wish we could be there!

Now I am back to painting for the next month in preparation for Reinterpreting the Familiar, a two person show with glass artist Scott Goss at the Brandt-Roberts Gallery in Columbus, OH.

Daily Paint Works Challenge -Auction for Japanese Red Cross

I have been heartbroken over the recent events in Japan, but felt fairly helpless about it.  The Daily Paintworks crew has given all artists an opportunity to do something to help!  I have donated a painting, Bread and Water, to be auctioned off with all proceeds to be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.  There are currently 230 works of art for auction, with more being added constantly.  So far, the bids have amounted to over $9000 and growing!  I'm thrilled to be able to do something to help..  Please click here to go to the auction page! to see the art and place your bid!



Bread and Water
8" x 10"




 



Show at The Wells Gallery in Charleston, SC

Keli at the Wells Gallery did such a great job of designing the postcard invites for the show in Charleston!  And we are so excited to get down there!  If any of you are in the Charleston area on Friday, April 1, I'd love to meet you! 

The Mason Murer Gallery Realism Juried Show

I am so thrilled to  have been invited to show at The Mason Murer Fine Arts Gallery in Atlanta, GA for their Realism Juried Show!  The show includes some of my favorite contemporary artists and I am so excited not only to be showing beside them, but to be seeing their work in person! 
Here is one of the paintings I am taking! 
"Big Brother" 48" x 60"

April 8th - 7pm to 10pm


Realism juried show with works by:
Luke Allsbrook*Thomas Boone*Bruce Brainard*Bruce Braithwaite*Paul Cadden*Marc Chatov*M. Collier*C Dawn Davis*Julyan Davis*William Entrekin*Holly Farrell*Jelaine Faunce*Teresa Fischer*Jeff Hayes*Neil Hollingsworth*Karen Hollingsworth*Mike Kasper *Jill McGannon*Patrick McGannon*Michael Naples*Joe Remillard*Liana Repass*Alvin Richard*Edward Rice*Abby Ryan*Suzy Schultz*Sally Tharp*James McLaughlin Way*Gail Wegodsky
and works from Walter Norman, Latrice Cooper, Pedro Fuertes

New York City

I am headed to New York City today, which happens to be the subject of my painting for the "Wanderlust" show at The Wells Gallery in Charleston next month!  I am really looking forward to seeing my daughter and her boyfriend,Cat and Nick, my friends, Craig and Barry, and lots of great art!!  I know I will come home charged up and ready to paint!  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Blossom-Art of Flowers Juror's Choice Award!

I found out this week that my painting, "Change of Seasons" was awarded a juror's choice award in Naples, FL.  I'm so thrilled!  The show be in Naples until April 10, and then tour the US. 

February 5 - April 10, 2011 Naples Museum of Art, Naples, FL

 April 30 - June 26, 2011 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ

July 12 - October 16, 2011 R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport, LA

November 5 - December 31, 2011 Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL
Jan. 18 - Feb. 29, 2012 Art Center Manatee, Bradenton, FL

March 19 - May 20, 2012 Greenacres Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH
June 10 – July 22, 2012 Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, TX

We will get to see the show when it comes to Cincinnati next March.

My friends Mary and Nichole were able to attend the opening and sent me this photo.  I wish I could have been there with them!!

I really AM working!

I know I know.. I am already breaking my New Year's resolution to blog more often!  I'm sorry!  I am painting like crazy for three upcoming shows!  The first is a group show at The Wells Gallery titled "Wanderlust" for the March 4th art walk in Charleston, SC.  I have chosen to paint images from a trip to NYC to visit my oldest child, Cat.  And then for the art walk in April (April 1st), I am so thrilled to be having my premier show at The Wells Gallery  along with three glass artists.  LOTS of shiny surfaces and glass-  Can't wait to see it all together!   And finally, in May, I will be having a show at the Brandt-Roberts Gallery in Columbus, OH, with the opening on May 5!  PHEW!   I have several new paintings that I am anxious to share but will wait until after the shows open.  In the meantime, I will show a recent landscape I painted, showing the view out our front door one morning.  I am trying find beauty in this long, cold winter we are having!  Definitely ready for spring!!



Sunrise 18" x 24"



Ball Mason jar paintings, 'Bound' and 'Cocoon'

I have painted a couple more pieces from my new series.  I really love the challenge of trying to capture all the overlapping transparencies while trying to simplify what I can so as not to over paint it.
The rest of the week will be spent working on a commissioned painting of marbles.

Bound
24" x 48" 

Cocoon
48" x 60"

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all!  This year's resolution is to be far better at posting on my blog!!  I have been especially negligent these last few months!!  The problem comes when all I want to do is paint.. but I do realize that I need to take time to keep my blog and website current.  So my resolution this year is to post at LEAST once a week... (also to lose weight, exercise more, not waste time.. etc)
I had taken a few small paintings to the Brandt Roberts Gallery in Columbus and have heard that they, along with "Bottlenecked" have found new homes so I took a just completed painting down on Tuesday called "On Edge"  24 x 48"



I'm also attaching an image of a new series Ive started.. this one is titled Awakening 48" x 60" more on this series soon!!