Peanuts! GET Yer Peanuts!!

Peanuts! GET Yer Peanuts!! • this painting is sold

Who can resist a bag of peanuts at a Baseball game?

Peanuts originated in South America, probably in Brazil and Peru. They were grown as far north as Mexico by the time the Spanish began their exploration of the New World. When the explorers returned to Spain, they brought peanuts with them. Later, traders were responsible for spreading peanuts to Africa and Asia.

Records show that in the 1800's peanuts were grown commercially in South Carolina and used for oil, food and a cocoa substitute. However, peanuts were regarded as food for livestock and the poor. They also were difficult to grow and harvest, so they were not widely grown in the USA.

The first notable increase in USA peanut consumption came in 1860 with the outbreak of the Civil War. Soldiers on both sides turned to peanuts for food. They took their taste for peanuts home with them and peanuts were sold freshly roasted by street vendors and at baseball games and circuses. While peanut production rose during this time, peanuts were still harvested by hand, leaving stems and trash in the peanuts. Thus, poor quality and lack of uniformity kept down the demand for peanuts.

Around 1900, labor-saving equipment was invented for planting, cultivating, harvesting and picking peanuts from the plants, as well as for shelling and cleaning the kernels. With these mechanical aids, peanuts rapidly came into demand for oil, roasted and salted nuts, peanut butter and candy.

In 1903, George Washington Carver began his research at Tuskegee Institute. While peanut butter had been developed by then, Carver developed more than 300 other uses for peanuts and improved peanut horticulture so much that he is considered by many to be the "father of the peanut industry." The botanist recognized the value of peanuts as a cash crop and proposed that peanuts be planted as a rotation crop in the Southeast cotton-growing areas where the Boll Weevil insect threatened the region's agricultural base.

Today, peanuts contribute more than four billion dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Americans eat more than 600 million pounds of peanuts and about 700 million pounds of peanut butter each year.

PLAY BALL!

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please email me. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.
info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Tootsie Rolls

Tootsie Rolls • this painting is sold

Who doesn't love Tootsie Rolls? This delicious, chocolatey candy, packaged in the familiar nostalgic wrapper has been a part of Americana for over 100 years.

The first Tootsie Roll in the U.S. was made by Leo Hirshfield, an Austrian immigrant, in 1896 in his small candy shop in New York City. Hirshfield hand rolled and wrapped his chewy, chocolatey creation and named the candy after his 5 year old daughter, Clara, whose nickname was 'Tootsie'. Tootsie Roll was the first wrapped penny candy in America.

Today, Tootsie Rolls are produced using the same basic recipe that Hirshfield used over a century ago. About 62 million Tootsie Rolls are produced every day and the round piece of chewy, chocolatey candy that delights Americans today still looks and tastes amazingly like the first Tootsie Roll, made over 109 years ago.

Even more astonishing, the candy roll still sells for one penny, the original price!

Now that's a great price for a 'starving artist'!

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please email me. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.
info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Tabasco

Tabasco • this painting is sold

Ahhh.... Tabasco. To me, there is no substitute. It's identifiable. Strong and flavorful. A perfect balance. I flavor everything with Tabasco: eggs, pizza, mustard, cheese, pretzels, potatoes ... and hot dogs... to name just a few.

Tabasco brand products are produced by McIlhenny Company, founded in 1868 at Avery Island, Louisiana, and still in operation on that very site today.

The Company's roots were actually cultivated a few years earlier, shortly after the McIlhenny family returned to the Island from self-imposed exile during the Civil War. According to family tradition, founder Edmund McIlhenny obtained some hot pepper seeds from a traveler who had recently arrived in Louisiana from Central America. McIlhenny planted them on Avery Island, and then experimented with pepper sauces until he hit upon one he liked.

By 1868 Edmund McIlhenny began making pepper sauce, and during the early 1870's his concoction found its way to New York City, where a major nineteenth-century wholesale grocery firm, E.C. Hazard and Company, helped to introduce the product to the northeastern U.S. and beyond.

Tradition holds that McIlhenny first used discarded cologne bottles topped with sprinkler fitments for distributing his sauce informally to family and friends. The sprinkler fitment was important because his pepper sauce was concentrated and was best used when sprinkled, not poured on. By 1868 McIlhenny had been encouraged by acquaintances to market the product commercially, and he did so, particularly in New Orleans, now using new cologne bottles. Sales grew, and by the late 1870's he sold his sauce throughout the U.S. and even in England.

In 1870, Edmund McIlhenny received letters patent for his unique formula for processing peppers into a fiery red sauce.

That same process is still in use today, and Avery Island remains the headquarters for the worldwide company which is still owned and operated by direct descendants of Edmund McIlhenny.

Hmmm .... Today's lunch: Tabasco with a side of Tomato soup and grilled Stilton Blue Cheese on 12 grain bread sandwiches .... Yum!

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please email me. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Hot Dog!

Hot Dog! • this painting is sold

Hmmm..... who doesn't love that first whiff of charcoal in early summer .... hot dogs on the grill! That first savory snappy bite and all of your cares seem to drift away. The simple pleasures enjoyed by young and old alike.

It seems that every town has a cherished hot dog destination. I would say hands down ours is 'Yocco's'. Yocco's, founded in 1922, is known for its long-standing specialty on hot dogs and various toppings. Given Yocco's strong global popularity, the restaurant also has a mail-order business, providing frozen hot dog bags to customers around the U.S. and the world. Check out the world map in each of their four restaurants marking the thousands of locations in the U.S. and abroad that have ordered and enjoyed Yocco's hot dogs.

If you're truly a hot dog lover, you may have had the fortune of seeing the PBS feature: A HOT DOG PROGRAM. A documentary highlighting hot dogs and their establishments and featuring hot dog events from Fourth of July hot dog eating contests at Coney Island to a gourmet reindeer-dog vendor at the start of the Iditarod sled dog race. A HOT DOG PROGRAM visits some of the country's coolest hot dog places. Find out what makes a Chicago-style dog, go inside a giant hot-dog-shaped building, stop at some late night stands and see how hot dogs are made. Whether you like your dog with mustard and sauerkraut, chili and cheese, or with the 'works', this program is sure to please!

Like my friends, Tony and Pat, the 'truest' of hot dog lovers, you may decide to include great hot dog establishment destinations on your vacation itinerary.

But for now, and best of all, light up that charcoal, grill up the dogs, and sit back and enjoy .... make mine a dark one please ...

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please email me. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Oysters and Pearls

Oysters and Pearls


Dave and Sharon

I lived in Cape May, NJ for six years. There was a little shop that featured an aquarium filled with oysters. You could pick an oyster and the shop keeper would shuck it for you. You were guaranteed a pearl in every oyster.

Years later my friend Sharon and I were sipping wine at the Apollo Grill. She had never tasted oysters on the half-shell, so we treated ourselves to six. Needless to say, she loved them. We ordered six more ... Now Sharon, her boyfriend Dave and I love to stop in Youell's Oyster House. When you sit at the bar and order a beverage (Monday-Thursday 5:00-7:00), you are treated to four oysters on the half-shell. Complimentary! You just can't beat that!

Dave and Sharon are two of the most thoughtful and generous people that I know .... and they're fun, fun, fun! So, for Sharon's birthday I wanted to present a painting to her that would have special meaning. So here you go -- Happy Birthday, Sharon!

And if you know Sharon and Dave, you'll know that they are truly the finest pearls in the oyster.

Confection Affection • Candy Hearts

Confection Affection • Candy Hearts

Who doesn't love 'Candy Hearts' on Valentine's Day? Actually, they're called 'Conversation Hearts' and although I realize it's Halloween season ... I couldn't resist.

I always loved Valentine's Day. Not only because of the cards and the hearts and the flowers.... but because of the inner Romance of it all ... in our busy schedule, it's a day that reminds us to let our loved ones know how much we care. .... So, I had these 'Conversation Hearts' tucked away in my little 'Valentine's Day' cupboard ... where I keep my Antique Valentines, my heart shaped cake tins, my Valentine plates and cups and birthday candles (yes, Valentine's Day is also my Birthday).

So.... since it's quoted in 'My Funny Valentine' that 'Each Day is Valentine's Day' -- Happy Valentine's Day to You and Yours!

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Mary Jane

Mary Jane • this painting is sold

Mary Jane is 90 years old and still going strong. In 1914 Charles N. Miller named this bite-size peanut butter and molasses candy for his favorite Aunt, Mary Jane. Over the years the company has tried out variations on the basic molasses and peanut butter flavor, but none could compare to the original Mary Jane.

NECCO, which was founded in the summer of 1847, is the oldest multi-line candy company in the United States. In addition to the Mary Jane, Necco's brands include such timeless classics as the NECCO Wafer, Sweethearts Conversation Hearts, Clark Mighty Malts, Haviland Thin Mints, and Candy House Candy Buttons.

Watch for tomorrow's NECCO painting as well ....

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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The Banana

The Banana

The Banana has finally arrived at the party -
The Birds were too early, the Turtles were tardy.
The Squirrels brought the nuts and the Grapes brought the wine,
The Goats brought the cheese -- The weather's divine!

The Lemons and Limes were mixing the drinks.
Parcheesi and Scrabble and Tiddly Winks
Were playing their games and sipping Champagne -
The Banana was flirting all night with Plantain.

The Squares were all dancing with Dosies and Does
The Apples were bobbing, the Thorn and the Rose
Sparked a budding romance, but it's now getting late -
The Cuckoo has chirped 'It's the end of the date'.

The Full Moon is yawning, the Clock chimed 'good-night'.
The Snails bid 'Adieu' and the Geese were in flight.
The Rooster and Hen were asleep at the wheel -
The Banana had split and left only its peel.

Ann Elizabeth Schlegel

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Vynecrest Vineyard

Vynecrest Vineyard • this painting is sold


Wine is bottled poetry -

Robert Louis Stevenson

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Shiraz

Shiraz Grape Leaf • this painting is sold


The Comparison


The Set Up


The Vineyard


Grey Skies

It was cold in the vineyard today...and the wind was chilly upon my face... Sam, the vintner, stopped by where I was painting and treated me to a bottle of their Chambourcin. It was earthy and rich and felt warm in comparison.

The day reminded me of the film 'the snowman'. In the beginning, before the animation begins, the author is walking in the chilly, brisk early winter air. ... it was that kind of day. The geese were flying toward the setting sun, the crisp vineyard leaves were rustling and there was chattering from the birds in the distant trees beyond the vines.

There was also a unique quietness in the day. A day that lets you think and reminisce ... A day for sweaters and candles and hot tea and the need to hear the voice of a loved one.

Autumn is nearing its end.

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Heading Home

Heading Home

Parcheesi - A Backgammon Game of India

Colors: I've always heard that 'Blue' is the most common 'favorite' color. Well, I did a little research on the Internet and found that among men - in all age groups - that Blue is the favorite color with 57% of the participants. In the female perspective, Blue is also number one at 35%. The older a person gets, the likelier it is that they choose Blue as their favorite...

In Parcheesi, Yellow was always my first choice. There's something happy about Yellow. The Red (which is my second choice), Blue and Green seem to have similar 'value' of color ... but Yellow always takes its place as brightest and happiest of colors. This in no way guarantees a win on my part... but, if I'm losing, I still get to see how bright and pretty my 'men' (or women) are... even if they're in last place.

Orange, sadly, was in last place for women and tied for last place with purple for men.

... Of course we don't need a survey to tell us that ALL colors are equally beautiful ... including Orange ...

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Trick or Treat • PEZ to Eat

Trick or Treat • PEZ to Eat • this painting is sold

Deb likes PEZ. ... and Deb likes Halloween. So, naturally, Deb would have Halloween PEZ dispensers. Besides her clay pottery, she has unusual trinkets among the items in her studio. Little plastic wind-up chickens that hop and lay candy eggs, seasonal party lights, beer bottle caps featuring Rebus puzzles..... and PEZ dispensers.

The name PEZ was derived from the German word for peppermint, Pfefferminz, the first PEZ flavor. PEZ was originally introduced in Austria, later exported, notably to the U.S., and eventually became available worldwide. Despite the world-wide recognition of the PEZ dispenser the company considers itself to be primarily a candy company, producing over 3 billion candy bricks each year in the U.S. alone. Toy character head dispensers were introduced in 1955. There are over 450 unique dispenser heads with thousands of variations.

Modeling for the 'Trick or Treat • PEZ to Eat' painting are:
Skull, Pumpkin and Witch from the Halloween collection.

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Deb calls 'Red'

Deb calls 'Red' • this painting is sold

Parcheesi ... A Backgammon Game of India

I love this game. We as children played lots of games... BUT... we never 'really' knew the exact rules. For instance .... if all of your men are out of 'home' space ... and you roll doubles... you actually get to move the number of the top of the 'die' and the bottom of the 'die'. The top and bottom of the die always equal seven.... So, if you had remembered that doubles (after all four men are out) equal fourteen spaces... you can take them with each of the top numbers and bottom numbers of the dice. It's all there in the directions.

I was the highest bidder on Ebay for this particular Parcheesi game. Deb and I love to play games... Scrabble, cards, Parcheesi etc.. so, although Deb had an old game of Parcheesi with the 'disk' men ... she didn't have the Parcheesi manufactured from Selchow and Righter... with the large men.... I knew our game night would be enhanced... So, for Deb's 50th birthday... I gave her this classic Parcheesi ... and for me .... I get to paint it ... let the Games Begin!!!

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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What's the Big Dill?

What's the Big Dill?

ok... OK... I know that's silly.... but how can you take a pickle seriously? Especially from an artist who paints at the Banana Factory??

I'm back. I'm back full time in my studio after the scaffolding experience (see below) .. and am happy to be on dry - or wet - land. Am back to my 'Painting Each Day' and it feels good. So... in the tradition of the 'pickle ornament' on the tree... the 'special' ornament ... which offers a child who locates the pickle an 'additional gift', I feel an additional gift in being in my studio full time again. So... I give to you a beautiful and juicy pickle.... that's a big dill ....seriously.

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Lucky

Lucky


Scaffolding • Relief of French Horn


Mural on Symphony Hall

Lucky

Lucky ... I really feel lucky. Ok, ok... so I am not comfortable on high scaffolding ... and by high up, I mean only a third of the way up. But, for me, that's still way up. I'm afraid of looking down from high places. I feared that the carnival ride operator would stop our cart at the highest point of the Ferris Wheel and my 'brave' (ex) boyfriend would enjoy the look of panic on my face while he made the cart swing back and forth. I regretted the adventurous decision as the roller coaster clicked its way to the highest peak envisioning that it would malfunction and we would have to exit our carts at 200 feet in the air. I never understood why I ever stood in line for the Dominator ride which reels you to the highest point and lets you wait ... not knowing when it will thrust you back to the earth... but I've done it. I've done them all.... and question why?

So... what is it that lets one person tolerate heights but not the other. Not even tolerate... but embrace... enjoy? This evening I chatted with a man who sets the scaffolding on the highest bridges in New York City. Over 350 feet up and he enjoys it. ENJOYS it! He feels that he's up in the air, on his own, he can Breathe .... and he has the greatest view. So I asked him 'doesn't he panic with the 'looking down' ... he stared back blankly. 'No' .. he said. No fear. Only exhileration. I stared back blankly at him, too.

Well, my work is finished on the Bas Relief Instruments. I feel lucky to have been a part of it (albeit very small). And, am lucky to be on the ground looking up at this beautiful piece of art.

Lucky

I'm lucky to have worked with Mike Webb. Mike Webb is the designer and main artist for the mural at Symphony Hall. This is the beautiful mural seen from the steps of the Art Museum... beyond the art park. Mike is extremely skilled and imaginative as a person and artist.

Thank you Mike for the great experience to work with you -

Ann


If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Day 4 • Painting the Trombone

Painting the Trombone

This is me. I paint every day. Just not usually three stories up. My strategy for my section of the mural is to climb the ladders at 9:00 a.m., set up my station for the day...and paint until quitting time - 6:00 p.m. Then something to eat ... and a beer... no, make that two. I believe I'm up on the scaffolding for a few more days ... then it's back to my studio 'Painting Each Day' every day.

The creator of the mural is Michael Webb. He's an extremely skilled artist/mural artist from Philadelphia. The mural will be a focal point beyond the newly constructed fountain and art park viewed from the Art Museum. Good things...

Arctic Furnace

Arctic Furnace • this painting is sold


My Studio at Banana Factory


Trumpet - Mural at Symphony Hall


Mural - Bas Relief section at Symphony Hall


Scaffolding three levels up

Mural • Day Three

So I have survived three days up on the scaffolding. Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. I start the Trombone Bas Relief section. The Trombone Bas Relief section is located on the above photo on the distant two planks. There is a small metal bar to hold on to ... Once I am seated and painting, I am, for the most part, ok. I do have moments of panic -- especially because of the large cement mixers (which today backed up into and, subsequently, knocked down the chain link fence) and other various large construction vehicles barreling by. Each day my confidence increases by about 1%. So now only 97% of me is stricken with panic. Ahhh .... for the glory!

Arctic Furnace

This upcoming Friday is the 'FIRE AND ICE' gala event at the Banana Factory. It is being held to raise money - and awareness - for the new glass blowing facilities. I have agreed to complete a painting to be exhibited at the event. The theme of the works are to be associated with 'Fire and Ice' . This painting, 'Arctic Furnace' is an acrylic painting on a 36" x 36" stretched canvas.

If you would be interested in receiving additional information on this painting, please feel free to contact me.

Warted Gourd III

Warted Gourd III


Scaffolding


French Horn Bas Relief


Symphony Hall Mural


Art Museum at Dusk

Day 2 on the Mural Experience.....

Getting 1% more confident.... just 1%. It's a tremendous struggle for someone who repels heights.... but here I am... day two. shoulders hurting, legs stressed, eyes tired ... still here ...
day two.

Warted Gourd III

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Three Habañeros

Three Habañeros • this painting is sold


Looking down over the 'Arts Park' under construction -- with the Art Museum in the distance


Trumpet and Mandolin Bas Relief (1st day)


Looking down and not seeing the bottom ....


Symphony Hall from a side street

FEAR

Today I felt real fear. Not like the 'fear of rejection' or 'fear of failure' ... but another fear...

Great things are happening in our city with a focus on the arts. The Art Museum is expanding, there is an Art Park being created, the Symphony is starting their new year, downtown is having a rebirth.... and, five of us are painting a 90 foot mural on the back exterior wall of Symphony Hall. Normally, I would say this is great (although I'm not a fan of murals, this design is incredible!). However, for some crazy reason I was referred because of my history of painting musical instruments, and, for an even crazier reason that I haven't even come to terms with yet, I accepted.

My Great Grandfather was a bricklayer, and I don't know the exact details, but I do know that he was working very high up on a building many, many years ago, before I was born. He was perched on scaffolding.... and he fell, and sadly, he didn't survive.

So... as I'm climbing up the ladders to where I'm painting, he is in my thoughts. I pray that he will look over me and keep me safe. And although I'm frightened of heights, they assure me that it is safe.

So... maybe day after day, the fear will subside. I have made a pact with the boys who paint on the highest level of scaffolding.... on or before the last day, I will climb to the top .... over 90 feet up .... they tell me the view is heavenly ....

Three Habañeros

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Warted Gourd II

'Warted Gourd II' 6" x 6"

The second of the 'warted gourds'. Who doesn't think of Goblins and Ghosts and Hallowed Eve when they see a warted gourd!

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Wisteria II

Wisteria II


Gregory's Porch


On the easel

Wisteria II

One event that artists could take part in, would be a 'Paint-Out'. A Paint-Out is a day where area artists group together and paint 'en plein air' ... (out in the open). A wonderful day to organize a Paint-Out is during an event that is already taking place ... like a house tour for example. The House Tour event features many great reasons to paint:

1. You're outside painting.
2. There are friendly people walking around specifically to view architectural beauty and interior design. Paintings are included in 'interior' design.
3. You'll meet people that might not see your work in ordinary circumstances.
4. You may want to organize it that you work hangs in one of the featured homes, thus, more exposure of your work in a 'home' environment.
5. There are many subjects to paint: street scenes, gardens, architectural features etc.
6. Most likely, there's a great party afterwards with old pals and new friends!

You may want to research local galleries which may be interested in featuring the 'House Tour' paintings in a gallery exhibition. A win-win event!

Wisteria and Wisteria II were painted after the blooming season. Perhaps in the spring, I'll set up my easel on Gregory's porch to paint their purple blossoms.

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Wisteria

Wisteria


Painting in progress


Gregory's garden


'Wisteria' 6" x 6"

The House Tour is today in the town that I live. We have dozens and dozens of historic, beautiful townhouses built in the late 1800s and each year twelve of them are open to the public (proceeds benefitting the house tour). This morning started off with a bit of rain and the forecast wasn't favorable.... but, one hour before the event, the clouds broke and the sun peeked through and the temperature was cool and crisp. Perfect walking and touring weather.

Four of my paintings were featured in one of the grand homes on the tour. Two paintings from my 'Music Series', one from the 'Pink Series' and one from the 'Dead Fish on Ice' series entitled 'Sea Creatures from the Venetian Fish Market'. I was invited to paint at the owner's home and chose a lovely spot on the outside porch in the garden. Gregory has old wisteria growing up one side of his house which spans over the second story porch. Stems intertwine with each other and leaves cascade down creating a feathery canopy. From the upstairs living room fire place, the burning wood smell permeated the cool Autumn air ....

If you have ever been on a house tour, you'll reminisce how exciting it is to see into the world of someone else... a little voyeuristic. Experiencing life through their eyes, even if just for a moment. Seeing how they live, looking at their art, their gardens, listening to their music. It's a wonderful opportunity to share who you are... your world.

Gregory's world is pretty beautiful I'd say. Please save a spot for me next year as well......

If you would like to purchase this 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas, please visit my website. This painting is priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

Thank You!