Pumpkin

Pumpkin


Bagpipers


Competition


The Amazing Liberty High School Band

Well, once again the Celtic Classic is a wonderful time. The weather was perfect. I really mean perfect ... sweater weather ... warm afternoon with a little breeze, sunny skies, puffy clouds ... then, cool evening temperatures arriving with the nightfall. I met my Aunt Jeanie, Uncle Bill, cousin Mary and her husband Larry, my brother Jim and his (our) girlfriend Diana. Wow ... the celtic bands were rocking ... and we heard beautiful soulful music as well. The athletes with the caber toss, the hammer throw, the sheaf toss and the Braemer stone were amazing. Tomorrow's the final day ... I still have tickets left so I'll be leaving my studio to make the trek over the bridge and down the hill for yet another amazing day for the senses.

If you're anywhere near Bethlehem, PA, why not make a day of it. You'll certainly be overwhelmed with the beauty of this town ... sample some Fish & Chips or Shepherd's Pie, grab a pint of O'Hara's Irish Stout and sit back and take in all that this festival has to offer.

Slainte!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

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Orange Hershey Kisses

Orange Hershey Kisses

Yummy!! These Kisses are made with dark chocolate and infused with orange flavors. They're really great. I had one with my morning coffee. I'm not much of a sweets eater ... but trust me, these are delicious. And, in keeping with the season.

Today is the start of Celtic Classic. It's the largest Celtic Highland Games and Festival in North America. There's nothin' better than these hulking, strong manyly men in kilts ... hoisting the caber or throwing the Braemer stone. ... and let's not forget the bagpipers. There's something so majestic about the bagpiping bands marching in formation, the Scottish Melody filling the air, a pint in my hand. Nothing better, no sir.

Is there anything worn under the kilt? No, it's all in perfect working order.
- Spike Milligan

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

If you have found this entry through a search engine and would like to see the complete Painting Each day blog, just click on PAINTING EACH DAY at the top of this page.

Pomegranate 3

Pomegranate 3

ok ... well, today was great and totally not great. I took my Dad to the Dr., made us lunch afterwards and we ate in the gazebo in his backyard ... both of those things great ... and then the 'un'great thing happened. I was almost at my destination ... the wonderful ground breaking ceremony for St. Luke's Riverside Hospital ... The traffic was back to back ... we inched forward ... and then the light changed .... so I drove through on the yellow light. Cop car, flashers, officer, ticket. TICKET !!!!! $107.25 !!!

Now, I swear to you ... ask anyone ... all traffic passes me. I never speed. I obey the law. And never ... NEVER did I ever EVER go through a red light. Honest. I'm appealing. I'll probably lose ... but, I'll feel better because I know it was yellow.
Yellow: caution Red: stop.

And, of course, all of the upscale incredible vehicles are passing the officer and me wondering what's up ... and then moments later to see my 1993 well loved vehicle with rusty old wheels and packed with art supplies pulling up and parking along side the best of them ... well, it was a bit of a moment ...

After one glass of wine served in beautiful large crystal stemware I felt better. The setting for the event took place on 200 acres of farmland overlooking the distant mountains .... add a 200' long tent, designer hors d'oeuvres, incredible jazz band, a second glass of wine ... and my custom framed paintings showcased on the stage amid pumpkins and mums ... add a Wonderful group of people and I think ... ok ... I would've paid $107.25 and more for this wonderful and memorable day.

.... but I'm still appealing ....

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

Pomegranate 2

Pomegranate 2


My old studio


My new studio (it's even BIGGER than the photo, it just wouldn't fit)

Ahhhh ..... I just CAN'T believe it. Space .... light .... and possibly my final frontier. When my Mother passed away and I returned to the Banana Factory, I opened the door to my overly crowded, dark (yet charming) studio and thought .... I just can't be painting in this chaos anymore.

So ... as luck would have it, a large studio with north light - two HUGE windows - became available and low and behold I decided to take the financial plunge and go for it. It's amazing. I'm just moving books and furniture little by little ... but mostly, I'm just taking in how large the space is, how wonderful my stereo sounds, how beautiful the carpet and chaise lounge look, how breathtaking the large windows with north light are, and above all, how thankful I am to be here. I'm thinking my Mother had something to do with it ....

Happy Birthday Dad xoxoxo

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

Pomegranate

Pomegranate • this painting is sold

Not just for eating, although they do taste delicious, California pomegranates add colorful adornment to a merry holiday wreath. Simply buy an undecorated, wreath made of pine boughs, bay leaves, grapevines or straw, then secure pomegranates, small apples, pears, dried berries, walnuts or whatever other ornamental bits strike your fancy. A glue gun and some floral wire are the only tools needed.

For an appealing jewel-like appearance, break some pomegranates in half and use whole pomegranates of different sizes. The open fruit will dry and stay attractive for several weeks. You can even gild whole fruit with gold or silver spray paint. Finish with a striking bow – wire-edged ribbon works especially well.

Happy Autumnal Equinox !

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

Peppers

Peppers

Today I had the pleasure of painting at Air Products and Chemicals. They had a gathering of non-profit businesses to entice soon-to-be retirees to get involved with volunteering. So .... I was there representing the Banana Factory along with some folks from Musikfest.

One other nice thing about being there - in addition to getting my painting done early - was that I saw my childhood friend, Dave. He just moved back to the area after living in several cities here and abroad for many years. It's really great to have him back!

Also .... I started moving into my new absolutely fabulous studio. I'll be sure to take photos so you guys that don't live within a 30 mile radius of Bethlehem, PA will be able to see what I'm talking about. I bought a great carpet from 'Ollies' measuring 12' x 18' and I'll tell you what, I could've gone even larger. I think my studio is about 12.6' x 27' or so .... add a couple of HUGE windows, deep window sills and north light and you get the idea. So, my other friend Dave helped me with the carpet and set my velvet cheetah chaise lounge in place - I hooked up my stereo, put on my Rosa Pessos Amorosa cd - great Bossa Nova - and let me tell ya, it felt really great to be there.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

Luncheon of the Beverage Party

Luncheon of the Beverage Party

I am happy to announce that my collection of paintings entitled 'The Adult Beverage' series is now at home at Pistachio Bar and Grille in Allentown, PA. The series consists of 14 cocktail 'portraits' and one large painting (5' x 7' w/frame) including each of them in a spoof on Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party'.

Currently, I have six of the paintings in print. The prints measure 24" x 18" and are printed with fade resistant inks on acid free, archival paper. Why not get one personalized !

Pistachio Bar and Grille is a great place to grab a beer, sip a cocktail and have a delicious, inventive meal. Maybe I'll see You there ....

Pistachio Bar and Grille

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

Sweets

Sweets

Well, you wanna hear something sweet? I'm moving into a new studio. I've been in my studio at the Banana Factory since May 15th, 1999. No windows, no natural light .... BUT, I had wonderful twinkling lights and stars hanging from the ceiling .... I had a funky vintage lattice Christmas Tree, velvet cheetah chaise lounge, an antique dresser, cherry side tables, a tall bookcase and an antique drafting table .... AND .... hundreds of paintings that you couldn't see because they are all stacked in piles EVERYWHERE. Frankly, it looks more like a beautiful broom closet.

However .... as of today I have agreed to take on the extra responsibility of a large studio with two huge windows. Actually each window is comprised of about six windows .... and ALL North Light! I'll be sure to take photos of it before I clutter it up. It's an awesome space .... although, besides the huge rate increase, the real estate is opposite of what I had. The studio that I was in for eight years was in the absolute BEST location. This new studio is hidden away in a corner down a hallway .... not that I mind that .... but, will anyone find me?? Maybe I'll paint footsteps on the floor leading to my door.

So, if you're ever in South Bethlehem and stop in the Banana Factory, please try to find me huddled away down a long corridor, but in the most beautiful studio with North Light that you ever did see.
Now That's Sweet!!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

Pink Rubber Duckie

Pink Rubber Duckie • this painting is sold

Well, I purchased this duckie at Bed Bath and Beyond ... AND it lights up!! It's for my grand niece, Baby Eva. But today, she astounded us all by standing! I was holding her hands, saying 'Ready, Stand Up" and there she would stand up. THREE MONTHS old and two weeks. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

Peppers

Peppers • this painting is sold

This is a small portion of the many peppers, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, scallions, tomatoes, eggplants, garlic, carrots, zucchini and broccoli that I picked up at the Farm Stand yesterday.


Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: a simple side dish compliments of
Ina Garten - the Barefoot Contessa.

Just place the cherry tomatoes in a roasting pan, glaze generously with extra virgin olive oil, add seasoning ... I used sea salt, cracked peppercorns, scallions and rosemary from my garden - mix well - and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or so. Pour yourself a glass of Cabernet and you have a great snack! Bon Appétit!

Dear Matthew McConaughey, I, too, like to tinker in the kitchen ...
so ... if you're ever in the Allentown area, why not give a call. I'd be most happy to prepare a great dinner for you ...
... no reservations needed.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

Red Pepper

Red Pepper


Harvest

This vegetable loot I hand picked at the Emmaus St. Farm Stand in Allentown, PA. ALL this haul totaled $17.25. Tonight I already baked the grape tomatoes in olive oil, sea salt, pepper, rosemary from my garden, scallions and portobello mushrooms. Yum! .... and now I have new 'garden' models for the next few days. Let the painting begin!

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

Goya Olives

Goya Olives

Ok ... for all you viewers that are just tuning into today ... I am just now (9/15) uploading my painting from yesterday. I didn't have the battery charger for my camera. This is what I had in my refrigerator to paint. I'm stopping by the Farm Stand tomorrow to pick up new models .... but for now, olives it is. Cheers!

(9/14) Darn, where the heck is my battery recharger? I don't think I left it at the Hudson Valley Wine Festival .... I need to check my studio where I haven't really unpacked yet.

In any case, I painted a jar of Goya Olives. You'll see it tomorrow after I find my recharger or if I, unfortunately, have to purchase a new one. Keeping my fingers crossed.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

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Thank You!

LIght Bulb

Light Bulb • this painting is sold

Today I was a patient for a soon to be Dental Hygienist. She's facing her boards next year at a local college and needs live patients to work on in order to pass. So, being the adventurous opportunist that I can be, I volunteered to go under the pick, probe, spatula and scraper ... for only a comparatively mere fee.

I was on the chair from 8:30 this morning until almost noon. There's something oddly relaxing about sitting in the dentist chair. You certainly can be distracted by the up close intimacy of someone's face two inches from yours with their fingers in your mouth ... but then with all of the attention toward your teeth, gums, fillings, cavities and whatever else is going on in there, it's great time to just phase out into your own world.

I thought about next year's poster for the Hudson Valley Wine Festival ... and painting dental tools .. (and of course my Mom). I don't have any dental tools and didn't want to just paint something from an internet photo ... so I'll just wait until I can find some 'real' models.

Funny, when I was growing up and losing my baby teeth, it was just another experience in our family to sit on my Dad's lap, have him tie a string around our loose tooth, manipulate it back and forth and then yank it out with the big old black pliers. Certainly it was worth the frightening, ripping pain to secure that nickel or dime that the tooth fairy would award us under our pillow.

Just for future reference: Gentlemen, wait until you see my new dental hygienist. She's beautiful and pretty and gentle and sweet. Believe me, you won't feel any pain. And, if you do, you won't realize it. Certainly I cannot disclose her name, but she's my Niece's Husband's Mother's neighbor ... if that helps.

And for you readers without dental insurance: You may want to check your local college and see if there's a dental program needing patients. You can get great care for a fraction of the price ... and, if you're lucky, you just might find the sweetest future dental hygienist that you can imagine.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!

Apple

Apple

Yesterday I returned from being a vendor at the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival. Well, I wasn't only a vendor, I was the artist who designed the work featured on the festival poster, the Taster's Guide Program Booklet and the t-shirts. That was a nice feeling.

This year the festival was located to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds were established 160 years ago. There are stables and corrals, gazebos and vintage buildings. It's very sweet, a wonderful location ... and clean and plentiful bathroom facilities -- a major plus at a 'tasting' event.

I stayed in a very sweet little Inn in Red Hook, NY. There are little cottages that used to be stables (or at least they look that way). My room has lace curtains on the windows and a quilt on the bed. Also, a small refrigerator and a little tv with cable! Across the winding road amid the farm houses and orchards is a small gas station, a deli that serves hot breakfast and a beer distributor. Now is that heaven or what?

I dined in great restaurants and toured the mansions along Rt. 9 - the Vanderbuilt Mansion, the Suckley Mansion (did found letters suggest a Victorian romance with Daisy Suckley and FDR ?), the Mills Mansion and the FDR home, rose gardens and final resting place.

I'm happy to say that I will be designing next year's poster for the festival as well! So, naturally, I have all of these creative images swimming through my thoughts.

But mostly, while away, I thought of my Mom. It was the first festival that I couldn't call her and tell her all about it. It was very bitter sweet for me. There were moments that I thought I'd just about go crazy with grief .... and today, on September 11th, my parents would have been married 59 years.

Of course, today is a day where so many people are missing their loved ones.

Letters: I lived in Cape May, NJ for six years -- from 1979 'til moving day on November 25th, 1985. In those six years, my Mother mailed me hundreds of letters. Each hand written, several pages ... or typed on our old Royal typewriter. I saved them all. Every once in a while, I'll get cozy in a chair, reach in my large leather satchel and pull one out to read. They transport me to a world of my Mother and Father building the gazebo or visiting with my relatives or tasting my Mother's wonderful chocolate cake. No doubt there are tears and I can hardly make my way through one, but to see her pretty handwriting and to hear her voice in the words written on the pages makes me feel that she is sitting next to me. I hope you know Mom how much these letters mean to me.

If you would like to purchase a 6" x 6" oil painting on stretched canvas that you see on this site, or commission a painting that is special to you, please email me.

These paintings are priced at $100.00 plus s/h.

info@annelizabethschlegel.com

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Thank You!