"Rusty"

"Rusty" Acrylic (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

 Just finished "Rusty," tonight.  Client sent me several photos of him and I could tell he is a wonderful family dog.  So that helps build my inspiration to paint him, especially since I haven't even met him in person.  I'm happy with the way it came out, although as of a couple of hours ago he still looked pretty rough.

When uploading Rusty from my computer, I noticed there were several recent paintings that I hadn't posted, and below is one of my mother, from a black-and-white photo that was taken before I was born.  Wasn't she beautiful with all that red hair?  Mom, Dad, and all 5 of us kids all had red hair.  What a sight when we were all together.  Unfortunately we never even got a photo of us all together, and sadly there's only two of us left.  I have hopes to have the time to do individual portraits of everyone at this same age of life.  How interesting that would be.

"Millie" oil painting (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

 Painting deceased relatives is almost impossible for me as it is too emotional.  So I thought that since I was to paint a portrait of my mom from a photo taken before I was born, and her looking nothing like I  remembered her, that I would not get emotional.  Well, that was wrong.  Curiously, I felt a certain sadness to never have known this young beautiful woman, who was probably fun to be with, and interesting to talk to in her youth.  Millie, as an older woman, was a good conversationalist, she was funny, and she was a really good and decent person--who did not boast about it.  At her wake, friends and strangers told of her good deeds and her kindness, and brought us stories of her that I treasure.  This painting, and about 60 other portrait paintings are currently on display at the Indian River County Courthouse in Vero Beach, coming down on October 4th, 2016.UPDATE: Date the show comes down has been changed to October 13th!

Of note:  Hands ... I hate to paint them.  Everyone I know hates to paint them.  These took me forever, and I repainted, reshaped, recolored, etc. and was so glad when they were done.  Very proud I am of these lovely hands which rocked me to sleep and wiped the tears from my eyes.  I just had to get them right.  Aren't they lovely and interesting?

Detail from "St. Sebastian River" Acrylic Mural (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

This mural, painted for a client in Micco, is 15' x 4-1/2' and is a fabulous depiction of the flora and fauna that is found along the St. Sebastian River.  Just happens that right around the day I was to paint these beautiful spoonbills I saw a small flock of them at a pond near my home and had my camera ready when they flew away, so got some great shots to use in the mural.   To see more of this mural visit my mural progress blog at www.stsebastianriverpainting.blogspot.com

"Sandhill Crane"  Acrylic (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella 

This simple 11"x14" painting was a demo at the Sebastian River Art Club.  Several of my students painted it too, and they all came out great!  I have more work to do on it.  I happened to see a wonderful background on another painting in a magazine that has inspired me to make a similar background of nice grasses.

"Zebra" Watercolor (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

 Another unfinished painting, which I did quickly to see if I could demo it.  This was much easier than I thought, and I had always admired other artist's rendition of zebras whenever I came across them at fairs or galleries.  So I did a much bigger one as my demo the next day, but that one is not as far along, but it's so beautiful that I have already picked out a frame for it.  

"Flower Vase by a Window" Watercolor by Judy Burgarella

 This lovely little watercolor was created in a class that I took from Bob Virelli in Hobby Lobby in Palm Bay, Florida.  He's a wonderful and entertaining teacher and has a nice healthy following.  However, we all painted the same thing, and also since it is in a classroom I cannot do anything with it, but either give it away or donate it.  It is not my copyright either.  But it was fun to paint and these exercises keep me from getting rusty with watercolor.

"David Leffel, Master Artist" Oil on Palette (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

 David Leffel is an artist I have admired and emulated for years.  A teacher at the Art Students League in New York for years, he now resides in New Mexico where he continues doing what he did in New York.  Another of my dreams is to paint all the artists that I admire on a palette like this.  These are really fun to do, as you have the paint right there and only have to drag it over to paint the subject.  This painting can also be seen at the Indian River Courthouse along with about 60 others through October 4th, 2016.

"Robin" Oil on Stretched Canvas (c)by Judy Burgarella

"Robin" is my daughter, who moved near us here in Florida in 2013 with her husband and 1-year-old daughter, Salem, whom I am crazy about.  This painting is not finished and I don't know when in the heck I'll ever get to it, but I must sometime in this life.  Robin posed for pictures which I painted from, but I only needed to get it looking "OK," not great, as it would only be seen from afar.  She was supposed to sit for me while I painted her portrait in front of an audience at the Vero Beach Musem of Art, for only about 1-1/2 hours worth.  Unfortunately the night of the event Salem was running a high fever and she could not come.  I had planned to paint rough in the portrait which would surely be at a very ugly stage, and then at the end I would unveil the "finished" portrait so that they could see how beautiful it would eventually become.  Best laid plans as they say.  So I asked my buddy Rita Ziegler to sit instead and it was still good.  She's sitting in my studio now in such an ugly stage though, I'd better pretty her up some day for Rita so she won't be mad.

This painting can also be seen at the Indian River Courthouse along with about 60 others through October 4th, 2016.

"At Rest in the Cove" Acrylic (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

This little beauty was painted at the Vero Beach Yacht Club, and was part of a show that night for their members.  The sales have always been great, but this time nobody was buying.  Bummer.  but at least I had a great day painting outdoors with friends.  What could be better?  ... I know what could be better ....  to sell the darned thing!!

This, and many other of my paintings, are being used to stage houses for Robin, who sells real estate for the Dale Sorensen Company in Vero Beach.  It really helps to beautify residences, especially if the owner does not have a flair for decorating.  We spiff the homes up with my art, curtains, silk flowers and plants, baskets, bedspreads, rugs, pottery, etc.  The owners can't believe the transformation.  And, although they don't get much viewing, I am happy that my paintings are out of the house and have a purpose, even if it is only temporary.

"Sailboat at Rest" Acrylic (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

Another little sailboat painting done the same day, so I won't repeat myself.

"Coconut Palm" Acrylic (c)2016 by Judy Burgarella

This quick little painting was a demo at the Sebastian River Art Club.  Quick and easy, with big brushes.  Typical tropical painting that everybody likes.

"Path to the Beach" Oil (c)2015 by Judy Burgarella

I painted this one twice, a little different the second time, but they are both sold.  It's a lovely painting with an interesting format, the size of which will fit nicely on a tall, narrow wall.  It looked lovely in my house for a short while before it sold.  I must paint another one for myself, as I am redecorating my bedroom to be "beachy."

"Lilypads and Waterlilies" Acrylic (c)2015 by Judy Burgarella

This lovely little painting was a palette knife demo at the Sebastian River Art Club.  Most of my students wanted to try it and some found it a bit difficult handling a palette knife.  The knife needs to be just the right size for the canvas, and it can be tricky--but fast!

"Sculpture at the Vero Beach Museum of Art"

As a member of the Faculty at the Vero Beach Museum of Art (I teach acrylic portraiture), I was asked to paint this picture, along with other faculty members, in a style all my own.  So here is the boring painting, looking just like the photo.  I just couldn't come up with anything different.  Others did, and theirs were more interesting I thought.  They displayed all their teachers' work on a big wall for all to see.  So now I'm stuck with it.  Anybody want it?

Well, the time has flown and I've blown the evening posting this blog.  I hope someone sees it.  But blogging is cathartic, and I myself like to read some of the old stuff I've posted, especially if the painting is already gone.  So it's almost midnight and time to call it a day, and a nice day it always is when I've finished a painting.  An artist's life is the best.  Now what shall I do next???

Hope you enjoy checking out my blog, and maybe get inspired to paint!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Just A Quick Update . . .

Wow, where to begin ...
Lots to catch up on and way too little time to do it but here's some highlights:

Painting Sold!
Did a quick acrylic painting, "Grouper" on a large gallery-wrapped canvas for Gallery 14's annual show "Our Beautiful Waters," (Dec. 1-Dec. 30) and it found a good home by the end of the show.  He's a handsome guy and I had fun painting all those dots.  An abstract water background I think compliments the tedious-looking detail, which wasn't really tedious to me as all painting is fun!

"Grouper" Acrylic by Judy Burgarella

Some of the photos relating to the below will be posted at a later date when time, as I am scurrying to finish up chores for Easter, i.e., gathering candy and trinkets from the Easter Bunny for granddaughter Salem (4-1/2), baking my famous carrot-pineapple cake, cleaning up and preparing for a nice dinner tomorrow with people we love.  Now on to the postings . . . (and come back next week or so for more great pictures of paint on canvas (and some on paper)!

Administration Building

January I brought another Indian painting and forgot to pick up my old one, and so there are two Indians of mine on display there, changeover date for new work has not been decided.

Demonstrations at the Sebastian River Art Club

Did 4 demonstrations pre-class instruction at the Club in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pictures of which I will post later, sorry.

Sebastian Art Studio Tour

My home was one of 10 stops, 16 artists, of this event February 13th, 10-5:00.  Hundred of people showed up, and art was everywhere in my home--my art and my collections.  I really enjoyed telling people of my great art finds, mostly found on Ebay, yard sales and flea markets.  Met lots of new people, saw lots of old friends, and people enjoyed refreshments and video demonstrations.  Wished I could have visited the rest of the artists myself.  Weather was great and all had a good time.

Courthouse Exhibition
Jan 8-April 7 - Part of the Sebastian River Art Club's show.  I received 2nd place from this one for "Young Medicine Crow."

"Young Medicine Crow"  11"x14" oil by Judy Burgarella

January - Art on the Island

Boy did I have fun with this one!  It is called "Laundry Day Wine Bar" and when sitting upright one can enjoy a glass of wine while sitting or standing at the ironing board, gazing at the artwork.  Four wine glasses got with it, each one painted different with clotheslines.  Got lots of accolades from it, but no sale or prize.  But I look forward to showing it at another venue some time.  

Vero Beach Museum of Art
February - Last minute request for Faculty at the Vero Beach Museum of Art to do their rendition of this sculpture on their grounds.  I was not in a creative mood, so just painted what I saw.  Not very interesting and purely representational.

Chairish the Children
February 19th at the Vero Beach Country Club, to benefit the Hibiscus Children's Center, a great charity doing great work for needy children.  Happy to say my chair sold.

"Chair Planter" with bromilead by Judy Burgarella

Vero Beach Yacht Club
Just a nice sunny day painting at the Yacht Club "en plein air" with Friends for the Cultural Council.

Portrait Painting Demonstration
 at the Vero Beach Museum of Art
March 3, 7-8:30 for the Vero Beach Art Club in the Auditorium.  Everything went wrong.  My daughter, Robin, was supposed to be the model, but Salem came down with a 104.2 fever so I had to grab my friend Rita Ziegler to fill in.  I was battling a terrible cold also.  But once upon the stage my automatic pilot took over and I thoroughly enjoyed painting and telling people how much fun it is to paint portraits ... because it is!  Once those eyes look back at you from the canvas, there's nothing like it.  A tree can't do that, a boat can't do that, and certainly a vase can't.  Anyway, below is the painting I did ahead of time of Robin, planning to whip it out last minute to let them know what the end result would be, as I only had an hour and a half to demo.  Such a short period of time puts the painting at the very ugliest stage.  But I will finish Rita's at a later date, when "season" is over and I can come up for air. PS-this portrait still is not finished.

Portrait of Robin, oil by Judy Burgarella

EcoFest at the Environmental Learning Center
March 6th, 11-4 spent a lovely sunny day painting with Christine Thomas and Ann Emery at the ELC, by the Jackson-Riding house.  This painting will be on display during their Poetry Night on April 10th or 11th I believe, if I finish it in time.

Cause for Paws
Donated a custom portrait of a pet for a fundraiser for the Human Society.  I have not heard from them as yet who the winner was and how much was bid on it.  But a here's a sample of my pet portraits.

"Snowball" 5"x5" gallery-wrapped Acrylic by Judy Burgarella

"Rudy" 11" x 14" Pastel by Judy Burgarella

Well, that's all for now folks.  I'll post more when time.  Happy Easter to all, and here's my rendition of what Easter is about:

Best to you all this Easter.
Regards,
Judy Burgarella
Blogger

The Christmas Push!

I had to put the push on painting some really fun small giftings, in order to get them to their destinations on time.  The following two are mini paintings fashioned for use as ornaments for the Sebastian River Art Club's fundraiser for the Food Pantry.  I developed this program last year, got the little canvases and other supplies, nagged the SRAC members to paint, had a "backing and hanger" assemblage party.  We filled up 2 trees with these little beauties, then had an opening reception to launch them ... the result of which we were able to donate $700 to the Food Pantry for the holidays.

This year, since I am busier than a one-armed paperhanger with family obligations, some wonderful hearty hands pitched in and took over the responsibility.  I think the paintings are even better this year, and I can foresee this program going over the top each year and becoming quite famous locally.  These little masterpieces are sold for $10 each, and all proceeds go to the Food Pantry in Sebastian.  What a great way for artists to give back and utilize their talents for the good of others.

"Red Hibiscus" mini Acrylic

"Boat Reflections" mini Acrylic

The next painting was for my daughter Tracy and her hubby Turhan, who live in Chandler Arizona.  They lost two beloved cats this year, and Maggie, their Scottish Fold cat, was also failing.  I happened to come across this lovely box in TJ Max, and got the idea to make her a painting to put in the picture frame area.  She already had full-face paintings of all their five cats from last Christmas, but this one would be profile and more contemplative--with less of an "angry cat"-like look that Maggie always had.  Maggie had a craggy nose, flat ears, and a rather mean disposition, so I tried to capture the softer side of her for them to remember her by after her passing.   I finished it quickly, packed it up and mailed it best fastest way, hoping it would get there before Maggie's passing.  It arrived the day after and so was a bit sad for them.   The painting was only 3"x5", but painted with much tenderness and love.

As Christmas approaches my mind begins to focus on my soon-to-come after-Christmas art obligations, which seem like many right now.  And so I must find time to paint for them, in between working for my daughter's www.CrimsonKeyEstateSales.com company, and babysitting for her and Cass's adorable daughter, Salem, pictured below.

And so visit this blog again soon as I bang out paintings for January, when I will be the featured artist in the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center's "Orange Room" (quite a challenge gathering paintings that go with orange!), and also the Featured Artist in Dale Sorensen Real Estate's office in the Vero Beach Arts District, where my daughter Robin also works as an agent.  Come see my work there during the Gallery Stroll, January 2nd, 5-8 pm.  Then the next month my art studio will be part of the 11-studio "4th Annual Sebastian Art Studio Tour" on February 7th, 10-5:00.  This is my second year participating in this event, although I helped out with publicity on the others.

As I sign off today, all those who see this posting I wish a Merry Christmas, and a new year filled with good health, peace, love, and art.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Guest Artist Spot

Well, a lot has happened since my last posting, one of which is that I have left the artists Guild Gallery to slow my life down a bit and give more time to my family.  It was a great run--almost 8 years--and due to a cancellation for November they invited me to put together a show in their Guest Artist Gallery.  And so my encore at the Artists Guild is entitled, "An Artist's Journey," which I hope to showcase my better pieces, or whatever is available by November.  I've developed a wonderful way to keep track of where my artwork temporarily resides, which I will expound upon later in this blog for all you artists.  It's 1:00 a.m. now and I'll probably start this and continue tomorrow, in between running around after my 2-year-old granddaughter while mom and dad works.

First of all, here is the card, and consider it your personal invitation to my show:

Their new website is www.artsitsguildgalleryofverobeach.com - however my show has not been posted as of this date, but they have a wonderful guest artist, Dr. Johnson Hagood, who is a very well-respected local dentist.

There will be everything from soup to nuts in "An Artist's Journey," including portraiture.  Sample all the action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcLf7ACVaJk 

I am working on several new pieces for this show, and if all goes well and the creek don't rise I'll have them finished in time.  If not I'll add them later in the month.  One of the pieces is shown below, entitled "The Artist," it's an oil, and I had a fabulous time painting it.  Just love doing portraits, and always free-hand as usual.  There are usually "tweaks" to be done when doing freehand, but it is such a liberating thing to be able to capture an image on canvas with no special tools or technology, just these old eyes and a steady hand.  Eyes, I might add, one of which has been redone by cataract surgery ... which has really changed the way I see my world a lot.  Can see better, but different, and there are many side affects that plague me still after almost 3 months.  It's exasperating, especially as an artist, and I've been assured it will go away soon. Painting on canvas also has a new learning curve that I have to work around.  Should I have the other one done like advised, and see my world weirdly through both eyes?  I think not, for now anyways.

"The Artist," oil on canvas

When I completed this painting, I realized he looked like Santa with a red beret.  After my show I may change that to another color to avoid confusion, and to make it more marketable.

Here's a sampling of some that I may put in the show, but this venue does not do them justice and they must be viewed in person ~

So let's see, what artistic things have I been up to since July ... Will post more tomorrow!

Well, there wasn't much art-wise that I worked on except for a couple of things.  One is I finished this cute little kitty bank for the Humane Society's sale ~

"Kitty Bank" for Humane Society Fundraiser.  Acrylic

Also over the past few weeks, Club members are invited to paint a small canvas as an ornament, the proceeds of which will be given to the Ecumenical Food Bank to help feed the needy for the holidays.  We're proud of this effort, and hope to be able to hand them a big fat check.  Below is a sampling of our "Little treasures:"

Today I managed to finish 2 paintings, both oil, one a still life with a vase and some apples which I started in my Oak Harbor, Vero Beach class on Wednesday, and the other a small one I started as a demo at the Sebastian River Art Club - a beutiful white heron in flight with a dark tropical background, which I just now finished inbetween blogging.  Have the perfect frame for it too--can't wait to see it all put together.

 Judy Burgrella
Blogger

 

Creating A Rainbarrel

Saturday July 12th I spent part of the day with my bud Rita Ziegler and we helped "budding" artists (who ad actually never painted anything before) paint their designs on rain barrels in the Indian River Mall for a recycling organization.  We didn't know what to expect, but we had a good time and helped a very nice lady, Dianne, complete a nice-looking rainbarrel using the most rudamentary equipment.  We three collaborated on ideas and painted away for a couple of hours.  Below is our masterpiece.


Rainbarrel painted using acrylics



Rita Ziegler (left) and me (Judy Burgarella) with the finished rainbarrel

Giving Birth to a Cowboy!



"Texas Cowboy" 11"x14" Acrylic, UNFINISHED 

 "Texas Cowboy," in progress, started today in the Sebastian River Art Club's "Three-Hour Challenge" painting program.  We try to do a painting, start to finish, in thee hours.  Some take less, some take more.  I started this one just before noon, painted till 3:00, and I'd say have about another hour or so to finish.  It's my first serious portrait in acrylic, and I'm pretty happy with it, although it had a bit of a rough start.  Can't wait to work on it again, but for now I'm off to another non-painting event! 
PS - The Sebastian River Art Club will be having a show in the Art Center in September for these 3-hour paintings, with many unframed and reasonably priced.  More news to come!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

New painting of a Horse

Yesterday at the Sebastian River Art Club Peni Baker challenged members to a three-hour paint-in.  It was quite a challenge, and although we all chatted up a storm most of us managed to do a complete painting in three hours ... and below is mine.  I had given a quick (1/2-hour) demo on Tuesday of painting that same horse in acrylic, very rough.  But this one is in oil, and I'm quite happy with the looseness of it.  With a little tweaking (not too much) it will be good enough for the gallery.

Three-hour paint-in challenge at the Sebastian River Art Cub

Judy Burgarella
Blogger