Construction On The Hudson

                 'Art Show' is an on-going series. Contact faithart1@aol.com for purchase information.

 

 

                                      (Photograph of the view from my balcony; not for sale.)

 

 

I'm sitting outside on the balcony of my apartment-on-the-Hudson enjoying the cooler temperature of this summer morning.  The Hudson River is blue-gray today, with wind-pulled ripples running through it; and the blue, gray and yellow greens of the Palisades, as the 'side wall' of my view, blocking all things west of here (for now).  My daughter tells me about the beauty of her new home, Utah, with its expanse of distant mountain views.  I see nothing to the north, this view blocked by the building I call home.  The east view is so close I can almost touch it, a low apartment building and taller trees than the Palisades that they face, on the other side of the river.  So yes, 'a river runs through it'.  (...I adore Robert Redford and I am smiling now.)  ...Ah, a train runs through it, too.  MTA's Greystone Station, just south of Hastings-on-Hudson and north of NYC; which I am close enough to have in my distant southern view.  Like a new white canvas it is peaceful - except when the train whistle pierces loudly through my balcony's screen door.  It leaves me no choice but to find comfort in the disruption; a crescendo of marks on my canvas that cry out for attention.  But what is the focal point in my landscape?  ...(is it) the thoughts in my head; my stories, dreams and visions?  Or is it this new thing overwhelming the scene -- the construction of a new apartment building on the Hudson? 

The heavy construction equipment, just below my balcony, shaking up the land, tearing up the greens-that-I-love, but exposing the beautiful umbers, siennas and ochres, (I use to begin a painting), in the dirt below.  (mental note: deconstruct, so that we can build-up again.)  If a painting had volume, this would be its sound... whiz, whirl, crash, and the scraping of gray rock against steel claw of massive machinery. For some reason, I see beauty in all that reaching; to have something in its grasp and come out successful.  Those rocks of all sizes, so visually interesting, with a past, a history to this place that is still new to me.  I wonder how long those boulders have been planted firmly to this ground?  How many days will they be laid out here to add texture to this landscape, until they are taken away?  (And where is it they will plant themselves next?) 

 

(So very grateful for your stop along my Journey; Thank you!  -Faith)

 

Closing the Door on the New Rochelle Studio

A new beginning.... for someone else in the studio at 81 Centre in New Rochelle.  We four studio-mates have had a good run filled with good intentions and some great marks on canvas.  It has been fun; and so it goes.... it starts with an acknowledgement (only to ones self) that the space just isn't being used much.  A quiet realization that maybe it's time to return the keys (and put the extra money towards that monthly Healthcare bill).  And then one person makes the first move, and the rest scramble to get the page turned on this chapter, to bring the same vision in to view... to turn over the studio with marked up walls and dusty floor, and a few pieces of furniture to pass along to another artist, who might build upon what was started in this creative space with the 'great light' from three large windows (even on days when clouds prevail). 

 I wish her well.

It was hard work, another transition too close to my last.  I am grateful to the friend who helped me lift my work table out of one studio and into another, (my new home near the Hudson is just a studio too).  Now to sort through the stuff... art, canvases, frames! ...I haven't changed, though my life seems to be in perpetual motion and uncertainty... there isn't much calm in all this chaos... except when I'm painting.  (Which I'll continue to do, and to share with anyone who 'stops in' here.  Thank you for that.  -Faith)

New Rochelle ArtsFest 2013

 It's that time again!!! 

ArtsFest is happening next weekend!!

 Saturday - September 28th and Sunday - September 29th, from 12:30 to 5 PM. 

PLEASE COME!!!! 

 Studio #302 at 81 Centre Avenue, New Rochelle, NY

 

Come 'talk Art' and pick up a Schedule and Map...

...Check it out ahead of time on the web-site...

www.newrochellearts.org

 

 

(photograph...) 

Ah, such a calm view I now have to chase away my stress!!  Do you have any of that?  It seems like I am always balancing all there is to do, and when I take time to relax, I feel guilty about everything I'm not getting done!  You, too? ...Permission to Be Calm is granted; especially during ArtsFest!! I hope to see you there.... please Do join me on this journey!  -Faith



My New View - The Hudson River

 

"My Hudson River View1" (first painting in new home) by Faith Goldstein

approx. 15 x 20, oil on watercolor paper

 

 

A new view and a new home in a new place, along portions of roadways I had never traveled; there is a great deal to get used to!  I am adding layers to the 'under-painting' of my life and building up to what I need to see in myself and show to others. This transition has not been easy... the success of it depends on the strength of that under-painting and is a culmination of years of experience and life-lessons. New lessons-learned and new relationships add to 'the marks' that become a part of me; not all meant to be visible in that top layer, but remain, always. 

 

...I am quickly sorting through the things that have moved with me, and have given fair respect to the things that were given away or tossed in a dumpster.  I choose to think that even those items might be rediscovered by someone else's hands, and maybe even their heart.  ...Today I am feeling grateful for the strength within me, to give myself permission to 'accept the things I could not change', and to allow the voices of those who care about me to resonate and echo, and become my point-of-focus.  And, yes, I have a beautiful new view to appreciate on this journey.  -Faith

 

 

Upcoming OPEN STUDIO Event...

Please come visit me at 81 Centre Ave., New Rochelle, New York 10801....

 

 



New Rochelle OPEN STUDIOS & grand market - JUNE 29

Please come out and experience the excitement of this thriving Downtown Artist Community that I love so much!  Reverol & Co. Contemporary Art and Backstreet Galleries, Open Artist Studios, PAC House Theatre (hosting an open dance rehearsal),  R Patisserie Cafe.... grand market on the Library Green... You will LOVE The Curtain Shop on Main Street!  ....Great restaurants and so much more.   (Spend the day with the artists and catch a movie at New Roc City in the evening!  You won't be bored here!)

I will be in my shared-studio with my 'mates' at 81 Centre Avenue # 302 (third floor w/ elevator)....

Park in the Prospect Street Lot and walk up Centre Avenue towards Main Street.  Cross over near the SUBWAY; STUDIO ENTRANCE is just down on the Left... elevator is down the hall.  ...ART, WINE & COOKIES... and lots of 'HAPPY" here!!  Please Join ME on this Journey.  -Faith

Remember this guy?  Well, he's still looking at you.... re-gaining his wings; and taking me along for the flight! (Will YOU come, too???) ...and he has a new name. 

 "Free-Bird" by Faith Goldstein



Open Studio - Block of Arts Crawl - Saturday, April 20

 That's me, Faith Goldstein,  in my shared Studio,

81 Centre Avenue, Studio #302 in New Rochelle, New York

I'll take part in this event from NOON to 6PM

The community surrounding my studio was a-Buzz with activity, recently, when artists, restaurants and businesses cautiously entered into a New Pact..... to give the people of New Rochelle a reason to venture into the city center to "Take a Walk Around the Block."  Connecting the Arts and businesses in cooperative networking and sharing, it was a satisfying 'first-day' that included Open Artists Studios and discounts for local businesses and restaurants. 

PLEASE Join me on Saturday, April 20, for the next Block of Arts & Businesses Crawl... the word is out, and the excitement is building; more venues will be included in this day and in the future.  Please Come, and be a part of the LOVE that IS this city and the People of New Rochelle!  

 ....The studio is an easy place for me to 'just Be myself'.... I think that's true, also, for all visitors who enter!  What an escape from everyday life, to meet people who are so kind and caring, and full of passion for the Arts.  My door is Open... I am so grateful for all who walk through, allowing me to share my paintings as we share stories and difficulties of this Journey called Life!  (.... the Little Gull, above?  I think he's still 'In-Progress'; but aren't we all, on this journey? :))

The Art Show paintings

"Enter The Artist's Lounge" (24 x 30, acrylic painting) is an exploration of the figure and the space it occupies.  It is about the emotional and physical experience of entering a room and becoming a part of it, or existing on its outer edge.  Words, both spoken and unspoken are represented in the marks that form the figures.  Confidence, fear and apprehension are all present here.  Some brushwork is applied with strength and clarity, some forced to mix with the background... and some not 'present' at all.  As the viewer, do you desire to enter this room and join the conversation?  (...or do you occupy the space just outside the scene, and save the image to use another day?)               -Faith Goldstein

    

These paintings are part of a series entitled the 'Art Show'.  Time, and especially the last few years seem to have slipped away from me.  But today and always, I am appreciative of what remains in my Life.... this series was painted and was on view during this time period. 

                                                                                         

...At times, my camera has been my steady companion; more calming than a glass of wine, providing access and 'a reason 'to Be' in 'a space,' an art show, a gathering of people.  For someone who often feels alone in a crowded room, it is truly a gift to record those seconds of activity and to be able to bring them forward so that they may be enjoyed for the length of the Journey ahead.   For this, I am truly grateful.  -Faith

Are you Still Looking at Me??

I truly hope so!  I know I must be trying your patience!  ...Afterall, what is an art Blog supposed to look like without new work posted?  Well, this is my Real World being shared here; without too much attention given to my real-life difficulties.  (I'm not one to focus, too long, on negativity.)  I usually am able to see the positive messages in my experiences, even when that is a challenge to do!  I let time pass... I keep moving forward... and I don't ignore the 'good' things that are out in the world everyday for me to notice.  Before you know it, life really does move on to a different place.  Maybe it's a balance between what is actually happening and a revised perspective... a new way to view (some of) the same old stuff, because, surely, much of that 'stuff' comes forward, with us!  When life is a struggle, my advice is to keep your sense of humor in tact, appreciate what is positive, don't dwell too long on what is neagative, do your best at maintaining connections with people you care about, and be willing and able to 'get out of your box' and into a new one!  ....Try out new experiences and always 'keep' the things that make you 'who you are'.  I am "Calm, Honest, Spiritual and Resilient" .... and 'packing' these things in my luggage for the next Journey.

Is It Too Late To Say "HAPPY New Year?"

I hope not!  It is been a rough year for me... Can you tell, by my lack of 'updates' here?  It has been a year of 'holding my breath', and allowing each day to pass by as peacefully as possible.  Life has been like walking through a tunnel.... slow and quiet, hands by my sides; not wanting to shake what is already fragile.  I am almost nearing the end of this Journey, with some things lost and some things kept.... and the hope of many more 'things' to be learned and experienced, in my future!  It will begin in the next few months, with a new place to call 'home', and all the excitement that That brings!  I can honestly say that I am finally seeing that 'painting' in my head, a vision of my future... and I know that life will continue in a different way; and I will be HAPPY.

  ...THANKS, for keeping me strong and 'on-track.'  I am grateful that you checked-in on me.  Wishing you all, a very Happy New Year!

Meet me at the Bear Mountain Inn Gallery!

      Two 'Small Works', 5"x5"

   'FARM-scape Box II, and "FARM-scape Box I"

        (acrylic) by Faith Goldstein

While Hurricane Sandy was causing destruction in the North-East, I sat painting by the light of my kitchen window.  Sometimes journeys are not as they appear to be... reveiling no obvious destruction, but a subtle change in direction that brings with it, some Peace.  (As the holiday season begins, I am wishing for peace to return, to all those affected by Hurricane Sandy... and Peace, also, to those moving through other difficult journeys.)  www.visitbearmountain.com

NRAA Serviceman's Portrait Project

 The Public is invited to attend the reception on:

 Sunday, November 11, 2012 1-3pm 

 Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery, Iona College Arts Center

715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801

"Honor" by Faith Goldstein 11 x 14 acrylic with white Prismacolor pencil on black, Foam-board

As an artist member of the New Rochelle Art Association, it was my great pleasure to receive a photograph to paint the likeness of a New Rochelle resident and Veteran.  My 'jouney' to this finished 'likeness' has not been an easy one, as I am currently dealing with personal challenges... but after misplacing the reference photo, and struggling to 'see' the image in my mind, I quickly took great pride in being a part of this project.  I am grateful, for the opportunity, that this Journey helped me to leave some of my own 'darkness' behind. 

...the fact is, I had a white canvas on my easel for more than a week; every time I walked past it, I just couldn't 'see' the portrait in my mind.  I looked around to see what other surface I could paint on, before giving up on being a part of this project.  It seemed at this point that I was not going to get this 'done'.  Maybe it is times like these, when we feel like there is nothing to lose, (because it already seems lost), that our best, uninhibited efforts shine through.  All I know is, when I placed a sheet of black, foam-board on my easel, I started to see the painting emerge from the darkness.  It became a 'him'... living, breathing... sharing my space and asking me to share his story.  Most of his story lies in the eyes, and in the American flag, in the background.  I saw, and felt, the young man who went to war; I thought about the images he may have seen, that altered his view of the future.  I also connected to the man he has become, visible in the reference photo; he carries a strength that I admired while 'sharing this time' with him.  I chose to leave the details of war, closer to the black surface; they are left behind... it is the man himself and his love for his Country, and not the soldier, who emerges from the Darkness.

***Update***

I am happy to share that I had the opportunity to meet the serviceman who's portrait I painted. It was, such an Honor... truly!

Open Artist Studios & ArtsFest2012

     The fact is, I haven't been in New Rochelle very much in this last year.  But this is true only in the physical sense; as I found out yesterday when I returned to get ready for this event, you can 'go home' again.  How could I not continue to think about the place that has brought me such peace and kind friends that reach out with a warm embrace to greet me?  (Thank you, for missing me, and making me feel that it matters that I return... with my energy, art and happy :))  This last year, my experience has taught me that it is the people around us who make us better... standing alone, we are weak, always searching, never calm. 

Please come join me in my studio (at 81 Centre Ave. #302)... let's talk about art, make a new experience for our 'memory boxes' and share some happy!  (In this place, this part is easy!) 

BID Open Studios  is coinciding with New Rochelle's ArtsFest... 

 (please note - slightly different schedules)

 www.newrochellearts.org

 www.newrochelledowntown.com

It's a NEW YEAR...

...and I am still here! It will be a year of moving forward, with the occasional look back to acknowledge where I've been. As you can see from the photo, Faith Goldstein fine art is alive-and-well.... Ok... I have to admit that I have logged-in much less studio time than I would have liked, but the year has also been filled with taking photos and painting in my kitchen. Visiting museums, art shows and music venues, and even comedy shows(!) have added to my life, and inspired future paintings. The journey has been a bit bumpy, (whose journey isn't, after all?!) and in the end, it is the Art and the Artists (and those who care for us) that pull me through... I've joined this life-long 'conversation' that makes me excited to keep questioning and exploring what each day has to offer. ...And if ever the 'bumpy journey' overwhelms me, or the sky is void of that 'light-in-the-distance'... well, I'm an artist... a RockStar/SuperHero who can smooth out the roadway and paint in the LIGHT!

The Knickerbocker Lofts - New Rochelle

"Bocker Lofts" 24 x 30 acrylic by Faith Goldstein

Way back in June, I attended the private party for The Knickerbocker Art Show 2010, that was held in New Rochelle, New York. Now, (I'm quite sure), I am not known as a "party girl", but even I knew that this was a party not to be missed! I bravely stepped out of my box, and called to see if I could be added to the guest list. (Thank you, John Reverol, who produced this show, for your kindness, always!) With camera in hand, I ventured on my own to The Knickerbocker Lofts building, which, for this week-end only, was transformed into the most incredible multi-gallery artspace and celebration of contemporary art, that I had ever seen. All available public spaces and artists lofts, showcased cutting edge works in paint, photography, video and three-dimensional objects d'art. .....I mentioned that I ventured on my own, but once there, found myself to be connected... to the people in the arts community, that I am actively getting to know, and with artists in participation. I left this week-end, with many photo-images, many memories, and the anticipation of the next Big Art Show; which, in New Rochelle, can be happening on almost any given weekend!

I also left The Knickerbocker Art Show, with the confirmation of knowing that my heart truly does lie in the arts... and in the marks of the painting above!

(Truly grateful to have company on this journey.)

Nyack Beach State Park

Nyack Beach State Park (16 x 20 - oil) by Faith Goldstein

"Artists in the Parks at Hook Mountain" will be taking place this Saturday, 9am - 4pm at Nyack Beach State Park in Rockland County, New York. I took some time to explore this beautiful setting a couple of weeks ago... this park is comprised of several miles of a walking path along the Hudson River... truly, so peaceful! For more information about AiP and this Art Exhibit, please check out the web-site.... http://www.artistsintheparks.org/ ...and go to the GALLERY link, click on the Nov.6th photo gallery, to check out all the beautiful paintings that will be part of this show, with silent bidding all day. I'm excited to share that my paintings are posted, as well!! (Page 7, last I've checked.) ...If you'd like to venture out on this journey, but don't know the area, just set your GPS for "Nyack Beach State Park"; also... The Palisades Mall is close by!

Support the ARTS, Today!

Open Studio - Artsfest visitor, (sweet) Paula

My young visitor, Josh and his sister, Rachel...

This is what Josh wrote in my guestbook...

"Your art is very realistic and colorful. It looks real

but at the same time vivid and surreal

and I admire your use of photos...Josh" (Wow!!!!!)

In a recent FACEBOOK status update, I requested that my family and friends 'do something to support the arts, today'... the truth is we need your support everyday... we do most of our jobs behind the scenes, in quiet studios and galleries, at kitchen tables and computer workstations. Fine artists, arts producers and promoters, musicians, photographers and videographers; we all spend hours preparing to share what we love... (WHAT we are, WHO we are inside), with the people in our communities (including our friends and families on Facebook!) We do this because we need to... and in the hopes that we get to share and touch something inside of those who do come out to see what's happening. Please, join the conversation... see the art, the play, enjoy the music, have a cookie and a drink with us... and maybe... just maybe... take something home to share with your own friends and family (on Facebook... or not!)

Many thanks to my visitors in my studio, who enjoyed the arts in New Rochelle, for the first day of ArtsFest2010. ...To Jerry, and Deborah (who loves art) and her family, to 'yoga friends', Gabrielle and Caroline, to Josh, Rachel and their dad, to Chris - who came in quietly and commented in my book, "lovely work, lovely space", to Shari - my new blog follower!... to Corey and Janna - who looked for 'color', and found it in a landscape they had to take home with them! (I'm so glad "Three Trees - Green Cay" will be on view in your home!!) ...Thanks, also, to young folks, Lauren and Nick, who quietly passed by my studio, when I implored them to come in - and they did! ...To Barry and Sarah, who is new to New Rochelle - seek out the arts community; there really is a lot going on here! Thanks to the very young Paula and her dad, James - great to meet a fellow artist, and also get a super recommendation to eat at Cholo's restaurant in New Ro! ...To Melanie - a commission? I'd love to give it a try... honored you asked! To Stuart and daughters, and to Donald - please help spread the word that ARTISTS have much to share, in New Rochelle... and a special thanks to my last visitors, (artist) Arles Buchman and her daughter, Diane. What a pleasure and honor - thank you for leaving me with the article on your art and life - and for 'seeing' in me, someone who would treasure our time spent, as precious.

(It truly was a precious journey today!)

Self Portrait

"Tough Girl" (20 x 20 acrylic) by Faith Goldstein fine art

(photograph)

It's been too many years to count, since I've attempted a self-portrait... in college, I used prismacolor pencils to draw several that I termed "auto-biographical"...which in my mind, left me with an 'out' if they didn't look exactly like me! With the unexpected, real-life detours that my life is taking now, I had the thought to try it again... maybe just to remind myself that I am still here. .........The photograph was taken on a very short trip with my daughter to a familiar place we've visited before. I never really settled in to 'vacation mode'... and hadn't yet put the requisite smile on my face for the photograph. We only were able to stay over for one night and hadn't even ventured into bathing suits and the beautiful pool. With just an hour before check-out time, I suggested that we go down and atleast put our feet in the little kids play pool. Both the sun and the water felt great. I wanted a few pictures to remember this brief escape into fun (and, someone else's life). ......When I saw the photo, I loved it... I look serious for all that is a part of my current journey.... but, I thought also.... "Tough Girl in the Kiddie Pool" would be a fitting title. So that was my working title, while painting the portrait, except, with the word "Detail-" in front of it, to mean that it is... I am... a part of something much bigger than what you see; in the painting and on this Journey.

"Altered View" by Faith Goldstein

"Altered View" (16x20 oil) by Faith Goldstein

I started this painting a few weeks ago and became frustrated with it simply being a "pretty picture". I occasionally find myself looking at some paintings where that is my first thought, and although the work may be rendered well, it may not hold interest for the viewer beyond that acknowledgment. Although, normally, I would be pleased to create "pretty pictures", I have been searching for something more within myself to bring to the canvas. I am trying to push my marks, experiment with applying paint with alternative methods... and in this painting the placement of the linear separation between the sky and greenery, was a thought I just could not get out of my mind. ........The resulting view is altered, segmented, changed... detoured; but hopefully, still a pretty (enough?) picture.

Thank you for stopping by on your Journey. -Faith

Dave Matthews Band concert poster

Last night, my daughter asked me to paint her a poster to take to the third DMB concert that she is attending this week! Whew! Now, that alone, sounds exhausting to me; but she is a true "warehouser"! .........So, with a reluctant beginning, (as I wanted to start a different painting), I asked her to get the poster board and bring up some photos, to choose from.... and before I knew it, I was having fun with this :) .........It also inspired me to paint in acrylics today; so I will have a new painting to post soon! I hope you enjoy this detour from my usual journey. (I think there may be more "detours" in my future... please stay tuned!)

"Citifield BUD" by Faith Goldstein fine art

"Citifield BUD" (14" x 18" oil) by Faith Goldstein fine art

Wow! Where have the weeks gone? It's been quite a while since you've heard from me! Have you ever experienced a time in your life when the days just passed by and you felt to be a less-than-active-participant in the experience? lol! My mantra, lately, is to " just keep moving"... (forward?... now where else can I possibly move?!) Truth is, I have been keeping busy... finishing up the school year (work), painting, joining the art associations where my studio is located (New Rochelle, New York), attending Art Shows and events, and generally being open to new experiences and meeting new people. These things have been positive and worthwhile, and will continue to be a part of my new journey.

The painting above is just the second, in the Citifield Series, to be completed. I have 3 others waiting for more paint... and the "right" mood and focus, from this painter, to be called DONE! I am excited about the marks I am making, and although they seem more expressive to me, visitors to my studio tell me they see unity and cohesiveness to my body of work. All I can share, is that I learn something new... with every painting... and from viewing the (amazing) work of other artists... and from every day that I decide to put myself out into the world, and to not hide 'under the covers'.... So much more to come, on this Journey. Thanks for checking in with me! -Faith

Artists in the Parks - Hessian Lake (Fall)

"Memory of the FALL" (11x14 oil) by Faith Goldstein fine art

I truly enjoyed working on another landscape of Hessian Lake, Bear Mountain. This image is from the Fall, and was painted for a juried entry in an upcoming Art Show for the Palisades Park Commission. I'll know by the end of the month, if it is accepted. But with only 16 works in this show.... I'll not hold my breath on this Journey!

(I'm glad I didn't stress out on this one... and that I still have breath left to continue on this journey! ........Thanks for checking in on me. -Faith)

(MY!) Oil Paintings at Lola's Tea House!

I am so happy to share with you that six of my oil paintings have been "hanging out" for several weeks now, on the walls of Lola's Tea House in Pelham, New York! Check out Lola's on-line at http://www.lolasteahouse.com/ to be enticed by their wonderful menu and special events... and enjoy the art on the walls while you are sipping your tea (hot or iced!) And please do let Leslie, the proprietor of Lola's, know if you are interested in purchasing an original oil painting to hang in your own home. (Lola's Tea House 130 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York 914-738-2100)

A Piece of My Childhood

"Between Two Brothers" (8x10 oil) By Faith Goldstein

It was good to finally spend an extended amount of time in the studio; and having it to myself all day, took away any pressure I felt to actually paint something! After mostly staring out the window, and then a couple of failed attempts to paint well (or well enough!), I looked in my photo file and found comfort in some old photos. Mitch looks happy to be celebrating his BIRTHDAY, which is today... and Bruce seems almost sorry for all the trouble he caused!

It felt good to be painting again, though I'm a little shaky, a little rusty... it's good to have a place to belong! ...And speaking of the studio, it's time to start paying rent on the second year! Time, like a great blowing wind, seems to go by too quickly, lately... I'll be holding tightly to what is trusted and true, to avoid being blown (too far!) off balance!

Lake Ontario

I decided it was time for a real journey, this past weekend. I headed out after work on Friday, towards Syracuse, New York; with a stop along the way, at the wonderful Arkell Museum, in Canajoharie, in the Mohawk River Valley of Central New York. After a restful night at the Marriot, my final destination was another 40 minutes north, to visit with my amazing daughter, who is attending college in Oswego. She gave me a tour of her "home-away-from-home" in the Theatre Department in Tyler Hall. It was fun seeing where I used to take drawing classes many years ago, and all the places I never knew about - that are now a part of her life. We spent the day and that night together.......until my journey continued home by train, so that she would have her car again (long story!). Well, the train was delayed, and very long; but good things outweighed the negatives and I feel refreshed... and even have some new images to inspire new paintings!

"The Gift" (A portrait of two sisters)

"The Gift" 18x24 oil by Faith Goldstein

I LOVE this painting... and the time I got to spend with my very little girls, (who are now grown), while painting it! ...It was not accepted into a juried show, but I am happy to have painted it, just the same. It is a favorite memory, from a most beloved time in my life, as the mom of two little girls! (They are truly a gift in my life!)

The Gift

detail of "The Gift" (18x24 - oil) by Faith Goldstein fine art

I scrambled to finish this painting, that required more work, before I could submit it to a juried show. OK... I'm being calm here... it is my first entry into a show since I began painting again just one year ago! ...In this painting, both my girls are holding Birthday gifts; but, of course, the real gift is that they have each other.

It's been a rough week, that included a day spent in the hospital emergency room... and the news of needing surgery, on Wednesday! ...But there will be no whining here; I'll trust the care of others (doctors and nurses).... and accept the opportunity to calm, both , my body and my mind. I know in the end, all will be OK, and it will be just another part of this Journey.

"The Gift" - In Progress

"The Gift" - in progress (oil) (Faith Goldstein)

I'm painting this from a photo of my girls when they were small. They were sitting on a friend's step, just about to go in the house to attend her birthday party. It is such a great memory, and one I'm so glad to be painting. ...I've been thinking about how the events in our memories are so very much linked to the people we share them with. ...That a memory is just that much clearer, and happier, because of who you spent time with; attending a special event or having visited some place new. ...This painting will have both my girls in it. I am grateful to have them in my memories, and on my Journey.

Knickerbocker Ice Festival

This morning, I boxed up my paintings, dressed in warm layers, and went over to spend the day with the other AiP artists at Rockland Lake State Park. It was a chilly, but sunny day... enjoyed by a lot of people! I went on a morning walk; taking photos while enjoying the beauty of this park.

The journey today, held many lessons... enjoy the scenery ahead, trust the path in front of you (even if it is different from the one you're used to walking)... and, at least on this day, some people just can't keep their hands out of the wet paint!