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!

Rockland Lake State Park - Landscape

"Winter Path at Rockland Lake State Park" 9x12 oil

By Faith Goldstein fine art

This is my second small painting for the Knickerbocker Ice Festival, this week-end. I really had fun, and enjoyed working out the challenges that it presented. I'll look forward to painting more small 'scapes' in the future, to continue learning on this journey! (Cold outside, cold in my studio ... I hope you see warmth in my marks!)

Check out the festival information at http://www.knickerbockericefestival.com/

Rockland Lake State Park - New York

"Picnic Table" (Winter at Rockland Lake State Park)

9x12 oil - By Faith Goldstein fine art

I am participating in an "Artists in the Parks" event, this week-end, at Rockland Lake State Park. It is called the Knickerbocker Ice Festival. AiP will have a tent set up with paintings and photographs available for purchase, and a silent auction will be held on Sunday, the 24th, with a percentage going to benefit the Parks Conservancy. If you are in the area, please come out and support this event!

Landscapes are quite a challenge, for me, to paint. It is overwhelming to 'fool the eye' into thinking such a vast space exists on a small canvas! I drove out to paint in Don's studio on Saturday morning, to begin one of these landscapes. When I started it, I was terrified that I just could not do it... but after working a bit, I then became terrified because some of the marks seemed right! I welcome the day (and pray for it!), when my confidence will guide me through, without this panic. .........The cold winter landscape echoes my mood, and my life right now; I'll appreciate the warmth of a new season!

Citifield Paintings Series

"GAME FACE" (16" x 20" oil) by Faith Goldstein fine Art

Happy New Year....... a new year and a new direction in my paintings. Or is it an old, familiar style, done in oil paints instead of acrylics? (...Something I wasn't sure I could accomplish.) Time will tell, but I am excited to share the first in a series of paintings based on photos I shot at the new Citifield, located in Queens, New York. Home to the Mets, I mostly took interest in the action of the people in the stands- the fans and the vendors, and used the field as the backdrop to elicit the excitement and the memories of being in the stadium!

AiP Art Show - "JUDGE and JURY"

"Judge and Jury" at the AiP Art Show (oil, 11x14) by Faith Goldstein

Just having some fun with the title on this one! ...I really had fun at the First Harvest Show in the Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain State Park! It was fun to hang out with the other artists, and have some surprise guests show up to support the event. Good food, good drink, good people, and a great view of the mountains, Hessian Lake, and the Hudson beyond. I'm so happy to have discovered this hidden gem, so close to home... open for catered affairs and overnight retreats. (I could use one of those!)

BEAR MOUNTAIN - First Harvest Show

Faith Goldstein fine art

announces participation

in an ARTISTS IN THE PARKS event:

"A Walk by Hessian Lake" (16x20 oil) by Faith Goldstein ..... $519 framed

Please Join Me....and the other 'Artists In The Parks' members

for

The First Harvest Show

at

The Overlook Lodge, Bear Mountain State Park

Saturday - November 21

3 - 9 PM

FYI - Parking fee: $0, Drinks from the CASH BAR: variable,

Joining me to support this event:

PRICELESS!!

A Blast from MY PAST

Spring Hat (acrylic) by Faith Goldstein Fine Art

In The Park (acrylic) by Faith Goldstein Fine Art

I wanted to share with you, a "blast from my past" today. These are 2 of the very first paintings I had ever done. If you visited with me in my studio, you may have seen my portfolio which includes photos of several of these acrylic paintings. They were painted, many years ago, under the tutelage of Don Keene; who continues to be a guiding influence in my life. Yesterday morning, I took the drive out to Madison CT, to paint with Don's Saturday morning class, in his studio. We talked first about my desire to create these same marks in oils; and my struggle to think it was possible to do. After a few minutes, I left all 'doubt' behind, and took the next step on my Journey! (Please stay tuned!) (Thanks, also, to Gina, for telling me it can be done!)

Check out Don's website at www.donkeene.com

after Open Studio event

Once again, I've had the chance to talk with some wonderful people, who came out to support the artists, during New Rochelle's ArtsFest '09. It was a cold, rainy week-end; but the warmth of human kindness and wine, were overflowing! Thank you, all, (merci, to some) who braved the weather, and the lone trolley(!), to support this event. Hope to see you, on the Journey again, soon! -Faith

Open Studio event!!!!!!!

SAVE THE DATES!!!!
New Rochelle Arts Fest ‘09
Sponsored by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts
www.newrochelledowntown.com/happeningsinoctober

October 17 & 18, 2009

(Can you tell I'm going to have a busy week-end? I'm looking forward to this Journey!)

Art On The Trail Exhibit - Invitation

My two 11x14 paintings of Perkin's Tower (Bear Mountain) will be part of The Artists On The Trail Exhibit at the Highland Falls Library. The library is located at 298 Main Street, Highland Falls, New York. You are invited, to Join Us - Friday, October 16th, 5-8pm for an evening of Nature inspired artwork, refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. (I'll be there with some wine, for the Journey!)

Contemporary Still-life

"High Tea" (oil 16x20) by Faith Goldstein

This is another painting that I had started some time ago, in JC English's Traditional Still life class at the Pelham Art Center. It just needed those little red flowers on the teapot, to bring it to life! I also like my placement of that HIGH red bottle, going off the canvas. I guess that's what makes it a Contemporary still life. (Dare to be different, on this Journey!)

Green Cay Journey II

"Green Cay Journey II" (16x20 oil) by Faith Goldstein

I bet you never expected to see a new post so soon! If you visited my studio during New Rochelle's First Artwalk on August 6, you might remember seeing this painting unfinished. Well, I finally went back to it ... so here it is! I am working hard at choosing the elements I want to include in a painting, and editing the rest out. It is a challenging task, but I am the most pleased with the paintings that I have done this with. (See "Pool View" in an earlier post.) I hope you enjoy this "journey", and your own, today!

Lake George Boats

"America Boat, Lake George, NY" (18x24 oil) by Faith Goldstein...$450

I'm happy to report that I've survived my most difficult challenge! This is the largest oil painting I've done to date. Since it was too large to complete in just a few sessions, it was almost like painting several paintings, within a painting. I would say that I had the most fun with the water.... and today, repainting the mountains and the sky to better suit the painting as a whole, was a pleasure! OK... the boat in the foreground was quite a challenge! Do you think I pulled it off?

Artists in the Parks, Bear Mountain

Today was the first day of exhibiting paintings as part of the "Artists on the Trail" Outdoor Art Show. All images represent Bear Mountain... and some were painted on this very day! I was not feeling brave enough to paint on location, but painted instead, in my studio, from photos taken earlier this summer. I enjoyed the walk along Hessian Lake and was able to shoot quite a few photos for future reference in the studio. It was a beautiful day in the park. (My work will hang in this show through tomorow (Sunday), but I will (attempt to) spend the day painting!

Bear Mountain - This Saturday & Sunday

I'm getting my paintings ready to show at Bear Mountain, this week-end. (They will be priced at only $200 each!) I am looking forward to great weather, and meeting the other artists involved in this program. The Art Show will be taking place on the playing field, near the parking lot. Look for the white and blue pop-up tents... and enjoy the day's Journey! -Faith

(See PAINTINGS of Perkin's Tower in an earlier post.)

"Pumpkins at Weed Orchards"

" Pumpkins at Weed Orchards" (14x18 oil) by Faith Goldstein

If I titled this "Little Pumpkin" at Weed Orchards, would you have known which pumpkin I was talking about? Many thanks to my new friend, Jennifer, for allowing me to reference my photograph of Joshua for this painting. I loved the image so much, that I couldn't wait to paint it. I'm learning so much about oil paints with each new work; this one was so much fun... yet challenging, and filled with lessons for me.

Last night was an informal Open Studio in New Rochelle. Since I am back to my 'day job', I needed to be painting... but I thought there was no reason not to keep the door open for visitors. I just want to say how much I enjoy meeting people; and perhaps forming some life-long friendships. There is no place I am more comfortable, than in the studio, sharing our journey through art! (Next Open Studio is October 17 & 18. Please come by and say Hello!)

Perkin's Tower, BEAR MOUNTAIN

"A Walk by Perkin's Tower, Bear Mountain State Park" (11x14 oil) by Faith Goldstein ....$200

"Perkin's Tower, Bear Mountain State Park" (11x14 oil) by Faith Goldstein....$200

I am a member of the Artists In the Parks program for the Pallisades Park Conservancy, and have been invited to participate in their "Art on the Trail" event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 19th & 20th. Due to my still shaky plein air skills, I got a head start by painting these two in my studio, from reference photos I shot earlier in the summer. I'm not sure if I will paint on Saturday, but these two should be on display with the other participant's work, on SATURDAY AFTERNOON & on SUNDAY. (A portion of the purchase price is donated to the Conservancy.) Bear Mountain State Park holds a special place in my heart. It is one of my earliest memories... probably because of the very tiny photo, I have, of me there, when I was only 3!

(Still to come... Lake George boats!) Whew... what a busy summer! Time for my daughter to begin her own journey, away at college, for the first time! ........I'll be back soon!