ONWARD TO JANUARY 2021

   As the new year started a new project could take my mind off the never ending news of Covid. Creating something in any medium is good for the soul. Using ones own energy to produce something is positive and beneficial. What better way than getting out my little canvases and soluble oils to create some tiny gems!

Day 1-4, Strada Easel Challenge, paint from life! (Jan 1-31, 2021).

 All are painted with oil on 6 x 6 inch gallery wrapped canvas. 

Some are available with free shipping at Libertosgallery.com.

  

Not available

If I haven't covered it yet, I have to mention Urban Sketchers Wilmington North Carolina. After moving from the Mid-Atlantic developed a plan to start a sketching group in the Cape Fear Region, mostly in and around Wilmington, and the counties of New Hanover and Brunswick. My goal was to start a chapter of urbansketchers.org, a global community of sketching chapters.

Cape Fear Sketchers group was started on Meetup and the 1st sketch meet was announced for March 2018. To my surprise 13 strangers show up to participate for a 2 hr sketch event at New Hanover County Arboretum.

1st sketch meet, March 2018. 


 This was the start of something new in the area. What makes urban sketchers different than other art groups is that we meet together, sketch from observation and share our art with each other and on social media. Two additional volunteer administrators were added who host and help plan sketch meets occurring at least twice monthly. We became an official chapter, Urban Sketchers Wilmington NC in September of 2020, after a long wait. 

The connections of like minded artists of all skill levels, endless sketching opportunities, being part of a community and global individuals has been a blessing. I am so thankful for the success and friendships this has created.

During the restrictions created by Covid, we needed to find a way to keep the group intact. This was important to our continued success. I searching the internet to find out what other chapters were doing to address the issue. We had no idea how long restrictions would last. Everything was becoming virtual, so myself and another administrator took turns creating semi-monthly sketching challenges, from observation, that we created at home.

JANUARY 6 INCLUDED A ZOOM MEETING AND CHALLENGE:

"AND – in order to help keep us connected as we continue our safety measures, we’re proposing a challenge …. AN ILLUSTRATED RECIPE! "

Here is my creation at home from observation:

It was a fun a challenging time for all of us, but a positive part of who artists are!

See you later when I continue my long and never ending artful life I am so blessed to share!!

                             Maria

 

Moving to Coastal Cape Fear North Carolina

Love for Edenton, NC

Deep in the minds of my husband and I was always the thought of moving to Eastern North Carolina.  In fact, 10 years ago we had visited many towns in hopes of finding the perfect home to run a Bed & Breakfast with Art Gallery. It was great fun researching the towns and older homes. Our first love was Edenton, where we always seem to stay for at least one night in our travels. And there was Washington, New Bern, Beaufort. Ron had dreams of a small sail boat and sailing again. We knew to uproot would be a huge project. And so the housing market hit bottom and we stayed put.

Edenton NC Bed & Breakfast

After the loss of 2 family members with the only remaining family in North Carolina we made the ultimate decision to get our house ready for sale and list it.  It was easy now to decide exactly where we would put down new roots. The Wilmington area had become so familiar and called to us with the Cape Fear River, white beaches and blue, blue ocean and mild winters.  A bustling, vibrant area with arts, entertainment, natural coastal settings, shopping, great restaurants and friendly communities. Best of all our only family had moved back to this area, because of being stationed at Wrightsville Beach by the US Coast Guard.

An almost impossible task was taking place which was exciting.  One real melancholy issue was leaving my base of artist friends and art activities behind. My endeavors in the area art and non-profit area had been significant. So many contacts and relationships had been formed and continued. This I knew would be difficult to leave. But sustaining all of my life's crises have been my trust in God and the love of my family.

We zeroed in on our preference of communities after 2 more visits to North Carolina.  Our home sold in 21 days and we were off to put a offer in on our new home. Ron loved our choice on first sight, the one on the golf course.

Delaware Visions 'en' Plein Air Exhibit

Knowing the move to North Carolina was in the near future my concern also turned to moving a vast number of paintings (mostly Delaware themed) to a new area.  I had been approached about a solo exhibition at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, DE.

Delaware Agricultural Museum

So then on Saturday, May 20, a reception was held for  "Delaware Visions 'en' Plein Air", a Solo Exhibit by Maria Liberto Bessette which opened on May 2, 2017. 

Displayed in the South Gallery of DAMV, the exhibit focused on exclusive original Plein Air oil paintings with an impressionistic style.  Paintings represented more than 50 locations in Delaware:  Delaware State Parks, Byways, Birding Trail, Outdoor Trail, Heritage Trail, National Historic Sites and well know locations.  Maria's other works of art represent her prolific artistic ability and other regional locations.

Causey Mansion, Milford, DE

Now a majority of my art was in an exhibit and available for purchase!  

We zeroed in on our preference of communities after 2 more visits to North Carolina.  Our home sold in 21 days and we were off to put a offer in on our new home. Ron loved our choice on first sight, the one on the golf course. 

Maria Creates New Designer Floorcloths Using Famous Art Themes

Creativity abounds in producing new floor cloth designs using famous art themes.

                                Maria teaching a floorcloth workshop!

The textile concept of painting canvas floorcloths originated in France in the 1400’s. The cloths were small and only used on tabletops as decoration because they were considered too precious to place on the floor. In the 1700’s the American Colonists took the idea one step further and transformed old ship sails into floorcloths.They were durable; standing up to insects, heavy foot traffic, and muddy boots. They were easy to clean and blocked out cold drafts in winter and by staying cool to the feet in summer. They were used in every area of the home: in entryways, under dining tables, in kitchens, in bathrooms and bedrooms. They were also works of art.

The original floorcloths were designed to copy imported woven rugs as well as expensive marble and parquet floors.  The Golden Age of the American Floorcloth covered the late 1700s to the mid 1860s when Sir Frederick Walton invented cheaper, mass-produced linoleum.

Todays homes are adaptive to traditional as well as artsy designer patterns.  Durable non-toxic paints result in vibrant and none allergentic rugs or wall hangings.  Keeping this artisan historic craft alive is a pleasure to my soul!!

So much fun to create my "Famous Artists Floorcloths."

4 New Famous Artist Designs

all can be found at:

libertosgallery.com

The process is amazing and for me it is easier to produce at least 2 at a time.

Heavy canvas is sized, cut, machine hemmed, and painted with a special formula of gesso.  Underlayers of acrylic laytex paint are applied after which a design is applied to the surface. 

Finished with several coats of polyacrylic paint, these rugs are easily cleaned with a damp soapy sponge. 

This item can also be used as a wall hanging from a decorative rod as rod pockets are part of the hem on the reverse side.  

1 floor cloth almost done, with 3 coats of polyacrylic yet to appy. 

This one is based on Ikat weaving patterns. 

3 more canvas rugs underway.

"Maria's Sunflowers" Floorcloth

https://www.libertosgallery.com

The original "Twelve Sunflowers" by Van Gogh

Maria's "Like Matissee's Interior in Yellow" Floorcloth

https://www.libertosgallery.com

Original by Matissee, "Interior in Yellow and Blue"

 Maria's "Karina" Ikat Design Floorcloth

https://www.libertosgallery.com

These designs are poplular now. 

Did you know they originated as Ikat Weavings?

Ikat, or Ikkat, is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process on the yarns prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric. In ikat the resist is formed by binding individual yarns or bundles of yarns with a tight wrapping applied in the desired pattern. The yarns are then dyed.

Maria's "Robert Morris Yellow Flowers" Floorcloth

https://www.libertosgallery.com

Original by Robert Morris

I hope you enjoyed your tour of my newest painted canvas rugs.

Maria

Art is Life, 6 x 6 Art Show and Sale, Winter Paint-In Sessions & Plein Air Bermuda 2017

Art is Life, Life is Art

Because life is being, becoming, creating, deciding, working-through, forgiving, enhancing, remembering, learning, grieving, blooming, hoping, believing, praying, restoring, thriving, enjoying, letting-go, playing, stretching, loving, building, continuing, painting, writing, collaging, sewing, cooking, making, living, art!!!

I truely believe my life is totally described in all the words above. 

The art of God and man surround us all.  

And no matter what - I am blessed, we are blessed with this creativity and should not take it for granted!  

Sparkling Marsh at Bombay Hook
www.libertosgallery.com

"Early Snow Surprise"
libertosgallery.com
The best place for snow is on the fireplace mantel!!

What I have been coordinating in my 

"artful life."

Indoor winter Painting Sessions creating 6 x 6 inch paintings.

Look for the PAPMA 6 x 6 Show & Sale, Live Cheap Make Art 

Winter Painting Session at Causey Mansion B&B, Milford, DE

 
Two separate sessions were held with about 12 artists attending each session.  
The Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic had great fun.
This has blossumed into a rather interesting project with a two fold goal.
One - to create a display containing a 6x6 by each member to use for events and marketing.  The other to coordinate a show and sale of all the small works created.
 Studios, 39 Walnut Street, Milford, De
Thursday, March 16, 2017, 5 - 7 pm
More Info:  Facebook event


Maria painting a 6 x 6 inch canvas

The group really loved this project!
(more to come about that)



Causey Masion B & B
https://www.facebook.com/events/1777429142580259/
Winter Indoor Activity: Paint or sketch INSIDE this lovely site with SMALL or travel WATERCOLOR SETS ONLY and minimal supplies (to alllow enough space for artists.) The mansion is filled with venettes of antiques and unique pieces. Hosts, Joe & Jan, have graciously invited us to this lovely and historic site. (6 x 6 blocks for watercolor, pastel & canvas, will be available to members that day!)


Causey Mansion B & B, Milford, DE

Another Creative Day & Garlicky Chicken Piccata

Weather Related

Here in the Mid-Atlantic a little snow and alot of cold started the day.  Quite a change from yesterday which reached a high of 70 degrees. After my morning walk I spent 2 hours outdoors, cleaning pathways and bushes of leaves that had blown our way.  

Such glorious weather caused me to make an effort to check garden centers in my area for regular small scrubs to dress up planters on the front porch.  None were to be found.  Since I can't wait for spring pansies I planted a few small bushes and ivy that I dug from our property and planted in urns near the front door. Oh, but I did come home with a fresh cut flowers to add to the spring like day!

Happy Dance

My recent push to sell my art inventory has finally had results.  You might enjoy these images:

Vineyard Floorcloth/Painted Canvas Rug

Bald Cypress, Trap Pond, Delaware

Packaging and shipping out to my 2 new customers tomorrow. Yea!Ahat is for Dinner

I love to pull out all the stops for dinner, using my creativity and vast supply of pasta, condiments, vegetables and chicken or seafood.  So tonight it is chicken.  I adapted a recipe, Garlicky Chicken Piccata, and used corkscrew pasta that I cooked in the garlic & chicken broth, doubling the chicken broth. I did not roast the garlic, but heated minced garlic in olive oil before adding chicken broth,  juice from one whole lemon (I omitted the wine), capers and Kalamata Olives. Before plating I added one well drained can of artichoke hearts halved, grated Parmesan Cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and drizzled with olive oil.

Garlicky Chicken Piccata

INGREDIENTS
1 head of garlic
4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garlic
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
flour, for dredging

5 tbsp. butter, divided
1/4 c. white wine (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c. chicken stock
1/4 c. capers
1/3 c. Chopped parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Prep roasted garlic: Slice off the top of the head of garlic (about 1/4"). Drizzle the cut side with olive oil and roast until soft and slightly golden, about 40 minutes. Let cool, then remove cloves and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper and then lightly dredge in flour.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter. Cook chicken in batches until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make sauce: Deglaze the pan with white wine. Add lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers and stir. Add the roasted garlic and bring to boil. Season with salt and pepper.
Add chicken into the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes more. In the last minute, add remaining tablespoon of butter.
Serve chicken over pasta. Garnish with parsley.

Garden Salad with sliced avocado and Italian bread made my meal that could serve 8 very impressive.  The best part is that there is plenty left for another great meal.   

Delizioso!

Buona notte,

Maria

Trying to Catch Up! My Art World and Creativity

The last two years have consumed me with the death of my son and stepdaughter, obligations and grief.  Many tasks, personal goals and desires have had to be ignored.

My art journey has continued at a very even pace and has provided a "go to" place.  I have continued to coordinate painting sites for the Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic because I love it so much and I can do this!  We are now in our 6th year.

Also on my to do list is consolidating my art supplies, equipment, household items and furniture for a move to Wilmington, North Carolina where our only family lives.

Wilmngton NC Riverwalk

Azaeles and Live Oakk Trees

Historic Wilmington NC

Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington NC

So who would not want to move here?  Much to do to get ready.  A few small home improvements are being completed.  Not that I don't love my home and the space I have to create my art. But my family consisting of a grandaughter (in high school), son and daughter-in-law,  a warmer climate, another Wheaton Terrier keeps calling to us.  We have learned life is too short and don't put off.

Yes, I will miss my other family here in Delaware, Virginia and NJ as well as my great supportive friends and artist buddies.  They have an open invite to come visit and stay for awhile.

In the meantime here are some photos of recent plein air art sessions with my great artist friends:

Maria painting at Causey Mansion B & B, Milford, DE

Maria painting at Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, MD

Maria painting on The Green, Dover, DE

Maria's Painting of Causey Mansion B & B Garden, Milford, DE

My latest news is the transition of my Etsy shop, LibertosArtGallery to my new website:  www.libertosgallery.com . This was supereasy although I did end up with a new domain name, letting go of the one I had for many years.
Most of my completed paintings can be found there at very reasonable prices.  I need to decrease my inventory (especially Delaware themed) in the event of moving. I will be adding my floorcloths very shortly.

A few winter scenes that can be found at www.libertosgallery.com :

Frozen Pond Reflection

Killens Pond Early Snow and Ice

Snow Goose Hiding in Snow, Bombay Hook

Through the Snowy Covered Bridge

Enough for now. 

Peace be with you all!

Maria

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The Artful Life of Maria - Art Philosophy and Inspiration

Maria giving a floorcloth demo and lecture.

Blogger, Maria Liberto Bessette, posts random story lines in The Artful Life of Maria.