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Posted on 6/17/2025 8:26:36 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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A dear friend and I recently spent a few days on the Eastern Shore of Maryland exploring the quaint little town of St. Michael's and taking in the water views. From St. Michael's we traveled back to her home north west of Philadelphia, where we played Mah Jongg to our hearts' content and sipped on Prosecco on the back porch every afternoon. Our time together was an escape in every sense of the word, and for the duration of our visit we pretended we didn't have a care in the world. I came home refreshed, recharged and better equipped to face the noise of 'it all' again.
This painting is the view we had every afternoon on the back porch. Theobot ai (my art helper) summarized it perfectly:
"Sunflowers on the Porch captures a bright and cheerful moment, featuring a cluster of tall sunflowers with rich yellow petals and deep, dark centers. The flowers stand prominently in front of a clean white porch railing, creating a charming contrast that draws the eye. Surrounding the sunflowers are lush green leaves and stems, adding a natural fullness to the scene. Behind the porch, darker green foliage provides depth and balance, while a clear blue sky completes the composition with a fresh and uplifting atmosphere. The painting's textured brushstrokes contribute to a sense of vitality and warmth, inviting viewers to experience the simple beauty of a sunny day in full bloom."
May this painting serve as a gentle reminder for you to stop and savor the simple beauty of a sunny day. Hopefully it will soothe your soul much like the time with my friend did mine!
Details:
Size of the Original Painting: 10x8
Medium: Oil on Linen Panel
Link to the Original:
https://bit.ly/SunflowersonthePorch
Posted on 6/10/2025 8:24:29 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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The excitement of this painting began when I was creating the composition. First came the confit pot (which I LOVE!) with the dried hydrangeas from our backyard. Then came the tea cup, pitcher, book and key. But wait, there's more! Did you see the floating sand timer behind the book? Each item is a treasured piece from my ever growing still life collection. The fabric cloth on the table was the "Viola!" that pulled it all together. After literally hours of contemplation, I could at last paint.
Capturing the lights and shadows that move across this piece and seeing it come to life on my canvas was the real joy for me. In a world with such focus on AI, (which I admittedly lean on occasionally), I am keenly aware nothing can speak to the excitement of seeing this one finished quite like sharing it with you and telling you how it feels to me.
Thank you for being here and taking a minute to take a peek at what's coming off my easel this week. Your support and words of encouragement make my heart sing!
Warmest regards,
Barbara
Posted on 3/28/2025 7:50:11 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Hello everyone!
If you have been to Morehead City, NC, you may recognize this spot, which was blessed with a beautiful sun-something (is it a sunrise or a sunset?) that graced the skies on this particular day. I was drawn to the lovely red-oranges in the sky and the calm waters, as well as the soft pinks under the pier, which gives a different look to your typical "sun over water scene."
I was also touched by the story behind this painting, as my friend Christie posted the inspiration photo in April of 2022 in honor her friend Heather, who took the photo and had recently passed away.
This time I chose to paint the colors more deeply than the softer hues in the original photo. It just seemed fitting, knowing Heather is deeply missed.
Click on the blue button below to see pricing information for the Original, as well as affordable Prints in multiple sizes and Merchandise.
Warmest regards, Barbara
Painting Details: Medium - Oil on panel Size - 8x10 |
Posted on 3/12/2025 7:51:30 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Hello everyone!
My painting journey over the last month has been about painting dramatic light and nocturnes. In keeping with that theme, today I would like to share with you my latest little painting from Deep Point Marina. If you have ever been to Bald Head Island, NC, you will likely recognize this marina in South Port. I have discovered painting the marina is the next best thing to being there!
On this particular night, our journey to Bald Head Island began later than usual, hence our arrival after dark. Once we arrived we were glad to have a few minutes to relax and enjoy this gorgeous view. Seeing the reflections of both the full moon and the lights across the water offered us a quiet reprieve as we waited for the next ferry to the island. It is always such a wonderful feeling to be here!
Head over to my website to see pricing information for the Original, affordable Prints and Merchandise.
Warmest regards,
Barbara
Original Painting:
Medium: Oil on Panel
Size: 8x6
Posted on 3/4/2025 7:53:03 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Greetings all,
I am delighted to share with you today my most recent work, "Shenandoah Countryside." While I captured the reference photo several years ago, the painting process began in a recent class on dramatic light, which I look for in every painting I create. This little 8x10 oil painting presents a tranquil landscape inspired by the serene beauty of the Virginia countryside. Featuring a grassy field stretching under a vast blue sky, the painting captures the rustic charm of a diagonal wooden fence in the foreground. The gently rolling hills adorned with the occasional tree add depth and convey a peaceful atmosphere. I aimed to highlight the dance of near and far with color, light and shadow, enhancing the sense of a bright, sunny day.
Creating this artwork gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the calming essence of nature and experience the tranquility as if I were still there. I hope "Shenandoah Countryside" offers you a moment of peace and connection with nature's serene vistas too.
Head over to my website to see pricing information for affordable Prints, Merchandise and the Original, which currently sits on my easel drying!
Warm regards,
Barbara
Original Painting:
Medium: Oil on Panel
Size: 8x10
Price: $198
Posted on 2/15/2025 7:47:58 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Hello everyone!
Today I am delighted to unveil my latest painting, "Moonrise at the Marina."
This small 10x8 oil painting captures a serene scene at dusk at Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC. The composition is framed by the wooden piers with ropes dropping down into the water. The dock on the left features a lantern casting a warm glow and helping to create an intriguing play of light and shadow in the foreground. The water mirrors a full moon's shimmering light path and in the distance you can see the silhouettes of the trees and the lights near the barge. It all adds to the tranquility of this early evening setting.
This painting reminds me of the sense of peace we always feel when we arrive at the marina, knowing we are nearing the end of our journey to our precious little home on Bald Head Island, NC.
I hope "Moon rise at the Marina" brings a similar sense of peace to all who view it.
Head over to my website to see pricing information for affordable Prints, Merchandise and the Original, which is priced to move quickly!
Warmest regards,
Barbara
Original Painting:
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 10x8
Posted on 1/18/2025 7:46:44 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Greetings all,
Life has been happening and I am delighted to finally be back at my easel again. An important goal for me this year is more time in my studio and less time at my computer. I am on a mission!
This painting is from a scene I captured a year or so ago while dining at the Washington Duke Inn. The sunsets there are truly spectacular and this one was no exception. Painting the rich, deep colors in the sky was pure joy. I confess I also got a kick out of placing the golfers on the putting green too.
Stay tuned for more landscapes in the coming months!
Warmest regards,
Barbara
Original Painting:
Medium: Oil on Linen
Size: 20 x 16
Also available in various print sizes/substrates or merchandise. Click on the button below to see options.
Posted on 10/25/2024 7:40:43 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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The inspiration for this painting came from a photo taken by my friend Fred Racey a year or so ago. When I first saw Fred's photo, I was struck by the bright fall colors in contrast with the dark tree trunks, and how the sunlight made the water sparkle as it bubbled over and around the rocks. I knew right away its day on my easel would come. I just didn't know when.
Location: The Cataloochee River, Great Smoky Mountains, NC
Posted on 9/17/2024 7:38:38 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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This painting is from a photo taken during a family vacation on Bald Head Island during Thanksgiving weekend in 2019.
It was quite chilly out and the grand kids were having a ton of fun together. Of course, being at the beach, they couldn’t stay out of the water, even though it was cold. Hence, their clothes were soaking wet and literally draped, fully saturated, over them. While I watched them play, I witnessed one of those special moments I knew I would not want to forget.
I don’t know whose idea it was to pose making a heart symbol in front of the setting sun. They twisted their little bodies in all kinds of ways as they tried to figure out how they were going create the shape. When I saw what was going on, I quickly pulled out my camera and captured several precious photos. Last week, as I was looking through my photos for inspiration, I happened to come across this one. In an instant I had that deep down feeling I had to paint it. The feeling was so strong, I set my Scotland series aside so I could get to my easel and work on this one.
When it comes to painting - and life too - being present and paying attention are important aspects to doing either well. In this case, the photo touched me deeply and said, “Ah! THIS is it!” In that moment it actually changed me. It also changed how I felt while I was painting. And now that I am done, I believe it changed the final outcome too.
Just so you know, my daily practice, rather than being busy all the time, is to simply be quiet and listen. I listen for potential paintings to speak to me and to call me to use my gifts as an artist. I have learned when that happens, inevitably I am able to do my best work.
I encourage you to stop and listen too. Be open to what you hear. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Warm regards,
Barbara
Painting details:
Medium - Oil
Substrate - Cotton canvas
Size - 7 x 5
Posted on 9/14/2024 7:56:16 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Greetings friends!
As we say goodbye to summer, I wanted to share this week’s painting from West Beach on Bald Head Island, NC. A couple of things stand out to me in this one. First, I love the way the sunlight, which somehow broke through the clouds, is making the water shimmer and sparkle. Most striking however, is the contrast of the copper-colored sea oats against to the blue-grays of the water and the sky. They are definitely the star of the show!
Though this one is small, it is still able to pack a punch with the mix of colors and light. Thank you for spending a minute with me today as we dream of summer sun and fun!
Warm regards,
Barbara
Original Painting Details:
Medium: Oil
Size: 7x5
Price of the Original painting: $198
Prints: From $42
Merchandise: Starting at $13
