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Posted on 11/27/2023 3:48:58 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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Blonduosbaer, Iceland
This is a painting of a little village just across the bay from the Textile Museum in Blonduosbaer, Iceland. When my friend Nancy posted the photo, I felt compelled to capture on canvas the serenity of the scene, the calm waters, the various shades of blue, the pop of red on the roofs of the buildings and the stacks of lava rocks surrounding the area.
I am always grateful for my friends who take gorgeous photos from their travels and graciously share them with me to paint. Thank you, Nancy Pergolizzi!
Posted on 11/27/2023 3:33:29 PM
By Barbara Hunter
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New Art Studio
While I finish up my work on a Christmas commission (that must remain secret until Santa comes!), I am delighted to share some exciting news I received from my builder this week about my studio:
"On behalf of the National Association of Home Builders Design Committee and the 2023 Best in American Living Awards judges, it is my pleasure to let you know that your entry, "An Artist's Vision Realized," has won a 2023 Best in American Living Award (BALA). Congratulations to you and the entire project team on this achievement and securing your place in BALA history!
Now in its milestone 40th anniversary year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry.... BALA is built on the principle that all great homes start with great design, no matter cost or size."
While I can feel it all the way down to my bones that my studio is an amazing addition to our home, to be recognized at a national level actually gives me goose bumps! What an incredible honor!
My heart-felt gratitude to Rufty Homes and my build team for turning my initial design ideas into a reality that has far exceeded my expectations. I am also so grateful to my husband, Frank, who believes in me and my art and encourages me to think bigger than what I think is possible every day!
Meanwhile, stay tuned for my next painting, which is not a Christmas gift (yet!) and will be out soon!
Posted on 11/25/2023
By Barbara Hunter
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This is a painting of an early October morning on Naples Bay, Florida, and here you see Earl aboard his cherished boat, "Let R Rip Again." Earl and his family and friends, and especially his grandchildren, have spent many an hour on this boat fishing and having fun and creating very special memories.
What you also might find interesting is I have never met Earl or seen his boat, nor have I been to Naples Bay. So lots of credit goes to Earl's friend who commissioned me to do this painting of Earl's boat, as she photographed this beautiful scene, which helped me really see it so I could paint it. There is the gorgeous turquoise blue water for which Naples Bay is known, the sunlight just beginning to peek through the clouds, the palms and mangroves, and most importantly, there is Earl venturing out on his cherished boat. (Little did Earl know he was posing for his surprise Christmas gift in this moment!) Thanks to the photo, I had all I needed to capture it all on canvas.
What an honor it is to be asked to create something that Earl's family tells me will be treasured for generations to come. I love being Santa's helper and keeping secret surprises safe at Christmas!!!
