Close to Christmas

Close to Christmas - 9" x 12"

God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is love;
the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
the belief in Christmas, which is truth;
the all of Christmas, which is Christ.

--- Wildo English

"Close to Christmas" and all remaining paintings are currently on display at the Designer Cafe in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Sending you a wish for a joyous holiday season. - Maureen and Bob

Bringing Home the Christmas Tree

It is that time of year again, and if you are not into artificial you are hunting for the ideal Christmas tree. Oh such fond memories of trudging through the woods with my dad, looking for the perfect one. “Bringing Home the Christmas Tree” is 9” x 12”. Join me this Saturday from 10 – 4 at the Annapolis Legion for the Annual Farmer’s and Trader’s Christmas Market. Also, beginning on December 8th, several of my paintings will be on display and for sale at the Designer Cafe in Kentville, N.S for the entire holiday season. Please drop by and enjoy a delightful lunch while viewing my creations.

Picking Apples

Everyone in the Annapolis Valley and beyond is still enjoying freshly picked apples. Passing by an orchard similar to the one in the painting on a recent drive, pickers were still hard at work bringing in this year’s crop. This painting, “Picking Apples”, is 9: x 12”.

View from the Lake

Oh for a relaxing boat ride on the lake or an opportunity to go fishing. Right now in this part of Canada it is too windy and cold, but I can dream. "View from the Lake" is 11” x 14” and can be seen, along with all my current paintings, at the Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum’s 24th Annual Christmas Craft Show this weekend in Middleton. Show times are Friday, Nov. 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 – 4. Hope to see you there.

The Cooper

“The Cooper” is another painting inspired by my trip to Ross Farms this summer. It was amazing to watch the barrels come together. This painting is 5” x 10”.

Watching the Ducks

This painting is inspired by a trip to Ross Farm in the summer. I lingered long, stepping back to a time when children romped through the fields and delighted in the sights and sounds of the farm. The painting, “Watching the Ducks”, is 11” x 14”.

Over the Fence

Although it should be several weeks before the snow flies, I couldn’t resist this painting. The sun is setting and the lights are coming on in the homes. Everyone is snuggled away with their families except for the individual in the sleigh, who is hurrying to a friend’s house for hot apple pie. “Over the Bridge” is 5” x 10”. If you are in Middleton next weekend I will be at the Christmas Dreams Show on both Saturday and Sunday. See you there!

A. J. Burns Grocery, Bridgetown Circa 1960

One of my earliest memories is going to A. J. Burns Grocery with my mom. Albert, Eleanor, and Eddy always made us feel welcome and I never left without a candy treat. If dad was unavailable, Eddy would deliver the groceries to our home, adding to the excitement. I remember acquiring a black and white cat from Eleanor on one such visit – Tippy was a delightful addition to our family. This painting is from a photo taken circa 1960 provided by the James House Museum in Bridgetown and can be viewed at the museum this weekend during Cider Fest. The grocery store was later torn down to make way for the new post office. Note the house in the background. It looks the same today as it did 50 plus years ago. A. J. Burns Grocery is 6” x 8”.

FYI: my website has been updated and now contains all available painting. www.mnewmanfolkart.com

Farming

The weather this season has been stellar for vacationers and farmers alike. I hope you have found time to enjoy it as signs of fall are already appearing here in the valley. I was inspired to add a wooden hay bin for feeding the cattle to this painting after being at Ross Farms a few weeks ago. It is a great place to visit and certainly provided me with plenty of fodder for future painting. “Farming” is 11” x 14”.

The Blacksmith

After a visit to Ross Farm last week I was inspired to add a blacksmith shop to my latest painting. This week I am off to the Annapolis Valley Exhibition in Lawrencetown to watch the ox and horse pulls. Oh! and to enjoy the french fries at the Fireman's Canteen - a tradition. “The Blacksmith” is 11” x 14”.

Picking Blueberries

Every neighbourhood in the Annapolis Valley is experiencing a wave of blue. Blueberries are at their zenith and the markets abound with boxes for sale. This painting “Picking Blueberries” is 7”x 9”.

FYI: I sold 22 paintings at the NS Folk Art Festival on Sunday. It was a wonderful show. Also, there is an Art Show and Sale all week at the Mason Hall in Annapolis Royal. Definitely worth taking in.

Mother-in-law's Visit

Each year at the Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival in Lunenburg vendors are asked to create a folk art piece based on a theme. This year it is “Mother-in-law” – go figure. This painting, “A Visit from Mother-in-law”, is for this year’s theme. Hope to see you Sunday at the show. Doors open at 12:00. FYI: I never had a mother-in-law, so the painting is purely fictional – tee hee!

Near Aylesford

It is a gorgeous, sunny day here in the valley – one of those days when inspiration abounds. The farm above can be seen from highway 101 when traveling towards Kentville. It lies against the north mountain and I never cease to enjoy its beauty. The painting is called “Near Aylesford” and is 5x10.

If you are visiting Nova Scotia please drop by the market in Annapolis Royal on Saturday (8-1) or Wednesday (10-2) and say hi. Also, I will be at the Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival in Lunenburg on August 1.

I am looking forward to the upcoming is BASH in Bridgetown, N.S., my home town. Every ten years, or there about, former students and residents come together for a great time. Bridgetown Regional Elementary School (on the right) is where I started school. I was actually a member of the first primary class with Mrs. Goodwin– am I dating myself. I graduated from BRHS (on the left). Lots of fond memories!

Both paintings will be available July 14-18 at BASH. Tickets will be sold on BRHS and BRES will be auctioned off. I will be at the Friday market (July 16) with all my paintings. Hope to see you there.

Strawberry Picking

Are you enjoying the abundance of local sweet strawberries? Well here is a painting depicting the event that is happening is fields all over the valley. “Strawberry Picking is 6 x 20. FYI: The Annapolis Royal Farmer's and Trader's Market is now open on Wednesday's from 10 - 3 until September.

Spring

Spring in the valley: such a wonderful time of year! Gardens are planted and scarecrows appear. “Spring” is 11” x 14”.

George Street, Annapolis Royal

In preparation for the first day of the Annapolis Royal Farmer’s and Trader’s Market I have painted one of my favourite local scenes – a view of George Street looking across the water from Granville Ferry. The weatherman is predicting a warm and sunny day on Saturday, so I encourage everyone to come browse the stalls and visit the many food vendors with items to suit every palette. This painting of “George Street, Annapolis Royal” (6” x 12”) will join many others I will have on display. Drop by my booth and say hi.

Across the Bridge

This painting “Across the Bridge” is 11” x 14” and is reminiscent of a time when one lane bridges were the norm and the pace of travel was slow. The following is a list of accomplishments and events that I thought you might find interesting.

• I won the Canadian 2010 Word Guild award for writing excellence by a never-before-published author in its “God Uses Ink” contest and will be attending the Write! Canada Conference in Guelph, ON from June 17-19. I have a writing blog that I update often. Let me know if you want to join. http://www.maureensscribblings.blogspot.com/
• I have recently updated my website with new paintings (http://www.mnewmanfolkart.com/)
• The Annapolis Farmer’s and Trader’s Market begins on May 22. Hope to see you there.
• I have recently written a Christian historical fiction and am looking for an editor and publisher. Any suggestions?
  

Delaps Cove Wharf

Just down the road from my home where the highways ends and the wilderness begins, is a wonderful treasure that many people visiting this area miss. Busiest during the lobster season, this wharf provides visitors with a splendid view of the Bay of Fundy, an opportunity to chat with a fisherman, and a place to purchase a rare find, such as a recycled buoy. “Delaps Cove Wharf” is 6” x 12”.

Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse

Just past Digby on the way to Yarmouth there is a lovely lighthouse at Gilbert’s Cove. It is definitely worth a visit as its tranquil setting takes one back to a time when lighthouses were an important feature along the Bay of Fundy shoreline. Today these buildings stand as silent sentinels from a past era. “Gilbert’s Cove Lighthouse” is 7”x 9”.

A Farmer's Life

The life of a farmer is a very busy one as they tend the animals, work the ground, and manage their crops. Most days they work from sunup to sundown, rain or shine. Because I have always glamorized the life of a farmer in my mind, I believe when they are done for the day, they are satisfied and content. My latest painting, “A Farmer’s Life,” is 11” x 14”.

Isaiah 53:7

This Easter painting is based on Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7 is 11” x 14”. Have a blessed Easter weekend.

Just Past Caledonia

This is one of my favourite scenes when traveling from Annapolis Royal to Bridgewater. Backed by rolling hills, this farm appeals to me because it is so well maintained and in a peaceful setting. You will find this farm just past Caledonia on the left. “Just Past Caledonia” is 7” x 9”.

Stonehurst, N. S.

The fishing village in this painting is located in a very tranquil setting just outside of Lunenburg, along a winding, dirt road. It is difficult to get close enough for a photo but with perseverance, it can be done, and voila – here is the painting. Stonehurst, N. S. is 9’ x 12’.

Costa Rica

Spending April and May of 2009 in Costa Rica was undoubtedly one of the best things my husband and I have ever done for us. Adopting a healthier lifestyle was easy, and for the most part we have been able to make it work here in Canada. This painting depicts what we loved about the area, so much diversity and culture. It is our wish to return there again soon. Enjoy!

Frank and Ed Delivering Potatoes

I was looking through some old postcards and came across one of Frank Mosher and Ed Bent delivering potatoes. It just seemed like the right time to paint it. I suspect the potato were still fresh when the customer got them! “Frank and Ed Delivering Potatoes” is 5” x 10”.

A Sun Shiny Day

As the rain comes down and the green grass appears from beneath the snow, sketches for summer build in our mind. The valley comes to life as the red apples pop into view and tractors are busy in the fields preparing the hay. But no day is complete without clothes blowing on the line. A Sun Shiny Day is 9”x 12”.

A Busy Summer Day

Although we are still in the heart of winter, it is time to think ahead to warmer weather. Whenever I need to slow down and think peaceful, warm thoughts, I remember the valley as it was in summers gone by. I hope this painting takes you to that special place where you can relax and feel warm. “A Busy Summer Day” is 11” x 14”.

A Wharf at Port George, N. S.

This is another painting of Port George in the early 1800’s taken from a postcard I purchased last summer at the Candle in the Window Gift Shop. This is just one of the many wharfs that lined the coast of this shipping community during that period. If you are visiting this part of the province, take the opportunity to visit the gift shop and be regaled with stories from the past. You will be amazed at the history of this beautiful area. The painting is called “A Wharf at Port George, N. S. and is 6” x 12”.

Midnight

During the winter months I get together with friends to paint. Today I felt like trying something new and voila! Using only black, white and shades of grey I created this painting that I call “Midnight”. It is 5” x 7”. I hope you like it.

Swinging from the Old Birch Tree

One of my favourite trees is a birch. Summer or winter, they stand out amongst all the other trees in the valley as their bark reflects the sun. This painting is called “Swinging from the Old Birch Tree” and is 11” x 14”. It takes me back to those sunny afternoons when I would while away the hours swinging from such a swing.

Along the Bay

Living on the coastline of the Bay of Fundy, one becomes used to seeing fishing vessels at one point and a farm with horses and cattle at another. Some fishermen raise animals and some farmers go fishing. It is the way of life here; everyone working and living together. This painting portrays my perspective of what it is like to live here on the shore. As fishermen and farmers continue to struggle to preserve their way of life, it is important to capture the way it is. The painting “Along the Shore” is 11” x 14.