People often ask me what an artist’s life is like… questions like where do I get my ideas?  And what does an artist do all day anyway (other than hanging out in Parisian cafes while wearing a beret)? Do I paint every day? And if so, how much? As an independent professional artist, how I spend my days depends entirely on the season.  I’m likely to spend the most time in my studio in the Spring, which is when I create a lot of my new paintings.  Summertime is my big season for outdoor events and art fairs, then September…

Sorry I’ve been off the radar for the last couple weeks – I’ve been very busy doing Artist Things!  Also, Tom and I took a much-needed four-day weekend break to recharge.  We visited Pennsylvania Dutch Country and stayed in the lovely old town of Strasburg at the historic Limestone Inn, built in 1786.  It’s almost like having a time machine! Yet as much as we appreciated the time away, I still couldn’t wait to come home and get started on my new painting.  As you may remember, I recently asked my readers for suggestions for a subject for my next…

Welcome to Makeover Week at the Barnicott household! With original paintings departing for their new homes and the need to create some order in my chaotic studio and store room, my focus has been on redecorating and reorganization for the new year. Two big holes in my home gallery opened up this week – my original pastel painting of Heinz Field is vacating its space above my mantel and leaving for its new home in Florida, and the original “All Aboard with Santa” is also on its way to its new owner.  So now a big decision had to be made – choosing from my other…

With just a few days to go until the New Year begins, I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season! The Barnicotts have had an especially delightful Christmas this year… especially compared to last year, when Christmas was still a work day for Tom, and poor Autumn spent the night at the hospital. But the best part this year was when we were gifted with a visit from Santa Claus himself on Christmas Eve.  Santa was kind enough to make an unscheduled stop (in the daytime!) on his busiest day of the year, and Aria was beyond excited…

Here we are already on December 13, with Christmas just 12 days away.  It has been a real pleasure to visit with so many people at my Chalet in Market Square, from my loyal readers who have been with me through many holiday seasons to new friends and fans… some of whom were just wandering through Market Square, and one of my paintings caught their eye, triggering memories of times gone by.  One of my favorite things about this season is hearing stories about how my paintings remind you and your loved ones of heartwarming memories. Can you guess which…

Holiday shopping can sometimes be a chore… but there will never be a better way to shop than at my Second Annual Holiday Trunk Show!  This is my event with the most intimate setting – here in my own home studio – with light refreshments, big savings, and good company.  If you’re in the Pittsburgh area this weekend, you’re invited to drop by for art, food, conversation, and a painless way to take care of some holiday gift shopping… all kinds of happiness! To get ready for the big event, Tom and I have been turning our home into a winter…

My Studio Trunk Show and Open House is back! Last year I held an event where I invited my subscribers and customers to come visit my studio/home gallery… and with deep discounts and special sales of my artwork and giftware to boot! The feedback from the attendees was so positive (and I had such a fantastic time hosting it!) that I’ve decided to make it an annual event. This year’s Open House event will take place at my new home/studio in Brentwood on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 15th-17th. Items for sale will include everything from originals, prints, and gifts to…

Yet another action-packed week as the holiday season gets underway… This week marked the final chapter of an art commission that I’ve literally been working on for years. Remember the Forbes Hospital Project? The one I used to mention but couldn’t share much about it because I was sworn to secrecy. I was commissioned to paint five panels that told the story of Forbes Hospital, its history and its people, and Monday evening I attended a celebration at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville for the great unveiling!  I was really excited but so nervous, as I was asked to get up and…

I hope you’re enjoying Halloween so far. I’m getting ready to spend some time with my granddaughters today – Halloween is always such a fun and exciting day for the little ones (and some of us big ones, too)! Our little Aria started at a wonderful preschool this week, and they are having a Harvest Festival.  That being said, I can’t believe Aria is already going to preschool – and that our Twins are already 15 months old! And I thought time flew when my kids were growing up… I can’t wait to return to John McMillan Presbyterian Church this Saturday, November 2nd,…

Why am I celebrating today? Because I just put the final touches on my new Woodland Santa painting! I can’t wait until next week to show it to you… you will be some of the first to see the finished painting (though just a few days ago, the Jolly Old Elf himself stopped by to see how it was coming along!). It’s funny how my mind gets laser-focused when I’m painting, and trivial matters – like housework, shopping, paperwork and such – get put on the back burner. So today I’ll start the process of catching up with “Real Life.”  In…