Still here at Booth 3146 at the Home and Garden Show until Sunday. What an exciting week I’ve had here at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center! It’s been a treat to have so many of you visiting me at my booth! One of the highlights of the show this year for me was having had the honor (and fun) of meeting Pittsburgh Dad! As soon as he realized who I was, he immediately shook my hand and told me that his mom had my paintings in her home! There was definitely some “Pittsburgh Chemistry” going on! If you’re a…

In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, my husband Tom is the BEST. The week before the Home and Garden Show is my busiest week of the year, and I couldn’t do it without Tom! He’s my greatest helper/partner despite having to work double time with his church duties. Those last few days before the show are pretty rough, getting everything moved, set up, and organized, and I can always count on him to support me every step of the way! And it’s not just Tom that I rely on. Once we rented the truck on Tuesday, my wonderful friends…

I’m pretty good at painting Pittsburgh. I’m also pretty good at painting portraits and landscapes. But when it comes to painting things like my show displays and staining woodwork… my skills could use some work! After 20 years, my booth display is getting pretty old. Every year some pieces break or just look a little shabby after another year in storage. Thank goodness for my friend from our old church who helped freshen up and recreate some of the broken pieces. And with a lot of help of my son-in-law, Jon (not to mention a big assist from the spring-like…

Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? It’s been a busy week, and it’s about to get even busier! Recently, Tom and I attended an event for United Methodist Bishop, Tom Bickerton, to wish him well as he moves on to his next adventure. The Bishop is a huge baseball fan, and I was truly humbled and honored when my painting, “Let’s Go Bucs at PNC Park,” was chosen as his farewell gift! Not only that, but the Home and Garden show is only two weeks from today! It’s all hands on deck at the Barnicott household!…

Sports enthusiasts sometimes say, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” I was reminded of that earlier this week, when my friend said something that really resonated with me: “It’s all about the hunt!” In other words, we all work toward goals that we want to accomplish, but some people find the journey itself even more satisfying than the end result. My friend loves to sew. She told me how much she loves going out and finding just the right pattern for a new project. Next, off she’ll go, looking for the perfect fabric…

Even though I’ve done it 21 times now, I’m still feeling energized and excited today after exhibitor training for next month’s Home and Garden Show! In fact, at this point I think I could recite the entire program from memory. But I still go to the training every year because it inspires me to try new ideas and think of new ways to bring you my artwork at reasonable prices. This year I brought my daughter Brittany and her friend Breann to the training with me – passing the torch to the next generation! Here are some interesting facts about…

Happy mid-winter! Though the skies are gray and snow is on the ground, it’s still bright and cheery at the Barnicott household! As you can see, it’s still Christmas at our place. We kept it that way because, as my husband Tom explained, “It’s so dark in January, and it brightens up these cold winter days.” Not to mention the fact that thanks to my hectic holiday season schedule, we barely get a chance as a family to enjoy our decorations before the holidays are over. Last night, we also celebrated Tom’s 59th birthday. Though it looks like Tom’s dressed…

What does an artist who hates the cold do in the middle of a frigid, snowy week? Why, think about my upcoming 21st year at the Home and Garden Show, of course! Yes, it’s that time of year again to prepare for the “Big Show” from March 4th through 13th at the David L Lawrence Convention Center. I’ll be back in my same location at Booth 3146, waiting to meet and mingle. So mark your calendar, make a wish list, and stop by to see me! But I’m not just thinking of the Home and Garden Show… As the snow…

If you’re like me, you probably have ambitious goals and plans in mind for the New Year. I want to share a couple of mine with you… and I would love to hear yours! One of the first things I’ve done to kickstart 2016 is that I’ve started a juice fast. Today I’m on Day 4, and I’m already feeling more energetic, clearing my mind, and even dropping some unwanted pounds. Drinking all those nutrients definitely helps me feel better and ready to roll in this new year! Another one of my New Year’s projects is Reorganizing and Decluttering my…