After a long time away (and a long-needed clean-up), it felt good to finally get back to my studio this week!  The first order of business was to finish some commissioned pieces that have been waiting for my attention. I don’t take on commission work very often, but during the pandemic, it’s been a fun and productive way to keep busy. This week I was working on a house portrait (when I told this client, “I’ll paint your house,” I wasn’t kidding!). I had originally promised to deliver it first thing in 2020. Then I promised to deliver it in…

We had an amazing season this year at the Holiday Market. It was hugely successful, and I want to thank all of you once again for your support. The only downside? With our insanely busy Holiday Market schedule, Tom and I didn’t get much time to enjoy our holiday décor this year. So we’ve decided to pretend it’s still December while we continue to enjoy our beautiful Christmas tree and all the beautiful twinkling lights nestled in pine boughs throughout our home. It’s one of the perks of being an adult… no one is the boss of me, so Christmas…

There’s a saying that “the only thing that is inevitable is change.” This has been especially true for me recently, as I’ve said goodbye to a couple of cherished old friends. Last week, John DeSantis, owner of the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show, died unexpectedly due to cancer. My history with John goes way back to the late winter of 1995.  I was just beginning my series of Kennywood paintings with my new publisher, Denny Oliver. One thing we did a lot of in those days was brainstorming about how to introduce our new series to the public, and we…

First off, I’d like to wish a happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year to each and every one of you, my faithful readers! Your support has meant so much to me and has helped me keep going through these last two crazy years. So, speaking of crazy… Since I last wrote to you, I closed down the chalet in Market Square with a lot of help from Tom, Britt, and Breann. Somehow we dismantled all our displays, packed it all up, and loaded everything in the van last Thursday night without any issues. Then on Friday, Santa came to…

I’ve been wondering all year how the 2021 holiday season might play out. Given that pandemic issues are still with us, I was afraid the holidays this year might again be less than merry for me. Fortunately, it seems that my fears were groundless! I’ve been immersed in the bustle of the holidays, feeling the festivity and laughter of folks enjoying themselves as they explore the Holiday Market. I even sang along with the beautiful Christmas music being played on the Market Square stage. Tom and I also found a new SXM radio station of holiday music from days of…

Ho-Ho-Ho!  I feel as if I’ve been playing the part of Santa’s helper at the Holiday Market today as I help folks pick out that perfect gift. But lately there’s been a lot of mystery about this Linda Barnicott person and who she really is. I may even be getting a bit confused myself. Which Linda Barnicott is the REAL one? Just since the start of the Holiday Market on November 19th, there has been quite a bit of confusion about who I am.  Someone thought I was Tom’s mother (Tom thought it was hilarious to call me Mom all…

Can you believe it’s already December? As I write this, I’m sitting in my Market Square Chalet in downtown Pittsburgh, surrounded by the beautiful sights and sweet sounds of the holidays. The show is really extraordinary this year. The Square is filled with local folks and their families as well as people visiting from around the country – and even from around the world.  In fact, I met a nice young lady from Russia who is attending college at Indiana University. She asked if I had postcards, and I cheerfully replied, “Why, yes, I do have postcards!” (I couldn’t wait to say…

This week I exceeded Andy Warhol’s predictions – I had a full 30 seconds of fame on KDKA’s “Pittsburgh Today Live” with Michelyn Hood!  This is the second year in a row that she’s stopped by my booth to see what’s new. Mikey loved all the great gift-giving ideas she found in my Chalet. She was especially enthusiastic about my new puzzles and commented on how much fun they would be to put together! We’re off to a fantastic start at the Holiday Market this season. Since the show began last weekend, things have really been hopping!  I think folks are…

 “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love/ Every song you sing seems to say, ‘Merry Christmas, may your New Years’ dreams come true!’” “The Christmas Waltz” – Frank Sinatra Don’t you just love holiday music?  That song honestly describes just how I feel right now. I think I’m truly at my happiest this time of year – as we say in my family, “all the way down to my heart.” So after weeks of planning, stocking up, and setting up, I think I’m finally ready for this year’s Holiday Market.  The Holiday Market has definitely become…

It’s been quite an exciting week here at the Barnicott Gallery/Studio/Art Warehouse! First, the much-anticipated art puzzles I was telling you about have arrived – just in time for my show at Bethel Presbyterian Church this Saturday in Bethel Park… not to mention the opening of the Holiday Market in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh on Friday, November 19th! Four different paintings are available in puzzle form – “Santa’s Woodland Christmas,” “All Aboard with Santa,” “Holiday Memories Under Kaufmann’s Clock,” and everyone’s favorite, “My Hometown.” Each puzzle is 1000 pieces and measures 20” x 28.” They will make perfect gifts for the holidays! For those of you who are already on the…