Can you believe it was just a few years ago (2011) that construction began on the new Consol Energy Center sports arena? And it was only just a few years earlier that I had painted the old Mellon/Civic Arena in “Hockey Fever at Mellon Arena.”

As they were tearing down the old arena in early 2011, it seemed that everyone wanted something to remember it by, and soon that print had sold out. My goal (ha ha, see what I did there?) in painting “Pittsburgh’s New Home for Hockey” was to build a bridge of memories from the old arena to the new. In fact, if you look closely you’ll notice that I even painted the beautiful reflection of Mellon Arena in the glass of the newly constructed Consol Energy Center.

I remember the day we scouted out the new Consol Center with a two-hour photo shoot for the new painting. We recruited friends and family to put on their own period hockey jerseys and assemble outside the new arena. I asked my models to walk around alone, with their families, and also mingling with other groups as I considered different layouts for the painting. This is how I figure out where I’ll put my people in the final composition. The idea is for them to lead the viewer’s eye around the painting to where I want the viewer to look. We had a lot of fun that day, and I’ll never forget it!

Now with this week’s announcement of the name change to PPG Paints Arena (which is going to take some getting used to!), “Pittsburgh’s New Home for Hockey” has suddenly become nostalgic! Do you think Pittsburghers will continue to refer to it as the Consol Center, just as most of us never quite made the transition from the Civic to the Mellon Arena? We are a stubborn tribe!

I’m back in the studio this week working on “Santa’s Joyride.” I hope your week is fun and productive as well!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

First and foremost, I want to thank you all for your prayers for my husband Tom. We were a little concerned last weekend and into the beginning of this week, but eventually he turned the corner and is recovering nicely.

Now that he’s finally starting to feel better, I’ve picked up my paintbrush again to work on the next painting in my “Jolly Old Elf” series – “Santa’s Joyride” – and I’d love to share it with you. Ever wonder how Santa gets around after he parks the sleigh for the season? Here’s the final sketch before the painting began…

If all goes well, next week I’ll be able to share the next stage of the pastel painting with you as it develops. I really am loving the process of creating this piece… Not only is it very therapeutic, but the image of Santa riding on the back of a vintage Harley makes me smile!

Last weekend was one of those glorious fall weekends where it’s a joy just to be out and about. I spent my weekend outdoors, meeting and greeting at the 2016 Mt. Lebanon Artist’s Market. Lots of other people were out and about as well and visiting the Market, so I met many great old and new friends and sold a ton of my artwork. I also picked up a pair of very warm handmade mittens from a craftsperson – they’ll definitely come in handy for the Market Square Holiday Market this coming season! You can’t be too prepared for winter weather, especially when you spend the entire month before Christmas outdoors. And I’m one of those people who’s always cold anyway!

Where in the world will I be this weekend? On Saturday, October 1st, I’ll be at the 27th Annual Arts & Crafts Show at St. Thomas More Church (126 Fort Couch Rd., just across from South Hills Village in Bethel Park) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This show is an indoor event with 70 vendors, a Chinese Auction, and plenty of food, including homemade soups. It’s a great way to spend the day! CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

I will have some of my larger paintings at the show and all of my giftware, including my 2016 Christmas cards and my new Wendell August Forge Santa ornaments.

I’m also featuring my complete line of candles, including the latest one based on my painting “The Heart of a Saint,” honoring the life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

These slow-burning, scented soy candles are a lovely addition to any home. When the candle is burned to completion, the glass vessel and printed image are dishwasher safe and can easily be repurposed. For example, I bought some battery-operated fairy lights and placed them inside one of the jars, and they illuminated the image beautifully.

Can’t make it out to Bethel Park on Saturday? The Christmas cards are now available on my website, as are the Mother Teresa candles (and of course, the rest of my art and giftware catalog). You can check them out and order online. CLICK HERE to begin your shopping!

Hope to see you at the show!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Another week has flown by, and the weekend has come again. And because it’s Fall festival season, that means it’s time for another show.

Whenever I have an event, I’m generally up and raring to go, but this week I may have a little less enthusiasm than usual. My husband Tom has been feeling pretty ill lately, and it looks like he may have pneumonia. He is getting a chest x-ray today, so we’ll know more soon. Obviously, my mind and my heart aren’t fully focused on my work right now, but as always, “the show must go on,” and I’ll give this weekend my best shot.

I have been blessed to be accepted into the Third Annual Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. My Booth (#505) will be stocked with a big selection of my prints and gifts for you and/or your loved ones. CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

The show is located at Washington Road and Academy Avenue in the Mt. Lebanon business district. Booths will be set up in the PNC Bank parking lot and the Academy Avenue parking lot. Thank heavens we had put the heavy items in the van earlier this week for set-up, so less lifting and carrying will be needed. I’ll just have to load up the paintings and art gifts into the van, which my helpers and I can do first thing in the morning.

Though he is always my #1 Assistant, Tom is officially excused from helping me this weekend, and he may even get to take the day off on Monday when I unpack after the show. Please send a prayer up for him – I worry so much about him.

In the meantime, in fulfillment of my grandmotherly duties, here’s a photo of our beautiful granddaughter with her Pappy.

By the way, if you’re looking for office gifts for your colleagues this holiday season, why not give a gift of art? Last year at the Holiday Market in Market Square, an office manager brought her entire office staff to my booth, where she allowed each one of them to pick out the ornament of their choice as her gift. So everyone was able to select their favorite ornament – it was fun to see how excited they were! I also was able to personalize and sign each ornament for the recipient to make the gift extra special.

If you’re in town this weekend, I hope you’ll come see me at the Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market!

P.S. – My paintings also make wonderful wedding gifts! I just sold a painting of Duquesne University, “Chapel on the Bluff,” to a mother-of-the-groom. She’s giving it as a wedding gift to her son who is getting married there tomorrow. I even wrote a special letter from his parents on the back of the frame.

P.P.S. – I just finished the sketch of “Santa’s Joyride”… more details next week!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

I love multitasking, though it’s not always easy. I like that sense of accomplishment from getting two things done at the same time.

Which is why it makes perfect sense for you to come visit me this weekend at one of my favorite shows of the season! I can’t think of a better way to reap the benefits of multitasking than by enjoying a fun country outing on a beautiful fall day – while at the same time wisely snapping up some great holiday gifts.

I’ll be exhibiting this weekend with a full selection of my prints and giftware at the Covered Bridge Festival at Mingo Creek County Park in Washington County on Saturday, September 17th through Sunday, September 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

So what is it that makes this festival one of my favorites?

~ There are so many fun things to do – lots of interesting vendors and excellent live entertainment. I love just people-watching from my booth down by the creek, especially the happy families playing among the rocks. Everyone is friendly and having a good time.

~ They have some of the best festival food around – especially the ice cream!

~ The surrounding Washington County countryside is among Pennsylvania’s most beautiful.

Of course, to assist you with your multitasking, my booth will be fully stocked with art and giftware to give you a jump on your holiday shopping. Premiering this weekend are my new ornaments for 2016 from Wendell August Forge – “Shhhh!” and “Santa’s Newest Reindeer.” These two ornaments are the first in a 5-year series with 2 new ornaments per year (10 in all). So this is the perfect time to start your own collection!

I’m also bringing a few surprises, including never-seen-before smaller-sized prints of some of my favorite paintings.

Because I’d really love to see my loyal readers and favorite customers at the festival this weekend, I have a little gift for you! Just print out this blog and present it at my booth, and you’ll receive a free note card (artist’s choice) just for stopping by..

I know it’s only September, but why not save yourself valuable time closer to the holidays by checking a few items off your 2016 gift list? And wouldn’t you rather be shopping outdoors in the fine fall weather instead of in December’s cold, snow, and ice?

So instead of waiting until the last minute (and shopping in the winter weather that we all know is coming soon!), why not kill two birds with one stone? You too can be a multitasker this weekend and enjoy an outing in the country while also getting a head start on that gift list for your favorite friends and family members. Come see me down by the creekside at Ebenezer Bridge – I’ll be in Booth #54! CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

P.S. – Remember to print out this blog and present it at my booth to receive your free note card!.

P.P.S. – If you ask me to see photos of my new granddaughter, Aria, I just might happen to have a few with me….

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

I have been on Cloud Nine all this week, getting to know our little Aria Grace and mastering this grandma thing. I want to thank you all for the multitude of replies I received from so many of you after last week’s newsletter. They truly touched my heart! All of your good wishes were deeply appreciated.

But as nice as it is to stay in our little family bubble, life goes on.

As we look ahead to next weekend, I wanted to let you know I’ll be exhibiting at the Washington County Covered Bridge Festival in Mingo Creek County Park. The show takes place on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday the 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find me in Space #54 down by the creek at the Ebenezer Bridge. CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

Of course, I’ll have all my new paintings, gallery wraps, candles, magnets and the new Jolly Old Elf series ornaments from Wendell August Forge! Now that summer is gone, it’s a perfect time to start purchasing gifts for the holidays.

Yes – the Holidays! Can you believe it? Maybe I just have a bad case of “Baby Brain,” but I for one can’t figure out how it got to be September already! And I still have to finish two more paintings for the holiday season. One of them is my newest Jolly Old Elf companion print featuring Santa riding on a vintage Harley. It should be ready very soon, so keep an eye out for that one!

And if you come visit me at the Covered Bridge Festival next weekend you can be among the first to see my new Mother Teresa candles from Sugar Creek Candle Company. Created from my newest painting, “The Heart of a Saint,” the candle commemorates the compassion and work of St. Teresa of Calcutta, newly canonized on September 4th.

These slow-burning, scented soy candles are a lovely addition to any home. When the candle is burned to completion, the glass vessel and printed image are dishwasher safe and can easily be repurposed. For example, I bought some battery-operated fairy lights and placed them inside one of the jars, and they illuminated the image beautifully.

I hope you can come see me at the Covered Bridge Festival; if you can’t, don’t worry – the new candle is available on my website.

P.S. – If you visit my booth next weekend, just print out this blog and receive a FREE note card (artist’s choice)!

P.P.S. – As always, I will happy to personalize and sign all the gifts of art that you purchase to make them extra special!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

That’s right – I became a grandmother this week! And I have a feeling we’ll be telling the story of the events leading up to Aria’s birth for many years to come…

It all started at the Shadyside Arts Festival, which definitely didn’t turn out quite the way we expected this year!

We were having a great weekend of sunny (though very warm) weather at the festival. It was really terrific! Sales were brisk all weekend, especially for my new paintings. (In fact, I want to thank all of you who came down to the show and visited my booth!)

Then just as we were packing up, there was a feeling of uncomfortable déjà vu as we noticed raindrops starting to fall. Visions of last year’s Three Rivers Arts Festival disaster passed before our eyes… this time, however, I was smarter and ran to get our van as soon as the first drops hit.

Fortunately, our whole family was present to pitch in. As I pulled the van up to the booth, the downpour began. So the first thing we did was to put my very pregnant daughter inside for safekeeping. As we hustled to get the paintings into the van, it began to rain even harder. We decided to just stand under the roof of our tent and wait out the storm… or at least that was the plan!

Moments later, it started to hail… lots of hail… and then (déjà vu all over again, as they say), the wind kicked up. It was relentless! Before long, our tent (and everyone else’s) started to blow apart.

When the roof blew off, we all took cover. I jumped into the van to discover that my daughter, though safe and dry, was apparently in early labor. Okay, I said, maybe she’s just stressed out. I actually looked at her and said, “Please don’t have the baby now!”

It took quite a while, but we eventually got out of there and took Alyssa home to settle down and rest. But it turned out this was no false alarm, and we ended up going to the hospital the next day. The doctor took one look at her and said, “This baby isn’t waiting until Friday.” Because the baby was in the breech position, Alyssa had been scheduled for a planned c-section on Friday (September 2nd). Aria had other plans, however, and she decided she wanted to be an August baby after all.

Our family gathered at the hospital and waited together anxiously. At 7:19 p.m. on August 29th, we welcomed little Aria Grace Stadelman, healthy and sweet and perfect in every way. Mother and baby are doing well, and of course, we all are head over heels in love with the newest member of our family. I couldn’t be a prouder mom/grandma!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Wow! I have so much to tell you about this week! I’ve gone multimedia! This week you can see me 1) on TV, 2) in print, and 3) at a live show!

First of all, I was on KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live with Kristine Sorensen on Monday. What a fun experience that was! Follow the link below to see a video of me in action!

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/show/pittsburgh-today-live/video-3451243-shadyside-arts-festival-returns-this-weekend/

I was also interviewed for an article that appeared in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Friday, August 26th. It is a big article about the 20th Anniversary of the Shadyside Arts Festival.

The Shadyside Arts Festival is a great Pittsburgh tradition that you shouldn’t miss! I hope you’ll come down and see me as well as many other talented artists.

We open on Saturday morning at 10 AM, and we’ll be there until 7 PM, then again on Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. I am super excited to share all my latest works with you… including my new painting of Mother Teresa, “The Heart of a Saint,” and my newest painting of Santa, “Making Magic in Santa’s Workshop.” For all you car enthusiasts, I’ll also have my new “Porsche Fields Forever” painting for sale!

My new Gallery Wraps will be making their first appearance this weekend at the Shadyside Festival. Gallery wraps are just like my other paintings but they can stand on their own – no need to frame them! The colors are amazing, and the smaller size fits beautifully in most homes.

Although May’s Arts Festival was a little soggy, it looks like Mother Nature will be cooperating with us this weekend! I can’t wait for you to stop by and see what’s new! I’m in Booth #129 on the corner of Urn Way and Walnut Street. Hope to see you there!

P.S. – Can’t make the show? I’m offering FREE SHIPPING on ANY purchase from my website, www.lindabarnicott.com, from now until midnight on Sunday… this offer is good for everyone (not just my subscribers) for the next three days!