First, I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for Alyssa, Jon, and our soon-to-be granddaughter. This week was a rough one for them because of some pregnancy complications as well as a very scary auto accident. Don’t worry – everyone (including baby) is just fine… unfortunately, the car not so much. But as we have always said, “Cars can be fixed, people can’t.” We are just grateful that the kids were able to walk away from it.

Now I have some great news I want to share with you…

I will appear on Pittsburgh Today Live with Kristine Sorensen on KDKA-TV (CBS) on Monday (August 22nd) at 9 a.m.

I’ll be talking about a few of my paintings that I’ll have with me on the show, but especially my newly finished painting of Mother Teresa, “The Heart of a Saint.” This painting was a labor of love. It is very, very special to me and has actually been in the works for two years.

The story of how “The Heart of a Saint” came to be is one of chance meetings and mysterious coincidences. Here’s the short version:

Two years ago, I had a booth at Delmont Apple Festival, and as always, I met a lot of wonderful people and had many interesting conversations.

The following week I was taking a break near the bandstand at Ligonier Days, when I heard someone call my name. It turned out to be a woman who had visited my booth in Delmont the week before. She said, “This was not a coincidence! We were meant to meet again.” She definitely had my attention!

She said she needed to give me something important, and she opened her purse to reveal a big stack of photographs. She selected two of them and handed them to me. The photos were taken when she had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1989, and she wanted me to have them.

She had no way of knowing that I’ve had a lifelong admiration for Mother Teresa. I was thrilled to hear her story of how she met and actually wrote to her, and I gratefully accepted the photos.

But then as I walked back to my booth, I realized that I didn’t get her name or permission to use her photos for a painting. So I had to be content with displaying them in my art studio and being inspired by her image, a constant reminder of her selflessness, love, and compassion.

Fast forward to a year later… my daughter Brittany works for St. Vincent DePaul, and one morning she received a phone call from a woman who wanted to donate items to the stores. At the end of their conversation, the woman mentioned that she would like to give her a few photos of Mother Teresa.

Fortunately, Brittany has a great memory! She remembered the story of how I acquired my photos and called me immediately. We knew it had to be the same person. Long story short, we were able to make contact, and she said she would be honored if I used one of her photos to create my new painting.

And one more coincidence… my painting will be launched just before Mother Teresa will be canonized as a Saint on September 4th. It’s been a privilege to have been given the opportunity to recognize her life’s work through my art.

Here’s a look at the process that brought this very special painting to life!

Be sure to tune in on Monday morning at 9, and you’ll be the first to see the original before I present it at the Shadyside Arts Festival. “The Heart of a Saint” is for sale as an open giclee edition (12″ x 16″) and sells for $85.00. CLICK HERE to purchase your print today.

I hope my new portrait of Mother Teresa brings you as much joy as it brought me while painting it!

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”.

We’re having another eventful week at Chez Barnicott, as we found out that our daughter Alyssa is in need of some prayer. Her baby, Aria Grace, is still in the breech position, and there has been a lot of activity around this new finding. In just a few weeks, we will be holding our little gift, our first grandchild, in our arms! In the meantime, Alyssa’s doctors will be doing their best to help turn the baby, and a positive mindset can’t hurt. Any prayers will be greatly appreciated!

Yes, it’s definitely been a week of surprises in the Barnicott Studio. Although it wasn’t part of my original plan for this month, I’m working on another new painting… a portrait of Mother Teresa, a woman I’ve always greatly admired.

The story of how I came to rethink my priorities and create this new portrait is really quite amazing. And next week, I’ll share it all with you! So stay tuned…

If you love the Vintage Grand Prix… if you love cars… and especially if you love Porsches, I think you’ll love my new painting, “Porsche Fields Forever.” Check out the official description of the painting from my catalog:

“Every year on a special weekend in July, car enthusiasts from around the country gather in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Like wild flowers, the hillsides come alive with the vibrant colors of classic cars. The Allegheny Region of the Porsche Club of America makes quite a statement with Porsches both classic and contemporary. Stroll among these beautiful driving machines and imagine magnificent “Porsche Fields Forever”

Among all the other family and studio goings-on this week, “Porsche Fields Forever” made its debut for sale on my website. Though the original is sold (commissioned by local Porsche enthusiasts for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix), the limited-edition giclee prints are now available on my website. I think you’ll love the brilliant colors, the view of Oakland landmarks, and the excitement of the race. CLICK HERE to get a better look!

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of “Porsche Fields Forever” prints goes to help support autism services and the Allegheny Valley School.

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”.

Last week, I decided that since we were celebrating “Christmas in July” in Market Square, I would put in a request for some seasonal snow flurries to set the holiday mood. Unfortunately, the snowflakes I ordered must have melted in the heat, because we got rain instead!

It turned out that my borrowed tent had multiple leaks, which led to multiple puddles… so my priority became taking cover and keeping my artwork dry. I was a little discouraged and ready to pack up and go home, but then Santa dropped by my tent for some photo ops with visitors and convinced me to stay. And I’m really glad I did – even though I was closing up my booth to protect the artwork, many customers came in to buy their first Christmas gifts of the season!

Though he made quite a splash (ha ha) at Market Square and Wendell August Forge in the last couple weeks, Santa’s summer vacation has come to an end. When we said goodbye, he was excited to head back to the North Pole to get ready for his busy season.

I’m getting some R&R myself this week, and when I return, like Santa, I’ll be launching into my own holiday busy season… Soon my website will be updated with all the new pieces that will be available for sale. Meanwhile, I have new works in progress!

You’ve already seen my latest piece in the “Jolly Old Elf ” series, “Making Magic in Santa’s Workshop.” Now I’m working on its companion piece, which features Santa looking right at home on the back of a vintage Harley… right down to the leather jacket! It’s the same size as last year’s “Santa’s Newest Reindeer” and will be an open edition. If you purchase the remaining “Jolly Old Elf” series, you will also receive this print at no cost (a $70.00 value).

After this year’s “Making Magic in Santa’s Workshop,” there will be three more Limited Edition prints and three more Open-Edition companion prints to come.

The last painting in the “Jolly Old Elf” series will be a Woodland Santa surrounded by all his furry friends, lit only by the stars and the soft glow of a lantern.

It’s not too late to get the benefits of purchasing the entire collection. If you already own “Shhhh!” and purchase the other four paintings, you’ll receive all remaining companion prints for free – a savings of at least $280.00!

I’m on vacation this week, but if you’re interested in purchasing the entire collection, just give me a call (1-888-PITT-ART) or shoot me an email at info@lindabarnicott.com, and I’ll get back to you next week.

I hope you will join me on my journey, this labor of love, my mission to capture the magical, mischievous, and marvelous heart of Santa in my art.

P.S. – I just picked up the new prints of “Making Magic in Santa’s Workshop” from the printer before I left on vacation. They’re absolutely gorgeous – far beyond my expectations for a print! When I return, I’ll get them out right away to everyone who has purchased one (or who orders one in the meantime).

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”.

Yes, I know it’s the middle of summer, but celebrating Christmas in July gives us a head start on the holidays… and it may even help us forget about the heat!

Despite this ongoing heat wave, it sure seemed a lot like the holidays were close at hand at our big celebration last Saturday with Santa at Wendell August Forge. What a day! It was full of activity and festive fun as we launched the beautiful new aluminum ornaments for my “Jolly Old Elf series”.

Santa and I signed so many pieces, our hands were worn out! So many ornaments were sold that we were left with only eight more of the limited-edition numbered engraver’s series ornaments remaining. Each one is signed by both Santa and myself and can also be personalized just for you. The last ornaments of this limited-edition series are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Future runs will not be numbered.

So if you missed getting your ornaments last weekend, where can you get them?

Turns out you’re in luck! I’m appearing today at the fabulous Christmas in July Farmer’s Market in Market Square from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and I’ll be bringing the ornaments with me. If you’re near downtown Pittsburgh, make sure to stop by and see me!

And that’s not all… Today at the Market Square Christmas in July celebration, I’ll also be unveiling a whole new product line for the Santa series!

For the first time, I’m offering an open edition of canvas gallery wraps. I’ve never done canvas wraps before, but I must say the colors are amazing! These are real archival giclee prints on canvas, stretched on a gallery board, so there is no need for framing… just take it home and hang it up!

Both the Wendell August Forge ornaments and the canvas gallery wraps are so new, they’re not even on my website yet. So if you come down to Market Square today, you’ll be the first to see them.

P.S. – If you missed the Market Square Christmas in July celebration you can still be one of the first to see and purchase my new and exclusive gifts for the 2016 Holiday Season. My studio is fully stocked with gifts of art for that first of the season shopping experience! Call me at 1-888-748-8278 or email me at info@lindabarnicott.com to set up an appointment to visit and soak up some “holiday spirit” 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”.

What a week I’ve had! And it looks like next week will be pretty crazy, too…

Last week I was telling you about my newest painting, “Porsche Fields Forever,” and how it was progressing. I wasn’t kidding when I said I would be taking it down to the wire! In fact, I was working on that painting right up to midnight, just hours before it was going to be unveiled at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

First thing in the morning, I dashed over to the framer, who was kind enough to open up an hour early on Saturday morning just for me. In no time, the painting was framed (fortunately it was already measured and cut to save time), and off we went to the Vintage Grand Prix! The reception was nothing short of amazing. It seemed like I spent every minute of that first day talking about and sharing the painting. I’ll never forget that incredible day and all the great folks I met at the Grand Prix. Soon you’ll be able to get a print of “Porsche Fields Forever” for your own collection – I’ll keep you posted!

Another amazing experience I had this week is related to the big “Christmas in July” event tomorrow (Saturday, July 23rd) at Wendell August Forge. I was invited up to the Forge on Wednesday, where I met Mike Youngo, who manages all the engraving. He asked if I would like to make the first Santa ornament, and I jumped at the chance!

For the first time, I saw the two engraved dies of my paintings “Shhhh!” and “Santa’s Newest Reindeer. I even was able to alter one of them to add more hairs to his beard and fur to his hat. Then I put in my earplugs, and off we went! It was a bit intimidating, but extremely exciting as Mike guided me through the eight-step process of creating my own ornament.

Again, all of this was to prepare for tomorrow’s event at Wendell August Forge’s Grove City headquarters. And better yet, Santa himself will be joining us as we debut my new 2016 Jolly Old Elf ornaments. I’m delighted to announce that the Forge is going to produce aluminum ornaments of the entire five-year Jolly Old Elf series.

For the first 20 customers, a numbered and signed limited-edition Engravers Series of each of the two ornaments will be available. These ornaments will be signed by the Master Engraver Len and myself… and I bet you can even get Santa to sign them too!

There will be plenty of photo ops with the Jolly Old Elf! We will be there from 11:00 – 2:00 on Saturday at Wendell August Forge’s flagship store in Grove City. I’ll also have a selection of giftware and paintings for sale. So why not spend a very hot day in a very cool store and meet me in Grove City? CLICK HERE to check out my Calendar of Events for more details about the event.

PS – My latest Jolly Old Elf painting, “Making Magic in Santa’s Workshop,” will have its public debut at the “Christmas in July” Farmers Market in Market Square this Thursday (July 28th) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I picked up the prints yesterday from the printer, and they look awesome! I will also have a brand new product that I would love to show you… so come down and say hello! CLICK HERE to check out my Calendar of Events for more details about the event.

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”.

Today I’m going to do something unexpected… I’m going to share my latest painting with you – even though it’s not quite finished yet!

The painting is entitled “Porsche Fields Forever,” and it celebrates a great Pittsburgh tradition – The 34th Annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

The project started over a year ago in the midst of early spring. I had the pleasure of working with a very special client, Jay, and as we stood on the field overlooking Oakland and the city, he did a great job of painting with words what the scene would look like filled with cars, tents, and people in midsummer.

I started out by creating a generic sketch based on some old photos Jay provided for me. Then in July 2015, I experienced the fun and excitement of the Vintage Grand Prix for the first time and met the wonderful people who shared the Porsche Field. I was intrigued by these beautiful cars in all their vibrant colors. In fact, I was so impressed by the colors that I actually bought a new set of rich, bright pastels from France just for this piece.

Every year, the Vintage Grand Prix raises funds for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School to help provide care, treatment, and support for developmentally disabled people in the Pittsburgh area. Jay had a unique idea to raise money by offering the members an opportunity to have their cars featured in my painting, where I would replace a “generic” car with their car. This would go on until all the positions in the painting were filled. All these proceeds as well as proceeds from the sale of the prints would go to the above charities.

So over the last months, dozens of photos were taken and submitted. It seemed like I had emails every day from Jay as the spots quickly were snapped up. I was constantly redrawing the bottom of the painting with all the new cars coming in – and even a few cameos of folks who donated extra to put themselves in the painting!

I’ve been working on this painting for weeks, but it’s not quite finished yet, as the process of painting the meticulous details has been very time-consuming. People often ask me how I paint such detail in my pieces… well, this picture shows how I do it!

Today I’ll finish painting in the rest of the people. Then I’ll start what I call “orchestration” – taking the painting as a whole and making the small adjustments that make it a real work of art. Finally, I’ll take the painting to the framer, who will build the frame, add the brass plate, and put in a false back so that after the event I can take the painting back out and finish it to perfection.

Meanwhile, I’ll be appearing at the 2016 Vintage Grand Prix on both Saturday and Sunday (July 16 and 17). I’ve been invited to speak at the event under the big tent at the Porsche field to tell the story of my painting. Prints will be available for presale, as well as some of my other Pittsburgh art. I’ll be at the Grand Prix both Saturday and Sunday. CLICK HERE to check out my Calendar of Events for more details about the event.

So come on out to Schenley Park this weekend, enjoy the sunshine, and experience the excitement of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix… Hope to see you there!

P.S. – For this weekend only, the Porsche Club is offering a special price on the print for those who pre-buy at the show – a savings of $25.00. Instead of $175.00 for the Limited Edition Archival Giclee Print, for these two days only, it will be $150.00.

Again, all proceeds will be donated to help developmentally disabled people in the Pittsburgh area.

P.P.S. – I also want to thank my amazing husband, Tom, for taking care of me and keeping our household running while I was up to my elbows in pastels!

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”.

A lot of people have asked me which one of all my paintings is my favorite.

There are quite a few that I would call favorites, but Number One is definitely “Coasting Through Kennywood.” The original painting is part of my private collection, and I will never part with it because it holds so many personal memories for me. I’ve sold many of my originals over the years, but Tom and I agreed that this one would stay with us forever.

Why is this particular painting so meaningful to me? Well, there are a number of reasons…

First of all, this spot on the bridge overlooking the lake is where Tom “almost” proposed to me on our first Pittsburgh date. We were just standing there talking, and I told him about my dreams of getting engaged and married. Tom got a funny look on his face and walked away, leaving me on the bridge. I thought for sure I had blown it! Fortunately, that was not the case – what I didn’t know was that he was trying to work up the nerve to propose, and my unexpected revelations threw him for a loop. Lucky for me, he recovered and did eventually ask for my hand in marriage that weekend.

Another part of this painting that has a special meaning for me is the number “22” painted on one of the aluminum boats on the lagoon. Tom worked at Hahn’s Shoe Store at South Hills Village for 7 years while he attended high school and college. He was Sales Associate #22, and he would write the number 22 on the bills he received when he made a sale.

So here’s where it gets interesting… On our first New Jersey date, we were working on a college project in a little town near New Hope, PA, rehabbing a farm for an artist community. On one of our breaks, we visited a little ice cream shop in the woods. When Tom received his change – believe it or not! – one of the dollar bills had his number 22 written on it! Somehow that bill made it across the state and back into our hands.

“Coasting Through Kennywood.” is also very dear to me because some of my closest friends posed for it. Of course, Tom and the girls are in it (on the left side). The people posing with them are my oldest childhood friends from New Jersey who just happened to be visiting on that day. The little girl pointing in the foreground with her family was my daughter’s very best childhood friend. They actually posed for me in their backyard, sitting on a picnic bench and holding an old broom and a broken hoe for oars!

Finally, this particular painting brings me joy because it was the view from my show tent during the Fourth of July festivals at Kennywood – 18 years of wonderful memories for my family and me.

I hope you enjoyed this little window into why “Coasting Through Kennywood.”” is my favorite of all my creations. These were just a few of the stories that make this painting so special to me. If you also have happy memories of this Kennywood scene, you can purchase it as a small print, as an ornament made by Wendell August Forge, or as part of my Kennywood magnet collection.

It’s all available at my website. CLICK HERE! to start your shopping.

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”.

For the first time in 20 years, I will not be working on the Fourth of July!

That’s right! Instead of spending the holiday at an art show, I’ve decided to celebrate at home with my family this year. I’ll miss the fun of meeting people, the fireworks, and the festive energy. But I’ll still enjoy reminiscing about 18 years’ worth of Fourth of July weekends spent at Kennywood Park’s annual festivals.

One of my favorite Kennywood memories involves the Grand Carousel and the man who so proudly represented it.

“Ride with me on the Carousel” was the first in my 10-year series of Kennywood paintings. Many years ago, one of my customers (who was an avid carousel collector) mentioned that if I ever painted the Kennywood Carousel, she wanted a print. Little did she know that I was already thinking about painting it!

That’s because Tom and I had our very first Pittsburgh date at Kennywood. And one of the things that made a big impression on me that day was the gentleman who took the tickets for the carousel… the one who knew the ride inside and out, who enthusiastically greeted riders and clearly loved his job.

I later learned that his name was Tony Sacramento. He had been a beloved fixture at the park for so long, that they dubbed him “Mr. Kennywood.”

When I first met Tony, he had already been having health issues, but he took the time to show me around “his” carousel, pointing out every one of its unique features.

On opening day that year, I invited about 25 of my closest friends to meet me at the Carousel for my first photo shoot at the park. Tony was a gracious host, and he even took the time to get up on the Carousel with my friends and ride it like a pro – backwards and leaning out ever so slightly.

During the festival that summer, he often sat with me by my booth (which was just across from the Carousel), and I remember so many folks stopping by to see him and give him hugs. One customer even kissed his hand as if he were holding court – a fitting tribute to the honorary “King of Kennywood.”

He even volunteered to add his signature to every print purchased. Turning the print over, he would sign his name with flair, right across the back. He was so proud of that painting that for years he actually carried a postcard of it in his shirt pocket. And when I visited him at home shortly before he passed away, I saw that postcard, though tattered and worn, still proudly displayed on his mirror.

Tony will always be close to my heart as one of my most precious Kennywood memories.

When she saw the Carousel painting for the first time, one of my customers tearfully remarked, “This was the last ride my father and I always rode before leaving Kennywood.” Which reminded me why I love to paint Kennywood and Pittsburgh memories… I treasure the opportunity to capture hometown memories for my customers of days gone by with family and friends that will bring joy to their hearts. It has been a privilege to serve as a “visual historian” through my art.

PS – I would love to hear about your own favorite Kennywood memories! Would you mind sharing them with me? Email me at info@lindabarnicott.com.

PSS – The original prints of “Ride with me on the Carousel” have been sold out for years, but you can get posters, ornaments, notecards, and magnets of on this website – CLICK HERE! They make perfect gifts and bring back great memories.

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”.

If you’re a Pittsburgher, Kennywood Park is synonymous with Summertime. For many years I participated in their Celebrate America Festival around the Fourth of July, and though I’ve moved on, I treasure those sweet memories – especially meeting many of you there over the years.

Remember the old song, “Everything Old is New Again?” If you’re a Kennywood fan, you probably know the park’s biggest news story of 2016 – the Return of the Whale! This week I want to share with you the “behind-the-scenes” backstory of my painting, “Making Memories at Noah’s Ark.”

Back in the mid-90s, I sat down with Mary Lou Rosemeyer (the park’s Director of PR at that time) to strategize about painting a series of Kennywood scenes. We chose Noah’s Ark as the second painting in the series because plans were being made for major changes to it in the near future, We wanted the painting to capture the “Old” Noah’s Ark with the Blue Whale entrance as a nostalgic contrast to the ride’s new exterior.

During the winter before the renovations took place, I spent a good bit of time in the park, hanging around the Ark and scouting out just the right angle to paint it from. I found the perfect three-quarters angle, but though there were no leaves on the trees at the time, there were still many, many tree limbs in the way. This made my job a lot harder – I had to figure out a way to compose the painting from just the right spot but leave out the trees!

Then in the spring after the park opened, I posed family and friends both at Kennywood and at our church and home. I even had a young woman pose over the air vents on the upper deck. I put Tom and Brittany by the ticket booth, and little Alyssa was held up for a drink at the water fountain by a dear friend of ours who has now passed on.

Our plan was to release the painting at the same time that renovations would be finished. Well, it turns out that the winter weather put construction behind schedule, and the Ark was not quite finished by the time the festival came around. Mary Lou suggested we just go ahead and have the unveiling of the painting at the festival as planned.

Folks loved the painting, but I noticed something interesting… after they left my booth, they would often walk over to the new, unlandscaped, unfinished, construction-taped Ark… then return to my booth and purchase one of the prints. I think it was because they were already missing the old Ark of their memories and wanted something to remember it by.

I guess park management just didn’t understand how attached we were to that whale! So many people really missed that big mouth and squishy tongue… then nearly 20 years later, Kennywood listened to the voice of the people and took it to heart. The Ark re-opened this year with a new Blue Whale entrance, complete with squishy tongue. The interior has been renovated as well, changing it back to its traditional funhouse format.

In other words, my old painting was new again!

The original prints have been sold out for years, but you can get posters, ornaments, notecards, and magnets of “Making Memories at Noah’s Ark” on this website – CLICK HERE! They make perfect gifts and great memories of a truly one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh attraction.

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”.