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 the 2016 Home and Garden Show that I thought you might enjoy…

1. Over 350,000 people will pass through the exhibit hall during the 10 days of the show.

2. This year there will over 10 acres of exhibits!

3. If you walk through the entire show, you will have walked 6 miles!

4. Over 100 new exhibits are debuting at the show this year, but you’ll find me in my usual spot in Booth #3146.

5. I will have some surprises for you at my booth this year!

Yes, surprises! I’ll have some unique pieces for sale at the show… including some that aren’t even on my website!

I recently came across some of the smaller one-of-a-kind prints that I used to create some of my full-size print limited editions, and I’m going to offer them for purchase at the Home Show this year. They’re much smaller in size than the limited-edition prints and would be perfect for that little hard-to-fill area on your wall. They would also look fantastic in a nice wall grouping. Each one is an archival giclee, which means it will last a lifetime (and then some). Don’t forget to stop by and check them out!

Again, these pieces are one of a kind, so you’ll want to come early in the show to get the best selection. Same goes for the giftware items… the first weekend is always the best for getting exactly the one you want!

I’ll also have my latest original landscape there, “Rambling Rose,” as well as some of my favorite original pastels for purchase. And of course, there will be a big selection of prints and smaller items that would make a perfect addition to your home or a treasured gift. There will be something for every budget!

So don’t delay! In fact, you can save time by going to my Prints for Sale page, and do some “window shopping” for ideas!

Remember, there will also be other unique items at the show that don’t appear on my website. So it would be worth your while to make the trip downtown! Of course, I’ll be there every single day to sign and personalize each piece. Don’t forget to tell your friends and neighbors!

The Home and Garden Show takes place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from Friday, March 4th through Sunday, March 13th. As usual, I’ll be waiting for you at Booth #3146.

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”.

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 for cold weather in the photo above, our living room is actually pretty cozy. We were just on our way out for his birthday dinner, and he was modeling his favorite gift – equipment that will let him indulge in his favorite activity (biking) – in the comfort of our home this winter instead of freezing outside.

So I think we’re up to about the 36th day of Christmas so far! In fact, we just placed toys under the tree after they were used as props in our photo shoot with Santa last weekend.

And speaking of Santa, check out this fabulous banner that was part of a national promotion for Rite-Aid stores this holiday season. That’s our Santa John, front and center! He is the perfect Santa because he truly embodies the spirit of Christmas and lives it all year round. For that reason, he’s very much in demand these days. I feel very blessed to know him.

Though it’s still Christmas at the Barnicott house, spring must be just around the corner… because next Wednesday, I’ll be attending training for this year’s Home and Garden Show exhibitors. The show runs from Friday, March 4th until Sunday, March 13th.

This is my 21st year as an exhibitor, so I could probably could give the training myself! But I attend every year because it helps me focus on the multitude of things I need to do to prepare for my 10-day “marathon,” one of my biggest events of the year. Visit my website’s “Calender of Events” to find out more about the show.

I’m already gathering my team to help me help you at the Home and Garden Show. I’ll be stocking up, and many decisions will be made in the next few weeks… which of my paintings, cards, and giftware to bring, how many, and so on.

Have a great week! If you love the winter, enjoy! If you don’t… just be patient.

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 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 was falling this week and the temperatures were diving, I was determined to think spring and to finish this piece so I can include it in the Home and Garden Show.

The original “Rambling Rose” (pictured above) will be featured at the show (unless it is purchased before then). This piece is a giclee open edition, and prints will also be available. All of my students from my Spring 2015 class will recognize this painting as we all worked in our own unique ways on this scene. We had some great fun working together during that special time.

I also wanted to give you an update on Saturday’s photo shoot with Santa. We arrived at Max’s workshop at 11:30, and with the help of some “volunteer elves,” we decorated his woodshop and turned it into Santa’s Workshop! Max was a huge help with ideas and moving pieces around. He even brought an antique sled that I hope will end up in the final piece. I also had a few friends also bring some old family toys to help make this painting very personal.

Santa worked hard modeling for us, and the elves and I worked hard, too! When we finished taking photos, we “de-decorated” in record time. I then returned to my studio energized and actually worked on painting #3 of the “Jolly Old Elf” series. Watch your email for updates on that piece in the weeks to come…

It was a very busy week,but I have a feeling it will not slow down! Ah, the life of an artist!

Have a great week! And if you need a gift of art for a friend, family member, co-worker, or other loved one, I’ll be happy to assist you.

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 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 studio. It certainly needed some whipping into shape; unfortunately, with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, tidying up was not a priority!

I also bought myself a few Christmas presents – some new toys to play with in the studio this year that will really help with my pastel work.

My favorites are a blender set of brushes made specifically for pastelists and a new sharpening tool for wider pastels. That tool was sorely needed! In the past, I had to save the soft wide pastels for non-detail work… or if I wanted to paint small areas, I actually had to use small pieces that fell off the pastel. I can’t wait to play with my new toys when I get started on my painting projects in 2016!

This week, I made progress on my first big project for the new year! I have been on the search for the perfect wood shop to create the setting for the second painting in the “Jolly Old Elf” series. Though I had found a good shop at a neighbor’s home and took some preliminary photos last year, I felt that it needed a little something more.

And with the help of some of my loyal customers, I think I’ve found the perfect location right here in South Park! Max has a woodworking shop where he creates beautiful handmade works of art. His workplace is a masterpiece! I could easily imagine Santa there, sitting at his workbench… or maybe standing as he puts the finishing touches on one of his wonderful old-fashioned toys.

For my part, I’ve been gathering some of my very own toys from my childhood to add to the painting. I’m bringing a doll whose eyelids open and close (big in my day!), a twirling baton, roller skates that turn into ice skates (because that’s what artists do), and Tom’s old glove and baseball to name a few.

I was also given an old Emerson radio from the 1930s to use as part of the background. If you’re an antique radio enthusiast, you’ll love 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”.

I’ve had a super busy week at the Chalet – this year was much busier than usual… thanks to you, my wonderful customers coming out to visit me, and thanks to the unseasonably warm December weather! But now there’s finally just a bit of snow in the air, so it feels a lot more like Christmas, doesn’t it?

The last day for the Holiday Market is on Wednesday, December 23rd. I’ll be there every day except Sunday. Santa John and I will be there to greet you, and I’ll help you out with those last-minute gifts for the ones you love!

All the best to you – wishing you a magical and wondrous Christmas and a happy New Year!

Linda

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”.

Hi, it’s Linda… Writing to you today once again live from my Chalet downtown at the Holiday Market in Market Square.

I know I spend most of my time between Light-Up Night and Christmas down here, but I’m delighted to get a lot of visitors at my little Chalet, and I do get out and about a little bit!

For example, I’ve been seen around town lately with a major celebrity – Santa himself! The paparazzi are having a field day! Just yesterday, Laurie’s Hallmark invited the Jolly Old Elf and me to appear at their store at Fifth Avenue Place. As always, Santa was his usual charming self, Ho-Ho-Ho-ing it up with all the customers. He also graciously posed for free selfies and signed my giftware and prints with his special Santa signature! It was a fun time for everyone.

And because I’m his favorite artist, Santa stops by my Chalet every day to say hi before he magically appears in the Santa House in Market Square. Come down and have your picture taken with Santa and buy one of my prints. After all, if you have a picture of you sitting on his lap in the Santa House, and you have a painting of him on your wall, that’s scientific proof that he’s the REAL Santa… right?

Here are the times that Santa will be holding court in Market Square in the coming week:

Saturday, December 5 – 4 to 8 pm
Sunday, December 6 – 12 to 3 pm
Monday, December 7 – 4 to 7 pm
Tuesday, December 8 – 4 to 7 pm
Wednesday, December 9 – 12 to 3 pm
Thursday, December 10 – 4 to 7 pm

And I’ll be at my Chalet every day from 11 am to 8 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, from 11 am to 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays right up until December 23rd!

I would love to see you there… and you might even get to meet a celebrity!

Best to you and Happy Holidays,

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

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”.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Every year, I take this time to reflect on how thankful I am for the blessings in my life.

It’s also my time to give back to you for being there for me. As a special thank-you to my loyal friends and fans, I’m offering a special gift – for this weekend only, Everything on my website is 10% off with FREE shipping on orders over $100.00 for art prints and giftware!

This is the perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping with a special gift that will remind your loved ones of happy memories and time spent together… a gift that will last a lifetime! Or why not treat yourself to a holiday-themed print or a beautiful ornament to brighten your home?

Gobble Sale Weekend starts now and lasts through Sunday, November 29, 2015 at midnight. That’s just 4 days to take advantage of this offer – 10% off and FREE shipping for orders over $100!

Don’t miss out on my biggest sale of the holiday season! Begin shopping on my website now! Your savings will automatically appear when you check out between now and Sunday, November 29, 2015 at midnight. No coupon codes to enter!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

P.S. – You can also print out this email and bring it to my Chalet at the Holiday Market in Market Square during this sale to receive 10% off your purchases there!

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’m taking a break to write to you now that I’ve just finished setting up my Holiday Market Chalet down in Market Square! Tom took this photo of me decking the walls earlier this week. Not only did we have to decorate, but we’ve also had to stock up on inventory for the coming 32 days!

If you’ve been to the Holiday Market in Market Square in Downtown, Pittsburgh in the past two years, you would have found me on the end near the walkway that goes to the PPG Plaza skating rink. This year, I’ll be one chalet over and a little bit closer to the stage area.

Keep your fingers crossed for nice weather for the Holiday Market this year! If you remember, a couple years ago we had an unseasonably cold late November/early December, and I thought we would freeze to death! Let’s hope the beautiful warm weather we’ve been having stays relatively good – at least not extra cold this time! It will make your Market experience a whole lot nicer, especially if you’re bringing your little ones.

Speaking of little ones, don’t forget to visit with our Santa (featured in my prints and ornaments) while you’re here! Because if you have a picture of your child or grandchild on his lap, and you have one of my prints of him hanging on your wall or one of my ornaments on your Christmas tree, doesn’t that by default make him the REAL Santa?

(Scroll down to the P.S. below for Santa’s scheduled Market Square visits through Thanksgiving Weekend.)

Because Friday kicks off Light-Up Night weekend, and it’s the first weekend of the show, I’m really in the holiday mood! I hope you will visit me this weekend and get a jump on your holiday shopping with art from Linda Barnicott Prints and Gifts!

Wishing you a festive Light-Up Night and a Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. – Here is Santa’s Holiday Market schedule through Thanksgiving Weekend (when he’s not back at the North Pole supervising, of course!)…
Friday, Nov 20 – 5:30 to 9 pm (Light-Up Night)
Saturday, Nov 21 – 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday, Nov 22 – 12 noon to 6 pm
Monday, Nov 23 – 12 noon to 3 pm
Tuesday, Nov 24 – 12 noon to 3 pm
Wednesday, Nov 25 – 4 to 7 pm
Thursday, Nov 26 – Santa gets a day off – Thanksgiving Dinner at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus
Friday, Nov 27 – 12 noon to 3 pm, 4 to 7 pm
Saturday, Nov 28 – 4 to 8pm

P.S.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

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”.

It may just be a week or two after Halloween, but Costco and Target aren’t the only ones who already have their holiday decorations up! Because of the way my business operates, I have to get a jump start on the holiday season in early November, or it doesn’t get done! Since I’ve been participating in the Holiday Market show in Market Square for the last several years, I don’t get a day off from mid-November until Christmas Eve… that’s 32 consecutive days without a break. If I don’t get my home decorated for the holiday season before then, it might not happen at all!

So for this particular artist, if I don’t stay far ahead of the holiday curve, I’m going to be left behind in a snowdrift. Until this year, I used to frantically try to catch up in the late evenings and early mornings… with disappointing results. My decorating suffers, and I’m too tired to enjoy the process.

This year, I’m trying something different. Though of course Thanksgiving is very meaningful and special to me, reminding me of all the blessings in my life, I jumped the gun and decked my halls a little early this year. I want to be able to enjoy that Christmas beauty that I love so much in my home and be reminded every day how special Christmas is to my family.

Not only am I already in the Christmas spirit in my home, but I’ve also planned an exciting new look this year for my Chalet downtown at the Holiday Market. I’m collecting new and different little items to sell alongside my paintings, and I hope you’ll be excited, too! There will even be exclusive specials that will be offered only to my loyal subscribers during this Holiday season.

Though the opening of the Market Square Chalets is still about a week away, there is a ton of preparation that must get done before the 20th. And I still have other shows in the meantime…

~ I’m appearing on Saturday, November 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park to help celebrate their 42nd annual Holiday-A-Fair. (I thought it would be fun – and make life a little easier for me! – to stay close to home for a change!).

~ Can’t get to the South Hills? How about Sewickley? My daughter Brittany will be representing me at the Unique Boutique on Saturday, November 14th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at the Edgeworth Club at 511 East Drive, Sewickley. Proceeds benefit the Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital. (If you buy any art there that you would like to have me sign, you can bring it to my Chalet in Market Square anytime between November 20th and December 23rd.)

In this upcoming holiday season, I’m looking forward to sharing my art with you and the people who are special to you. Check out my “Calendar of Events” to find out more details about where I will be this busy holiday season.

I’ll have some of my new catalogs at each show. Come say hello and pick one up! (I’ll have a limited number with me, so catalogs will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.)

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

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”.