What are you reading this summer?

I was in Barnes and Noble looking for a good summer read and came across "Caveat Emptor".

 I had to look up the term and found it is Latin for "let the buyer beware". Wikipedia has lots of info about the subject here. I guess this is why we have warranties now:-)  Anyway, this book is an autobiography by Ken Perenyi, about his secret life as an American Art Forger.  Apparently about 10 years ago there was an investigation by the FBI exposing this 30 year scandal in the art world of numerous forgeries by Ken Perenyi then suddenly inexplicably, even after an abundance of evidence, the case was closed.  This book is Ken Perenyi's confession, in detail, now that the statute of limitations on the crime has expired.   I'll let you know in a future post my thoughts on the book.. in the meantime my twitter feed from ArtNet tweeted this article from The Guardian about a London artist Susie Ray who paints copies of million dollar masterpiece paintings and sells them legitimately in today's market for large sums of money.  What do you think about this?  I would love to hear your comments.  Have any of you read this book and, if so, care to leave your thoughts in the comments?

Northern Black Bear

With summer comes memories of our trips to the lake.  This year I will continue to collaborate on the children's book series my mother, Carole LaFlamme Beighey is writing called "The Waddodles of Hollow Lake".  She is currently on book number six where Big Casey, the northern black bear, is a main character.  The inspiration for the painting below came from studies I am doing for her next book cover.

©2013 Susie Morrell "Northern Black Bear" 6 x 6 oil on panel
$100.00
sold unframed, cherry wood easel included for immediate display

SOLD

To view all my available paintings please visit:  Susie Morrell Portfolio

Please consider sharing my work with others….. Thank You!

I welcome questions and comments click here

Sails at Rest on Schroon Lake, NY

©2013 Susie Morrell "Sails at Rest on Schroon Lake" oil on panel 6x6
Private Collection

I drove the Adirondack Mountains region of New York to drop off my son at camp this past weekend.  Rather than just turning around and driving straight back, I thought I would tour around the lake region a bit and came across this wonderful marina at Schroon Lake where I spotted this sailboat that was begging to be painted!  This piece is painted completely with a palette knife.  I wanted to achieve a sense of atmosphere that was present when I was painting it… a misty, overcast kind of day.  I was close enough to hear the water lapping against the rocks.  It was a blissful moment.  I am happy with the results.  This piece is available for purchase by clicking on the paypal tab and will ship as soon as it is dry… approximately 2 weeks.

To view all my available paintings please visit:  Susie Morrell Portfolio

Visit Historic Alpena, MI where...

Art in the Loft is northeast Michigan's largest regional fine arts gallery featuring the work of over 30 juried artists.   Located at the top of the historic Center Building in Alpena Michigan at 109 North Second Avenue Suite 300.  Now through October 5th enjoy browsing the many shops in the Center Building, and view Thunder Bay from the expansive windows from the third floor Art in the Loft gallery while browsing SummerView 2013 - fine art in all price ranges.
(hours Tuesday - Saturday 11 - 6, Sunday noon-4)

Here is just one of the original oil paintings I have on display:

©2013 Susie Morrell "Perch" framed oil on panel 6 x 4

(with frame measures approximately 12 x 10)

$300.00

to purchase contact Justin Christensen-Cooper

gallery109@artintheloft.org

Lessons I've Learned from Bailey

Recently I heard the news of a dear friend's dog passing away after 11 loving years in their family. It made me think about what life would be like without our dog Bailey (pictured above) She came into our life on Christmas Day and we named her Bailey after George Bailey in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life".  I had to be coaxed to let her into my heart but now can't imagine life without her in our family.  On our daily walks these thoughts would pop into my head... lessons gleaned from our time together and I began to write them down.  If you are a dog owner you may be able to identify with the some.  I wanted to share them in memory of Mosby, my friend's dear companion.

• Go for a walk every day

• Eat two healthy meals every day and treat yourself in-between to small snacks

• Do the "down dog" daily (my yoga instructor says this is the one pose that puts everything back in alignment)

• Sometimes it's nice to stretch ourselves far from our comfort zone similar to one of those retractable leashes and it's nice to know we are teathered to safety and can be reeled back in 

• jump at any chance to get outside

• Greet everyone who walks through the front door with the love and enthusiasm of greeting a long lost friend

• Chase the squirrels away… they just eat the bird seed

• Stop, raise your head to the heavens and smell the wonderful fragrances of nature

• Take a power nap so you are ready for anything!

• Submerge yourself in cool fresh water… it takes all the worries away

• Go to your quiet place when you get to excited and need to decompress

• when there is a storm and lightening, find comfort in your family and get cozy under the covers

• Listen with full attention even cocking an ear to one side when spoken to show you understand the message..... and even if you don't you look like you do :-)

• Love unconditionally.. 

• Lastly.. interesting.... Dog spelled backwards is God