Mary-Anna Fricano Welch's Artblog

Sycamore Tree

2010-09-21T04:26:00.001-07:00

Sycamore Tree
Original Watercolor Painting
18" x 24"

I spotted this tree while on a trip to Urbana, IL. I just loved the way the bark peeled of and left these beautiful images on the trunk. I hope I did it justice.

How to Critique a Painting

2010-08-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

I got the following article from About.com's Painting forum and thought I would share it with you:

It can be tough knowing what to say when a friend asks you what you think about their latest painting or to give a critique. But there are some things you should never say if you value your friendship.

1. What is it? (You're supposed to know and if you can't tell, keep it to yourself as it might not be intended to be a representation of an object.)

2. Do you paint like this because you don't know how to paint real things? (The belief that realism is the only valid form of painting was discredited over a century ago.)

3. Why don't you use more paint? Why did you use so much [insert color]? (It's meant to be the way it is, they didn't run out of paint or accidentally use too much of a particular color.)

4. It looks so real, did you trace it? (You're implying they cheated. It reduces what they've done to a colored-in drawing.)

5. Why didn't you just take a photo? (Because then they'd be a photographer, not a painter.)

6. My sister or brother or mother or father or second-cousin-twice-removed also paints and their things are very beautiful. (No-one wants to be compared to a stranger.)

7. the colors will match the curtains in my living room nicely. (The context of your conversation is art, not home decorating.)

8. Can you do me one like this in [insert color]? (They're not an artist in a sweat-shop churning out copies of paintings. Every painting is an original.)

9. Show it to me again when it's finished. What are you still planning to do with it? (Always assume it is finished unless you've been specifically told otherwise.)

10. Nothing at all. (No reactions is worse than a bad reaction. Practice a neutral comment such as "It's not really my kind of thing, but it looks like you had fun painting it" or It's not really my kind of thing, but I can see why you'd be pleased with it.")

Saying something nice about a painting rather than finding fault or giving 'helpful' suggestions doesn't mean you haven't looked properly nor that you're ignorant about art nor unsophisticated. Ill-considered comments can be hurtful in ways you never intended. the person showing you their paintings is showing you something that's important to them, that they've spent time creating. Be happy for them that they're enjoying what they're doing, even if you don't like the result.

Exhibition at Gallery at Ninety Seven

2010-08-09T02:15:00.000-07:00

I'll be exhibiting 7 of my paintings at:
Gallery at Ninety Seven
97 N. Paint Street
Chillicothe, OH
6p-9p

One of my paintings that will be on display there is:
Pumpkins
Original Watercolor Painting

What I'm doing today...

2010-07-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for my show in Chillicothe in August...just bought the frames. Now to assemble them...

Updated Blog

2010-07-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

I just updated my blog so it more closely resembles my website. Let me know what you think!

Black Hollyhocks II

2010-06-10T04:12:00.000-07:00

Black Hollyhocks II
Original Watercolor Painting

This is another from the series of hollyhocks I painted in my new home in Little Rock, AR. When I saw these beauties growing in my neighbor's yard. This was the first time I had ever seen them up close. Of course I ran back to the house, grabbed my camera, and began taking reference photos so I wouldn't lose a bloom.
This painting is the result of that experience.

Blue Iris

2010-06-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

Blue Iris
Original Watercolor Painting

Assorted Vegetables

2010-06-05T04:08:00.000-07:00

Assorted Vegetables
Original Watercolor Painting

I Can't Paint Wallpaper!

2010-06-03T11:36:00.001-07:00

I Can't Paint Wallpaper!
Original Watercolor Painting

A customer came into my booth at a local art fair and couldn’t decide on which painting she wanted. After some thought, she asked if I do commissions. Of course, I
responded. She then brought out a swatch of wallpaper from her kitchen and asked me to paint a picture using it as my inspiration. Apparently, I didn't make my painting as dull and washed out looking as her swatch, so the sale obviously fell through. But at least now you know how I got the name for this one!

Black Hollyhocks

2010-06-01T04:58:00.001-07:00

Black Hollyhocks
Original Watercolor Painting

I had just moved to my new home in Little Rock, AR and saw these beauties growing in my neighbor's yard. This was the first time I had ever seen them up close. Of course I ran back to the house, grabbed my camera, and began taking reference photos so I wouldn't lose a bloom. This painting... is the result of that experience.

New Watercolor Painting

2010-05-30T05:00:00.001-07:00

Apples on a Branch
Original Watercolor Painting

For more information regarding this or any other painting, please visit: www.maryannawelch.com.

Abstraction #2

2010-05-28T13:42:00.001-07:00

Abstraction #2
Original Watercolor Painting

I was fooling around and tried to paint a flower with out drawing it out in pencil first. This was the happy result that occurred. Although it doesn't resemble the model, I was pleasantly surprised on how it turned out.

Three Black-Eyed Susans

2010-05-26T10:28:00.001-07:00

This is an original watercolor painting: Three Black-Eyed Susans. I found these beauties while on a walk in my neighborhood. If you want further information, please Click here.

Peas in a Pod

2010-05-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor Painting. To find out more about this painting: Click Here.

My daughter Stephanie and I decided to grow peas for the first time. After picking the pods, she kept asking me where the peas were. They didn't look like the kind we get from the grocery store. As I opened up the pod, her face lit up and she told me that they looked like the...y were having a slumber party in there and we needed to wake them up. By the way, they were really tasty!

2010-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Going to Art and Soul by Phoebe in Muncie, IN with my best bud Barb to change out my paintings for next month's show: Coco gets Married!

Western Ohio Watercolor Painting Spring Show

2010-05-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Purple Sunflowers in an Alien Field, Original Watercolor Painting

This painting was done while I was experimenting with color. I deliberately chose not to paint it traditionally. Instead I looked for the colors in the shadows and used those hues to paint with. The painting was so far from what I usually do, the name "Purple Flowers in an Alien Field" seemed appropriate.

This painting made it in to the Western Ohio Watercolor show this weekend at the Town and Country Mall in Kettering.

What I'm doing today...

2010-05-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Going to the Cannery to change out my paintings for next month's First Friday show.

Exhibiting at Art and Soul by Phoebe

2010-04-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm exhibiting 5 paintings at Art and Soul by Phoebe in Muncie, IN.

Art and Soul by Phoebe Gallery
409 South Walnut Street
Muncie, IN 47305
For more information call: 765-288-0005

Opening night is Thursday May 6th, 5 pm to 9pm.

One of the paintings you'll see is "Waterlilies"

Waterlilies
18" x 24" Original Watercolor Painting

Chicago

2010-04-03T05:07:00.001-07:00

Went on a vacation to Chicago and got some new ideas for paintings. Stop by and see what I'm up to!

My website

2010-03-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

I tweaked the website and hopefully have improved it. Let me know what you think.

www.maryannawelch.com

New Work

2010-03-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just posted these two new paintings to my website. Check them out!

Yellow Tulips

Blue Irises

Facebook

2010-03-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm am now on Facebook! What an experience...come friend me!

Works on Paper Exhibition

2010-02-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

My watercolor painting, "Snowdrops in Purple" has been accepted to be in the Works on Paper Exhibition at Rosewood Art Gallery. The Juror was Laura Kuenzli, owner of Rivet Gallery in Columbus, OH. The gallery is located at: 2655 Olson Drive in Kettering, OH. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. All artists and the public are invited to attend. United Art and Education Awards are presented at 3 p.m. For more information, please call: (937) 296-0294. Hope to see you there!

Art Exhibit at Art and Soul by Phoebe

2010-01-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'll be exhibiting 5 of my watercolor paintings at :

Art and Soul by Phoebe Gallery
409 South Walnut Street
Muncie, IN 47305
For more information call: 765-288-0005

Opening night is Thursday February 5th, 5 pm to 9pm.

Renaissance Salon & Spa

2009-09-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

I currently have 6 paintings at the new Renaissance Salon & Spa in the Oregon District of Dayton, OH. Come on down and check them out! They are located at 400 E. 5th Street Suite 2. Or they can be reached at 937-281-1999.

Urban Nights in Dayton, OH

2009-06-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who made it down and to my newest fans, welcome! We had a great night of food, fun and art! The weather was beautiful. My biggest thanks goes out to Arlene Brothers who helped put this wonderful evening together. Thanks again!

Exhibit at One Dayton Center during Dayton, OH's Urban Nights

2009-04-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

I will be having a retrospective show of my paintings, prints and cards at One Dayton Center during the month of May. Stop on by during Dayton, Ohio's Urban Nights Festival on Friday May 15th from 5pm to 10pm. Please join me for a wine and cheese reception to meet me and my fellow artist Sharon Mohler. You can view her work at www.storieswithoutboxes.com. I'm also having a half off sale of all of my unframed work.

Come on down and join in the fun!

Western Ohio Watercolor Society Spring Show

2009-03-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I entered the Western Ohio Watercolor society spring show again and once again, I'm in. Sorry about the short notice, (drop off was Friday and I got notified today and of course today was the opening). It will be up until April 5th at the Town and Country Art Gallery in Kettering, OH. I have "Yellow Roses of Friendship" displayed. You can see the painting in my post from October.

Upcoming Show

2009-03-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a hold the date notice.

I'll be at Dayton, OH's Urban Night Celebration on Friday May 15th. I'll be exhibiting a retrospective of my work in the lobby of One Dayton Center at 1 S Main St. from 5pm to 10pm. My newsletter will come out with addtional details. Hope to see you there!

What I've Been Up To...

2009-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Besides painting my florals, I have been busy working on illustrating a children's book. It was written by my good friend Jo Shepherd Ripley. Stay tuned for more information on when this will be published.

Also, I have been invited to exhibit at One Dayton Center, in Dayton, OH for the month of May.

I'm also working on a new technique. I'll have those paintings up as soon as possible.

Check back often to see what other news is happening.

More Yellow in the works...

2008-11-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

I apparently like yellow, so here's another one I painted in this fabulous color.

Daffodils
Original watercolor painting
11" x 14"

New Work: Yellow Roses of Friendship

2008-10-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share one of my newer paintings.

Yellow Roses of Friendship
Original Watercolor Painting
18" x 24"

Urban Nights in Dayton, OH

2008-09-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to display my work at Downtown Dayton's Urban Nights on Friday September 12th. My floral paintings will be on display at Christ Episcopal Church. Their address is 20 West First Street. Come on down and have some fun!

"Mountain Ash Berries"
Original Watercolor Painting
16" x 20"

New Exhitbit at the Terra Cotta Cafe

2008-09-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

My fruit and vegetable paintings are on display at the Terra Cotta Cafe in Dayton, OH. It's a cute little coffee shop in the Oregon District. Their address is 46 W. 5th Street. Come check it out! The painting below is on display there.

"Two Apples"
Original Watercolor Painting
11" x 14"

Jayne & Friends in Metamora, IN

2008-08-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

My reproductions and notecards are now featured at a wonderful shop called "Jayne & Friends" in Metamora, IN. As their website states: "Whether you're an artist or just have a passion for beautiful and unique items, you will find Jayne & Friends to be a breath of fresh air." Check out their website for more details and directions on how to get there.

Update to the Chillicothe Gallery Stroll

2008-07-12T02:44:00.000-07:00

I just found out that the Cooking Store, where I was supposed to display my fruits and vegetables, will not be open Saturday night. Instead, you can find me down the street at either Ivy's Home and Garden or at the Mona Lisa Cafe.

Hope to see you there!

Gallery Stroll in Chillicothe, OH

2008-07-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 12th is the date of the July Gallery Stroll in Chillicothe, OH. It will take place from 6pm-9pm. I will have 20 of my favorite watercolor paintings on display. They will be at 2 venues that night. The first is Ivy's Home and Garden at 105 N. Paint Street. Here you will find my watercolor paintings of flowers. The other is The Cooking Store at 93 N. Paint Street, just down the block! I'm displaying my fruits and vegetables here. Come out and enjoy some great works of art, good food and my company!

Art Exhibit at Barnes and Noble in Dayton, OH

2008-06-19T01:57:00.000-07:00

During the month of June, I'll be exhibiting 12 of my paintings at the Barnes and Noble Booksellers by the Dayton Mall. Come out, have some coffee and enjoy my latest work.

Art Exhibit at Sketches in Kettering, OH

2008-05-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

I'll be showing my paintings at Sketches Frame shop across from The Greene in Kettering, OH for the month of May. Stop by and see my latest creations including the one below!

Bouncing Blueberries
Original Watercolor Painting
12" x 18"

Art for Life Charity Auction

2008-04-25T04:52:00.000-07:00

I have donated one of my paintings to Art for Life. As it states on the website, the "Columbus AIDS Task Force invites you to attend Art for Life 2008 the premier art event in Ohio. Join in the charity auction of artwork from some of the most talented artists. Through their generous donations, Columbus AIDS Task Force is able to continue its efforts in the areas of prevention, outreach and education." I thought this was a worthy cause. Check out the website at www.afl2008.org or come to the reception on May 10th at the Columbus City Center.

I have donated my original watercolor painting, "Peonies" to this wonderful cause.

Gallery Stroll in Chillicothe, OH

2008-04-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

The Gallery Stroll in Chillicothe, OH where I showed 15 of my watercolor paintings at Ivy's Home and Garden Shop was a huge success! A big thank you to JoAnn Kunzelman and her wonderful staff for making me feel welcome and setting up a beautiful display of my work. They enjoyed my work so much, I was invited back in July. One of the comments I received was from Ted Fickisen, he said "Your work is very fresh, clear, simplistic and non-obtrusive. I think that is what people are looking for in such a mixed up world." For those who are interested, the Gallery Stroll is the second Saturday of the month. If you're in the area, go check it out!

Show at Mac Worthington Gallery in Columbus, OH

2008-04-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

I'll be showing my painting "The Crocus Blooms" at the Mac Worthington Gallery during the month on April. Please join me for the artist reception on Saturday April 19th from 6-9pm. There will be a wonderful dessert buffet, wine and cocktails.

The Mac Worthington Gallery is located at 749 N. High Street in Columbus, Ohio.

Hope to see you there!
"The Crocus Blooms"
18" X 24"
Original Watercolor Painting

Western Ohio Watercolor Society Spring Show

2008-03-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

I entered the Western Ohio Watercolor Society Spring Show on a lark, and guess what? I got in! The show will be at the Town and Country Mall in Kettering, OH. The opening reception is this Saturday evening March 29th from 5pm to 8pm. The show will hang until April 10th. If you have a chance, stop by. The painting I have on exhibit is:

"Spray of Tulips"
22" x 28"
Original Watercolor Painting

Chillicothe Gallery Stroll in April

2008-03-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Chillicothe Gallery Hop will be Saturday April 12th from 6pm-10pm. I'll be exhibiting 15 watercolor paintings of florals as well as fruits and vegetables at Ivy's Home and Garden Shop. Come out and say hello! The shop is located at 105 N. Paint Street Chillicothe, OH. For more information or directions please call (740)773-0975. Hope to see you there!

Gallery Hop for March Cancelled.

2008-03-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

I just received notice that Saturday's Gallery Hop has been canceled. I know, I'm disappointed too. As soon as I receive any additional information, I'll let you know.

Gallery Hop postponed to Saturday March 15th.

2008-03-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Due to Mother Nature bringing a blizzard to the Miami Valley today, myGallery Hop in Chillicothe, Ohio this Saturday March 8th has been postponed to next week. It will be held on Saturday March 15th from 6 to 10 p.m. My paintings and I (yes, come out and say hello and stay for the artist reception!) will be at Ivy's Home and Garden. It is located at 105 N. Paint Street in Chillicothe, OH. For more information or directions call (740) 773-0975. Hope to see you there!

Exhibit at Ivy's Home and Garden

2008-03-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

I know this is short notice but that's all I got too! I have been invited to show my paintings at the Gallery Hop in Chillicothe, Ohio this Saturday March 8th from 6 to 10 p.m. My paintings and I (yes, come out and say hello and stay for the artist reception!) will be at Ivy's Home and Garden. It is located at 105 N. Paint Street in Chillicothe, OH. For more information or directions call (740) 773-0975. Hope to see you there!

This is one of the paintings you'll see on display:

It's called: "True Blue with a Touch of Yellow". My friend Deb photographed it (she gives me lots of photo references ... she is a good friend!) It's a 12 x 18" watercolor.

New Gallery

2008-02-27T06:19:00.000-08:00

I have been invited to put my paintings at a new gallery site: www.LoveFineArt.com. It's a wonderful site that will have all of my fruit and vegetable paintings as well as a selection of my florals. You can purchase posters or giclees of my work. Check them out! I'll be under the category of "Kitchen" art.

What I've Been Up To.

2008-02-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't written in awhile. I have been busy with illustrations for a new children's book a friend of mine has been writing. In the meantime, I met two wonderful artists at the Mac Worthington opening. The first one, Alanna Sage (you can check out her work at: (http://artbyarsage.webs.com/) is a wonderful acrylic artist. I especially like her work, "Dancing Ladies" that she had on exhibit. I also met Pam Geisel, (www.forquiltssake.com) who does these fantastic art quilts. In fact, I didn't realize I knew her until I saw her again. We worked together when I was exhibiting at the Glen Helen Nature Arts and Crafts show here in Ohio a couple of years back. Take some time and check these artists out!

Show at Mac Worthington Gallery in Columbus, OH

2008-01-07T11:29:00.001-08:00

My first show at the Mac Worthington Gallery will be during the month on January. Please join me for the artist reception on Saturday January 19th from 6-9pm. There will be a wonderful dessert buffet, wine and cocktails.

The Mac Worthington Gallery is located at 749 N. High Street in Columbus, Ohio.

Hope to see you there!
"Purple Sunflowers in an Alien Field" a 22" x 28" watercolor will be on display there.

Exhibition in Middletown

2007-11-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

I'll be exhibiting my paintings at Middletown's Got Art! Exhibition. The festivities start on Sunday November 19th from 1-3pm. My work will be hanging in the window of the Cinergy Building at 1 North Main until January 6th. If you have a chance and join in the fun! For additional information please contact Sue Rogers at (513)422-4435 or (513)267-4016.

Donation of Watercolor Painting to Local Charity Event

2007-10-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just donated one of my floral watercolor paintings to the Aids Resource Center in Dayton, OH for their annual fundraiser. The watercolor painting is:

"Blue Roses"

It's a 9"x 12" original watercolor. I painted these roses blue because you can never find them in nature. I was intrigued by the color blue and decided to do several paintings in this hue.

I'm on the Gallery's website!

2007-09-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

As you know, I joined the Mac Worthington Gallery last month. Well, you can now see my work on the gallery's website. Check me out at :http://macworthington.com/featuredartist18.htm.

I joined a gallery!

2007-09-11T03:20:00.000-07:00

I want to announce that I just joined the Mac Worthington Gallerie in Columbus, Ohio. They are currently featuring a few of my prints and in January you'll be able to see my paintings. If you're in the area, stop by and say hello and tell them I sent you!

New Exhibition in Hilliard, Ohio

2007-09-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

I currently have 15 of my watercolor paintings are on display at the Hilliad, OH government center. It's located at 3800 Municipal Way Hilliard, OH. They will be on display until Oct. 31st. For more information please call Tracey Bradford at 614-334-2445.

Barnes and Noble in Dayton, OH

2007-08-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's August already! My garden is going haywire (yes, I will get out this week and take a picture to share). And I'm displaying my work again. This time you can find it at the Barnes and Noble Cafe' next to the Dayton Mall here in Ohio. Stop by and say hello to Gloria, the wonderful manager who invited me to show my work.

"Pucker Up" is just one of the many watercolors I have on display. It is 9" x 12" and looks even juicier in person!

Field of Daffodils

2007-07-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Spring was very good this year and I got tons of images to inspire me. This one was taken at a near by park. There was a huge field of yellow daffodils that just took my breath away. Here is my interpretation of these beauties.

"Field of Daffodils" Original watercolor painting 12" x 18".

Blowing in the Wind

2007-07-24T02:14:00.000-07:00

I finished another paining that I wanted to share with you. It's called "Blowing in the Wind". It's a spray of tulips I spotted while on one of my daily walks with my husband. (I always carry a camera just in case on of my neighbors beautiful gardens inspires me!). Enjoy!

"Blowing in the Wind" Original watercolor painting size 9" x 12" .

Dayton Visual Arts Center Member's Show

2007-07-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am currently exhibiting at the Dayton Visual Arts Center's Member's Show here in Dayton, OH. I chosed to put in "Neon Tulips".

It's a 12" x 18" watercolor. I had a lot of fun painting it. If you have a chance, please stop by and take a look. Also on file are 10 images of my paintings on CD.

t's a 12" x 18" watercolor. I had a lot of fun painting it. If you have a chance, please stop by and take a look. Also on file are 10 images of my paintings on CD.

Come visit me!

2007-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

I just signed up to sell my reproductions and gift items at the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs (OAGC). It will be held at the Holiday Inn Fairborn at 2800 Presidential Drive, Fairborn, OH. The phone number there is 937-426-7800. I'll be there on Monday June 23rd and Tuesday June 24th. Stop by and say hello! This might be your last chance to get my gift items. I won't be making them anymore...once they are gone, they are gone!

Phone number working again.

2007-07-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who emailed me. The phone is back on again.

Phone number out of order

2007-07-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

In case you're trying to reach me by phone, the number is out of service temporarily. It should be turned on by the 12th of July. In the mean time, just email me at maryannawelch@yahoo.com if you need to reach me.

Thanks!

Poppies, poppies, poppies!

2007-06-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

My newest painting is inspired by my daughter and her obsession with the Wizard of Oz…movie, play, story…you name it. We even had to go to the local baseball field and watch it on the big screen Saturday night. Mind you, we have both the original and Muppet versions on DVD at home…. The scene of the poppies inspired this painting. I keep hearing the witch going on and on…Poppies, poppies, poppies… I certainly hope the painting doesn’t put you to sleep!

Poppies, poppies, poppies! Original Watercolor painting size 12" x 18".

Gift Card Winner!

2007-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

As you know, on my website I have a sign up for my newsletter. If you join the mailing list, you will be the first to hear of special promotions, new paintings and sales! It is also my practice to draw names from subscriber list once each month and award the winner a FREE set of 4 different note cards. (US Residents Only). I am happy to announce the first winner is Brigit Schaefer! Congratulations! Your gift cards are on their way. If you want to sign up, just go to http://www.maryannawelch.com and click on newsletters.

Bunch of Blueberries

2007-06-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I haven't posted any of my latest paintings. Well, in reality I couldn't. I didn't have any images of them yet. Fortunately for me I found a wonderful guy here in Dayton that is able to scan them in for me. Here is one of my newest ones:

This one is called: "Bunch of Blueberries". It's a 12" x 18" watercolor painting. I had a lot of fun painting this one. I was looking at my other blueberries and got hungry. These were in the fridge and fell out of the basket onto the table. They bounced all over the place and left behind lots of juice! When you see them in person, the blueberries seem to "bounce" on the page...hence the name. Aren't I original?

Exhibition at Luxuriously Tall

2007-06-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

Sandra Powers, the wonderful lady that owns Luxuriously Tall here in Beavercreek, OH has asked me to display some of my paintings in her shop for the month of June. If you have a chance, you really should stop by. For those of you who are not vertically challenged like me, this is a wonderful place to shop. From her website: " am a retired military woman who realized I would now need real clothes to wear. When I discovered how few stores there were for the tall woman, I decided to open one myself. I look at things more from the consumer point of view, as I have been a consumer longer than I have been a retailer. I want to make you look fabulous in quality, fashionable, up to date apparel. We carry tall women's clothes such as tall junior jeans to tall casual wear, tall sportswear & tall career suits.Clothing lines include Pendleton, Jara, Jay Leslie, Cruel Girl, Wrangler and Ingenuity." Come check out the art and the clothes and tell them Mary-Anna sent you! The shop is located at: 2440 Dayton-Xenia RD; Suite F, Beavercreek, OH 45434(937)320-1700(888)259-3372 or email her at: sandi@luxuriouslytall.com.

My garden is in!

2007-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent the entire holiday weekend putting my garden in. Thanks to my wonderful husband who did the tilling (I'm hopeless with a shovel!) and to Deb who generously gave my several flowers from her own garden to start me out! Right now it doesn't look too good, a lot of brown dirt and mud, but I do plan on getting it cleaned up. I planted two gardens, one a flower and the other a vegetable. Usually I don't do to well so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. As soon as something starts blooming, I'll post pictures.

Wish me luck!

New Exhibition Site

2007-05-24T13:28:00.001-07:00

I just met with Sandra Power of Luxuriously Tall, a store catering to TALL women and teens here in the Dayton area. She has asked me to hang some of my floral pieces in her shop during the month of June. She's a lot of fun to talk to. If you're in the area, check it out. She has some gorgeous stuff (unfortunately for me-Miss Vertically Challenged) it won't fit me, but it might you! Her shop is located at 2440 Dayton-Xenia Road, Suite F in Bevercreek. You can call her at 888-259-3372. Just tell her I sent you!

Updating Site

2007-05-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

If you have visited in the recent past, you'll notice some changes in the website. I got some wonderful suggestions that I'm slowly implementing. Keep them coming but please be patient. This is all new to me. Coming soon: shopping cart and more places to see my work!

My Fall Exhibition

2007-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

I just received an invitation to show my work up in Hilliard, OH. Judy Perry-Kaufman, the city clerk for the Hilliard has asked me to show my work at the goverment center for the months of September and October. If you're in the area, stop by and see my newest creations! More information will be coming as the date gets closer.

Dayton's Urban Nights

2007-05-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

I just found out that one of the galleries I'm currently exhibiting at will be featured in Dayton's Urban Nights. My gallery is the Hurricane Gallery Art Exhibit at 1146 West 3rd Street. To quote from the Dayton Daily New's website: " Urban Nights is a free downtown excursion that features self-guided tours of art galleries and studios, unique apartments and condos, and discounts at restaurants and retailers. The event also features a variety of performances by Dayton's best and brightest performing artists, including a special performance by Velvet Crush on Courthouse Square from 9-11 p.m. Close to a hundred creative places and spaces will be a part of the event, including locations throughout downtown, plus the Artists of Front Street, the Oregon District and the Wright-Dunbar Business Village. There are numerous special additions in store for the event, including the debut of City Life, a public art exhibition that will be on display downtown from May 18 to August 17. Twenty of J. Seward Johnson's world-renowned sculptures will be temporarily installed in key areas throughout downtown for the exhibition, which will feature life-sized bronze sculptures that capture human gestures in a realistic way. A World A' Fair, a celebration of diversity at the Dayton Convention Center that showcases food, dancing, and cultural exhibits, will also be a part of Urban Nights. Event patrons will get a taste of the event at a satellite stage at Dave Hall Plaza, and the festivities inside the Convention Center will take place throughout the weekend." Hope to see you there!

The website is up and running!

2007-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the website is up and running. I'm still tweaking with it. Thanks to all who have already written with their comments and suggestions. Keep checking in...I plan on adding more as I get the hang of this. I'm having a lot of fun creating it.

May Happenings

2007-05-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot going on around here. First my exhibitions:

I'm currently showing at the following locations-

Middletown Arts Center's Spring Fling
Apirl 20th-May10th
130 North Verity Parkway
Middletown, OH
For additional information: 513-424-2417

(Yes, they were so impressed with the Miami University show that they asked me back!)

Hurricane Alley Art Look
May 1st-May 31st
Wright-Dunbar Village
1100 Block next door to Pri-Med building
West Third Street
Dayton, OH

Epiphany Gallery
May 1st-May 31
South Park United Methodist Church
Stonehill and Brown Streets
Dayton, OH
Hours: M-F 8:30a-4:30p, Sundays 9a-1p
For additional information: 937-293-4640

The Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association's Designers Show House & Gardens XV
May 6th-May 25th
The Patterson-Haurer Estate
2358 Adirondack Trail
Kettering, OH
Hours: T, W, F, Sa-11a-4p, Th 11a-8p, Su 12p-4p

(Here you can purchase my handicrafts...hurry, because once they're gone, they're gone! I won' t be making these gems anymore!)

I'm also working on my official website. Stay tuned for the launch!

April Exhibitions

2007-04-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

Starting April 1st, 2007 you can see 5 of my paintings at:

Swisher's Too...Cafe'
April 1st-April 31st
In the Fifth-Third Building Main Floor
110 North Main Street
Dayton, Ohio
7am-2pm Monday thru Friday
For more information: 937-331-2222

One of the paintings on display is:

Mountain Ash Berries
Original Watercolor Painting
12" x 18"

My girlfriend Deb is constantly on the look out for interesting flowers for me to paint. She found this one on one of her travels and immediately thought of me.

March Exhibitions part 2: Miami University-Middletown

2007-03-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

Starting March 24th, three of my paintings will be featured at:

40th Anniversary Alumni Art Exhibition

Shown at two separate venues:

Middletown Arts Center
March 24rd-Apirl 6th
130 North Verity Parkway
Middletown, OH

Miami University Middletown’s New Campus & Community Center & Gardner-Harvey Library
April 9th-April 15th
4200 East University Boulevard
Middletown, OH

One of the paintings being shown is:

Neon Tulips
Original Watercolor Painting
12" x 18"

I received these tulips out of the blue from my husband. I was feeling blue that day, and he decided to surprise me with this wonderful bouquet. Of course I had to preserve it for all time.

March Exhibitions part 1

2007-03-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

I have two shows starting in late March. The first is:

Marianist Environmental Education Center presents:Come to the table: Food, Justice & EnvironmentMarch 28th-April 29th Gallery Saint John 4400 Shakertown Dayton, Ohio For more information: 937-320-5405

One of the paintings that will be there is:

Blueberries

Original Watercolor Painting

8" x 10"

The inspiration for this image came from the day I bought some blueberries from the store. As I was washing them, these 3 spilled out of the bowl and landed on the counter. I had a lot of fun enlarging them and painting the various colors that showed up when the sunlight was hitting them.

The Artist's Way

2007-03-10T21:22:00.000-08:00

I just started a class in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way". It's a creativity class billed as a spiritual path to higher creativity. My good friend Jo Shepherd Ripley is teaching it here in Dayton, OH. So far it has been a very interesting experience. If you have the chance to take the course from Jo or anyone else, I would highly recommend it. I'm learning to discover and recover my creative self.

Assorted Fruit-The Inspiration Behind the Painting

2007-02-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

I painted this while foraging in my refrigerator for something to eat. The sheer abundance I found was overwhelming. I couldn't choose what I wanted and placed everything that looked good on the table. It made such an interesting still life, that I forgot about my hunger and decided to capture the moment in paint.

Pink Tulips-the inspiration behind the painting

2007-02-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Pink Tulips
Original Watercolor Painting

I was walking in the local park and spotted this cluster of pink tulips just standing by themselves. They were surrounded by some dried leaves and other debris. Since it was a cold day, they just seemed to be heralding Spring and the warm weather to come.

Why I paint flowers.

2007-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked why I paint flowers. I responded (with a smile) thatI have a black thumb. I am unable to grow anything in my garden except for an occasional weed. After much aggravation, I decided that the only way I was going to enjoy any floral abundance was to paint them. This way I would always have several blooms to come home to instead of the patches of dirt and weeds that now inhabit my garden. I have even envisioned putting my paintings out in the yard and holding a garden party so everyone can see my beautiful flowers! After proliferating my home with my art, I began to get hungry and scrounged around in my refrigerator. Instead of eating what I had found, I discovered the inspiration for my next painting and began to paint fruits and vegetables. Secretly, I hoped that by painting these wonderful things I would not be as tempted to eat them. Unfortunately, I’m sure you can tell that battle wasn’t won. But I sure do enjoy them!

My Goals for 2007

2007-01-29T11:55:00.001-08:00

I decided I need some goals to help guide me this year. My first one is to get a "real" website up and running (instead of the free sites I'm using now). Well, it's not as easy as it sounds. I've attended several seminars and hopefully will get it going soon. Cross your fingers for me! My second goal is to write the background stories for each of my paintings. I'll post them here so you can check them out before they get published to the website. I would love to read your comments about them too. That would actually help in my third goal...writing the ultimate "Artist Statement". I attended a wonderful teleseminar that was organized by Ariane Goodwin. She got 12 wonderful speakers together to teach about the "art" of selling, organizing and promoting your work. Boy, do I have a lot to work on! The artist statement will be a difficult one, but one that you can help me with. As I stated before, please send me your comments about my art, either the paintings I'll be posting here or on the current website. I'd love to read them and as further incentive to write me, I'll send you a free gift if you respond with your thoughts and your snail mail address to maryannawelch@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

My Trip to Nashville, IN

2007-01-22T09:07:00.001-08:00

I just got back from a road trip out to Nashville, Indiana to check out the art galleries and have a girls night out with my good friend Jo Ripley (she works primarily in pastels). We had a great time! Unfortunately, Nashville is a tourist town and most of the shops are closed for the winter. We'll just have to go back in the Spring and check them out again. We did a lot of brainstorming about our businesses and I've got tons of things to work on. I've decided to take the year off from doing festivals and concentrate on the business end and creating new paintings. For those of you who have come to Grove City to see my work at the Peddler's Junction, I'm sorry to report that the business has closed. However I'll be exhibiting my work and will be posting it here. My next exhibit (which I just found out about this morning) will be at Swisher's Too...Cafe in the Fifth-Third Building in Dayton, Ohio during the month of March. More information will be coming as soon as I receive it!

January 2007

2007-01-22T08:59:00.001-08:00

I've decided to start a blog about my activites. I'm still publishing my newsletter on a quarterly basis, but for those of you who can't wait to see what I'm up to...check back here often.