Sea Captain Sailor New England looking gentleman surrounded in seashells

A very fine Captain! 

This guy looks so cool in his blue spectacles.  I have always loved the idea of placing my paintings in a seashell frame.  The problem for me was that I never was able to find a frame!  Problem solved! 

I first played out the shells on top of the painting.  Just for your own information, I found these shells in the Ocean Cit, NJ area while walking along the beach! It's amazing that I didn't lose them, lol. 

After gluing them to the paper, I was ready for the perfect frame.  I found this wonderful lemon gold frame a few years ago and have been holding out for the perfect piece.  This is mostly because I paid a small fortune for the frame. 

Smile. I might just keep it.  

I also antiqued the black paper which doesn't translate here but will translate on the original.  I have to modify the frame to receive the shells.  This will be a chore because it will need to blend well against the antique frame.  No worries, I am up for the task. 

Thanks for looking today!  I don't know when this will be listed for sale.  I might hold on to it for a while just in case I try to do a show in the fall! 

Enjoy. 

KOLENE SPICHER 

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Kolene Spicher original painting Whale and fisherman

His Finest Catch 

And maybe his greatest hour.

A whale of a fish! 

I love to tell a story.  True or false, it's just fun.  Today, I present my little original painting, His Finest Catch.  The size overall is 6.75"x 13.5" and I am selling it on ETSY for $525, plus shipping.  

Here are some additional pictures of this fine little painting.  By the way, I present these pictures from beginning to end and also show it hanging in various places throughout my studio so you can get the feel for size and color.  This painting was carefully antiqued at the end so as to not rob the painting of the richness of its color. 

I started out with a drawing.  

I don't know how to explain it but I go from front to back.  I start at the base (many times) of the painting and sort of work my way into the distance.  

As many small paintings usually will display well on a shelf or in a cabinet, this one is no different.  I love it displayed with my items from the sea and other nautical things.  

I wouldn't say the frame is anything really unique.  It is just a simple gold frame with great old glass which I didn't photograph because it keeps a constant glare on the painting and makes it difficult to capture the details.  

Finally, here it is with some of my other paintings so that you can see that it will blend well with my other work if you are deciding to add this to your collection. 

Look for this on ETSY at 

KOLENESPICHER 

Enjoy.  

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Mermaid Ship Painting

The Flying Circus

You are welcome to read this, but I have updated this painting.  Sometimes, a piece of art isn't finished (when you think it is finished).  Sometimes, just sometimes, it needs something more.  I'd like to think that it hadn't fulfilled its mission…TO MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY.  Please read February 16, 2015's post!  I think you'll understand why I updated it. 

This  painting was briefly talked about a week ago, but now that I have a few moments, I wanted to talk about it in greater depth.  As I was painting this, I kept thinking circus.  When I see those old ships in the harbors of Annapolis or Philadelpha, I wonder about all that roping.  My thoughts go to the movies  like Pirates of the Caribbean because that is what I have been exposed to.  While I think that a seasoned sailor can swing from the ropes, the average JOE cannot! 

The title is down on the right side  THE FLYING CIRCUS

SO my favorite thing about this painting is the fresh white flag.  I almost painted it a color and then decided not to the very last minute.  I am so glad that I did because I love the contrast of the white against the green/blue sea.  

This painting is 18 1/4" x 22 1/4" and is featured in a simple black frame.  

This is a tad bit brighter than the original but overall captures the painting's colors

The frame is an antique and more primitive but very simple 

I think that one of my favorite things to paint is happy.  Happy, happy, happy is what we all need.  This world is too scary to have artwork that doesn't make you smile.

Enjoy! 

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