Cleveland County Fair

New Pear Painting on eBay

For Sale in eBay Store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

Two Pears sold almost immediately after being posted on Etsy (it was not even dry yet), so others were painted by request of the slow shoppers who missed out.

I said I was finished for a while with the watercolors, but I seem to can't get away.

I will be at the Cleveland County Fair tonight at the Art Exhibit. I will be painting watercolors while I am there. I will post some of them tomorrow.

Thoughts for the upcoming painting week: Something different, something large, and something in oil. I do complain about oil---but it is fun!

Have a wonderful day! See you at the water wheel! : ) ......(It's a County fair thing)

Torrie

Old Red Boat

Old Red Boat

eBay store auction:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

I don't know what it is with me and oil paint, but I get it all over me. There is more paint on me than on this small 8" x 10" canvas panel.

I have finished the much talked about and slowly painted red boat. I hope you like it.

Time for a break.

Torrie

New Pear Painting

New Pear Painting

Two Pears

eBay store auction:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

I have not painted pears in a while. I was really pleased with the way this one turned out. There are days where things just come together and you don't want to stop to sleep or eat, because the ideas and ability may not be there when you come back.

Two Pears - Pear painting in progress.

This is the photo reference that was used to paint Two Pears. I really don't know how my brain took the two green and red pears above and turned it into this.......but, I hope it remembers how... I do believe art comes from both skill, god-given talent, and dumb luck.

Thanks for stopping by... I am working on the old red boat in oil, so I am covered in paint....

Torrie

More Martinis and Marbles

Marbles and Martini

Lost Marbles Series Five

eBay store auction:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

Martini, Stirred IV

eBay store auction:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

Just off the easel and newly listed to eBay. Lost Marbles Series Five will be the last marble series painting for a while. There are other things to do and I have really run out of inspiration for marbles. If a new idea for marbles hits me, they will be back. But, it may be a while.

I have not painted Martini, Stirred for a while and I am really happy the way this one turned out.

I am going to the studio to work on the boat painting. I will post it as soon as it is done.

I have not done a large landscape in a while, I think it is time....

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Watercolors and Big Bird 2007

More Big Bird - 2007!

It seems that "look" is hypnotic and saying "take my I'm yours". There has been quite a response to Big Bird, so there will be another....sometime soon. I will post the painting in stages--I always do the eyes first, so you can see the expression take shape.

Watercolor Pear Series Eight

Watercolor Pear Series Nine

These two pears are my absolute favorites so far of the series. I still cannot get a picture of the paintings that I am happy with, they are much prettier and softer in person.

Lost Marbles Series Three

Lost Marbles Series Four

I am still painting Marbles. I have one more drawn but not painted.

Watercolor paintings are available for purchase at:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

and

http://www.torriesmiley.etsy.com/

Currently on the easel and almost finished is another martini painting - 16" x 20" on gallery wrapped canvas. Hopefully to be finished and listed for sale by the weekend.

I have yet to start the boat painting currently titled, Dad's Old Red Boat. It is drawn on a small 8" x 10" canvas panel - but still waiting for paint. I am still pondering ---acrylic or oil?

I have not given up the Low Country art, I am just taking a short break, catching up on requests.

I will be "painting live" at the Cleveland County Fair Art Exhibit, Sunday, September 30, 2007. You may see works from the fair available for sale in early October - complete with Fair dust and funnel cake grease.

Well, I had better get busy. Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

New Watercolors

Pear Series Eight and Nine

Pear Series Eight and Nine are currently listed on Etsy, but I am unhappy with the pictures, so I am going to take some more shots tomorrow morning when there is good sunlight to get clearer pictures, if they have not sold by then.

The watercolor series has been more popular than I imagined. There are some that you may have missed because they sold in about 45 minutes after listing on Etsy.com. I have a new marble series watercolors that will be listed tomorrow (again, to get a decent picture).

I have a red boat ready to paint, but I can't get away from the water color. After this next batch, I will be taking a short watercolor break--(mainly, I will be out of paper and I buy it in Charlotte.)

I have been approached by So-Oh-Art Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska to add my paintings to their gallery. I am very excited and will update you as this progresses.

There is so much to do and so little time...

Back to the studio!

Torrie

Back from the Concert in Atlanta!

Just a short note to say: "Hi honey I'm home".

The ZZ Top concert was amazing!! Chastain Theatre in Atlanta is the best outdoor concert venue. I had the greatest time. ZZ Top is wonderful! I have been inspired to do some ZZ Top art, something abstract with running watercolor.....must have been that funny smell that sparked the idea.

Traveling also has sparked the "hit the road and paint" nerve. There will be more Low Country/Charleston art to come and also wine art. There are several winery visits I plan to make.

Check back again soon. The ZZ Top art (if it comes out as good as it is in my head) will be posted soon.

Torrie

Upcoming Etsy event, New Watercolors

New Watercolors in the Series

Pear Series Four

Cherries Series One

Abstract Series One - The Butterfly

The watercolor series has been a big hit. I am selling paintings before I can put them on the blog or update all the websites.

I am extra-busy this week getting paintings ready to go to Chapel Hill. If you notice some of the larger paintings are no longer listed, they are currently being displayed at Chapel Hill.

I am going to be featured in the Esty Showcase this Sunday, September 9, 2007. Hopefully, there will be some new stuff added before then. But, if there is something you like, get it before the Sunday rush. www.torriesmiley.etsy.com

I will be away from the studio Friday and Saturday, so if you purchase then and don't here from me---don't worry, all is well. I am going to Atlanta to see ZZ-Top in concert! I will be home late Saturday and will email you confirmation for your purchases.

Thanks for stopping by and your continued interest in my art!

Torrie

Art available for purchase at:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

and

www.torriesmiley.etsy.com

The Watercolor Series Continues

New to the Watercolor Series

Landscape Series One

Pear Series Three

Lost Marbles Series One

eBay store auction:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

These are the newest watercolors to be added to eBay today. I hope you are enjoying the small watercolors so far.

I was asked to participate in an International Art Competition at www.artistsemerge.org There is some striking entries. Check out the current show.

Miranda has gone to a wedding in Florida, so me and the girls (Stella - dachsund and Sadie - pound puppy) are enjoying our quiet time.

There will be a full weekend of painting, so check back again soon.

Torrie

More in the Watercolor Series

The Watercolor Pear Series

Pear Series One

Pear Series Two

eBay store auction:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

These are the newest addition to the small watercolor series. They are available on eBay.

I will be in the studio today having fun painting. Check back again soon for more new paintings!

Torrie

New Watercolor Series

Low Country One

eBay store auction:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

So many ideas, so little time. This is the first of what will be a series of small watercolors. They will all be 5" x 7" of varying watercolor papers from 140 - 300 lb, both hot and cold press. I will be painting my favorite things in watercolor which will include: A variety of landscapes, but quite a few of the low country of South Carolina. I will also be doing pears, martinis, and wine art and possibly throw in a few cowboys. These will all be listed on eBay for auction starting at 99 cents as soon as they are finished.

I will be painting larger works using acrylic on canvas as always with a few small oil paintings in between.


Remember, auction paintings are listed on eBay only. Paintings in my eBay store are also sold in my Etsy.com store, so if you are watching a painting in my eBay store and it disappears, it was probably sold at other websites or in the local gallery here in Shelby.

Links to the stores:

eBay: http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5228436

Thanks to all my collectors!

Check back again soon. I will be painting this weekend!

Torrie

New Martini Painting

Two Olive Martini

Available for purchase at my eBay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

This painting was not planned, it just came to me. My martini paintings have been selling as fast as I can paint them. I am doing a few watercolors of UNC Chapel Hill to send there this next week. There is so much to do. Just not enough hours in the day.

Torrie

Big News at Etsy.com

More White Wine

More White Wine 8 x 10

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5228436

Big News!

I will be in the featured showcase front page on Etsy.com Saturday. I am so excited. This is great exposure! Wish me luck! Traffic has picked up on FineArtAmerica.com also.

I have had a request for more martini art, so there is more on the way. I have not painted new pears in a while, so that will probably be next. I will be sketching the new watercolor commission this weekend and another small Tar Heel painting is in the studio. So much to do--

The baby is officially settling in at Chapel Hill. I will be checking out the new dorm soon--the one with purple doors and green furniture---we didn't have cool rooms back when I was in college, but of course the dinosaurs were still in the way!

Well, off to work.

Thanks for stopping by, come back soon.

Torrie

http://www.torriesmiley.com/

Torrie, as a Simpson Character

Torrie Smiley - Artist and Simpson Character

The resemblance is remarkable.....

Okay, I was tired and not in the mood to paint. My daughter showed me the www.simpsonizeme.com and I turned myself into a cartoon character. Now, I get to be on her facebook page.

I did do some drawing today, another wine painting. I still have not done the watercolor commission. I guess I better get busy and quit playing.

Thanks for checking in. I promise new art soon.

Torrie

Tar Heel Born - Tar Heel Bred

Tar Heel Born - Tar Heel Bred

Available for purchase at my eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

This is the newest painting to be listed on eBay. My baby is heading off to Chapel Hill going back to school. This idea just popped in my head, and I had to paint it. I will be visiting UNC often during the next school year, so there will be more Tar Heel art. I am usually inspired when I visit the campus, after all, "I am a Tar Heel Mom".

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

Back in the studio

New to eBay today!

Martini - Olive Reflections

White Wine

Available for purchase at my eBay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

These paintings will be listed on eBay today. I plan on starting the Tar Heel painting today and I have been working on a larger seascape. Hopefully, today will be a good day and the paint will go where I want it to the first time.

Thanks for dropping by---more art tomorrow!

Torrie

Low Country Art

Low Country Series

Low Country Storm

Low Country Day

Low Country Evening

Available for purchase at my eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

I am back in the studio. I started out with a few landscapes and a pear painting, all listed in eBay. I am getting back into the swing of things, having not painted much in a while. Next will be more pears and maybe some flowers. It has been so hot and dry my hydrangeas are not doing well and will probably not bloom. I will just have to paint some. Well, I had better get to the studio. I will list the new work as soon as I am done.

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

International Artist Magazine

The Redhead

"The Redhead" has been entered in International Artist Magazine, People and Figures Competition. Winners and other entries will be published in Issue number 58, the December/January 2008 issue. The link to magazine is:

http://www.international-artist.com/iam/current.aspx

Click on the "Art competition" section, then click on "see other entries"

I have been busy cleaning my studio. I bought my house four years ago this month, in part for the small studio space just off the living room. But, it is a very small space and had gotten very crowded these past four years. So, I have cleared the clutter and found spaces for everything, --almost. Now, I will have more room to spread out and paint. The freshly organized studio will surely bring out new painting ideas.

Also, the baby is getting ready to head back off to UNC, Chapel Hill, along with that usually comes new ideas for Tar Heel Art. I have one in my head, but not on canvas yet, the working title is "Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred".

Well, getting late. Have to go dream up more ideas.

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

Pears and Grapes, Three Olive Martini, Etsy, etc..

New Art

Three Olive Martini - II

Available for purchase at my eBay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

Pears and Grapes

Available for purchase at my eBay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

These are the two new paintings listed on eBay. Please check them out. I have joined another artist website. You can find it at http://www.torriesmiley.etsy.com/ The art will be the same as listed on eBay, (I can only paint so fast), but it will be just another site for my work to be found and purchased. Check it out, you may find other artists using that website that would like to collect.

I am staying busy with painting, working, and the other real-life daily stuff. I have painted my last Martini for a while. There has been several requests for more Martinis but I am ready to paint something different. I also have some commissions to do. The commissions are in watercolor, so I will have to re-tool the studio for watercolor.

I am going to try to start plein air painting once a week....I may end up twice a month, but I will let you know. The weather is great and it will be fun to paint outside. I plan on doing quite a bit of outdoor landscape painting in the fall and take advantage of the trees changing color. I am lucky enough to live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I should take advantage of that.

Well, I had better get to the studio. I have been on the computer all day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

New Martini Painting for sale on eBay

Martini, Stirred - II

Available for purchase at my eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

Back by popular demand! Here is a new version of Martini, Stirred. It will be available for purchase later today on eBay. Painting is going well, there will be more painting tonight.

Thanks for checking in and your continued support!

Torrie

New for Today! Pink Flamingo

Pink Flamingo

Available for purchase at my eBay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

This picture does not do justice to the fact that this painting is four feet tall. I am only 5' 1" and I was covered in paint before this painting was finished. My studio seemed very small when this was on the easel. There will be more flamingo paintings to come, but they will be smaller.

I will be painting a Martini Painting today. I have to take Sadie to the vet for a checkup and then just painting and waiting for it to rain. I am fully stocked up on treasures from the art store, and there are more paintings soon to come. I have been asked to do a Tuscan Sun again, but much bigger....it will probably be 16 x 20 or 18 x 24. I will be doing a wine painting also, 16 x 20 of both red and white wine.

Well, I had better go. Miranda is coming home for lunch, and I have to paint a sign for PaPa.

Check back again soon.

Torrie

Cheap Joe's Grand Opening

I had the best day! Spent way too much money, but it was wonderful. I am in love with Cheap Joe. Go to www.cheapjoes.com and you will be in love with him too. I met him today in Charlotte. He is talented, charming, handsome, and best of all.....his canvas was on sale.

The grand opening of the retail outlet in Charlotte appeared to be a big hit. I arrived when the doors opened to get the best selection and the place filled up fast. I spent only an hour there, but it was quality time. I could have stayed all day, but I didn't trust myself to not spend more money. There were artists there painting and drawing, and a gentleman with a wok....melting something and putting it on canvas. He had drawn a crowd and I did not get close enough to get the details, but the work was beautiful. My studio is now packed full with my purchases and I have to get busy spreading paint on all the new canvas.

Word of advice.....do not shop for pastels wearing white. The pastel aisle is the best. Rows and rows of single stick pastels. The colors are amazing and best of all...you can touch them. I have plenty of pastels, but there were some colors that screamed "take me home" so I did. I showed them proudly to my daughter, Miranda, who looked at my beautiful flesh tones and pinks and said---"going to work on portraits mom".

There was so much I left behind in the store that I could use to create wonderful art. --But, I can find my way back and Charlotte is much closer than Boone.

Tomorrow will be filled with fun in the studio....the dirty house and laundry can wait one more day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

Big Bird, New emu painting

Big Bird - 2007

Available for purchase at my eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

I painted Big Bird originally in watercolor in 2003. It was sold and moved away. I entered the digital image of that watercolor in the Wild Animals show at EBSQart.com in April 2007 and it was a big hit, winning Member's Mention. So, by popular demand, I have painted Big Bird again using acrylic on canvas and bigger! Big Bird is a joy to paint and makes me smile throughout the process.


Thanks for requesting a new Big Bird!



Coming soon: A Pink Flamingo on a 4 foot tall canvas. There is also a new seascape and landscape in the works.



BIG SALE at Cheap Joe's Art Supply in Charlotte Saturday.... I will be there!



Thanks for stopping by.....



Torrie

The Redhead, New painting for sale on eBay

The Redhead

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

This is my newest painting. I don't usually paint nudes. The people I paint generally have clothes on. This was fun to do and I may do more. This is the first painting of my "painting week". This will be listed later this evening on eBay.

I have heard composers say they dream music and the next morning have a song almost done that they dreamed the night before. Well, while napping with the dogs this morning, I dreamed a painting....a tonalism landscape. I am going to see if I remember it well enough to get on canvas. Wish me luck!

Check back again soon for more from "painting week".

Torrie

New Painting - Red Wine - Oil on Canvas Panel

Red Wine

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

This is the newest listing in my eBay store. I am sorry it has been so long since my last post and I have not been painting as much as usual. I have not been feeling well....(which is really not me, I burn the candle at both ends and stay busy) so it slowed me down quite a bit. I am getting back to my old self, but I have to get used to the idea of eating right, exercising, and taking care of myself. I will be in the studio steady for the first week in July. There will be new art, both oil and acrylic. I also hope to start some watercolors of the trip to the Tall Ships Festival in Charleston.

Thanks for waiting for the posts and the new art.

Torrie

Pear Reflections I and II

Pear Reflections II

Pear Reflections I

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

These two new paintings will be listed on eBay this evening.

This is a followup piece to Pear Reflections using a red background instead of the dark blue. I also split the composition to be an individual painting of the two Bosc pears. I often paint pieces over and over again with subtle differences, partly as practice and also to see the way my technique and art has progressed and changed.

I have started a Charleston painting from the adventure to the Tall Boat Festival. It is coming along...

I will be starting more Martini art and I am thinking of doing Tuscan Sun again ....only bigger.

Check back again soon...

Torrie

Art Competition June 14, 2007

2007 Cleveland County Artists' Competition

The opening reception and awards presentation for the 2007 Cleveland County Artists' Competition will be June 14, 2007 at 7:30 pm.

I will be entering "Green Apple Martini". This is one of my favorite paintings. I love the glass. This is one of those instances where, I don't know how I did it, and I don't think I could ever do it this well again. Hopefully, the Judge (David Edgar from Charlotte, North Carolina) will like the painting as much as I do.

The painting will hang in the Cleveland County Arts Council Gallery until July 26, 2007. The gallery will be open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please drop by and see the art! Admission is free. 111 South Washington Street, Shelby, North Carolina.

Thanks again for stopping by,

Torrie

Green Pears on Linen - New on eBay

Green Pears on Linen - 2007

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

New to eBay for auction: Green Pears on Linen - 2007

I have done this composition several times before. I have painted this quite large (24 x 36) and it hangs over my stove in the kitchen and I have painted as a commissioned piece. Every time I paint it, I do not try to copy the last painting I did, but use the reference photo. It is fun to look back and see the difference in how I have progressed both as an artist and how the different moods and events at the time have put subtle differences in the painting. I always think the one I have just completed is the best, but as with everything, beauty is strictly the opinion of the current viewer.

Please enjoy, Green Pears on Linen - 2007.

Torrie

DaVinci Chianti

DaVinci Chianti

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

This is a new painting for the 2007 Wine Series. It is an 11 x 14 and will be on eBay this evening for sale. The EBSQart.com website has had problems for the past several days. Hopefully, they will have it straightened out soon. I use their website for my auction templates.

Well, on to art. I have a commission piece to do for a patron at Lake Lure, North Carolina, but I do plan on sneaking in a Charleston painting in the next couple of days.

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

Charleston, South Carolina

Tall Ships Festival

I have fallen in love with Charleston. This was my first visit and I went to the Tall Ships Festival. The boats were wonderful. We ate way too much food at the Noisy Oyster ---the desert was worth every calorie!! If dreams came true, I would live in one of the beautifully restored buildings downtown above my own Gallery and Studio. But, I will have to settle for now with my cozy little home studio and a hospital day job.

Charleston is only a quick 3+ hour trip from Shelby. I plan on going again --off season, so I won't have to fight the crowds and really visit, and take tons of pictures, and do a lot of sketching.

I had Courtney help me with the picture taking, and I am now waiting for her to download my 80+ pictures. I will probably be doing watercolor nautical art by the summer.

But for now-- back to the real world and what is currently on the easel:

A wine painting of red wine (Chianti) 11 x 14

Also, a new version of the award winning Big Bird painting....this time bigger and in acrylic.

I am also getting ready for an Art Competition in June.

Well, I had better go....so much to do, so little time.

Thanks for checking in.

Torrie

Big Bird

Big Bird

I am so excited! "Big Bird" won Member's Mention in the EBSQart.com Wild Birds Art Show for the Month of April. This was one of my first watercolor paintings. He was sold and now lives in South Carolina.....I am going to have to paint him again.

Check out the show at EBSQart. com

Torrie

Strawberry Martini

Strawberry Martini

http://stores.ebay.com/Torrie-Smiley-Original-Works-of-Art

Strawberry Martini to be listed today on eBay. This is the newest Martini in the 2007 Bar Art Series.

Happy Mother's Day! I will be hanging out with Courtney today until Miranda gets off work. Currently on the easel is a knife painted landscape, very immpressionistic and new for me. I hope everyone will like it. Next, a new wine painting and anything else that come to mind.

Next week is the "The Tall Boats" in Charleston. We will be going for the day. I can't wait.

Check back again soon.

Torrie

Tuscan Sun

Tuscan Sun

New for eBay! It will be listed Tuesday. Tuscan Sun is an oil painting on 6 x 6 canvas panel.

I am going to Chapel Hill to spend some time with the baby before she comes home from school. We are going to the "Bodies" exhibit Monday. I cannot wait.

Currently on the canvas is the most abstract/impressionist knife painting I have ever done. If it turns out well, it will be "Rocks at Lake Lure" 16 x 20 canvas. Hopefully, what is in my head will make it to the canvas. Drawn and ready to paint is a 16 x 20 "Strawberry Martini" for the 2007 Martini Series.

Well, off to go pack.

Torrie