Design Style Guide!

The new website is up and running! Check out Design Style Guide! It is a brand new website catering to Interior Designers and Shoppers looking for unique one-of-a-kind handmade items to decorate and furnish homes. This is a one stop shop comprised of hundreds of Etsy.com designers and store owners. You purchase nothing from this site.....it provides you with information and links to the individual shops you are interested in visiting.

The different categories of shopping at the website are: Furniture, Holiday Gifts and Decor, Home Accessories, Pillows and Quilts, Pottery and Glass (my favorite), and Wall Art.  My paintings are included under Wall Art- original paintings.

Check this out when you are net surfing....who know what treasures you will find! New items will be added daily as the store owners add items to the site.

New Painting!

Red Tulips

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Available for Purchase

***SOLD***

You can see this and other paintings at the new Design Style Guide website. This painting is available for purchase in all the usual places

Thanks for stopping by....more paintings and fun to come!

Torrie

New Pear Painting! ~~ Pear V

Pear V

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

***SOLD***

This is the newest pear painting. I was in the mood to paint something colorful and loose. Pear V is available for purchase in all the usual places, Etsy.com, ArtbyUs.com, and in my gallery at EBSQart.com.

I will be painting another pumpkin painting very similar to the White Pumpkin painting challenge. When I did the orange underpainting for the white pumpkins, I really liked how it looked orange and will probably do a pumpkin painting using orange pumpkins this week.

Well, I had better get back to work....it is turning cold and I have to get the winter clothes unpacked and pack up the summer.

Stop in again soon!

Torrie

The Orchid and the Dragon - SOLD

The Orchid and the Dragon

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

~Sold~

I have just finished "The Orchid and the Dragon"

I bought an Orchid at Lowes one year. When the blooms died, I sat the little pot near the window in my studio. It had just two leaves draped slightly over the pot. I watered it when it was dry and my little clay pot with two leaves kept me company. Slowly, there came two more leaves.....and then this little stalk started winding its way out of the little clay pot. I really don't know how long it took to bloom, but I was so proud when four blossoms came. The flowers lasted for quite some time sitting on the mantle in the living room. I took several reference photos, I was so proud of my little orchid. The blooms have long since died and the little orchid had to be transplanted into a larger clay pot. It is once again getting watered regularly at the window in my studio, waiting patiently for another bloom.

The teacup is from a Dragonware tea service that belonged to my grandmother.

This painting is also available for purchase directly from my gallery using the link above or in my Etsy.com store.

Well, I had better get busy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Three Red Pears

Three Red Pears

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

***SOLD***

I finished the red pear painting. This is three bright red pears in a gold - brass bowl with a muted soft green background. The painting is available for purchase in my Etsy Store and in my EBSQart.com gallery

Stop in again soon to see what I finally decided to paint!

Torrie

The Rooster II, New painting available!

The Rooster II

12" x 12" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

~SOLD~

This is the newest Rooster painting available for purchase at my EBSQart.com gallery or in my Etsy.com Store. I have really enjoyed getting back to painting roosters. It was a pleasant break from the weekly painting challenge.

Miranda and I are currently recovering from all the "Fair Food"--caramel apples, funnel cakes, vinegar fries (I did not eat those.....or the fried pickles). The roasted corn looked really good....but I had the Bar-B-Q, onion blossom, and peach cobbler-with ice cream, whip cream, and pecans. Good thing the county fair is just once a year.

Miranda brought home another fish that she won throwing balls in a fish bowel. I am sending it to live with Courtney in Chapel Hill with her fish Gil and Gabby. Sebastian, the goldfish the girls won at the fair six years ago does not want company, so Midas is currently living in a travel tank. I did not know that fed well and given a clean tank to live in, a goldfish can live thirteen to fifteen years! Sebastian, the county fair fish from six years ago is currently in a 20 gallon $250.00 tank set up living like a king!

I will be attempting paintings from the reference photos that we took at the Fair. Maybe small watercolors at first. I will let you know.

Next up!

I am going to finish the pear painting and then I better clean house and do laundry. It will be time to get back to the real world for a while.

Check in with you later.....

Torrie

The Rooster ~~ New Painting!

The Rooster

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

~SOLD~

Just off the easel! I have finished the first rooster painting. It is available for purchase at my EBSQart.com gallery and at the Etsy.com Store I have another rooster started on the easel. It is 12" x 12" and will be different colors. It should be finished some time next week.

I have also started the small pear painting. It is red pears in a bowl with a gray-green background, 8" x 10".

The Lily pond painting is next. It is 16" x 20".

I will be away at Chapel Hill Monday and Tuesday to see Courtney. She has an echocardiogram scheduled and I am going to hold her hand......I really think it is the other way around. She will be holding mine! She is handling all of this much better than I am.

I will check back in when I get back! Hopefully, I will be able to find gas for the trip!

Torrie

Field of Lace, "Flower of the Month Show" at EBSQart.com

Field of Lace

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

"Flower of the Month Show"

This is my entry to the "Flower of the Month Show"~ Queen Anne's Lace at EBSQart.com

I have not entered shows in a while, but the Spam and Flower shows were quite tempting. Stop by EBSQart.com and check out the shows.

Tomorrow then....

Torrie

Spam Martini~~ My entry in the Spam and Trout Show

Spam Martini

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This is my entry into the "Spam and Trout Show" at EBSQart.com . I had not planned on entering, but then the idea popped into my head and I put in on canvas. Check out the show, this is a fun one!

If you are interested in purchasing my Spam Martini, it will be available for sale only at EBSQart.com at the link above. If I put it on other websites away from the show, people may think I have gone a bit "nuts" with the martini art.

I have also started a small landscape for the "Queen Anne's Lace Show", I hope I get it finished in time. The need for "home repairs" is taking over. Courtney came home to visit this weekend and immediately noticed the cover over the back porch was collapsing....how did I miss that.... I guess that means ~~ladder, nails, hammer, caulking gun, paint, Ben gay, bed rest, Advil~~I should knock it out in about a week! HA!!

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the Spam Martini and check back again soon!

Torrie

The White Pear

The White Pear

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

***SOLD***

I painted all day yesterday.....but it does not count. It was my fence. My sister was so nice to come and help me put in a new gate. This one is the new plastic fencing that I don't have to paint and it does not weight a ton. I painted the fence surrounding the new gate and Bobbie built the gate. The gate is 11 feet wide and the old wooden gate was falling apart and to heavy for an "old lady" like me to open and close. Stella and Sadie are not too sure about the new gate. It is much shorter, much like a picket fence gate. They can clearly view the entire neighborhood and bark at all the neighbors. It must be intimidating to them to feel that they have so much more area to patrol!

I did have time this week to finish my new little pear painting, The White Pear. It is currently available for purchase in all the same places.

I will be painting today. Stop back by again soon to see the finished Rooster painting.

See you again soon.

Torrie

Finally! New Paintings~~

The Robin's Nest

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

***SOLD***

Two Golden Martinis

8" x 10 Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

***SOLD***

New paintings! Trying to get back into the swing of things. The Robin's Nest was just a fun painting to do, something a little different for me. I love working with the 6"x 6" canvas.

Two Golden Martinis is the small study I did in preparation for the Marriage of the Martinis Painting. A more impressionist martini than usual.

The weather is starting to change ~~time for a new season and new ideas.

Up Next: Roosters!

There are new chicks on my block. Yes, I live downtown, somehow the neighborhood ended up with Guinea hens. So far, different neighbors come up with different numbers, but there are at least eight chicks following these two big birds around. They did visit my backyard one day....until Sadie and Stella convinced them to move on. I guess my new feathered neighbors is what inspired the bird's nest painting and the Rooster.

After that, hopefully more surprises!

Thanks for checking in!

Torrie

The Martini Commission

Marriage of the Martinis

18" x 24 Acrylic on Canvas

Here is the finished commissioned painting. It is funny how you get into the studio and paintings just happen. This is the only thing I have been working on lately. Hopefully, I will get back into the studio with renewed inspiration and energy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

An unexpected break!

Miranda and Courtney at the Journey Concert

I am sorry I disappeared for a while. Courtney has not been feeling well lately and it is hard to feel creative in the midst of worry. I made a quick trip to Chapel Hill this weekend to be with the baby. I will be traveling to Chapel Hill more often until she is back to her old crabby self.

I am in the middle of a Martini commission that will be finished by the end of the week... and then I don't know. I am extremely fortunate to have two wonderful, beautiful, intelligent daughters who make everyday an adventure in laughter and love. I am going to slow down, enjoy my girls and the canine babies Sadie and Stella.

When I get back in the studio, it will be with new ideas to fill all the blank canvas.

Thanks for stopping by~~

Torrie

New Poppy Landscape Painting!

Field of Poppies III

16" x 20" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Available for purchase at

Flourish Boutique and Gallery, South Bend, Indiana

I have been painting large landscapes lately....something I usually don't do. I have painted Field of Poppies before, first as an 8" x 10" and then as a 6" x 6". Now, much larger. I love painting poppies...there may be more poppy paintings to come!

This painting is available for purchase at etsy.com, from my online gallery, and at ArtbyUs.

Now, I have to take time to clean the house!

Check back again soon....there is an orchid still life painting coming (8" x 10") and a pink rose painting (8" x 10") in the works.

Torrie

New Lily Pond Painting!

The Lily Pond II

16" x 20" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Available for Purchase at

Flourish Boutique and Gallery, South Bend, Indiana

This is the newest painting available for purchase. I have started a series of Lily Pond paintings modeled after the paintings of the water Garden of Giverny by Claude Monet. Monet applied his artistic beliefs to the design of his water garden in Giverny and created a garden of forms and colours which was a masterpiece in itself. Monet had the waterlilies for his pond imported from Japan. I always start a series not knowing how many there will be. I just stop painting the series when I tire of the subject and colors. I think I will be doing the Lily Pond paintings for a while. There are so many different ways to paint the subject. This painting is currently available for purchase in all the usual places...Etsy.com, eBay.com, ArtbyUs.com, and my gallery. Flourish Boutique and Gallery has also asked for Lily Pond paintings for their gallery.

Up Next!

Field of Poppies -2007, sold

Currently on the easel: I painted Field of Poppies in 2007. It was 6" x 6" oil on canvas. I have decided to paint it again much larger. This time I am painting the subject 16" x 20" using acrylic paint. I will be making the poppies in the foreground much larger with detail. Check back again soon to see the completed painting.

That is what I am currently painting. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Torrie

New Painting~~Pear IV avilable for purchase for a limited time!

Pear IV

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Available for Purchase at

Flourish Boutique and Gallery, South Bend, Indiana

There is just not enough hours in the day! I have finished with current commissions. I am now working on getting a number of paintings ready for the Grand Opening of the Flourish Boutique and Gallery in South Bend, Indiana. This painting is currently available for sale in my etsy.com store and my online gallery.

Off to dinner and then paint, paint, paint!

Check back again soon!

Torrie

Beyond the Tuscan Sun

Beyond the Tuscan Sun

18" x 24" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Commissioned Painting

I have finished the commissioned painting. I really enjoyed painting the large landscape. I have not painted one in quite some time. I may have to paint a few landscapes...I know, I have been saying that for months.

Well, better go, I am going to a concert tonight and there is so much to do before then.

Check back again soon.

Torrie

New Pear Paintings!

Gold Pear on Red

6"x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Gold Pear with Grapes II

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

****SOLD****

The Gold Pear

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

***SOLD***

These are the newest in the small pear paintings. I took a short break from the current commissioned landscape painting and painted a few pears.

I should be finished with the newest version of Tuscan Sun by the end of the week. After that, I have more pear paintings. I will be sending new paintings to Flourish Boutique and Gallery to replace ones that have sold.

There will also be new small landscapes available soon....and I think I'm in the mood to create a new rooster painting.

Courtney is home from the summer session at school. She will be here long enough to pick up furniture and shop to decorate the new apartment. No more dorms! ~~ She also wants new paintings, I told her I would put her selections on the "list of things to do"~~ She does not like being on that list....It should be named "the list Mom will never get to do".

Well, back to the studio....time to paint some poppies.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

In the Studio~~

New Tuscan Sun

The Original Tuscan Sun - 6"x "6 ~~Sold

I have begun working on the commissioned recreation of Tuscan Sun. This is going to be 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas.

I will be expanding on the original composition, I have such a large canvas to play with. Check back soon to see the finished painting before it is shipped off.

Just Finished!

Leftover Pear II

The new Leftover Pear II is completed and varnished. The case of small canvas I had ordered has arrived and I will be starting more Pear paintings as time permits.

Pear I

Flourish Boutique and Gallery

This painting was created especially for Flourish Boutique and Gallery in South Bend, Indiana. This painting has recently sold and I will be sending more new pear paintings to the gallery soon.

Well, this is what I am currently up to. I really need more hours in the day.

Thanks so much for taking a peak in my studio.

Torrie

Naquaiya's Cupcake, Show Entry EBSQart.com

Naquaiya's Cupcake

11" x 14" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

I have finished my entry in the EBSQart.com RIPPED show. I partnered with Naquaiya and painted my rendition of her scratchboard painting "Cupcake".

I had not planned on entering, but Naquaiya asked me to partner with her and I could not pass up the opportunity. It was a tough decision looking through her body of work to select a painting to RIP....so, I passed off the responsibility to my daughters. They thought it would be funny for me to do the cupcake...since I am currently on a strict "no sugar" diet. I love her scratchboard work and jumped at the choice of the cupcake

In painting Naquaiya's Cupcake, I used my background color that I have used with several of my pear and lemon paintings. I also replaced her cherry with my favorite.... a strawberry. This has been a wonderful opportunity to work with a gifted artist, thanks Naquaiya for inviting me! Visit Naquaiya's Etsy Store for her paintings that are available for purchase.

Cupcake, by Naquaiya

Currently in the Studio~

Leftover Pear ~ sold

I have been requested to recreate the Leftover pear. That is currently in the works. After that, I have a commission to complete a larger version of Tuscan Sun.

That's the studio news!

Check back again soon.

Torrie

New Pear Paintings!

I must first apologize that my store inventories are dwindling. I have been very fortunate to have acquired new collectors and I will by trying very hard to keep up. Here is the current list of new and upcoming works!

Two Gold Pears III

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Two Red Pears IV

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

These are the newest pear paintings currently available for purchase at my website and www.torriesmiley.etsy.com

I have had the busiest month to date...the following is a detailed list of what is coming up. I generally just paint what comes to mind when I enter the studio door. But, now there are commissions to do, an art show at EBSQ, and a watercolor workshop coming up. So, here is the current list of things to do:

Leftover Pear - sold

Leftover Pear has sold and moved away. I will be painting another "Leftover Pear" this weekend by request. It may be a bit difficult as I really did this painting with the paint that was left unused after several pear paintings. I will have to recreate the pear with its very own paint.

This will bring an end to the current 6" canvas. I have ordered a new case of canvas and hopefully it will arrive next week.

Tuscan Sun - Sold

I have been commissioned to recreate Tuscan Sun but quite a bit larger. Tuscan Sun is 6" x 6" on a canvas panel. I will be painting Tuscan Sun 18" x 24" to move to Ohio. This will be a true adventure for me. I have not painted a landscape this large in a while. I will keep you updated on the progress.

Art Show at EBSQart.com

Cupcake, by Naquaiya

It is time for the annual "Ripped Off" art show at www.ebsqart.com I had not planned on participating, things have been so busy, but Naquaiya, a fabulous artist who does wonderful things with scratchboard invited me to partner with her. I will be painting her "Cupcake" using my own style. She will be using scratchboard to recreate one of my martini paintings. I can not wait to see her martini. I will post the final paintings, stop in an see the show. My entry should be on the website by next week.

Here is a link to Naquaiya's online gallery at EBSQ:

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_4390_profile.htm

Check out her work. She also has a store at etsy.com. Her store includes her new watercolor paintings.

www.naquaiya.etsy.com

Well, this should keep me busy for a few days. I will check back in and let you know how things are progressing.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Torrie

New Martini Paintings!

Three Olive Martini V

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

~Sold~

Martini, Stirred IX

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

These are two new Martini Paintings currently available for purchase. By popular demand, I have painted these smaller than the original series.

Next up, I have been working on a still life using my orchid that recently bloomed and my grandmother's china. It is a small study, 8" x 10" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.

It seems there is just not enough hours in the day. Check back again soon. I know I will be up to something.

Torrie

Two Red Pears III - New Painting Today!

Two Red Pears III

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This is a new pear painting using the new red paint! I had just painted and sold Two Red Pears II when I received the shipment from Cheap Joe's of wonderful new colors of red paint I had ordered. I had to paint the pears again with the new deeper red shade. The kids don't seem to see much of a difference in the two, but I do. I will have to paint something else red so I can play with the new colors more!

Thanks for stopping by....it is late and I had better get to sleep!

Torrie

New Pear Paintings Today!

Two Green Pears II

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Leftover Pear

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Two new pear paintings! I have listed new small pear paintings in all the usual places, the etsy.com store, my eBay store, and my web gallery-- the links are to the right.

For those of you who are tired of all the pears. I will be starting an orchid still life painting tonight. I have a martini painting that needs to be finished and there is the landscape I keep threatening to finish.

Since the housecleaning fairy skipped my house, looks like I will have to clean house and do laundry for myself. I know there is a housecleaning fairy that keeps other houses clean. There has to be......who has time to clean house...

Thanks for stopping by to look at the new work!

Check back again soon!

Torrie

Design Style Guide

This is such a wonderful idea....I should have thought of it!

I am a new member of the InteriorDesignTeam at Etsy.com. This is a group of artists and crafters who offer handmade items specifically for Interior Design/Decor. This is an exciting new avenue for Interior Designers and the general public to shop specifically for their decorating needs.

You can use the link above to go directly to my listing at the Design Style Guide and view others listed on the site.

The website http://www.designstyleguide.net/ is currently under construction. I will give an update of the launch date. For now, you can use the blog for more information and activity within the group, see the blog listed below.

http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com/

I am thrilled to be involved with this wonderful group of artists and crafters!

Torrie

Two Red Pears II - click here to purchase

Two Red Pears II

6" x 6 Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

New painting today! Two Red Pears II is another painting using the small 6" x 6" canvas. This painting is available for purchase in all the usual places.

Today has been so busy with mailing paintings and getting the studio a bit more organized. I should be painting, but I seem to have let the day get away from me. Still working on the new landscapes, hopefully they will be ready soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Gold Pear with Grapes, New Pear Painting!

Gold Pear with Grapes

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Gold Pear with Grapes in the newest small pear painting. It is available for purchase directly from my gallery, at eBay.com, or ETSY.com.

I am working on another small pear painting. Hopefully, it will be finished tonight. Check back again tomorrow afternoon to see if it is finished.

There is a Craft Fair in the works for October 11, 2008 in Charlotte (Craft Attack 2008). It is being hosted by a group of my Etsy Artist and Crafter friends. I will update you with more information and the website as it progresses.

Well, back to the studio. There has been so much distraction with home repairs, yard work, and the "real job" it is getting harder and harder to get into the studio to do my most favorite thing!

Check back again soon.

Torrie

Completed Commissions

Completed Commissions in Blue

Lemons and Blue Bowl III

Tea with Lemons II

Lemons and Cream II

Flow Blue with Lemons

I had a customer originally purchase Flow Blue with Lemons at my Etsy.com store. She then commissioned the other three paintings to complete a set of four for her dining room. These were all painted on 8" x 10" gallery wrapped canvas to be hung with or without framing.

I received an update from Flourish Boutique and Gallery. I have included a copy of the newsletter at the bottom of the blog. Check out the pictures in the newsletter and see if you can spot my paintings!

Well, off to the studio.....remember those landscapes I have been promising!

Thanks for stopping by,

Torrie

Gold Pear on Pink - - New Pear Painting!

Gold Pear on Pink

6" x 6" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This is the newest pear painting. I will be finishing up the commissions this week, then....who knows. I keep saying I plan on doing more Landscapes....so, I guess it is about time.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Father's Day Weekend. June and July are big months in our family--lots of birthdays and holidays. Too many reasons to eat CAKE! The oldest this month is PaPa Smiley at 87...the youngest, my baby dachshund Stella who turned 4!

Back to the studio to finish Tea with Lemons. I will post a picture when it is finished before it moves to Illinois.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

The Lily Pond

The Lily Pond

16" x 20" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

I have been working on very detailed commissioned paintings, so I took and break and completed the loosely painted lily pond painting.

I am hoping to have a painting ready for the Knife Painting Show by the end of the month. I do no normally paint with a knife so this one should be fun.

Well, back to the studio.

Thanks for stopping by.

Torrie

Sale at ETSY.com!

YART SALE!!

I am participating in the First Annual YART Sale at www.etsy.com

I have cleaned out the studio and listed several paintings that have been hanging around.....

Stop by to see if there is something you like. 

See you at the SALE!

Torrie

Lemons and Cream II

Lemons and Cream II

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
Commissioned Painting

This is the second in the series of three commissioned paintings. The next will be Tea with Lemons II.

So many ideas, so little time to paint! Look for new paintings soon. There will be more pears, landscapes, and martinis!

Thanks for stopping by......

Torrie

PS....If I seem to be distracted.....I will be 49 on Wednesday.........time flies when you are having fun!

Lemons and Blue Bowl III

Lemons and Blue Bowl III

8" x 10" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Commissioned Painting

I have been busy working on the three paintings that have been commissioned in the Flow Blue Series. This is the first completed painting.

There is more to come.

Torrie