Another year ends December 31, 2023
The year 2023 was a good year in my world of art. It contained the sale of art, the introduction of a new form of painting and a very successful effort for our community artists in establishing a unified art tour.
As usual, I entered miniature paintings into competition. There is not a huge financial reward for winning but there is a great deal of self-satisfaction when your painting is selected from so many domestic and international submissions. I was so proud to accept the Miniature Art Society of Florida (MASF) award for one of my pieces.
Each year I try to expand my artistic creativity. The people who visited our art studio this year enjoyed the look of the crackle paste added to the painting surface and covered with a painted image offering a very vintage look and feel.
A major accomplishment in 2023 consisted of helping to organize the 4th annual New Bern Art Studio Tour. Participating artists enjoyed visits from locals as well as those from more distant places.
Perhaps, one of the best feelings is when one of my paintings finds a new home because it validates my hard-work and originality. During the Christmas holiday this feeling is particularly prevalent. I imagine the wrapped painting sitting under the Christmas tree.
Christmas was beautiful with my daughter visiting from NYC and friends sitting around the dinner table on that special occasion.
As January gets underway, watch for my newest niche…
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An Exciting Twist August 30, 2023
2023 has been a very good year and started with another award given to me by Miniature Art Society of Florida. My painting “Game Room” (3 1/4″ x 2″ oil on ivorine) won second place in Interior or Still 
Life. Now that I’ve painted all the miniatures needed for upcoming international shows, it’s time to move onto another adventure.
Have you ever visited a museum showing paintings done by the old masters? A look at all those cracks created by hundreds of years of temperature changes and varnishes used to seal the paintings has inspired my new creative endeavor. Because I can’t wait that long to see if that will happen to my oil paintings, I’ve been exploring with crackle paste as a base on 6×6 cradle boxes. I apply a thick layer on the surface of the box and let it dry overnight. Cracks galore! I then paint some image on the paste creating a vintage image.
You’ll be able to see my new work at Lace Leaf Art Studios, 507 Pollock St. Suite 3 during the upcoming New Bern Artist Studio Tour taking place November 4th, 10-5.
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Satisfaction & Reward June 1, 2023
Once in a life time you hit the jackpot. On an unscheduled and somewhat of an impromptu visit to our 
studio, I found a charming couple examining my miniature art. The couple are now clients who bought more than one miniature painting.
Kathy & Sean were the couple I met last weekend while they were visiting Brenda Gear (another artist in our Lace Leaf Art Studios) and visiting our charming city from Chattanooga, Tennessee. You just never know when the right person will pick up the magnifying glass and start looking at the detail of your creations. As an artist, it is so satisfying when your brush marks are analyzed.
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Symbolizing with paint the new beginnings of spring April 10, 2023
Today I write about two different paintings I created with an underlying theme of flowers. Flowers can be a beautiful accent to any environment even if they appear in the form of artwork. Flowers represent a variety of emotions and feelings: passion, virtue, goodness or even death. They tell their own story.
The two 6”x6” paintings of the sunflower with its delicate gold pedals express waking up in a world filled with optimism as defined by the new owner’s young, pretty smile. These warm and delightful sunflowers are presently on the move back to Ohio with this client.
The breathtaking trumpet-shaped flowers also arrive in spring and don’t leave
until after the first frost. The real show begins when the colorful blossoms turn into white, red, purple, or yellow flowers. Harmony of color sets the frame of mind as seen on this 15”x15” oil painting. Perhaps during this Easter season, it represents a symbol of revival.
There are a multitude of interpretations and meanings thanks to flowers. They are present during important occasions in life and are actively used in fabled and religious art.
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Where has 2022 gone? December 30, 2022
This year’s highlights certainly included art show competitions with one miniature named “Game Room” which has now received two esteemed national awards. It was a year where gallery show paintings also sold.
The year began with somewhat of an artistic niche. Miniature images were painted on used tea bags that sold quickly. Surprisingly, this twist became popular with collectors. The tea bags may return – standby. Also introduced
early this year was a new venue for our creative endeavors very close to where we were in our beautiful little city of New Bern, NC. We added an additional artist to our staff and coined our new place of business as Lace Leaf Art Studios. In this new location we enjoy five individual workspaces conducive to our different styles.
A new series came around mid-year for me. The Sunflower Series was painted on repurposed and textured cradled wood panels. The Sunflower is a very cheerful flower that enhances mood.
The middle of the year began the promotion of the November 5th New Bern Artists Studio Tour 2022. Time and attention was dedicated to promoting registration and fellow artists. The results proved to be well worth the efforts. The Tour was none less than totally successful for our community of artists.
2022 left me very excited about the prospects for 2023. Happy New Year everybody!
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and the winner is… October 15, 2022
The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C. recently held its International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature. “Priceless” won second place in the John Thompson Memorial Awards for Portraiture at this show.
I am so very proud and honored to win this award especially with this specific miniature. The mysterious nature of this beautiful young woman was not planned. It’s simply her mystifying posture that captures your imagination. Not even her face is identifiable adding another touch of subtlety.
The imagery leaves the viewer guessing about what they’re visualizing even with hints like the placement of her left arm and her tilting forward slightly. It is the type of painting that you stare at until you become comfortable with those suspicions you can never really confirm. Unintentionally, it is filled with intrigue and drama of the unknown.
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Getting ready for showtime August 10, 2022
My last blog ended by saying “now my focus is on creating new work…”. This current inspiration is in preparation for the New Bern Artist Studio Tour on November 5th of 2022. I have decided my theme for this exciting event will be “Sunflowers”. They stand tall on their thin stalks and are beautiful and strong. Sunflowers stimulate an emotional reaction like no other flower and each year summer brings them back to us. The oil paintings of the sunflowers are on a 6”x6” cradled wood panel previously prepared with various shapes, colors and texture creating a mosaic or stained glass look and feel. Come see us at Lace Leaf Art Studios located at 508 Pollock Street, Suite 3. We are open during ArtWalks or you can simply make an appointment through our Contact Us tab found above on the menu bar.
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I love new beginnings May 10, 2022
Two months into another chapter, another location, another name – Lace Leaf Art Studios. Sometimes things beyond our control work out for the better even though, at that moment, you don’t know what that is and are faced with another unknown. But it works out in the end.
The four of us, Martha Williams, Catherine Thornton, Donna Slade and myself, Vicki Vitale, all have individual studio’s much different than the last 
location. It’s cozy, bright and well hidden. Again, it’s location, location, location.
The number on the building shows 507 Pollock Street. Drive into the parking lot towards the back where you will see the lace leaf maple tree on the right and we become 508, Suite #3. The hours are Monday & Wednesday 11-4. Stop by; it’s a lovely area and we’re very pleased with our new home.
Now our focus is creating new work…
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2021 at a quick glance January 17, 2022
2021 and dealing with Covid was not so productive for me as I kept going around in circles trying to create larger works. My peers go thru the same stages but not for an entire year!!! Lots of self-examination last year like I’m struggling, is my art wrong?? Your paintings don’t mean anything. You should be more expressive, you should, you should, you should. Where…. oh, where is my style????
On a positive note, sales were good, and I received awards in each of the shows I entered. New collectors bought my tea bag art featuring sheep…
2022 is already showing promise even as I struggle to find myself. Thank goodness for our studio 323 B Creative the best kept secret in New Bern, it’s bright with lots of natural light and cheery…lots of fond memories with our little lunchroom where we solve the problems of the world…
Remember – each day is a gift……………
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Self-realization while in the South of France October 8, 2021
So, I’ve had this so-called artist block when nothing I do seems to work – it’s been going on for a very long time – there’s few pieces I like – the others need to be painted over –
I even took a workshop that was disappointing and hasn’t helped my being in a rut –
Painting tea bags that sold is rewarding but wanting to paint larger in oil/cold-wax is where I want to be –
Recently visited the Vincent Van Gogh foundation in Aires, France – what struggles he faced – in and out of dark times but he moved on – so unfortunate he didn’t know of his success that would happen long after he passed –
Getting back to me – if you don’t succeed, try and try again – we’ll see what happens when I get back into my studio –
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A pleasant diversion July 30, 2021
In the past few months, I have enjoyed a touch of diversion from dedicated artistry. A person, who I very much admire, was preparing a modestly sized store in New Bern, NC offering some lovely pieces for the home. I was honored when owner Gail Bisbee asked for my opinion and assistance in the development of her vision.
Last week we enjoyed the grand opening where some of my miniatures and abstracts have found a new home. “Last Detail” has a focus on satisfying any decorating needs regardless of how large or small. The store is very tastefully decorated with a wide variety of items available including furniture, décor, gifts and art.
Last Detail – 206 Craven Street – New Bern, NC 28560
Even the content design of the store warrants a visit where you will be greeted by a pleasant and amazing staff to serve you.
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The SHOWs April 6, 2021
Today I sent three miniatures to Seaside Art Gallery 30th International Miniature Art Show in Nags Head, North Carolina. This show is the third largest miniature show on the east coast, behind Miniature Art Society of Florida and The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C. The satisfaction is not so much selling (which is certainly a good thing) but being recognized and winning an award for your art. Artists from all over the world compete to get in and to WIN… an artist’s goal!! At least for me it is…hoping this year will make that dream come true……………
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Good bye to one of our most taxing years February 25, 2021
2020 was an extremely difficult year because of the pandemic and its many adverse personal and professional effects. Adjusting to the many changes and all the sorrow was not easy. But in the artistic 
world, we somehow managed to find other avenues to continue marketing our creations. Digital technology played a huge role. The internet allowed us to promote and also to be recognized and rewarded during online competitions. Technology actually rescued a year that could have easily been a total disaster. To welcome a new year, I have begun painting this bright and peaceful miniature of a trellis with climbing flowers and sunshine spotting the walls of the home through the trellis frame. Now, it’s beginning to feel like a new year. Have a happy and healthy 2021. Stay safe.
Where is this home you might ask? It’s a Bed & Breakfast tucked into a hillside in the city of Ia on the island of Santorini off the coast of Greece. A gorgeous place to visit.
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Another month of trials – November 17, 2020
It must be the psychological effects of the pandemic that has stopped me in my tracks. My progress feels like it hit a brick wall.
I am still exploring with cold wax/oil – trying to paint larger and wanting to develop my own style, whatever that may be??? I’ll know when I feel it and will share it with you immediately.
Meanwhile, I’m excited that I have won two more awards in upcoming 2020 shows with my miniatures. I’ll continue to create more complex compositions making sure my collectors love their investments. Some are also returning customers that are good for the soul. A new collector recently commented that she loves how the painting draws her into the piece to study it more.
This last quarter of 2020 gives me another reason to be joyful. Another vision to work toward creating beauty within our downtown by painting murals on blank walls. When you least expect it there will appear another painting in one form or another.
Look out 2021!!!
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What a year October 20, 2020
With all the craziness do you stay home or go out wearing a mask and hope for the best. Normally I would say time flies when you are having fun…it’s flying by but not sure how much fun. This is the year that will go down in history…we can’t see our family because we are not welcomed to their state…
Some days or weeks are productive and then others are not…so what do I do??? Add another layer to my mixed media and move on, or paint another bear for our city’s public art project….
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When you finish what you set out to do – August/September 2020
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It’s time… August 7, 2020
The August 14th Art Walk is fast approaching.
My effort to complete 100 6×6 cradle boxes during 2019 will be displayed at the Bank of the Arts Directors Gallery during the month of August for your viewing pleasure.
Your Point of View series allows the viewer to study the work and decide just what it is they see, it’s different for each of us…
The Bank of the Arts is open Tues.-Sat. 10-5
Stay safe…………
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The Show is about to go on… July 3, 2020
These 6”x6” abstracts (100 in number) known as Your Point Of View will be on exhibit during August at the Craven Arts Council & Gallery Bank of the Arts in our beautiful city of New Bern, North Carolina. I’m sure my abstract expressionism will challenge imaginations and inspire some creative responses. Yay! Now begins those dreadful administrative chores associated with the event. Ugh!
Stand-by for more detail –
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Where have we been??? May 8, 2020
Happy Friday, We’re Still Here………………
Being confined to one’s home might be overwhelming to some, I found it as an opportunity to just chill out.
Create difficult pieces that would take more time, without having to rush off to appointments, meetings and such.
I will post those that I started before Co-19 and others that I’ve blessed with amen, it’s done.
The project I started in 2019 to complete 100 6×6 paintings are all up waiting to be viewed by others as soon as we get the all clear. The May 8th Artwalk was cancelled so I’m waiting to reschedule showing at the Bank of the Arts in New Bern.
In the meantime I’m working on larger painting trying to find my style.
Stay safe…..
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Objects in non-objective art February 29, 2020
This particular abstract necessitated a few exhaustive days. It was a creation that required me to spend so much time in “the zone” making the experience exhilarating – yet, frustrating at the same time. It began being about color, composition and form and ended up being not so elusive. There was never the slightest essence of a recognizable form. But in the end – there it was. One day it appears like an eye gazing back at me. The next day it appeared only to be a bug. I conclude there is a mystery of visualizing with our mind and not only our eyes!
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Bedroom Next Door – January 18, 2020
This is one of my favorite miniature paintings because of the tranquility it portrays. This was a beautiful and peaceful setting I discovered while attending a painting workshop in Paris. My very comfortable accommodations were in a miniature chalet and this painted scene is literally the bedroom next door. It captured my attention because it was filled with a great deal of detail including natural brightness and shadows. It also had enchanting colors that generated cheerful emotions. Speaking of detail though, the radiator offered a unique challenge to paint in miniature!
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One phase in the abstract creation process – November 29, 2019
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This is why I do it – November 2, 2019
Recognition from the world of miniature competitions along with its associated international acclaim make every moment in the creation of miniatures worthwhile.
Understanding that judging requires very close inspection, often using a magnifying glass, to examine the delicate loveliness of so many wonderful entries from nations across the world adds to the honor of any award.
These extreme detailed miniature achievements are often (not always) developed with bright colors. Many times they will take longer to create than a larger piece of art because of all the official miniature guidelines and the intricate discipline required for their development.
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Young Love – October 30, 2019
“Young Love” expresses the relationship between two people who want to be married in some future moment. This was my first attempt to create an abstract with realism as the background. A wide variety of tools and texture played a big role in developing this composition.
Usually with abstract, we use our mind to see what we cannot see with our eyes. Here we portray a couple searching for the clarity they know lies ahead.
I was so happy to witness this engagement of my own granddaughter. I can actually visualize this wonderful, young couple growing old together!
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100 Shades of Any Color – October 20, 2019
Have you ever gone into an art supply store? Overwhelming indeed; so many colors, so many choices. Which color to buy? Decisions, decisions!!! I go in for one particular color; they don’t have it in stock. I walk out empty handed.
Now I have this amazing reference book called “Complementary Palettes” by Joan Horn. Joan is a friend and mentor from Buffalo. The book tells you and shows you exactly what two colors to mix to create just a right shade. The color charts in the book show 1,875 different color combinations; amazing!
Interested? Email Joan@partnersinart.net to find out more.
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Inquiring Minds – September 26, 2019
It’s fun to watch the visual language of shapes, colors and texture unknowingly create references to worldly objects although the creation is a total departure from reality. For some reason in the studio, this particular creation (Viewpoint 007) often turns heads and offers different comments from viewers about some definite content even though the painting is intended to be non-representational. Comments about recognizable images in this work are interesting to me seeing the creation is a complete break-away from anything traditional. Welcome to the world of abstract!
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Spirit of Miniature – August 16, 2019
Inspiration for painting comes from many different forms. Someone once wrote the following which is so true:
A work of fine art in miniature is a particularly personal object that draws the viewer into an intimate, concentrated little world that is breathtaking in its execution—
The viewer oftentimes has seen the person, place or thing that is the subject of the miniature. Yet, it is difficult for him or her to comprehend the scaling down process which is accomplished by very delicate strokes on the painting surface. In this miniature, the painting of the masking tape on the corners of the object make it look multi-dimensional and mystifying.
Thus, the coined-term: Mighty Miniatures.
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Some days the journey can be challenging – July 18, 2019
One day it speaks to you and then the next it ignores you and you want to put it in the corner like a misbehaved child.
Then, out of nowhere, you realize all the good about it. What is so wonderful about creation using this media is there’s no limits, no boundaries – only the size of the cradled panel surface.
And – it’s open to a wide range of markings and color allowing you to know when it’s done!
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Painting can be on more than flat surfaces – June 30, 2019
Going through old photos, I came across this picture showing a fiberglass bulldog I painted a few years back. It was a gift from a wife to her retiring Marine Corps Master Sergeant’s husband. It seems to prove everyday objects can also make interesting paintings. Obviously, creativity came into play with the placement of ribbons and medals. I thought – what a wonderful gift!
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Dale & Sarah found the perfect location for another of my miniatures – May 28, 2019
When you purchase one of my tiny paintings, please don’t place it on a huge wall by itself. It needs an intimate spot close to your other treasurers. My miniature paintings always wait for the right person to purchase and then enjoy. Vicki Vitale
Miniature Development – May 21, 2019
Painting miniatures certainly requires special talent and at times what seems like overwhelming challenges. It begins with the challenge of a tiny piece of ivorine (canvas replacement used for miniatures) immediately followed by the demand for attention to detail. Needless to say, a very, very steady hand is a must. The tiny brushstrokes using only a few brush hairs allows for the effective use of space. Colors have to be very carefully chosen in order to scale down the much larger reality image.
What’s interesting about miniatures is they always require a closer look by admirers! Entering and winning world-wide miniature competitions always offered the recognition and satisfaction.
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The Studio – April 8, 2019
So, this is where it all happens. My studio in New Bern, NC with workbench and all the mixed media. There are many tools used to move the media, create markings to help prepare for exploration that comes in the next layer. I am driven by being able to create something of beauty that will be shared with those who have an appreciation.
Art is everywhere and this cozy space is where my magic happens!