West Wind Fine Art’s 15th Anniversary

April 5, 2013

Painting (Above): Cape Cod Flowers © Richard Schmid 2012 Oil 18″ X 24″

Dear Friends,
Today I’m excited to announce our 15th Anniversary Show June 21-23, 2013.
It also marks a turning point–a time to reflect on my life with my late husband Timothy who passed away three years ago. But 2013 also marks the beginning of springtime with the promise of a new, wonder-filled year which is filling up with many exciting adventures.

But just in case you’re not aware, my Irish Terrier Lilly and I moved to a beautiful new home on Morse’s Pond in Wellesley, MA in 2012. And, this new Blog site has had more than 10,000 views. Plus the short documentary film I produced titled, “Richard Schmid’s Journey to Abbotsford- the home of Sir Walter Scott.” for West Wind Fine Art’s YouTube Channel, has been seen by more than 5000 people world wide!

To watch my first video, please go over to the Photos and Films link on my blog and click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26vcesu4K50&feature=youtube

I also assisted Nancy Guzik in producing her adorable video, “Where Fairy Tales Come Alive.”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4Jw6Xiy_E   It is the first of many films that will give artists and non artists an exclusive behind the scenes look of Nancy painting children directly from life.

I was recently asked for a quote about our 15th Anniversary Show… All I can think of is this: It’s a privilege and my joy to promote excellence in Fine Art. As much as I miss Timothy, I know he is in a wondrous place. And, I also know he would be proud that I’m carrying on the adventure we began together in 1998.

Here are the details on the other events scheduled for the weekend of June 21-23,
Please join us in Celebrating our 15th Anniversary

Summer Show | June 21-23, 2013
Honoring RICHARD SCHMID
Curated by KRISTEN THIES
at The Carney Gallery

Painting (Above): Grace and Speckles © Nancy Guzik 2012 Oil 16″ X 20″

Painting (Above):Lilly and Nasturiums © Richard Schmid 2012  Oil 12″ X 20″

REGIS COLLEGE FINE ARTS CENTER
235 Wellesley Street | Weston, MA 02493

Featuring paintings by:
Richard Schmid, Clyde Aspevig, Nancy Guzik, Carol Guzman-Aspevig, Daniel J. Keys,
Judy Stach, and Timothy R. Thies, with bronze sculpture by George Carlson and Douglas Reichwein

Preview: Friday, June 21 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Opening & Artists Reception: Friday, June 21st | 6:00 to 9:00 pm
(Open to the public)
Gallery Hours: Saturday June 22 | 10 am- to 5 pm
and Sunday, June 23rd | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Two more exciting events:
Artists Paint Out in the Tower Garden Sat. June 22nd | 8 am to Noon
with Buffet Lunch, Saturday, June 22nd in the gallery | Noon – 1:30
$12 per ticket -
and
Painting the Still Life Demo. by Daniel J. Keys Regis College Center Foyer
Sunday June 23rd | 9 am to 1:00 pm
$25 per ticket -

Painting (above): Pale Roses © Daniel J Keys 2013 Oil 14″ X 20″

To register for the Artist’s Paint Out and buffet lunch with Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Daniel Keys, Judy Stach and our other artist friends, and Painting The Still Life with Daniel J. Keys Demo please click on: http://www.westwindfineart.com/news/news.htm

All the best,
Kristen

Painting (Below) : Hollyhocks © Timothy R Thies 2005, Oil 30″ X 40″

All images are strictly copyrighted by the artists and may not be reproduced without their express written permission. 

Kristen Thies | West Wind Fine Art | PO Box 812038 | Wellesley, MA 02482 | contactus@westwindfineart.com

A Gift for the New Year– A Video by Nancy Guzik & Friends

Painting: Where Fairytales Come Alive ©Nancy Guzik 2012

I’m delighted to share a brand new video by my dear friend, artist extraordinaire, Nancy Guzik.

Its always a joy to collaborate with her because together, we allow ourselves to enter the realm of pure creativity, joy and wonder. I also want to give a shout out to artist Ryan Mellody for his expertise in the making of this little gem. 

Like me, Nancy is a perfectionist and although the little film isn’t very long, it represents her countless hours of dedication to excellence in the arts. 

As I reflect on the recent tragedy in CT, I feel a true calling to help uplift our spirits by focusing on the joys of life. So, I’m beginning to plan new events and videos that I believe will inspire you in 2013! 

In the meantime, take a few minutes out of your busy lives and click on the youtube link below. The video and painting are titled, “Where Fairy Tales Come Alive.” Nancy wrote: “Here is our gift of gratitude. We created this video for you and all the children around the World! – Nancy Guzik & Kristen Thies

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4Jw6Xiy_E

This blog brought to you by www.WestWindFineArt.com. Curating Fine Art Collections since 1998.

Wichita Center for the Arts

Nancy Guzik, Richard Schmid and Kristen Thies at the Schmid Exhibition at the Wichita Center for the Arts. Sept 29, 2012. 

Photo © Tim Newton

Doug Pringle, Lucy Maxwell Scott & Richard Schmid after the unveiling of “Abbotsford House” oil 30″ x 50″ during the Schmid Exhibition at the Wichita Center for the Arts.Photo: ©Kristen Thies

Richard Schmid , Daniel J. Keys and Ryan Mellody setting up prior to Schmid’s presentation “ABBOTSFORD HOUSE-The Creation of a Master Work ” Wichita Center for the Arts, 9/29/2012 Photo: ©Kristen Thies

Posing for the Putney Painters

My Irish Terrier, Lilly and I were invited to pose for the Putney Painters at the Village Arts of Putney, Vermont on October 27.

Photo © Tatiana Yanovskaya-Sink 2012

It was a lot of fun and everyone loved painting Lilly – she was a wonderful model – better than me because she didn’t move as much.

Ryan Mellody, a member of the Putney Painters timed each pose which lasted 25 minutes with a 5 minute break in between.

Photo © Nancy Guzik 2012  Pictured in the background – artists Dick MacNeil, Mary Linda Strotkamp and Rosemary Ladd. Foreground – Lilly, myself, Richard Schmid and Ryan Mellody

During one of the breaks Richard Schmid told me that even experienced models shift positions involuntarily. I can attest that sitting still isn’t easy for an active person like myself. We began at 10:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm with a one hour lunch period.

Here I am checking on Lilly during the break. Photo ©Nancy Guzik 2012

THE PUTNEY PAINTERS founded by Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik in 1999 is becoming famous as one of the finest painting groups in America. The group is made up of serious artists invited into the group by the founders. Many of the Putney artists are scheduled to teach workshops at The Scottsdale Artists School in January 2013. Putney Painters Week begins January 28 – February 2, 2013.

You won’t want to miss award-winning artist Nancy Guzik’s digital lecture on Friday evening at the Legacy Gallery. Nancy is donating all ticket proceeds to the school. http://www.scottsdaleartschool.org

I’m also happy to announce that I’ve been invited to host a Marketing presentation during Putney week with my long time colleague, author and publicist Sheryll Reichwein. Together we bring 25 years of art marketing experience to our digital presentation titled:

Keys to Effective Art Marketing:

How to Tell Your Best Story & How to Present Your Most Professional Self

©Sheryll Reichwein & Kristen Thies, August 2012

Sheryll and I are also donating all ticket sales for our digital lecture to the school. For exact details and to register, please contact Audrey Lemler at ALemler@ScottsdaleArtSchool.org.

This blog brought to you by www.WestWindFineArt.com, curating Fine Art Collections since 1998.

 

 

A Photo Journal – Summer 2012

The summer of 2012 was ideal! I can not recall a season that was more fun, informative, and filled with creative camaraderie!

The Schmid/Keys Painting Demo. – photo © Kristen Thies 2012

 In June, my company West Wind Fine Art, LLC sponsored a painting demonstration by Richard Schmid and Daniel J. Keys at the West Falmouth Library on Cape Cod.

Then Daniel did two back to back painting workshops sponsored by my colleague Sheryll Reichwein and her artist husband, Douglas, at the Beach Rose Inn.  Both events sold out in a matter of a week and were extremely well received by artists in the New England area. Consequently, more events are definitely being planned for next year.

Artists and friends – Daniel Keys workshop at the Beach Rose Inn with Lilly, my Irish Terrier.  Photo © Kristen Thies 2012 

Richard & Nancy showing off lots of red dot sales with paintings (from left to right) by Judy Stach, Timothy R. Thies and Nancy Guzik.  Photo © Kristen Thies 2012

 July 6th to 8th were even more special!

I was so fortunate to host an amazing Fine Art show - A Return to Understated Elegance at The J. Erik Jonsson Woods Hole Center owned by the National Academy of Sciences. And, on the evening of the 8th, Richard Schmid gave an inspiring digital presentation to a packed audience. Collectors traveled to attend Richard’s program and view the paintings and sculpture in the show from all around America. So, I’m really pleased to state that my mission to spread joy through Fine Art is definitely on a roll.

A few of the paintings in the show by (from left to right) Carol Guzman-Aspevig, Clyde Aspevig and Daniel J Keys.  Photo © Kristen Thies 2012 

 Daniel Keys with a few of his paintings in the show.  Photo © Kristen Thies 2012.

On a personal note, I want to express my gratitude to the managers of the Jonsson Center, Joanne Doherty, Donnie Elichalt and their assistant Ruane for their professional expertise in helping to make everyone feel so welcomed to one of the most beautiful and historic places on the Cape.

The Clark Carriage House circa 1894 – our show venue.  Photo © Kristen Thies 2012.

Daniel Keys and Douglas Reichwein painting on the JC grounds facing Quissett Harbor. Photo © Kristen Thies 2012.

 This blog brought to you by www.WestWindFineArt.com,curating Fine Art Collections since 1998. 

 

Please Join Us for our Summer 2012 Show!

Samantha in White  14 X 11  ©Nancy Guzik  Arpeggio 15 X 22  ©Richard Schmid  A RETURN TO UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE July 6-8 on Cape Cod A Fine Art Show and Sale– Curated by KRISTEN THIES at The Clark Carriage House at the J. Erik Jonsson Woods Hole Center for the National Academy of Sciences, 314 Quissett Avenue, WoodsHoleCape Cod, MA Works by Richard Schmid, Clyde Aspevig, George Carlson, Nancy Guzik, Carol Guzman-Aspevig, Daniel J. Keys, Judy Stach, Timothy R. Thies, and sculpture by Douglas Reichwein To view the paintings please go to: www.WestWindFineArt.com Preview: Friday, July 6th | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Opening & Artists Reception: Friday, July 6th  5:30 to 8:30 pm Presentation by Richard Schmid Saturday, July 7th  7:00 to 9:00 pm . To purchase tickets go to the News/Exhibition’s link on www.WestWindFineArt.com Tickets are $30 and seating is limited. Hours: Saturday and Sunday, July 7 & 8th | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. A Message from Kristen - Much has been written about Cape Cod’s views and light, but with this gathering of artists and art I wish to share something subtler that goes beyond these visual qualities. To me there lies within this place an enduring connection to the land, sea, and sky – and inspiration from the elements of life itself. So, I invite you to join us this coming July, to take in the wonder of the landscape along with the paintings and sculpture by the exceptional artists in our show. In their own unique way, each artist captures and expresses their observations of Nature’s “Understated Elegance.” Kind regards, KT FalmouthPerfection  12 X 24 © Judy Stach   Moonrise over Vineyard 24 X 30 ©Clyde Aspevig  Summer Swans 12 X 12 ©Carol Guzman-Aspevig

May 2012

Morning walks on the Cape continually provide me with a sense of wonder. Eastern sunlight filters through towering tree branches that are home to a multitude of songbirds in spring. Rhododendrons are just about ready to bloom and life is a joy especially on the days I receive new art -work by the artists I represent. All of these paintings will be on view in our Summer 2012: A Return to Understated Elegance show, on view July 6 – 8 at the J.Erik Jonsson Center adjacent to Quissett Harbor in Woods Hole,Cape Cod. 

There’s nothing like seeing the true colors of an original oil painting in person and I sincerely hope you’ll be able to join us–but just in case, here are a few images I’d like to share. 

Nancy Guzik holding her famous cat Zorro with her painting, “Tangerine Scarf” oil 16” x 12”  Photo ©Richard Schmid 2012 

Carol Guzman-Aspevig has a passion for songbirds and goes to great lengths to capture their delicate beauty in oil paint. She sits silently and patiently waits for the perfect chance to photograph these special creatures in their own habitat–camouflaged in something called a “bird- blind.” This oil will be exhibited in our show.

  “Summer Swans ” oil 12” x 12”  ©Carol Guzman-Aspevig 

Carol is married to Clyde Aspevig one of America’s most respected and accomplished landscape artists. The couple is based in Montana, but travel extensively to all parts of the world to paint nature’s magnificence from life. 

As instructors, they headlined the recent Plein Air Painters Conference in Nevada sponsored by Eric Rhoads, publisher of Plein Air magazine.

 Photo courtesy of Plein Air Magazine     Eric Rhoads, Carol and Clyde

This July, artists and art lovers will have the opportunity to experience both of the Aspevig’s paintings from one of their trips to Naushon Island- home to the Forbes family for several centuries.

“It’s like stepping back in time,” said Clyde, “beauty stands all around us if we just build the habit of looking for it. As an artist, that’s what I want to help people do.” 

Because the Aspevig’s are so committed to this ideal, Carol founded http://www.Landsnorkel.com a web site advocating the importance of going out side and spending time just being in nature– like many of us did as children.

Says Carol, “Land snorkeling is taking the time to savor aspects of nature we ordinarily don’t see or pay attention to. Land Snorkelers wander through nature with no intention of hiking to a destination. 
Each blade of grass, rock, or creature has some connection to us.” 

“An artist’s job is to create a piece that changes a person’s normal perceptions of something,” says Clyde, “to try to get you to think about things in a different way, to start looking at them as having more content, more meaning, more relevance to other things in life.” 

“That’s what I’m aiming at in the painting, Moonrise Over Vineyard Sound. Said Clyde thoughtfully, “Obviously I’m exploring the aesthetic beauty of the moonrise, bathed in warm light by the setting sun, which is very much a part of the painting, though it’s presence is implied not stated.” 

“Moonrise Over Vineyard Sound” Oil 24” x 30”  ©Clyde Aspevig 

Please join me next time as I bring you new works by artists Daniel J. Keys and Judy Stach, mentored by Richard Schmid and Timothy R. Thies respectively. 

For more details and to view more paintings please go to http://www.WestWindFineArt.com

And to lean more about Landsnorkeling, visit http://www.Landsnorkel.com