Trail Riders

Thomas Hart Benton is one of my favorite artists- I truly admire his style of work. The lines and shapes that he creates have this wonderful flowing and melting quality that are so distinct. This is a burning I did based on his painting, 'Trail Riders'. You might notice this has a similar quality to the landscape I burned into a side table- which I also use for my banner image at the top of my blog page- also based on a Benton painting. 18"x 24" on birch

Family Portrait

The past few months I have been busy, busy, busy getting all of my Christmas orders finished and shipped out to arrive before the big day. Thank you, Etsy! This is a commissioned family portrait that I just finished today. The photographer did an amazing job setting up the original photograph- I love the stockings in the background and The Night Before Christmas book. I am very pleased with the burning, I love how all the different textures from the clothing bring it all together to make a great work of art.

Now to start the Christmas shopping for my own family! No time to make any gifts for them this year, so off to the mall...on the Sunday before Christmas...I'm mentally preparing myself for all the screaming children and crowded stores. We still haven't gotten our tree yet, hopefully we'll do that today, too. Doncha just love Christmas??

Scituate Art Festival

A few weekends ago was the Scituate Art Festival. I took this picture on the morning of the third day, and it was looking a little empty! Which is awesome- because that means that it was a very successful weekend. I sold tons of boxes, bowls, coasters, Christmas ornaments, cutting boards and original artwork! The next few weeks will be very busy- restocking for my November 6th show at the Rotunda on Easton Beach in Newport, and filling the Christmas orders that are starting to come in. So if you are thinking about an original woodburning for a gift this year, get your orders in now so I can have it ready by Christmas!

I'm excited for Christmas this year because Steve has promised me... my very first... REAL Christmas tree! Growing up we always had a fake one- if we even put one up at all- and the past ten years I've lived in apartments which weren't exactly Christmas tree friendly. But this year we have our new house with plenty of space for a pretty, perfect, real Christmas tree! Oh, the little things in life...

Girl On Swing

I've recently become addicted to Bravo's new show, "Work of Art". It's like Project Runway, only the contestants compete to create the best piece of fine art based on that week's theme. I would absolutely love to be a part of something like that, so I've decided to begin a similar experiment with my art group. Every week we will choose a theme which each person will interpret into their own piece of art. We will then post all the finished pieces to be viewed and critiqued. I am most interested in seeing how different people interpret things in different ways- so anyone interested in participating is welcome. This week's theme: FEAR. I have a bunch of ideas, and I think I have it narrowed down to one. My goal is to use my own personal fears to envoke the emotion of fear unto the viewer- without being too literal.

I'm also continuing to work on more pieces for my upcoming shows. This is another burning based on an old family photograph. I love the innocent and pure memory that it captures- I still love swinging on a swing set to this day. I added an 'Alice in Wonderland' element with the mushrooms and red rose gardens surrounding her.

The Perfect Couple

Here is my newest piece, "The Perfect Couple". This was burned onto an old cherry kitchen cabinet that we were replacing. I kept a few of them- I really like the tone I get with the warm cherry wood. (We have since made all new cabinets for our customer's beautiful kitchen!) The image is from an old photograph of my great grandparents at their summer home on Martha's Vineyard. I remember driving by the house as a child while on vacation. My mother told us how she had spent every summer vacation there as a child with her family. The property has since been sold.

I call this The Perfect Couple because they both look so content and relaxed, enjoying the simple life. I love the feeling of just sitting on a porch on a beautiful day with the people you love- no phones, no computer, just you and the summer breeze.

Come see this, and all of my other work this weekend at The Providence Art Festival on Saturday, June 12! I will be there from 10:30 am until 6 pm. Afterwards you can enjoy the Providence Waterfires in downtown Providence. See you there!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It has been raining for 40 days and 40 nights, and luckily my boss is a skilled woodworker and is building an ark. Anyone with animals is urged to contact us right away. Ok so maybe it's not THAT bad, but I might have forgotten what the sun looks like. Evidently it's the worst flood Rhode Island has seen in hundreds of years. The basement got a bit puddled, and closed roads made it a terrible trek home, but other than that we got away pretty easily. At least it forced me to clean out the garage (which was getting a little out of hand) and was also housing all my artwork. Fortunately, it all seemed to avoid getting wet.

On a happier note, here is my latest piece. This is Trinity church in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. You will see this and much more of my work at Gallery X on April 17. Opening reception is from 7-9, so come on by and drink some wine and see some fabulous artwork by me, and the rest of the Southern New England Artist Community (SNAC). See you there!

Cinque Terre, Italy

A friend of mine goes on a sailing trip every year, and always comes back with some amazing photographs from around the world. This one he took in Cinque Terre, Italy, and has been hanging on his office wall for years. I asked him if I could use it for my next masterpiece - and here it is. Enjoy! To purchase this item or to see more of my work, visit my online store at Etsy.com!

This is a wood burning I did for a wedding gift. A friend of mine got engaged in front of Cinderella's Castle in Disney World, and luckily she had posted a picture of the proposal on facebook that I used as a starting point for the piece. I wish them both a happily ever after...

Decorative Fruit Bowl By NapierWoodburning!

A beautiful and useful addition to your kitchen or dining room. Makes the perfect centerpiece! It's natural wood and dark brown burnt tones go with any decor. This rim design features a beautiful floral pattern. Have another design you would like? No problem! Contact me today to have this item customized, or purchase the one you see here by clicking below:

www.NapierWoodburning.etsy.com

NapierWoodburning at Bridgewater's 4th of July Arts Festival!

Come visit my booth at the 4th of July Celebration at Bridgewater's Arts Festival in Bridgewater, MA. See some great artwork and put in an order for your own custom item by NapierWoodburning! Need to purchase a gift for a wedding this summer? Get the perfect gift personalized with NapierWoodburning. See you there! See schedule below.

10:00 a.m. - Parade
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Artisans, Music Festival & Food Court - at School Street and at Boyden Hall, Bridgewater State College

NapierWoodburning Items Now Available on Etsy.com!

http://www.NapierWoodburning.etsy.com

Just click on the link above to visit my online store at Etsy.com. Check, money order or Paypal accepted. Keep checking back here and Etsy.com for additional artwork coming soon! And remember, if you would like to commission a custom piece of art for your home or office, email me today at NapierWoodburning@yahoo.com.

Personalized Jewelry Boxes by NapierWoodburning

Makes a perfect gift! Customize it with a design that fits her personality, then add her innitials to make it truly unique. This jewelry box features a tribal butterfly design on top with the innitials on the front.

Coming soon- another great gift idea for the men in your family- Customized Humidors.

Complete your order today by emailing me at NapierWoodburning@yahoo.com.