Studio Open House

April 2012

 

I am busy preparing for this year's Art Fair season and the studio (and my entire home, actually) is brimming with work!

This month, I am opening up the home studio to guests and collectors for a special 'sneak peek'. This is a great way to view a wide variety of my pieces in context and to gain a unique insight into my techniques and creative process.

I love hosting visitors and enjoy giving them a chance to view my work in such a personal and relaxed way. Individuals, designers, retailers & gallery owners...all are welcome!

Stop by for a visit, bring a friend and be inspired!

Give me a call at 847.816.8487 or drop an email to stephanietoral@comcast.net to set up an appointment.

I look forward to seeing you!

March is Libertyville Fine Arts Month

Exhibition Opening

An Exhibit: David Adler Music and Arts Center Celebrates the Arts

Opening Reception

Friday, March 9, 2012

7-9 p.m.

David Adler Music and Arts Center

1700 Milwaukee Avenue

Libertyville, IL

"Paris Impressions"
16"w x 24"h
Pen & Ink over Watercolor on Parchment

Join me for the opening of this event showcasing my work and the work of several local Libertyville artists. Enjoy live music, wine, hors d'oeuvres and of course...fine art!

I hope to see you!

The Lake County Haven 2012 Benefit

This year The Lake County Haven is celebrating its 20 years of service to our community and its mission to empower homeless women and their children to achieve permanent, independent living.

I hope you will consider attending this fun, heart-warming event and spread the word to friends and family.

For more information, please visit www.lakecountyhaven.org or contact Jenn Wales at 874.680.1870.

Reflections on "Mother & Child"

This week I have started work on a painting commissioned by The Lake County Haven to commemorate their 20 years of service to the community. I was thrilled to be asked to do the piece and I knew immediately that I wanted to paint a mother and child. I have started researching the theme and looked to two of my favorite artists, Picasso and Cassat, to explore their interpretations of the subject. Most of the works I found showed the mother lovingly embracing her child, bathing her child or reading to her child. These are both very lovely images, serene and tender.

"Sometimes you have to discover what

you don't want to paint before you can
move forward on a piece."

But I want to do something different for this piece. I want my painting to express the joy of motherhood, while still capturing a tender moment between a mother and child. I think back to my own childhood, and the experiences I have had with my own children...eureka!...time to start sketching!

Happy New Year!

A new year is unfolding- like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.  "Zinnia" 26" x 20" Watercolor & Gouache on Paper Contact Stephanie for Pricing & Details  The new year always holds a special energy and excitement for me as I look forward to the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. I feel my spirit renewed and I greet the coming days and months with a heightened optimism. This year I intend to be more focused and productive than ever in my artistic endeavors and I will use this blog to chronicle my creative journey for 2012. Be sure to visit often as I will be highlightig new works, detailing works in progress, examining my sources of inspiration, informing viewers of upcoming shows and events...and much more! I look forward to sharing with you in 2012, the beauty of all that inspires and moves me to create! My Very Best Wishes to You this New Year!