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!

A "Day Trip" to Paris

For the 'armchair traveler' these new pieces reflect the dream of visiting Paris, for others, it may recall memories of a past holiday. A daily glimpse of Paris will let your imagination transport you to one of the world's most memorable cities. For more information about these pieces, contact Stephanie directly at stephanietoral@comcast.net.

"Postcard from Paris II"
8" x 8" Watercolor on Parchment
13" x 13" Greenwich Black Frame with Onyx Double Mat
Available at Motif in Downtown Libertyville

"Autumn in Paris"
8" x 10" Watercolor on Paper
11" x 14" Seville Bronze Frame
$300

"Postcard from Paris IV"
9" x 6" Watercolor on Paper
13" x 10" Seville Bronze Frame
SOLD

New Works

I am back in the studio creating new pieces after the success of my "A Painting a Day" project. Many of the popular themes and subjects produced during the project are now becoming the focus of more detailed study and exploration.

The new works featured below echo the "Vintage" style that has evolved from my love of antique botanical and naturalist illustration. I have reinterpeted these traditional subjects in a more modern way, combining graphic elements, pattern and text.

"Vintage Butterfly I"
8" x 8" Watercolor on Parchment
12' x 12" Greenwich Deluxe Frame
$240.00

"Vintage Butterfly II"
7" x 5" Watercolor on Parchment
11" x 14" Roman Bronze Frame
$200.00

Created Especially for You

A Special Offer for "A Painting a Day" Enthusiasts

My "A Painting a Day" Project has officially ended. An amazing 25 of 30 paintings have sold, many amid some lively bidding! I am so touched by the support my work has received and the generosity of collectors who joined me in this charitable challenge to benefit The Lake County Haven.

After many of the pieces had sold, some viewers asked if I would be doing more pieces of a particular subject. To keep things fresh and interesting, I varied my themes and subjects from day to day, purposely trying not to be repetitive.

Many of the subjects were very popular, so today, I present the opportunity to have you commission a piece based on any of the paintings offered for auction this month. OR you may even request something completely different! I also invite you to take a second look at the pieces still available or visit my website to view many of my other works.

The pieces I create are one-of-a-kind, no two will ever be exactly alike and any new commission will be unique.

Simply click on the listings to the right to view any piece and you may contact me directly with any questions or inquiries. A portion of the proceeds from all new commissions from this offer will be donated to The Lake County Haven.

So...it's not too late. I hope you will honor me with the opportunity to create something "especially for you."