New Year Wishes

Thank You for Supporting the Arts

Autumn Exhibits of Oil Paintings by Sue Barrasi

As the Autumn colors come into our world, I thought to share some new venues. I am thrilled that "Hudson Marsh" found its home. I have been trying to paint larger and on different material. I love that these larger paintings have a gold or silver leaf finish. I do love frames, so much that sometimes I hang them just by themselves, with nothing in them! - but I feel this kind of finish gives my paintings a contemporary look. It is time consuming but worth the effort!

I am so honored to be the featured Artist at Geary Gallery. " Passion for Light " will consist of a dozen original oil paintings of landscapes and still lifes. Anne and Tom Geary have a beautiful gallery in picturesque Darien, Connecticut- a coastal town hugging the shoreline of Long Island sound. Less than an hour from Manhattan this place is well worth the trip- spend the day absorbing art, discover some unique shops, while indulging in great restaurants and views.

Geary Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 to 5:00 pm.

"Fall is in the air and this October, we proudly present "Passion for Light" featuring the reflective landscape and still life paintings of Tappan, NY painter, Sue Barrasi. 

Her exhibit runs October 1 - 29.

See more at http://conta.cc/2dE3fwy

Proud to be showing with these wonderful artists. 

Nyack also celebrates first Fridays, a village-wide event where local artists exhibit in local businesses and galleries promoting the arts, history and charm of this unique village.

"Summer Brook" will be exhibited at the 88th Grand National 2016 Exhibition with The American Artists Professional League Inc at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. Reception November 13 from 12-5

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Bell-Ans Open Studio Day

 Thanks to the vision and generosity of Phyllis and James Dodge,  The Bell-ans Center of Creative Arts will be celebrating their third annual Open Studios day, from 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, September 10th in Orangeburg, New York, admission is free.

Founded in 1897 as a pill factory, the iconic, vintage factory building has since fostered the work of many local artists and artisans since the 1960's.

Located just 30 minutes from New York City, Bell-ans offers a haven for painters, sculptors, mixed-multimedia artists to create.  The view of Clausland Mountain, is framed by  the many horses, goats, hens, roosters, ducks, pigs and peacocks.  Artists’ studios will be open and displaying work, including Joan W. Hooker from Palisades and Wendy Lichtenthal from League of Their Our Own. West Carbery Stables will  be offering tours of their vintage barn and stables, while other businesses  located at Bell-ans open their spaces. Additionally, The SUPER FREAK exhibition,  The art of Disco, will be on display in the VOLITION Gallery.
  If you are in the area, its a great day to explore Bell-Ans!
I will be on the first floor exhibiting over 30 framed artworks as well as some unframed paintings from my 100 Day 100 Paintings Series, stop in and say hi! 

About Bell-ans: http://www.bellans.com/history/
Contact: hello@bellans.com
Contact Person: Phyllis Dodge (phyllis@bellans.com)
Directions: http://www.bellans.com/contact/

The Salmagundi Club Juried Painting and Sculpture Exhibition

Founded in 1871, the Salmagundi Club is one of the oldest art organizations in the United States. Housed in a historic brownstone mansion in Greenwich Village, this clubs offers classes, exhibits, demonstrations and auctions promoting representational American art.

The club encompasses three galleries, an elegant period parlor, restaurant, a bar with vintage pool tables and a library. The library walls are adorned with the palettes of previous painters, it is one of my favorite places in Manhattan. It is truly a walk through history.

The Salmagundi Club owns over 1500 works of art spanning its 140 year history with a membership of nearly 850 artists and patrons. Members included N.C. Wyeth, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Thomas Moran, Childe Hassam and two of my favorite painters, Emil Carlsen and William Merritt Chase. Honorary members have included such luminaries as Sir Winston Churchill, R. Buckminister Fuller, Paul Cadmus, Al Hirschfeld, Thomas Hoving and Schuyler Chapin. 

This non member juried annual show allows artists from all over the nation to exhibit their work in the Salmagundi's club prestigious upper gallery. It is such an honor to have my artwork included in this exhibit. 

Located at 47  Fifth Avenue,  New York,  New York 10003

100 Daily Paintings Completed and New Works

  Completed the 100 Paintings in 100 Days! What a challenge! I am extremely grateful to all those who  supported the daily posts with comments, suggestions, shares,"likes" and of course purchases.
I managed to teach five classes a week while doing this and was able to present a new series to my gallery as well.
 Painting was the easy part, I never ran out of ideas, but this was quite a learning curve as far as photographing, uploading, getting images on social media, (those of you who know me are aware I don't embrace social media) create the individual paypal buttons and upload to various websites.
Ok, maybe painting was not easy some days- the pile of rejected paintings reached my height.
  I am glad I did it, learned so much but I do not feel I ever have to create such stress in my life again! I am focusing the summer months on plein air painting around Tappan, New York - there are so many charming spots in this little hamlet. I will miss the still life setups but winter will be here soon enough.  It is quite humid in New York but as my back drips with sweat, and the mosquitos are buzzing by my head (and yes - right into my painting at times) I am extremely grateful  that I get to do what I love. Thank you again for all your support!

I am honored to be part of this exhibit at the Salmagundi Club in New York.  

 Weekdays open 1-6pm,  weekends open 1-5pm.

Reception is July 29 from 7:00 - 9:00.

Tools of the Trade! Trekell, Gamblin, Vasari and Ampersand

Often students request what materials and tools I use. My answer is always to explore as much as you can and find what suits your sensitivity, but I thought I would share what I use in my studio.

I recently found a new love; Trekell brushes. The Hog bristles come extra-long! The 400 MKF series is what I am currently using and love the flexibility and long shelf life! I like the way they hold a loaded brush and glide! They retain their shapes well and just feel "right" in my hand.

As far as paints I have become a dedicated Gamblin Fan. My entire paintbox is filled with Gamblin paint tubes.  Robert Gamblin is a very giving and generous man, and I love the company. It is priced quite fairly for the quality. Their rich pigments are always satisfying. I hope to visit the factory the next time I am in Portland Oregon.

There are a few tubes from Vasari, mainly flesh tones. I have visited their showroom in NYC and have great results with their creamy beautiful colors. I always find it so exciting opening a new tube of paint; I have never gotten over that feeling!

As far as surfaces I have  been using Ampersand Archival museum quality gesso board for years. Quite often my students have a hard time and prefer canvas. Everyone is different with different sensitivities.  I prefer the slippery/slide quality because it forces me to apply with a loaded brush and broader strokes. After the initial first day of application and the panel has dried overnight, I resume painting and the brushstrokes really lie on top and there is less slipping. I still try a canvas now and then but find myself fighting with the texture. I also feel more confident when shipping a panel,  as opposed to a canvas, to clients, galleries or juried shows.
 I emphasize trying new mediums and tools; make your own choices! I still explore but have remained loyal to these companies because of their quality, perseverance and their MADE IN THE USA labels!

Trekell has picked my paintings for their January Artist of the Month!
Take a look at www.trekell.com

January Artist of the Month at www.trekell.com

I am please to announce The Art Students League has awarded me with a 2016 Distinguished Artist Scholarship for a one month residency. I cannot wait to once again paint in the studios of this Lower Hudson Valley campus!