More Vintage Apron Strings Painted

       Apron Strings #3, Oil on Canvas, 5" x 7", ©2010 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

$125, unframed

Apron Strings #4, Oil on Canvas, 5" x 7", ©2010 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

$125, unframed

                                                                     

Apron Strings #5, Oil on Canvas, 5" x 7", ©2010 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

$125, unframed

More explorations of the apron, in particular the phrase, "apron strings".The last two pieces were painted on canvas collaged with a batik stripe paper which I kept exposed through the painting, acting as a compositional device. I've been including collage a little bit in a few recent paintings; unlike a blank canvas, the collage dictates somewhat the direction of the painting. Not to say I don't have to think, but there's a foundation that informs where I will end up which is a refreshing, more immediate approach than some of my more planned works. The pink, brown and orange toned paper worked well with the pink tulle and chocolate brown velvet apron that hung in the studio.

The Empire Visits TraillWorks

On Tuesday, I had a special visit from an 8-foot tall, cadmium red Empire State Building. My friend, Tony Lordi, visited my new studio and mentioned he was driving "The Empire, In Red" around Newton taking pictures so I invited him to bring it into TraillWorks for a photo op. He was thrilled; brought it inside in partitions, set it up in a matter of minutes and started shooting. Ringo happened to be there and found his way in a few pics.

The 8-foot tall, wooden construction painted in bright cadmium red is the focus of a new project he's embarking on. Tony has been working with The Empire State building since the late 80s when he had a wildly successful exhibit at Jack Gallery in NYC which was accompanied by major media attention and international opportunities.

He says of the project, "My intention is to install and photograph the piece in a series of settings, it's iconic image presented within various environments. The only common denominator among the otherwise disparate images will be The Empire, In Red. In essence, the building will serve to unite the otherwise unconnected environments as a sort of ambassador of cultural experience.

The first phase of the project will be a group show of the resulting photography. Ultimately, I plan to publish a limited edition book documenting the project and show. [One possible image is] The stage door of 'Jersey Boys'. Frankie Valli gazes up at The Empire, in Red with folded arms. The caption will read 'You’re just to good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you!'"

"The Empire, In Red" has left TraillWorks, but if you're interested in a photo op with Tony's sculpture, contact him at tonylordi@earthlink.net.

This Valentine’s be a SweetArt

I'm celebrating love now through Valentine’s Day (even though I'm all about the love all year long) so you can be a SweetArt.

• TraillWorks will donate 5% off all sales now through Valentine's Day to Friends of the Orphans to support the relief effort in Haiti.

photo courtesy friendsoftheorphans.org

The Details - Since the devastation in Haiti a week ago, I wanted to support the relief effort and searched for a meaningful charity. There are so many great organizations to donate to and then I read an update on Facebook from a friend who mentioned Friends of the Orphans. As a new mom, I am so lucky that my son is healthy, has two loving parents, and a roof over his head. This charity touched my heart, as well as guest artist's, Kathy Morawski. We will donate 5% of our sales at TraillWorks now through Valentine's Day. Every purchase during this time will be accompanied with a note about the 5% donation.

photo courtesy friendsoftheorphans.org

• TraillWorks is having a Wedding Cake Photo Contest!
  

The Details - Contestants can share how they savored their 'special day' by bringing a picture of their wedding cake to TraillWorks anytime through February 12th. On 2nd Saturday, February 13th, visitors to the gallery can vote for their favorite wedding cake photo and enter a contest to win a discount certificate valued up to 25% to be applied towards a purchase at the studio. The owner of the wedding cake photo with the most votes will also receive a discount certificate valued up to 25%. Visitors can vote from 10am – 7pm and the winners will be announced immediately afterwards.

• Follow Wedding Cake Portraits on Facebook now through Valentine's Day and you'll get $75!

The Details - You'll receive a coupon worth $75 to be applied toward a Wedding Cake Portrait when you follow Wedding Cake Portraits now through Valentine's Day.

Bookmaking on 2nd Saturday, Newton

"Make a Book from a Grocery Bag?! Yes, it CAN be done... Amaze your friends, Mystify your family! Be the first one on your block to master the ancient art of bookmaking using the humble yet elegant grocery bag," says Sussex County's premier bookmaking artist, Renie Garlick.

Stop by TraillWorks on Newton's 2nd Saturday from 2 - 3pm to watch Renie give an engaging demo. While you're there, you can enter to win a copy of my first hand made book for sale. It's a collaboration with Renie; she constructed it and I designed it with her. The book features Japanese Hosho paper, Nepalese Lama Li Lokta paper and a giclée on Arches of my recent painting, Homage to Julia, a collage personifying Julia Child and her beloved mixers. Only 50 copies will be made and I will sign and number all of them.

Interior

Exterior

Measures 5” x 5” square, 160 pages, covered in printed acid-free Japanese Hosho paper
and lined with Nepalese-made and air-dried garnet Lama Li Lokta paper. Signed and numbered limited edition of 50 books.
$40, buy now on Etsy.

There's always so much to do on Spring Street on 2nd Saturday. So come by TraillWorks to savor your day and then linger awhile. Visit TraillWorks.com to download the press release listing more of what's going on throughout the day.

2010 is a Reason to Follow TraillWorks

2010 Calendars
8.5" x 11" opened
80# Glossy Stock
28 pages, 12 months

$14.95 (regular price)*
tax / shipping additional

Are you a fan of TraillWorks on Facebook or a subscriber to the TraillWorks' E-Newsletter? If not, now's the time to become one. As a TraillWorks fan or E-Newsletter subscriber you are kept up to date on all things happening at the studio / gallery from openings to the release of new works and what students are up to.

And, while the 2010 Calendar Pre-order Event is going on, TraillWorks fans and subscribers will get special pricing for ordering more than one calendar, now through October 31st.* So, become a fan or subscribe to the e-newsletter.