We're Having a Sale!

Well, I mentioned in my last entry that I had been reunited with many original paintings after leaving the Ten Women Gallery in Venice this past month. And when I returned from picking up my daughter at playschool this morning, I found that Christophe had transformed his office into a Cathy Nichols Gallery. Before we knew it we were having a sale and then buying wine for drop-in visitors. To see the sale, check out http://www.creny.com/ and click on my name on the left for a list of special prices (they are about 10-15 percent off). If you would like to buy a painting just email me at cnichols19@aim.com, and I will invoice you at the sale price. Such fun. Now I had better not drink any more wine.

Treasures Found

"Lemon Lime" (click here to buy original)

"Red Bouquet" Original (click here to buy oiginal)

After seven years at the wonderful Ten Women Gallery in Venice, California, I've finally truly relocated all of my artwork here in New York. My mom stopped by yesterday with a treasure trove of original paintings that had been hiding in her apartment in Los Angeles. I thought some of these had been sold -- but, alas, they are still here! I will be posting some of the others and little stories about them as I begin the unpacking process. They are available on ETSY!

An Unexpected Blueness

"Requiem"-- 8x9 inch print on 8.5x11 inch velvet fine art paper. Available on ETSY.

I'm feeling unexpectedly blue today as I enter the home strech of weaning my 3-month-old baby from breast to bottle. Like most moms these days, I've read all about the importance of breastfeeding and the closeness it creates between mother & child, but, until today I hadn't realized the truth behind the hype. Today it broke my heart to say good-bye to this bond -- and this was a feeling I had not anticipated. To the contrary, I was looking forward to the relative freedom of throwing a bottle of formula in my bag and taking baby on the go. But, as with all freedoms, there is a price to be paid. Yes, it could all be the hormones (isn't everything?), but it could also be the loss of something more powerful and mysterious than I had understood. And, while I am at peace with my decision, this experience fills me with wonder at the other forces of nature we modern, technologically-advanced humans overloook in our rush to adapt to this fast-paced world. Hmmm... 'food' for thought.

Night Owl

5.5x5.5 inch original mixed media painting on wood. Click here to purchase print (original sold).

I completed this new piece today in honor of my little guy... and well, actually, myself, as I am now painting in the evenings when my two babies are sleeping. Who knows what direction these nocturnal hours will push my creativity? I remember attending an amazing carnivale exhibit at the museum of folk art in Los Angeles several years ago and remarking upon the great talent of one of the painters. In his bio it said that he worked at night while his family was asleep because that was the only time he could concentrate. I remember thinking -- oh, that poor man. I could never do that. Ahhh.... the delusions of youth. :)

A Sweet Sunrise

"Morning on the Lake" (original sold, but prints available on ETSY)

Sometimes there are benefits to having a 3-month baby, and watching the sunrise is one of them. This morning there was a glorious red, orange and blue sunrise over our little harbor, and I got to see it with my baby Nicolas after he successfully slept through the night.

This is a particularly sweet sunrise because 2 days ago, I tried "Ferberizing" him. At 4 am. when he woke up for the 2nd time in row. I decided, hey, I'm going to let him cry it out. Well, 2 hours later, I was feeling a bit skeptical. But he did finally nod off at 6 am ....until 7. Hmmm.... did this work? I was very unsure. So, last night, when he woke up at 2, I just rocked him until he fell asleep (I couldn't bear to just let him cry again). To my complete joy, he did fall asleep again until 5:30. That makes 9 hours of foodless sleep in a row! I'm ecstatic. Now he is sleeping peacefully in his (awesome) Bobby bouncy seat without a care in the world. If he keeps this up, I may just get some new paintings done in time for the holidays...

Another Canvas Cover Coming Soon

"Poem" 8x8 inch acrylic, paper and gold leaf on wood. Original is sold, but prints available on ETSY.

I received a nice email requesting this image for the upcoming November issue of Canvas magazine, so I'm hoping that it makes the cover. This painting was originally titled "A Poet's Work," and it represents -- to me -- the artists's phoenixlike ability to transform loss into beauty. I'm very glad the editor chose this piece because it contains such a fitting message for our troubled financial times and reminds me that every problem is an opportunity. I'm looking forward to reading the articles Diana from Canvas has paired with this image. Here is the link if you would like to check it out. You can find the paper version in many stores & restaurants on Long Island.

A Taste of Freedom

Every artist needs a little inspiration, and sometimes that is spelled b.a.b.y.s.i.t.t.e.r! We had a wonderful night last night celebrating the joys of sushi & ice cream. Here I am joyously happily getting ready to order a big cup of peanut butter cup and chocolate at Baskin & Robbins. Now I need to wait until that ice cream melts through my veins to see what sweet creations arise. I must say that I had very vivid dreams last night. Yum. Sometimes it's the little things that keep us sane. :)

French Kiss

"French Kiss" -- 8x10 acrylic & cut paper on wood.

After weeks of painting a stroke or two on this piece between bouts of baby cry interruptions, I finally woke up today at 4:30 am and finished it. My little guy has been sleeping almost through the night lately (yesterday he went from 9:30 pm to 8 am!) so I think I was just restless after sleeping for 6 hours. I decided, after lying in bed for 20 minutes, to just go downstairs to the studio to paint. It was a tad cold, but after a cup of coffee, it was SO fun. And as an added bonus I got to see the sunrise over the water through my window! Gorgeous.

This painting was inspired by my recent engagement (well, Christmas...) in Paris and all things romantic that come along with crisp fall air, love and freedom.

It will be available on ETSY by the end of today.

Fine Art Print Giveaway!

"Sanctuary" 7x7 inch print on 8.5x11 inch velvet fine art paper.

Good morning! I want to announce a special giveaway of my print Sanctuary on the great blog, "Wishing Willow." The giveaway will end on 10/8/08, and to qualify, you just need to visit my ETSY store and write a comment at Wishing Willow specifying your favorite print of my collection.

Click here for more details at Wishing Willow. And click here to visit my ETSY store.

Good luck! :) Now I must get back to the wild little munchkins!