Blonde Ginger Bubblecut, a joyful commission artwork | Esther J. Williams - Blog

Blonde Ginger Bubblecut, a joyful commission artwork | Esther J. Williams - Blog

Click on the link right above this to read a story about my painting the vintage Barbie from my private collection.  

"Heart of Avalon" Avalon Harbor painting available as prints

I have released several sizes in high quality giclee prints of my painting, "Heart of Avalon" to be purchased directly from me.  You can see them on Fine Art America on my gallery page under E Williams or under Avalon Harbor Prints as a keyword search.  Here is the image of a print:

They are limited to 50 in each size and are hand signed.  Also included is a certificate of authenticity.

Photographic Images Available of Salt Creek Beach Sunsets

Now available for purchase are my special images taken of Salt Creek Beach in southern California.  Here is one of them:

"Southern California Gold"

You can find it on Fine Art America here under E Williams OR

Salt Creek Beach. 

New York Skyline Image Available as Prints

I am releasing special images to the public to be available on FineArtAmerica as prints in many choices.  Here is one such image:

Titled "Manhattan Sky After Rain" 
See it here on my gallery page under artist E Williams on Fine Art America.   Or on Fine Art America, under New York Skylines. 

Drive over to Peet`s Coffee & Tea shop in the Ocean Ranch Laguna Niguel location to see the last week of my art exhibition.  There are seven works hung on the walls in the sitting area, have a cup of your favorite beverage and view the seascapes and landscapes of Southern California.  Oh wait, there is one High Sierra landscape.   This is my annual exhibition there.  It is my neighborhood and I`ve been a customer of theirs for 10 years.  So, if you are not busy and can get over there before March 14th, you can see a collection of my art.   Here is a link to the store, Peet`s Coffee.  Here is the address to punch into your Navigator or Google Maps,

32371 Golden Lantern Ste H Bldg 6, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.  Cross street is Camino del Avion.  Phone (949) 325-0540 Hours are from 5am -8pm everyday except Sunday when it opens at 6am - 8pm. 

Below are some of the pieces, they are hung framed:

Rocky Seas, 9x12, oil,   $400

Sunny Aspens on a Snow Blanket, 6x6, oil,  $250

Sunset Summer Dreams, 24x12, oil on canvas or linen.   $900

Cares Falling Away, 24x18, oil on linen,  $1,500

New Still Life of Stargazer Lilies in Vase with other Nostalgic Objects

I received a bouquet of Oriental Stargazer Lilies for Valentine’s Day from my husband, he knew I loved these flowers from long ago and surprised me with them.  He is very sweet that way.  Their fragrance is intoxicating and they filled half the house with their scent for over a week. I set them on my kitchen table which is an oriental fish pot with a heavy beveled glass top.  The Irish lace curtains in the window allowed much filtered light to cascade in.  I had to paint them, so I looked for a few more items that I felt related to their color.  After I played with arranging the Fenton Glass candy dish and the Caribbean Queen Conch shell, I felt it needed more, so I added the Chintz plate under the vase.  They all appeared so old world like a kitchen from the past in Europe. Combining all these on a glass tabletop with sheer lace curtains was an eyeful to enjoy.  Only I had to do more than that being an artist, it had to be painted.  I wanted to paint a large 24x30 canvas, but I changed my mind knowing the flowers would not last more than a week.  I felt stressed to capture the flowers by painting them from life, the impulse was so strong, I just dived in one afternoon when the light was just right.  I could only work in a 2-1/2 hour time span each day because that`s when the sun hit this composition perfectly.  After that the sun would sink down below the rooftop of the next door neighbor`s house.  My kitchen dinette served as an art studio for one week while I enjoyed painting the Stargazers and the other lovely objects. Below is an image of the painting in it`s beginning stages in my kitchen dinette.  You can see how much light pours in on a sunny day, the camera overexposed the light a bit on the table.

I kept thinking about relationships of everything the whole time I painted it.  I was painting structurally at first.  Design relationships of shapes, of color notes, of unity, of reflections, of values, of linear direction and so on.  Then I thought about how I relate to each object, these were things I loved and probably things my grandmothers and their mothers would have loved.  So, there was a spiritual connection going on both inside and outside; how the objects stood alone as design elements. I refused to paint them pretty and all neat like because I am an impressionist artist and I have the preference to make an artistic statement not a realistic one.  Plus, I like to paint with a loaded paint brush, thick and gestural strokes.   This whole painting experience was like an exploration of visual textures, shapes of color, figure to ground relationships, movement, rhythm, depth reflections and color harmony. In the end I felt I was crazy to take on lace curtains behind all this matrix of flowers, a glass vase and tabletop, let alone the other objects.  The painting really possessed me for a week, I was constantly mesmerized by the compositional arrangement and how complex it was.  I had to simplify in an artful-beautiful way that would make these flowers last forever in my mind.  The lace curtains had to be an impression, not painted like a thing.  I wanted them to interweave with the flowers in a lower contrast, which was a challenge.  They were painted last after all the grid-like floral arrangement was painted in.  It turned out quite French in appearance, who knows maybe I had one of the French Impressionists invade my soul, like Camille Pissarro.  The link will take you to a painting of his from 1875 which is a vase of pink peonies.  I loved his simple, direct statement when painting still lifes.  I loved his organic choice of colors.  I have admired his works greatly, besides all the other famous French artists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, etc…  Or maybe it`s all the influence from visiting their works in museums and reading about each for decades.  Whatever the case is, artists place their influences from their life, family, experiences and studies into their art.  I never know how a work of art is going to turn out because I paint intuitively as the process evolves.
I like how this turned out and am feeling it needs to be kept as a family piece.   The next time I get a bouquet of flowers and paint it from this position, I will sell it.  Or if you have some highly regarded objects that you would like to commission me to paint, let me know. 

Painting in the Sea

My latest You Tube video of a high tide experience while painting at Crystal Cove Beach.
artistofnature on You Tube

Here is one of the images:

Solo exhibit at Peet`s Coffee & Tea

I was granted a 3 week solo exhibition at Peet`s Coffee & Tea in the Ocean Ranch plaza, Laguna Niguel, CA.    Here is an image of one of the coffee house with several pieces hanging, 7 in total are hung.

You can read more about it at my blog posting on my website:

http://estherjwilliams.com/blog/51498/solo-artworks-exhibit-and-sale-at-peets-coffee-and-tea

The above large painting is "Reflecting on Crystal Cove" a 48x30 oil on stretched canvas.  The exhibit will run through November 24th. 

Morning Rain Clearing

 I just posted this blog on my website about a plein air painting done at Crystal Cove after a rainstorm.  Click on the link to view it:
Morning Rain Clearing

Blog from my main art website

Read my latest blog on a new seascape of the Montage Resort Hotel.

Here is the painting.

"A Montage Point"  14x11, oil on linen.  $400 framed.  S&H & insurance is extra.

 Click on the link above to lead you to my official website, click on the contact link there to inquire. 

Several retail places to see my art

You can find my art now at the Converge Salon in Laguna Niguel, CA.
Address is

27241 La Paz Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 ‎

Plaza De La Paz

(949) 831-3787

Also at Whim Furniture & Interiors
31831 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675‎

(949) 388-9600

I hope you are enjoying your summer!  I have been painting it most everyday!  One of my latest small works:

See it on my website for sale.   www.estherjwilliams.com  $250 including a quality plein air style frame.  Shipping & handling is extra. 
 

New Workshop that I will be teaching in San Clemente, California

PLEIN AIR IMPRESSIONISM

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP with ESTHER J. WILLIAMS

 

"Bay of Crystal Cove", oil on linen panel, 16x12

You will learn how to start and complete a poetic, plein air impressionism oil painting in this one-day workshop focusing on seascapes. In the studio, you’ll be introduced to the principles of composition, values, perception of light and color, how light creates form, atmospheric perspective, and the organization of mass and form. You will learn how to create gestural brushstrokes to give texture & feel. Finally, you will learn how to appeal to the emotions of the viewer through the properties of paint. Studio and Outdoors.

 A lifetime student of art, Esther has studied fine art, art design, architecture, and fashion history in schools from New York to Los Angeles. Over the past 10 years she has focused on the study of California Plein Air Impressionism, joining the San Clemente Art Association, the Laguna Plein Air Painters’ Association, the Southern California Plein Air Painters Association and the California Art Club. Her work has been shown and sold in juried art shows, galleries, and festivals. Her artwork has won numerous awards.  She is eager to share her knowledge, experience, and unique painting style with others! To see more of Esther’s work, please visit her website at www.estherjwilliams.com 

ONE-DAY WORKSHOP: Meets Saturday March 31, 2012

10am- 4pm $100

Class Meets in the Studio and then Outside for Plein Air Painting

Held at San Clemente Art Supply 1531 N. El Camino Real 949 369-6603

New Exhibitions for January 2012

Accepted into the California Art Club exhibition "Iconic California" is my artwork "Bay of Crystal Cove" 16x12, oil on linen, framed $500. The show runs from January 13 - May 15, 2012. Opening reception is Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 4-6pm.  The exhibition and reception is being held at the Altadena Town & Country Club, 2290 Country Club Dr., Altadena, CA 91001.

Also, two of my artworks were accepted into the next Socalpapa (Southern California Plein Air Painter`s Association) exhibition. The show, "Best ofthe Best" starts January 4, 2012 and ends Feb. 26, 2012. Opening reception is January 7th from 4-6pm at the art gallery Socalpapa on 300 E. Bay Dr, Newport Peninsula, CA.

 

"Laguna Oasis" 14x11, oil on linen, framed - $475

"Sycamores Backlit" 16x12, oil on linen, framed - $475

I wish you a Happy New Year!

New Exhibition at Socalpapa Art Gallery

I will be in attendance at this opening reception held at the Socalpapa Art Gallery this Saturday, September 17th.  The art gallery is located on the Newport Peninsula at the Balboa Fun Zone adjacent to the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.  Time is 4-6pm.  The exhibit includes juried selections picked by signature artist Jeff Sewell from our Southern California Plein Air Painter`s Association (Socalpapa).   I have two pieces hung in the show and two pieces not framed in the art bin.

Ventura Cypress, 8x10, $350 framed.

This image above shows the location that the plein air artwork was painted at in Ventura, CA.

"Serene Reflections"  8x10, oil, $350 framed.

The image above shows where it was painted en plein air on location.  Hence the title of the exhibition.

Above artwork is "Beachcomber Diner"  6x8, plein air oil  $200.  Available in the art bin at the Socalpapa Art Gallery.

The above painting is "California Palm",  another 6x8, plein air oil.  Available in the art bin also, $200.

If you are in the vicinity of the gallery, stop by and view the exhibition.  Here is a google map of the location.

Rags to Riches Stamp from Zazzle.com

 Rags to Riches Stamp from Zazzle.com
This was approved by the US Postal regulations! One of my artworks, now can be used as a stamp to mail your letter, cards and packages! Booklets available online at Zazzle under my account, visions2art! A sheet of 20 is $20.25.  Click on the above link to take you there directly.  You will see exactly how it appears as a stamp with the US and zigzag die cut border!   So cute!

Beachcomber Martini Time, new plein air impressionism oil painting

"Beachcomber Martini Time" is a wonderful new work from my recent vacation at Crystal Cove Cottages.  It is 16"W x 12"H.  Oil on linen panel.  I painted this on location, it took three days of working in the same spot at the same time of day.  That is because of all the detail, if it were an easier composition, it would be a one day painting.  A customer of mine was asking why artists do not paint the Beachcomber restaurant there.  I soon knew why, to paint it full on erases the beach atmosphere that it overlooks.  Well, that is the reason why people love this place so much, it sits right on the beach.  So, I thought, "How do I capture the Beachcomber, the Crystal Cove setting and a bit of the blue ocean it overlooks?  I came up with two angles, one that is south of this spot and this one that looks back at it from the north side.  Now, we got atmosphere and the Beachcomber restaurant, plus it is Martini time.  The black flag is raised on the flag pole at martini hour which is about 5pm everyday.  It is a ritual that everyone loves.  I got to loving it as I observed the little saluting ceremony each day.  Happiness and beach bliss.  Cheers!  This is on hold for sale approval already.

Spring Fair & Art Festival, Country Style Hoedown!

Just letting you know of an art fair I will be in next weekend.  I`m in booth space #29.  I will have a full display of my original art for sale.  This should be fun for anyone, there is so much happening there.  See you!

Ironstone Vineyards "Spring Obession" Art Show & Sale

The two above oil paintings of mine were accepted into the Spring Obsession Art Show at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys CA.  The paintings are Veil of Oaks 6" x 6" and Santa Margarita Lake 14" x 11".  The show begins March 5 and runs through May 8, 2011.  It is more than an art show, they have live music, culinary events and tastings.  People come all the way from San Francisco annually for this happy event. 

Spring Symphony in Bommer Canyon, California Impressionsim Landscape Oil Painting

"Spring Symphony in Bommer Canyon"  20"W x 16"H, oil on hand stretched, hand gessoed linen by Esther J. Williams.  This was actually from last year when I visited the Bommer Canyon, one of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy lands in March 2010.  The flowers were abundant then.  I painted a burnt red oil sketch of the scene on location on this large linen canvas and drew it in my sketchbook, along with many detailed notes on the lighting, colors and atmosphere. My time was too limited there to be allowed to paint it on location.  I took high resolution images and went home in hopes of finishing it, but it got pushed aside due to other pressing projects.  When I did a new year cleaning of my art studio, I rediscovered this large piece and went to work on it within a week.  Funny how things happen, I procrastinate and it took a week because I wanted to read some new techniques on art by a great artist Thomas Buechner who wrote "How I Paint, Secrets of a Sunday Painter".  In his book he talks about many things in delivering the paint on your canvas, how to arrange the composition and lead the eyes to the center of interest and more.  I was glad I read it, it acted as a guide to me to push me into a new direction.  I also have been reading the Edgar Payne book on Composition of Outdoor Painting.   I could not wait to start the painting, but then I saw a hike I wanted to go on with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, so I went on  nearly 7 mile hike this past Sunday to Dripping Springs in Limestone Canyon.  I nearly died of exhaustion, I was out of shape from the winter holiday season!  The head field person wanted to call a ranger to truck me back the last 3-1/2  miles but I told her my pride wouldn`t allow it, I kept hobbling along.  I am getting bad knees and hip joints in my mid-50`s.  It was all worth it, I got to see the early spring flowers popping up all over the canyons, I smelled the unique flavor of the oaks in the air, the new wild oat grasses, the wild sage brush and so many other delights to my senses.  I took all of that and banked it in my mind to place that freshness into this painting as if I had been there in Bommer Canyon again on that spring day. The green colors were all over the canyon hills that day.  But for the sake of not over doing it with the greens in the painting, I painted complimentary colors, lke red and oranges in a imprimatura layering to provide a middle tone to place my upper layers of color over.  I used larger brushes and some galkyd-lite to make almost a watercolor effect in this bucolic setting.  I started with warmer colors, even though you could not see burnt oranges and reds in the grasses, I did it for the painting`s sake and the viewer`s emotions.  I really like this effect of color transition and will use it again and again.  I can`t wait to see more spring flowers on another hike I will go on this Sunday in Fremont Canyon which is a flower photographer`s hike!  Only 3 miles and slow paced!  I will definitely paint something from that visit or ask the Irvine Ranch partners I know to be taken out there so I can paint it en plein air.   I feel lucky to be alive and to be an artist.  The price of this is $950 framed.  I will be entering it into a Spring Judge Art Show.  More details later. 

Best of the Best Art Exhibition, SOCALPAPA Art Gallery 1/8/2011 - 2/27/2011

A new exhibition that two of my works are in.  To see all the information, go to here, my website blog.