#bevsbites #paintings

2018 Open Studio: You Are Invited!

When I came home from visiting Mom in Michigan, a big Vistaprint box awaited me on the kitchen table. I knew what was inside – my 2018 Open Studio postcard invitations. The excitement of opening the box was mixed with a teeny bit of apprehension. Will I like the postcard? Did I choose the right paintings? Are there any typos? 

I am happy to report there that I like it, there no typos, and it’s ready for the big reveal. Drumroll please…

Choosing the paintings and deciding on placement for the postcard is more an art than a science, almost like hanging the Open Studio art show itself. I’ve had to reprint (and rehang!) on several occasions in the past.

How many images should be partially eaten sweets vs. whole ones, with and without wrappers and logos, in vending machines vs.on the kitchen? What geography should they come from? The Blueberry Crumble was baked right here in Ardsley by Riviera Bakehouse, while the macarons hail from the DelRey Shop in Antwerp, Belgium.

After selecting the visuals, it’s time to play with balance and placement on the card. For example, I was concerned about the darker vending background overwhelming the delicate tonalities of the macarons. This year there’s even a nod to two healthy snack options with Mr. Peanut and a stalk of broccoli.

What would you choose to satisfy your appetites – both artistic and gastronomic?

Come and decide for yourself the weekend of April 21st and 22nd, from 11am to 5pm. You’re all invited to 36 Sheldon Street, Ardsley, NY 10502. Please bring your friends and family, all ages – especially kids and grandkids who are willing to join in the fun of my Oreo Cookie Contest simply by eating Oreos. I name a painting after the best biter! 

Of course, we’ll have a dessert reception to celebrate this milestone year: 2018 is the 25th Anniversary of the RiverArts© Studio Tour.  RiverArts© Studio Tour 18 maps will be on hand so you can visit some of the other 80 artists who also will be participating. Or go to www.riverarts.org to print a tour map. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. If not, it’s time to mark your calendar. I look forward to seeing you!

Happy 100th, Mr. Peanut!

Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Peanut! will be making its debut at my Open Studio.

“Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Peanut!” by Beverly Shipko, Oil on canvas, 11 x 14 inches

This was my first depiction of a relatively healthy snack in a vending machine. I deliberately chose Planters Peanuts (founded in 1906) to complement my more typical choices of M&M Mars candy bars for sentimental reasons – and I’m glad I did.

As previously mentioned in the Story Behind The Eggs, my grandfather owned a gourmet grocery store in Detroit. One of the perks was an endless supply of freebies, such as this Mr. Peanut mechanical pencil, with its pocket clip that all grocers seemed to use. Mr. Peanuts become the beloved spokesperson for the company 10 years after its inception.

Boy, did I love these pencils! As a little kid, I thought they were the cutest things ever. Apparently so did adults since my mother kept hers for over 50 years before giving it to Webmaster Laura.

As fate may have it, I started this painting for the Studio Tour last April, 2016, just as the iconic spokesperson, Mr. Peanuts, was turning 100 years old. In fact, I used the painting as a demo during last year’s Open Studio to show the process, and explain how I approach vending machine paintings.

And so it’s appropriate for several reasons that I dedicate this painting to Mr. Peanut and his 100th birthday. It’s time to celebrate. Let’s break out the peanuts!