Florence Johnson "Blue Winter" at the Joyful Jewel 12-10-13

"Blue Winter"
Florence Johnson
Watercolor on Canvas, 14" x 17", Framed Original
$90

Unlike many areas of the US, we don't have snow here in Pittsboro, but I do long for a day of peaceful snow quiet, sunshine to brighten everything and bring out the blue, and a day out in nature just walking.  Florence Johnson must know this kind of day as she painted it brilliantly!

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Beth Bale - "Winter II" at the Joyful Jewel 11-13-13

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"Winter II"
Beth Bale
12 1/2" x 15 1/2" original watercolor, framed
$85

         Beth Bale is preparing us for what may be coming as Winter approaches (even though we didn't get snow yesterday as we may have), bringing those clear cold days.  This snowy scene might be viewed only through a window, but I am tempted to go out on this blue-sky day.  I like the contrast of deciduous and evergreen trees, and I appreciate the cheerfulness which assures me that life goes on even on a cold cold day.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Bale.html

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Florence Johnson - "Stone Bridge" at the Joyful Jewel 11-12-13

"Stone Bridge"
Florence Johnson
16 1/4" x 20 1/2", Watercolor on Canvas, Framed Piece with Fiber Mat
$125, Original

     This is one of Florence Johnson's new pieces, watercolor painted on canvas rather than paper.  The effect is dreamy and misty as if you were right there in person ready to jump in the water or to cross the bridge!  Florence said this was a place she saw on her travels, though she decided to bring even more life to the exquisitely lit stone bridge by adding some trees.

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Shannon Bueker "Animals in the Garden" at the Joyful Jewel 10-31-13

"Animals in the Garden"
Shannon Bueker
Acrylic on Board, 16" x 12"

$200, Original

It is fun to locate and count all the animals Shannon Bueker has painted in this beautiful flower garden.  I love how each animal is in his/her own world, going about their individual lives, minding their own business.  I especially love the goldfinch that, wearing the colors of the flowers, can easily tend to his pursuits without being seen -- even though he is such a bright color!  Sometimes going incognito or anonymously is just what I want to do too - especially on Halloween!  Thank you for the lessons fellow beings (and Shannon).

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Shannon-Beuker.html

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Sharon Blessum "Jasper & Turquoise" bracelet at the Joyful Jewel 10-10-13

Picture Jasper & Turquoise Bracelet
Sharon Blessum
Picture Jasper & Turquoise Gemstones
$25

What beautiful colors this substantial spiral bracelet by Sharon Blessum has.  I love the way you put this this type of bracelet on, one circle at a time until you have two or three circles of beauty adorning your arm.  These gemstones are real, the chips either gathered or hammered off larger pieces of stone.  They have been minimally processed (less polished) so retain a more natural finish to match their natural shapes.  You can really feel the power flowing from stone to arm. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Marilyn Penrod "Flower Boy" at the Joyful Jewel 9-26-13

"Flower Boy"

Marilyn Penrod

Acrylic on Canvas, 16" x 20"

$295, Framed Original

Marilyn Penrod's "Flower Boy" is certainly precious.  I love how the colors of the flowers and of the cat and his reflection match, bringing out the vibrancy of each.  What do you imagine this boy is thinking about?  Perhaps he is waiting by the window to hear your car approaching, wistfully wishing it was now.

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Emma Skurnick "Great Blue Heron" at the Joyful Jewel 8-13-13

Great Blue Heron

Emma Skurnick

14" x 11" Print, Watercolor

$25

Good job Great Blue Heron!  Your pruning has paid off and each feather is lubricated and in perfect place.  Emma Skurnick has seen you well, and she caught you in your proud grand glory.

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Beth Bale "Funky Chicken" at the Joyful Jewel 8-9-13

"Funky Chicken"

Beth Bale

Watercolor on Board, 8" x 10", Original

$42

          Funky indeed, Beth Bale!  This chicken has attitude that anyone can see, strutting her stuff for all to see and hear.  She walks boldly up to you, looking you right in the eye.  She rules the barnyard and the roost.  So watch your step.

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Julia Kennedy "Eastward" at the Joyful Jewel 8-7-13

"Eastward"

Julia Kennedy

Oil on Canvas, 20" x 20"

          I heard Julia Kennedy say that this was her favorite of the paintings she has on display at the Joyful Jewel.  I know she loves every shade of red and I love the brightness showing through the many layers of paint as if lit within.  This painting has a lot of movement.  Perhaps it's a train heading eastward to bring you back home.  Get on board,  "whooooooo whooooooo."                              ~ Mariah 

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Rita Baldwin "The Second Gift" at the Joyful Jewel 8-6-13

"The Second Gift"

Rita Baldwin

Oil on Paper, 20 1/2" x 24 1/2", Framed, Original

$450

     By "Second Gift" I wonder if Rita Baldwin means that first a flower offers its grandeur as he/she each grows, then in combination with other compatible flowers they become an even grander gift.  Isn't this the same with people?  Each one is special on their own, but what a more powerful gift when offering together.  This painting is a symphony of color, brilliance and utter joy.  Accept what is being offered, let it in deep through all your senses, and become richer through its very existence.

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Vangi Cathcart "A Good Place for Hunting & Fishing" at the Joyful Jewel 7-31-13

"A Good Place for Hunting & Fishing"

Vangi Cathcart

Ink and Watercolor, 12" x 22", Framed, Original

$100

          Using her extensive training as a Sumi-e water color artist, Vangi Cathcart has created a pictoral presentation of what must be inspired by  North Carolina!  Although it likely came from a traditional Oriental saying, it certainly applies to Summer & Fall activities we love right here in our own lovely state.  I think I see the fish biting in the pond -- let's go!

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Florence Johnson "Poppies on Yupo Paper" at the Joyful Jewel 7-30-13

"Poppies on Yupo Paper"

Florence Johnson

10" x 10" watercolor & ink, framed original

$25

          The painting of brilliant red poppies is created with a new technique for Florence Johnson.  She described the process of watercolor on yupo paper's slick surface, and how it gives the painting a  dreamy look.  The colors run just a little bit blurring the edges to soften the overall image.  Certainly the colors are just as vivid as ever.  I think that the composition of these flouncy, extroverted poppies shows off Florence's flair as much as the flowers themselves. It's a happy painting with lots of movement and a sense of joy.                              ~ Mariah

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Barbara Damiano "Last Light at Hatteras" at the Joyful Jewel 7-27-13

"Last Light at Hatteras"

Barbara Damiano

Mixed media collage and painting on canvas, 8" x 8", Original

$60

          On a unsettled weather night, Barbara Damiano reminds us of the power in the waves of Hatteras Island and the way the light looks when you can't see the sun because of the clouds, but know it is ready to set in the western sky.  Some of this collage is painted directly onto the canvas, other of it is bits of paper and I'm not sure what else to compose this dramatic scene.  Art at it's imaginative best, giving an undeniable impression with no need for all of the details.                              ~  Mariah Wheeler

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Sarah McTeer Ogburn "Think Joy" at the Joyful Jewel 7-20-13

"Think Joy"

Sarah McTeer Ogburn

Acrylic Paintings on Canvas, 5" x 5" each

Set of 3 $120, or $45 each

     Oh yes!  What joy this three paintings of busy little fairies and flowers bring.  One can't help but smile at their antics, knowing that they are only still on the canvases until you look away.  Then the mischief begins!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sarah-McTeer-Ogburn.html

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DG Chandler "Blouder Opal & Opal" necklace at the Joyful Jewel 7-19-13

"Boulder Opal, Opal & Sterling Silver Necklace"

DG Chandler

$92

          As if one truly spectacular Opal wasn't enough, DG Chandler added another smaller, very firey opal to his Sterling Silver design.  The larger Boulder Opal is like a mysterious swirling galaxy or deep intriguing pool of magic.  This piece is hand fabricated and hand stamped, using DG's original stamping tools.  He continued his skillful handwork to make a bail which matches the carved design on the piece using larger strokes.  The necklace is hung from a purchased Sterling Silver rope chain that drapes especially well on the neck.

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Forrest Greenslade "Rollin' in the Hay" at the Joyful Jewel

"Rollin' in the Hay"

Forrest Greenslade

13 1/2" x 12", framed original, water media & colored pencil

$250

          Let's do it!  Let's take Forrest Greenslade up on his invitation to "roll in the hay."  I'd say it's ok to take that in any way you want to on this sunny day!   It's a perfect day, the sun is shining, and everything is so

inviting that anything goes. And . . . there aren't any windows on this side of the house.  Jump on in.                      ~  Mariah

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Lisa Wright-Taylor "NO H8" at the Joyful Jewel 7-14-13

"NO H8"
Lisa Wright-Taylor
Acrylic, Oil & Mixed Media on Canvas, 16" x 20", Original

This is a fine example of how art affects politics and politics affect art.  First out in affecting societal change are words of protest, then music, followed by written words.  Next in the que for real change comes visual art.  When art comes, so does lasting change!

I think this painting was inspired by:

On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, with many new political and protest organizations being formed in response.

The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska (http://www.bouska.net) and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.


Four years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to nearly 30,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more.

The NOH8 Campaign has received overwhelming support from around the world, and has appeared in various local and national news programs and publications. The images are widely used on various social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the message of equality. Eventually the images will be compiled for a large-scale media campaign.

Lisa just told me that her title, NO H8 = "No Hate."  What will Lisa paint in response to NC politics of 2013!

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Rita Baldwin "Mountain Mist" at the Joyful Jewel 6-26-13

"Mountain Mist"

Rita Baldwin

Oil on Canvas, 24 1/2" x 16 1/2", Framed, Original

$300

          Rita Baldwin's "Mountain Mist" has an ethereal, dreamy vision to it.  The path, right down the center of the piece, leads to a bright yet unsettled sky and an indistinct yet welcoming landscape.  I love these apparent contradictions in this misty scene.  But most of all I want to go down the path and see what is yet to be revealed.

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Emma Skurnick "Bull Frog" at the Joyful Jewel 6-25-13

"Bull Frog"

Emma Skurnic

Watercolor, 8" x 10", Print

$12

          Wouldn't it be great to have this guy greet you when ever you come home after a long day at work!!! You could tell him all about it.  Emma Skurnick puts so much personality into her art pieces that you feel these beings have a story to tell and they want you to know them.  I think this is especially true of Bull Frog in his Buddha-like pose looking you right in the eye.                   ~ Mariah

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Florence Johnson "Floral 1" at the Joyful Jewel 6-12-13

 "Floral 1"

Florence Johnson

Watercolor and India Ink, 12" x 14 1/2", Framed Original

$45

          Exquisitely arranged, the flowers in this painting by Florence Johnson, seem to veritably sparkle off the paper.  I wonder if she grew the flowers and arranged them herself.  And, what kind of interesting vase are they in, looking like they could roll around the room, finding you to bring a joy and a smile to even the darkest corner.                    ~ Mariah

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