"Water Lily"

"Water Lily"

Blue Butterfly Series #3

8 x 10 Original Oil Painting on Canvas

$100.00 

To purchase this painting, please contact the artist.

Visit the Blue Butterfly Paintings Blog to see all of the paintings in the series, and to read the stories behind the art work.

Claude Monet - Diversity in Water Lilies

French impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840-1926)



French impressionist Claude Oscar Monet (1840-1926) was another artist who painted water lilies, in a variety of sizes and colors. He was an artist who dared to be different, dared to introduce new elements into his work, and was one of the founding artists of the impressionist movement. His Water Lilies series, a collection of approx. 250 paintings, was created en plein-aire, from the gardens on his property in Giverny, upper Normandy, France. Many of these large, colorful paintings are now displayed at various museums and art institutes around the world.

Claude Monet, Photo by Nadar, 1899.




"Water Lilies", Claude Monet, 1906,
Exhibited at The Art Institute of Chicago
Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection


Additional information about impressionist painter Claude Monet, can be found online at wikipedia , or several paintings from his water lilies series can be seen by searching google, Claude Monet water lilies.

The Blue Butterfly Series

Sculpted Birches
$100.00
10 x 8 Original Oil on Canvas

In 2009 I launched a new collection of paintings called The Blue Butterfly Paintings.  Each of the original paintings in this series has a tiny blue butterfly hidden within the painting. 

To purchase this painting, please contact the artist.

To learn more about the Blue Butterfly Paintings, please visit the Blue Butterfly Paintings blog.

Screw Auger Falls: Work in Progress

Tidbits about Screw Auger Falls

Screw Auger Falls is a beautiful set of falls located in Andover, ME, in the Grafton Notch State Park, on Rte. 26. The Bear River makes its way through the notch, over granite rock and through shallow pools, where it takes a 20 foot plunge over a broad ledge into the gorge below. From there it descends an additional 30 feet, as it cascades over a series of smaller falls, creating pools, and swirling sculptures of granite.

It has been said there once was a saw mill located near the falls, which I'm guessing was built and operated when the historical town of Grafton still held its charter, prior to 1919. At that point in time, logging was the main source of support for the small town. I have not been able to locate an image of the mill, or confirm the mills existence, however. If someone has additional information about the mill, or a photograph, it would be greatly appreciated. The term screw auger, refers to a tool used to bore holes into hard surfaces. The rounded shapes, pools, and crevices created by the Bear River, indicates why this set of falls got it's unusual name.

A Work In Progress

Below is a number of steps I used, to create my latest painting. This is a 12 x 24 inch oil painting on canvas, of Screw Auger Falls.

STEP 1

The first step in creating the painting of Screw Auger Falls, was to lay out the image on a 12 x 24 inch canvas. Once the basic image had been sketched, I began blocking in the first layer of color, starting at the top of the canvas, and working my way downward. I focused only on the basic shapes of the trees and rocks at this point.

STEP 2

I continued working down the length of the canvas, blocking in the basic shapes of the rocks at the top of the water fall.

STEP 3

Then it was time to create the water. I used thicker paint here, in order to capture suggested splashing and swirling. Blocking in the larger rocks on the left, really began to pull this painting together.

STEP 4

After darkening the rocks on the lower left, I began to add final detail to the trees in the background. Once I'd added a few highlights of color to the rocks and water, it was time to let the white paint in the water fall dry for a couple of days.

STEP 5

With some finishing touches to the background trees, additional details added to the water, and highlighting of the pool in the foreground, I was ready to finish off the boulder in the lower right and sign my name. "Screw Auger Falls" is now complete!

To view a larger version of this completed painting, please visit http://www.brendakenney.com/

My Word of the Year; "Grace"

What makes people create?

It's a question that I've often asked myself, in my continual search for motivation. Is it merely the pleasure of putting a brush to the canvas, the process? Or is it seeing a project completed, the end result....the feed back? Are other's, like myself, urged forward by some hidden force, a driving desire to succeed? A compelling voice that refuses to give in, or listen to those who might say, "you'll never make a living at that." What exactly is it, that makes an artist (all creative people) feel destined to be an artist, even when it's not thought of as a financially sound occupation?

I've often wondered why my passion has always flowed through anything artistic. Surely, I could just put my efforts into calculating numbers and make great sums of money as an accountant. Why isn't that satisfying? Or, perhaps, I could become an office manager, or a customer service rep., or even teach pre-school? Sadly, I've done all of those things.....but, the compelling voice still calls, and does not let me "be". It does not let me settle into anything that does not involve painting, music, and creativity.

I was recently reading a blog by Christine Kane, a musician and song writer, who has designated December as the Word-of-the-Year Month. Several guest bloggers have commented about a specific "word-of-the-year"....a word or words that have meant something to them, influenced who they are, and what they've accomplished. I mention this, not only because I found the creative writings on Christine's blog quite insightful, but also because it brought to mind a specific word that may have meaning for me personally..... the answer to the question, "why must I create?".

Grace. It is a simple word really, and probably means different things to different people. But, for me, it signifies an inner passion, a compelling voice unwilling to surrender. It symbolizes a desire to portray that which has beauty, a willingness to share peace and tranquility. While it also upholds honesty, and an acceptance of "what will be, will be." It recognizes a divine force which compels each of us to follow a path meant only for us, no matter where that path may lead. No one knows the outcome, except Grace. Grace, is a word that has affected my life, not only in it's influence on my work, but in my ability to accept, and to be patient in finding the right path for me. It is the defining factor that keeps me on that path, despite the influences of money or opposing opinions. Grace is forgiving, if I should wander.

What is it that makes people create? I can not answer the question for anyone but myself. I only know that I must, and I do believe Grace is pulling for me.

I wish all of you a peaceful holiday season, and a successful New Year. May Grace be with you, too....in all that you do.

Happy creating!

Classical Music from Blaine Lee!

Just in time for Christmas, a new release from my very talented cousin, Blaine Lee!
Art work contributed by David Sommers and Brenda L.B. Kenney.

Announcing the anticipated release of "A New Beginning"- the first CD from Blaine Lee.
The CD features solo vocal music from the 16th through the early 20th centuries. Art songs, lieder, opera arias, and popular songs are represented. It also features the talents of local Alaskan musicians: Fireside String Quartet (Linda Olson -1st violin, Joy Davidson - 2nd violin, Wendy Taylor - viola, and Nanette Lundell - cello), Naomi Stamoolis - oboe and English horn, Joel Stamoolis - classical guitar, and Freya Wardlaw-Bailey - piano.
The beautiful artwork was contributed by David Sommers (Blaine's brother-in-law) and Brenda L. B. Kenney (Blaine's cousin). Crystal Clear Creative of Wasilla provided the graphic design.
CD's can be purchased for $19.95 in Wasilla at Matanuska Music and Pandemonium Booksellers, in Palmer at Fireside Books, in Anchorage at Keyboard Cache, and online, within approximately one week at www.cdbaby.com . Digital downloads will be available within approximately one week at the following sites: cdbaby.com, Apple iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon MP3, eMusic, Verizon V-CAST, Liquid Digital Media, PayPlay, Audio Lunchbox, GroupieTunes, and Ruckus.

For more information contact Blaine at:
P. O. Box 3194
Palmer, Alaska 99645
(907) 373-2978
bcablee@ak.net

Painting: "First Steps"

The area surrounding our home is often frequented by wild-life. On any given day, it is not unusual to see fox, turkey, hawks, osprey, partridge, deer (sometimes with a new born fawn), hummingbirds, porcupine, skunks, and snakes (ugh! sorry...I just don't care for the snakes!) On many occasions we have had a bear or moose meander across our front or back yard, tromping through without a care. There was even a bull moose in our cellar hole before we built the house.....but that's another story for another day!


One morning, a year ago this spring, my husband and I were sitting on our front porch enjoying a cup of coffee, when all of a sudden a large cow moose stepped out of the woods near our driveway, just below the house. Of course, it's always exciting to see a moose in your yard. But, just imagine our surprise when she was soon followed by two fuzzy, very young, wobbly legged offspring!


The cow stood looking at us sitting on the porch for a few moments, and then slowly turned and walked down the drive, followed closely behind by the twins. It was obvious they had been born only a short time before, as they wobbled and swayed, bumping into each other and their mother, attempting to keep up with her.


My husband quickly went to get the camera, and then followed cautiously, not wanting to startle the twins, or unnerve their mother. A short distance down the drive, she stopped, and nudged her little ones into a pose, just long enough for my husband to snap a couple of pictures. She seemed to be introducing them, and we were thrilled to have witnessed their first "coming out".


Throughout the summer, the twins were spotted around the neighborhood, and we are certain they were the same pair that trotted across our back yard, later in the fall. At that point, they were well on their way to becoming full grown, and they were quick to move across the lawn and back into the woods. As fate would have it, however, one of them was hit by a vehicle, only a few days later. It was a sad reality, which unfortunately is a part of life in the north country.


Their short visit, both to our yard and to this earth, did cause us to reflect on how fleeting moments can be, and how important it is to remember to simply stop and take notice. We're so pleased we had the opportunity to see the twins that morning, and we were lucky to have captured a picture of their first adventure. The image has since remained on my "must do" list, and has finally become the subject of one of my most recent paintings. "First Steps" is my rendition of the twins with their mother....a tribute to their first introduction into this often very wobbly world.

Please stop by my booth to view this painting at the CRAG Art Show, during the 16th Annual Moose Festival, on August 24th, in Colebrook, NH.

Painting: "Lupine's Dance"

Sugar Hill is one of several NH towns to celebrate the annual Lupine Festival. Each year hundreds of people travel to the quaint village north of Franconia Notch, to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding White Mountains, and walk among the fields of lavender and pink lupine blooming in the foreground. I was thrilled to have the chance to travel to Sugar Hill, a week ago Friday, to join two other members of NHPleinair, for a day of painting on location. What a beautiful day!
(That painting is not quite complete, but I hope to have it posted soon.)

This is also the time of year when lupine bloom along the road sides and small clearings throughout the north country. Because of the cooler climate, Pittsburg's lupine are a little behind the rest, but well worth the wait.

In anticipation of the festival at Sugar Hill, I searched back through my archives of photographs, and came across an image I had taken last year...of a glowing patch of lupine growing along Rte 3, to the northern end of town. "Lupine's Dance" is a just a fun little 8x10 oil painting, created in the celebration of their return.

Price & Description

Painting: "Autumn's Retreat"

Last fall, several members of NHPleinair traveled to The Balsam's in Dixville Notch, to participate in a workshop given by renowned artist Peter Granucci. It was a pleasure to be among the students who participated in the week-end long event, and I so enjoyed having the opportunity to be a "day tripper", traveling over to the Balsams from Pittsburg. It was a chance to learn from one of the best, while indulging in the luxurious surroundings and tasty cuisine known only to the Balsams.
All I can say is...what a week-end!

Fall, however, can be quite the jokester in its attempt to be unpredictable. We arrived on Thursday to warm sun, and brilliantly colored landscapes, only to be blessed with the first snow of the season by early Saturday morning. The raw temperatures kept many of us painting indoors, with our easels set before the large windows facing the mountainous views. We had to search for hints of orange and red peeking from beneath the white blanket, which now covered what was the last of the autumn foliage. But, even still, we came away with beautiful images of one season escaping, while the next one arrived.

"Autumn's Retreat" is a view from one of those windows, looking west toward Rte. 26. The quiet peacefulness of the empty bench, and the last remnants of the orange leaves clinging to the trees, influenced my decision on the title. Of course, The Balsams is a wonderful retreat, no matter the season, or the unpredictability of the weather.

Price & Description

Painting: "Prelude to Ice Out"

There is a time, right before Spring arrives, when winter temperatures hover and refuse to let go. It's a time when we anticipate the changes yet to come, and anxiously watch for signs of the new season.

During this short fleeting time, mother nature creates a wonder of color, and sends floating geometric shapes crashing together between the widening edges of the emerging shoreline and the slate blue ice of the frozen lakes. Winter's remnants crack and moan, pressed to non-existence by swirling spring winds and the warming sun.

"Prelude to Ice Out" is a view of this special wonder, as seen along the edge of Lake Francis, from the top of Murphy Dam, in Pittsburg, NH.

Price & Description

Painting: "Apples & Grapes"

Sometimes, it's just necessary to try something new and different. This small piece, titled "Apples & Grapes", was a subtle exercise in change. It's the first oil painting I've completed on a canvas measuring only 5" x 7". The limited size was indeed an interesting exercise in creating a balanced composition on such a small scale. But, I also found it a release to size down my expectations, and create this one "just for fun".

Price & Description

The White Mountains: Then & Now

Introduction to a Historical Series on the White Mountains

My trip to the Bartlett area last year sparked my curiosity about the history of the White Mountain region, the Grand Hotels that once loomed admidst the landscape, and the artists who were an integral part of recording the images of the time.

I've been doing some research over the past year, while exploring different landmarks of the area myself. In my search for information, I've discovered some interesting "connections" and facts that I have found intriguing and worthy of mention.

Over the next several months (perhaps longer) I plan to write a series of articles reflecting on those topics as they relate to each other, while connecting the past to our world of today. To organize the articles in some form of reasonable order, I've decided to begin the series with the subjects located nearest No. Conway, and then proceed north to Jackson & Pinkham Notch, west through Bartlett & Crawford Notch, north to Jefferson, west through Whitefield, south to Littleton, Bethlehem & Franconia, south through Franconia Notch, to Woodstock & Lincoln, and east returning to Conway.
It is a loop referred to as the Multi-Notch Mountain Loop, and is similar to the regional order presented in the White Mountain Artists Exhibition, still on display at the NH Museum of History, in Concord.

There is much to write about, with much to explore. I have several topics of interest to investigate as I begin this journey, interweaving tidbits of historical mystery, with the many artistic contributions from our past and present.

Artist's Week-end in Bartlett

The weather in May is always unpredictable, and there was no exception to the norm from May 17th to the 20th. The days prior were hot, and the days following were hotter. But the stubborn, cool temps. and a steady drizzle clung to that particular week-end, as if spring was trying to get even with the encroaching summer. Luckily, the damp weather did not dampen our creative spirits!

I was one of several artists from New England, attending the artist's week-end in Bartlett, NH. This was the second time I'd traveled to the area to indulge in some plein air painting, and to enjoy the company of several other creative peers. Aside from the damp weather, the trip was, again, a fun learning experience and a perfect opportunity to practice painting on location. It was so nice to have had the opportunity to see some familiar faces, and to have met several others who share my love for art.

Our hosts Miriam and Nick, owners of the Bartlett Inn, did a wonderful job of making all of us feel welcome and at home. They prepared an excellent breakfast each morning, and were more than supportive of our painting efforts, as they let us take over the Inn's living room with our renditions of the area's scenic locations.

Byron Carr gave two demonstrations, one in oil and one in watercolor. He did an excellent job in demonstrating his "free spirited" technique, entertaining us with his wonderful talent and quick sense of humor. Miriam and Nick winced only once or twice, as they jokingly commented that flying paint was no problem...they would be repainting and remodeling soon.

Sharon Allen, moderator of NHPleinair, also helped to coordinate the week-end by posting the event to the yahoo groups web site.

It was again a pleasure to have been part of the event. I so much enjoyed meeting with and talking to all those who attended. My thanks to those who offered their support, painting tips and marketing info., and for the great artistic company. A special thanks to fellow Pittsburg artists, Cindy and Deb, for making the trip with me. I'm already looking forward to a return visit....rain or shine!

"Lower Falls", Kancamagus Highway

This was one of the paintings I was able to complete on my recent trip to Bartlett, NH. A sheltered picnic table near the fast flowing river, was a great location to paint, as we attempted to keep dry. Roaring rapids from the rains, and the many rock formations created several interesting, yet challenging, compositions. The rain and cold temperatures probably helped to emphasize the loose brush strokes and impressionistic style of this painting, which is actually quite different than most of the paintings I've completed in studio. I've found that I paint a whole lot faster when it's cold!

"Lower Falls", Kancamagus Highway, Albany, NH.
Plein Air Painting
9 x 12 Canvas, mounted on maple panel
Framed: $200.00

Mattie Coolidge Crawford: A Pre-History

Introduction
Mattie Coolidge Crawford was indeed an interesting and admirable woman. As mentioned in my previous articles about Old Home Crawford, I have been reading the biographical book titled “Your Grandmother, A Memoir of Mattie Coolidge Crawford”, written and privately printed in 1945 by her husband Fred E.Crawford. This book about her life, her work as an artist, and her continued devotion to her family and community is more than inspirational.

In this post, I begin a series of articles to be written about Mattie, her family, and the Crawfords. It is my intention to provide inspiration and facts as I have found them, giving credit to the memoirs as written by Fred Crawford. I welcome additional information, and incite from anyone who can contribute to her story. Please also feel free to offer corrections if warranted. I hope you will enjoy seeing some of her beautiful paintings, and reading about her life’s work and accomplishments.

An Ancestral History
To describe someone in depth, it is important to know their history. Where did they come from? Who were their ancestors? What contributed to their becoming the person they turned out to be? We begin with a look at the history leading up to the birth of Mattie Coolidge Crawford.

Mattie Sturtevant Coolidge was born June 4, 1861, in Watertown, MA. She was the daughter of John Coolidge and Martha Jane Sturtevant.

Nine generations before, in 1630, a young family crossed the Altantic Ocean from Cottenham, England. John and Mary Coolidge came to Watertown with their eldest son John, and the family has since earned a highly regarded reputation for their notable accomplishments.


John and Mary lived in Watertown for 60 years, during which time John became one of the founders of the town, and held town office for several years, serving as selectmen, and on various committees or commissions. He was also a deputy to the Great and General Court, today known as the Legislature. John and Mary passed away in May and August of 1691, and are buried in "the old burial ground", as referenced in Fred Crawford's book.

John and Mary had eight children, many of whom moved to other areas of the country. However, the branch of the family from which Mattie Coolidge was descended, remained in Watertown, living within three-quarters of a mile from the original Coolidge homestead.

Joseph Coolidge was of the fifth generation descended from John and Mary, and was also a public spirited man. In 1775, he held the town office of Collector of Taxes.

On the morning of April 19th, 1775, Joseph was plowing one of his fields, when an unknown man named Paul Revere approached to tell him the British soldiers had crossed the Charles River, from Boston to Cambridge, and headed to Lexington & Concord. Hearing the news, Joseph quickly drove his oxen to stable, grabbed his gun and ammunition, and instructed his wife Eunice to bury the town's money.

He went to the Watertown Village, where other Minute Men had gathered. Ranking Officer, General Heath, directed Joseph to guide the men from Natick on to Lexington, while the Watertown men were sent to the bridge at Boylston Str. in Cambridge.

Joseph and the men from Natick reached Lexington as the Redcoats were returning from Concord. Late that afternoon, Joseph was killed during the battle that ensued near East Lexington. He was the only man from Watertown killed in that famous battle, leaving behind his widow Eunice, and their seven small children.


John Coolidge , aka Deacon John, was born Oct. 5, 1796, and was the grandson of Joseph. He had for many years lived in the same house that Joseph left on that fatal day. In the late 1840's John built and moved into a larger house on the other side of Grove Str.

(It is interesting to note at this point that a young Harry Crawford, worked for Deacon John Coolidge for a time. Harry was Fred E. Crawford's brother, the author of the memoirs that have been an inspiration for this series of articles. Harry later joined the 49er's and went to California. Which I'm sure is a story all unto itself!)

Deacon John married Mary Stone Bond, and it was their son, John Coolidge, Jr., and his wife Martha Jane Sturtevant from Oakland, Maine, who would become the parents of Mattie Coolidge.

It is also of interest to mention that President John Calvin Coolidge was of the ninth generation descended from the original immigrants John and Mary Coolidge. His lineage, however, follows a different line of descendants, beginning with Simon, brother to the little boy John, who accompanied his parents to America.

Please stay tuned for my next article titled "Mattie Coolidge Crawford: The Beginning."

News about "Old Home Crawford"

Several months ago, on July 6, 2006, I posted an article featuring a little waterwheel in Guildhall, VT, which is located on a farm once owned by a Fred C. Crawford. The farm is often referred to as Old Home Crawford, and the waterwheel became a subject of one of my paintings, which I titled "The Old Waterwheel". Here is a link to the original article.
OLD HOME CRAWFORD

Some Background Information
The original article about the waterwheel, included a letter written by a friend of mine, John Amey, who gave me some interesting historical facts about the farm, and the Crawford family. Using the information John had provided, I decided to do a little historical research on the farm, and the Crawfords. Fred C. was well known for his work in the aeronomics and automotive industries, and was a major presence in Cleveland, OH. His father, Fred E. Crawford, was a lawyer who lived and worked in Watertown, MA. He wrote and privately published two wonderful books of memoirs, one about his father Oramel Crawford, and one about his wife, Mattie Coolidge Crawford. Mattie was an artist, and many of her beautiful water color paintings are included in the book, along with pictures of her and her family. Mattie is also decended from the same John Coolidge of Cottenham, England that is the distant grand-father of our 30th President, Calvin John Coolidge. Over the next few weeks. I'd like to share some of the exerpts and images included in the book about Mattie, and hope you will find them as interesting as I have.

Following Up on Old Home Crawford, and "The Old Waterwheel"
After posting the article, I was thrilled to receive an email from a Dr. John Thomas, Assoc. Professor of Biology, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Dr. Thomas is the great-grandson of Mattie Coolidge Crawford, and with his permission, I'd like to share his comments about the article.

August 12, 2006
Wow I really appreciate the comments about my relatives, especially my great uncle FC Crawford. I would be happy to contribute. There are many paintings by my great grandmother Mattie that we have distributed in our family. I have several. Do you think it would interesting to post some of the work on line? There is quite a bit and I think there is a text regarding her work someplace. I will look.
Dr. John Thomas
Associate Professor of Biology
University of Michigan-Dearborn

On Sept. 11, 2006, I received an email from Alan H. Davis, Sr., a chemistry professor at Plymouth State University, here in NH.

Brenda:
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alan H. Davis and I with my wife Susan K. Swope are currently the owners of the main parcel of the Crawford place which includes the water wheel. I picked up your e-mail message on historical tidbits. The water wheel is not currently working, but it is my intention to make it operational as soon as I get some time and money. I think I know the problem. I also have copies of the books you mentioned as well as some other things. It was interesting to read your post. The water wheel gets a lot of attention from people who stop by to take pictures.
Regards Al. And Sue

Of course, I was thrilled to hear from Alan, and to learn that he had plans to restore the mill. I wrote to inquire whether he would mind sharing information about the project as it moves forward, to which he graciously agreed. So, I do hope to have other pictures and information to post about the waterwheel, as Alan works to make it operational again.

Just before Christmas, I received a call from Alan's wife Susan Swope, also a chemistry professor at Plymouth State. Susan called to inquire about the painting of the waterwheel. I am quite honored to say that Susan purchased the painting for Alan as a Christmas gift, and that the painting is now in their private collection. I am so pleased that "The Old Waterwheel" has found a home, where it truly belongs.

The mystery of Old Home Crawford, and the little waterwheel has certainly been intriguing, and I have enjoyed this wonderful journey thus far. There is much more to tell, about the Crawfords, the Coolidges, and their lives in the north country. I do hope you'll stay tuned, and that you'll join me on this historical adventure.

Until next time,

Happy Creating!