Career Tracker:
Paul Colombini
Paul Colombini, (who happens to be our son!), has been taking incredible photos of his world travels for the last 10 years. Paul has recently been accepted by the US State Department as a Foreign Service Officer with a concentration in economics, and he will be leaving soon for his first posting in Chad, located in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Also, we would like to announce his engagement to the very engaging Yoshino Ikezawa! Yoshino has been working as a Japanese teacher in Washington for seven years. They will be married in Olney on May 14, 2011. Here they are in New York:
Here are some of the photos Paul has taken from Italy, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and India:
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 Dear ARThouse friends,
This is the Month of Serious Work here at ARThouse! The weather has been generally cold and windy, a good time to stay inside the studio and paint! I've finished up two new "rubble" paintings and an unusual portrait, shown below.
Also I have been teaching two courses here at ARThouse, one called "Working Toward Abstraction" and the other "Watercolor 101". We are striking out into new territory in our abstract class, since most of us have not done much of this before. But it is good for my students and I to stretch our creative muscles and the results have been interesting. Stop by at ARThouse to take a look! We are open Wednesday - Sunday from 10-6.
Susan Avis Murphy |
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 AWS, Yes! The American Watercolor Society show in New York
I have exciting news! My painting, "America Loves Freedom", shown above, was accepted into the 144th International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society! The AWS is America's oldest watercolor society. It is based in New York at the Salmagundi Club on 5th Avenue and 12th St, and their annual show is undoubtably the most important watercolor show in America. I was thrilled to have my painting accepted by the jury of selection. The show takes place from April 6 - May 1.
If you are in New York at that time, I'm sure you would enjoy seeing it, but check the hours because they are limited. You can visit the AWS website at www.americanwatercolorsociety.org for further information and special events, such as demonstrations by leading artists in the field. I can't wait to see the show myself! --Sue
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We have launched a Facebook Page about ARThouse! Check it out--you don't have to be a member of Facebook. 
You'll find several photo albums showing pictures of ARThouse and ARThouse people, as well as our Student Show and a selection of paintings by myself, Susan Avis Murphy.
We'd love it if you would "Like" us and become a fan! Help to spread the word about ARThouse and contribute to our success!
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How to build an art collection you can be proud of:
Art reflects style. The kind of artwork you have on your walls is a reflection of you, your interests, your tastes, and your personal history. Let your artwork tell your story. More than any other element of home decor, artwork attracts the attention of visitors, and many are drawn to examine it minutely. It is just as important to invest in good artwork as in a new couch. Here are 5 tips for building an art collection you can be pround of: - Buy originals whenever you can afford it. Original paintings contain subtleties that no reproduction method can completely duplicate. They are inherently more valuable, and in today's economic climate are often a bargain.
- Buy from accomplished artists. Research the artist and look for a track record of accomplishments and credentials. That way you will be able to speak confidently about the artist and know they are not just a "flash in the pan". Do consider supporting early-career artists, though, if you feel strongly about their work.
- Buy artwork you love that speaks to you strongly. You will enjoy the painting for a long, long time if you really love it, and it will be worth every penny. Beautiful art in your environment can be very uplifting.
- Have the painting framed well. Proper framing can really enhance an artwork, while the wrong framing can hurt it. We call it "the framing effect". The right proportions of mat to image, the right colors, and a frame that belongs on the painting are all elements of a classy design.
- Smaller works are easier to collect and to hang. Of course you need several large paintings for prime locations, and those should be originals if at all possible. But smaller originals can be "little gems" that can be hung almost anywhere, regardless of your decor. The eclectic style of decorating popular today allows us to tuck a favorite artwork in any small space.
Check out my blog article "Building an art collection you can be proud of" for more thoughts about buying and displaying fine art: www.susanmurphy.blogspot.com Here is that portrait painting I promised to show you:  | |
"The Martyr" 12x15" original watercolor by Susan Avis Murphy, based on a sculpture by Joseph Shepphard of St. Sebastian
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ARThouse is a unique studio and gallery located in Sandy Spring, Maryland, about 10 miles north of Washington, DC. It is the original studio of watercolorist Susan Avis Murphy, and has been expanded to also showcase and sell the work of other excellent artists from the Washington metropolitan area. Also adult classes in watercolor and drawing are taught at ARThouse.
ARThouse is open to the public almost daily and is the venue for special art shows several times per year. Join our mailing list by emailing us at susan@susanavismurphy.com and you will receive invitations to the shows and special announcements.
Contact information:
Susan Murphy, owner and manager
ARThouse is located near Olney, MD at:
17520 Doctor Bird Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
email: susan@susanavismurphy.com
phone: 301-774-3418
hours: Wed.- Sun. 10am-6pm
open Mon. & Tues. by appointment
open evenings by appointment |
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