Pikes Peak Welcome - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

First Plein Air Painting of the Season

"Pikes Peak Welcome"

original oil on gessoed panel

6" x 12" x 3/8" 

painting continues arounds sides for a beautiful finish.

Can a landscape love you back?

This was the first plein air painting of the season.    The lure of the outdoors has been on me lately - the freshening breezes of spring, birds and bees humming in the blooming garden, sudden brightening of color - all have been sending the siren song - "come out, come out and play with us - and bring your paints!".  But here I was, rusty, awkward, and gawky -  unfamiliar with my outdoor equipment after months of studio painting.   I thought I'd better ease into this plein air thing, unsure as I was feeling, yet anxious and exhilarated, too, at the prospect of being out in the real world with my paints again!

So,  I thought I'd visit an old and trusted friend - I went to paint Pikes Peak and the Gateway Rocks.  We love the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, and I think they love us back. I sure felt welcomed by my old friends today!

My Website

Open to the Sun - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

“Open to the Sun”   

Mini Masterpiece from the

Denver Botanic Gardens Series

Original oil on panel 12” x 6”

I’ve been  creating a series of paintings from a late season visit to the

Denver Botanic Gardens.  This painting is a humble homage to some of my favorite painters – of course, Monet, but also Gustav Klimt.  Why Klimt?  We always think of Monet, the master, when it comes to waterlilies, but for some reason Klimt kept coming to me as I contemplated this painting.  

Gustav Klimt, known for his gorgeous mosaic-like masterworks such as “the Kiss”, also created many landscape, lake and garden paintings.  Many of these paintings were created in a long vertical format. The  composition, mosaic-like brushstrokes and water all remind me of  Klimt’s ethereal paintings.    As artists, we are often  inspired by those who have come before us –  whose hand and eye have translated the world into unique expressions of beauty and grace.

MY WEBSITE

Small Moments

"Starlit Night" 

 original oil on canvas, 20" x 10" x 1.5"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

Sometimes it's not the big events that make the best memories and moments in life, but the small ones - like a walk on a starry night of the new moon.  It's dark and crystal clear, and the stars and planets shimmer and glow in the deep winter night because the moon isn't stealing the show. 

Jack and I and Piper saw this view a few weeks ago on a night time walk, and I carried the sight carefully all the way home, a vision of stillness and quiet and starlight.  Once home,  I made a sketch before the memory faded, and created this painting in acknowledgement of small, beautiful, precious moments like this. 

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK!

April 6, 5:00 - 8:00pm

at my gallery here in Old Colorado City

The Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery

2522 W. Colorado Avenue

Come on out, enjoy a beautiful spring evening, and come by and say hello -

I'd love to see you!

Summer's Mosaic original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Summer's Mosaic" - original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8" 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

Mini Masterpiece Collection

 It's been wonderful to be at my new little "petite galerie" here in Old Colorado City -

I love looking out my door, and seeing the changing light over the mountains, just south and west a little - and "hanging out on the ave", I've gotten to visit with friends I haven't seen in a good long while, and met new friends too.  

 The comments I've gotten about the new space are "this is such a charming space!" - "this is so cute" and "wow - it's a lot bigger inside than it looks from outside!"  and "do you paint here?!?" 

- you'll just have to come and see for yourself, and see the new additions to my 

Mini Masterpiece collection too.

 I'll be at the gallery  Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 - 5:00 

Stop by and say hi, and see what new "Mini Masterpiece"  I have in process on the easel. 

I'd love to see you!  

Laura 

Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery

2522A W. Colorado Avenue, 80904

in Old Colorado City (next to the Soap Box)

719-650-1427

"100 for $100" Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery Grand Opening Show and Sale!

Dear Friends - 

I have exciting news!

Please come and help me celebrate the Grand Opening of my newest artventure,

the Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery - 
the Biggest Little Gallery in the southwest!

  

My new gallery is located at 2522A W. Colorado Avenue,

in Old Colorado City, (next to the Soap Box)

We just don't always know what fate or heaven might have planned for us, 

and what leaps of faith we just might take  - 

  

I was looking for a temporary location to present  my Mini Masterpiece "100 for $100" show when I saw the space at 2522A W. Colorado Avenue, in Old Colorado City.     When I peeked in the window, it was love at first sight!  I am so looking forward to having a gallery again, and sharing my paintings with you in person.   I plan on being open most afternoons, but don't have a set schedule just yet.  In the meantime, please come next weekend to see my show!  

"100 for $100"

Grand Opening Show and Sale

100 Mini Masterpiece original oil paintings for $100 each

Friday, February 24, 4 - 7 pm

Saturday, February 25, 11 am - 4 pm 

Sunday, February 26, 11 am - 4 pm

Here's a couple of "sneak peaks" of some of the Mini Masterpieces for you to preview.

SOLD

"Autumn Snow - Pikes Peak" 

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8", 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

SOLD

"Now You See It"

original oil on gessoed panel, 10" x 8" x 3/8"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

"Twilight in Gothic" - SOLD

original oil painting on gessoed panel

6" x 12" x 3/8", painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

When I Think of You original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"When I Think of You"

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 10" x 3/8"

paintings continue around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

I love to paint poppies - the beautiful reds are so vibrant and alive and a great excuse to play with red paint!  I feel a little poetry comes on too - like "when I think of you".

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Georgetown Window original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Georgetown Window"

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

click to bid in the auction

A painting from Georgetown, Colorado.  This lovely little town is full of charming vignettes like this one!

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Email Me

Hilltop Sunrise - 36" x 36" Work in Progress - Underpainting

A Larger Studio Painting

 

SOLD

"Up on the Hill", original oil on panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8"

I often find that some of my smaller paintings and studies inspire me to create larger studio

 paintings.  I like to think of these explorations as perhaps a 

short story - the small painting  - and a full length novel - the larger studio painting. 

The smaller study may be a simple, spare and elegant statement.  The larger studio painting is a richer, deeper exploration of the original theme, with nuances and resonances not possible in the smaller format.  

Each painting is a work of art on it's own, with it's own story to tell.

In the studio, with "Up on the Hill", the original small painting.

Many of these daily paintings I've been working on intrigue me, 

and could be the start of larger paintings, as this one is.

"Hilltop Sunrise" - first layers.  

I'll keep you posted as the painting progresses - can't wait to see the rest of the story!

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Reflections on a Pond original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Reflections on a Pond"

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

This painting is one of a series created from a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens in October.  It's amazing how much beautiful color still appears in late autumn, in the dry grasses and turning leaves.

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Email Me

"A Poem for the Fall" - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"A Poem for the Fall"

original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8"

 painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

This painting is from one of my favorite locations here in Colorado Springs, to hike, paint, and enjoy the serenity of nature - Sondermann Park.  There's a creek that wanders through a protected wetlands, full of wildlife and birds.  I've come across walkers and bikers and classes of kids experiencing science in the wild.    I've often painted here, delighting  in the brilliant hues of the fall foliage.  

A Note About My Daily Painting Practice

    This is a significant creative challenge, painting a small work of art  every day or so.  It's upped the ante for me as an artist and as a creative professional - how best to make a profound and meaningful statement, visually, about my chosen subject - make it good, make it meaningful, make it the best painting I am capable of - and not as easy as one might think,  to create a compelling work of  art on a small scale. I am loving it!  Thanks for sharing my journey.

My Website

"Glints of Autumn" original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Glints of Autumn"

original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8",

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

Jack said  this painting reminds him of all the times we've spent on warm fall afternoons, 

hanging out by the creek, enjoying the fall sunshine and breezes, just messing around.  

Spent many an enjoyable afternoon that way, with various kids, friends, and dogs!

"Path to the River" original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

"Path to the River"

original oil on panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8" 

 painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

click to bid in the auction

There's a path I often take with my dog Piper. 

It winds through the tall grass, offering tempting glimpses of the silver river along the way.  

The warm golden grasses are especially appealing this time of year.  Piper likes the grasses too - she's sure she's going to get a mouse one of these days - no luck so far, but hope springs eternal!

"Winterset" - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Winterset"
original oil on panel, 6" x 12" x 3/8"
painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.
click to bid in the auction


Welcome! to all the new subscribers  
 to my blog, and Thank you! to everyone of you for your continued interest in my paintings. 
 I look forward to sharing my creative journey with you, and perhaps surprising and delighting you too.  


 Before I really learned to look at the landscape, to be able to paint it, I used to find winter very dull and uninspiring.  Now, since I've learned to really look,  I find the color that appears at this time of year has a quality of magic and mystery to it - very evocative and poetic.  

"Lavender Rest" original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Lavender Rest" 

8" x 8" x 3/8" original oil on gessoed panel, 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

This is another painting from my Lavender Fields  series - 

 Paola's young nieces were taking a little break from their work harvesting the fragrant blooming lavender - they looked so charming I had to paint them - but waited til now, when the memory of the sun and warmth and fragrance could warm the winter studio!

"Lavender Memories" original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Lavender Memories" 

8" x 8" x 3/8" original oil on gessoed panel, 

painting continues arounds sides for a beautiful finish

click to bid in the auction!

 I still smell the fragrant scent of the lavender as it heats up in the sun. 

This painting is one of a continuing series of paintings from 

my trip in 2010 to Palisade, Colorado to paint 

in the blooming lavender fields.

Thank you, Lavender Association of Western Colorado!

My Daily Paintworks Auctions

My Website

Autumn's Shining Path original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Autumn's Shining Path" 

 original oil on gessoed panel

12" x 6" x 3/8" - painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction!

I've started something new for 2012, and am having so much fun with it!  I am now a member of Daily Paintworks, and have joined the "painting a day" artists' movement  - a new, small original oil painting created about every day, and posted to this wonderful art-only auction site.  This is something I've wanted to do for a long time - as you may know, I have always been charmed by the magic of small things.  There's a special  intimacy to the scale of smaller paintings,  and also a significant challenge for the painter - can a small work of art be as compelling or dramatic or moving as something created on a larger scale?  Also, as an avid art collector myself, I can always find a spot for another small gem!  Enjoy!

Breezy Poppies original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Breezy Poppies"  - a little memory of summer, to brighten the winter days.

original oil painting on panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8" - 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

At Auction

Each season has it's own gifts, and winter is no exception. It's a great time to be in the studio, re-visiting subjects and locations from earlier in the year, in new ways.   I have a chance to explore nuances of color and expression that painting on location doesn't allow.  

In this painting I used the brush and paint to express the

lightness of spirit I feel when I see poppies in bloom. 

contact Laura

my website

"Lightfall in the Garden" original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD  "Lightfall in the Garden", original oil painting, 10" x 20" x 3/4"
painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

Painted just last week in Garden of the Gods,
just before the sun went behind the mountain.
Fabulous fall color!

This painting and many more will be available 

at  my home studio, during the 

Ninth Annual Pikes Peak Studio Tour weekend! (click for details!)

November 12 and 13

My studio is #7 on the Studio Tour map -

I'll have lots of wonderful paintings to share,

so come for a fun-and-artful weekend!

I look forward to seeing you!

(Psst - can't wait til the tour weekend?  - email me to buy this painting now!)

Summer Wildflowers original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Summer Wildflowers" - Crested Butte - original oil on panel, 8" x 8", 

ready to hang or display on it's own signed easel! 

  

This gem of a painting and many more will be available 

at  my home studio, during the 

Ninth Annual Pikes Peak Studio Tour! (click for details!)

November 12 and 13

I'll have lots of wonderful paintings to share, so come for a fun-and-artful weekend!

I look forward to seeing you!

(Psst - can't wait til the tour weekend?  - email me to buy this painting now!)

"Eternal Sunshine", original oil painting by Laura Reilly

"Eternal Sunshine", original oil painting, 12" x 30" x 1.5" -
 painting  continues around sides for a beautiful finish
$575, free shipping in continental U.S.


Summer is on the wane, with Autumn not far behind -
 but Chip's sunflowers are still a delight to behold, and to paint!

my website

email Laura

"Home of the Peaceful Bee" - original oil painting by Laura Reilly

"Home of the Peaceful Bee" - original oil on panel, 8" x 8", dark frame 

painted on location at the Peaceful Bee Lavender Farm, Palisade, Colorado
this painting is available at
 Wish! Boutique 719-685-9777

Warmth  of summer sun

Hum of busy bees

Fragrant lavender perfumes the air!

Thank you!  To all of my art friends, for your wonderful interest in my painting journey - I have much to share with you from my wanderings this summer - stay tuned, there's more to come. 

and you have an Open Invitation!  any time to visit my home studio - give me a call when you're next in town, or if you have visitors you'd like to bring by -   just call me ahead of time, at
719-650-1427, so I don't miss you!  I'd love to see you!

"Early Summer on Rampart Range" original plein air oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Early Summer on Rampart Range" - original oil on panel, 14" x 11"
This painting will be in the

Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters Art Show

Opening Reception this Friday, June 17, 5:00 - 8:30 pm

Hosted by:    

7-Arrows Gallery 

Time: 5 PM to 8:30 PM   Awards Presentation at 7 PM

            118 West Midland Ave. - Downtown Woodland Park. 719-761-1676

Please come to the show!  I painted this last week, up on Rampart Range Road, for the
Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters Show
at Seven Arrows Gallery in Woodland Park this Friday.

It was just beautiful - cool clear blue skies, the lovely early green of the aspens,
 and blooming yellow peas under the trees.

It was Piper's first outing as a plein-air dog too - she was a wonderful companion!

Hope to see you Friday Night - it will be fun!

"Magic Garden" original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Magic Garden" original oil painting diptych on canvas  -  20" x 40" x 1.5"

 Two pieces, painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

Dear Friends - hot off the easel - something new to celebrate late spring and early summer!

"Victorian Gardens", original Impressionist Garden Painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Victorian Gardens", original oil painting, 6" x 6"

A little taste of things to come - the showery, rainy

weather we're having now will make it possible

for us to soon enjoy beautiful gardens like these

 in Old Colorado City.  Enjoy - and anticipate!

"Flowering Quince", original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

"Flowering Quince", oil original, 6" x 6", gold frame

this painting available at Wish Boutique

It seems like we all make things harder than they have to be.  In my case, what to say about this painting? Thinking of how it came to be - Rheta's wonderful "cheese sandwich", with great conversation on the side, the glorious coral-colored quince in full bloom in her garden, how gardener's share plants, and tips, and meanings and nuances and stories - just like writers and artists, poets and friends and family.   and, of course the painting speaks for me, and says all of that and more.   

What do you make "harder than it has to be"???!!

 Your comments are appreciated - thank you!

"Apple Blossom Time", original oil painting by Laura Reilly

“Apple Blossom Time”, oil original, 6” x 6”, gold frame
this painting available at Wish Boutique

Yes, I know – it’s really sweet!  But I couldn’t resist – one more lovely little
painting of Tony’s Happy Apple Orchard in Penrose, Colorado.
Sometimes, somedays, some moments – the world really is nice like that!

And the Winner Is!
I am thrilled to announce the results of the drawing for my painting,

“If Only For A While”

Stephanie Merchant Johnson
of Colorado Springs, step right up – you are the winner!

A special thanks to every one of you who have signed up to

“subscribe to” and “follow” my newblog – you’re the best! 

I hope to continue to surprise and delight you in the coming weeks. 

Thank you!

Tony's Orchard, Original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Tony's Orchard", original oil painting, 11" x 14"

click here to purchase or inquire about this painting, and to see a larger view

Delicate snowfall

White perfume is in the air -

          Ah! Apple orchard!                

                                      copyright Laura Reilly April 2011

Last week, I had the great pleasure to visit Tony’s Happy Apple Orchard in Penrose, Colorado, with the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters - a very cool spring morning, but all was lovely. This painting was completed on location in the orchard, with the delicate scent of the blooming apple trees filling the air. A great day to be alive, and to be a painter!

A special Thank you! goes out to L. G., for being the first collector to purchase a painting from my blog - "Coligny Windows" will now reside in Hot Springs, Arkansas - Thank you!

I welcome your comments - and thank you for your interest in my paintings.

"Come and Sit a While", Laura Reilly Oil Painting

“Come and Sit a While”

original oil painting, 6” x 6”, gold frame
this painting available at Wish Boutique

H

ere in Colorado, we are anxious for spring flowers and sunshine after the long winter.  This little bench sits among the flowers in the Demonstration Garden at Monument Valley Park.  It  reminds us that sometimes, the most important thing we can do in our busy lives is to take a rest, and relax in the space between two deep breaths – and say aah!  It’s great to be alive!

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer” – Leonardo da Vinci.

I welcome your comments – and thank you for your interest in my paintings!

Coligny Windows, painting of France, Laura Reilly Oil Paintings

"Coligny Windows" - original oil painting, 6" x 6", gold frame, $195

SOLD

The windows of this little cottage in the French village of Coligny are open to the sun.  They invite us to stay a little while,  enjoying the warm light, dappled shadows and brightly blooming flowers.

May your dreams take you to special places, to the windows of your opportunities – and may we all enjoy the flowers blooming outside our own windows today.

I welcome your comments – and thank you for your interest in my paintings!

Why Impressionism?

"If Only For A While" - original oil painting, 6" x 6", gold frame

Win This Painting - See Below!

Why Impressionism?

There are reasons Impressionism remains one of the best-loved styles in all the history of art. Shows of Impressionist paintings draw crowds of visitors who linger to soak up every joyous brushstroke.

Impressionist paintings make us feel good. We linger willingly, and lose ourselves in the contemplation of fleeting effects of light and vibrant, sparkling color. Impressionism allows us to remember and notice that, in spite of everything, the world has much in it of joy, hope, and possibility - and is really still that beautiful.

Win This Painting!

Everyone who subscribes to or becomes a follower of my weekly painting blog, by April 30, will be entered into a drawing to win the painting "If Only For A While".  Win it for yourself or a loved one - and I will ship it, free, to anywhere Fedex or the U.S. Postal Service will deliver.

  

How can you help? Please forward to a friend - and thank you! for your interest in my paintings.

Coming Soon!

A fool without fear is sometimes wiser than an angel with fear.
~ ~ ~ Lady Nancy Astor "My Two Countries"



No Fooling!  Beginning on Tuesday, April 5, I'll start posting to my new blog - with news from my studio, thoughts about painting and life as an artist - and, of course, my latest paintings hot off the easel for you to enjoy.  

Sign Up in the box on the right to receive my postings delivered directly to your email in box, and please invite a friend, if you think they'd enjoy it too.  - you can unsubscribe at any time. 

A teaser for next Tuesday - "Why Impressionism?" and Win This Painting! - everyone who signs up by the end of April will be entered in a drawing to win a free, original oil painting - to be revealed next week! 

See you here on Tuesday!