Last summer...Hummingbird dancing at the feeder.

©Silvana R. Siudut Photography

These little birds are so precious, they are very fast and very hard to photograph. 

The Kissing Angels

Kissing Angels - Acrylic

Blue velvet, lemons, white crochet doily, transparent mug glass, angels and more, all painted in here. The angels are kissing angels nevertheless, a boy and a girl. OK, both are wearing a dress, but I can tell the difference.

As any artist, at times I do paint a very strange assembly of "things", to the viewer's eyes maybe not all make much sense. When I collected objects and arranged them to make a "Still Life” it’s remembering the past...for some of the things, not all.

In this case, I have fond memories about the angels, which brings fond memories of the person who gave them to me, a long time ago. 

It was so long ago that the giver has disappeared into the land of blurriness, I can still see her in my minds' eye but not able to make out any details. I knew her for less than a year. How odd is it that most of us forget human features but can clearly remember how that person made us feel, even if almost forty years passed.

Anyway, back to the...angels. Her name was...? No, I do not remember it, I shall call her Irene. She was here from a foreign country, just like me, except that I came from a free country to a free country, but not her, her freedom was here in America.

I was getting married and my co-workers were happy for me gave me a party.

Irene came up to me and in her broken English, just like mine but with a different accent and said: "This is for you, please take it." I did and undid the bundle wrapped in newspaper, being very careful not to break anything. Two angels emerged, cute, innocent little figurines.

"Thanks so much, Irene, these are adorable," I said.

She then replied: "I am sorry, I wanted to get for you something more expensive but could not afford it. I am sorry that the girl angel has broken wings, I hope you will like it anyway."

It was then, looking at the back of the girl angel, that I noticed the missing wings. I thought  about the broken wings lost in a “la…la…somewhere.”

"Oh Irene, this is a beautiful gift, I shall cherish it forever."
And indeed I did!

Irene did not have the money to buy for me an expensive gift, but to me, it does not matter, the gift came from the heart and that is what counts! I was happy to receive it then and now I can still feel emotion-stirring my insides.

Thinking about Irene at times, I hope and pray that she is still in this country and free. As for me, someday I hope to earn my wings! 

The lemons are there just because I like them, especially the color.

"MY HEART DROP"

Photographing Ice -               "My Heart Drop"

This is one of those images that took me hours to achieve, shivering in the cold. It is part of my "Backyard Wonders" series. Most of the times I need not wonder to far from home to find treasures. Outside my studio door there is a Burning Bush Shrub, in the winter with no leaves left, just the red berry are left. Eventually the berries fall out and the only thing left is what you see in the photo.

With our cold New England winters and especially after an ice storm, everything lights up like a light bulbs when the sun comes out.

Well the sun came out as I clicked and like magic it lit up the ice drop, not only that but to me resembles the shape of a heart, hence the title: "My Heart Drop" Enjoy!

"WATER DANCE" Acrylic on Paper

"Water Dance" Acrylic on Paper -Silvana Siudut©

   Summertime in Boston, Ma… How wonderful it can be! For sure not everyone feels this way, but if you ever find yourselves in the midst of the Boston Public Gardens during summer, you will know what I mean.

   The above painting “Water Dance” is one of a series I did representing some of my absolute favorite spots at the BPG. The perfect resting place from the hustle and bustle of the city.

   When you enter those gates, you are in another world. When I was younger, I spent a lot more time at the Gardens: eating lunch there, walking through it after work, and just visiting it on weekends. If you like people watching, this is the place. When sitting there, on a park bench under the ancient Weeping Willows listening to the refreshing sound of one of the many fountains it is simply a pleasure. Late afternoon when the sun plays with shadows, the city quiets down, refreshing shade and fountain music: What more could one want?

   The fountain in my painting: “Boy and Bird” Bronze, was created by Baslka Paeff- Mrs. Samuel Waxman. (1893-1979) A Russian sculptor immigrated to the States. She was nicknamed the “Subway Sculptor” because she worked for the T at Park Street station.

   My series of paintings are large and would enrich and complement many fine settings.

A Gap in the Fence

A Gap in the Fence - Pencil    Silvana Siudut Copyrigthed

I did this pencil drawing some time ago. My brother was in the Army stationed in La Paz, Comayagua, Honduras and he spent time in this orphanage. They - the Army- used to visit every Thursday, and delivered food, water, clothes, and other supplies. This was back in 2000 and these children are teenagers now and just like back then, as of today, I do not know who they are or where they are now, or if they are even alive.

Just like then my heart goes out to them and all the children of this world that are suffering. I did some other renderings and a painting of others in this orphanage. Many of these children had to be in the infirmary in isolation-“They had malaria.”

The fence a symbol of protection against potential kidnappers makes the all thing even sadder. Looking at their little faces, I had and have the feeling that they are blessed with what always protects children: Innocence and adaptation.

Somehow, I was compelled to do this drawing and a painting. The way I figure it: "They do not know me from a hole in the wall, but I, seeing their pictures and according to what my brother told me, know of them!" And with my art and heart I told them "I am thinking about you dear little ones!" Maybe someday there is the hope that any of them may recognize themselves in the artwork and understand that my prayers and thoughts are with them. I wanted to pay homage to these children and the many others like in the world. There is in fact a “Gap in the fence” and the last child in the left shows is face clearly through it. Maybe someday the “Gap in the fence” will be big enough so that they can freely walk through it into a much better world.

Special thanks to the United States Army and the private benefactors that help and support them.

Artists' Vision of Lawrence-"It Takes an Artist to See a Valley" 1997

Continuing saving my newspaper clips and preserved them digitally.

This was an excellent exhibit. Even if some individualsl attached themseves to it and shared the credits for it with out doing much. It is OK, it worked out for the artists, the public, the Lawrence Heritage and the City of Lawrence. I am glad that I was able to accomplish this!

 

LOCAL ARTIST AIMS FOR ART APPRECIATION -METHUEN JOURNAL 1997

           Click on paper to enlarge!

This artcle goes back a long time ago! By reading this after so long,  makes me realize that I never stopped promoting the arts, and that I have always been very busy, just like a bee! And yes I did accomplish what was mention in the article. Bring the arts to Methuen!

Marco Bezeredy - My Nephew!

Rummaging through some newspaper clips today I came across a paper. It is a printout from my old dot matrix printer, way back in 199... Early nineties anyway. I recognized it immediately. Words from my late nephew Marco. We used spend time together and do things. One of the times we were together he had homework to do. And I suggested for him using the computer. Marco had to write about someone he admired.

These are his own words: “The reason why I chose the slogan “Life is short play hard,” is because that my favorite player, Emmit Smith from the Dallas Cowboys, is in a Reebok commercial using this slogan.

What the slogan means to me is that life is too short and you should give it your best shot at what you are doing. Like in the commercial by Reebok Emmit Smith works and work at training in the preseason. So that he can do to his best ability in a game, and he never slacks off.”

By reading your words my Marco I was very sad. You were so young when you wrote this and you were so young when you left us. Now as I am sharing this with others, family and friends I realize that you are not gone far away and forever, you are close by and still alive in the hearts and minds of people who will always love you very much. I am crying, I am smiling and winking at you.

Trips Down Memory Lane I

Click on article to expand!
Trips Down Memory Lane I-

The Eagle -Tribune Friday, April 26, 1996 Lifestyle

"Valley on the Hill"  Exhibit

Now that I can enjoy more of my free time I have decided to convert newspaper clips to digital format before they get destroyed by time passing.

It is also good to reread - I have not seen these in a long time - and for sure it will mean a lot to some of my dear friends that follow my blog.

I have always considered Mary Fitzgeral-long retired from the newspaper- an excellent writer and a very caring person.

The man that was asked for his autograph was Phil DiPaolo - his painting is behind my photo in the article.

This was such a fun time. We were the first to display artwork done by contemporary artists at Doric Hall at the State House in Boston. Up to the point, from my understanding, just prints and exhibits about the city were on display.

Others were to follow us and display there. Copycats! Just kidding! I had the chance again many years later to be there with the organization I founded the Arts Institute Group of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.

Both times that we were there with my organization I called the exhibits "Valley on the Hill" very clever! OK, I am bragging!

I will soon post picture and some very touching stories about this exhibith.

Sunny Nap - Pencil Drawing - Michelangelo

                                  "Sunny Nap"  Pencil Drawing  Silvana Siudut ©

This is a pencil drawing of my cat Michelangelo. He loves laying in the window seat and taking in the sun.

I had enter this drawing in the Newburyport Art Association Members Winter Juried Show 2005 - Part 1- Juror: Rebecca Reynolds.At this exhibit, I was the recipient of the Best Drawing Award and this is the comment from the juror:

"Even the staunchest dog person would find it hard not to love this feline. Siudut has perfectly captured the character and gentle soul of this beloved pet." And with her comment Rebecca Reynolds captured my intent, exactly. Well I am that “staunchest dog lover”...we own three Yorkshires, but there is plenty of love for gentle Michelangelo! And there is plenty of love for our other cat, Leonardo a year older than his brother.

We adopted Michelangelo eleven years ago, unfortunately at this time he is dealing with feline diabetes. It has been hard for a while to see him suffer at the onset of the disease. Fortunately, with medication-he requires two daily shots of insulin- he is back to normal.

Jim found a special kitty box made especially for diabetic cats,"The Smart Box” it is so great and if you need information about the box contact us.

To all the pets we love and call family, Cheers!!

Preparation- A Retrospective

            "Preparation" A Retrospective -Silvana Siudut ©

I have always loved dancing and especially classical dancing. Ballerina with tutu reminds me of a magical world: the theater, the stage, the performance, the music, and the audience. Also, I love the Degas paintings and drawings, never staged as formal scenes but very spontaneous, part of a moment in time.

     "Preparation" came about in a very spontaneous way. Wanting to do a painting of a ballerina, and looking for a model, a painter friend suggested that her daughter would be willing to pose and be photographed. So it happens. I shot dozens of photos as the "ballerina" posed in the timeless poses.
     After considering many images of the "ballerina,” I came across the one that the painting represents. To me it is very spontaneous. Viewing the intensity in which the ballerina concentrates told me that she took her love for dance very seriously. Hence, it was titled "Preparation."
     I was very happy the way the painting turned out. Besides forming the figure and making it come alive, another of the many challenges was to bring the clothing to life also.
     After studying John Singer Sargent portraits, I tried to get a sense of what I was to do with the ballerina outfit and her shoes.
     I have shown this painting in two galleries and a few art shows, always receiving many compliments about it. The painting was home from the last gallery and stored for at least six months, waiting to be shown again at some point. One day I received a call from the gallery owner where the painting was last displayed, she asked me if it was still available...and it was.
     A little girl had seen the painting while visiting the gallery with her mother months before, she loved and wanted it and could not forget about it. It was sold to them. I cannot think of a better place for this painting to end up.

"Leana" Watercolour---Horse Painting

"Leana" Watercolor

Image is property of Silvana Siudut

I met Leana a very long time ago. She had asked me to provide her with private tutoring to learn the Italian language. Leana used to come over my house for these lessons, she at that time was raising an Italian breed of dogs called "Spinoni." that competed nationally.

Anyway, Leana loves animals and so do I. The horse that she is riding (and this woman rode every morning) was very special to Leana.

Again a portrait where an animal and its owner come together to experience the freedom.

For me it was an honour to paint it. This is a transparent watercolour painting, that took me layer upon layer to create. Enjoy!

Horse Painting

"Joyce" Oil circa 1993?
IMAGE IS PROPERTY OF SILVANA SIUDUT

This is a painting that I done many years ago. The title is Joyce, do you think that it has been named after the girl or the horse? OK! I will tell, it is named after the girl, the dauther of a very dear friend. The horse name is Wendy. I absolutely love to paint horses, such a strong animals.
I have painted many horses and I will post the paintings in the future.
The challenge in this image for me was to first catch the action. Then to sculpt both bodies with paint. And in the final stage to show how animal and human, the latter one being muck more weaker than the animal that is so enormously strong and muscular, in the end they work in unison and accomplish their goal. Love the concept! Enjoy
P.S. I have a story to tell about a horse, a barn and a bench.....stay tuned!

Glimpses of Italy

It has been a lot of fun to create these miniatures of my country of origin. Some of the paintings represent a world that still has not changed. A step back to the past from the frantic nowdays life.

Relaxing views and quantied spots where simplicity is key and nature is a friend. Enjoy!

You can see more of these paitings at:

http://www.silvanasiudut.com/

Painting of Italy

In the next few days I will add my new paintings. A series of scenes from my beloved Italy!

Painting Italy

My commission of Italian scenes landscapes#100-mostly of Sicily-continues. The original paintings are miniatures. Prints are available if you are interested visit FineArt America.com also you can visit my website fineartbysilvanasiudut.com
I love to create series paintings, usually 25 per subject such as Sunsets, Children and Parents, Grandparents, Flowers against a black background.
When I start a series I am thinking and visualizing in my mind eyes all of the paintings together in an exhibition.
If a single painting can tell a story and stir emotions imagine viewing a series.

Sunsets- A moment in time.

I love to paint sunsets. And when I do paint them the challenge is to capture a moment in time, a moment that is a gift to all of us. A time when peace reigns and prayers rise to the heavens.

"Moon Over Plum Island"

I am waiting for spring. We had enough snow for this winter.

The First Violet of Spring 2007

When do we know for sure that spring has arrived? For me is the sight of the first violet! Suddenly among the debris of last fall, a pile of broken sticks and leaves that are an awful shade of brown, the shy violet appears.

I am not quite sure why is called the "Shy Violet" it may be connected with some kind of folklore.

It just appears and within days it multiplies very rapidly. It is one of the added perks of spring, the beautiful color, the leaves shaped like hearts, and it doesn't need any care at all.

The fragrance is very pleasant also, especially when gathered as a bunch in a bouquet, surrounded by the leaves and placed in a clear glass with water. For sure it can brighten any windowsill and lift our hopes assuring us that spring is eternal.

Enjoy the sight of them because it lasts only a few weeks and then are gone!

Every year, I celebrate spring and one of ways is to create a painting.

Concord Art Association Silent Art Auction

Today the weather was just wonderful and it was a pleasure to drive to Concord, MA. I delivered one of my paintings, a sunset of Harris Pond in Pelham, NH. This painting is now part of the organization silent auction held to raise funds. Preview May 3 to May 18- Auction Saturday, May 19.

It is my hope that whom ever will own this painting, ultimately, will bid what the painting is worth or very near it. In any case I wish good luck to the future owners and for them to enjoy it.

Painting sunsets is one of my favorite subject and this particular pond has been one of that I have painted many times throughout the years. The light is never the same, each time is very exciting and challenging to interpret the atmosphere and to translate it into colors.

Bid high!!!

Visit My Website

See my website at

http://www.fineartbysilvanasiudut.com/

Art Demonstration Meeting- April 20

Tonight we had a wonderful art meeting at the monthly meeting of the Arts Institute Group of the Merrimack Valley. Nita Leger Casey gave a demonstration in oil paint and talked about been a daily painter and getting involved with blogs.
Well she certainly inspired a few people including me. I have always loved to promote the arts, my own and others. I believe that by encouraging people to be creative and to believe in their own potential artistic skill is a challenge that I will always take on. During my career I had the pleasure to experience how art changes people. And the changes are good. The Picture above is of our current exhibit ending April 27 at the Lawrence Heritage State Park, Lawrence MA
www.fineartbysilvanasiudut.com www.artsinstitutegroup.org