Hilaria Galleries

NEW! Diminutive Designs

2009-12-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

New series in the shop tonight! Dimunitive Designs..original, affordable minis with mattes http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2Fhilariagalleries%3Fsection_id%3D6003531&h=4ac3a559b034a9365d6106ecea2c289d

New Works!

2009-12-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Two new paintings in the shop today!

Title: Looking Upward on the Untread Path

Medium: Acrylic Paints on Two Stretched Canvases

Size: 40" x 16" (Two 16" by 20" canvases)

Graceful branches extend their fingers across the canvases with nimble elegance. The scent of decaying leaves and green moss can almost be detected as the... light plays deftly among the arbors.

Title: Violet Respite

Medium: Acrylic Paints on Two Stretched Canvases

Size: 20" x 32" (Two 16" by 20" canvases)

Imbued with vibrant purples, yellows and white, this stunning piece would look great in nearly any room. It's so serene and calming as the birds perch on the black bough..

Holiday Sale this Weekend!

2009-12-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Purchase any TWO prints and get a THIRD print, of equal or lesser value, FREE this weekend! Simply include your free print of choice in the notes to buyer at checkout. I've got a couple of beautiful, new reproductions in my shop this week, so why not mosey on by and have a gander? Most any wall can use an extra piece of art--and prints also make GREAT, inexpensive gifts!

Sale begins at 1 am EST on Friday, 12/4/2009

New print "Literary Captivation, panel 1"

buy here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35913466

(the original, multi-panel painting of this print is still available as well! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34806173 )

CYBER MONDAY SALE!!

2009-11-30T04:58:00.000-08:00

!!!CYBER MONDAY SALE!!! TODAY ONLY!!
Every order over $20 US recieves 10% OFF the entire purchase total! Please include "Cyber Monday Sale" in the checkout notes to buyer after purchase.
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==Order your Custom Pin-up Portraits in time for the Holidays!==
I will be taking a limited number of commissions in the coming weeks to ensure that I can complete them in time for the Christmas/Channukah/Kwanzaa season--make sure to get your order in before December 5 to get your own jazzy, sassy vintage style portrait! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14764053

Extra-Special, Sassy Gift for the Hubby, Boyfriend or just yourself!

2009-11-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hurry and Order your Custom Pin-up Portraits in time for the Holidays!

I will be taking on a limited number of commissions in the coming weeks to ensure that I can complete them in time for the Christmas/Channukah/Kwanzaa season--make sure to get your order in before December 5 to get your own jazzy, sassy vintage style portrait!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14764053

New Painting! Resting in the Fireblossoms...

2009-11-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

This was so much fun to do! Of course, I always enjoy capturing the organic shapes of stretching branches, but I particularly like the contrast of the orange and red on green. The little birdies look so peaceful, just sitting there...

Here's a pic without the frame:

and details of each panel:

in this next closeup you can see the vibrant color combos:

Love it? You can buy it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34205513 in my Etsy shop, along with other fantastic pieces. As always, I love any comments--let me hear what you think!

New Painting Today! Among the Birches...

2009-11-04T08:45:00.001-08:00

So, I'm really enjoying the piece I finished yesterday evening. It seems so chilly and serene...

Title: Among the Birches

Medium: Acrylic Paints on Two Stretched Canvases

Size: 40" x 16" (Two 16" by 20" canvases)

The graceful branches extend their fingers across the canvases with nimble elegance. Small birds perch amongst the creamy white and brown of the birch limbs.

here's a pic without the frame:

and a detail of the piece:

you can buy this work here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33819480

let me know what you think!

2009-11-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

~~~THIS WEEK ONLY--YART SALE!!~~~

~~%20 OFF ORIGINAL PAINTINGS & BUY 2 GET 1 FREE ON PRINTS!!~~

This week I'm cleaning out my home for a garage sale and I'm have a little deep cleanse of my studio space as well. Time to make room for new pieces...and you benefit too! The 20% discount can be refunded or email me and I'll change the price for you beforehand!

New painting from last week as well! Check it out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33072036

Title: Silent Energy Moving

Medium: Acrylic Paints on Two Stretched Canvases

Size: 20" x 32" (Two 16" by 20" canvases)

The stark black of this tree oozes a silent energy as the limbs and branches slowly unfurl in the coming moonlight

New Painting today! Undulating Swirls at Midnight

2009-10-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Title: Undulating Swirls at Midnight
Medium: Acrylic Paints on Wood Panel
Size: 12" x 16"
The arm-like, swirling appendages of this imposing tree move softly as the wind pulls their seeds into the glowing moonlight. READY TO HANG! Sturdy wood panel with painted sides - no framing necessary!

Note: I recently began adding a black border/background to all of the listing pics of my original paintings--within 2 hours my hits and hearts had surprisingly gone through the roof! So, tell me what you think of them--do they help the audience visualize the piece better? I'd love to hear!

You can buy this work online in my Etsy shop here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32536292

Introducing...Fabulous New Postcard Prints only $2.50 each!

2009-06-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing....my new postcard prints! Fresh from the studio, these little bites of artistic fabulousness are the perfect way to have your art and keep your wallet lined, too. I'm adding new ones everyday this week and there's already 12 to choose from! At this price, purchase a few and frame them for a stunning wall display, or just use it to send a sweet little note to a special friend. Here's a few of the plethora to choose from:

Flora and Fauna

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25894845

Cherry Blossoms Bursting

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=25890178

Queen Anne's Lace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25883911

What Do You Think?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25882705

Exploding Daisy

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25884240

Art is not a Luxury--It's a Necessity Sale

2009-05-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

New in my shop! This week I've slashed 30-45% on all my original pieces as a statement. During this slow economy, many believe art is a luxury that only few can afford. This sale is a direct contender to that shoddy claim. I'm not trying to sound like a used car salesman, here, but I truly believe that EVERYONE, everywhere should have a bit of beauty to adorn their walls. Blank spaces depress me and I don't think it's right that your bank account should dictate how much loveliness you can acquire to adorn your home. So, I now have made many of my largest, most beautiful pieces more accessible than ever--even some four feet long paintings are priced at only $150. But don't worry, there are plenty of $25-$50 small investments to be had as well. Drop on by; I'm pretty sure you'll find something to take home with ya... www.hilariagalleries.etsy.com

Little Love Box

2008-12-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, so when I was in Michaels the other day I passed by the aisle with all the little wooden doo-dads and these tiny, plain boxes couldn't be passed up. I've always been a sucker for miniature items that can be polished and shined into something special---when I was a kid, I'd spend hours just gazing at the 80's nativity scene my parents had not to mention the little porcelain christmas village. When it began life, this box was unfinished pine. I hand painted it, creating cherry blossoms flowing all over and the word 'LOVE' emblazoned atop. If you look closely you can even see little grass sprigs growing from the bottom. The inside is painted the same color as the bark. I then decoupaged twice and coated with a shiny lacquer for extra protection and sheen.

Cold, Sunny Fall Day---General Musings from this Morning's Breakfast

2008-11-25T06:09:00.000-08:00

When I woke up this morning it was deceptively sunny outside--I say deceptive, because the rays were drawing me to the door for warmth, but when I opened the door to let my dogs out a blast of cold air hit my bare toes and face. Brr! I could really use a cup of coffee right now. As I type my pups are nudging my hands, looking for attention.

It's so easy to forget to enjoy simple pleasures in life--like the tingly cold on my feet and furry warmth cuddling my leg. But the best of all is my adorable 2 and a half year old's kisses and "I love you"s. How blessed am I to view his little brain's developement? To be privy to the ever-evolving machinations of his tiny being? It's quite often that I get frustrated with not having a traditional job and a steady paycheck, but there is no other place or person I rather be than a WAHM and artist. How lucky am I that this can be my office?

Hitting it from All Angles

2008-11-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

It's time to talk about my new products! In an effort to diversify my customer base, I decided to include a couple of other items to my shop. First up, the note cards

a sweet little christmas tree

a funny little owl

a funky little purse

a rockin' little guitar

Each of these note card sets are hand embellished with metallic paint and the envelopes are lined with cute patterned paper. I purchased the note cards at a huge discount at Office Depot not long ago and decided to upcycle them by making them personal and sweet. One of the guitar sets has already sold! Yay!

Next up, Magnets:
Ok, these took a little while to iron out a specific design plan. I originally purchased some wooden crafting circles as a base for the picture and magnet. I decided I would decoupage the pic on top of the work. Well, soon I discovered that the circular size was all wrong--the paintings were originally composed in a rectangular fashion and would not lend themselves well to a circle base. While trying to perfect the product I tried a high gloss glass sealant in an effort to get a cleaner, brighter finish. Ah, well that was not the answer as I ruined two of my photo pages--the highly chemical sealant melted the pics! Ack! Finally in an act of desperation I searched my house over for a suitable base. The final choice--hard pressed recycled cardboard! This is not your run of the mill box supply cardboard--it's hot pressed to be very dense and held the decoupage, pic and magnets perfectly. Another problem I had had with the wood bases is that they were a little too heavy to hold up the paper on the fridge (and what good is a magnet when it won't hold anything to a fridge, right?). So, tada: here she is

and the back

and here's a pic of one wooden based one that actually didn't look too horrible

And Lastly, The Ornaments

Originally, I wanted to have clear balls featuring my pretty ladies with a bit of snow coating framing each face. Well, that didn't quite work out :( So, I opted for something else in the meantime: personalized gold balls. This ornament is shatterproof (made of sturdy plastic; I was worried about the prospect of shipping glass) and hand painted with what ever two words the customer desires. Then I embellish it with a few curly cues and a holly branch, seal and voila! A custome piece of trimming for your tree. The only thing: I hate the photos I took. After many, many trials these are the best photos I could compose--I still plan on working on the photography some more. :)

Remember, you can purchase all these items in my shop http://www.hilariagalleries.etsy.com/

Another Chilly, Sunny Autumn Day

2008-11-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

Today was a brilliant, nippy autumn day. Brisk and crisp, just like I like it. Fall is my favorite season for a number of reasons--physical beauty, tepid temperatures, my anniversary and my birthday :). As I was working on my shop this morning, listening to the old 40's XM channel as I usually do, I thought how awesome would it be to have a little tree covered with ornaments featuring my pretty ladies? So, off I headed to Michaels to peruse the ridiculous plethora of crafting this and thats. Not only am I apsiring to make ornaments, but I think I'll add a few magnets for good measure. Maybe some affordable goodies will draw those reluctant buyers to the shop....

Stay tuned for the outcome, whatever it shall be :)

(all my work can be purchased in print form at my shop www.hilariagalleries.etsy.com)

Florals with a Non-Sissy Flair

2008-11-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

Floral paintings--the term conjures up cotton candy pink buds and overbearing maroon petals in gaudy 80's frames. However, I've always loved the broad strokes and color variations that come when painting and drawing flowers. Matter of fact, I've never been a girly girl--pink was the most hated hue of my childhood. But I learned something along the way into my adult years-flowers, like anything else in art, can be bold, outstanding, strong. They don't have to mean grandma's faded blaise print hanging the neglected back bathroom. Flowers can evoke any emotion you wish them too--I just have to find the right angle, the right color and magically buds and blooms don't seem so sissy-ish anymore.

Fusing Inspiration: Miro and Klimt

2008-11-15T17:45:00.001-08:00

It's a popular look these days--the consummate dead tree on a whirling background of varying colors. Just browse Ebay for any length of time and you'll find a plethora of perishing arbors stretching their needy limbs toward an undulating sky. Hate it or love it (and as demonstrated in art sales, most people love it) the look has taken off in the online art world. This is not my first go at translating this idea into my language of style. I did this piece earlier this year (around late July)

It was a beautiful triptych that depicted a swirling, mythic tree against blues and a bit of cream and gold. I was very please with the outcome and received many compliments. So, I decided to take this route again and here's what came rushing forth from my brush

I titled it "The Lightning Bugs Were Just Able to Be Seen." To be honest, when I begin one of these works I have no idea what it will end up looking like. It's so enjoyable to do because I clear my mind and allow my emotions to spill out onto the canvas; colors meld and black lines twirl until I am happy with the outcome. After it was finished, I sat back and thought of what it made me feel like, what it reminded me of. And it clicked--a sweltering summer evening in Mississippi, the sun going down and the fireflies are just beginning to swirl about my head. When I was a little girl, I was enchanted by these little dots of light, floating peacefully through the air of dusk. And then I remembered my grandmother squishing one on my ring finger saying "Now you have a pretty lighted ring!" Needless to say, the four year old innocent I was, I was horrified.

On second thought, let's just keep looking at the painting, thinking happy thoughts of sweet little lightning bugs...hahaha.
Details of the painting below:

You can buy it now at my Etsy shop www.hilariagalleries.etsy.com

A New Day, A New Start

2008-11-14T19:16:00.001-08:00

ok, folks, I've decided today I'm turning over a new leaf. I will look on my blog as a confidant and a vessel for earning new sales; a general marketing jack-of-all-aid. I've read on the forums at Etsy that blogging can help encourage interest in one's shop and help in snagging a few online buddies along the way. I've not had much luck with ye olde Blogger in the past, but as of today I am swearing a new oath to keep this puppy going daily (at least for a trial month to see how it goes:).

As a mother of a beautiful, but sometimes overly rambunctious and charming 2 year old this may be a good way of ensuring that I reserve enough time for myself in the evening or morning to blog about all things Hilaria Galleries. so hang with me gals and guys; I'll try to make this as interesting as possible :)

Self-Portraits and Early Halloween

2008-08-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hey there Folks! I have two more delicious pieces to peruse. Have a look:
"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Pin-Up"

Well, after numerous commissions for clients and portraits of many imaginary ladies I've decided to point the vintage eye at myself. I must admit, this was some great fun! I really enjoyed turning my little old, everyday self into a glamourous retro femme fatale. Take a look at the start photo I used

As you can see, I've enhanced my natural traits to effect an overall pin-up image. While the photo is a good one, it's key to add those few aspects to really create that hollywood-esque, vintage feel. Smoothing lines, increasing and decreasing shapes, deleting the existing background for a clean, warm slate. I consider myself a self-declared tomboy, but what woman wouldn't enjoy being styled as a sassy, strong gal with a bit of mystique?

Have a look at my other newest piece:

"Deliciously Haunted Halloween"

A curvy young witch stares sweetly out from under a pointy hat. I agree, it's a bit early for all things Halloween, but after seeing fall decor in various local stores, I just couldn't help it. Autumn is my favorite season and I just can't wait.

All of my works can be purchased as prints (and some originals) at my online store:

http://www.hilariagalleries.etsy.com/

Long Time No See!!

2008-08-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody! Well, it's been way overdue for me to post on my poor, neglected blog. It's been quite a while. Since my last little blurb in January I have been featured at DuPre Gallery in the Vista (Downtown Columbia, SC), had an exhibition at Colonial Life Insurance Corporation, and had some works hanging in House Brands upscale furniture store. In addition to all this hubbub I have opened two new Etsy shops--- http://www.hilariagalleries.etsy.com/ and http://www.hillorydillorydock.etsy.com/ . The first one is a great place to buy my landscapes, abstract florals, and especially my pinup work for awesome prices. The second (Hillory Dillory Dock) is a new genre for me--vintage-style children's art. I just couldn't help it-- I was inspired the other day when reading Golden Books to my beautiful little guy and was just itching to try my hand at some Eloise Wilkin-ish little boys and girls.

I'll leave you with some samples of my latest and dearest works: my lovely ladies

Elegant Smoke Break

Flirty Red Sunburn

How 'Bout a Tequila?

Ooh! Look What He Got Me!

You Don't Say!

Chuggin' Out More New Stuff

2008-01-25T14:53:00.001-08:00

Another Day, Three New Works! Actually, I did the Coffee painting yesterday and the two aceo's today. "Cafe View" makes me want to take a trip to my favorite local coffee shop and have some of thier awesome food and out-of-this-world coffee. Click on it for a bigger picture:

The two aceo's will be going on eBay here shortly; let's hope they go soon!

Pushing On

2008-01-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

A bright new landscape! Perfect for uplifting my outlook on the future. As most who read this blog already know I took a trip to a local gallery the other day, toting my little portfolio in an effort to hock my wares. Unfortunately, I came across a very self-important older lady who had some very negative comments about my labors of love. It still is surprising to me that there are people in this world so bent on believing their tastes are the only determinant for value. I know I shouldn't be taken aback by this at my age, but it is so sad that some individuals have so little regard for the egos and feeling of fellow human beings.

Well after licking my wounds for a few hours, I'm just fine. Propped up on the well wishes of those closest to me (and those not so close), I will trudge on. I refuse to believe that my perspective is so skewed as to be without value to others. It's true, I'll probably never be famous, never have my work in a museum--but I'm just fine with that. As long as I continue to produce works I'm proud of in a field that I love and can bring home some bacon in the process, the I am as accomplished an artist as I can hope to be. SO, meany gallery lady, leave it if you don't like it, but I'll continue to paint so that others (including myself) might enjoy the musing that spring forth from my brush....

I painted the open road below the day I came home so discouraged from said gallery....at the encouragement of my husband and sister, I had to paint, even if it was just a little piece, that very day, just to spite

Motherhood--A Theme

2008-01-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been good and busy this week; I've been working on a theme of motherhood in my paintings lately. I just get so much joy and content out of portraying the extreme beauty of the mother/child relationship. Take a look below

Kissing Mama's Belly

Seaside Rest

Lemons and Oregano

Warmest Caress

Portrait

2008-01-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

I'm calling this friendly gal "Betty." She evokes a nostalgia of the 1940's---a time period that holds a sort of mystique for me. Her lips and eyebrows are so indicative of mid 20th century glamour, yet she is as approachable as a well-known aqcuaintance...pastel on heavyweight artist paper...

MORE new ACEO's (Art Cards)

2008-01-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

More little treasures to buy! Since I've begun experimenting with these neat little miniatures, I just can't get enough. It's a challenge and provides more immediate satisfaction than a big painting. (there's still nothing like a big, blank canvas, though!). These tiny guys (measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches) will be for sale on eBay here shortly. Almost all of my previous ones sold in the last auciton go-round. Get yours before prices go up!

This last one is not an ACEO, but acrylic on 8 by 10 inches canvas. I've dubbed it Mississippi Cotton Field in honor of my grandmother. What may appear a subtle, benign beauty to the modern eye, I imagine this field of cotton must have posed much pain and frustration to my enduring Mama Dot.....

New ACEO's

2008-01-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

ACEO's (Artist Cards Editions and Originals) are small trading card-sized pieces of art. As all of you know, I am all about providing affordable, beautiful art for all spectrums of buyer. Take a look at some of the new works I'll be putting up for auction on eBay.

2007-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Today's Featured Work:

"Comforting Winter Invitation"

Fresh from the artist's palette, this comfy display of a quaint country building invites into this crisp, snowy scene. This piece is 16x 20 and is acrylic on stretched canvas.

**Great NEWS! You can now buy my paintings online by simply clicking the "Buy It Now" button you see below. I'll soon be adding this option to all my works on this site...**

$100.00 US

Start of the Christmas Season...

2007-11-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

After so much turkey, dressing and family fun last week, it's time to get back to work!
Well, after a good bit of toil today and some more within the next week, I should be ready and rarin' to go for the holiday season! I'm laboring overtime to try and get as many works done as I can in preparation for the Holiday Marketplace on Main Street for December 7th. It'll be my first time at a festival/market and I'm pretty excited. I'll be sure to set up my table for a few trial runs at home before heading downtown.

It'll also be time soon for the Artshack Gallery's open house--just four more days till November 30th. All artists have been asked to make a dish to bring.....hmmm, I'll have to ponder that one a bit. Let's hope we are all as proficient in the kitchen as we are with our brushes/pencils, etc.! Wouldn't it be great to sell all my works off the walls this Saturday....the moolah would definitely come in handy for the gifts I have yet to buy!

Take a gander at some of the work I did today:

"Invigorating"

$75.00

(plus $15 shipping)

Always remember, I'm just an email away if you ever have any questions or would like to purchase one of the paintings you see on my blog.... hillisme@yahoo.com

New Venues, New Ventures!

2007-11-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Week, All!

More good news! I will be setting up a booth at this years Holiday Marketplace on Main Street. Make sure to stop by on December 7 to purchase some of my stuff or just drop by to say "Hi!" In addition, the Artshack Gallery Cafe will be having an open house on November 30 and December 8th. I'll be there with my fellow, local artists for you to pick our brains (and, as always, buy some stuff!)

Take a look at my newest endeavour so far:

2007-11-13T09:43:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update of the finished wedding portrait (click on each thumbnail to get a larger picture):

It's kinda frustrating that I just can't seems to capture the color and detail of my works with my digital camera. This composition, especially, is MUCH more intricate and vibratn in person!

New Commissions!

2007-11-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone and Happy Monday!

Just thought I'd post some of the latest fruits of my labor--a couple of commissioned works. This one is for a thoughtful husband for his wife on their anniversary:

And here is the coup de gras: a portrait of their wedding day (this one is still not finished; have to finish the background)

Always remember, I'm here for commissions, guys! Just ask and we'll see! I hope to post some new landscapes soon, too......

2007-10-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Oooooooooh! Happy Halloween!

Here's hoping you are enjoying an especially creepy Wednesday. I know my little son and I are going to have a blast tonight on his first trick or treat tour around the block! I'll have to take plenty of pictures to show....but in the meantime, take a look at some of my newest creations for sale. I have to decided to concentrate on my works on paper in my eBay store. Because of the nature of the auction beast, people like to grab deals; so, to offer my customers the most budget friendly options I will list lots of great paintings done on canvas paper. Also, some cool new portraits. Take a look!

The Pensive George

Looking out a Window

The Repentant

That Glow They Talk About

La Mujer

You can purchase any or all of these at my eBay store---go there and take a look around!
http://stores.ebay.com/Hilaria-Galleries

2007-10-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, Everyone! Great news! I am now displaying/selling my artwork at two local galleries in the Columbia, SC area. I have a 3 month spot at Artshack Gallery Cafe on Rosewood Dr. (across from Pizza Man for those in Columbia!) and a few pieces are being shown at a special sale at Havens Framemakers and Gallery (downtown at 1616 Gervais St.). As some of you know, I pride myself on selling affordable (and simulataneously beautiful) original art. I know I LOVE buying others' originals, but it can sometimes be expensive! That's why I price my stuff so that people of varying budgets are able to purchase fresh, local art. Check out some stuff below:

Here's a new work of a beachy sunset. I love the vibrant, rich colors on this one. It is for sale at the ArtShack Gallery Cafe....go on down and take a look!

This is a commissioned painting of my church. It's in honor of our 150th year celebration and prints will soon be on sale to benefit the celebration/church. Be on the lookout! --even if you aren't a member, it makes for a charming picture of an elegant country church.

This rustic, woodsy scene was a commission for a friend who has enjoyed hunting trips to this quaint locale. Once again, I make sure to make even my commissioned works affordable for those who have a hankering for something special. Just email me (hillisme@yahoo.com) and let me see what I can do to capture your unique photo!

Here's a brand new rendition of the capitol dome in Columbia, SC. I just love the juxtaposition of the pink cherry blossoms against the blue sky and white marble. This one is for sale at Art Shack Gallery Cafe, too. Head on down soon to check it out---I have a feeling it might be a popular one for local architectural enthusiasts!

Inspiration from Vacation

2007-10-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Good news is I have new paintings and more inspiration. My little family took a mini vacation camping on the coast. We had a great time and took lots of awesome pics---more fuel to my artistic fire! Take a look at the following:

I did this painting for a friend who did my family a huge favor the other day (and saved us a lot of money along the way)! Here's another marsh work I'll be putting up for sale in my eBay store:

Fall is Here!

2007-10-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for the weather to turn chilly and the leaves to start falling! I could hardly wait, so I decided to paint the season anyway....

This deer in the woods painting is a new commission.......which reminds me to say Commissions Are Available! Just shoot me an email describing what you'd like and I'll see what I can do! hillisme@yahoo.com

Some Other Works

2007-10-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

News! The lemon painting sold and won a Patron Purchase award at the South Carolina State Fair--woohoo!

Here are pics of some of my other works
Even though the Rock City is not my proudest composition, it makes me nostalgic for home. How I miss the mountains of Tennessee!
The Lemons are so cheery--I love how they brighten up the room in the picture. Isn't it funny how something so sillyt and small can change a whole outlook? A song, a smile of someone you don't even know... can totally alter your perspective. I hope that happens more often to everyone....

NEW for the Holidays--Portraits!

2007-10-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

to purchase, simply click the link to my eBay store

http://stores.ebay.com/Hilaria-Galleries

Your commissioned portrait of that special someone. Looking for that perfect, unique gift? Forget the usual bath soaps and sweaters--get them something they'll always remember and cherish! Simply send me a photo (head and shoulders only please) and you'll get a one of a kind work of your chosen person. (Photo below is only an example of my portrait work) Prices are as follows:
Pencil: $75.00
Colored Pencil: $85.00
All portraits are on high quality, 11 by 14 inches artist paper. Can be framed for an additional fee. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions!

2007-10-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

"It doesn't matter how many jobs you've had, only that you've made a true difference..."
Art has been my silent passion, an avenue of expression for many years. I think I was dealt a little higher dose of emotion than most people and have been blessed with a few small talents to let those ideas out. Although in the past, my works were darker, (well not darker, but more melancholy) my recent compositions concentrate on new beginnings. Archaeology was my chosen career--dreams of dinosaurs and Roman gods danced in my head as a child instead of the normal princess profusions of other little girls. Little did I know that my labor in the outdoors would lead to such an inspiration to capture nature's prolific pulchritude on canvas.

I'm in love with the boss I now have (even though, truth be told, he can be demanding!); he is the best 17 month old art critic there ever was. My son is the reason I sell my art--how can I tell him to follow his dreams if I don't make an attempt to follow mine? I also have a self produced cd (singing, guitar, composition) and once was an actress. In general, I must express...but the others can wait a while I concentrate on the canvas....
I hope you enjoy my work and derive as much peace from it as I do while executing it....

Grand Opening of Hilaria Galleries

2007-10-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Announcing
The Grand Opening of Hilaria Galleries
A novel store from a fresh new artist. Paintings for sale including land/seascapes and magnified florals. Acrylics compositions are available on canvas, wood and acid free paper. Items are of varied sizes--there are options for every taste and budget! Please take a few moments to view some inspired works by the artist--Hillary Doggart-Greer.